#skye bennett

[nerds-yearbook]

In 1899, Captain Jack Harkness was sought out by the Torchwood institute who recognized his healing ability and picked up on him talking about (a time traveling alien known as) the Doctor and recruited him. Having been told by a fortune teller that he wouldn’t catch up with the Doctor for at least a century, Jack decided to join them to fill the time. ("Fragments", Torchwood, TV)

[nathalieskinoblog]

[adamwatchesmovies]

Against the Dark (2009)

Even a die-hard Steven Seagal film with a major brain injury would have difficulty enjoying Against the Dark. Debilitatingly cheap, poorly acted, often directionless and slow, the most interesting thing about this movie is a single, head-scratching entry in the end credits.

A disease has ravaged humanity and turned nearly everyone into blood-thirsty flesh-eaters. Tao (Seagal) is the leader of a group of hunters who prowl the streets looking for the infected, which they take out using their edged weapons. A group of survivors is hiding inside a hospital. Can the hunters rescue them before the military is forced to drop bombs on the building?

The first and most puzzling issue with this film is its monsters. It’s pretty obvious the script originally called for them to be zombies. They mindlessly attack people, often in packs, there are plenty of scenes of them tearing people apart and eating their guts or taking big bites out of human flesh. At some point during the production, someone (probably Seagal, who I hear is difficult to work with) said “I don’t like zombies; make them vampires instead”. This led to some hasty rewrites and reshoots. In some scenes, the creatures are too dumb to open doors. In others, they’re filing their teeth to points and hanging their victims upside down so they can collect their blood. There are further attempts to make them different from the undead ghouls they were clearly meant to be with some references to I Am Legend that make no sense. Someone says something along the lines of “Are they the monsters, or are we?” That line doesn’t work when there are plenty of people and the survivors are being literally torn to pieces by mindless, razor-toothed mobs.

The film is packed full of scenes in which monsters have to be very quiet so they can sneak up on someone. Once they're within range, they suddenly forget their previously displayed “intelligence”. You won’t care about the characters. You certainly won’t be scared. In theory, there is a ticking clock that should add some excitement: Keith David plays Lieutenant Colonel Wyaters, who wants to drop bombs on the zombie/vampire-infested neighborhood as soon as the sun rises - presumably because the monsters will be asleep at that time - but if he does before our survivors can escape/are rescued by Tao and his posse, they’ll all die. The problem is that you never understand the urgency. Can’t they just wait until the civilians and monster hunters leave?

If, for unexplainable reasons, you’re coming into this movie eager to see Seagal, prepare to be even more disappointed than zombie fans. It takes an eternity for the 80's "icon" to show up. I began wondering if all of his footage had been shot separately and was getting spliced in, possibly explaining the obvious rewrites, when finally, he makes his entry. Will you be satisfied with the results? I doubt it. The action scenes are “fine” at best. They certainly aren’t exciting or memorable. Seagal’s acting chops haven’t improved over the years and his reluctance/inability to perform stunts like he used to make Against the Dark scream “I needed the money, ok?!”.

Finally, we come to the point where we talk about the one thing this movie does that’s interesting. I blasted Steven Seagal pretty harshly and you might think he doesn’t deserve it but I disagree. Look closely at the end credits and you’ll see that Tao’s voice wasn’t provided by Seagal at all. It was provided by Alan O’Silva (as Alin Olteanu). How many of his lines? I couldn’t tell you but it seems Seagal either mumbled his lines so badly no one could understand them or he just couldn’t/wouldn’t come back for the post-production recordings. Either way, I’ve never seen such a thing before. It’s not much but in a movie like this, where there’s nothing else to interest you, it's a defining moment.

Against the Dark is instantly forgettable, which actually works in its favor. This has all the markings of a zero-star movie. The special effects are terrible, the performances come from people who know how bad the script is, the story can’t make up its mind and the film is cheap (pay attention to the ceiling tiles in those corridors and you’ll notice how frequently the production is dressing up the same location to look like a completely different place). Even if all those had been executed professionally, there isn’t anything here you haven’t seen before. Despite this, this film by Richard Crudo and written by Matthew Klickstein never becomes worthy of hatred. It’s too pathetic for any strong emotions - for better, and for worse. (February 17, 2023)

[jackaycola]

⚠️ CW /// quick movement? ⚠️

Happy 5th birthday to KOllOK 1991!

art cred: @elidove & Monica M Morgana !

[natabatts]

Silly little headshots of my silly little ocs

[mgrace-art]

back on my Kollok bs

[grace4867]

Hihi super messy sketch that i quickly thru some color on, I'm working on actual art I swear

[heartsoulrocknroll]

AEW Dynamite 3/27/24

Katsuyori Shibata vs. Will Ospreay -- Shibata lands a big running boot to Ospreay outside! Ospreay comes back with a forearm off the barricade, then another springboard forearm into the ring. Shibata no-sells a series of elbows from Ospreay, then drops Ospreay to the mat with one hard elbow shot!!!! Damn!! Shibata with a running boot in the corner, repeated elbows to the face, alternating chops to the throat and jabs to the face, then a running dropkick!! Ospreay turns it around with a boot of his own! They trade abdominal stretch attempts, until Shibata catches Ospreay in the Flying Octopus, but Ospreay grabs the rope! Shibata slaps the arm to break his grip on the rope and goes for a German suplex, but Ospreay lands on his feet!! Ospreay lands a German suplex of his own! Shibata rolls to his feet and lands a German suplex!!! Ospreay ducks a boot and lands a back kick to the face! Ospreay springboards off the ropes for a flipping kick, but Shibata catches his foot and locks in an STF!! Ospreay gets to the rope. Shibata with closed fist shots, and while he is being admonished by the ref, Ospreay lands a big open right hand to the face!! Shibata with a big overhand palm strike to the face, then a kick to take Ospreay down! Shibata runs for the PK to the chest, Ospreay ducks, Shibata comes back with a PK to the back!!! Shibata goes for another, but Ospreay blocks it and grabs the foot!!! They trade elbows!!! Shibata takes multiple shots from Ospreay, then staggers Ospreay with just one elbow!!! Shibata with a big round kick to the chest! Ospreay falls back, but kips back up with an enziguri!!!! Shibata ducks a Hidden Blade attempt and locks in a sleeper!!! Shibata dumps Ospreay on his head with a sleeper suplex!! Geez!! Shibata locks the sleeper back in! Ospreay runs toward the ropes and sends Shibata to the apron!! Shibata hangs over the second rope, and Ospreay lands a stomp to the head, then a springboard dropkick!!!! Ospreay lands an OsCutter and covers, but Shibata kicks out at one!!!! Shibata with a huge lariat!!! Cover, but Ospreay kicks out at one!!! They collide with lariats at the same time!! Ospreay lands a hook kick to the face!! Ospreay calls for another OsCutter, but Shibata stops it with a sleeper! But Ospreay drops Shibata with a back suplex to escape!! Ospreay nails Shibata with the Hidden Blade!!! Cover, but Shibata kicks out at two!!! Ospreay lands the Tiger Driver 91, and Shibata just sits right back up!!!!! Aaaahhh!!!! Ospreay lands another vicious Hidden Blade!! Cover!! 1, 2, 3!!

That was great!! It was obvious that Shibata was going to lose this match, with Ospreay facing Danielson in a few weeks and Shibata being the most selfless man in pro wrestling, but that doesn't make me hate watching Ospreay pin Shibata any less. It was an excellent match with a great contrast of styles though. And it did take a hell of a lot to put Shibata away, which is good. This match really shows how much Ospreay has improved since they last wrestled each other. Rating: 4

The Bucks are with Renee. Matt says they had three goals: to retire Sting's old ass, to reinvent the Elite with Okada, and to win back their AEW tag titles. They have just one of those goals left to accomplish.

The Young Bucks vs. Private Party (AEW Tag Team Championship Tournament Match) -- Nick lands a German suplex on Marq on the apron! The Bucks set up for a Meltzer Driver variation from the top on Marq, but Marq reverses into a victory roll on Matt for two, while Isiah holds Nick's foot on the top! Private Party land the jumping rana off the ropes into the neckbreaker combo on Nick, then More Bang for Your Buck on Matt, but Nick breaks up the pin! Matt low blows Isiah, but Marq comes back with a belt to Matt's face and covers! Nick puts Matt's foot on the rope to break the count! Marq misses a 630 attempt off the top! The Bucks land the most awkward BTE trigger ever on Marq, as Nick slips and lands the knee two seconds after Matt. Lmaooooo. This gets the pinfall for the Bucks.

This was a good, solid match without a whole lot of suspense to it. It was entertaining though. I liked the cheating spots, and I loved Nick almost falling on the BTE trigger. Hilarious stuff. Rating: 3.25

Jericho and Hook with Renee. Jericho says Hook far exceeded his expectations in their match last week. He says he is proud of Hook for beating him. He says if Hook wants any advice, he is there for him. Hook says of course, he will take Jericho's advice, he's Chris Jericho. But also, he's Chris Jericho. Hook knows who he is. Jericho: "I know who you are. But more importantly, I know who you can be."

Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander vs. Anna Jay vs. Skye Blue (Number One Contender Match for the TBS Championship) -- Jay lands a superplex on Statlander. Willow with a nice missile dropkick off the top. Willow lands a DVD on Blue on the apron! Willow gets the pinfall on Jay with a gut wrench sit-out powerbomb. Solid match, but nothing special. Rating: 2.75

Mercedes is on commentary. There is a staredown between Julia and Mercedes after the match. Julia holds up her title.

Dustin is with Renee backstage. Butcher challenges him to a match on Rampage.

Toni Storm interview. The interviewer congratulates her on her title reign. She congratulates him on "whatever it is he does around here." She tells him to "crispen his enunciation," and repeat after her. Chin up. Tits out. And watch for the shoe. Lmao, ridiculous but great.

Swerve video promo. He talks about facing Takeshita tonight to determine who is ranked number one. He says their motivations are vastly different. His are for something bigger than him, and that's history. When he finally gets Joe one on one for the world championship, Joe will never forget what he does to him.

Trent Beretta and Orange Cassidy vs. The Kingdom (AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament Match) -- Bennett piledrives Trent on the apron while Taven distracts the ref! Good double teams by the Kingdom. Spinebuster by Bennett, then Taven goes for the springboard moonsault, but Trent gets his knees up. Taven wipes out Orange with a running knee, and the Kingdom land Proton Pack on Orange for two! Top rope double stomp-assisted Beach Break by Trent and Orange on Bennett for two! Kingdom go for the assisted piledriver, but Cassidy takes Taven off the ropes, and Trent gets a jacknife on Bennett for the pinfall.

Really enjoyed this match. Great tag team offense by both teams. Rating: 3.25

Best Friends go for the hug after the match, but the Bucks interrupt it to stare at them from the top of the ramp for a moment.

Renee with O'Reilly. She asks him about his return to the ring on Collision and about the Undisputed Kingdom celebrating with him afterward. He says there is no way to prepare for getting back in the ring in front of the live crowd, and it felt good to rip the bandaid off. He loves the Undisputed Kingdom, but he isn't having second thoughts about doing this on his own.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Swerve Strickland -- Takeshita with a beautiful flying elbow. Swerve lands a hanging neckbreaker over the middle rope and covers Takeshita with a knee for two. Swerve lands a backbreaker on the knee and holds on for a suplex, but Takeshita reverses into a beautiful brainbuster! Swerve with a nice snap German suplex. Takeshita lands a huge elbow thag drops Swerve!!!!!! Hot damn!!!!! Takeshita lands a boot in the corner, a senton off the second rope, and neck crank with the legs! Huge elbow again by Takeshita!!!! Swerve handsprings over the ropes, off the apron, and into a rana on floor!! Swerve lands a cross body off the top for only one! Swerve swings, but stops and holds his neck. Takeshita lands a DISGUSTING ELBOW STRIKE!!!! Swerve goes for a rolling flatliner, but Takeshita catches him in a fireman's carry and drops him into facebuster! Takeshita lands a sliding dropkick to send Swerve outside, then a topé con giro! Takeshita goes for the top turnbucke brainbuster, but Swerve lands a headbutt and plants Takeshita off the top with a DDT!!!! Swerve lands a corkscrew senton off the top for two! Takeshita lands a jumping poison rana and Blue Thunder bomb for two! Takeshita with a huge elbow! Swerve lands a big right hand that drops Takeshita! Swerve goes for the rolling flatliner again, but Takeshita stops it with a jumping knee!! But then Swerve finally lands the rolling flatliner for two! Swerve with a double stomp off the top on the apron!!! Swerve comes off the top again, but Takeshita catches him with a powerbomb!! Swerve goes for something, but Takeshita reverses and lands that beautiful wheelbarrow German, then the running knee from hell!!!!!!! Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!! Takeshita covers, and Swerve kicks out at two! Ugh. Swerve reverses a Blue Thunder bomb attempt and sends Takeshita into the turnbuckle! Swerve lands the House Call and a double stomp off the top and covers, but Takeshita kicks out at 2.5!!! Wow!!! Takeshita swings, Swerve ducks, Swerve lands a headbutt, Takeshita lands nice jumping knee!!!! Swerve reverses a pop-up powerbomb attempt into a double stomp!!!!!!! Swerve lands a nasty looking JML Driver for the pinfall!!!

Oh my god, that was excellent!!! Takeshita was a complete rockstar, what's new!!!! Would have loved to see him get the win here. At least, would have loved to NOT see Swerve kick out of that nasty knee strike. But the result was obvious, and Takeshita did come out looking fine, kicking out of that House Call/Swerve Stomp combo. Fantastic match. Rating: 4.25

Renee interviews Joe backstage after the match. Joe says he will make sure that when Swerve signs on the dotted line for their title match, he understands what he is asking for. Swerve thinks he is ready? Joe says no, he's not that man. Heck yeah!!!!!

[deus-and-the-machina]

Girlies when “How could I?” “Jin never wanted to die! He just wanted to connect with you!” “AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DIED BECAUSE OF IT” “Thank you for giving us all life” “There was only one driver for me” “You’ll be fine without me now” “But that man, he’d lost everything” “Thank you for that gift of light” “So tell me, how was it, being alive?” “Do you really wanna know? Well...”

[redemptivexheroics]

Fated Meeting [Closed]

@inkdreamt

Jake was making his way toward the door after having had lunch at the pizza place he loved. His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out of his pocket and saw that it was a text from a classmate saying that the couch was holding a meeting before tonight's football game. Not paying attention, he ran smack into a girl, thank god for the Blue K ring, or she would've been knocked on her ass hard. He caught her before she slipped and managed to catch her phone, guess neither of them was paying attention. She was kind of cute, but he'd have to flirt later. "Sorry about that, I didn't mean to knock into you like that." Jake apologized. After making sure she was on both feet he put his phone away while handing her phone back. "Are you okay?"

[sincerelyovercast]

That’s bae 😍

Daisy Johnson.

aka Quake.

aka Skye.

aka Tremors.

Portrayed by Chloe Bennett.

She needs to be an MCU film ASAP! Or if not, give her her own Disney+ spinoff series. Absolutely loved her (& the rest of the main cast) in Agents of SHIELD.

DAISY JOHNSON in every season ✶ Season Six

A galaxy-hopping hate beast that eats planets, and you want to defeat her with a, um, sword?

[imvgeswrestling]

》》》

[pupsmailbox]

NEUTRAL LEANING MASC NAMES ⌇　abner.　 abram.　 adam.　 adrian.　 alex.　 alistair.　 andreas.　 ariel.　 arlen.　 arley.　 arlo.　 ash.　 atlas.　 auden.　 august.　 austin.　 avery.　 bailey.　 baron.　 barrett.　 baylor.　 beauden.　 bee.　 bellamy.　 bennett.　 blair.　 blaise.　 bowen.　 brayden.　 brendan.　 bronson.　 bryce.　 byron.　 caius.　 caleb.　 callahan.　 callan.　 calloway.　 callum.　 camden.　 cameron.　 carlin.　 carson.　 casey.　 cassian.　 chandler.　 chase.　 cody.　 cole.　 connolly.　 corban.　 corwin.　 cyrus.　 dallas.　 damion.　 damon.　 daniel.　 darius.　 davis.　 dawson.　 daylon.　 denver.　 desmond.　 devin.　 doran.　 dorian.　 drew.　 elian.　 elias.　 ellery.　 ellison.　 emery.　 ethan.　 evan.　 ezra.　 fallen.　 farren.　 finley.　 ford.　 foster.　 gabriel.　 gannon.　 garner.　 gavin.　 gentry.　 graham.　 greer.　 griffin.　 guthrie.　 harley.　 harlow.　 hartley.　 hayden.　 henley.　 henry.　 heron.　 hollis.　 hunter.　 ian.　 irving.　 isaiah.　 jace.　 james.　 jameson.　 jared.　 jeremiah.　 joel.　 jonah.　 joran.　 jordan.　 jory.　 josiah.　 jovian.　 jude.　 julian.　 juno.　 justus.　 kalen.　 kamden.　 kay.　 kayden.　 keaton.　 kellan.　 keller.　 kelly.　 kendon.　 kieran.　 kit.　 kylan.　 landry.　 lane.　 lennon.　 leslie.　 levi.　 leyton.　 liam.　 linden.　 lowell.　 luca.　 madden.　 marley.　 marlow.　 marshall.　 martin.　 mason.　 mathias.　 mercer.　 merritt.　 micah.　 miles.　 miller.　 milo.　 morgan.　 morrie.　 morrison.　 nate.　 nevin.　 nick.　 nicky.　 nico.　 nicolas.　 noah.　 noel.　 nolan.　 oren.　 orion.　 owen.　 parker.　 percy.　 perrin.　 peyton.　 pierce.　 porter.　 preston.　 quincy.　 quinn.　 reece.　 reid.　 reign.　 rein.　 remi.　 remington.　 renley.　 riley.　 river.　 robin.　 rollins.　 ronan.　 rory.　 rowan.　 russell.　 ryan.　 rylan.　 sam.　 samuel.　 sawyer.　 saylor.　 seth.　 shiloh.　 soren.　 spencer.　 stellan.　 sterling.　 talon.　 taylor.　 thaddeus.　 thane.　 theo.　 toni.　 tracy.　 tristan.　 tyrus.　 valor.　 warner.　 wells.　 wesley.　 whitten.　 william.　 willis.　 wylie.　

NEUTRAL LEANING FEM NAMES ⌇　abigaël.　 abilene.　 addison.　 adrian.　 ainsley.　 alexis.　 and.　 andrea.　 arden.　 aria.　 ashley.　 aspen.　 aubrey.　 autumn.　 avery.　 avian.　 ayla.　 bailey.　 beryl.　 blair.　 blaire.　 blake.　 briar.　 brooklyn.　 brooks.　 bryce.　 cameron.　 camille.　 casey.　 celeste.　 channing.　 charlie.　 chase.　 collins.　 cordelia.　 courtney.　 daisy.　 dakota.　 dana.　 darby.　 darcy.　 delaney.　 delilah.　 devin.　 dylan.　 eden.　 eisley.　 elia.　 ellerie.　 ellery.　 ellie.　 elliot.　 elliott.　 ellis.　 ellory.　 ember.　 emelin.　 emerson.　 emery.　 evelyn.　 ezra.　 fallon.　 finley.　 fiore.　 florence.　 floris.　 frances.　 greer.　 gwenaël.　 hadley.　 harley.　 harper.　 haven.　 hayden.　 heike.　 hollis.　 hunter.　 ivy.　 jade.　 jamie.　 jocelyn.　 jordan.　 jude.　 juno.　 kelly.　 kelsey.　 kendall.　 kennedy.　 koda.　 kyrie.　 lacey.　 lane.　 leighton.　 lennon.　 lennox.　 lesley.　 leslie.　 lilian.　 lindsay.　 loden.　 logan.　 lou.　 lyric.　 madison.　 mallory.　 marinell.　 marley.　 mckenzie.　 melody.　 mercede.　 meredith.　 mio.　 misha.　 monroe.　 montana.　 morgan.　 nico.　 nova.　 oakley.　 olympia.　 owen.　 page.　 palmer.　 parker.　 pat.　 paulie.　 perri.　 petyon.　 peyton.　 phoenix.　 piper.　 priscilla.　 quinn.　 raven.　 ray.　 reagan.　 reece.　 reese.　 remi.　 remy.　 riley.　 rio.　 river.　 robin.　 rory.　 rosario.　 rowan.　 ryan.　 rylie.　 sacha.　 sage.　 sam.　 sammy.　 santana.　 sasha.　 sawyer.　 saylor.　 severin.　 shannon.　 shelby.　 shiloh.　 skye.　 skylar.　 sloane.　 sol.　 soleil.　 sterling.　 stevie.　 sutton.　 swan.　 swann.　 sydney.　 tatum.　 taylo.　 taylor.　 tracey.　 valentine.　 vanya.　 vivendel.　 vivian.　 vivien.　 wren.　 wynn.　 yael.

[jackaycola]

I still post.

[virtualfoxkoala]

Brandi gillis

Skydawn phillips

Paige tsosie

Tiffany Sam

Marie Kennedy

Tyra claw

Monique Rose

Nadine skye

Aspen Rojas

Autumn Chino

Makaila Jesus

Amber j martza

Elena sosa

Cheyenne thomas

Dina curley

Felicia charley

Jessica Nosie

Delia Martin

Aoleon kaye

Carla yazzie

Janine Nachu

Kelcie quay

Shaundina yazzie

Jazmyne stanley

Jolonda Barlow

Brianna Jimenez

Tonita yazzie

Tamika Tsosie

Amanda Tsosie

Johnita Lopez

Tamalika shortie

Cheyanna stevenson

Demetria begay

Celeste seeley

Amanda joshevama

Taliyah john

Deanna Yazzie

Nicole Martinez

Taya sampson

Allison monroe

Kayla Goldtooth

Cecilia Laughter

Mary Ozmotiy

Cheyenne begay

Aubrey Redmustache

Faye Bennett

Adrianna Joe

Chanel Henry

Nuria grey

Deanna yazzie

Anna Hernandez

Joy begay

Nicole Curtis

Mariah frank

Marie yazzie

Nasasha Jane

Siane Hale

Tegan Lee

Tanya nih

Kaibah joe

Vannika mann

Shaye notafraid

Shawnee de

Aaliyah Claude

Queta yazzie

Laneisha brunette

Tysheena bedonie

Elgin youngbear

HMU to pay or trade for any or all of em

[calif0rnia-lovers]

every road ends.

pairing: jude bellingham x fem!oc "kaira bennett" | fc: justine skye

request: Jude Bellingham and his girlfriend start to grow apart, but he’s convinced she’s his soulmate.

author's note: this started as a reader one shot and morphed into something else. my brain mapped out a four part story, if y'all are down for the ride??? based on four tracks from maeta's ep "when I hear your name."

sum: when jude signed to real madrid, he knew it would come with immense pressure. as he struggles to balance his new club, fast rise to fame, and expectations, he finds Kai slipping away.

warnings: angst--first heartbreak. | words: 5.9k

part i: denial

Kaira sat at the elegantly set dinner table, her eyes scanning the faces of her colleagues and boss as they engaged in animated conversation. The warm glow of the candles and soft laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Yet, despite the festive surroundings, her mind was elsewhere.

She had been waiting for Jude all evening. His absence had been a nagging concern, and as the dinner progressed, her anticipation turned into a gnawing worry. He was supposed to be here, celebrating with her, but as the minutes ticked by, there was still no sign of him.

She discreetly glanced at her phone, half-expecting to see a text from him saying "I’m here" or something reassuring. Instead, she found an empty screen, the only message being the reminder of time slipping away.

The dinner continued around her, the conversation flowing effortlessly between the guests, but Kaira's attention was fragmented. Her attempts to focus on the lively discussion felt hollow, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Jude and the reason for his delay.

Memories of past evenings with Jude flickered through her mind—the times he had been there to share in the laughter, to offer a comforting presence during stressful moments. Now, the absence of his familiar warmth felt like a stark contrast against the backdrop of celebration.

Her fingers drummed nervously on the edge of the table, a subtle sign of her growing unease. She checked her phone again, her hope dwindling with each passing moment. The text she had hoped for never arrived, and the empty screen only deepened her sense of disappointment.

As the evening wore on, Kaira tried to shake off the feeling of being incomplete. She forced a smile and participated in the conversation, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Jude. Each time she looked around the room, she found herself scanning the doorway, wishing to see him walk in with that familiar, reassuring smile.

Her boss raised a toast, and everyone cheered, lifting their glasses in celebration. Kaira managed to join in, her smile bright but her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. She couldn’t help but feel the weight of Jude's absence, which seemed to overshadow the joy of the evening.

The night continued, but the echo of Jude's missing presence lingered, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful and memorable occasion.

Jude stumbled through the door, the weight of the evening's events pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had been attending a sponsor event for work, his mind preoccupied with business and the social obligations that came with it. His tie was loosened, and his jacket hung over his arm as he made his way to the bedroom.

He found Kaira lying in bed, her back turned to him. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp. Jude started to undress, the fabric of his formal attire feeling heavy and oppressive after the long day. His removed his phone from his pocket, and he pulled it out, noticing the single text sent from her.

Seriously?

As he began to remove his dress shirt, his eyes fell on the discarded dress draped over a nearby chair. It was Kaira’s emerald evening dress, the one he'd helped pick out a few weeks ago, and seeing it now, the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. His heart sank as he understood the significance of the evening that he had completely overlooked. 

The dinner—Kaira’s dinner. The one where she was supposed to be surrounded by colleagues and friends, celebrating her new role in the company. He had completely missed it.

A wave of guilt washed over him as he approached the bed, his voice tinged with guilt. “Kaira, I’m so sorry. I thought it was next Thursday. I know how important tonight was for you. I should have been there.”

Kaira remained silent, her body tense and unmoving. The silence stretched between them, a heavy blanket that seemed to press down on both of them. Jude’s apology hung in the air.

After a long pause, Kaira finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. “It’s fine,” she said quietly, reaching over to turn off the lamp. The room was instantly shrouded in darkness, the only sound the soft rustle of the sheets as she settled into her side of the bed.

Jude stood in the dimness, the reality of his mistake sinking in. He felt the sting of her silent treatment, a painful reminder of the evening he had missed.

Kaira sat at her desk, the soft hum of the office filling the air around her. She sipped her coffee, the warmth and familiarity of the oat milk blend a small comfort amidst the chaos of her day. Her gaze fell on the bouquet of lilies on her desk—her favorite flowers. Delivered an hour prior, they filled her room with a comforting scent. She gently took out the card nestled among the blooms and flipped it open

Jude's familiar script was pressed into the cardstock. He'd ordered the flowers the moment she'd left for work. Three days passed and she hadn't said anything about him missing dinner. When Jude tried to apologize, she smiled and provided the same response, "it's fine." He wished she'd be angry, yell at him. Let out her frustration but she didn't. She never has.

Kai,

Sorry I missed dinner. Can we call a truce? I’m really missing fighting for my side of the bed—turns out it's the key to a good night's sleep.

—J

The moment was interrupted by the sound of a knock on her door. Kaira looked up to see Mr. Thompson, her boss, standing there with a warm, inviting smile. He was an older man, his graying hair and gentle eyes radiating a kindness that always put her at ease.

"Morning, Kaira," he greeted, stepping into her office. "How’s everything going?"

"Morning, Mr. Thompson. Everything’s good, just reading over the brief for the latest project," she replied, quickly storing the card in her nearby planner.

Mr. Thompson’s gaze drifted to the bouquet of lilies on her desk. "Those are beautiful lilies you’ve got there. They look like they were picked with care. A nice touch from Jude, I’m sure?"

Kaira nodded, a smile finding her lips. "Yes, they’re my favorite."

"Well, it’s clear he knows how to make the other ladies of the office jealous," Mr. Thompson said with a chuckle. "We were hoping he’d join us for dinner, but I understand how things can get busy."

"Now, I wanted to discuss the brief. We’ve got a potential set of clients in Washington, D.C. They’re a major firm looking to overhaul their marketing strategy, and they were genuinely impressed with our previous work."

Kaira’s eyes widened, her pulse quickening with anticipation. "Really? That sounds incredible."

"It is," Mr. Thompson agreed, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "And I’ve been giving a lot of thought to who would be the best fit to lead this presentation. Your work has been nothing short of exceptional, Kaira. I’d like you to consider taking this on."

Kaira blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "Me?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Are you sure?"

Mr. Thompson’s face broke into a warm, reassuring smile as he chuckled softly. "Absolutely. You have an extraordinary knack for understanding client needs and delivering results that exceed expectations. Here’s how it works: You’ll need to create a detailed presentation to share with the team. We’ll review it and then hold a vote to select the lead for this project."

Kaira’s eyes widened. "And if I’m selected?"

"If you’re chosen," Mr. Thompson continued, "you’ll be traveling to Washington, D.C., to oversee the project. It’s a significant role, and it will involve a five-month commitment there"

Kaira hesitated, her face reflecting her uncertainty. "But five months away from home… that’s a long time. What if it’s not the right move?"

Mr. Thompson nodded thoughtfully, his expression empathetic. "I get it, Kaira. Relocating for an extended period isn’t ideal for everyone. It can be challenging to be away from loved ones. However, this project offers a unique opportunity for growth. Leading a major project in D.C. will not only enhance your skills but also elevate your career to new heights. It’s a chance to make a significant impact and open doors for future opportunities."

Kaira’s shoulders relaxed slightly as she considered his words. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for considering me."

"Of course," he said warmly. "Just remember, if you decide to take this on, you’ll have our full support. Now, go ahead and start working on that presentation. I’m confident the clients will be impressed with what you bring to the table."

As Mr. Thompson left her office, Kaira sank back into her chair, the enormity of the opportunity slowly settling in. She had the chance to lead a major project in Washington, D.C., a city brimming with opportunities and fresh challenges. The thought was both exhilarating and intimidating. She knew she needed to share the news with Jude, but with his current stress and their growing distance, she wasn’t sure how he would react.

For now, she pushed those worries aside and focused on the task at hand. Opening her laptop, she began to brainstorm ideas for the presentation, determined to prove to herself and her boss that she was ready for this next pivotal step in her career.

Jude sat at the kitchen table, his coffee growing cold beside him. He reached for his phone, hoping for a distraction in the form of the latest sports headlines, but instead, his heart sank.

A notification from a popular sports and celebrity gossip site caught his eye. The headline blared: “Trouble in Paradise? Jude Bellingham’s Girlfriend Spotted with Mystery Man.” His stomach churned as he clicked on the article, dreading what he might find.

The page loaded with perfectly timed and zoomed-in photos of Kaira at a café, having lunch with a man Jude didn’t recognize. The images captured them greeting each other with a hug, their faces lit up with smiles, and their conversation full of animated laughter. The media had twisted their innocent lunch into a scandalous story of potential infidelity.

As he absorbed the images, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Jobe, accompanied by a link to the same article. “You seen this, mate?” the text read. Jude’s jaw clenched in frustration as he stared at the screen.

Despite his better judgment, Jude read the article. The blurb detailed their interaction: "Kaira Bennett, Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend of nearly three years, was spotted enjoying a cozy lunch with a mystery man at a charming outdoor café. The two were seen greeting each other with a warm hug, and their animated conversation was punctuated with smiles and laughter. Is there trouble in paradise for the young football star and his American love?”

The article speculated about their relationship being on the rocks, noting that Jude hadn’t shared any recent pictures of Kaira on his social media, and her lack of appearance at his most recent sponsor event. “Sources close to the couple suggest that their relationship is strained due to Jude’s demanding schedule and the pressures of playing for Real Madrid. Little is known about Kaira Bennett, who works in marketing, but she had uprooted her life to be with Jude, first moving to England and then following him to Spain. A decision she might now regret, being as the Real Madrid star is spending more time with his new teammates. Could this be the end for the seemingly perfect pair?”

Jude’s blood boiled as he read the baseless speculation. He knew the man in the photos was a friend of Kaira's, yet the media had distorted their innocent lunch into something scandalous. The sight of Kaira’s genuine, radiant smile in the photos made him pause. What if there was a grain of truth to the article? Was there a strain in their relationship he hadn’t acknowledged? He thought about his busy schedule, the constant demands of the club, and how little time they had spent together lately. Doubt mixed with his anger and frustration.

Just then, Kaira rounded the corner. She looked flustered, dressed for work in a fitted blouse and pencil skirt that accentuated her figure. Her natural hair was styled in a sleek bun, and she was adjusting her earrings—an anniversary gift from Jude—as she entered. Running through the day's agenda in her head, she grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the fridge.

It wasn’t until she started to pour her glass that she noticed the tension in the room. Her smile faded as she set the glass down and looked at him with concern.

“Everything okay with the team?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

He held up his phone, the article glaring from the screen. “Have you seen this?” he asked, his voice tight with irritation.

Kaira’s eyes widened as she took the phone and read the headline. Her brow furrowed the further she skimmed the article. “Why are you reading this?” she muttered, scrolling through the photos.

“Half the team’s sent it to me,” Jude said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “They’re trying to make it look like you’re cheating on me with that guy. Who is he, anyway?”

Kaira’s eyes flashed with a mix of anger and frustration. “This is ridiculous.”

Jude sighed, rubbing his temples. “So, me not wanting the world to see some guy getting chummy with my girlfriend is ridiculous?”

“No, Jude,” Kaira shot back, her frustration boiling over. “Giving this tabloid trash any thought is ridiculous. That’s Mark, my coworker. You would have met him if you hadn’t skipped out on the company dinner.”

“I didn’t skip it." Pinching the bridge of his nose, Judge sighed. Looping back around to this topic was the fuel to the flame. "I had to attend that event. You know how important my commitments are.”

"Trust me, I'm reminded every day that they're clearly more important than spending time with me,” she retorted, her voice rising. “It feels like you’re always tied up with something. I’ve been supporting you from the shadows, never asking for anything in return. But the one time I needed you to show up for me, you couldn’t even remember.”

Jude’s expression softened, a mix of regret and confusion crossing his face. Nearly two weeks had passed from that night. “Kaira, you said it was fine. If I'd known you'd still be pissed I would've gone—”

"You're supposed to know that it was not fine, Jude." She snapped. The tone of her voice one he'd never been on the receiving end of. "I never had to beg you to pay attention to me before."

"So, you go and get it from him?"

Jude knew the words would sting, yet he let them out anyway.

"Mark was helping me with a proposal for work. He was there with me and Alix. Something that stupid article didn't mention. We were just discussing the details over lunch. It’s my first big assignment, and I need his help.”

Jude’s eyes widened as he racked his brain, trying to recall if she’d mentioned this before. “What proposal?”

“Mr. Thompson offered me this project--".

Kaira's phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, and she glanced at the screen. Mark was calling. Jude’s jaw clenched as he noticed it.

Kaira took a deep breath, eyes closing as she listened to the ringtone. It was not until the ringing stopped that she spoke. Her voice came out soft and slow. “I have a meeting and can’t afford to be late. I need to go.”

Kaira gathered her things, lingering long enough to allow Jude the opportunity to stand. To give her a kiss goodbye, but he never did. As she headed for the door, she glanced back once, but Jude’s eyes were already back on his phone, lost in his thoughts. 

As the weeks passed, the once vibrant and loving dynamic between Kaira and Jude began to shift subtly. What had been a seamless connection started to fray at the edges, giving way to an undercurrent of tension and miscommunication.

It began with the small things. The tender gestures they once shared, like the way Jude would ignore his morning alarm to steal a few extra minutes with her or the way she would rest her head on his lap as she worked on her laptop, began to wane. Their time together became marked by tense silences and strained smiles. Dinner conversations, once filled with plans and dreams, now centered around logistics and conflicting schedules. The warmth that had once defined their evenings was replaced by a cold formality, as if they were merely coexisting rather than truly living together.

Jude’s demanding training sessions and media obligations began to dominate his time. Since his high-profile signing with Real Madrid, the media had been abuzz with speculation and anticipation. Headlines screamed about the immense pressure he was under to live up to the expectations that came with joining one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. To navigate this new chapter, Jude spent his evenings getting to know his new teammates, attending team dinners, and engaging in social events. What had been occasional late nights turned into a regular part of his schedule, and his absence from their shared moments became more frequent. When he was home, he seemed distant, his mind preoccupied with the relentless scrutiny and the weight of living up to the lofty expectations set by fans and the media alike.

Kaira, too, was grappling with her own challenges. The looming pressure to build an impressive proposal for the D.C. clients cast a long shadow over their interactions. What had once been an exciting opportunity now felt tinged with anxiety as she worried about its impact on their relationship, making it impossible to find the right time to tell Jude. She was deeply immersed in crafting her proposal for the project, pouring countless hours into perfecting every detail. The pressure to deliver an impressive presentation weighed heavily on her, and she threw herself into her work in an attempt to stave off the growing distance between them.

When they did spend time together, their interactions often ended in arguments or misunderstandings, often caused by stress and exhaustion.

The presentation came and went. Kaira had been steeling herself all week to have the conversation she knew was inevitable. The thought of telling Jude about her potential move to D.C. had been a constant in her mind, a weight she could barely shake off. She had received the email from Thomas two days ago, offering the lead.

Kaira and Jude were nestled at a charming outdoor café, the city square alive with the gentle hum of evening activity. They were savoring their ice cream, a much-needed treat after their hectic schedules.

Jude watched Kaira with a fond smile as she took a spoonful of his ice cream, her eyes lighting up with mischief as he moved the cup out of reach.

As she ate, Jude’s gaze lingered on her. His fingers absently traced gentle circles on her knee under the table, a gesture that was both comforting and foreign. He couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a date. Kaira felt his gaze, passing over her shoulders, her neck, her cheek, her lips. Her fingers fidgeted with her earring—a nervous habit she had whenever she sensed his intense focus on her. Jude smiled at the action. Grateful he could still make it happen.

She met his eyes and tilted her head slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “What?” she asked, her voice light and teasing. “Not in the mood for ice cream?”

Jude’s eyes twinkled mischievously. His touch drifting up her thigh, the shift in her posture encouraging him to continue. “Not in the slightest.” 

Kaira laughed softly, as his touch retraced their path leaving a heat that spread from her head to her toes.

The smile on Jude’s face is enough to distract Kaira from the approaching familiar face. 

“Hey, Jude! Kaira!” Mark greeted, his tone cheerful. “I didn’t expect to run into you guys here.”

Jude’s smile faltered, watching as Kaira stood to give Mark a brief hug. “Hey, Mark. Fancy seeing you here.”

Mark extended his hand to Jude, and they shook hands. “Nice to finally meet you properly. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise,” Jude replied, his smile not reaching his eyes.

Mark’s attention shifted to Kaira, his expression warm. “I see you’re already celebrating. Everyone’s been talking about you being offered that DC gig. Congratulations!”

Jude glanced down at Kaira, watching the way her grin spread across her face. “Thank you! It’s been a lot of work, I’m just glad it’s over. But, I couldn’t have even gotten the offer without your help.”

Mark waved off the compliment, “We’ll miss you around the office, but we’re already planning a big welcome-home party for when you return.”

Jude zoned out. His brain does not seem to move past the words “offer” and D.C.” It’s not until Mark is gone, Kaira settling back in her seat that he blinked. 

Jude broke the silence, his voice soft but edged with hurt. “Kaira, why didn’t you tell me about the offer?"

"I didn't get the official offer until a few days ago."

"This is tied to the proposal he was helping you with? That was weeks ago--" Jude's brow furrowed, eyes passing over her face. Her gaze unable to lift to his. "We’re supposed to talk about everything, right? Why didn’t you trust me with that?”

Kaira paused, her spoon hovering over her melting ice cream as she looked up at him. Her voice came out small. “It’s not that I didn’t trust you. It’s just that you’ve been so busy lately. I didn’t want to add to your stress.”

“You’re placing this on me?” Jude scoffed in disbelief.

“No,” Kaira sighed, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.

"Good. I tell you about everything, Kai. Every business deal, sponsorship, training date, match. Every single detail about my job. Since when do you hide shit from me about yours?"

She got the words out as quickly as she could. There was no point in lying, Jude could figure it out. "I was afraid that if I told you, you’d ask me not to take the job." She winced at her own admission. The silence from Jude tightening her throat. "Jude, I've moved more than once to be with you, no hesitation. I really like this company, and they're giving me an amazing opportunity.”

Jude’s eyes widened. “Are you saying that you thought I would hold you back? That I wouldn’t want you to go for something that’s important to you?”

Kaira’s voice softened. “I didn’t want to put you in that position. I didn’t want to say anything until it was a done deal.”

Jude’s shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of her accusations settling heavily on him. “Clearly, It is a done deal, Kai.”

“What do you mean?”

“Take the job,” Jude said. Standing, he gathered his untouched ice cream. “You’ve already decided.”

"I did not--"

"You did, Kai. That's why you didn't tell me the moment you found out." Jude paused, the level of calm in his voice causing Kaira's stomach to churn. "You want the job. Take it."

His words lingered long after his departure. Hanging over the two of them in future days. They barely breached the conversation. An unspoken wave of "space" creeping in their movements. Falling into a pattern of spending less and less time together. A week was all Kaira was granted. A week to pack. A week to find an apartment for her stay. A week to crush the fear that constantly churned in her stomach. The fear of living in a city without Jude.

Kaira's going away party was held in a stunning Spanish venue, where tradition met elegance. The grand hall inside was adorned with crystal chandeliers, ornate tapestries, and tables draped in rich fabrics. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow over the room, highlighting the joyous faces of their friends and co-workers who had come to celebrate her next chapter. The laughter and chatter mingled with the soft strains of classical music played by a live quartet. Jude had planned every aspect, surprising her.

Outside, the venue opened up to a lush garden, a hidden oasis bathed in moonlight. The garden was a paradise of fragrant blooms, with roses, jasmine, and lavender. Fairy lights were strung delicately through the trees and along the shrubs, casting a magical glow. At the heart of the garden was a beautiful stone fountain, its gentle cascade of water adding a soothing soundtrack to the night.

Jude had stepped out to the garden to get some fresh air. It was hard for him to be inside, watching Kaira smile and laugh, knowing she was leaving in the morning. He finished his drink—a glass of dark whiskey, the warmth of which did little to soothe the emotions within him.

Kaira eventually noticed his absence and went to find him. She wandered through the garden, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the fairy lights. The scene was almost dreamlike, the perfect setting for a night meant to be remembered. She found Jude sitting by the fountain, staring into the rippling water, the glass of whiskey resting on the stone beside him.

She approached him quietly and sat down next to him, the stone cool against her skin. With a sigh of relief, she slipped off her heels and wiggled her toes. She looked up at the night sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds against the velvet backdrop, before turning her gaze back to the enchanting garden.

"It's beautiful," she said softly, gently massaging her sore foot. "Thank you for the party. You didn't have to do all this."

Jude's touch found her ankle, and she shifted slightly on the fountain to face him. He began to gently massage her foot, his hands warm and soothing against her skin. "I'd do anything for you, Kaira. Anything to make you happy."

She closed her eyes, allowing the sensation to wash over her, listening to the distant music from the party and the rhythmic sound of the running fountain. "I know you would," she replied, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude. "I am happy, Jude. I really am." 

"I'll miss this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jude’s brow arched, the corner of his lips turning up slightly. "My foot massages? I knew I had a hidden talent."

Kaira chuckled softly, opening her eyes to look at him. "True, but I meant these peaceful moments with you."

"This night is almost perfect," she said, shifting closer. Her lips brushed against his. "The only thing that would make it truly perfect is if you were inside, enjoying the party with me."

She reached out to cup Jude's cheek, her touch warm and gentle. The warmth of her hand was meant to soothe, but it seemed to highlight the sadness in his eyes. "You've been quiet all night," she said softly. "What's wrong?"

Jude’s hands trembled as he reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a small blue box. "I need to give you this before you leave," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "It’s a promise… a promise that I’ll always love you, no matter where you go or what you do."

Kaira’s eyes widened at the sight of the box, her breath catching in her throat. With trembling hands, she took it, the irregular pounding of her heart quickening with anxiety. She slowly untied the ribbon.

Kaira looked down at the dainty silver necklace, her eyes softening as she took in its beauty. The small, intricate heart pendant, adorned with delicate diamonds, sparkled gently in the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat, touched by the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

"It's beautiful," she said softly, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. She pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "Will you put it on me?"

Jude nodded, his hands trembling as he took the necklace from her. Turning, Kaira gathered her hair and lifted it away from her neck, exposing the delicate curve of her shoulders.

As Jude's fingers worked with the clasp, his touch was tender and careful. He moved slowly, his fingers brushing against her bare skin with a warmth that sent shivers down her spine. The flutter of her heart the same from the first moment their eyes had met across the crowded arena years ago.

When he had finished fastening the clasp, he pressed a soft kiss to the skin just below it, moving to the curve of her shoulder. Traveling, his lips brushed against her pulse, a tender gesture that felt like he was trying to commit the beat of her heart to memory.

He rested his face against her neck for a moment, savoring the closeness and the comfort of her presence.

Slowly, she turned back to face him.

“Jude… why does this feel more like a parting gift than a congratulations?” Kaira asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Jude’s gaze met hers. His voice was heavy, cracking under the weight of his decision "Because, Kaira, I think we’ve reached a point where… where it’s become clear that we’re heading in different directions.”

"Different directions?" She echoed, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Where is this coming from?”

"I love you," Jude lifted her hand, pressing a tender kiss to her fingers. "Asking you to split your focus between me and your job is something I can't do. It’s not fair to ask you to while you’re starting a new chapter. We should break up...so you can go to D.C., no strings attached."

Her breath hitched, and Kaira shook her head slightly. "You're not a string, Jude," she replied, her voice trembling.

She couldn’t let him reduce himself to that. Strings could be easily torn, snapped with a single pull. But Jude wasn’t something that could be ripped from her life without a second thought. He was something much deeper, embedded within her very core. He was woven into the fabric of her existence, his presence a constant pulse within her soul.

She placed her hand over his chest, feeling the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. It thumped against her palm, strong and unwavering, a tangible reminder of the life and love they shared. "You’re...everything," she said softly.

He swallowed hard.

"This--breaking up? It's not part of the plan. Our plan--we have a plan," she reminded him. "You and me. We are supposed to be together, we're supposed to--"

Jude knew the plan. Three years of giggles, whispered desires, dreams that seemed insane, yet somehow attainable with each other. Plans that involved a wedding, kids. He'd known from the moment they'd met, he'd never find a woman as captivating as Kaira. He'd dated others before her, but they couldn't compare.

"Plans change."

"You're saying you don't want me in your future?" The confusion in her voice dropped Jude's gaze.

Jude wanted to tell her that he couldn't imagine a future without her. He'd tried the moment he learned of the offer--and each day after. But, when you've spent three years imagining a future with someone it's hard to blink it away in an instance. He wanted to confess he couldn't imagine a future where he wasn't in love with her.

"I can’t stand in the way of you and what's the best decision for your future," he chose to say instead. "If I do, then I’m not the person you believe me to be."

"You don't just make decisions about us without asking me," she began, her shifting world turning her words into a rushed and panicked response. "Long-distance relationships can work. Your parents made it work. They managed to stay strong and support each other even when they were miles apart."

He gently removed her hand from his chest. "If we stay together now and go long-distance, our choices might end up being influenced more by our relationship than by what’s truly best for each of us. Our careers, our futures—they could all be affected by this."

Her eyes welled up as she bit her lip to keep from crying. She thought about what might happen if the summer position turned into something more permanent. Deep down, she knew he was right. She had hesitated about the taking the opportunity, aware that she would turn down an extension without a second thought if it meant coming back to him sooner.

"But what if this isn’t the right choice? What if we..." Her voice came out barely above a whisper, tapering off as her eyes lifted to meet his. Jude's fell to his own shaking hands.

What if we never come back to each other?

As Jude struggled to find the right words, his fingers found their way to Kaira's knee, his touch gentle but firm. Kaira looked at him, and in that moment, she recognized the expression on his face—the same one he wore whenever he was resolute, determined to face a challenge head-on. It was a look of unwavering conviction, the kind he displayed when he had set his mind on a course of action, no matter how difficult or painful.

"If I ask you to stay, part of me knows you’ll resent me for it later."

Her mouth opened in protest. She should deny it. Tell him that she could never resent him, of all people, but nothing came out. She couldn't lie to him—not even a harmless fib. It was never in her nature. It also didn't help that Jude had been able to read her from the moment he laid eyes on her. According to him, she had a tell. Kaira had yet to figure out what it was. Which is why she chose not to respond. Or, it could be the lump rising, tightening her throat.

Kaira’s eyes filled with tears, face dropping into her hands, the sight of her crying hitting Jude in the chest. He had seen her cry on numerous occasions—when she was overwhelmed with stress, when she was moved by something deeply sentimental, and even in moments of shared joy. But tonight was different. This was the first time he had seen her cry because of his own actions, and it felt like a jagged knife twisting in his heart.

He fought to keep his own tears at bay, but the sound of her crying, the quiet, painful sobs, was almost unbearable. His touch instinctively reached for her, his fingers brushing against her cheek. Jude wanted to say something that might make this easier, but the words stuck in his throat.

Kaira's eyes avoided his as she stood up. She wiped at her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. "I need to get back to the party," she said softly.

His eyes followed her, and he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. He wanted to call out, to pull her back, but he knew he’d take back every word if he did.

Jude was on autopilot. The familiar streets blurred past him as he drove, his mind numb. His home came into view, a place filled with memories of simpler, happier times. He parked the car and trudged up the path, the night air cool against his tear-stricken face.

Inside, the house was quiet, the soft ticking of a clock the only sound. Jude closed the door behind him. His legs felt weak, barely able to support his weight. Jude sank onto the base of the stairs, his hands trembling as they moved to cover his face. The burning in his eyes intensified as tears welled up and spilled over, streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably. He let out a shuddering breath, the sound almost a sob, as he buried his face deeper into his hands.

The image of Kaira’s face swam before his closed eyes—the confusion, the way her eyes had filled with tears when he spoke the words that would change their futures forever. He could still hear her voice, trembling and filled with pain, echoing in his mind. Each tear felt like a searing brand, a physical manifestation of the heartbreak that was tearing through him.

His breaths came in ragged gasps, his heart throbbing with a relentless, sharp pain. It was a strange, foreign feeling. One that gripped his eyes shut. It felt as though his heart was slowly tearing, each beat more excruciating than the last.

Jude didn't notice the sound of approaching footsteps until a gentle hand touched his shoulder. He looked up, his vision blurred with tears, to see his mother standing there in her pajamas, concern etched across her face. She looked past Jude, her eyes scanning the entryway, expecting to see Kaira standing there. But realization set in as she looked back at her eldest son, struggling to loosen the tie around his neck--in hopes it'd make it easier to funnel the air through his tightened lungs.

"Jude?" she spoke softly, her voice filled with worry. "What’s wrong, sweetheart?"

Jude opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. His chest ached unbearably, a sharp, relentless pain. He rubbed at it, trying to ease the strain, but it wouldn’t subside. His mom sat down beside him, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace.

Jude managed to get out a choked, “Kaira,” before resting his head against his mom’s shoulder.

“Kaira was the first girl you ever truly loved, baby." She gently kissed his forehead and whispered. "And that pain you’re feeling in your chest—that’s your first heartbreak.”

if you'd like to be removed, or added, to future stories let me know.

tagging those who liked my jude taglist announcement post.

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