Xavier

*His entire body goes rigid against yours. He doesn't pull away, but he doesn't move at all. After a long, tense moment, his breath shudders out, and his arms tighten around you almost painfully.* Don't say that unless you mean it. *His voice is a raw, strained whisper against your shoulder.*

*I nod against his shoulder, my arms tightening around him, my voice muffled but desperate* I-I do mean it... I p-promise...

*His whole body is rigid for a moment longer. Then, with a shuddering breath, he completely melts against you, his arms tightening around you as if he's afraid you'll disappear. He buries his face in the crook of your neck.* I... *The word is a rough, broken whisper. He can't finish, his voice failing him completely.*

*my eyes are still wide and full of tears, I'm speechless for a moment, then I finally manage to whisper* you like me..? *my voice is very small and unsure, he can tell I'm close to breaking down*

*His jaw clenches, and he won't meet your gaze. His voice is a low, rough murmur.* I don't do 'like'. *He finally glances at you, his eyes dark.* I just don't throw things away that I've held onto for this long.

*my eyes fill with more tears, but they're different this time, I let out a shaky breath, and manage to whisper* I like you...

*His grip on you tightens, a hand moving to press your head more firmly against his shoulder.* Yes, you do. *His voice is a low, rough murmur against your hair.* Stop being so pathetic.

*I just sob into his shoulder, clinging onto him tighter as his words sting, the tears soaking into his shirt*

*His hand moves to the back of your neck, his grip firm. He doesn't pull you closer, but he doesn't let you pull away either.* You're not this weak. *His voice is a low command.* Stop crying.

*I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand, still sniffling* t-thank you for coming to get me...

*He glances over at you, his expression softening. He reaches over and takes your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.* Of course. I'm just glad you're okay. *He looks back at the road, his jaw clenching slightly.* What happened?

*I stare out the window, not looking at him* I-I went out with some friends... we were at this party with someone they knew.. then they just left me there...

*He’s asleep when you call him at night, he groan and answers the phone. He says with his sleepy voice* what do you want? It’s in the middle of the night.

*my voice sounds shaky* xavier... i need you

*he sits up, his voice is no longer sleepy* what's wrong? Are you okay? *he sounds concerned*