“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Come on, Arès. You’re hiding in your own shop just to avoid me.”
I sigh. So much for subtlety.
“Maybe I should quit. This isn’t good for you. You shouldn’t have to run from me in your own space...”
A hollow opens up in my chest. He wants to leave. Just like that. Even though I’m keeping my distance, I like having him near. Seeing him every day. I went so long without that face… and now he wants to take it from me again. How fucking dare he?
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I say at last.
He stares at me, then says quietly,“I should go.”
Without thinking, my hand grabs his arm.
“Don’t. I need your help here. It’s hard to find someone you can trust.”
He glances down at my hand, takes a deep breath, and asks softly,“Can you let go of me?”
Shit.
I release him instantly.
“Fuck. I’m sorry,” I breathe out.
Gently, I rest a hand on his shoulder.
“Please, look at me.”
He raises his gaze. I can see his pulse hammering in his throat.
“I would never hurt you, Andrew,” I say firmly.“I’m not easy, and yeah, I can be an asshole. But I wouldneverhurt you.”
“…Okay,” he replies, voice trembling.
“Come on. Sit down. Breathe. You’re not alone. Everything’s fine.”
I guide him to the chair behind the desk. Take the cup from his hands and set both on the table. Then I help him off with his jacket, slow and careful, avoiding any sudden moves.
When I feel him relax just a little, I kneel in front of him.
“Please tell me youknowI would never hurt you.”
Maybe it’s unfair to ask. He doesn’t really know me anymore. To him, I’m just a stranger—a vague memory. But I need to hear it. I couldn’t stand it if he were afraid of me. Not now. Not when he’s the only thing that makes me smile lately.
“I overreacted,” he says.
It doesn’t make me feel much better.
He doesn’t add anything, and I’m forced to accept that.
“Alright.”
I press a hand gently to his knee before rising.
“Just… don’t leave, Andrew. I’ll try harder, I swear,” I say with a faint smile.
“For now,” he concedes, then focuses on the computer.
