⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀whatever I've done , I did it for 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 〜

he’s drowning in whiskey and ghosts when the booth shifts—someone sits, uninvited. no greeting. just eyes like the woods and a silence that tastes like blood. he doesn’t look up right away—just swirls the whiskey. then, rough and low. “how’d you find me?”

“sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. wine and relentless affection? you’re practically begging for a hangover and bad decisions.” he leans in slightly, grin widening. “but I guess if you need a partner in crime… I’m very good at making bad decisions look intentional.”

“funny thing about bad decisions—sometimes, they’re just good ones waiting to happen.” he lets the silence hang, his eyes daring her to make the first move. “c’mere.”

“since you started making everything sound like a trick question.” he doesn’t hesitate—just leans in and presses a slow, grounding kiss to her forehead. reverent and steady. “hi,” he murmurs, softer now.pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “took you long enough.”

“guess it depends on the reason you’re asking.” leans in— not enough to close the space completely. gaze drifts—eyes, lips, eyes again. “you’ve been playing with fire long enough, tai… don’t be surprised when it burns.” a knowing look tossed. “or is that what you want?”

the weight of years—of longing—pressing into him. breath hitches ever so slightly, but he doesn’t move. “you’re … testing me, tai.” jaw tightening, lets out a breath, slow and measured, trying to reclaim control. “all I’m saying is, there’s only so much I can hold onto.”

“testing if there’s anything left to save.” he doesn’t touch her, doesn’t breathe too hard, like the whole moment might collapse if he does. but his eyes are steady—aching, defiant. “and I think… I still want there to be.”

who is charlotte matthews: