*Kat's POV*
My heart sank when I saw her, stumbling toward the lights, trying to grip them. I run to catch her, embracing her in my arms, tears falling down my cheeks. The toxic substance in my veins makes everything so much fuzzier and harder. With great effort, I get us both to the apartment. I slowly take her to the bathroom, sit her up on the toilet, and smear some micellar water all over her face. She's sobering up after all the water I had made her sip. Eventually, we're both laughing, trying to have as normal of a night routine as possible. I help her get up and tuck her into bed, petting her head softly as her eyelids close.
She looks so peaceful and my heart swells.
I need to breathe so I get out of the room, not having enough energy to quiet a sob. Trembling, I go to my room and take my deeply hidden pack of cigarettes from my cabinet. I put on a robe and quietly make my way to the balcony. I can't believe I've let it reach this point already. I can't stop it, anxiety clogs my throat.
I need to find peace outside of her.
I neal against the railing, lighting one up for the first time in so long. I look out into the ocean, glistening with the sparkles of the stars. My mind is heavy, it's hard to breathe. That glimmer, that altitude of consciousness, pains me. It reminds me of her, of her luminescent eyes.
. . .
The very first thought that comes to mind when I regain consciousness is: "My head is about to explode". I can't even unglue my eyes open because of the deep pang that covers my whole forehead. However, I instantly open them when I hear two very familiar voices clearly arguing on the other side of the wall.
"What the actual hell is your problem, Kat? Like, seriously."
"mmm..., let me think; you."
"... Hi."
Those bloody green eyes again, taking me in. However, another pair of eyes, deep turquoise in this case, were also taking me in, with a hint of concern. Interesting.
"Is someone going to explain what the hell is going on?- I demand, feeling two tiny pangs on my forehead as I raise my voice.
"I was just coming here to check on you. I had no clue that was your actual first time drinking alcohol. The companion should've been more careful, that's for sure."- Aiden begins, directing his eyes with a glint of sarcasm to Kat. She quickly changes her energy in response, angrily making Aiden leave and calling him disrespectful of Atlas' rules for intruding into a girl's department.
"I'm so sorry you had to witness that. How are you feeling? How's your head?"- Kat sits us both down on the couch, looking intently into my eyes with sympathy. I instantly soften my stance, covered in that warm environment only she can create.
"I'm doing good. I've had way worse headaches."- I whisper back, leaning into Kat. Even though that statement was true, this headache was painful in a whole different way. It felt as if my mind was trying to remember last night's events, sending a pang every time it failed to do so. I'd lost control, which also added to the overall defeat and fatigue.
Kat eventually deposits my body comfortably on her lap, making this feel so natural, so homey. She starts petting my head, making me feel sleepy again.
"Do you wanna go back to sleep?" -She whispers into my ear, while still caressing the side of my cheek.
I nod audibly, making her waste no time and carrying me to the bed, bridal style.
I wake up a few hours later, around the early hours of the afternoon. I can hear some very light music playing in the background, followed by jumping footsteps. I step into the living room, witnessing Kat dancing to the music. She was smoking a cigarette and baking something in the oven simultaneously. Her movements were smooth and gentle, combined with the intermittent puffs and jumps to check the food cooking. Her eyes were closed, lost in another dimension, the jazz playing in the background acting as some portal in and out of reality, where she could slip into whenever she preferred. I feel so wrong for watching her, setting foot into what looks like a haven, a comfort zone perhaps.
I hadn't considered how Kat truly felt living with me now. I could tell she was a social butterfly since I first met her, but everyone needs their alone time. An intruder-related thought comes to mind; Is that how she feels about me now that we're flatmates? From what I know, she didn't live with anyone before I moved in, so this was as new and unexpected for her as it was for me.
"Stop being paranoid."- I yell at myself mentally.
"Hey, B. Didn't see you there. How long have you been standing for?"- Kat suddenly says, catching my eyes in hers.
"Sorry. Not long, I didn't want to disturb you."- I reply. We're facing each other, duel-style. She's not breaking eye contact. I'm not sure what my next move should be, or why I feel butterflies creeping up from my stomach.
"You feel ready to let me take you on a picnic?"- She suddenly asks, eagerness stuck in her voice. It takes me a few seconds to react. Forming a shy smile I nod, making her smile the same way, the hint of glimmer in her eyes locking with mine.
*Aiden's POV*
I've been throwing rocks at the shore for what feels like too long. I can see the sun beginning to darken, golden hour approaching. I'm desperately trying to grab air, but feel frustrated every time it slips away from my breath. I feel so conflicted, so impotent.
However, there's another source of angst that feels foreign, creeping up from my stomach. It's jealousy. Jealousy towards Katherine. The way she looked at her this morning told me enough. I should've seen it, I should've seen it in her face by the waterfall.
There's one thing clear: Whatever I do next, she's already in the lead.