Fell In Love In Stages // a matty healy fanfic

Strange Fruit

Charlie and I stumble to the car, and it isn't until we're inside that I notice his swollen eye.

"Where the hell were you tonight? I looked everywhere for you."

I glance at him, smirking. "Was Vicky helping you find me with her tongue in your ear?"

He stutters, clearly caught off guard. "S-She came on to me, babe. You know how she is. I tried to tell her no—"

"Let's just drop it," I cut him off, my voice flat. I'm too tired to argue, and honestly, the guilt feels heavier than the annoyance. "Did you at least have a good time?"

He shrugs, looking sheepish. "It was okay, I guess. Would've been better with you, though. You just... vanished."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. "Had a killer headache. Went upstairs to nap. Think the drugs didn't sit right with me."

"Hmm," he murmurs, giving nothing away.

I change the subject before the awkward silence can linger. "So what was all that about with that guy?"

"He was behaving inappropriately with, uh, Vicky"
"I see" I say knowing full well it was definitely the other way round.

When we finally pull up to my driveway, relief floods through me. I just want to crawl into bed.

"Night, Lee."

"Can I get a kiss?"

I hesitate, tempted to make an excuse, but it feels like more work than it's worth. I lean in, giving him a quick, perfunctory peck on the lips before shutting the door behind me.

In my room, I stand where I had earlier that evening, in front of my mirror. But this time, instead of the polished, pristine version of myself I'm used to, I see someone different.

My dress was covered in grass stains, my legs streaked with mud—almost as if he was the artist, and I, his canvas.

Charlie had to have noticed. It's odd how he didn't say anything about it.

I drag myself to the shower, fighting off the weight of exhaustion. I yawn as I pat myself dry, then yawn again as I pull on my nightwear.

Slipping into the cool, silky sheets feels like heaven. I close my eyes, letting out a contented sigh. But just as I start to drift off, something clicks and my eyes fly open.

I never asked him his name.

And he never asked me for mine.

What a peculiar thing. But I can't help but smile at the night I've had.

I close my eyes again, and this time, I surrender to sleep, letting it come without dreams.