Faded Embers

24

Atlas' POV:

I am in love with Sean.

My now ex-boyfriend because I panicked and said I agreed with breaking up as opposed to confessing my love for him. I don't know what to do anymore; I'm a mess at the airport, sending Calin away after a quick hug.

Miles has Sean's bag and airplane ticket; I really thought he'd listen to me and I'd be able to convince him to come with me, but no. He's staying here and I'm moving across the country.

Why can't anything ever go my way?

The flight attendant seems to pity me and keeps sneaking me extra snacks and making sure my drink is always full. The spot next to me is empty; I had gotten Sean and myself first class seats but obviously I'm alone here.

When the plane lands, I take an Uber to my new apartment with my few bags. I'm glad that there's already a bed frame and mattress here that I had organized to be shipped before I ever left and the landlord helped me with. It's a nice little place, but it would be nicer if Sean was here with me, sitting on the counter and berating me while I attempted to cook us dinner.

I'd give up after a few minutes and we'd order takeout and cuddle on our bed and watch a movie on my laptop. Maybe we'd kiss a little bit and feel each other up, but everything would be slow and perfect. We'd put the food away in the fridge for later because we would realize that touching each other is much more important and we would continue to mess around, giggling and smiling the whole time.

There would be no awkwardness or fear; just Sean and I discovering each other and falling further and further in love.

But that's not how it is here.

I'm completely alone.

It's dark in my apartment and I don't bother turning on many lights when I put my room together. There's obviously not much here because the moving truck won't be here for another four days, but it's enough to get by. I'll just have to shop for furniture, maybe a television... and I'll need a WiFi router.

I lay on my bed once it's made up, with only the comforter and the blanket. I think I fall asleep, because when I wake up, there's pounding at my door.

It must be the landlord or someone to welcome me to the complex. According to my watch, I've been asleep for a good few hours so I hope whoever's at my door doesn't expect to see a wide awake, enthusiastic newcomer.

I open the door and my heart stops.

"Wow. You look like hell," Sean says, smiling despite the tears in his eyes. "Can I come in? I did just sit on a plane for nearly six hours to see you."

I don't know what to say, so I merely step aside.

"Nice place... it's missing a burning stove, though," Sean hums, opening the fridge. "Damn, I should've trusted my gut and gone to get food!"

I'm still staring at him like he's an animal at the zoo, but Sean takes a quick walk around my apartment, not seeming to care how I gape at him.

"Hi," I say after a few minutes as Sean enters my room, looking it up and down. "How was your flight?"

Also what the fuck are you doing here?

"It was fine. I should've taken the first class ticket with you, though. Would've given me a bit more stretching space," Sean says, sitting on my bed. "We need to get you more blankets. This is only a sheet and a fluffy throw... you get way too cold at night."

"Why are you here?" I ask bluntly, standing in my doorway.

Sean smiles at me, the softness of his face make me feel home. Truly, home has been wherever Sean is; I've never felt more at home than I have when I've been with him.