What remains - A collection of Duskwood Oneshots

Unsaid

A.N.: This piece, my first Oneshot, is inspired by one of my favorite songs "Zwischen Uns" by the band Eisbrecher. I will post a link to the song at the end of this post.

After some soul searching I decided to leave the lyrics in German. But I am going to post an English translation into the comments below.

Note: I do not own any rights to the lyrics quoted in this story. And I hope I won't get in trouble for using them 😅

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I am staring at my phone. The chat app is aleady open and the last lines of our conversation are visible. Why is this so hard?, I wonder. From the very fist day chatting with him came almost natural, even though there were a lot of painful conversations to be had. Now, the right words just won't come to me. It is because this is not what you REALLY want to say!

I take in a deep breath and pick up the phone. You are being silly, I scold myself. He probably won't have time for any of this anyways. Nonetheless, I finally start to type.

MC: Hi Jake. Do you have a minute?

It takes a few seconds -that feel like an eternity at that moment- before his profile picture pops up next to the three dots indicating that he is typing.

Jake: Hello MC. Is everything alright?

MC: Yes, of course! I was just wondering if you can spare an hour tonight? If your situation allows, of course...

Jake: I'll always make time for you. What do you have in mind?

I can't help it but let a sheepish smile sneak onto my face.

MC: Well, I have been asked to perform tonight. I'd love to have you there, of course. But I understand, that you won't be able to just walk into the Den to watch the show. That's why I talked Jason into installing a cam for a live stream...

I occasionally work the bar or the admission in the club "The Wolves Den", owned by one of my oldest childhood friends. It is a nice change of pace from my day job, I love the music and the drinks are free for me. Win-win!

Jake: Perform?

MC: Have I never told you about this?

MC: I was in a band, many moons ago. Nothing special. Mainly covers mixed with a few original songs.

MC: Jason came up with the idea of an one-night reunion. He bought the club ten years ago and probably felt a bit nostalgic.

I see him type, then delete. Type again, then delete. Then nothing. What is going on?

I get up and walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water. By the time I return to my phone a new message has appeared. Finally.

Jake: I am sorry I can never be there for you for the important events. Or even the unimportant ones. You deserve so much more.

I sigh. We have been over this so often in the past months since Hannahs rescue.

MC: I said it before and I'll say it again. We'll find a way to be together, some day. Until then I treasure the conversations we have. And today you have the rare opportunity to take a peek at my glamorous past...

MC: Or witness me making a fool of myself. It has been a while. This can still go both ways.

Jake: :)