AFFLICTION- LRH

Won't Waste My Life.

Maeves POV:

The following morning, my eyes began to open steadily as the room cascades with sunlight, causing me to blink back the water already building within them.

Turning to my side, I expect to see Luke, but when his spot is empty, I feel my nerves begin and my stomach is churning.

Oh god, he didn't up and leave, did he?

I mean, he obviously couldn't get far, not where we are at...

But did he regret it? Even after he told me he wouldn't?

What if he is just-

"Look who's awake."

Snapping my head up towards the door, Luke stands in the doorway, shirtless and in a pair of grey sweatpants, his hands holding onto a tray that holds a plate and a cup of orange juice.

Stop thinking the worst, Maeve.

You've got to trust him.

I force a smile to hide the once paranoia, scooting my legs up to my chest, "what's all this?"

He gives me a shy shrug as he walks slowly my way, careful not to drop any of the things in his hands as he sets the tray down in front of me, an array of fruit, yogurt, and pancakes sat in front of me, as well as an orange juice, a bottle of water, and two Advils.

"Luke," I gape, "you didn't have to do this."

"I know I didn't," he shrugs again, his body language being full of nerves as he tries his best to hide it, "but I thought you deserved something nice. Cause well..." he trails, "I know I'm not always the nicest person."

"Luke-"

"And this is how it should have gone last time," he interrupts, now taking a seat on the side of the bed right next to me, "I never even apologized for that either, so I'm sorry for being a fuck up. I want to do what's right."

Before I could open my mouth to speak, Luke picks up a strawberry that sat on the plate, dipping it into a big pile of whipped cream and drizzled chocolate that sat on the pancakes, before turning to me and placing his hand under the food, so it doesn't drop on the bed, "open."

Rolling my eyes, I do as he says, allowing him to feed me the fruit. The taste explodes in my mouth, the tartness and sweetness of the fruit, along with the sugary flavor all mixed together, I feel my eyes bulge, "holy shit, that's fucking good."

"Isn't it!" He gets all giddy, "I went to the market in town before anyone woke up this morning, and before you say anything I wore dark clothes and hid my face the entire time, but I managed to get some of their freshest ingredients, and I made breakfast for everyone."

"Who are you and what have you done with Luke Hemmings?" I laugh, taking a blueberry off my plate next and popping it into my mouth.

"This is the real Luke," he smiles, almost as if he's relieved by this, "I am still a psychotic gang member, and I will kill anyone if needed, but I can be a nice person. I don't always have to hide behind some shell that I've built all these years."

I feel that flutter in my stomach by his words, the realization finally hitting him.

"I don't want to waste my life constantly thinking about new ways to be worse, or to be angry, or hateful," he sighs, before turning to face me completely, his hand reaching for my own, "I want to be someone you deserve."

"You are someone I deserve, Luke," I giggle, standing up on my legs to kiss his cheek, playfully wrapping my arms around his shoulders, "you became the biggest, most unexpected plot twist in my life, but I think I can honestly say I wouldn't have it any other way."