Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+ [ON Hiatus]

Chapter 33

Vinnie's P.O.V

I longed to feel the warmth of Leo's lips against my own, my skin pressed against his in a passionate embrace. But instead, I found myself sleeping on Wes's spare room, regretting the words I had spoken. Keeping my emotions close to my chest, a secure stronghold of self-control that had been beneficial for me throughout the years. However, that night, illuminated by the soft light of the moon and the subtle sound of the waves, I opened up.

Even though I had only uttered three little words, the more they seemed like a Pandora's box I had opened, releasing emotions that had long been suppressed. What if Leonardo didn't reciprocate the sentiment with the same depth? What if I had changed the balance of our relationship, shifting the harmony we once knew?

Wesley was unable to grasp the struggles I was facing, for he was among the few who had been blessed with a successful long-distance relationship. Everyone was well aware that sustaining an LDR was a major challenge.

Wes poked his head through the door and asked, "You hungry? I got some breakfast burritos downstairs."

I gave a nod and trailed after him down to the living room. There was a case of beers and a takeout bag waiting for us. We plopped down into chairs, and he started firing off questions since I hadn't told him much since I got here.

"How are you holding up, Vin?" he asked as he handed me a burrito.

I offered him a weak smile, sighing before answering him, "I. . . don't know. We were good, y'know. I thought it would be different."

"I'm sorry it didn't turn out how you hoped. Saying how you feel can be hard, but you put yourself out there, so you should be proud of yourself! It was a brave step, Vin."

On most occasions, just hearing his words of assurance would be enough to give me the boost I needed, however, this particular time it was different. I clung to the burrito with a firm grasp, trying to suppress my tears, and uttered, "I just feel so stupid. What if I ruined everything?"

"No way, you're not stupid, and you definitely haven't ruined anything. Sometimes, things don't work out the way we want them to."

I bowed my head, allowing my tears to stream down my face. The salty droplets blurred my vision, making the pain seem more intense.  "I just wish it didn't hurt so much.

"Yeah, I get it and it's totally okay to feel bummed out. But don't forget, this doesn't define you. Your value doesn't depend on how somebody else responds."

I chuckled as I wiped away the remaining tears from my eyes, feeling a sense of relief after our conversation. I couldn't help but joke, "Who knew you had such a way with words?"

He took a swig of his beer, after using his teeth to pop the top off, and then jokingly commented, "Maybe I should become a therapist instead."

I unwrapped the burrito I had squished beyond recognition, and took a big bite. "Slow your roll, champ!"

Finished with eating and witnessing the setting sun on the horizon, I deliberated over the best course of action and decided to head home. As I crossed the threshold of Wes's door, he looked at me with a worry-filled expression and asked, "Do you think you can do it on your own or should I come with?"

I responded with an affirmative "Yea" before I got into my car. With a friendly wave, I switched on the engine and drove home. The travel back was tranquil in contrast to the inner chaos that was raging within me.

Rufus's tail wagged wildly as he ran up to me when I entered the house. He was jumping around me in an energetic show of affection, barking merrily. Leonardo glanced in my direction before returning his gaze to his phone. The atmosphere in the living room was thick with an uncomfortable tension.