Belonging

Chapter Six (new)

Xavier Smith
Grady Hospital, Atlanta, GA
7:33 AM
—

The kiss is still lingering in my mind this morning. The way his lips felt against mine and the secure certainty that followed it.

Jayce didn't even hesitate.

He didn't lean in slowly or test the air between us. He just closed the distance like it was a previously discussed decision. 

And I allowed him to.

That part sits with me longer than I liked. My phone buzzes on my nightstand, effectively dragging me out of thought.

Jayce:
I hope you rested.
Last night felt aligned.

Aligned...

I stare at that word for a moment before another message comes through.

I do not move casually, Xavier.

There it is again. No questions or uncertainty, just a firm statement.

I rub a hand over my face and sit up straight against the couch cushion.

We kissed less than twelve hours ago, yet, somehow it feels like something had already settled for him.

For me?

It feels like I skipped a step and didn't notice until I was already on the next one.

I type back:
I'm heading in.

He replies almost instantly.

I know.
I will see you shortly.

I pause.

See me shortly?

Before I can ask what that means, another text comes through:
You forget breakfast when your shifts start early.

A slight frown takes over my face.

I don't remember telling him that, or maybe I did.

In passing.

I send back:
You keeping notes on me?

The typing bubble appears, 
I prefer to be informed.

I actually laugh. 

Of course he does.
---------

The hospital is already bustling by the time I step onto the floor. Monitors beeping, nurses weaving through one another, someone arguing softly at the desk.

Hassan falls into step beside me like usual. "You look different," he offers casually.

"Different how?"

He shrugs. "Settled or distracted? I can't tell right now."

Before I can respond, there's a subtle shift near the front desk. It was barely perceptible, but I still noticed it. 

I look up to see Jayce standing near the entrance to the floor, tailored coat, coffee tray balanced neatly in one hand. 

He doesn't even look out of place. 

That's what's almost impressive. 

He nods politely at the charge nurse as if he's done this before. 

When his eyes land on me, something in his posture softens. Recognition surges through him. 

Like he dedicated his entire life to this exact moment.

Hassan glances between us. "Oh," he murmurs. "That was quick."

Jayce approaches, composed as ever. 

"Good morning," he announces calmly.