Can You Handle the Heat?

Chapter 39

The sleep I got wasn't the best. The whole time I was sleeping I kept having waking nightmares. Every time it held the same premise. I would be in some random place, doing whatever. Then I would get the most spine-tingling sensation. Every hair on its end. I could feel the eyes on me. Sometimes behind me, other times it would be in any number of places. I would look around trying to find the source of the dreadful feeling, and when I finally did it was him. Justin. He would reach up and try to grab me. Right before he did, I would wake up.

Gaege must have been concerned by the 3rd time I had flinched awake because he asked if I was okay.

"I'm fine. It's just a nightmare. My mind is probably just trying to wrap itself around the thought of something scratching my back. Don't worry about me, I'm all good now." He nods at what I said, but instead of resting my head against his shoulder he lays me down across his lap. I do have to admit it was more comfortable. I wouldn't have to worry as much about a crick in my neck when we got home.

We reached home after a pit stop at McDonalds. I got an Ice Cream, miraculously. Gaege and I also split a 20-piece nugget. I felt better after eating, and the atmosphere in the van lightened. We all started discussing what this means. I even grabbed my camera and filmed a haphazard outro. I panned the camera to everyone in the van, before pointing it back to myself.

"I think Gaege and I will do a song-thingy video, but that will be out before any of you see this. We both enjoyed it pretty well, and you guys seemed to eat it up. I think next, we will do Something in Orange. Shoot we might do a two for one and also do I Remember Everything. Both of those songs are by Zach Bryan. Anyway, I love you all and can't wait to see your reactions to this video. Goodbye!" Gaege and I both waved to the camera, and I shut it off.

We finally arrived home around 6 am. It felt better to be at home. We all slugged our way to our sleep arrangements. I set my alarm for around 12 pm. If I got up by noon, I could fix lunch and maybe coerce my fellow creators awake. Before I can lay down though I get Gaege and Emily to look at my back. The scratches that were bleeding earlier had stopped. We pulled the makeshift ties off of them. I hear Emily hiss at the sight of my back.

"I wasn't able to get the best of views while we were there, but (Y/N), it's honestly surprising you weren't writing in pain the whole time. These look just shallow to not cause drastic damage. You probably will have a scar though. Where's your first aid kit?" I proceeded to explain where it was. After she left the room, I turned my head to look at Gaege. His face was pulled taught.

"Are you okay, babe?" I questioned. That seemed to pull him out of whatever trance he was in.

He locked eyes with me. I could see the fear and slight relief in his eyes. I placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"Hey, I'm okay, alright?" It seemed to be what he needed, because not too long after he rested his head on my shoulder. I could feel the unshed tears dampen where he was resting. I ran my hands through his hair; while humming a soft melody of some random song I had heard a while back.

Emily arrived back not too long after, and Gaege pulled himself back together. I'll have to pick his brain later.

My back was eventually patched up better than the haphazard way it had been done. It feels better than the dull ache I was feeling earlier. Emily passes out some Tylenol and Ibuprofen, both of which I take. I laid back pulling Gaege with me after she left the room. I roll on my side and face him. He stayed facing the ceiling.

"What's eating ya' Gaege?" He hums in acknowledgement of my question. Though it seems like he doesn't want to answer.

"I need to know if something is bothering you, so I can try to fix it." He turns his head to me now. I see the tears running down his cheeks. Gaege isn't one to cry like this, so it's mildly concerning. I was about to reach to try and comfort him before he grabbed me and pulled me to him.

"It hadn't dawned on me until I saw the scratches again what happened to you. This is the second time you've been to some 'haunted' place and been hurt. Then there was the creepy guy watching you. I- I'm worried. So much is happening to and around you. I just want you to be safe." It was heart-warming to watch him babble over my safety. I run my fingers through his hair as I explain,

"Gaege, I'm an adult. I know that I've had a bad run as of recently, but I can get through it. It's also overwhelming for me, so I understand. However, I know that as long as I have you, I can get through it. I know for a fact that we'll get through the weird phase I'm in. I'm sorry that you're worried this much though. I'll do my best to stay out of danger for your sake, okay?" He nods against me. I continue to comfort him, until both of us fall asleep in each other's arms like always.

Thank you all for reading! I'll see you all soon! <3