Quarterback Dare

21

When we got back to Boston I moved back in and the first night back in Hayden introduced me to Star Wars. We had a Star Wars binge.  I easily loved the second one immediately. Padme is a goddess with her strong Jedi husband. 

I put on one of Hayden's hoodies and before Hayden pops another batch of popcorn for Episode three, Hayden rolls his eyes playfully. "You love that hoodie, don't you?" 

"I love it because it smells the most like you sir Jedi boyfriend." 

Hayden laughs. "Jedi boyfriend?"    

"you're strong, brave, and sexy like Anakin, and therefore you're my Jedi boyfriend." Hayden opened his mouth to say something. He looked so pained that I said another man was sexy.   "You're so much more sexier than Anakin."

"Yeah?" He asked coming into the living room. "Can Anakin do this?" Hayden puts the popcorn bowl on the coffee table and lays me down. He hovers over me and kisses me. His tongue darted past my mouth. 

I broke the kiss and as Hayden lay down I crawled in his lap. He wrapped his arms around me. "I need to find out what happens!" I exclaimed dramatically. 

Hayden laughed and turned on Episode three. We watched in a comfortable silence.    

 The sunlight filtered gently through the curtains as I woke up, feeling the comforting weight of Hayden's arm around me. I turned to face him, his peaceful expression bringing a sense of calm to my chaotic mind.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep as he stirred.

"Morning," I replied softly, leaning in for a tender kiss. The connection between us was undeniable, a quiet intimacy that made me feel safe and loved.

Hayden's fingers traced gentle patterns on my back as we lay together. "How did you sleep?" he asked, his touch soothing.

"Well," I said, resting my head on his chest. 

He chuckled softly. 

We spent the next few minutes savoring the morning together, wrapped in each other's arms. My stomach growled, breaking the tranquil silence.

Hayden laughed. "Sounds like someone's hungry."

"Yeah, I guess so," I said with a smile.

He reluctantly got up and started preparing breakfast, while I stayed on the couch for a little longer. I could hear him moving around the kitchen, the clattering of pots and pans mingling with his cheerful humming.

I eventually joined him, dressed in his shirt from the night before, which was comically oversized but comforting. Hayden was busy cooking breakfast, and I leaned against the counter, watching him with a smile.

"Do you need any help?" I asked.

"Just keep me company," he said, flashing me a warm smile.

I watched him prepare breakfast, admiring his skill and ease in the kitchen. Once breakfast was ready, we sat down at the table, enjoying the simple but delicious meal. We talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing easily.

After breakfast, we cleaned up together, working in perfect harmony. It felt like a small glimpse into a future we could build together.

We decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood, hand in hand, enjoying the crisp morning air and each other's company. We talked about our dreams and plans, and I couldn't help but feel optimistic about our future.

When we returned to our apartment, there was an envelope slipped under the door. My heart sank as I saw the familiar handwriting on the front. I picked it up, and Hayden's curiosity was piqued.

"What's that?" he asked, looking over my shoulder.

I opened the envelope and pulled out several photographs and a note. My breath caught in my throat as I saw the images of Hayden pulling me from the burning car.

The note read: "The truth will always come out."

Confusion and betrayal washed over me. "Hayden," I said, my voice trembling. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Hayden's face paled as he looked at the photographs. "Lily, I had nothing to do with this. I swear.

I felt a mix of anger and sadness. Before I could respond, there was a loud knock on the door. Hayden, still reeling from the revelation, opened it to find Chris, his face pale and eyes wide with worry.

"Lily, I need to talk to you," Chris said, his voice urgent.

I looked at him, my emotions a swirling storm. "Did you know about this?" I asked, holding up the photographs.

Chris's face fell, and he swallowed hard. "Lily, I—"

Hayden cut him off, his expression darkening. "Did you take these?" he demanded, stepping closer to Chris.

Chris hesitated, his eyes darting between me and Hayden. "Yes, I did. But I never meant for them to be used like this."

Before anyone could react, Hayden's fist connected with Chris's jaw, sending him stumbling back. "You betrayed her trust!" Hayden shouted, anger radiating off him.

"Hayden, stop!" I cried, rushing forward to pull him back. Myles stepped in to help, holding Hayden back while Annalise tried to calm Chris.

Chris held his jaw, looking devastated. "I'm sorry, Lily. I thought I was helping by documenting everything, but I never wanted to hurt you."

"Just go," I said, my voice trembling. "I can't deal with this right now."

Chris nodded, his shoulders slumping as he left. Hayden's anger slowly ebbed, replaced by a deep sadness.

"I'm so sorry, Lily," Hayden said, his voice cracking. "I never wanted any of this to happen."

I looked at him, tears streaming down my face. "I know."

Hayden nodded, his eyes filled with regret. "I don't know what got over Chris."

I looked at him somberly. "I know why," I said softly. "he's always liked me. When I told him that I was with Jacen he was jealous and with you, he's jealous. He's always been there for me, but he's a jealous person. He expressed to me he wanted to take you and Myles down to get the quarterback position." 

Hayden scowled. "Over my dead body!" He exclaimed. "Not for one fucking second he's going to hurt my princess! Fuck no." Hayden growled. 

"Hayden, nobody is going to hurt me." I took a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. Despite the shock and betrayal, I knew deep down that I loved him too. I couldn't let this break us apart. "I'm fine. We're fine."  

"Hayden," I said, my voice steadying, "We'll get through this together."

Relief washed over his face, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," I said, holding him close. "But we need to deal with Chris. And whoever sent those photos."

Hayden nodded determination in his eyes. "We will. Together."

As we stood there, holding each other, I knew we had a long road ahead. But with our love and the support of our friends, I was confident we could face anything.