Unlikely Love

14

Xavier pov:

Despite what I told everyone, deep down, I think I already know the truth: I am an alcoholic. I’ve tried convincing myself otherwise, brushing it off like it’s no big deal, but the signs are there, and I can’t ignore them anymore. It’s hard admitting this, especially when I look at the people around me. Have you heard what some of these Hermits have been through? The struggles, the losses… it’s astonishing that any of them are still standing, let alone Grian. Honestly, I’m surprised he’s as put together as he is after everything.

And yet, here I am, using every excuse to hide my own issues. Sure, I wasn’t feeling great that day — that part was true. But deep down, I knew if I kept going at the same rate, it would be hard to stop. I’d already started slipping, and the last thing I wanted was for Ren, Grian, B-dubs, and Etho to catch on. They just wanted to get off the server for a bit, to breathe and let loose, but the problem was, they couldn’t without admin access. They needed me for that.

I honestly didn’t think I still had admin privileges, but when I checked late at night, I realized I still did. So, in the cover of darkness, we planned to meet at our usual spot by the river — quiet, secluded, the kind of place where no one would question us slipping away. But I knew better. I knew someone was going to follow me, someone who’d been watching. Still, it didn’t stop me. In fact, I left a few bread crumbs, making sure he would find me. Because most importantly, I knew exactly who it was.

I knew he’d wait until we — Ren, B-Dubs, Grian, Etho, and I — were off the server before he’d call my brother. That’s his way, always calculated, always patient. And I was certain he’d follow us to the club, keeping tabs without letting us know. Maybe I should’ve felt guilty about lying to the others, about leading him on like that, but the truth is… I wasn’t ready to face the reality that I couldn’t keep it together anymore. The club was supposed to be our escape, and for me, maybe one last night of pretending everything was still under control.

We got to the club, and getting in was no problem at all. The bouncer barely gave us a second glance, probably recognizing a few familiar faces among us. Once inside, I didn’t move away from the door for a minute or two. I just stood there, letting the noise and energy of the place hit me like a wave. Everyone else — Ren, Grian, B-Dubs, Etho — had already vanished into the crowd, eager to lose themselves in the night. But I couldn’t move just yet.

I was waiting. Waiting for the real commotion to start outside, just beyond the edges of our shadows. I knew who would show up next: Hels, Xisuma, Scar, Doc, and Wels. For a place like this, you don’t just stroll in off the street. You need to know people, to have connections. It’s the kind of club where names and reputations matter — and they had both.

I wasn’t surprised when I felt the shift in the air, that slight ripple of tension just outside the door. It was subtle but unmistakable — the kind of feeling you get when people are about to collide, whether they realize it or not. I knew they’d be here soon enough. I had left just enough of a trail for them to follow, like a breadcrumb path leading them straight to me. It wasn’t a question of if they’d show up; it was a matter of when. And now, it was time.

The bouncer wasn’t budging, though. I could see it in his posture — arms crossed, muscles tense, blocking the entrance with that cold, professional look. He wasn’t going to let them in easily, not without some sort of pass or inside connection. Hels, Xisuma, Scar, Doc, and Wels stood just outside, looking impatient. It was clear they were frustrated, maybe even more annoyed with me for leading them here in the first place.

Sighing, I stepped outside and walked right up to the bouncer. “They’re with me,” I said firmly, making sure my voice carried enough weight to get through to him. He glanced between me and the group behind him, clearly weighing his options. After a brief pause, he nodded.