Stealing Your Heart

A New Dawn || XIII

A/N
Guess who's baaaaack from the grave 🪦!! I'm so so so so so so so sorry for not posting/updating. Life's been crazy, but I hope you'll forgive me 😔🤧. Love you all, and thanks for sticking with this story! I'm really sorry, but I'm back for real now! And yes I'm a Stay🤭Enjoy the new chapter! 💖

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The summer at Camp Half-Blood was coming to an end, but life between Connor and Malcolm was just beginning to bloom into something deeper. The last few weeks had been transformative for both of them, with each day strengthening the bond they shared. However, Connor’s mind was still haunted by the attack, even as he and Malcolm tried to move forward.

One afternoon, Connor and Malcolm sat together at the edge of the forest, the soft breeze rustling the leaves around them. The sun was warm, casting golden light on their faces as they enjoyed the peace and quiet after a long day of training.

Malcolm leaned against a tree, his hand resting on Connor’s knee. "You’ve been quiet today," Malcolm said softly, looking at Connor with a concerned expression. "Everything okay?"

Connor sighed, looking down at his hands. He hadn’t spoken much about the attack since it happened, even though Malcolm had been nothing but supportive. But there were still nights when he woke up, the cruel words echoing in his mind.

"I’ve been thinking about what happened," Connor admitted, his voice low. "It’s hard to shake off. I just… sometimes I wonder if they were right. What if I really am useless?"

Malcolm’s face softened, and he immediately sat up, moving closer to Connor. "Hey, don’t say that," Malcolm said firmly, taking both of Connor’s hands in his own. "You are not useless. Those people didn’t know you, and they don’t matter. You’re one of the strongest, most caring people I know."

Connor let out a shaky breath. "It’s just hard, you know? When someone says things like that, it sticks with you. Even if you know it's not true."

Malcolm pulled Connor into a tight embrace, holding him close. "I get it. But you have to remember, you’re so much more than those words. And I’ll remind you every single day if I have to."

Connor smiled faintly into Malcolm’s chest, feeling the warmth of his support wash over him. "Thanks, Malcolm. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

"You’ll never have to find out," Malcolm whispered, his lips brushing the top of Connor’s head.

They sat in silence for a while, wrapped up in each other’s presence. It was in these moments that Connor felt most at peace, the weight of the world slipping away when Malcolm was near. But he knew that he couldn’t just keep burying his feelings, hoping they’d disappear on their own.

"Malcolm," Connor said, pulling back slightly to meet Malcolm’s eyes. "I don’t want to keep running from this. I want to be stronger. Not just for me, but for us."

Malcolm’s gaze softened, filled with pride and love. "You’re already strong, Connor. But if you want to keep pushing, I’ll be right beside you."

Connor nodded, feeling a new resolve building inside him. He wanted to move forward, to leave the pain behind. And with Malcolm’s unwavering support, he knew he could.

That night, they sat together by the campfire with their friends, laughing and talking like everything was normal. But as the fire crackled and the stars twinkled overhead, Connor couldn’t help but glance at Malcolm, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.

Malcolm caught his gaze and smiled back, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. It was in these moments that Connor realized just how lucky he was. Despite everything, he had found love, friendship, and a sense of belonging he had never imagined possible.

As the night drew on, and the others began to drift off to their cabins, Malcolm and Connor stayed behind, sitting close together by the dying embers of the fire.

"Thank you," Connor whispered, resting his head on Malcolm’s shoulder. "For everything."

Malcolm tilted his head, pressing a soft kiss to Connor’s temple. "You don’t have to thank me. I love you, Connor. And I’ll always be here for you."

Connor smiled, closing his eyes as the warmth of Malcolm’s words wrapped around him. "I love you too."

And as they sat together under the stars, their hands intertwined, Connor knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. Because in Malcolm, he had found not only love but a partner who would stand by him through thick and thin.

With a soft sigh, Connor pressed his lips to Malcolm’s in a gentle kiss, a promise of all the things yet to come. Their love had weathered the storms, and together, they were ready for whatever the future held.

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A/N

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for being patient with me, and I promise I'll update again soon! Love you all, and see you in the next chapter!