Intoxicating

Ecstasy

⚠️Warning: Sex, Drug use, alcohol use, abuse and explicit language⚠️

The music pounded through the walls, the rhythm syncing with the buzz in my head. I squeezed Colby's hand tighter, using his warmth to ground myself in the chaos of the party. It was typical-another night of red cups, flashing lights, and laughter that seemed a little too forced. But with Colby by my side, it felt easier to drift through the madness.

"Want another drink?" Colby leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. I nodded, and he flashed me that easy smile of his before disappearing into the crowd toward the kitchen. I let out a breath and turned to find Courtney and Timothée nearby, caught up in their own little world.

Courtney's laugh rang out, bright and carefree as she tugged Timothée closer by the waistband of his jeans. They looked good together-like one of those perfect couples that didn't need to try. Courtney was all dark hair and confidence, her gaze always sharp, while Timothée had this quiet intensity about him. He didn't say much, but when he did, people listened.

"Leia! Get over here!" Courtney called out, waving her hand like she was summoning a pet. I rolled my eyes with a smile, walking over to join them. Courtney hooked an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"Where's Colby?" Courtney teased, eyes glinting.

"He's grabbing us drinks," I said, glancing around the room. The party was starting to blur, the neon lights catching in the haze of alcohol.

Timothée stayed quiet, his arm casually draped over Courtney's shoulder, his eyes scanning the room like he was somewhere else entirely. He had that distant look about him, the one that made it seem like he was always thinking, always calculating. I didn't know him that well-he was just Courtney's boyfriend, and they moved in different circles.

But tonight, something felt off. It wasn't obvious, just a shift in the air that made my skin prickle. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe I was imagining things. Either way, I pushed the feeling aside.

"So, are we dancing or what?" Courtney grinned, tugging both me and Timothée toward the living room, where the music was louder and bodies moved in a drunken rhythm.

I laughed, shaking off the weird feeling as I followed them, the weight of Colby's absence lingering in the back of my mind.

The music pulsed around us, the heat of the room rising as more people packed into the house. Courtney's arm still hung loosely over my shoulders, her eyes gleaming with that familiar wild energy. She dug into her bag, pulling out a small, rolled joint and grinning.

"You guys wanna get high?" she asked, already lighting the end. She took a deep drag before holding it out to me, the smoke curling around her like a promise.

I hesitated for a moment, my eyes flickering toward the crowd, then to the spot where Colby had disappeared. But the weight of Courtney's expectant gaze-and the fact that this wasn't my first time-pushed me forward. I reached out, took the joint, and brought it to my lips. The smoke burned a little as I inhaled, and I could feel the warmth spreading through my chest as I handed it off to Timothée, who had been watching quietly beside us.

"Thanks," he muttered, taking the joint from my fingers. His eyes lingered on mine for just a second longer than I expected, but I shrugged it off, focusing instead on keeping myself from coughing. Of course, it didn't work.

I coughed, hard, the smoke catching in my throat as I struggled to breathe for a second. My eyes watered, and I doubled over slightly, cursing under my breath. Just then, I felt Colby's hand on my back, his warm presence grounding me.

"Fuck, you okay, babe?" he asked, concerned, handing me my drink like nothing had happened.

I nodded, trying to regain my composure, though I was still embarrassed by the whole scene. "Yeah, I'm good. Just, y'know, being graceful as ever."