Because I'm scared to say the truth - Landoscar

·Chapter 13·

chapter of every story today!

Merry Christmas!

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The night was calm after the sunset, and the villa felt like a safe place for just the two of them. After they finished dinner, Lando and Oscar cleaned up together, moving in sync without even thinking about it. Oscar found himself stealing little glances at Lando—he couldn't help it, everything about Lando seemed so comfortable, so effortless tonight.

"Are you sure the sauce wasn't too salty?" Oscar asked, half-serious, but with a small smile.

"Nah, it was perfect," Lando replied, nudging him gently. "If anything, it was better than what I'd cook."

They decided to watch a movie before calling it a night, something light-hearted to keep the mood relaxed. Lando stretched out on the couch first, and Oscar followed, his head resting on Lando's chest. The sound of Lando's heartbeat, calm and steady, was like a lullaby, and soon enough, Lando began to drift off to sleep.

Oscar watched the movie alone for a while, fingers lazily playing with Lando's hair. But then he noticed how Lando's expression changed. The peaceful look on his face disappeared, replaced by a frown. His breathing became rough, like he was struggling. Then his body started to shake.

"Lando?" Oscar whispered, panic creeping into his voice. He tried to gently shake him awake, but Lando was already deep in a nightmare.

Lando was reliving that day, the memory he couldn't escape.

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He was five years old again, his small feet running so fast that he didn't notice the car coming. His mom's voice was desperate as she called out to him, but he didn't stop. And then, everything happened so quickly. The loud screech of tires, the heavy impact, and his mom lying on the ground, eyes wide open, staring at nothing.

"Mom?" he had whispered, tiny hands reaching out, but she didn't answer.

The dream shifted, and suddenly, Lando was standing in front of his dad, older but still small.

"This is all your fault," his father's voice was cold, each word hitting Lando like a slap. "If you hadn't run into the street, she would still be here. You killed her. You don't belong to this family anymore. I have a new family while you are just an obstacle in my life."

The nightmare became darker as memories of his dad's anger and disappointment flooded back. His dad barely spoke to him after that, and when he did, it was only to remind him of what he had lost, what Lando had taken from him.

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Oscar's heart was racing as he tried to wake Lando up. "Lando! Lando, wake up!" he said, louder this time.

Finally, Lando's eyes flew open, and he gasped for air, tears streaming down his face. He was shaking, and his entire body was drowning in sweat.

"Hey, it's okay," Oscar said softly, pulling Lando closer to him. "You're safe now, you're here with me."

Lando couldn't speak for a moment, his breath ragged and uneven. But he didn't pull away. He stayed in Oscar's arms, feeling the warmth and comfort he so desperately needed.

"I'm sorry," Lando finally whispered, his voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Oscar shook his head. "Don't apologize. It's okay. But... what happened? What did you dream about?"

Lando hesitated, swallowing hard before he began to speak. "It wasn't just a dream," he said quietly. "It was... a memory. From when I was a kid."

Oscar stayed quiet, letting Lando talk at his own pace.

"My mom," Lando's voice cracked, and he took a shaky breath. "She died when I was five. I was running in the street, and she tried to save me. The car... it hit her instead." He paused, his body tensing. "And my dad, he... he blamed me. He told me it was my fault."

Oscar's heart clenched, and he squeezed Lando's hand, offering silent support.

"He could never look at me the same way after that," Lando continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "He would always find reasons to leave, to not be around. He made sure I knew that I was the reason she was gone."

Lando's words hung heavily in the air, and Oscar felt his own eyes sting with unshed tears. He took a deep breath before responding, "Lando, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But you were just a kid... It wasn't your fault."

Lando looked up at Oscar, eyes red and filled with so much pain. "I know that now, I think. But it's hard to forget, you know?"

Oscar nodded, pulling him closer, letting Lando bury his face in his shoulder. "You don't have to carry this alone anymore," Oscar whispered. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in years, Lando allowed himself to believe that. He wasn't alone. And maybe he didn't have to be afraid anymore.

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A short chapter this time, but something big is coming....