Him:
I let out a groan of frustration as I try to resist the urge to slam my fist into the nearest wall. Instead, I stay seated on the couch, trying to calm my emotions down.
My mind is racing a million miles a minute. I can't seem to sit still, my legs are restless under me. I let out a deep breath, but it doesn't work. I can't keep my thoughts straight.
A sharp pang of guilt stabs through my chest at the reminder of her words. All these years, all those nights spent lying alone in my bed wishing I could hold her... and all I've managed to do is ruin it. I slump forward, burying my face in my hands. I've royally screwed it up this time.
My eyes sting, I clench my jaw as I try to push the tears back. I'm not supposed to get emotional, goddamnit. Yet here I am, sitting on my couch and feeling like my heart is getting torn out of my chest. It's my own damn fault, I've known Maya long enough to know that she has trust issues.
I lay down on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position. The cushion feels hard and lumpy against my body, and the blanket offers little warmth or comfort. I close my eyes and try to fall asleep, but every time I do, I see the look of hurt and betrayal in her eyes.
I let out a sigh and roll over onto my back, staring up at the ceiling. I'm not getting any sleep tonight, I can already tell. I keep seeing her, hearing her voice in my head, remembering the way her skin felt beneath my hands...
The hours seem to drag on, each minute ticking by slowly. Even though I'm exhausted, I can't bring myself to fall asleep. My thoughts circle back to her, lying in my bed, probably just as upset as I am.
I check the time on my phone. Three hours have passed since she stormed off earlier, and I've barely managed to sleep at all. Suddenly, a scream breaks through the silence. I jump up from the couch in an instant, adrenaline pumping through my body as I realize the sound came from my room.
I run to the bedroom, throwing open the door. My eyes widen as I take in the scene before me. Maya is sitting up in bed, breathing heavily, sweat coating her forehead. I can see the pure terror in her eyes, and it makes my heart ache.
"What happened?" I ask, trying to keep my own panic under control.
I cross the room and sit down on the edge of the bed, my eyes roam over her body anxiously, looking for any signs of injury. I reach out and gently put my hand on her shoulder, trying to make my touch as soothing as possible.
"Hey, just breathe. You're alright, you're okay."
"I... I'm... fine..." She says as she pants, clutching her chest tight.
"Bullshit," I mutter. "You're shaking like a leaf.'" I grab her shoulders and pull her close to me, wrapping my arms around her trembling body.
"I'm just... just trying to... catch my breath..."
"Yeah, I can see that," I mutter as I hold her tightly against me and my hands rub gentle circles on her back. "You''re breathing like you just ran a marathon."
"Shut... shut up..." She breathes out.
"Like hell I will." I mutter, pulling her even closer to me. "Just focus on my voice, okay? Slow deep breathes, princesa."
"I... said... I'm fine..." Maya replies, still struggling to catch her breath.
"Okay, smartass." I say as I feel my annoyance creeping in. "Tomorrow we'll focus on accepting when you need help, but now I need you to take deep breaths."
"I'm... fucking... trying..." She breathes out.
"I know, princesa, I know..." I say in a soothing voice, while still holding her tight. "Breathe with me, alright? Inhale... and exhale, just like that. Inhale... and exhale."
