Elliot

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Over the next few days, Nate withdrew into himself more than ever. He made a habit of leaving early for work, his routine so rigid it felt like an intentional effort to avoid everyone—especially Elliot. Passing by Elliot's apartment was the hardest. Hearing his familiar laugh, the hum of music, or the distinct murmur of voices behind the door sent a pang through Nate's chest. Jealousy and regret coiled tightly inside him, a constant ache he couldn't shake.

At work, he buried himself in projects and paperwork, staying late into the evenings to escape the endless loop of memories and what-ifs playing in his mind. But no matter how busy he kept himself, images of Elliot lingered, sneaking in when his guard was down. 

On one particularly long evening, Nate left the office later than usual, exhaustion clinging to him like a second skin. As he approached the elevator, he passed the newly repaired doors, the fresh paint still gleaming under the fluorescent lights. He hesitated before stepping inside, pressing the button for his floor with a sigh.

Just as the doors began to slide shut, movement caught his eye. Nate glanced up, his breath hitching as he saw Elliot and Aaron approaching hand in hand. Their smiles were radiant, carefree in a way that made Nate's heart clench painfully.

"See you later!" Elliot called, his voice light and playful, carrying an ease that felt like a stab to Nate's chest.

Nate stood frozen, rooted in the corner of the elevator as the doors stayed open for a moment longer. He watched, helpless, as Aaron leaned closer, brushing a soft kiss against Elliot's cheek.  The world seemed to stop. The warmth and tenderness in that simple gesture was a cruel reminder of everything Nate had been too afraid to claim.

As the elevator doors finally closed, the last thing he saw was Elliot's shy smile as he turned away, the echoes of their laughter filtering through the barrier. Nate felt like the air had been sucked from his lungs, leaving him hollow and aching. He leaned back against the elevator wall, eyes closed, as the weight of his emotions crashed over him. Jealousy, regret, and a profound sense of loss swirled in his chest, tightening his throat until he could barely breathe.

When the elevator dinged and the doors opened to his floor, Nate stepped out, each step heavy with conflicting emotions. The laughter and joy he'd witnessed followed him like ghosts, a reminder of what he'd yearned for but felt too unworthy to claim.  He stopped outside his apartment, his hand hovering over the doorknob. His brother's voice echoed faintly in his mind: "You'll regret it if you don't try."

But tonight, he couldn't face that truth. Nate walked inside, closing the door behind him, and let the silence envelop him like a punishment he knew he deserved. Images of Elliot and Aaron flooded his mind, their joyful expressions sharp against the dullness of his own reality. The longing twisted in his chest, gnawing at him like a persistent ache. Why couldn't he just let himself feel?

The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the apartment as Alec and Mia busily prepared dinner, their laughter suddenly filling the space. The warmth of their playful banter created a comforting atmosphere, one that had always been a refuge for Nate. But today the familiar scent felt foreign, heavy with unspoken tension.

Nate's brow furrowed as he trudged into the kitchen, his mood darker than ever. The smiles that greeted him faltered slightly, and Alec's eyes narrowed in concern. "Hey, man, you okay?" he asked, his voice light but laced with genuine worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Nate replied tersely, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto a nearby chair. He poured himself a glass of water, deliberately avoiding their gazes as he leaned against the counter, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Mia exchanged a glance with Alec, her playful spirit dimmed by Nate's brooding presence. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. We made your favorite—pasta primavera. You should join us at the table."