𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙎

Clarity

The late morning light peeked through the blinds, washing Dave's living room in soft gold. The TV played low in the background—some old cartoon neither of them was really watching. Iris sat curled at one end of the couch, a blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, a glass of water in one hand, and her hair still slightly tousled from sleep. Her skin was pale from the hangover, but she looked more herself now. Less spinning, more grounded.

Dave sat beside her, one knee propped up on the couch, half-turned to face her as he sipped his coffee. He'd been watching her closely all morning—quietly making sure she was okay.

"Feeling any better?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said, voice still a little hoarse. "Thanks for letting me crash. And for, y'know... taking care of me."

He shrugged like it was nothing. "Wasn't gonna just leave you to fend for yourself in a bar parking lot."

Iris chuckled under her breath, then stared into her glass a moment. "So... I remember throwing up. Unfortunately."

Dave smirked. "Yeah. Right in front of my car. Beautiful form, though."

"Ugh." She groaned and leaned her head back. "God, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine." He took another sip of his coffee, trying to sound casual even as something in his chest started to tighten. "Do you remember anything from the car ride?"

She hesitated, eyes flicking toward him, then away. "Bits and pieces."

Dave nodded slowly. "You said some stuff."

"I know."

Silence stretched between them for a few seconds. Iris drew in a small breath, then let it out. "I don't regret it."

Her voice was quiet but sure.

Dave's brows lifted just slightly. Not surprised exactly—but not unaffected either. His heart thudded in his chest, a little heavier now. He didn't make a big show of it, didn't lean in or press her further. He just met her eyes with a faint, crooked smile.

"Good, don't." he said simply.

They both smiled then, a quiet, mutual understanding settling between them. Neither rushed to speak next. Neither needed to.

Eventually, Iris shifted, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "Are we making things complicated?"

Dave glanced at Iris again, his smile fading into something softer, more thoughtful. "I feel like we've got a lot going on right now," he said. "With the band just starting, and... everything else."

"Yeah," she agreed, folding her legs up underneath her on the couch. "You're right. I don't want to screw anything up. Not with the music, not with you."

He nodded. "Right."

Iris gave him a small, warm smile. "We're on the same page then."

He smiled back, and for a while they just sat in that quiet, comfortable pause, both relieved that whatever this was between them could have room to breathe.

The TV continued to hum softly in the background, some mid-morning sitcom playing in the haze of early light. Dave and Iris sat comfortably together on the couch, a blanket now shared between them. Neither of them spoke for a little while, content to let their earlier conversation settle.

Then came the sound of a door creaking down the hall, followed by sluggish footsteps.

Barrett shuffled into the living room in an oversized T-shirt and flannel pajama pants, scratching at his head and blinking against the light.

"Morning, rockstars," he mumbled, then zeroed in on Iris. "How you feeling? You looked like death last night."

Iris grinned tiredly. "Better. Still paying for it, but better."

Barrett gave a mock wince and flopped into the armchair across from them. "You were halfway to the moon, man. I thought Dave was gonna carry you in like a fireman."

Dave chuckled but said nothing, sipping the rest of his coffee.

Barrett smirked and looked between them. "So, what's the plan for the day? More couch hangouts? Or are you two finally leaving the cave?"

Iris stretched and yawned. "I've got plans with Janis later. We're hanging out at her place. I promised we'd finally have a non-musical catch-up."

Dave nodded. "I figured I'd spend some time in the studio, poke at a few unfinished ideas. See what sticks."

Barrett gave a satisfied nod. "Balance. I like it."

A while later, Iris stood near the door, her coat half-on and a small bag slung over her shoulder. She leaned in to hug Dave goodbye, her arms lingering around him a moment longer than usual.

"Text me later?" she asked, voice quiet, close to his ear.

"Yeah," he said with a soft smile. "Have fun with Janis."

Iris stepped out into the chilly afternoon, and Dave closed the door behind her, standing still for a moment before turning back to find Barrett watching him from the couch.

"Well?" Barrett asked, arms crossed. "What's the deal with you two?"

Dave walked over slowly, flopping into the spot next to him. "We talked this morning. After she got the hangover under control."

Barrett arched an eyebrow. "And?"

Dave scratched at his chin. "She said some stuff in the car last night. She was totally fucking wasted, talking about how I was so sweet and that she liked me. She told me she didn't regret it."

Barrett blinked. "Huh."

"I didn't really know what to say, man. I'm just scared," Dave added, tone growing somewhat nervous, his heart racing at the thought of what was developing between them.

Barrett let out a thoughtful hum. "...So what now? You two gonna write a grunge-romance album?"

Dave laughed, shaking his head. "Shit, not yet. I want to keep things steady, focus on the band. But I don't want to ignore it."

Barrett looked genuinely pleased. "Good. You guys are good together. Just don't get all weird and tangled up in band drama."

"We won't," Dave said, sounding more confident than he felt—but also more hopeful.

Barrett nudged him with a socked foot. "Hey. If Paul and Linda could do it, you two can too."

Dave snorted. "Exactly, man. Now you're moving my speed."

They both laughed, and the room settled into a comfortable quiet. It felt like something important had shifted—but gently, without breaking anything.

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A/N

I really don't know if I like this chapter omg

feel free to vote and/or comment!