Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

That's Cheesy, Innit?

"It's not that I don't love you, Rassler. I do, with everything in me." Hazel starts.

Rassler nods, seeming a little uncomfortable by her words of affirmation with my presence.

"And we're not saying it's not going to happen, either." I intervene. "It's just something we never really gave much thought to. So we're gonna... think... about it."

"That's okay. I'd never given much thought to marriage. So I'd have to think about that, too." He says. He looks to me, but seems to struggle to make eye contact. "Are you staying for dinner?" He asks.

"Yes. Unless you'd rather not have me here."

"No, by all means, please stay! It's nice to see you again. On good terms, I mean." He says, then sends me a nervous smile.

"Very well then." I reply.

"Um... I'm gonna go for a smoke quickly and then I'll help make dinner, yeah?" Rassler asks, more directed towards Hazel.

She nods.

"Actually, Jatix was helping me, too." She adds.

"Well... I will continue to do so, but I also want to talk to Rassler." I bring up.

"That's alright. It's not like I'm incapable of cooking by myself." Hazel says with a little chuckle.

Rassler glances at me again, smiling out of politeness.

"Alright then." He says before turning around to walk outside again.

I throw my jacket on before following him.

We stand in silence at first, as Rassler lights his cigarette. He turns to me after a few seconds,

"So uhh... did you ever find a second chance mate?" He asks in an attempt to break the uncomfortable silence.

I shake my head.

"No... up until recently, I was still trying to get over Hazel."

"I won't be offended if you choose not to divorce her. At least I won't have to come up with a reason not to marry her."

"You don't want to marry her?" I ask, surprised.

Rassler shrugs.

"I love her. I really do. But I like our relationship the way it is. And... I'm still learning things about myself. And it's just... I'd feel guilty if I were to marry her while I'm attracted to someone else, too."

"You're attracted to someone else?" I ask, curious. "Who?"

Rassler looks away.

"Does Hazel know?" I change my question.

"She does, actually." Rassler replies.

"Yet she still seems okay with marrying you." I point out.

"I know... I just... I don't really know, Jatix. It's probably because she knows I'm not able to be with this person, even if I kinda wanted to be. Not that I do, it's just hypothetical. I want to be with Hazel. We get each other. We've made the same mistakes together, we're raising our son together now... out relationship feels perfect. And I'm not saying this to rub salt in the wound. I deeply regret how everything went down. Trust me, you're the last person I ever wanted to hurt, Jatix." Rassler says sorrowfully, looking deep into my eyes.

"I forgive you, Rassler. I forgive you both. I understand now that it was a complicated situation. I'm having a hard time thinking about divorcing Hazel when we've already gotten over each other. I can just imagine how hard it must've been for you to try to break up with her while your were still actively in love."