5sos Imagines (ig//@valentiineafi)

Imagine 6 - Flinch

     "Luke," you called out with grocery bags in hand. "I'm home!"
     Immediately, he was there, taking the 4 bags from your hands. As he grabbed the last one, he made sure to give you a quick kiss and a small "hi" before walking to bring them all to the kitchen.
     You walked to the sink. As you started cleaning the dishes, you felt arms around you from behind, as well as a chin on the top of your head.
     "I love you," Luke said. He never missed a day to say that to you.
     "I love you too, but Luke," you started, "didn't I ask you to always try to put your dishes in the dishwasher right after eating?" you asked with a smile. You weren't angry, though; he probably just forgot. You only reminded him so it could be less work for everyone.
     He said nothing at first. His grip, however, loosened around you and he lifted his head. His breaths grew shorter, as his arms started to lightly tremble.
     "Luke?"
     "I- I'm sorry," he stuttered.
     "No, it's fine, I swear," you chuckled in an attempt to lighten up the mood. "No big deal. You probably just forgot." By now, he was sweating. He couldn't even look at you.
     "I'm so s- sorry," he stuttered again.
     "It's fi-"
     "No it's not. Here, I- I can do them," he said shakily, subconsciously pushing you out of the way. He wasn't even looking in your direction, but he was still pushing you lightly out of the way to take your place in front of the sink. "You can go rest there it's fine it's my fault I can do it I swear I'm so sorry I didn't mean to forget I love you plea-"
     "Luke," you said firmly. He looked down. "It's okay," you said, rubbing his arm slowly in comfort. "It's no big deal. It's only, like, two plates and a cup."
     "I'm sorry. Please let me do it."
     "Okay," you obliged. "Thank you." You stood on your toes and pecked his cheek. You were so confused. Ever since you two moved in together, he always freaked out if he forgot something - even something small. As he did the dishes, you started unpacking the groceries.
     You were on the second bag as he ran over to help.
     "I'll do them," he offered.
     "I got it, Lukey, but thank you," you said. "If you want to help, though, you can do that bag over there." Immediately, he took it and started taking everything out.
     As you unpacked, you saw the eggs that you bought, which reminded you. You hesitated to tell him in case of that same reaction coming out, but you figured you'd really need to ask him about it if it ever came up again.
     "I bought eggs, by the way."
     "Don't we still have some?" he asked.
     "I wasn't sure. I texted you while I was there to let me know if we did."
     "W- what? You did?" he asked. He was clearly conflicted. He gaze rested upon nothing as his hands clumsily took out groceries. He accidentally dropped something due to lack attention, and immediately apologized for it.
     "I did, but it's okay," you assured.
     "M- my phone was on silent, and- and-"
     "It's fine, babe, I swear," you sighed. "I bought them just in case. I should've just checked before leaving, anyway. It's my fault."
     "No it's n- not. I'm a shitty boyfr- I'm the worst boyfriend ever. Please, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault; it always is." You put everything down, then turned to look at him. You grabbed his hands and pulled him up to his feet. As you looked at his face, you could see that his cheeks were red, and his eyes brimmed with tears.
     "I'm sor-"
     "Seriously, Luke, what's going on? You've been like this since we moved in. I told you, it's okay."
     "Please d-don't be mad at me," he said.
     "I'm not mad, but you have to tell me what's going on." As you said this, you reached your hand up to caress his cheek in comfort. However, he took it the wrong way and flinched. He instinctively squeezed his eyes shut as he moved his two hands in front of his face. He kneeled down to avoid your hand, leaning against the wall behind him. You could see him wiping his eyes with the back of his hands. He looked up at you in fear - a lost puppy that had just been kicked.
     After processing what had just happened, you kneeled down in front of him as he extended his legs. You sat on his lap and slowly extended you hand again to caress his cheek. This time, he let you, and leaned into your soft hand. He placed his hand on top of yours. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed the feeling of your touch on his face, but you still saw a single tear fall. You wiped it with your thumb, then kissed him reassuringly.
     "Look at me," you instructed softly.
     He shook his head, his eyes still closed. "I'm sorr-" you cut him off with a peck on the lips.
     "Please look at me," you repeated. This time, he did.
     "M- my ex- she used to- she-"
     "Shh, it's fine. I get it; you don't need to explain. Just please remember that I'm not her," you whispered. "I could never do that." He nodded. You hugged him fully, his face immediately hiding itself into your neck.
     "I love you, Lukey," you said, kissing his cheek.
     Kissing your neck, he repeated after you. "I love you more."