𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 • 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯

epilogue

"I can't do this anymore. I'm leaving."

Grayson watches him go, deep down he knew this day was coming, he had a gut feeling. Even though he mentally prepared himself for this moment seeing him actually walk out doesn't hurt any less.

"Wait!" He shouts running after him, he reaches his hand out to grab him but he's too late. The door slams shut in his face, he stops and stares at the door before dropping his head against it.

"D-Don't go." He whispers as tears flow free from his eyes and down his face.

"P-Please don't go. Don't leave me here all alone." He sobs grabbing the door knob.

When he twists the front door open all he see's is a black abyss of nothingness. No front yard, no gate, no sunshine and most importantly, no Ethan.

I'm alone, forever.

He wakes with a gasp, his wide eyes search around his room analyzing his surroundings. A wave of relief hits him when he sees the familiar setting.

"I-It was just a dream." He sighs with a thankful smile.

Shutting his eyes he sits up and wipes his tears, he tries clearing his head of the nightmare as he focuses on each of his senses. He listens to the sound of the warm summer breeze coming in from an opened window. He moves his hand along the bed and feels the cool sheets rub against his skin. He opens his eyes and looks around seeing their room just as he left it.

Both his and Ethan's stuff fill the space. He spots Ethan's books on the desk, along with his clothes messily thrown around in random places. With a smile he drops down to the empty space next to him and curls into a ball on Ethan's side. He takes his pillow and holds it in his arms, tucking his nose on the pillow case he inhales. The scent makes his smile deepen.

It smells like Ethan, it smells like comfort.

He hears footsteps downstairs along with some silent humming and singing, his eyes open instantly recognizing the voice. He decides to get up and join him, throwing on his around the house robe and slippers he opens their room door and walks downstairs.

As he walks he thinks of the dream and wonders to himself why he had it. He hasn't dreamt in forever, and when he occasionally does he never has nightmares, not anymore. The nightmares stopped months ago. He halts mid staircase as he suddenly remembers.

Today is our one year anniversary.

It's been a whole year since they met in the big house. On this very day Ethan climbed up the stairs and found him. What would've happened if he just went home after his session like he was supposed to? Grayson shakes his head at the thought, he's glad he met Ethan even if it was at his most venerable. He helped him become stronger.

He reaches the end of the staircase and smiles as the smell of fresh coffee fills his senses, as he walks into the kitchen to pour himself a cup his eyes widen.

"Shit! I didn't get him anything." He whisper yells leaning against the counter.

It's too late now, I can't leave, and I can't avoid him the whole day.

"How could I forget?" He grumbles hitting himself on the top of the head a few times, then whining at the painful after effect.

"Grayson?"

"You awake?" Ethan asks from outside, he listens to his grumbling and whining with a confused face.