Cuddle Buddies (Demi Lovato fanfiction) (REUPLOAD)

The confession

The remainder of the weekend passed in a hazy blur. After leaving Demi's place, I succumbed to a torrent of tears that I had held back for weeks. It was as if a floodgate had opened, and all my bottled-up emotions poured out uncontrollably. On Saturday night, I received a text message from Demi, checking to see if I am okay and offering her support if I needed someone to talk to. This gesture hurt even more, highlighting how perfect she is. Demi understood that I wouldn't be up for a phone call, yet she wanted to reassure me that she was there. It was bittersweet – a reminder of her kindness but also a reminder of the emotional turmoil I was grappling with. I had to find a way to navigate this; I couldn't bear the thought of losing her friendship.

Monday morning found me at the salon bright and early at 8 a.m. My schedule was packed for the day, leaving little room to dwell on my troubles. Although I appreciated the distraction, exhaustion clung to me, fueled by days of sleepless nights. Even during my 40-minute lunch break at 1 p.m., my lack of appetite pushed me to lie down on the couch for a brief power nap.

This couch had been one of my best decisions, fitting perfectly into my space. Just as I was drifting off, a voice I recognized all too well cut through my half-sleep state. I opened my eyes with a sigh, spotting Demi walking in. She walked with purpose to my area, her unwavering gaze locked on me. I sat up, massaging my temples in an attempt to ward off an impending migraine.

"Here you are," Demi stated, halting before me. "Can we talk?"

"Demi, it's been a tough day and I'm battling a migraine. Can it wait?" My words were hushed.

"Evan, you're upset with me for some reason. I need to know why," Demi said, shaking her head firmly.

I glanced up at her, weighing my words.

"I'm not mad at you, but everything is just falling apart for me right now. Maybe it's best if we give each other some space for a while." The words slipped out before I could even consider the implications. Instantly, I knew I'd made a mistake. You should never utter those words to someone you're trying to convince that they're not the source of the problem.

"That's quite something to hear," Demi responded, her tone laced with a mix of surprise and exasperation. "Now I'm certain that the issue isn't with me." She nodded and let out a humorless laugh. "When you're ready to confront your problems like an adult instead of running from them, you know where to find me." Her gaze bore into mine, and then she turned on her heel, walking away. I watched her departure in silence.

This situation is spiraling out of control.

_________________________

As if the day couldn't possibly worsen, the familiar twinge in my wrist began to make itself known—a telltale sign of my recurring tendonitis. It struck about once a year, a not-so-subtle reminder that I needed to ease off the gas pedal. I wrapped my hand with a resigned sigh and informed Hannah to reduce my appointments for the week. Pushing through the pain might have been an option, but I'd learned the hard way, years ago, that it was a futile endeavor. I wasn't willing to risk ruining a significant tattoo piece for a client just because of my impatience. Slowing down and allowing my hand to heal properly was the wiser route, though I detested it. The path to recovery might be frustrating, but at least I knew the steps I needed to take.

After leaving the shop, I headed home initially, but then I made a decision. I changed direction, heading towards Demi's place.

I rang the bell and waited, but there was no immediate response. A second ring and still no answer. I contemplated leaving and returning to my car when finally, the door opened, revealing a disheveled, weary Demi. We held each other's gaze for a brief moment before she stepped aside to allow me in. She was dressed in sweatpants and an oversized shirt, devoid of any makeup—a sight that, under different circumstances, I would have appreciated. However, it was evident that she had been crying recently. My heart ached at the thought that my actions had caused her distress.