Domestic Bliss (Dustin Bates)

Tears

You felt the phone slip from your fingers, crashing to the floor. 

"Y/N?" Dustin called, walking into the kitchen where you stood. "Y/N, what's going on?" He moved to catch you as you started to sink to the floor, tears of shock streaming down your face. 

"They didn't make it," you whispered, feeling his arms wrap around you and pull you into his lap. "They're dead." The words caught in your throat like razor blades that you knew you shouldn't have consumed. It felt just as bad. Your friend was dead. 

"Oh, honey," he said, kissing the side of you head as the sobs began to come, wracking your body roughly. "I'm so sorry, my love." You tucked your head into the crook of his neck, grabbing his shirt between your fingers as you struggled to grasp his shoulders. 

Your mind couldn't stop playing through the memories of you and your friend. Dustin dutifully held you for what felt like hours, letting your tears soak his shirt and neck. He held you until he stopped crying. He scooped you up into his arms, carrying you into the living room and laying you on top of him on the couch. 

"I love you," he whispered, pressing a kiss to your head. You laid your head on his chest, your breath shaky and slow. He continued to pet your hair, hold your waist, let you get out the tears for your fallen friend. 

Dustin slowly sang to you softly, holding you close. You closed your eyes and resting against him. He sighed, continuing to sing to calm you down. After what felt like another several hours, you fell asleep, tear stains covering your cheeks. 

As you slept, you dreamed of your friend, hugging them one last time and telling you that you loved them. Them smiling and telling you that they loved you, too. 

When you woke up, Dustin was still there ready to hold you as you started crying again. 

This is for you, Pay. I love you. 

March 17, 2020