Feeling.

Time Machine

When Bright wakes up to find the space next to him empty, he is disappointed but not at all surprised. He groans, letting his eyes adjust to the bright light streaming in through Metawin's blinds. Finally, he rolls off of the queen bed, running his hand over his face as he mulls over what he's going to do next.

It would probably be less awkward if he was at his own house and Win had left. But Win left his own house. He checks his phone, it's nine in the morning and he has no missed calls. Of course. He finds his clothes at the end of the bed and quickly throws them on.

And then Bright hears a loud slam and jumps, his natural instincts kicking in immediately. Very quietly, he exits Win's bedroom and approaches the kitchen. All of his muscles loosen up when he sees Metawin's back to him. Win turns around, almost if he can sense Bright's awake.

Win's eyes meet Bright's for only a second before they're on the floor, on the wall, on the water bottle in his hands. He winces. "Sorry. I didn't mean to shut the cabinet so loudly."

"It's fine," Bright says quietly, watching Win closely. Win's is shirtless. Bright raises an eyebrow. "Did you just get back from a run?" he asks incredulously.

Win nods. "Morning routine for my days off." An awkward beat passes and Win rocks back on his heels. "What are you thinking?" he asks, and Bright almost laughs because he was just about to ask him the same thing before Win beat him to the punch.

"I'm thinking that… you rolling out of bed at the crack of dawn probably isn't a good sign, huh?" Bright says honestly.

Win presses his lips together in thought for a moment before letting out a small sigh. "I don't know, Bright… I…"

Win trails off, setting his water bottle down on the countertop and leaning against his sink, finally working up the courage to meet Bright's eyes again.

"Do you regret last night?" Bright asks when he realizes Win's not going to elaborate his first answer.

"No," Win answers quickly, and that brings Bright relief. At least temporarily.

"Good," Bright says, feeling hopeful but still not allowing himself to smile quite yet. Because he knew in the back of his mind that this would happen. That Win's see things differently in the light of day. That he's still a rookie. Win is still terrified of commitment and opening himself up to people. One night, no matter how great, isn't going to change that.

"The thing is… I'm still a rookie-"

"For only a couple more months," Bright interjects, because he can't help himself.

Win nods and rolls his lips together. Taking a deep breath, he speaks again. "I know. But… Bright, the fact is I'm a rookie right now. I want nothing more than to be the best cop I can be. The right way. The respectable way. I have not earned the respect of my superiors and I certainly won't earn it by sleeping with my T.O."

As Win says this, a rosy blush works its way to his cheeks. Still, he powers through his speech.

"I was a little tipsy last night and I wasn't thinking. You're like," Win pauses, looks deep in thought, and then just shrugs. "You're like the best person in my life, and I know this has been a little awkward… this whole enemies to colleagues to friends to…. this. I didn't think about my actions last night, I just… acted. And as nice as that was for a night, it's back to reality."

Bright takes this all in quietly. He doesn't want to sit here and beg for Win to reconsider. He doesn't even recognize himself anymore. He's tired of being this pathetic version of himself that pines for Metawin. Sure, Win's led him on a little, but he should have known better. He knows Metawin better than anyone, and he knows all the reasons why this wouldn't be a good idea.