Recovery (Until Dawn)

4. Socialization

"Is everything okay?" Adrian piped up, putting his book aside at the loud noise of the door slamming shut. He could hear the low beats of the music downstairs; the friends' loud conversations; the drunken cheers. He'd escaped to Beth's room a while ago, as the volume of the music alone irritated his tinnitus. Still, he wasn't used to the violent behavior from his friend, and his eyebrow raised with curiosity and concern.

She didn't respond, simply huffing to herself with her hands gently trembling as she stormed to the bed beside him. The sudden explosion of her weight pushed him up a bit, but he didn't dare ask any questions. If she wanted to talk to him, she would, and he didn't want to risk upsetting her further by pressing her for information.

Despite the curiosity burning in his veins, he stayed silent, only pressing himself up against the wall next to the bed- a movement that itself would draw attention to his presence, hopefully a comfort to his ally. He didn't return to the book, his attention mostly elsewhere, so instead he just opened his phone and began to check his social media for entertainment in the meantime.

Neither spoke a word, remaining where they were; Adrian against the wall, curled halfway into a ball; Beth facedown in the sheets, hidden beneath the pool her hair and clothes created. They didn't mind the silence- they were plenty used to it, often wanting the other's company but not the conversation people usually entailed. As concerned as he was, especially after seeing her trembling, he trusted her to tell him if something was seriously wrong.

After what he estimated to be two song changed since her arrival, she weakly pushed herself up, deciding instead kneel beside it with her arms laid on the side of the bed. The moments drew his attention, quirking an eyebrow to let it further be known, but remained quiet. Her mouth fell open as she tried to form words but seemed almost too exhausted to do so.

"I... I don't wanna talk anymore," she admitted, and he nodded. She didn't need to explain any further, seeing as they understood. This wasn't the first time it happened, though it was the first it happened so violently. She didn't want to be alone but couldn't handle people. Like him, she just wanted the comfort of company without the conversation that came with. Sure, they both loved talking to people, and participating with the group, but there came a point where they couldn't anymore. His came earlier, and now it was her time.

Glancing down at her, he simply pat the bed next to him as an invitation before returning to his phone. From the corner of his eye, he could see her expression ease. She climbed up to join him, situating herself so she was lying down with her head near, but not touching, him. He could see her eyes fixated on the ceiling, her feet dancing quietly as her fingers tapped the rhythm of the music downstairs across her stomach. A smile drew across his lips- he loved her dearly.

They didn't need to talk to enjoy each other's company. Sometimes, they just wanted to be alone together. That was enough.

...

Adrian's hands trembled as thoughts overwhelmed him, a result of the words on the screen of his phone. No, I-I can't do this. I can't. He took a deep breath, noticing the terrified spiral his mind was going down, and read the words again.

SAM FRIEND: chris ashley and I are going to a movie tonight. are you in? we can talk boundaries if you need. let me know so we can talk details

His mind raced with so many feelings and thoughts- excuses not to go despite how badly part of him wanted to. He could feel his body quake despite his wishes, racing with adrenaline. He wasn't dying, he wasn't in danger, he told himself, hoping the reminder would calm him further. Instead, he decided to attempt to sort through his conflicted feelings, knowing rationally that going was likely for the best.