Between Us Novels & Stories

The bond between us grew stronger with each passing moment, weaving a tapestry of friendship and love. As we savored each mouthful, our conversations deepened, exploring the intricacies of life, dreams, and aspirations. We exchanged anecdotes and secrets, baring our souls to one another. In that intimate setting, surrounded by the warmth of genuine connections, it felt as if time stood still, allowing us to truly embrace the present moment.

We wrap around each other like if only we stay close enough, we might be able to put an end to this. Then, we start walking.

I groaned, and we both started making out. This time there are no butterflies but there are sure monkeys though. We slowly released each other when we were out of breath and smiled at each other. We both drifted off into sleep holding each other like that…

One of them said the word curse twice. Caelum's voice cut through the others each time he spoke. By the time the doors opened again about fifteen minutes later and the council members filed out past me without making eye contact, I had a fairly clear picture of the room. Caelum came out last. He looked at me for a moment, then reached out and touched my cheek, just lightly, the backs of his fingers against my face, and the gesture was so unexpected that I genuinely did not have a prepared reaction for it.

An electric current coursed through my whole body, but I held the discomfort in and struggled away from his arms. Then, I met Tim's cool, calm eyes. When my voice came out, it was shaking. "Do I know that expert?" My nails were digging into my palms. The pain was throbbing, but my eyes never left his face. Tim looked at the ground for a moment, then he met my eyes and put on a smile. His answer came out like he was talking about an old acquaintance. "Zoe Wilson." We had a tacit agreement spanning six years to never bring that name up, and now he had just broken that agreement. That name crashed onto my head like a meteor hitting the ground.

Neither of us spoke, neither of us needed to because in that single moment. We both understood. Nothing between us would ever be the same again.

She helped. She reached for the hem of her own shorts and slid them off too. And then it was just skin and the duvet and the quiet of the house around them. They moved together. Slow at first. Learning. Kisses that turned deeper. Hands that didn’t shake anymore. Whispered names. The sound of breathing that matched. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t about forgetting the beach or the grief. It was about choosing each other in the middle of it. After, they didn’t let go.

Maureen nudged her. Aria laughed. “Yes, we’re friends now. Not that close though.” “I feel offended. I thought we were close now.” A voice spoke from behind and both girls looked back. It was Matteo. “Here, you left your book.” Matteo said and handed the book over to her. “You’re Maureen, right?” Matteo said, his right hand stretched out for a handshake. “I guess I’m quite popular. Nice to meet you, Matteo. Aria here was just saying nice things about you, so I believe both of you are quite close now.” Maureen said, taking the gesture.

The tension bet⁠ween u‍s​ had been lef⁠t ha​ngi⁠ng, unaddressed,⁠ like an u⁠nanswered question ne‍ithe‌r of us dared p⁠ut⁠ into words. We cr⁠ossed the l⁠ine. T⁠wic⁠e⁠. An‍d yet… we didn’‍t. I wished, shamelessly, re​cklessly‍, th‍at we hadn’t​ be​en int​erru​pt‍ed. Bu⁠t another part of me whisp‍ered that th‌e i⁠nte​r​ruption was a‍ blessing. Be‌cause what were we doing, really? We bare‌ly knew each othe​r outside o‍f work. I did​n’t‌ know where‌ I stood with him. I did​n’t‍ even⁠ k‌no‍w what w‌e were. Something? Nothing? A mistake waitin⁠g to happen?

Still, for now, she let herself believe in the moment. Gabriel brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “When I was younger, I thought silence meant emptiness. Loneliness. But with you…” His eyes softened. “The silence between us is full. It’s alive. It’s everything I never thought I’d have.” Lucy’s lips curved, her tears slipping free at last. “Then let’s protect it. No matter what comes.” He drew her close, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Together,” he murmured.