Grand Theft of my Heart *Trevor Phillips x Reader*

Part 27

        When you awoke in the morning, the first thing that hit you was the unpleasant smell of stale smoke lingering in the air. It was as if the room had absorbed years' worth of cigarette fumes, leaving behind a heavy, suffocating atmosphere. Groggy and disoriented, you rubbed your eyes and tried to make sense of your surroundings. As your vision cleared, you noticed the walls of the motel room were a stained maroon color, the result of years of neglect and inadequate cleaning. The peeling wallpaper in some places revealed a grimy layer of older paint beneath, adding to the room's overall sense of decay. You were missing your pants and your shirt but the jacket he'd given you was still covering oyu down to your waist. 
        As you sat up in the creaky, worn-out bed, you couldn't help but notice the way the morning light streamed through the thin, faded curtains. It cast eerie shadows across the room, highlighting the dust particles floating in the air. The room had a dim, gloomy aura, making it feel like you had stepped into a forgotten corner of the world. You sighed and swung your feet over the edge of the bed, the ancient springs beneath it groaning in protest. Stretching and attempting to shake off the stiffness from the uncomfortable sleep, you decided it was time to freshen up and start the day. You made your way to the tiny bathroom, hoping that at least the water pressure would be decent.
        Trevor's light snoring can be heard coming from the recliner sitting next to the bed, you wondered why he chose to kick back in the recliner rather then lay down with you in the bed for the night. You gently closed the bathroom door, trying not to disturb Trevor's peaceful slumber. As you turned on the faucet, you were relieved to find that the water pressure wasn't as bad as you had feared. The rusty pipes groaned, protesting the sudden demand for water, but soon enough, a lukewarm stream began to flow from the tap. You cupped your hands and splashed your face with the tepid water, hoping it would help you shake off the grogginess.
        While the water refreshed your senses to some extent, it couldn't rid the room of its lingering stench. You briefly contemplated whether to leave the door open to let in some fresh air, but the fear of drawing attention to yourself won over, so you decided against it. Instead, you resolved to find a way to leave this shabby motel as soon as possible. You'd actually fallen asleep before making it to the hotel and you don't remember getting out of the car or getting undressed. As the water running becomes background noise your thoughts fall into the similar pattern it always does; the call of your grandmother, the news of your fathers death, the many fights with trevor, and the man who broke into trevor's home to kill you only to be beaten to death by the man himself.
        Your mind still travels back to that day very often, ensiting the burn of fresh tears that fall down your cheek. You didn't know why you were crying, or why you felt such guilt over his death, you seemed to have a habit of blaming yourself for a lot of things you weren't responsible for or at least that's what Trevor said. The memories of that fateful day a few weeks ago rushed back to you like a torrential downpour. It was a day that changed everything, a day you couldn't forget even if you tried.
        Something in you changed that day, maybe you cared less or maybe you just learned to hide that it bothered you better. Either way you weren't the same as the day you met Trevor Philips. He tried to keep it from you, tried to shelter you from it, you still basically knew nothing of his current job although you began to think more and more on what he did in the past and just how much of it was in the past. The memories of that fateful day replayed vividly in your mind as you continued to stand in the dimly lit bathroom, lost in thoughts and emotions. You had met Trevor Philips by chance, and little did you know at the time that your lives would become inexplicably intertwined. He was brash, unpredictable, and had a dark past that he tried to shield you from. But that past had a way of resurfacing, and you couldn't help but wonder if he would truly put it behind him.
        Despite his violent tendencies, Trevor had shown you moments of kindness and even protected you from the dangers that lurked around him. He gave you the jacket you now wore, a token of his peculiar version of care. However, you often questioned whether it was genuine concern for your well-being or if he just needed someone around to keep his own demons at bay. As you gazed at the jacket's worn fabric, your mind drifted to through events like a picture book that you can't seem to throw away. The news of your father hit you like a tidal wave, leaving you feeling numb and lost. Trevor was there, or at least he had physically been there, and despite his rough exterior, he had tried to comfort you in his own way. But deep inside, you couldn't shake the feeling that his motivations were more complicated than they seemed.
        The break-in at Trevor's place and the ensuing altercation were etched into your memory like scars. The intruder had come for him but instead found you, and you were both grateful that Trevor had fought him off but upset the outcome was grim. Yet, you couldn't help but question why you seemed to attract such danger and chaos wherever you went. With a deep breath, you splashed your face with water once more, trying to refocus your thoughts. You knew you had to find a way to leave this place again, to move forward, or technically go back. You shrugged off the jacket nd hang it on the hook that is nailed into the back of the door before stripping down for a shower. The room had become a sauna while you fell down the rabbit hole of your thoughts, they seem to drift and sway like the plume of smoke that comes from a lit cigar. They would go to happier memories, You and Trevor's first kiss, The time he took you for a plane ride in the middle of the night, and your personal favorite the time you two spent at the house you'd dreamed of making into your own. 
        With the memories of both the happy and challenging times with Trevor swirling in your mind, you stepped into the shower, seeking solace in the cleansing water. As the lukewarm droplets cascaded over your body, you felt a temporary release from the weight of your thoughts. You let the water wash away the dirt, both physical and emotional, hoping it could somehow cleanse your mind as well. Once you finished your shower, you wrapped yourself in a worn-out towel that matched the general state of the motel room. Glancing around, you noticed that Trevor was still snoring in the recliner. The sense of guilt and responsibility lingered in your heart, wondering how his past had affected his present and what the future held for both of you.
        With determination, you decided to face the day head-on and figure out your next steps. You reached for the clothes you had left on a nearby chair and began to dress. As you were about to leave the bathroom, you caught a glimpse of yourself in the cracked mirror. Your eyes reflected a mix of emotions—uncertainty, fear, longing, and perhaps a glimmer of hope. You approached the recliner where Trevor was still sleeping, looking more peaceful than his usual intense self. Part of you wanted to wake him up and confront him about everything that had been going through your mind, but another part hesitated. You knew that bringing up such deep-seated issues could lead to explosive reactions from him, and you didn't want to be the cause of another tumultuous event.
        Your fathers funeral was tomorrow so you hoped you'd made it at least close to your destination so that you can make it on time, once your dressed you get the room key from the dresser next to the bathroom and head up front for hopefully breakfast. As you made your way to the front desk, you were greeted by a tired-looking middle-aged woman with worn-out eyes, which seemed to match the weary appearance of the entire motel. The fake smile on her face as she handed you a plastic key card made you feel like just another transient passing through this forgotten corner of the world.
        "Good morning," she said in a monotone voice, hardly making eye contact.
        "Morning," you replied, attempting to muster some semblance of politeness. "Is there any breakfast available?"
        Her gaze flicked toward the corner of the lobby where a small area was set up with a few stale pastries and a coffee machine that looked like it had seen better days. "There's some pastries and coffee over there. Help yourself."
        You thanked her and headed over to the pitiful breakfast setup, realizing that this was not the kind of place where one would find a sumptuous morning meal. As you grabbed a cold pastry and poured yourself a cup of lukewarm coffee, you noticed a few other guests scattered around the lobby. They looked like people passing through, just like you, seeking a place to rest for the night on a long journey. With breakfast in hand, you found a seat by the window, the stale coffee barely able to warm your fingers. Outside, you could see a small sign for the motel with a flickering neon light that read "Sunset Motel." It had probably been there for decades, guiding weary travelers to its crumbling walls.
        As you looked out the window, you couldn't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity with the surroundings. The landscape had a certain charm, reminiscent of the picturesque small towns you had seen in movies, like a quintessential Virginian setting. The motel was surrounded by rolling hills, and in the distance, you could spot a quaint church steeple rising above the treetops. A feeling of déjà vu washed over you, as if you had seen this scene before. Then it struck you like a lightning bolt—you were already in your hometown. This place, despite its seeming remoteness, was actually the town you grew up in. The memories came rushing back—the streets you used to walk, the local stores, and the park where you played as a child.
        How could you have not recognized it earlier? Perhaps the pain and turmoil of recent events had blinded you to the familiarity of this place. You felt a mix of surprise, relief, and trepidation at the realization that you were back where it all began. As you continued to stare out the window, lost in thought, a flood of childhood memories washed over you. The bittersweet nostalgia of your past intertwined with the chaotic present, and you couldn't help but wonder if fate had brought you back to confront your roots. A part of you felt like this was an opportunity to face your past and the unresolved feelings you had left behind when you set out on your own journey. But another part of you feared getting tangled in the complexities of your hometown once more.
        You took another sip of the lukewarm coffee, trying to gather your thoughts. The memories of simpler times and the people who once filled your life flooded your mind. But on the other hand, you couldn't ignore the weight of the recent events and the darkness that had followed you wherever you went, even to this seemingly idyllic place. As you stared out the window, you noticed a couple of children playing in the distance. Their carefree laughter cut through the heavy atmosphere of the motel lobby, reminding you of the innocence you once possessed. It was a stark contrast to the tangled web of danger and chaos that had become your life with Trevor. Deep down, you knew you needed to face the funeral of your father and confront the memories that haunted you. It was time to bid farewell to the past, lay your father to rest, and find closure in the place you once called home.
        You didn't know how your family would react to you bringing home someone like him, you knew they'd immediately think the worst, not that they'd be wrong in their assumptions. You wondered if you should go see them for the day, getting caught up and getting the intricacies of it all out of the way and let Trevor do as he wished around town, but would he agree to leave you alone for that long? You knew Trevor had a temper, one that you had been shielded from during most of your time together. While he had shown you kindness and protection, you couldn't overlook the darker aspects of his personality.
        The thought of facing your family with Trevor in tow was daunting, and you couldn't predict their reaction. Would they understand that he had been your protector and cared for you in his own way? Or would they see him only as a danger to your well-being and insist that you leave him behind? As you continued to ponder, you noticed the flickering neon sign of the Sunset Motel through the window. The name of the place seemed oddly fitting, considering the crossroads you found yourself standing at. The memories of Trevor's kindness and the love you shared intermingled with the fear and uncertainty about your future together. With a deep breath, you made a decision. Today, you would visit your family and confront the emotions that had been bubbling beneath the surface.
        It was time to face your past, say your goodbyes, and find some measure of closure. As for Trevor, you needed to have an honest conversation with him about what you were feeling after your fathers funeral, doing it here seemed out of the question. You finished your meal and waved goodbye to the front desk clerk before heading out of the lobby and back to your room. When you arrived back, Trevor was still asleep but he's taken off his shirt and sprawled across the bed taking up most of it while he snores. You took a moment to watch Trevor's sleeping form, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Despite his tough exterior, he looked vulnerable in his slumber.
        You decided to leave him a note that told him where you were going and when you'd be back. You told him to visit some of the bars and have a good time, within reason, while you were gone. You felt bad leaving him to his own devices, but you didn't want to force him to accompany you. You wanted to give him the freedom to make his own decisions, and you knew that if it were up to him he wouldn't be wasting his time around a bunch of old folks all day.
             You walked over to the side table and grabbed your bag that had your basic things like phone room key and so on, before leaving the motel room and going outside. After walking a short distance, you stopped to look at the map on your phone. It seemed this town was quite spread out, looks like you'd have to take a cab home. You glanced up and saw a one driving past on the road to the right. You figured it would be faster if you could flag it down instead of waiting for a ride after you call so you started walking towards the street, trying to catch the attention of whoever was in the driver's seat.
          A few minutes later, the cab slowed to a stop in front of you, blocking traffic as it waited patiently. As soon as it pulled up and stopped, you ran towards the back passenger door, hoping to catch the driver's attention before anyone else could. You hop into the small dated taxi cab and turn to the driver.
         "Hey, where can I-" he stopped before finishing, his eyes widening as he began to stutter. "(Y/N)?"
          You were stunned, there airtight in the driver seat was Eliot Spencer. You'd gone to school with him in highschool, graduated same year together and even dated for a short period during junior high, it was nothing but silly kid crushes you'd never even kissed him while you were dating if you could call it that. 
            "Oh, my God. Eliot, it's been forever," you gushed, still keeping your distance as you'd grown rather weary of people in your time away from home. You'd completely forgotten that his father use to drive this very cab.
            "I'm so sorry but I'm gonna need a big hug," he said before burying his head in your shoulder.
You chuckled awkwardly, patting his back as he hugged you tightly. He smelled exactly the same, and he squeezed you tight enough to make you squirm in your seat.
            "Eliot, it's great to see you too," you said, trying to maintain your composure. His unexpected display of emotion caught you off guard, but it was heartwarming to reconnect with someone from your past. "How have you been?"
            "Been good, been real good," he replied with a wide smile as he pulled away slightly, still holding onto your shoulders. "Life's been treating me well, and I've been keeping busy driving this cab and doing some odd jobs on the side. But enough about me, what brings you back to town?"
            You hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much you wanted to share about your recent life and the events that led you back to your hometown. "Well, I'm back for my father's funeral," you said softly, looking away briefly before meeting his gaze again.
             "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Eliot said, his expression turning sympathetic. "I didn't know. He was a good man."
             "Yeah, he was," you replied, feeling a lump form in your throat. "I just... I needed to be here, you know? It's time to say goodbye and face some things from my past."
             Eliot nodded understandingly. "I get it. Sometimes, you have to confront your past to move forward."
           "Exactly," you agreed, appreciating his empathy. "Listen, can you take me to my old place? I want to visit my family's house before the funeral tomorrow."
          "Of course, anything for you," Eliot said warmly, releasing you from his grip and focusing on driving. The cab pulled away from the motel, and you found yourself feeling surprisingly at ease in his presence. The familiarity of your hometown and the comfort of having someone you knew by your side eased some of the tension you had been feeling.
          As you rode through the streets, Eliot shared updates about some of your old classmates and friends, and you found yourself reminiscing about the past. He mentioned that he was still a mastermind at fixing things and had a small workshop where he repaired gadgets and electronics for people in town. It was interesting to see how he had turned his skills into a profession.
Eventually, the cab arrived at your old neighborhood. As you stepped out, you were hit with a wave of nostalgia. The flowers, the old trailers, and the trees were all so familiar, but you also felt a sense of detachment from this place that used to be your home.
          "Thanks for the ride, Eliot," you said gratefully as you paid him for the fare.
           "Anytime. And seriously, if you need anything while you're in town, just give me a call," he said sincerely.
You nodded with a smile. "I appreciate that. Maybe we can catch up properly after everything settles down."
          "I'd like that," Eliot replied, returning your smile.
          You watched the cab drive away before turning to face your childhood home. It was a small single wide with a white picket fence and a small garden. Memories of running around in the backyard with your siblings and playing games with your father flooded your mind. But the house also held painful memories, especially after your mother left.
           Taking a deep breath, you approached the front door and rang the bell. Your heart pounded as you waited for someone to answer. After what felt like an eternity, the door finally opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a familiar face. It was your uncle, your father's brother.