Mazes Of Red

CHAPTER 37 : Fragile

Red Hood's POV

It had been weeks since our argument. Weeks of restless nights and relentless self-doubt. The weight of my actions hung heavy, pushing me to confront the truth-about who I really was and the pain I had caused her.

I climbed through the window cautiously, trying to make as little noise as possible.

My excuse about the broken shower was flimsy at best; I knew I needed to apologize, to lay everything bare.

Inside, the house was unusually quiet.

Lauren was sitting on her sofa, quieter than I'd ever seen her.

She didn't argue with my intrusion or demand to know why I was back.

Confused by her subdued demeanor, I made my way further into the house.

As I passed the bathroom door, I paused, turning back to check on her.

She was sitting on the couch, tears staining her cheeks.

A book lay open in her lap, an empty wine bottle on the table, and a half-filled glass beside it.

Her wet hair was draped over her shoulders, her slender frame wrapped in a black robe.

Her sun-kissed skin and blue eyes seemed muted under the weight of her emotions.

I dropped my duffel bag by the door and walked over, lowering myself to sit in front of her.

She didn't look up until I was close, her fingers tracing absent patterns on the book.

When she finally met my gaze, she managed a small smile through her tears. "When did you get in?" she asked softly.

"You didn't hear the window?" I questioned, surprised.

She shook her head no, her expression fragile.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my concern evident.

She sat up a bit, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I'm fine," she said, trying to sound convincing.

Her attempt at a smile was strained. "Why are you in my house?"

"I... was going to use the shower," I replied awkwardly.

"Right," she nodded, her voice distant.

Then, after a moment, she asked, "Could you get another bottle from the fridge?"

I hesitated, knowing she didn't need more wine.

Still, I retrieved it and placed it on the coffee table before sitting beside her in silence.

Minutes passed like hours before I finally took off my helmet, keeping my eyes averted.

I set it down gently, trying not to disturb the photo album that covered part of the table.

My gaze fell on a photo from our younger days.

I picked it up, feeling a lump form in my throat, but I managed to hold back tears.

Turning to her, I gently took the book from her hands, holding one of them in mine.

She tried to snatch it back half-heartedly, hindered by the effects of the alcohol.

"Are you really okay?" I asked again softly, my voice filled with concern.

That's when she burst into tears, suddenly wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.

Instinctively, I held her close, soothing her as I used to when we were younger.

"This... this feels familiar," she admitted between sobs. " I... I like it."

I held her gently, waiting until she was ready to talk.

Eventually, she pulled back slightly, sniffling. "It's... it's my mother's death anniversary today," she explained haltingly. "I went to visit her grave, and... it was vandalized. It upset me, but I thought I could handle it."

She took a deep breath, composing herself. "Then I... I went to Jason's grave. I talked to him, poured out everything... and it just overwhelmed me."

Tears welled up in my own eyes, but I blinked them back, focusing on her.

"And then I saw Penny's had closed down," she continued, her voice trembling. "It felt like I lost everything."

Listening to Lauren pour out her heart, I felt a pang of guilt and sorrow deep within me.

Her vulnerability struck a chord reminding me of the pain I had inadvertently caused her.

Despite everything, she was here, sharing her pain with me.

"I'm sorry," I finally whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry for everything you've had to endure."

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. " are you?" she asked quietly, her voice wavering.

I nodded slowly. "I am" I admitted, my gaze dropping momentarily. "I know I've been... difficult. Trust doesn't come easily for me."

Her expression softened, a mix of understanding and sadness. "I know," she replied softly. "But why?"

I hesitated, the weight of my secret pressing against my chest. "There are things... things I haven't told you," I began carefully. "Things that... complicate everything."

She nodded slowly, her hand squeezing mine gently. "I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my unspoken truths. "I want to trust you," I continued, my voice steady. "But it's... complicated."

"I get it," she reassured me, her eyes filled with compassion. "Trust takes time."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling a small sense of relief.

We sat in silence for a moment, the tension between us easing slightly. I glanced at the photo album on the table, memories of our past flooding back.

"I should go," I said reluctantly, standing up. "I shouldn't have come here like this."

Lauren looked up at me, her expression conflicted. "Will you... come back?" she asked quietly.

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "I... don't know," I admitted honestly. "But I'll try."

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That's all I can ask for," she said softly.

I nodded in return, a lump forming in my throat. "Take care of yourself, Lauren," I said quietly, before turning towards the door.

As I reached for the handle, she spoke again. "Wait," she said hesitantly.

I turned back to her, curious.

"I just... thank you, for being here," she said, her voice catching slightly. "Despite everything."

I managed a small smile. "Anytime," I replied, before stepping out into the night.

AUTHORS NOTE

BOOOM DOUBLE UPDATE NOW IM GONNA DISAPPEAR AGAIN.

THANKS FOR READING