THE LEFTOVERS

50. Cruelty can be awfully poetic

"I didn't know you worked out like that," said a familiar voice from the doorframe.

You turned, a smile tugging at your lips as you saw James leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed and eyes glued to you. He looked tired, a little dusty, but beautiful as ever.

You were mid-split on the floor and quickly clapped your legs together, pushing yourself up to stand.

"Not everyone's got super soldier strength," you said, shooting him a finger gun. "But I do know how to bend."

James chuckled, striding over to you with ease. His hand found your waist, tugging you into him before you could protest.

"I'm sweaty," you warned, placing a hand on his chest to push away—halfheartedly.

"You've never looked better," he murmured.

His voice was warm, familiar. His gaze softened as he looked down at you, taking in the small details—your damp hair, flushed cheeks, and quickened heartbeat. He could hear it all. Your body still buzzed from the workout, but now something else was creeping in: relief. You had missed him.

"Plus," he added, glancing down at his own dust-streaked shirt, "you make me feel less guilty showing up looking like this."

You grinned. "You mean like a rugged, attractive man with dirt on his face?"

"Be careful. My ego might not fit through the door," James teased, and leaned in to kiss you.

The kiss was soft, a gentle reconnecting of lips that felt like slipping back into your favorite song. It didn't need to be rushed. There was no distance between you anymore.

But then, as the kiss ended, you took a breath and pulled back slightly. There was something you needed to say.

"Okay, so... something happened while you were gone," you began, trying to keep your tone light.

James immediately stilled, his hand brushing against your cheek as he looked at you with concern. "Anything serious?"

"No," you said quickly. "Nothing like that. Just... Stark."

His expression shifted. "What about him?"

You exhaled through your nose. "He was weird with me, James. Not in a 'made a move' way, but... I caught him staring. Saying odd things. I think he was trying to flirt, but honestly, it just made me uncomfortable."

James's jaw twitched slightly, but he didn't speak. You reached for his chin, gently guiding his gaze back to yours.

"I didn't play into it. I shut it down. Just thought you should know."

James gave a slow nod. "Did he touch you?"

You shook your head. "Tried to sit a little too close, but I moved. It didn't go anywhere."