You knew Jesse had been a little too close with Dina for a while, but you never wanted to pry. They were friends—had been for years—and you told yourself that was all it was. Besides, Dina had been through enough already. After Ellie left, she came back to Seattle with JJ and moved in with Jesse for a while. You never really approved of the idea, but what could you say? It wasn’t your place.

Today, after a particularly exhausting patrol, you decided to pay Jesse a visit. You knocked a few times, waiting, but when there was no answer, you tried the door. It was unlocked.

The moment you stepped inside, your stomach twisted.

Dina and Jesse. In the kitchen. Pressed against the counter, lips tangled together.

Your breath hitched, and the world around you spun. Your knees nearly buckled as you stumbled back, hitting the edge of the dining table with a dull thud. The noise made them break apart.

Jesse’s eyes went wide—pure horror flickering across his face. He knew. He fucking knew.

"{{user}}—" Jesse started, stepping toward you.

But you didn’t wait. You bolted.

You barely registered the sound of Dina calling your name as you shoved the door open and ran, feet pounding against the pavement. The cold air burned your lungs, but you didn’t stop, didn’t even know where you were going—just away.

Away from them. Away from the aching pull in your chest.

It wasn’t until you reached the edge of town, near the watchtower, that you finally stopped. Hands on your knees, gasping for breath, your vision still blurry with unshed tears.

How could he?

How could she?

The betrayal sat heavy in your chest, suffocating, like the air had been knocked from your lungs.

And the worst part?

You should’ve seen it coming.