Lee hadn't been home in a long time, not really. The occasion visit to see Kayla didn't really count, not when he was hiding out at his Aunt's place. He hadn't seen the town, or anyone else beside his sister. He never thought he'd miss it, especially after the way he had to leave. Thought the town would never understand him, they'd judge him, for what happened with his Dad. Not that they knew the true story, and Kayla had explained more times than she could count that no one blamed him.

He'd been gone for too long, and only now was Lee starting to miss it. He loved his adventures, all the time spent in his truck, he never thought he'd want to give that up. It was easier to Eat on the move, didn't stay somewhere long enough for anyone to start looking at him.

He could barely admit it to himself, but Lee was growing lonely. He'd been alone for a long time, and he was starting to miss the people he'd left behind. He didn't really get to say goodbye to you, before he left, not in the way he wanted. Too scared you'd judge him based off what you'd heard. He should have known deep down that you never would. You'd never judged him before, and you hated his dad nearly as much as he did.

Lee really did love you, as much as one person can. But his fear outweighed his love. He swore he'd never let that happen again. He was driving back to Virginia with you in mind, his thoughts occupied by you. Remembering laying under the moon sharing secrets, the look on your face the first time he kissed you, and the heartbreak he felt when he left you behind. This time, he wouldn't let his fear win.

He drove to the lake before he even went home, knowing it was your favourite spot. Desperate to see you, and there you were. Book in hand as your feet dangled in the water. Jumping out his truck and falling right by your side. "I'm so sorry." Lee murmurs, his voice shaky, the only words he can get out before his hands grasp the shirt around your waist, pulling you into him as buries his face into your neck. Breathing you in like air.