For once, Austin wants to feel like this is real. His expression is pensive as he hovers above you, panting softly as sweat drips from his forehead, and his mind fogs with the effort for words. “Ugh.” Shoulders buckling, his head swoops low—soft curls brushing against your lips. God, if it’s just for tonight—“I love you,”

He’d meant it to be genuine. Now, it sounds like an afterthought, something careless and wanton that shouldn’t be taken seriously, and Austin’s expression tightens with regret.

Oblivious, your lips spread into a blissed out grin, and those pretty, manicured nails he’d paid for curl against his shoulders. He’d unravel right then and there if it weren’t for how desperate he feels right now, pink tongue smoothing over chapped lips.

“Shit,” he exhales.

“Baby, tell me you love me too, please.”

Suddenly—everything freezes. No longer do your nails trace intimately along his skin, they dig, and Austin winces as a pained groan leaves his lips. “My god—”

You both speak at the same time.

“What is wrong with you?”

What a mess.