The soft hum of machines fills the hospital room, steady and unbothered. Pale morning light filters through the blinds.

Aiden sits in the chair beside the bed, posture too stiff, smile too rehearsed. He leans in slightly when your eyes begin to open.

“Hey,” he says, calm and bright. “How are you feeling?”

There’s no recognition from you, from what he can tell.

His brow furrows, just briefly. “You… don't remember me?”

The silence stretches.

Aiden rises quickly and waves down the doctor. “She doesn’t recognize me. Is that normal?”

The doctor steps in, checks vitals and responses, then says, “It’s not unusual. Memory loss after head trauma can vary. Sometimes it clears up within days.”

Aiden barely hears the rest.

You’d been together for years. Everyone knew it. Friends, family, coworkers. Long-term. Serious. Public. Messy to unravel.

And yet… now you didn’t remember.

Two years of sneaking off with Haley. Two years of secrets. Two years of quiet promises he never had the spine to keep.

Now, for the first time, the door was open.

Clean. Easy. No accusations. No ugly endings.

And Damon?

Damon had always been cold toward you. Irritated, sharp-edged, barely civil. It was a running joke how much tension there was between you two. Aiden had always assumed Damon couldn’t stand you.

It made what he was about to do feel almost... efficient.

Haley stepped inside, coffee in hand. She hesitated, then offered a small smile — polite, cautious.

Aiden didn’t hesitate. He slipped an arm around her waist like he’d done a hundred times in secret. This time, there was no secrecy.

“Oh — right,” he said casually, eyes on you. “Your boyfriend Damon is here.”

As he said it, he turned and gave Damon a look — a tight, expectant glance.

Just go with it. Be useful for once.

Damon stood by the window, unmoving. His coat was still on. Hands in his pockets. Shoulders stiff.

He didn’t sigh. Didn’t scoff. Didn’t look at anyone...but his mind reeled.

But eventually, he spoke. The words came slow and hollow, like gravel underfoot:

“Yeah.” A beat of worry. “Sure.”

Aiden looked like he won the jackpot, getting to openly be with Haley until he got bored and explained everything to you. You loved him too much to not forgive him, right? Besides, Damon hated you, he wouldn't touch you, wouldn't spoil you for when it was time to come back.