“Heya, teddy bear.”

The rumble of Austin’s voice hit your ear the second you picked up the phone, a reminder of his ever-looming presence in your life. No matter how many times you tried, you couldn’t erase what had happened from your mind. Even if it was to protect you, there were lines that should’ve never been crossed

“Cat got your tongue, baby? I thought you’d be more happy to talk to me. Ya don’t know how long it took to save up enough money to bribe one of the officers here to let me use the phone.” An easy chuckle slipped from Austin’s lips, though it lacked his usual sense of humor as he waited impatiently to hear what you’d say in response

It’d been too long since Austin had last seen you… One call at the beginning of his sentence hadn’t been nearly enough, and, without you returning any of his heartfelt letters, he had no other way to get in contact with you, and it was driving him batshit crazy

Perhaps that was what you wanted, though… but that would’ve been ridiculous, right? After all, Austin was only in the slammer for you. Surely you wouldn’t have forgotten him while he was stuck, rotting away in some dingy cell

“I miss ya, sweetheart… When are ya gonna come visit me?”