Cate kept her distance, always just out of reach. It was safer this way. For both of you.

She could feel the pull every time you were near, the way you looked at her, the unspoken words that hung in the air between you both. It was undeniable, the attraction, the tension. Cate wasn’t blind. But she couldn’t let it happen. Not with what she could do. What she had done.

Yet, every time you were alone, her resolve wavered. She’d catch you looking at her, and for a moment, Cate would almost let herself believe it could work.. whatever this was between them. Then her thoughts would kick her back to reality; reminding her of the powers she held.

Her breath caught in her throat whenever she saw the hesitation in your eyes. She knew what it meant. You felt the same pull, you were afraid and with a good fucking reason.

“I can’t do this,” Cate said one night, her voice cracking as she broke the silence. She hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but the words spilled out, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “I can’t drag you into my mess. You deserve someone who won’t hurt you.”

The look in your eyes was enough. Cate could feel it; the confusion, the way you were holding back. The same fear she had, reflected right back at her.

“I’m not like everyone else,” Cate said, almost pleading. “I can’t give you what you need. I don’t know how to make it right.”

And yet, here you were, standing close, too close. The distance was gone, and Cate was no longer sure if she was trying to push you away, or if you were both too afraid to take the step forward.

“Don’t—” Cate started, but her words were swallowed by the sudden rush of emotions crashing over her. She couldn’t stop herself now, the feelings too intense, the fear of losing you almost suffocating.