Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 17 : Charles

I have to remind myself that he's not in his normal state and he would have never said that if he was.

'Because I care about you, Max. Believe it or not'

His eyes widen but he doesn't say anything.

Apparently, my words seem to be a decent explanation for him since he follows me to my car without another complaint.

Good.

I'm way too tired to keep fighting with him. And thankfully, he manages to walk somewhat straight so I only have to support him with my body.

His arm circling my shoulders for balance.

•••

We arrive at the hotel in about twenty minutes. Max seems to be a bit more like himself to my biggest relief.

I walk with him to his room. We don't say anything to each other until we reach his door.

'Do you have your key ?'

He taps on his pockets and gets a card out. I take it from his hand, not trusting the few neurons he has left to understand what to do with it and swipe it to let us in.

He enters first, wobbling to the point where I have to put my arm around him again.

But when I do, he suddenly stops and starts laughing.

'What's so funny ?', I ask curiously.

He turns to look at me. Our faces are only a few inches from each other.

'This whole situation. It's so embarrassing'

I sigh while letting him go when I feel like he can stand up alone again. I still keep a close distance between us in case he decides to faint or god knows what else.

'We've all been there. I'm not judging if that's what you're scared of'

He lands his gaze on mine.

'I know you won't. You're still Charles after all'

I frown at the way he said my name. Almost with a hint of annoyance.

'What's that supposed to mean ?'

He looks down on his hands.

'You're still too good to be true'

Too good to be true. Is that even a good thing ?

He smiles softly and continues, almost to himself.

'That's why I used to hate you. Because I was jealous of how everyone seemed to like you'

I stare at him in confusion. What is he trying to say with all this ? I know I shouldn't even try to find a meaning to it since it's probably just a drunk confession but I can't help it.

'I'm not perfect you know'

He scoffs.

'Well, you're damn close to it'

He takes a step closer, his chest almost brushing against mine. I look down at the thin space remaining between us.

What the fuck is he doing ? Is his drunk self not aware of what personal space means ?

'You're nice, brave, thoughtful but most of all... You're beautiful'

His eyes fall on my lips.

I swallow hard.

Realizing the distance left has been filled when I feel his chest touching mine. He's breathing heavily. His warm breath brushes my lips to prove it. And I am too. Struggling to find air all of a sudden.