TWISTED THREAD

Part 17: The Edge of Control

Santa knew something was wrong.

Perth barely said a word after coming back.

His body was here, but his mind? Somewhere else.

Santa had spent so long running from his feelings, pushing people away, being too scared to choose.

But now that he had finally made a choice, Perth was the one pulling away.

And Santa hated it.

⸻

Perth sat at the kitchen counter, staring blankly at his coffee.

Santa leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.

"Are you gonna tell me what's wrong, or are we just gonna act like everything's fine?"

Perth flinched.

Santa's heart ached. He never thought he'd see Perth—the one person who always looked so sure of everything—look this... lost.

"I told you," Perth said finally, voice quiet. "I just need to think."

Santa stepped closer. "Think about what?"

Perth hesitated.

Santa exhaled sharply. "Was it Boom?"

Perth's jaw tightened.

That was enough of an answer.

Santa groaned. "Why the hell do you even listen to him?"

"Because what if he's right?" Perth snapped.

Santa froze.

Perth immediately looked away, like he regretted saying it.

But it was too late.

The damage was already done.

Santa's chest tightened. "You think I don't actually want this? That I just picked you because it was easier?"

Perth rubbed his face. "I don't know what to think, Santa."

Santa swallowed hard. "You said you trusted me."

Perth let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, well, trust is kinda hard when there are things you're still not telling me."

Santa's breath caught.

Because Perth wasn't wrong.

There were things Santa hadn't told him.

Things about Pond.

Things about why he had been so afraid of choosing Perth in the first place.

But this wasn't about that.

This was about now.

And right now?

Perth was letting Boom's words get into his head.

Santa stepped back.

"Do you love me or not?"

Perth's eyes snapped to his.

Santa's heart pounded. "Because if you do, then stop doubting me. But if you don't—" His voice cracked. "Then just say it now, and I'll walk away."

Perth's expression shattered.

And for a second, Santa thought he was going to say it.

But then Perth exhaled and reached for him, voice breaking—

"Santa, I love you."

Santa stilled.

His entire body went weak.