Between Strings and Sparks

Chapter 11 - "Everything That Fires It Also Illuminates"

The dawn falls slowly on the backstage, and the band has already left. The speakers are stacked, the lights off, the world is silent - except the two of you.

Jack still holds your hand as he walks with you down the empty corridor, as if letting go could undo everything that just happened. As if he needed your touch so as not to disappear inside his own head.

You stop near a metal door that leads to the back of the arena. The cold night air invades the space, bringing a soft relief to the intensity that still pulsates between you.

Jack takes a deep breath, without letting go of his hand.

- I've never finished a show so anxious to leave the stage - he confesses, with that crooked smile that makes his stomach turn. - Not in a hurry... but because you were here.

You lean against the brick wall, crossing your arms while watching him. He's different - not in the chaotic way, nor in the disheveled post-show beauty. Different in the look. Calmer. Safer. As if he had finally found something solid to establish himself.

- And now that you're out? - you ask.

Jack takes a few steps until he is facing you, so close that the warm air of his breath brushes his chin.

- Now I want to hear you say that you're really here. That won't disappear when I stumble again - he says without looking away, without hiding anything.

The heart tightens - but in a good way.

You touch his chest, feeling the accelerated rhythm.

- I'm here, Jack. You're not alone in this.

It's as if the ground under him finally stops shaking.

Jack rests his hand on his, pressing slowly, as if he wanted to keep that feeling on his skin.

- I never wanted someone the way I want you - he admits, and sincerity almost cuts through the air. - It's not that fast tour thing. It's... something else.

He brings his face closer and touches his lips to his forehead in a slow kiss, loaded with everything he still doesn't know how to say properly.

- I want you in my life - he continues, his voice low. - Not only in the heat of the moment. Not only backstage. I want you when I'm unbearable. When I'm insecure. When I'm trying to be better... for you.

Your hands go up to the back of his neck, pulling him slightly closer.

- And I want you on the good days - you answer. - In the shows, in the bad jokes, in the chaotic things that only you can make seem light. But also on difficult days. Because you're worth it.

He smiles - that small, vulnerable, completely honest smile.

And then he kisses you.

A kiss without haste, without fear, without urgency - the kind of kiss that doesn't burn... illuminates.

He pulls you by the hip, hugs you firmly, and for a few seconds, it's just warmth, breath, and the silent certainty that everything you burned to get there was worth every second.

When you move away, Jack runs his thumb over your cheek, as if he were discovering a new detail about you.

- Do you know what the funny part is? - he says softly.

- I always thought sparks were dangerous. That only served to destroy.

You raise an eyebrow.

- And now?

He intertwines his fingers in yours.

- Now I understand that some sparks... light up the whole fucking thing.

You laugh, your heart light, warm, full.

Jack kisses your hand.

And this time, when he smiles, there is no fear, no doubt, no hesitation.

Just for sure.

- Come with me - he says.

And you go.

Not because he asked.

But because you finally understand that between strings and sparks, you found something that doesn't need a stage to exist.

Something real.

Something strong.

Something that, against all odds, survived the chaos.

And that now - it really starts.

END.