there were nights where she could feel his presence, and had sworn it was her subconscious missing the person who left her behind. it wasn’t his fault, she encouraged him to go – he needed to get away, he needed to live and fulfill a life, even if it was without her. over the years she had wondered what he’d look like now. he was older, it was captivating, and it took her breath away in ways it never had before. his chest was broad, his shoulders were wide - but his eyes were the same, filled with a sadness she had only recently known. if he had been with her all this time, if he had known her since he left – he would know she wasn’t happy, that she would never find happiness with the man her parents had arranged her to marry. but that’s the thing about selena, she would bleed and die for those whom she loved - even if they were toxic for her, even if it meant their happiness over her own – and they knew that.. they took advantage of that kindness like catnip. but this? this was something out a dream. it felt like her whole head was under water, and she had barely heard the compliment over the way her heart was beating frantically out of her chest. it’s as if the moment she saw him, she had fallen in love with him — and it ate her alive.
her hands were abnormally calm, though she could see his trembling. it’s like he washed this blanket of safety around her, warming her from the inside out. around binx, she had never felt fear, she had never been afraid of who he was or what he wad capable of doing. and furthermore, all the stories – all the reporters saying he spared her because of some sick obsession made her knees weak with anger. it twisted her stomach, and she wasn’t afraid to snap order to defend his honor when he no longer couldn’t – some things didn’t change, she would always protect him, no matter what. without respond, her feet carry her forward, and she has to pick her dress up from trailing along the floor in order to move swiftly enough towards him. within in an instant, she colliding into his chest and tears brim her features, falling down her cheeks like soft thunderstorms. she could read the lie, but she didn’t respond, she was too infused with emotions to control herself at the moment with words and accusations ——- binx was here. it was real, not another dream she had made up for her sanity’s sake - not another nightmare to fear when she laid her head against her pillow at night. so many times, she had sworn she saw a glimpse of him — it was real, it was all real.
burying her face in his chest, she wraps her arms around his midsection. she reaches the top of his shoulders with heels, but she can’t bother to care about the make-up she’s staining his shirt. pulling back, she sniffles, trying to wipe it off the fabric, before cascading her hands in front of her mouth to muffle an uncontrollable mix between a sob and a laugh. her gaze is peering up at him now, and no words have been spoken. instead, she’s close - dangerously so, and she looks death in the eyes with an admirable gaze of beauty. the warmth of her breath lingers between them, and her heart is beating so fast she swore he could have made a playlist from the sound of it. manicured digits cascade down his features, taking in every inch, every change in his age – and she adored him, every freckle, every curve – and the glistening tears in his eyes. “you’re lying to me, binx.” she muttered under her breath, her thumb cascading down his lower lip, and it causes a rift in her stomach. dark midnight irises look up to his gaze again, and she can’t stop looking at him, she can’t stop thinking this was a dream, a haze, she would wake up from any moment. “don’t be sorry..” she then reassures, the same words she had spoken to him over and over again. “you have nothing to be sorry for.” her voice is barely a hum, and it lingers between them, but her gaze is entranced on his mouth, and the way it curves – and this newfound sensation. she’s never wanted to kiss anybody as bad as she did him. but she controls herself with a shaken intake of breath, and catches his gaze again. her brows furrow - was he really happy? had he found someone in all their time apart, to do the same? she hoped so – if she couldn’t own her happiness, she hoped he had. but couldn’t he tell? couldn’t he see it in her eyes? this wasn’t what she wanted? “tell me the truth..”
his mind is racing with jealous thoughts faster than he can process them . he's never felt this sensation before , never having anything to be jealous of in the life he was given . the thought of her with someone else just rips him apart . he feels guilty for feeling this way , but he can't help it . selena not only worked her way into his world , but she saved him from his horrible one , and gave him an escape into a better , safer one . she was the sole person he confided in . he told her things that other people wouldn't have cared enough to listen to , and she believed him when he told her what was really going on behind those closed doors in the facility . she cared enough to keep coming back , and she trusted him regardless of what he's done . she didn't see him as a monster when he got painted as one countless times . given all that , how could he not have fallen in love ? his only problem was that he was convinced that no woman as amazing as selena was would ever love someone like him . she's fierce , elegant , breathtaking , and so much more he can't even form into words .
standing in front of her , he's not even able to take his eyes off of how beautiful she looks at this very moment . simply looking at her makes him feel a sense of safety and purpose , even after all these years . he thinks about how badly he wants to give her the world , but he doesn't know how he could when he has nothing . as much love as he has in his heart for her , he can't help but feel like she deserves more . as much as he wants to be the one she's marrying , he pushes his selfish thoughts aside . he hopes he gives her more . he BETTER give her more , because he wouldn't survive if binx found out he was giving her anything less . he's tugged away from his thoughts as she silently moves closer to him . he wasn't sure what was coming but he assumed , and hoped . his arms ( much more shaped and bulk than when they'd last seen each other ) wrap around her frame and he has to mentally remind himself not to squeeze her too hard . he rests his head on hers , having to resist the urge to add a loving kiss to her head was damn near impossible but he managed . he wraps his arms around her just a little tighter , wanting to keep her as close to him as possible to make up for all the years they spent apart .
arms tightly wrapped around her waist remain there even as she pulls back . his gaze on her softens as he sees that she was crying against his chest and he can only thank god that she's happy to see him . that was his biggest worry when he was planning to show up here . he was thinking : what if she doesn't wanna see me ? he even worried she'd moved on and forgotten about him at one point , but he knew in his heart that she didn't , just like he could never forget about her . she saved his life , nothing he could ever do to repay her would be enough . he knows he needs to just let her be happy , but he can't help thinking about how he would make her happier . he keeps her frame pressed up against his , almost like he's scared to let her go again . usually having someone this close , his insecurities about his scars and his freckles would be overpowering . instead , his insecurities are non existent at the moment , knowing he doesn't need to feel insecure around her . what a beautiful thing that is to have with someone , isn't it ? he feels her nails gently on his face and all he can do is offer a warm smile , gentle gaze still on her until she speaks again . he drops his head , laughing softly with a shake of his head before looking up at her . ❛ you've always been able to tell when i'm lying . ❜ it was something he both loved and hated . he licks chapped lips before pressing them together , smile remaining on his face as he interlocks his fingers behind her back to keep her close to him . he knows her gaze is on his lips , now he feels less guilty for all the times he's done that same exact thing including now . he's never kissed anyone , he's never even thought about it until she came along . now he can't imagine kissing anyone else . he sighs softly once he realizes he has to fess up . maybe it's a good time to let her go , step back in case she gets upset with the words he has for her . instead he takes his chances , arms remaining wrapped around her as he bows his head before hesitantly looking back up into her eyes . ❛ you shouldn't be marrying him . ❜ it's a bold statement , he knows . especially considering she's getting married in just a few hours . that's why he needs to say this now . ❛ i don't WANT you to marry him ... i don't think he can love you the way i can . ❜ maybe he's taking a risk assuming that , but he trusts the love he has in his heart for her and he's sure that nobody else can compete . ❛ i want to be happy , selena ... but i only wanna be happy with you , and i want you happy with me . ❜