d u d e 13/14 w tratch? :eyes:
So I think Im tipsy but also im not sure but ive had threedrinks with rum or vodka and so now im gonna type. Hellaaaaaaaaa.
She was certainly one to close up on her problems, but theproblem was she was with someone who did the exact same thing, and maybe so,even better at it than she was.
He was amazing, of course. Seemingly unflappable. Alwayskind and thoughtful to everyone, always thinking of others. He was so good at it, Traci often forgot tomake sure he was really, really okay. When the thought would occur to her, shewouldn’t know what to do with herself. Thoughts would all but assault her withhow selfish she’d been, but having a breakdown specifically because you weren’tsure your boyfriend had had a breakdown didn’t seem to be the thing to do, soit would have to hold off.
She kept flipping her phone over in her hand, waiting forthe familiar buzz to bring the next text. It was the weekend, but Satch had(very respectfully) put off their plans since he had ‘a few things to work on’.Traci was starting to pick up on that being the first warning sign. Satchalways knew he wanted to do- He didn’t tend to shy away from stating his plansand its purposes. He didn’t have a reason to be vague.
The buzz bought her focus back to her phone ‘No’, the text from Jared said ‘I can’t get him to go’ And that’s allit took.
Pulling on a jacket, she slipped into her house shoes, andshuffled across campus.
It wasn’t too late, but definitely, she wasn’t supposed tobe here in the boy’s dorm. She made her way quickly, and shot one more quicktext before meeting Jared at the door. His smile was a worried one, and hepatted her shoulder comfortingly as he shifted to move out into the hallway withher, but held the door open.
“Thank you, sorry.” Traci whispered.
“I wish I knew? I’ll text you. Am I putting you out?”
“It would have to be the first time a beautiful lady kickedme out.”
She shook her head, but smiled- she appreciated the banter,however dumb it was. He let her inside and closed the door, leaving herstanding just inside the dorm. She clenched her hands fists in front of herchest, and took a deep breath.
The room was quiet, some song playing gently from the radio-It wasn’t English or Japanese, and provided her a momentary distraction beforeshe settled her sights on the form, leaning over his desk. She walked upcarefully, as if she would startle him, and reached out, placing his head onhis shoulder.
She could see pages of notes, dozens of them, all over hisdesk, and he had his face buried in his arms. She knelt by his desk, andtouched his shoulder again. “Satch? Sweetie?” She gave a gentle shake. “Hey?”
He cleared his throat first, as he tended to do, alwaysready to say something before he was even fully awake. He adjusted himself, butdidn’t lift his head. “Traci…?” His voice was soft, and he mumbled her name.
“Satch how long have you been working on your notes again?”
There was a long silence. “2.”
“Please tell me it was two hours.”
“It was two hours.” He repeated.
“You’re a goddamn liar.” Traci said softly.
“You asked rather politely for me to say two hours, so Iabided”
“I hate you.” Traci leaned her head up against his side,sighing out. “But I think I hate myself more.” He didn’t make too much of amovement, but he shifted his arm to try to include her in the little cavern hishead was also hiding in. Traci shifted out of his reach though, gently head-buttinghim. “No. You go to sleep. In your bed.”
“I don’t know what you’re asking, but no.” She sighed,merely moments before he did, and Traci climbed to her feet, pulling his arm. “Yourbed misses you!! Its been two days!! Please!!”
“Somehow when you ask, it’s so much more sincere.” Finally,Satch raised his head, his glasses absent, somewhere buried in notes on hisdesk. He squinted at Traci, and she smiled sheepishly in reply, glancing away. “Hey…Look at me- come on, don’t do this-“ He reached out for her, across his ownbody, and cupped her cheek. “Please don’t beat yourself up over my bad habits.”
Traci’s smile faded, at least a little bit. “I’m worried. AndI don’t want to panic. But I never know if something’s wrong…”
“But how am I supposed to know?”
“It’s not your job to know.”
“But it is.” They held each other’s eyes for a prolongedmoment, and Satch slowly made the climb to her feet.
“Are you going to call me out on my hypocritical behave-“
“You always wantto know when I’m in trouble.” Traci crossed her arms, watching him with a lasereyed stare. “So why can’t I do the same, Sachel?”
“I’m sorry, I’m much too tired for this investigation.” Herubbed the back of his neck, grinning warily.
“I mean it.” Traci looked down. “I’m no use if I can’t helpyou out at least a little bit.”
“You’re not- I didn’t date you for use, Traci. I’m dating you because I love you, and…” Now Satchcrossed his arms. “I don’t want you to worry.”
“Well you’re not doing a good job.” But she gently unfoldedher arms, and gently placed her arms on the crossed arms. “But you’re right.You’re too tired. And you need sleep. So… sleep.” She pestered him until he waslaying down.
“I’m sorry, I… I should walk you back.” Satch said quietly.
“Oh no you don’t. Scoot over.”
He blinked, but scooted back, and watched as Traci joinedhim, curling in towards him with a gentle sigh.
“Listen, if Jared comes in and says anything, I’ll punchhim.” Traci said with his eyes closed.
“Please don’t punch him. He’s very gentle”
“Maybe he won’t say anything?”
“Please, don’t punch him hard.”
