The Only Rule

Chapter 12a: Memory

Trevor, the lead singer, called out to the crowd, "Alright, everyone! I'm going to sing a song that always reminds me of my wife, back when we were still figuring things out. She wishes anything to be here, I know that, so—I'm singing this song with her in mind. If you're thinking of this special person, you can join me on this one," the crowd let out a collective 'Awww' as Trevor continued, "This rain feels like a paid actor, right?" and the audience erupted in cheers, catching on to what song was coming up. Feeling the excitement in the air, you lit up, glancing back to catch Dominic's reaction.

"If you're here with your loved ones, hold them close. Because when everything gets cold and falls apart, their warmest arms will always hold to keep me sane. This is 'How Can I Tell You'."

As he sang, people in the crowd leaned into their loved ones, drawn into the sweetness of the moment. The rain poured down around you both, the night illuminated by soft.. colorful pinkish lights from the stage, each raindrop making the moment feel even more magical. For a brief moment you looked up, couldn't help but smile, lost in the atmosphere—

When from behind you, you felt Dominic's hand reach over, hovering gently on top of your head. Eyebrows raised in confusion, you meet his eyes.. only to find him smiling softly. "So you don't get a headache from all this rain," he murmured softly, before nudging you to turn back to the stage.

You turned, acting casual. But as your eyes rested far on the stage, a sheepish smile tugged at your lips, cheeks flushing by this fuzzy feeling. With every sway of your head to the music, his hand followed, now resting protectively on top of your head.

When the chorus hit—as if inspired by it—he shifted behind you, arms sliding around your waist while his chin resting lightly on the back of your head. You froze, breath hitched—holding back in a gasp. Your pulse racing as you try to calm yourself. But a weird sense of familiarity washed over you—so you leaned back, feeling the warmth of his chest. Slowly, you reluctantly put your hands over his that's been resting on your stomach. You were both soaked, getting colder. But you hugged him closer to him—feeling the warmth of his embrace igniting like a fireplace.

His hands gently intertwined with yours, and you can't help but grip him tighter. The world faded away—only the melody.. the rain soaking through your clothes, and his heartbeat beneath your fingertips. All the lyrics you've known by heart—gone. The melodies now a distant backdrop to the two of you, heck—you never knew how the sound of his heartbeat blurred into yours could feel like this.

Never knew that it somehow felt more.. beautiful than your favorite song.

When the song neared its end, he whispered, lips close to your ear, "You said it's odd how everybody seems to be happy and sad at the same time?"

You nodded, letting him know you were listening, eyes still fixed on the stage.. until he finally murmured,

"Because when you think of love, you think of pain."

You turned slowly, facing him. Now.. you witness how the rain dripped from his golden hair.. how his face glistened with the rainfall.. how his eyes gazed at you.. softer than you'd ever seen.. And how.. his white shirt now damp.. revealing his hard chest behind it—and blush crept on your face as you quickly dart your gaze to his face again. The rainfall kept sliding down him, and despite the biting cold.. he looked so beautiful.

"You.." he started, then scoffed softly as he gazed down, shaking his head. But when he raised his gaze to you again, his eyes filled with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

"I don't know how you made me like this."

Despite the thumping beat of your heart, you still try to play it cool—your hand that's been resting on his arms clutching to them harder. Smiling, you tried so hard to hide the sheepish grin from surfacing on your face as you teased, "Like what?"