Bruises ? Luke Hemmings a.u

A/N

Hello! First I would like to say, thank you all for reading, commenting and voting. It means so much to me that you guys are enjoying this. And I feel so bad for painting my baby Calum in a negative light in this fic 😖

Secondly, I should probably address that I understand I do not upload often. This is something I do for fun, for myself, whenever I have spare time. I don't pressure myself to write or force myself to be creative. If creativity strikes... I write. I know a much much (let's face it) MUCH quicker uploading schedule would be better... but this is what we're working with. I am writing much bigger, much deeper and more complex fics for a completely different fandom under a completely different pen name on AO3, and they do tend to take all of my attention.

But Bruises is my baby. I have been writing this fic FOREVER, and I feel I should start and give it the love and attention it deserves. And I believe this new mindset and motivation has come from all the love that you guys have provided in the comments and in votes. I read every one, and it truly does mean so much to me 💗

So that being said, I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Love, JadedEmber_

Thirteen

Once our clothes are readjusted, Luke starts his engine, turns on the car's headlights, and pulls out of the secluded dark street.

My skin is buzzing, still hyperaware of him. His touch. His words. I was so nervous to look up and see his reaction to our act, for him to instantly put my mind at ease that he wasn't going to get mad at me. And he doesn't seem like he is. He's not mad at me. But that's doesn't define anything. It could simply mean he is placing his anger onto himself.

It apears the line between us are no longer blurry, wobbly or zigzagged, but starting to fade completely and become nonexistent.

But what does this make us now? We're stuck in a limbo. I'm attracted to him. Of course he knows that. And he must be attracted to me to do the things he has. Touch me the way he has. But what does this mean for us?

It's a heavy conversation. One I don't think we're ready for. Not yet. Not when he has only just allowed himself to touch me how I want him to. But will he do it again?

He remains silent as he drives us back home. The air in the car feels suffocating. Thick with tension and unspoken words and unknown affiliations.

I dare a glance at him, but he remains focused on the road ahead, keeping his hands to himself. Fingers wrapped around the steering wheel. Fingers that were not long since inside of me.

The heating is on, and despite how warm the car is becoming, I shiver, causing Luke to glance towards me briefly, before for tensing his jaw and focussing back on the road.

I open my mouth to say something.

Anything.

Anything at all to the break the tension. I feel slightly awkward. Not knowing what to do with myself. Not knowing what to say.

Am I allowed to touch him? Place my hand over his on the gear stick? Am I allowed to reach over and allow my fingers to play with his hair at the back of his head while he drives?

I shake my head slightly at the thought, and keep my hands to myself, biting my lip to ensure no stupid words come out.

"Your thoughts are very loud, Helen," he says, breaking the silence, and it's as if I can breathe again.