UNKNOWN [Lestappen]

A/N:

Helloooo!!!

Enjoy the chapter! <3 ^_^

Charles' POV:

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the unfamiliar softness of the bed beneath me, the weight of warm blankets cocooning me. My eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion, as I squinted into the dim light. It couldn't have been later than 5:30 a.m. The room was still cloaked in darkness, a soft blue hue creeping through the curtains.

It took me a moment to register the warmth against my back and the steady rise and fall of a chest behind me. An arm was draped protectively around my waist, the gentle weight sending a flood of warmth through me.

I turned my head slowly, my heart fluttering when I saw Max's face, relaxed and peaceful in sleep. His arm stayed wrapped around me, holding me close as he dozed, his lips parted slightly.

I couldn't help but smile. Max looked so different like this, so vulnerable. His usual guarded demeanor was gone, replaced by softness and serenity. My head throbbed slightly as fragments of last night flickered through my mind. My eyes wandered to my arm, realizing I had no jacket on, the white bandage stark against my skin.

The memories flooded in. Last night could've been my last.

The realization made my body go cold, my chest tightening as tears threatened to spill. If Max hadn't been there...

I swallowed hard, pushing the thoughts away. I couldn't let myself go there, not now. Instead, I turned to face him fully, carefully shifting in his arms. His scent, a familiar, mix of cologne and something distinctly Max, wrapped around me, soothing the ache in my chest.

I rested my head in the crook of his neck, breathing him in, trying to anchor myself in the moment. The steady rhythm of his breathing calmed me, each inhale and exhale reminded me that he had saved me, saved me from myself.

Max stirred slightly, a soft grumble escaping him before his eyes slowly fluttered open. He blinked, a lazy smile spreading across his face when he saw me. Without a word, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Good morning," he whispered, his voice rough and deep from sleep, sending shivers down my spine.

I blushed, my heart fluttering. "Good morning," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Max's gaze softened as he looked at me, his hand gently brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "You look beautiful this morning," he murmured, his eyes warm and sincere.

I shook my head, a shy smile tugging at my lips. "You're the beautiful one," I whispered, my cheeks burning.

He chuckled softly, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "I love you," he said, the words simple yet filled with so much care it made my chest ache. "I love you too," I whispered back.

Max stretched, reluctantly sliding out of bed, and I followed, the cool air hitting me the moment I left the warmth of the covers. He glanced out the window, frowning slightly. "What time is it? It's still so dark outside."

I reached into my pocket, surprised to find my phone still there. I pulled it out, squinting at the screen. "5:16," I said quietly.

Max's eyes widened. "Why are you up so early?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

I shrugged, looking down. "I... I don't know. I guess I couldn't sleep." My fingers brushed over the bandage on my arm, and I hesitated before asking, "What happened last night? After you... after you wrapped this up?"