Chapter Text
When you think everything is under control, you realize you're just slowly falling into the void of your own actions.
Now, sitting face to face, they both realize that they started falling long before, and that now they are only halfway there. But the most painful thing isn't realizing you're suspended in the air, but rather when you end up falling and crashing into everything you wanted to hide.
There are no words spoken. Only a deathly silence that reigns like a deadly weapon.
The blond man keeps his gaze lowered, not saying a word. Not even wanting to touch on the subject that's consuming all that adrenaline.
Instead, those icy blue eyes stare at him. It's one of those heavy looks, you just have to look at them properly and you'll realize what's going on. That's always been how he communicates.
"I'm sorry"
A whisper breaks the heavy silence, from that voice that seems to show no emotion, but this time it's the complete opposite. In that whisper there is a certain sadness and melancholy, as if it had never really wanted to leave her throat.
At that whisper, the blond man raises his gaze. Meeting those blue eyes, it's a look of melancholy and pure regret.
He frowns slightly, not understanding that look because he doesn't regret anything. Even though he's now falling into an endless abyss, he regrets nothing.
"Really?" His voice comes out in a plaintive, incredulous whisper.
The black man only closes his eyes for a few seconds, then gently shakes his head.
"Yes, sorry, Vinvin."
His voice is sincere. He doesn't regret everything they've built, but rather the emotional damage it has caused her.
He stood incredulous, his honey-colored gaze looking at his bandmate in surprise, wanting one more answer. Not just a look. Not just a simple apology. A real answer.
However, the dark-haired man gently rose from that black armchair, ready to leave that house of memories.
The blond man quickly stood up from the smaller chair, grabbing him tightly by the wrist.
"We can still hide it." Her tone was like a silent plea. "We'll do better. We can hide it longer."
The dark-haired man shook his head again, gently taking the other's hands. A surprising and characteristic gentleness. A gentleness that only he is willing to give.
"Of course we can. But..." He paused briefly. "Glitter, secrets don't last forever. And the press will find out anyway."
He didn't use his typical serious or neutral voice; it was different. Sweet and kind. Just the one that's meant for him.
"And, Vinnie, I don't want to hide what I feel for you." Her tone of voice was a little heavier, but without losing that edge. "I don't want to continue a lie, which will only get bigger with each day."
"Mick, I..."
"Glitter, I want you to know that this isn't about me. I've never cared about what the press says and their idiotic comments; they can go fuck themselves. But I know how much it matters to you." I emphasize that word. "And I don't want to hurt you."
His hands were released with that soft touch, however, he did not let go easily, now being the one who took the opposite hands.
"You promised to always be with me, Mick. Do you regret it now?" Her voice didn't rise, but it was more serious, with emotional weight. "Will you break that promise?"
"No, I never will, Glitter." Honest. "I don't regret everything we built over time. You're welcome, Vincy. You're the most important thing to me, and I'd rather walk away than lose you forever."
Their gazes connected. For more than a second. Longer than either of them would have liked. They felt that emotion again, that spark of love. They truly didn't want to leave each other.
"And what does this mean?" I sound hurt.
"I'm sorry, Vin, but I know how much it will hurt if the press finds out." He was more serious, direct. "You showed me when they were about to discover us."
He didn't answer. What he said is true. He didn't behave at his best that time.
"Maybe you're right." He released his opposing hands. "I care a lot about what the press says because the stakes are so high." He paused briefly. "It would be best to end all this that we built and hid for so long, Robert."
Mars said nothing. He knows the weight of that name, because for them it's no longer just Mick's real name. It's the secret of the years.
"I don't want to hurt you," he repeated again. "And if I did, forgive me."
"It's okay, Mars." He looked away.
Mick gave her one last look. It wasn't cold or melancholic. It was a series of feelings. Love, hope, and complicity. Remembering all their moments and treasuring them.
After a few seconds, he turns around to leave. But not before whispering again:
"Sorry, Glitter."
There were no more answers or questions. Only the sound of the door closing.
It's a goodbye. Without exact words. But with a look and a pardon as a farewell. Something that hurt in both of their hearts, a constant pang.
Vince was left completely alone. He couldn't believe how, from one moment to the next, his entire world and life had been destroyed, as easily as the wind can move.
Tears streamed down him cheeks without her being able to control them. He wasn't even patient, throwing everything in her path.
Helplessness quickly took over her body. Sometimes she wished she had just remained Vince Wharton and stayed with Robert Deal, without having to hide everything they had for years because of It.
But sometimes dreams and goals are bigger, and even bigger when they are achieved with the person who means the most to you.
Vince and Mick ended their secret relationship that night, but Wharton and Robert don't know how to react to this because they will never stop loving each other. They're just walking away in the worst possible way.