Lost battle

Jason allows Katie to hold him, letting his head rest on her shoulder. Everything is numb. This whole thing was just unreal. He knows Katie’s words are true…if it hadn’t been for Trooper, he probably wouldn’t have made it out of the house in time. But at the moment, that reassurance doesn’t do a whole lot to his spirits.

Feeling Katie’s hand on his back, Jason closes his eyes, fighting desperately his emotional battle. He’s tired of feeling vulnerable. With anyone else, pulling on a mask of confidence would be easy. But not with Katie. She evoked thoughts and feelings no one else did, drawing out his true self, and clawing at his walls of protection.

He is silent, not allowing any more tears to fall, but drawing inside of himself to wage the war he must fight.

Katie’s sweet voice fills the dimly lit office, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The words reverberate in Jason’s ears, trying to disperse his despair. Her soft tone touches places in his heart, despite locked doors and solid walls. Her presence can only be treasured.

As the quietness envelopes them again, Jason’s logic automatically kicks in. His emotional reflexes snap back to life, sending him to a place where he cannot feel the pain. Where he can function while putting off dealing with what he is feeling. He doesn’t want to…he knows it’s wrong…but he lets go, losing that battle.

Raising his head, his eyes focus on the floor. “You need to go home, Katie, and get some sleep…I don’t want you lacking because of me. It’s not fair to you…and I’ll be alright here…the security is tight.” He forces a short scoffing laugh. “Besides, you don’t need any more rumors flying around about us – it wouldn’t exactly help you and Wyatt.” He bites his tongue as soon as the words are out, knowing they had been spoken in haste, but it’s too late.