Randomness redefined

Wyatt held Rosalie’s gaze, her words sinking into the spaces he usually tried to keep hidden. He swallowed hard, the vulnerability in her tone cutting through his usual defenses like a hot knife through butter. For all the shadows he carried, Rosalie had always been a rare patch of light—and seeing her still willing to stand by him, after everything, felt like a gift he wasn’t sure he deserved.

You’re somethin’ else, Rosie. Always have been. His voice was low, tinged with a rough sincerity that felt foreign to him. He shifted his weight, his hands finding the familiar refuge of his pockets as he tried to steady himself. Don’t know if I’ll ever get used to hearin’ words like that directed my way, but... thanks. For not givin’ up on me. Even when I sure as hell made it easy to.

He hesitated, his fingers brushing against the brim of his hat as though it might somehow anchor him. The market street buzzed with the hum of life around them, but in that moment, it felt like it was just the two of them, standing on the edge of something neither of them could quite name.

A candle, huh? Wyatt smirked, though the expression was softer than usual, his eyes betraying the storm of emotions beneath the surface. You always were the stubborn one. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised you’re still willin’ to hold out for a lost cause like me.

He glanced away, his gaze drifting over the familiar streets of West Hills, before returning to her. There was a quiet determination in his expression now, the kind that only showed itself in rare moments when he let the walls down.

I don’t know where my path’s gonna lead, Rosie. Hell, half the time it feels like I’m just stumblin’ around in the dark. But... if you’re tellin’ me there’s a candle out there, then maybe I’ll stop runnin’ long enough to try and find it.

@Rosalie Rutherford