Noah began to play our song. Even though I'd heard versions of it a million times as we worked and re-worked it, Noah had never played it like this before.
Truths I cannot say
Reflected in your eyes
It soundednothing like the terrible mess he'd played in front of the band. This song was moving. Heartfelt.
Like wide opengates
So pure and divine
The song tookthe audience through a bevy of emotions, wringing both sorrow and joy from the hearts of every listener.
You tookme apart
Stone by stone
And with tearsstreaming down my cheeks, I was no different.
I haveno more defenses
The king's been dethroned
When the song ended,the crowd was silent for a few stunned moments before they began applauding in awe. Noah didn't stick around to bask in their adoration. He jumped off the stage and strode over to me, moving purposefully but with an edge, like a wild animal finally let loose.
I ran towards him. The club patrons hastened to move out of my way. When I was within feet of him I flung myself at him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and my legs around his hips. Noah caught me, holding me up with his hands under my thighs.
As I clung to him with one arm, I wiped tears from my eyes with the back of my other hand. Noah brushed a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb.
"I know I fucked up," he said. "But I'm hoping you'll give me another chance. I love you."
"Let's not do this here," I whispered.
He looked around and saw the gaping group staring at us, murmuring and whispering to each other. "You're right."
He carried me out the club's side doors back into the alleyway where we could have privacy before setting me down. I kept my arms wrapped around his neck, our fronts pressed together.
"That was a great performance," I said, trying not to sniffle.
"It didn't sound like trash?" He cracked a small smile.
I choked out a laugh. "No. It was absolutely not trash."
"Good. Because it would have sucked to sound shitty in front of all those people."
"You messed up so you decided that a public confession was the way to right your wrongs?"
"Yes," he said simply. "Because I love you."
I waited before answering, staring into his eyes. They were intense, burning into me. He looked like the only thing in the world he cared about were my next words.
"I love you, too."
His whole face softened, expression lit up with wonder.
"So you forgive me? You'll give me another chance?"
I rested my head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent, spice and leather. "I forgive you."
