#### **Jaxon's P.O.V**
As Val's heavy skull leans on my chest, I feel caressed even better than when I was with Vienna.
Ironically, Vienna would never see this!!!
If she did, I'm roasted.
I rubbed my hands softly on her back pushing away my headspace and trying to enjoy the good time I had going with Val.
Val, I say looking up to her.
You can call me Jaxie from now on. I forgive myself and I forgive the past.
She smiles heavily as she breaks into bits of laughter. You're the best, but I know how you feel when I call you Jaxie and I'll call you Jax just because I have respect for you, not your sassy wifey.
She's just a bunch of headache.
Oh, stop it Val.
We're liberal and I'm sure Vienna should understand that.
Durh!!
As I step out of Valentina's room, Reynolds slams the door behind me—so hard the walls seem to shake.
I run a hand through my hair and turn to face him. He's standing there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
"Want to tell me why the hell you spent the night in my sister's bed?"
I sigh. "It's not what you think."
"Oh?" He tilts his head. "Because what I think is that you're playing a dangerous game, Steele."
I clench my jaw. "She had a nightmare. I stayed to help."
His glare softens for just a second. "She hasn't had one that bad in a long time."
"I know."
We stand there, silent.
Finally, he shakes his head. "Look, man. I know you and Val have history. I know she trusts you. But don't—" He exhales sharply. "Don't mess with her, Jax."
Something in my chest tightens.
"I would never."
Reynolds studies me for a beat before nodding. "Good."
But Rey, I thought we're gees. Why would I do such to hurt your sister?
We were literally together last night as I tried calming her down.
Without letting my finish, he walks off, leaving me alone in the hallway.
See me on the neighborhood football pitch, I even thought you'd be there by now.
Hurry or you'll not be picked, and to you're defense speech, it's noted. Reynolds stated.
"Every team would rush the star athlete." I shouted to Reynolds referring to myself.
I rub the back of my neck, exhaling slowly.
Last night shouldn't have happened.
Not because I regret holding her.
But because it reminded me of something I've been trying to forget.
---
#### **Flashback – Age 12**
"Jaxie, stop moving!"
I groan, sitting cross-legged in front of Valentina. "You're literally stabbing me in the scalp."
She rolls her eyes, tightening the grip on my hair. "It's called braiding, you baby."
I wince as she weaves the strands together.
"There," she says, leaning back with a proud grin. "Now you look pretty."
I scowl. "Take it out."
"Nope." She smirks. "You look adorable."
I grumble under my breath, but she just giggles, and damn it, I can't even be mad.
Because Valentina's laughter is the kind that makes everything else fade away.
---
#### **Present**
I look back at the door of her room, why was she always getting me into trouble?
I shake my head, pushing the memory aside.
Valentina is still the same girl who used to braid my hair and call me Jaxie like it was my real name.
I'm the one who changed.
And I'm not sure if that's a good thing. I mutter to myself, perplexed at the just occurred incident.
I walk out hastily to my house to prepare for the match.
---
#### **Valentina's P.O.V**
Jaxon eventually leaves me alone, and I stretch across my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Last night still lingers in my mind. The way Jaxon held me. The way he whispered my name like it was something precious.
Jaxie.
I close my eyes.
It used to be so simple.
---
#### **Flashback – Age 14**
"I'm not calling you that," I say, arms crossed.
Jaxon raises an eyebrow. "Why not?"
"Because it's stupid."
He scoffs. "It's my name, Val."
"It's not." I smirk. "Your name is Jaxie."
He groans. "I'm fourteen. Jaxie sounds like I'm still five."
I stick my tongue out. "Well, I like it."
He looks at me for a long moment, something unreadable in his expression. Then he sighs.
"Fine. You can still call me Jaxie."
A grin spreads across my face. "Damn right I can."
---
#### **Present**
I roll onto my side, hugging my pillow.
Jaxon might have outgrown the name.
But I never did.
We'll, he just got back with officially being called "Jaxie"
But what's up with my mind and all these hallucinations. Does he feel the same way?
---
#### **Jaxon's P.O.V**
I find myself in the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge when Valentina walks in, her hair still damp from another freshly taken shower.
And I begin to wonder, I thought I had reached my house by now.
What's up with me?
I'm I sleep walking?
She raises an eyebrow. "Stealing food?"
I hold up a slice of pizza. "Borrowing."
She snorts, hopping onto the counter. "So, are we gonna talk about last night?"
I hesitate. "Do you want to?"
She shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe."
I thought we delved earlier into this, she asked with a worrisome look?
Welll, not deep enough, I emphasized as I lean against the fridge, studying her. "You called me Jaxie."
She looks away. "Yeah."
"Why?"
She exhales softly. "Because for a moment, it felt like before. Like when things were easy."
I grip the edge of the counter. "Val—"
"You don't have to explain," she cuts in. "I know you don't want to be Jaxie anymore." But, I know when to call you the name to make you happy.
I stare at her, heartbeat unsteady. She clarified
Then, before I can stop myself, I reach out and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Her breath hitches.
"I never stopped being him," I admit quietly.
She looks up, eyes searching mine.
And for the first time in years, there's no distance between us.
Just Jaxie and Valentina.
Just us.
---