Unspoken Love

Claire's thumbs flew across her phone screen, but she glanced up periodically at the dance floor. Sky followed her gaze, instantly regretting it. Mai and Jolenne had claimed their spot near the speakers, their bodies moving with wild abandon to the beat. Gabrielle and Sofia were simply enjoying themselves, dancing together. But Sky's eyes kept drifting to Quill and Maze.

They moved with an easy grace that tightened Sky's throat. Maze said something that made Quill laugh loudly, even over the pulsing music. Quill's ridiculous dance move should have looked awkward but came off as endearing. Maze steadied her by the waist, and they laughed more.

Sky clenched her glass, the melted ice watering down her drink, but she didn't care. Maze's hands kept finding excuses to touch Quill - adjusting her hair, brushing imaginary lint from her shoulder, resting on her hip.

Each touch felt like a brand on Sky's skin. Quill tried teaching Maze a choreographed move, syncing their bodies far too naturally. The lights highlighted the sheen of sweat on Quill's neck, the curve of her shoulder, the elegant line of her throat.

Sky's chest ached. She'd seen Quill dance countless times before, but never like this, never with someone else's hands tracing paths Sky wished were hers.

Sky drained her glass, ice cubes clinking against her teeth. The burn of alcohol did nothing to ease the knot in her stomach.

"Hey, okay ka pa?" Claire's hand touched her arm. "Ang tahimik mo."

"I’m good, punta lang ako sa bathroom." Sky stood, her chair scraping against the floor. The bass thundered through her bones as she threaded her way past sweaty bodies.

The bathroom's fluorescent lights hit her face, harsh and unforgiving. She bent over the sink, letting cool water run over her wrists. The door swung open behind her.

Maze backed in, supporting a swaying Quill. "Easy there, lightweight."

"M'fine." Quill's face was red, with hair tumbling over her features. "Just need to use the bathroom."

Something snapped inside Sky, a possessive instinct she hadn't realized was lurking beneath the surface. She crossed the space in three quick steps, her heart pounding with unexpected urgency, and wedged herself between them. The heat from Quill's body radiated against her as she slipped an arm around her waist.

"I've got her," Sky declared, her voice coming out more territorial than she'd intended. She couldn't explain the sudden tightness in her chest, only that seeing Quill leaning against Maze had triggered something primal and immediate.

"You sure? She's pretty-"

"I said I've got her." Sky's voice cut like glass. She wrapped an arm around Quill's waist, pulling her close. The familiar scent of Quill's perfume mixed with sweat made her dizzy.

Maze raised her hands, stepping back. Even in the harsh lighting, Sky caught the flash of understanding in her eyes. "All yours then."

Sky guided Quill to the sink, one hand steady on her back. Quill leaned into her touch, warm and pliant. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Sky dampened a paper towel, dabbing at Quill's flushed face. Her best friend's eyes fluttered closed at the cool touch. The sight of those long lashes against her cheeks, the trust in her expression, made Sky's heart stutter.

"Lasing ka na ba? Ilan ba naubos mo?" Sky's fingers trembled as she brushed Quill's hair back from her face.

"Only had three." Quill's words slurred slightly. She gripped the edge of the sink, swaying into Sky's space. "And two shots."

"Right." Sky rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop the fond smile tugging at her lips. "And I suppose Maze kept count for you?"

Quill's brow furrowed. "She's nice. Really nice actually-"

"Yeah, pansin ko nga." The words came out sharper than intended. Sky busied herself with wetting another paper towel, avoiding Quill's confused look in the mirror.

"Sky?" Quill turned, her hip bumping against the sink. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Sky pressed the cool towel to the back of Quill's neck. "Just don't want you getting hurt."

Quill's laugh was soft, breathy. "By Maze? She's harmless."

"Is she?" Sky's hand stilled on Quill's neck. The bass from the club vibrated through the walls, but all Sky could hear was her own heartbeat. "The way she was touching you out there didn't seem harmless. Parang sanay na sanay eh."

"We were just dancing." Quill's eyes met hers in the mirror, clearer now.

"Just dancing." Sky's fingers slipped from Quill's neck. The loss of contact left her cold. "Right."

"Sky." Quill turned to face her, those dark eyes searching her face. "Why've you been avoiding me this week? You barely answer my texts, you skip our coffee da-"

"School's been busy." Sky stepped back, crossing her arms. "And your work schedule-"

"Don't." Quill's lower lip trembled. "Please don't make excuses. Not with me."

The sight of Quill's pout, the way her shoulders slumped, cracked something in Sky's chest. Before she could stop herself, she reached out and pinched Quill's cheek.

"Ow!" Quill rubbed the spot, but a small smile replaced her pout.

"Lasing ka na." Sky's hand lingered near Quill's face before dropping to her side. “Iuuwi na kita."

"’Di nga ako lasing."

"Three drinks and two shots? You're lucky you're still standing." Sky wrapped an arm around Quill's waist again. "Halika na."

They made their way back to the booth where Claire raised an eyebrow at their approach. Mai and Jolenne had returned from the dance floor, faces flushed and grinning. Sodia ang Gabby nowhere to be found.

"Mauna na kami ni Quill. May tama na ‘to." Sky tightened her grip as Quill swayed. "She's had enough."

"But the night's just starting!" Mai protested.

Claire stood, gathering her purse. "I can drive-"

"No, stay." Sky waved her hand. "Konti lang naman nainom ko, magb-book nalang kami ng Grab.”

Quill's hea d dropped onto Sky's shoulder, her breath warm against Sky's neck. "Bye everyone."

Sky ignored the knowing looks exchanged between their friends. She especially ignored Maze's penetrating stare from across the room.

The Grab ride felt endless with Quill pressed against her side. Sky's heart raced each time the car hit a bump, making Quill nuzzle closer into her neck. The scent of Quill's shampoo mixed with traces of alcohol filled Sky's senses.

"Quill kaya mo pa? Nilalamig ka ba or nasusuka?" Sky brushed Quill's hair from her face.

"Mmhmm nooooo." Quill's fingers traced lazy patterns on Sky's arm. "You're so warm."

Sky's breath caught. She stared out the window, trying to focus on the passing streetlights instead of how Quill's touch left trails of fire on her skin.

"Sky?" Quill's voice was small, drowsy.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for taking care of me."

The words squeezed Sky's heart. She shifted, pulling Quill closer despite herself. "Hmmmm. Always."

The driver pulled up to Sky's apartment complex. Sky helped Quill out, steadying her with both hands on her waist as they made their way to the elevator.

Inside Sky's unit, Quill stumbled over her own feet. Sky caught her before she could fall.

"Mag-ingat kasi." Sky's hands lingered on Quill's shoulders. "Let's get you cleaned up."

"Don't wanna move." Quill leaned her full weight against Sky.

"Come on." Sky guided her toward the bathroom. "You'll feel better after a shower. I'll get you some clothes."

Quill pouted but nodded, disappearing into the bathroom. Sky heard the water start running as she moved to her closet. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked out an oversized shirt and shorts - ones she knew would fit Quill perfectly because they'd done this dance before.

The familiar routine shouldn't make her nervous. But tonight felt different. Maybe it was the memory of Maze's hands on Quill, or the way Quill kept touching her in the car, or how her own heart wouldn't stop racing.

Sky laid the clothes on her bed, trying to steady her breathing. The sound of running water filled the silence, along with the echo of Quill humming softly - a habit she'd had since they were kids.

The humming stopped. Sky's heart jumped at the sound of the bathroom door opening. Steam billowed out, carrying the scent of her body wash, but her breath caught at the sight before her.

Quill emerged wrapped in nothing but Sky's fluffy pink towel, water droplets trailing down her collarbone. Her damp hair clung to her neck, and her skin glowed pink from the hot shower. Sky had seen this exact scene countless times over their years of friendship, but tonight - tonight her mouth went dry.

"Kumusta pakiramdam mo?" Sky's voice came out higher than intended.

Quill nodded, adjusting the towel. The movement exposed more of her shoulder, and Sky's eyes tracked a water droplet as it slid down Quill's arm. "Much better. The shower helped clear my head."

Sky thrust the clothes toward her, nearly dropping them. "Here. Damit mo pantulog."

Their fingers brushed during the exchange. The brief contact sent electricity through Sky's skin. She jerked back, almost stumbling over her own feet.

"Shower lang din ako." Sky practically fled to the bathroom, shutting the door harder than necessary. She leaned against it, heart pounding.

The mirror had fogged over, but traces of Quill lingered everywhere - the damp towel hanging crooked, the faint outline of feet on the bathmat, her shampoo perched on the shelf. Sky turned the water on cold, hoping it would clear her head.

But as she stepped under the spray, all she could think about was Quill on the other side of the door. Quill in her towel. Quill's bare shoulders. Quill probably changing into Sky's clothes right now.

Sky pressed her forehead against the cool tile. What was wrong with her? She'd shared clothes with Quill hundreds of times. They'd changed in front of each other, crashed in the same bed, seen each other in various states of undress throughout their friendship.

So why did tonight feel different? Why couldn't she shake the image of water trailing down Quill's neck? Why did her skin still tingle where their fingers had touched?

Sky scrubbed her face harder than necessary. The cold water did nothing to wash away the heat spreading through her chest or the butterflies in her stomach.

Sky emerged from the bathroom, hair damp and skin tingling from the cold shower. Her room stood empty, but the smell of something savory drifted through her apartment. Following the aroma, she found Quill in her kitchen, stirring a pot with focused determination.

Quill glanced up, caught her watching. A sheepish smile spread across her face. "Got hungry. Nagluto ako ng egg drop soup. You always crave it after drinking."

The sight of Quill in Sky's oversized shirt, the hem brushing her thighs as she moved around the kitchen with practiced familiarity, made Sky's chest tight. She crossed to the fridge, pulling out two bottles of water. The cool plastic against her palm grounded her as she handed one to Quill.

Sky hoisted herself onto the counter, legs dangling. Steam rose from the pot as Quill stirred, her movements precise despite the alcohol still in her system. The kitchen light caught the damp strands of hair curling at Quill's neck.

Quill hummed softly while she cooked, the same tune from earlier. Her free hand absently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and Sky's fingers itched with the urge to do it for her. She gripped her water bottle tighter instead, condensation cool against her skin.

The domesticity of the moment settled over Sky like a warm blanket - Quill in her clothes, cooking her favorite comfort food, moving through Sky's kitchen like she belonged there. Because she did belong there. Had always belonged there.

Sky watched as Quill ladled the steaming soup into two bowls, her movements slow and deliberate. The familiar scent wrapped around them both - comfort and home and countless nights just like this one.

"Here." Quill placed a bowl in front of Sky, their fingers brushing as she handed over a spoon. The touch lingered a heartbeat too long.

Sky dipped her spoon into the golden broth, the egg swirling in delicate ribbons. "Nag-abala ka pa magluto. Pwedi naman tayo magpa-deliver."

"I wanted to." Quill leaned against the counter beside Sky's dangling legs, close enough that her shoulder brushed Sky's knee. "Besides, delivery takes too long when you're hungry."

The soup warmed Sky from the inside out, but Quill's proximity sent a different kind of heat through her veins. She watched as Quill blew on a spoonful, her lips pursed. A drop of soup caught at the corner of her mouth.

Before Sky could stop herself, she reached out and wiped it away with her thumb. Quill's breath hitched at the contact.

"Sorry." Sky pulled back, her thumb burning where it had touched Quill's skin. "Force of habit."

Quill's eyes met hers, dark and unreadable in the kitchen's soft light. "Like taking care of me when I'm drunk?"

"Someone has to." Sky focused on her soup, stirring it unnecessarily. "Since you clearly can't hold your liquor."

"I wasn't that drunk." Quill bumped Sky's knee with her shoulder. "The shower sobered me up."

The mention of the shower brought back vivid images of Quill wrapped in nothing but a towel. Sky's spoon clattered against the bowl.

"You okay?" Quill's hand settled on Sky's knee, steady and warm through the thin fabric of her pajama shorts.

Sky nodded, not trusting her voice. Quill's thumb traced absent circles on her knee, each movement sending sparks up Sky's leg. The touch felt different than their usual casual contact - or maybe Sky was just more aware of it tonight.

After finishing their soup, Sky gathered the empty bowls. "Ako na maghugas. You should rest."

"Tulungan na ki-" Quill started to stand, but Sky pushed her back with a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"You cooked, ako maghuhugas. It's only fair."

The familiar rhythm of running water and clinking dishes filled the kitchen. Sky snuck glances at Quill, who leaned against the counter scrolling through her phone. The domesticity of it all made her heart flutter.

"Ready for bed?" Sky dried her hands on a dish towel.

"Mhmm." Quill stretched, Sky's oversized shirt riding up her thighs.

They crowded into the bathroom together, a dance they'd perfected over years of sleepovers. Sky handed Quill her spare toothbrush - the pink one she kept just for her. Their elbows bumped as they brushed, and Sky caught Quill's eyes in the mirror. Something warm unfurled in her chest at how natural this felt, how right.

Back in the bedroom, Sky's heart skipped as Quill slipped under the covers. They'd shared her bed countless times before, but tonight felt different. The mattress dipped as Sky joined her, and they turned to face each other in the dim light filtering through the curtains.

Quill's features were soft in the shadows, her damp hair spread across Sky's pillow. Their knees brushed under the covers, and Sky held her breath at the contact.

"Antok ka na?" Quill's whispered question broke the silence between them.

Sky's heart raced at Quill's whispered question. This close, she could trace the delicate curve of Quill's nose, count each eyelash casting shadows on her cheeks.

"Hindi pa naman." Sky shifted, tucking her hand under her pillow. The movement brought her closer to Quill, their knees still touching beneath the covers.

"Me too." Quill's fingers played with a loose thread on the pillowcase. "My head's still spinning a bit."

"From the drinks or the dancing?" The words slipped out before Sky could stop them, bitter on her tongue.

Quill's brow furrowed. "You keep bringing that up. The dancing with Maze."

"Do I?" Sky rolled onto her back, breaking their eye contact. The ceiling felt safer to look at than Quill's searching gaze.

"Sky." Quill's hand found hers under the covers, intertwining their fingers. The touch sent electricity up Sky's arm. "Talk to me. What's really bothering you?"

"Wala." Sky pulled her hand from Quill's grasp. "Matulog ka na. The alcohol's still in your system."

Quill's eyes searched her face in the darkness, a crease forming between her brows. For a moment, Sky thought she'd push further, but Quill just nodded and rolled to face the wall. "Good night, Sky."

"Night." The word caught in Sky's throat.

Minutes stretched into an hour. Sky lay frozen, listening as Quill's breathing eventually evened out into soft snores. When Quill shifted in her sleep, turning back to face her, Sky's breath hitched.

Moonlight spilled through the curtains, painting Quill's features in silver. Her dark lashes fanned across her cheeks, lips slightly parted. Sky's fingers trembled as she traced the air above Quill's face, not quite touching - following the slope of her nose, the arch of her brows, the curve of her jaw.

Her gaze lingered on Quill's lips. They looked so soft, slightly chapped from the night air. Sky's thumb brushed against them, feather-light. The contact sent sparks through her fingertips.

Heat flooded Sky's chest. She jerked back, nearly falling off the bed. Her heart thundered as she stumbled to the kitchen, yanking open the cabinet where she kept her wine. The bottle clinked against the glass as she poured with shaking hands.

The night air hit her face as she stepped onto her small balcony. Sky gulped the wine, hoping it would drown out the memory of Quill's lips against her thumb. But the warmth spreading through her veins only intensified the ache in her chest.

Inside, Quill slept on, unaware of how Sky's world had tilted on its axis. Sky pressed her forehead against the cool railing, wine bottle beside her. Her lips tingled with phantom pressure, imagining what could have been if she'd leaned down just a little closer.

Sky swirled the wine in her glass, watching it catch the moonlight. The city sprawled before her, a tapestry of twinkling lights and shadows, but her mind kept drifting back to the sleeping figure in her bed.

What if she told Quill? The thought alone made her drain her glass. She reached for the bottle, surprised to find it nearly empty. When had that happened?

Without realizing how much time had slipped by, her hands shook as she poured out the final drops. Everything could shatter with three simple words. Years of movie nights, shared clothes, cooking sessions, inside jokes - gone. The weight of potentially losing Quill pressed against her chest until she could barely breathe.

"She'd hate me," Sky whispered to the empty balcony. "Or worse, she'd pity me."

The image of Quill's face twisting with discomfort, trying to let her down gently, made tears spill down Sky's cheeks. She curled into the small sofa, pulling her knees to her chest.

But Jolie's words echoed in her mind: "Girl, bulag ka no? Quill's been making grand gestures for years." Gabby's knowing smirks, Sofia's gentle nudges. They all seemed so certain.

Sky wiped her face with shaking fingers. Even if they were right - even if by some miracle Quill felt the same - what then? Dating could ruin everything. One fight, one mistake, one moment of taking each other for granted, and she'd lose not just a girlfriend, but her best friend. Her person.

The wine made her head spin as scenarios played out behind her closed eyes. Quill walking away. Quill avoiding her calls. Christmas dinners becoming awkward affairs where they sat at opposite ends of the table, unable to meet each other's eyes.

More tears fell. Sky hadn't even realized she'd been crying until she tasted salt on her lips. The same lips that had almost... She pressed her fingers against them, remembering how close she'd come to changing everything.

Her friends made it sound so simple. But they didn't understand. They couldn't know how it felt to stand on this precipice, knowing one step could send her plummeting into an abyss where Quill no longer existed in her life.

The empty wine bottle caught her eye. When had she finished it? Her head felt heavy, thoughts blurring together like watercolors. But one remained crystal clear - she couldn't risk losing Quill. Not for anything.

The balcony door slid open behind Sky. She didn't need to turn to know it was Quill - she'd memorized the sound of those footsteps years ago.

"Sky?" Quill's voice was thick with sleep. "Ano'ng ginagawa mo dito? Late na."

Sky couldn't look at her. The moonlight would be catching Quill's face just right, making her look ethereal in that oversized shirt, and Sky's heart couldn't take it. But her body betrayed her, turning toward Quill's voice like a flower seeking the sun.

Fresh tears spilled down Sky's cheeks as their eyes met. Quill's hair was mussed from sleep, concern etched across her features. She looked so beautiful it hurt.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Quill crossed the balcony in two quick steps, dropping to her knees beside Sky. Her eyes caught the empty wine bottle. "How long have you been out here?"

Sky just stared at her, drinking in every detail she couldn't let herself have - the slight furrow between Quill's brows, the way her hands hovered uncertainly, the soft exhale of breath that carried Sky's name.

Quill reached for the wine bottle, setting it aside. Her thumb brushed Sky's cheek, wiping away tears only for more to fall. "Kausapin mo ako, please? You're scaring me."

The gentle touch broke something in Sky's chest. A sob tore from her throat as she launched herself at Quill, burying her face in her neck. Quill's arms wrapped around her instantly, steady and sure, like they'd done countless times before.

"Shh, I've got you." Quill's voice vibrated against Sky's cheek. Her hands rubbed soothing circles on Sky's back. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. We always do."

Sky cried harder at the promise in those words, at the unconditional support she didn't deserve. Quill just held her tighter, whispering reassurances into her hair.

"Nandito lang ako," Quill murmured. "I'm not going anywhere."

If only she knew how those words twisted like a knife in Sky's heart.

Sky's tears soaked into Quill's shirt as they sat tangled together on the balcony. The wine made her head spin, or maybe it was Quill's familiar scent - a mix of Sky's shampoo and something uniquely her. Each gentle stroke of Quill's hand down her back sent shivers through Sky's body.

"Pasok na tayo sa loob, okay?" Quill's voice rumbled against Sky's cheek. "Nilalamig ka na."

Sky shook her head, clinging tighter. Inside meant facing her bed, where she'd almost - where she'd wanted to -

"Sky." Quill pulled back just enough to cup Sky's face in her hands. Her thumbs wiped away fresh tears. "You're freezing."

The touch burned. Sky jerked away, scrambling to her feet. The world tilted dangerously, and Quill's arms steadied her before she could stumble.

"I'm fine." Sky's voice came out raspy. "Just need some water."

She pushed past Quill into the apartment, making a beeline for the kitchen. The fluorescent lights stabbed at her eyes as she filled a glass with trembling hands.

Quill's reflection appeared in the kitchen window. Sky watched her hover uncertainly in the doorway, still wearing Sky's oversized shirt, hair messy from sleep. The sight made her chest ache.

"Gusto mo pag-usapan natin?" Quill's question hung in the air between them.

Sky drained her water glass. "Nothing to talk about. The wine just hit me wrong."

"Sky-"

"I said I'm fine." The words came out sharper than intended. Sky gripped the edge of the sink, avoiding Quill's concerned gaze in the window's reflection. "Let's just go back to sleep."

Sky's feet felt like lead as she followed Quill back to the bedroom. The wine made everything soft around the edges, but Quill remained in sharp focus - the curve of her neck, the way her borrowed shirt hung off one shoulder, the gentle sway of her hips.

The mattress dipped as they climbed in, and Sky's body betrayed her by gravitating toward Quill's warmth. Their knees brushed under the covers, sending electricity through Sky's wine-addled body.

"Turn around," Quill whispered, her breath tickling Sky's ear.

Sky complied, her heart thundering as Quill's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. They'd cuddled like this countless times before, but tonight every point of contact felt like fire against Sky's skin.

Quill's chest pressed against her back, steady breaths warming Sky's neck. Her thumb traced absent circles on Sky's stomach through her thin sleep shirt. The touch, meant to be soothing, only made Sky's pulse race faster.

"Try to sleep," Quill murmured, her lips brushing Sky's hair.

Sky squeezed her eyes shut, but sleep felt impossible with Quill's body molded against hers. The wine in her system made everything too intense - the scent of her shampoo in Quill's hair, the soft cotton of Quill's borrowed shirt against her bare legs, the gentle rise and fall of Quill's chest against her back.

A tear slipped down Sky's cheek, soaking into the pillow. Quill's arm tightened around her waist, and Sky bit back a sob. How could something feel so right and so terrifying at the same time?

Sky's body betrayed her, melting into Quill's embrace despite her racing mind. Each breath Quill took pressed against her back, a steady rhythm that both calmed and tormented her. The wine clouded her thoughts, making it impossible to maintain the careful distance she usually kept.

Quill's fingers twitched against her stomach, and Sky held her breath. But Quill just pulled her closer, nuzzling into her hair with a sleepy sigh. The casual intimacy of it pierced Sky's heart.

Her own hand found Quill's on her stomach, fingers intertwining before she could stop herself. Quill hummed contentedly, the sound vibrating through Sky's body. Fresh tears leaked from Sky's eyes as she realized how perfectly their hands fit together.

The city lights filtered through her curtains, casting shadows across their entwined fingers. Sky traced the length of Quill's fingers with her thumb, memorizing every detail. Her best friend's hand was slightly larger than hers, strong yet gentle - like everything else about Quill.

The wine made her bold enough to lift their joined hands, studying them in the dim light. How many times had these hands steadied her? Wiped her tears? Cooked her favorite meals? The thought sent a fresh wave of pain through her chest.

Quill stirred behind her, breath tickling Sky's neck. "Can't sleep?"

Sky froze, caught in her examination of their hands. But Quill just squeezed her fingers, waiting patiently like she always did.

Sky's heart hammered against her ribs. She should let go of Quill's hand, pull away from this dangerous intimacy, but her body refused to move.

"Just thinking." Her voice cracked. The wine made her tongue loose, threatening to spill secrets she'd locked away.

Quill's thumb traced circles on her palm. "About what happened at the club?"

The mention of the club sparked fresh pain in Sky's chest. The image of Maze pressed against Quill during their dance flashed through her mind. The way Quill had smiled, relaxed and beautiful under the pulsing lights.

"No." The lie tasted bitter. Sky pulled her hand from Quill's grasp, tucking it under her pillow. "About sa lahat. Nothing. I don't know."

Behind her, Quill shifted closer. Her arm tightened around Sky's waist, and Sky bit back a whimper at the contact.

"You know you can tell me anything." Quill's words brushed against Sky's neck, sending shivers down her spine.

Sky squeezed her eyes shut. That was the problem. She could tell Quill everything except this - except how her heart raced when Quill held her, how her skin burned where they touched, how she wanted...

The wine clouded her thoughts, making it harder to maintain the walls she'd built. Each breath Quill took pressed against her back, a steady reminder of what she couldn't have.

"Sky?" Quill's voice was soft, concerned. Her fingers splayed across Sky's stomach, steadying and maddening all at once.

Sky's heart thundered in her chest as Quill's fingers traced patterns on her stomach. The wine made her head spin, or maybe it was the way Quill's breath tickled her neck. She couldn't tell anymore.

"I just..." Sky's voice cracked. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing everything wrong."

"What do you mean?" Quill's voice was gentle, patient.

Sky swallowed hard. The darkness made it easier to speak, but the words still felt like glass in her throat. "Dating. Relationships. Everything's always such a mess."

Quill's hand stilled on her stomach. "Hindi mo kasalan kung nagloko sila."

"I don't know anymore." Sky blinked back fresh tears. "I keep chasing these perfect moments, these fairy tale endings, but they never work out. And then I see people like Maze who just... who get what they want so easily."

The memory of Maze and Quill dancing flashed through her mind again. The easy way they'd moved together, the smile on Quill's face. Something hot and ugly twisted in Sky's chest.

"What do you mean, Sky? Maze is just a friend and she doesn't have anything I want." Quill's words were firm, but Sky barely heard them over the pounding in her ears.

The wine made her bold, reckless. Sky turned in Quill's arms, needing to see her face. Their noses nearly brushed in the darkness, and Sky's breath caught. Quill's eyes were soft, concerned, beautiful in the dim light filtering through the curtains.

"Then what do you want?" The question slipped out before Sky could stop it.

Quill's eyes flickered in the darkness, searching Sky's face. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Sky's heart hammered against her ribs as she realized how close they were - close enough to count Quill's eyelashes, to feel her breath ghosting across her lips.

"I want..." Quill's voice was barely a whisper. Her hand trembled where it rested on Sky's waist.

The wine coursed through Sky's veins, making her bold enough to reach up and brush a strand of hair from Quill's face. Her fingers lingered on Quill's cheek, tracing the soft skin there. Quill's breath hitched at the touch.

"Tell me," Sky whispered, her thumb brushing the corner of Quill's mouth. The same spot she'd almost kissed earlier, when Quill had been sleeping.

Quill's eyes darkened. Her fingers tightened on Sky's waist, pulling her impossibly closer. Their legs tangled beneath the sheets, and Sky's skin burned everywhere they touched.

"Sky..." The way Quill said her name sent shivers down her spine. "I..."

A car horn blared outside, making them both jump. The spell broke. Sky yanked her hand away from Quill's face like she'd been burned. Reality crashed back in - this was Quill, her best friend, the one person she couldn't lose.

The wine churned in her stomach. What was she doing?