The parking lot was drenched in a slanted, late-night glow one of those lights that seemed to lick the pavement with long, indifferent fingers. Between rows of luxury cars and a line of saplings, Sam stopped in front of Daniel, blood humming beneath his skin with the urgency only those who've loved in secret understand. The air was cold and damp, gasoline and pine hanging heavy, mixing with the tension of all the words that still had to be spoken.
Sam hadn't slept for nights spent wide-eyed, replaying scenes, conversations, all the possible futures. And now, here he was, hugging himself as if he could keep the tremor at bay. Daniel waited, leaning against his own car, his arrogance polished to the same shine as the German sports car's hood.
"So that's it?" Sam spoke first, voice rough. "You're really going to pretend you don't know anything? Just keep living your life while Sophie has to figure out everything alone?"
Daniel clicked his tongue, tossing the car keys from hand to hand. He didn't even bother to look at Sam right away.
"You really came here to play the hero?" Daniel's laugh was dry, just a hint of venom. "What's next? Are you going to claim her baby as yours? Or do you just want something of mine to keep around, since you finally know I'm the father?"
Sam's face flushed with anger, a damp heat fed more by hurt than bravery. He took a step closer, feeling his own shadow tremble on the ground.
"I just want you to do the bare minimum. Don't be a coward, don't run from what you did. I'm not here for myself," his voice shook but stayed steady, "I'm here for the baby that's coming. Your baby, whether you want it or not."
Daniel let out a sharp laugh, slicing through the night. For a moment, his eyes danced cruelly, searching for just the right place to cut.
"You really are naïve, man. What did you think this was? Some secret romance? That I'd throw my life away for you? Look at yourself. You were never more than a distraction, a hookup when I was bored."
The words landed like a slap, but Sam held his ground.
"I never asked you for anything! Not once. I was shocked when I found out you were the father, but—"
"My kid? Not a chance." Daniel lunged forward, suddenly too close, breath hot and sour. "Stop with that crap. You must be out of your mind if you think I'm like you, if you think I'm going to take responsibility for anything." He made a vague, dismissive gesture, eyes burning. "I'm not gay like you. Whatever happened between us, is dead and buried. Or is that what you needed to hear? That you mean nothing to me? There you go. Now you know."
Silence fell, broken only by the distant rumble of another engine.
"I just hope," Sam started again, softer now, voice close to breaking, "I just hope at least you have the guts not to run when the truth comes out…"
The punch came out of nowhere. Quick, brutal. Daniel's fist connecting with Sam's face, sending him to his knees, the asphalt tearing at his palms. Blood filled his mouth, metallic and hot. Daniel didn't hesitate, voice dropping to a savage whisper:
"If you or that bitch come after me, if you try to expose me, I'll kill you both. And that kid too. Got it? Get out of my life, fagg. Just disappear."
Daniel spun on his heel, breath ragged, and slid into his car. The engine roared to life, shattering the quiet. Sam, still on his knees, barely had time to wipe the blood from his mouth, he could only watch, helpless, as Daniel sped off, tires screeching into the empty night.