MASTER OF NONE

MOST often, you'd find yourself gazing upon his features as he spoke to the group, his determination inspiring you. You had a special fondness inside you at the mere thought of him, pushing away his harmful tendencies and brutal words. You weren't the most important in the group, you were quiet, weak in his eyes. Hiding yourself away from the world, too scared to be seen, and he hated it. But you had devotion and loyalty, that's what mattered to him.

You found each other at a coffee shop, where he 'accidentally' came across you and led you into a conversation. He took note of your fragility, and he saw how eager you were to finally talk to someone. Loneliness seeping right through you, it was pathetic, really. He felt a small ounce of pity within him as he realized how easy it was to draw you in. To manipulate you right into his little trap, reminding you of all the good that they're doing.

Your eyes captivated as he spoke so eloquently of what he's doing, and how he needed to see your admiration. Which you gladly showed him, all the things that flowed through you. All for him. He had always called you a sinner, and you began to embrace the name, you dutifully let him in.

Without knowing, you were already put in a cage that he trapped you in. It was almost as if you placed the leash onto yourself, with your own hands, looking at him in the eyes as you did so. Locking yourself into chains, just for him.

To you, it was all worth it, every sacrifice you made just to see the look of approval cross his face and his arms encase you as he complimented you. That was how far he really ever went with you, just holding you, since that was all you needed. Kai took notice of the warmness of your body and your doting eyes whenever you looked at him. It was addicting, having someone so dedicated by his side.

Always floating in the back whenever a meeting was called, solely focused on him and his words. Every syllable coursing through your veins as you listened, it felt like a drug. As he spoke, he'd find himself looking your way, focusing on the love that displayed itself through your eyes. It began to feel like he was only speaking to you, addressing just the two of you in the room.

Like a black shadow emerging into a sunshine.

Your name had engraved itself into the back of his mind, your face suffocating him when he worked. It was terrifying to see the hold that eventually made its way around his neck, because no one should have this power over him. Especially you. He felt his eyes always reach for yours whenever you were near, arms itching to close you in. And to keep you, just for him to see. Nobody was good enough to view you the way he did.

It felt like a curse, a spell that kept him in a trance he didn't want to be in. Kai always ended up near your side, right when you came into his view. Like a damn dog.

He didn't want to be seen as weak because of some ignorant member can't seem to look away from him for once. But he bathed in your gaze, your words, even more with your love and devotion. He wanted to drown in it all.

But you were poison in his eyes, intoxicating but yet so harmful. He shoved away all the things he wanted with you, all the things that you made him feel.

Now all you faced were glares from him, his words cutting through you whenever he talked with you. Just burning hatred exhibited itself behind his eyes whenever you looked at him, but you were fine with that. You loved every part of Kai and if he viewed you so negatively, you'll change. You'll become someone better, just for him.

Wanting to switch your whole identity just to not make him hate you in any way, scared of what'll become of it. But Kai couldn't completely keep himself away from you the way that he liked. Sometimes he'd find himself knocking at your door and allowed you to love him the way you both wanted.

He'd guide you in, let you trace your fingers along the harshness of his features. Your delicate touch and embrace almost pained him as he watched as you did so, expecting some sort of pain. But he let himself relax into you, the comfort consuming his very being. Your words filled his head and everything began to feel like it was destiny, like you were made for him. You'd carve your love into his godforsaken soul, and he'd help you hold the blade, wanting all of it. Needing to smother in all of your fidelity.

All he ever asked was to be soaked with all that you had to give him, to drown in every part of you. His brows would furrow whenever you left when he awoke, leaving him to lie there alone. Kai knew you'd always come back, you were addicted to him as much as he was with you. He just didn't have the self-restraint he wanted. If he did, he wouldn't be at your doorstep every night.

He took you like he took his Adderall, the substance melting in his mouth as he swallowed it away. The faintness of addiction at the tip of his tongue, consuming every part of you that he can.

But Kai was cruel. You always ended up in tears whenever you interacted with him, his disregard of you was beginning to hit you. How he shoved you away when he pulled you in, and how he yelled at you to have some sort of dignity. His fragile fucking masculinity. You'd always come back, like a kicked dog still begging for attention from its owner. You were starting to realize how pathetic you were being, just for the likes of him. How you always ended up with bruises and cuts when all you tried to show Kai was appreciation.

Gently placing your lips upon the scars that he inflicted, they were reminders of him. You showcased it to the world, that he marked you. It was fucked up in a way, but it was what you had to offer, to present. Soon, you began to bandage them up, wince from the pain and sob into your sink as you did so. It didn't feel like love anymore, just endless suffering. It was all too sickening for you. You'd hide yourself away, not wanting to be seen like this anymore, ashamed.

You'd draw yourself away from him, falling back into the crowd that he had. Hiding yourself away as you started to be seen less and less. You were always at every meeting, the first person to arrive and the last one to leave. But eventually, Kai began to notice how you stopped showing up as frequently. Even if you did, you'd be staring at the floor, avoiding him. You locked yourself from him and no longer showed your longing the way you did before. All he saw was discomfort and regret surround you whenever he checked up on you, the love no longer there.

It hit him harder than he realized, at first he brushed it off. You weren't special, there were other people that would gladly do whatever the hell he wanted. But he never leaned into their embrace the way he did with you, he began to feel the emptiness take place within him. The burden swallowing him.

He'd kiss your palm and tell you everything's alright, watching as you pulled it away and wiped it. Avoiding his eyes as they studied you, heartbreak evident behind them. His hand would twitch, and his sorrow turned into anger, his face contorting into betrayal. He raised his hand and smacked you, watching you fall to the ground. Shakily, holding your head into your hands as you fought back sobs, not wanting him to see you be weak. But all you could do was sit up and stare at him, before he quickly rushed downward and shoved his face into yours.

Your faces molded into one another as you cried into the palms of his hand as he finally held you the way you wanted. Fitting perfectly into one another as you worshiped each other, tears escaping the both of you. Laughing incessantly into each other's ear as the familiar sensation firmly etched itself into both of your hearts. The love you had for each other seeping through your weeping as you rested into the other.

Even from all the pain that Kai has caused you, the scars that littered your skin because of him. You knew that you'd always end up wanting to be in his arms, and for just the two of you to be away from the world. Because all you ever really wanted, was just Kai Anderson. And you'll accept everything and anything that he had to offer you because of it. Because of your love.

Give me all of that ultraviolence

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- This was very rushed - Based off of Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey - Might write one short story every day this week - Not proofread

YOU often found yourself staring at the wondrous male, who had the curiosity similar to a child. His aloofness had always made you swoon. You'd lay by his side, observing him, as he played on his tablet. Headphones adorning him as his face contorted into frustration or pride, to you, he was beautiful.

Too scared to say or do anything that might disrupt his peacefulness, you opted to just sit in silence. Typically, you'd be farther away, not wanting to make Kyle fearful of your sudden intimacy. But now, you rested alongside him, still keeping your distance as you gazed at him. Your body itched to be closer.

Every morning, you would rise from your room and wander into his, just to check up on him. That's what you always told yourself. But you always ended up staying longer than you really intended. It looked like he didn't seem to mind, always expecting you to be the one to be in his room. It was like he waited for you.

He'd find himself laying restlessly as the morning peeked from the windows, and he would listen for your footsteps. He assumed you'd always be right there when he awoke. But that wasn't always the case. So, he would wait patiently, as he heard the birds sing and the floorboard's creaked. He always knew it was you.

He'd turn over and pretend he was still resting, as you slipped into his bed and cuddled behind him. Not holding him, always scared he'd be afraid if he awoke. But he appreciated it nevertheless, he'd still and listen to your breathing, your heartbeat. This was what he had always looked for in the morning, to be closer to you.

Your body had failed you, and you ended up falling back into a slumber once more. Kyle could feel you relax and lean closer into his back, he tensed, but the warmth was something new. Something better, he longed for it.

He turned over, so he would be facing you, and carefully scooted back to get a better look at you. You appeared soft as you rested. Kyle didn't know what to make up from the warmth in his chest and the lightness he felt. His fingers gently traced your features, each one so mesmerizing to him. The more he looked at you, the happier he felt.

A smile was creeping its way onto his features, and eventually he looked a little dopey. Kyle pulled back, fearful that he might disrupt you. Beginning to match your breathing as he held his hands over his chest, eventually closing his eyes. He eventually fell back into a rest alongside you.

That was many of the unknown moments that the two of you shared.

Kyle always wanted you to be by his side wherever he went, and followed you wherever you headed off to. It was sort of a comforting attachment for the both of you.

How your eyes searched for his whenever there was a 'meeting' or how your hand reached for his when you were near each other. It wasn't anything romantic, it was just security. You two had each other and that's all that mattered to the both of you, nothing more, nothing less.

How your hands fit perfectly within another, fingers intertwining. It was a connection.

Devotion, loyalty, submission, and admiration.

The conversations were quiet, neither of you understood what it was you two felt, the overwhelming fondness that surrounded you both. The unbeknownst love that choked you, leaving you breathless. How you scratched to get away from it, scared. Crawling and screaming to run away from it all.

But you can only resist for so long.

You found yourself admiring him, wanting to hold him, to keep him safe within your reach. Hidden away from everybody else, just the two of you together. That's what felt right. But you knew that was just your feelings getting in the way of the relationship you two shared.

You laid beside him once more in another morning, watching as he rested peacefully. Your hand swirled around the curls in his hair. Drawing back quickly. Groggily, he lifted his eyes as he adjusted his focus onto you. And as the two of you admired one another and the moment, how the rays hit him just right through the curtains. How the sun perfectly displayed his beauty, and how his childish grin made your breath hitch.

That was when you knew.

How your heart ached, and your throat had gone sore, tears pricking at your eyes from the realization. Shifting to look away from him, sheltering yourself from him, afraid. You wished you wouldn't feel this way, you wished that you didn't find yourself next to him every morning. And you wished that whenever you saw his endearing smile, you wouldn't feel so breathless all the time.

You didn't want Kyle to see you like this, crying from the adoration that filled your very being. The overbearing love that you felt for him. It was pathetic.

As you shook, you felt his hands tug at your shirt, wanting you to look back at him. But you just couldn't. Before you could get up and hide away from him. You felt hands shakily make their way around your side, holding you, turning you over to face him. Snuggling his head in between your neck, making himself comfortable in the position. Everything stopped, and a strange feeling surrounded the two of you, as you cried into his arms. Electricity shocking the both of your insides, tingling from each other as your hearts raced.

He was mumbling, jumbled words of affirmations that he recalled Zoe say to him in a situation similar to this. It made him feel better, and he wanted it to work on you. Your watery eyes had caused his chest to hurt in a way that felt worse than anything he's ever experienced. His instinct to have you in his grasp took over, scared to let you go. Rubbing your back as he tried his best to say anything at the moment, not wanting you to curl away from him again.

Although he couldn't say a lot, he acknowledged all the feelings he had and what he wanted to give. He knew why he always looked for you, and he knew why he always wanted to be near you. How he always wanted to hold you, how he looked at you, how he wanted you to be a part of him forever. He knew why he wanted you with him for the rest of his life, and he knew why his heart raced at the thought of you.

Whenever a smile quickly adorned his face when he heard your voice or recalled a memory of you two together. It was something intoxicating, the feeling of it all. But he also knew that everything wasn't reciprocated, he didn't at first, but he learned. He learned when to stop looking at you, he learned to keep himself away from you. But you never pushed, or screamed at him to go away, so he made the most out of the time you two had together. But he didn't know what the feeling was, he just knew it was something.

He was fearful of the possibility that you didn't feel all the unknown things he did, he was terrified of you leaving and never looking back even if you did. He was terrified when he saw you begin to cry, and hide away from him. He was terrified when you didn't turn to look back at him. He was terrified to hold you, but he nevertheless wanted to provide you some comfort. And he was terrified that you'd push him and his feelings away.

But when he felt you embrace him back as you sobbed into his shirt, soaking it with your sorrowfulness. He thought that this was alright. As he finally hugged you, he felt numbness in his body, as he recognized that despite your ugliest state, you were the most beautiful person he had ever encountered. And when you finally stopped crying and shakily looked back at him with your reddened eyes. The wind was knocked out of him, and he felt his cheeks begin to hurt from him smiling.

That was when he knew.

Clumsily, he reached up to hold your face within his hands, and you both knew that this was right. At this moment, nothing mattered to either of you. Just each other. And so you both leaned into each other, headbutting one another, then staring at each other in disbelief. You both began to laugh from the inexperience and blissfulness that you two shared, and decided to just lay in each other's arms for now. It was all you needed.

Although it was silent and as the birds began to sing once again, you both knew of the love you two had for each other.

'Cause when you know, you know.

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- Not proofread and sorry if it's short - Pulled this right out of my ass as a splurge - Based off of Margaret by Lana Del Rey

EXHAUSTION consumed you as you finally escaped the crowded room, everything was loud and obnoxious. If you knew you had to smile this much, you might've not even came after all. Pretending for many people was too exhausting, especially when you could tell their true attentions.

It was obvious, everything about everyone was. By the way they looked at you and studied what you spoke about, they either hated you or loved you. If they hated you, all they would try to do is put you down in some way or another, it was amusing. And when they adored you, they kissed your ass so much, honestly you wondered if they even noticed how much they did it. You preferred it when they disliked you because they never really asked for any favors on their behalf.

But when they did like you, all you would be asked is if you could do this, if you could do that, if you could say this or say that. Sure, you loved what you did, and you acknowledged the consequences of upcoming fame and fortune. But what you didn't expect was the sudden loneliness that came with it, how everyone suddenly only wanted you if they needed you. It was harsh not knowing who to trust and when you'd eat out alone.

This was expected. Just like tonight, you attended an event because it would've been rude not to. It was this old hotel that brought everyone back to it, apparently it was an anniversary for the opening. You can't really recall the details, but what you did know was that the interior was decked out so eloquently.

The architecture and decorations is what made you want to check it out because it would be strange for just a celebrity to look at a hotel. With no purpose in staying, just studying the place. It would be quite odd, and your PR team would rip your head off if you appeared crazy.

When you went, everybody dressed accordingly to match the hotel, as if they were in the 1930s. You loved themed events because it made everything less boring and more interesting than it really was. Your outfit was meant to fit the era that the place was built, so, you obviously went over the top. And it seemed to make more flock to you and everyone wanted to know where you got what, it was too much.

That's how you got to where you are currently, socializing was just too much at the moment. And so you found your way around the halls and stared aimlessly outside a window, chain-smoking. The view wasn't the prettiest and the eeriness that surrounded you was a bit suffocating. But finally having some time to yourself was worth it.

Drawing out a heavy sigh, you wondered how your life would end up if you continued like this. In the beginning, you wanted to become famous, you wanted to be a star. You were so oblivious back then, it was so painful. But finally having everything you ever wanted, which made you push away the insecurity and doubt. This was still your dream.

You contemplated your thoughts a bit more, adjusting your outfit before you headed back downstairs. Preparing yourself to be thrown into the pit of greed and attention. Making your way back down to the crowd, you headed near the bar this time, wanting to order something. But the risk of someone drugging it was too high at the moment. So, you opted to just observing everyone instead.

There was an elegantly adorned lady, she didn't look like she fit in with this group. No, she was far better than whatever you and these people were, something you wanted to be. Her beauty didn't deter you, finally you acknowledged who she was with. A more refined looking man, who had his hand on his chin as he listened to what the woman was saying.

They were awfully close, you wondered if they were lovers. The two of them undoubtedly were the best looking in the room, almost as if they were made for this theme. He looked more professional and had a cane alongside him, leaning on it slightly. He really went all out. Impressive.

As you watched the two of them interact, his gaze shifted upward and onto you. It made you shiver, his look was dark, and his eyes were almost soulless as the two of you made eye contact. Now realizing how creepy you were being, you quickly turned away. Mainly embarrassed.

To wash away the shame, you quickly ordered a drink, whiskey, strong enough to let you let loose for a while. You were tense the whole time you were here, might as well relax for a bit, right? Quickly shooting down the drink to forget about your obvious staring from before. You swore to yourself you hate people that do that, and yet you do it yourself. How hypocritical of you.

"That looks almost too strong for someone like you, might I say." A strong accent spoke from behind you, quickly turning around, and you realized who it was. Awkwardly coughing up what you were still swallowing, before finally settling down. Your face burned, and you didn't want to look back up at him, great start so far.

"Seems so, uh- sorry for staring earlier. I just thought-" "Staring isn't the matter at hand right now, dear, why aren't you squabbling with the rest?" You paused, squinting your eyes as you finally looked back up at him. Unsure of his strange choice of words. "Squabbling...?" "Do you always focus on peripheral things? Or are you just curious?"

He spoke in an amused tone as his eyes scanned every part of you, a cheery grin was placed on his features. Awaiting your answer with expectant eyes. "No, just. Never mind, but I'd prefer to be myself, I guess?" "That so? Seems fitting I suppose, I'm March. James Patrick March." He held out his hand waiting for you to shake it, and you did, his grip was firm and his hands felt carefully calloused.

"I'm _, have I seen or heard of you before? Apologies, but your name sounds very familiar." This caused his grip to fall as his jaw tensed before a smile broke from him once more. "I guess I just have one of those names and faces, but no. I am no celebrity, I'm the host of this event." he held up his hands as he showcased what was going on behind him, a prideful look on his face. "I own the place."

You paused, remembering where you had heard of him from, that notorious serial killer way back when. That's why he looked familiar, he must've been a descendant, the genes were strong. "Oh right! That's where I know you from, wow, you look so much like him." James gave you a confused look, unsure of what you meant but decided to brush it away. "Mm, you wouldn't mind if I drank with you, would you?"

You were unsure of him, he was pale as the sun and had a suspicious glint behind his eyes. Sure, he might've been the most handsome man that you've ever had the chance to lay eyes on. And maybe his accent was peculiar, but it did make you swoon even more for his charm. "I don't see why not." You teased him with the same accent he had, and he only furrowed his brows but widening his smile, seating himself beside you.

And so the two of you did, you drank and talked about nothing and everything all at once. You didn't know you could enjoy having small conversations with someone you never met before, he had a strange vocabulary as well. Which made it more intriguing as the two of you discussed and debated on whatever you could.

James was a gentleman, he spoke carefully of topics and only discussed things revolving around you. He was curious, the more you told him of yourself. Apparently he didn't really know who you were, and instead of taking it as a blow you took it as an opportunity. He was far from boring and had this certainty about him that made you lean into him whenever you spoke.

The liquor seemed to not have much of any effects on him, far less than it did on you. You never took your drinking well and it really showed, your words were more slurred and you hoped that you didn't look messy. Although it looked as if he wouldn't mind.

He was flirtatious, commenting on your outfit, your hair, your personality, how you spoke, and all of that. Usually you hated it when people tried to 'butter' you up but James showed no ill intentions. Just interest. Drunkenly you spoke about your troubles with fame and how you feel as if people only talk to you if you'll help them. It was stressful but James listened, he had a certain look of dismay as he listened.

"Well. So far, I like how you are, right now. If I were to use you for meaningless matters, it'd only be for your company."

You smiled at that and he stared at you with content, laughing it off with each other. The guests eventually piled out and left, you hadn't realized how late it was but you didn't plan on stopping talking to James.

Eventually you both had to part ways but you swore that you'd find him once more when you can. And with that the two of you parted ways, even just meeting the man you felt as if you didn't and couldn't leave. The last look you had of James was his waving you off as you exited the building.

Oh how he wanted to take you that night, but something inside of him stopped himself. He was unsure of what it was, it confused him greatly because he's never had trouble like this before. Maybe it was because of your ugly crying to him, to a stranger you've just met. It made him pity you in a way, as if he was made to be the one to look after you. James is never truly genuine.

Weeks have passed before you could make time to visit 'James Patrick March' again and you were ecstatic. It was peculiar to be happy over such a thing, over someone you haven't even known for a whole day. Loneliness really did get the best of you. You attempted to look as casual as you could, not wanting to overdress like you did before.

When you arrived back to the hotel, you were uncertain on how you would ask for him. Recalling him mentioning that he was the owner, maybe he was just being flamboyant. No. He's not the type, or doesn't look like the type to just put that out there. But before you could embarrass yourself any further, there he was in all his glory. Leaning on the railing on thee second floor of the main entryway near the elevators, looking downward at you.

"I was starting to believe that you would never come back, what a pleasure to have you here."

Making his way down the stairs, still holding the cane from before but with a different suit. Was he always this luxurious?

"Apologies for the delayed meeting, I've been busy but I finally managed to free my time."

He only gave you a hum as he stood before you, studying your get-up, his brows furrowed shifting his gaze at you. "Nevertheless, it's my honor to have this meeting. I see you dressed for a more casual setting, no?" Embarrassed as you realized what you put on, suddenly wishing you had a different outfit. Awkwardly laughing, "ah yes I may have but I'll remember next time!" "Next time? Eager aren't we."

Feeling your face burn as you avoided looking at his questionable stare. "I'm only teasing you dear, I look forward to future encounters. Here come sit." He led you back to the bar, situating the two of you into a corner.

You both were back at it again, catching up on what happened or mainly you were. James just mentioned he didn't really have anything interesting to share, he was all ears for what you had to say. Amused at your scheduled appointments or whatever weird stories you had to share. He was a very attentive listener and loved hearing what you had to tell him.

James never believed he'd waste his time just listening to someone talk his ear off. But you were, expressive in a way, a way that had him wanting to know more and more. What you did, why you did it, if you enjoyed it, and the things you want to do.

That's how it was whenever the two of you spoke, he'd mention small details about himself and switch it back to you. Slowly you did learn more about James, he wasn't like anyone you've ever met. He was something better.

You two eventually grew close and before you knew it the media believed that you were having an affair there. The 'Hotel Cortez' grew popular and attracted flocks of people, you mentioned this to James. Apologizing, it seemed a little pretentious to say it was your fault but he agreed. Only mentioning that it was good for business. The more the merrier.

You were well off to afford your own jewels, gifts, whatever you needed. But whenever James gave you luxuries you felt as if they were invaluable, adorning you with gems. It was his way of marking you, since he couldn't leave the place. Whenever he requested to see you on the digital screen, there his gifts laid. Covering you, making others wonder where you got so many all at once.

You loved how he spoke, how he dressed, how he walked, how charming he was, how certain he was about things. You loved how his cold skin felt intertwined with your hands and how it felt when you kissed him. You loved how you felt safe and comfortable with him and his proud accomplishment which was the hotel.

It made him feel light.

You helped him forget all of his little dark thoughts and messed up past, his terrible experience with his ex wife. As if his dead heart started beating again, you could never know about that. His cold skin felt warm in your grasp, he felt warm with you.

James soon turned too busy to interact with you one on one. Once dead hotel became a blossoming industry, and he needed to do his duty as the owner. As long as you were there, so was everyone else, fans. Your solitary was just like everywhere else now, being crowded with fans and cameras. Even when you were in a room it felt as if everyone was everywhere.

You mentioned this to James but he only brushed it off saying they'll eventually get bored. The exhaustion came back and you couldn't do it anymore, he stopped listening, stopped caring.

"Why don't we spend any time together anymore James? Hm? I always make time for you can't you at least make time for me. Just once?"

"You know I can't darling. The hotel has never been this popular and if I fall behind just even for a second. I could be done for and we both don't want that." His tone was smooth but his patience was wearing thin from your constant interruptions. It caused you to fall silent, not wanting to stress him any further.

Sighing, he spoke more calmly, holding your hands as he spoke, "I apologize, but I need you to attend a gathering with me tomorrow night."

"Why do I have to go again? We've been doing this a lot and maybe I just want some time alone with just us."

"The people love you dear that's why, we wouldn't want to disappoint right?"

His words made you fall silent, you wasted most of your time in the hotel. You pushed away so many opportunities just to spend more time with James, to be free. Realization hit you hard, was it all worth it now? Just being shown off to others, people that don't care about anything but your status. Has James turned into somebody like that?

Pulling your hands out of his, you felt your breath get shaky as you dreaded to ask the question. The question you shouldn't even accuse of him of doing, but you couldn't be too sure. He sensed your hesitation and offered his caring embrace. Only pulling away once more from him, replying in a shaky tone.

"James... Are you- are you using my audience to attract more guests to this hotel?" You avoided looking at him but you just felt him tense, be couldn't lie to you. He never could, you've been lied to for all of your life and he didn't want to put you through that once more.

So he felt as if he had no reason to deny it, he did love you. He loved how you laughed, how you smiled, how you said his name, how you were different from everybody else. But ever since your continuous arrival, more and more have been showing up just to check a glimpse of you. Your contact attention to this place brought other celebrities, which just kept drawing in more crowds.

And he finally realized how you were helping him, but of course you wouldn't see it that way. How he saw it. That's why he was holding it from you, he knew that it would only be for too long. Before you found out.

So, when James shamefully looked downward from you. That told you all you needed to know and you felt your eyes well up and your heart break. He shouldn't see you like this anymore.

"_ I was going to tell you but it's meaningless it-"

"Meaningless? I confided to you about this! About only being used for favors, I helped you and you don't even want to spend time with me anymore. You're an add hole James, you said you were different...- you said you only wanted me for my company! Not my glory."

You shoved pass him, not caring who saw your messy eyes and messy hair. The worst part of all was he didn't come after you, as you turned the corner to the elevator all he could do was stare at the ground.

Fucking asshole.

You should've never fallen for how he spoke, how he dressed, how he walked, how charming he was, how certain he was about things. You hated how you felt safe and comfortable with him and what you really hated. Was this god forsaken hotel.

Everything felt numb, you couldn't see anyone or anything, making your way down to the lounge was a blur. You felt your feet run out of the hotel and you could feel yourself collide with an upcoming truck.

Only faint lights and screaming was heard, your ears were ringing terribly and you felt limp. You saw Liz dragging you back into the front of the hotel, determination and worry on her face. She's always been respectful toward you and you loved her company. Not knowing why you're thinking about this now, you only gave her a grateful smile. In which she returned. You were unsure if this was how you wanted to go out but you were ready for it.

Then everything went black.

There you stood, in front of the entryway as you watched everyone pronounce you dead on the spot. How you were dragged away, what was happening?

Why did you suddenly feel so cold?

Somehow, everything clicked. You weren't stupid you were dead but not really dead, alive in a way but not really there. You were pale, awfully pale, and your coldness made you feel almost empty as you traced your skin. It felt just like... James. Why was he so old timely and why was he freezing all of the time, why did he appear whenever you called so quickly?

He was always gone faster than you could've realized and was often in the random areas fast enough. Why did you have to only realize this now? You thought of yourself smarter than that, you couldn't believe it.

Immediately when you felt his hands intertwine with yours, you realized that he was indeed James Patrick March. The serial killer. He expected you to come back to him, to hold him and finally understand him. But instead, you shoved him off of you.

You didn't need to say anything, your eyes said it all. The pain and betrayal evident on your features. You only ran off, you were never going to forgive James for all the things he's done. You felt sick that you loved someone so terrible so heartless, how could he?

You were stuck with the man you hated and James was going to do everything he can to get you back.

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- Didn't really go into the fucked up part of him, sorry if you wanted that - This was very rushed - Not proofread whatsoever

YOU didn't enjoy much of what you were doing in the university you were attending. The dorm you were staying in was actually quite depressing, and you refused to join a house, eventually beginning to regret it. Maybe joining one would've expanded your social circle because all you do now is go to your classes, study, then do nothing. You already hardly slept, solely because the all-nighters that you believed were "useful" just got you accustomed to being awake. Which meant you surprisingly had a lot of free-time, and what did you do with that freedom?

Nothing. Well, not entirely nothing, sometimes you'd wander around in the halls acting as if you were going somewhere. Just to get a glimpse of him, Kyle Spencer, Tulane University's Kappa Lambda Gamma golden boy. You were sure that everybody had eyes for him, he was a sweetheart and honestly, there weren't many of those around. Hoping that he never caught on to you magically encountering you in the hallways.

Obviously, you never talked to him, he was always surrounded by big groups and girls. That was too much attention to draw to yourself, and you would prefer to keep yourself hidden. You had a small pattern with your routine, you'd work, eat, wander the halls to see Kyle, then go relax somewhere. Occasionally it was a coffee shop nearby, or sometimes just the library. You weren't that creative with your locations, but it was quiet wherever you went, so who cares?

You had just finished a short essay for one of your classes, that drained you entirely, and you even missed your scheduled meal. But the one thing you couldn't miss, was your scouting. So since you're already going to be out, might as well just get a glimpse then eat while you're at it. Quickly fixing yourself up, you headed out and on your walk to the coffee shop, you saw him. But this time, this time was different, usually he never picked up on you passing by.

So, it caught you extremely off guard when he paused his mini stride and looked at you. It was brief, and you wished you were hallucinating, but he actually scanned you. With his eyes. Totally unbelievable, out of instinct of the sudden look, you unconsciously gave a WTF face. And instant regret washed through you, immediately turning away and basically began to haul ass away from him.

You made it to the coffee shop and you just kind of sat at a booth, not ordering anything, just processing. Processing that, you kind of gave a disgusted look to your crush, up-front. Groaning, you shoved your face into your hands, you didn't really feel hungry anymore, just embarrassed. You recollected yourself and made your way back to your dorm, wallowing in your shame. He probably thought that you were judging him, him of all people.

You didn't bother changing into something more comfortable, too lazy at the moment. So you just crashed into your mattress, hitting your head on the wall as you did. That was perfect for ending your day. You laid restless as you thought of how he might have interpreted that moment, scared for some reason. As drowsiness eventually consumed you, you hoped that was just a one time thing.

You were wrong, entirely, you should never hope for anything again, ever. Because as the days passed, and you did your scouting, it began to worry you, that he may have caught on to what you were doing. Whenever the two of you crossed paths, he looked your way, and sometimes even tried to speak to you. But your cowardly self would pretend not to hear him and speed walk straight to the coffee shop. To save yourself from embarrassment, you decided to try to stop this unusual ritual you had.

So, today you took a different route, a longer route, just to avoid him and not seem like a total creep. Hoping this would save your ass from him and his frat brothers remarks about you. You stalled in an abandoned hallway until you felt that it was long enough that he wouldn't be nearby. Shamefully, you made your way to your designated spot, ordering a quick drink and sitting in a corner booth. It felt odd not doing what you've always done, but maybe this was better for your attempts at trying not to be stalkerish.

You were scrolling on social media as you heard sort of loud voices make its way near the coffee shop. Then silence, a muffled goodbye, then a welcome from one of the workers. Nosily, you sipped your coffee as you peered up from the cup, then you saw him. Spitting out your drink and coughing profusely as you looked down. And then you heard a snicker, a laugh that was too giddy, a laugh that makes you mad and happy at the same time in your pain.

Then you felt a patting on your back, and you know it's him because nobody but him would help someone choking from a liquid. Awkwardly, you just mutter a small "thank you," not really knowing what to do or say. "You're welcome, I'm sorry that I laughed, it was abrupt and kind of hilarious." He sat across from you and just talked to you, for hours, you didn't introduce yourselves. You two didn't need to and all you did was listen, you listened to what he had to say and he listened back.

He's seen you in the hallways, he always has, but he didn't want anyone to tease him in front of you. That would be embarrassing, nobody wants to talk to someone that gets teased over something like that. It wasn't middle school, so, he would try to not acknowledge you, and eventually he decided to take the routes you did too, by himself. In hopes for a chance to speak to you or something, he didn't really plan it out, he just hoped you two would say hi and fall in love. And his plan failed, a lot, because it felt like you began to avoid him whenever he tried to reach out.

It bummed him out, yeah, but he wasn't going to give up and so whenever you didn't take your shared route. He was confused, this was the only place he ever saw you, so finding you to try to actually make a move, was going to be difficult. But he can remember a few times when he had seen you sitting by yourself in the coffee shop. And this time he was determined he was going to speak to you, so he pushed away his nerves and on the way there. He was trying to think of anything that would help his situation, corny pickup lines, pretending to be smart, or even inviting you to a party.

He didn't really want to do the last option since you didn't seem like the type, and he didn't want to sound obnoxious. But when he was brainstorming, someone came up to him, and he was trying not to lose focus of what he was thinking about. And they were a talker, a loud one. Generally he was patient and listened, but right now was not the time, so when he finally made it to the café. He breathed a sigh of relief and said his goodbyes to the person.

Not wanting to see like a creep, he just decided to order something and not awkwardly stand around looking for you. But once he got his order, he heard an immediate series of coughing. It was you. And you were choking on something that wasn't solid, wow? He accidentally let out a laugh as he processed it, but he was ultimately worried.

So he hurriedly placed his drink on the counter and made his way toward you, patting your back in a way to soothe the pain. Which didn't really make sense, but he was in the moment.

You both realized that this was the perfect opportunity for the two of you to finally talk, so Kyle reacted on his instinct. He sat down across from you and decided to just go with it, he talked, since you looked you didn't have much to say. And that was fine for the both of you, because at the moment the both of you enjoyed the moment. You stayed across from each other until the place closed and Kyle offered to walk you back. Happily, you accepted and although it was silent on the way there, the two of you cherished it.

You gave him one last look before heading back inside, and the two of you went to the bed breathless. And that was how it started, you'd meet at the café, talk for hours, study together, and depart. He always wanted to walk you back, and who were you to deny? Throughout the months, the both of you grew closer and closer, Valentine's Day was when Kyle wanted to admit his feelings. It seemed more cherishable and more romantic in his mind, very original, but who says that's bad?

On the day, you two did your usual routine with each other, and you both had something to say but couldn't say it, Two cowards in love, who weren't even dating, yet. So when Kyle walked you back to your place, and you two stood in silence. Kyle immediately blurted, "will you be my valentine, it's like cool if you say no, yeah, just uh- wanted to ask you and stuff, and it's already over, which makes this kind of dumb. But why not shoot my shot, y'know? I didn't want to seem-" "Yes." And you hugged him, it felt like you were in middle school, but he happily reciprocated, and you laid in your bed, nerves kept you and him awake.

Boy, it's late, walk me home, put your hand in mine At the gate, stop and say, "be my valentine" You are, by far, the brightest star I've ever seen, and I never dreamed I'd be so happy that I could die

Overtime, you two did eventually tell each other about your feelings and became a thing, he both of you didn't care who knew. He always told you how beautiful, handsome, and pretty you were all the time, and you did the same. He loved watching you get ready whenever the two of you did go out, loving to kiss you as you did so. If you were to put your makeup on, he loved kissing you with your lipstick/lip gloss on, it appearing on him. It always made him feel as if showed that he was yours and that's all he really cared about, where you went, he followed.

You used to say that I was beautiful like Cleopatra But you the king too, so I would say, "back at ya" I flip my hair and make you stare and put my makeup on And make up stories 'bout my life and put on very cherry bomb And even then, I knew that we were something serious That you would dominate my thoughts like radio to Sirius I'd see you in the hall like "hello, hello" Up against the wall like "let's go, let's go"

Kyle loved driving you places, anywhere you wanted to go, he would happily take you. You two often drove anywhere you could reach and enjoyed it all because you two were with each other. Sometimes whenever you two left the dorms to explore cities, he could notice how you always enjoyed it more there than here. It started to make him wonder if you were really happy where you were, did you want to be somewhere else? He didn't want to think about the possibility of you leaving so he began to cherish your presence more and more, always abruptly hugging you.

Let me take you out of this town Let me do it right now, baby Dancing 'til dawn, staying forever young Let's get out of this place 'Cause you're starting to waste within this teenage wasteland You will never see my face If you don't get me out of this place now, baby, I'm not crazy I'm leaving, are you coming with me?

You knew how Kyle would get whenever he was on his own, he would overthink and become isolated. And he always knew how to deal with his fucked up things on his own, but when you held him. Comforting him, just wanting to hold him, he didn't know what to do with himself. The both of you would just watch movies to cheer each other up and it always worked, it was your thing. You never dreamed that you'd be watching shitty romcoms with Kyle crying into your shoulder over it, but this felt like heaven.

If you're lonely, baby, hold me, you're my only one Watching television, kissing 'til we see the sun So far, we are a safe in the dark And I never dreamed that I'd be the queen And I'd be so happy that I could die

Your smile and blush was something Kyle loved pulling from you, his corny lines never worked on anyone. But they worked on you. He eventually showed you some of his favorite music, and you made fun of his old man's taste. And when Rosanna by Toto began to play as you two just happily stared at one another. It may be old music but you loved it now, you loved him.

You used to call yourself The Don and call me Queen Diana You always make me blush and say, "shut up boy, you bananas!" You pull my hair and push me down and chase me, make me run You played me Biggie Smalls, and then my first Nirvana song So even then, when no ones friends were really serious I knew you loved me by the way you looked in second period I'd see you in the hall like "hello, hello" Up against the wall like "let's go, let's go"

Kyle eventually invited you to tag along with him to some of the parties him and his frat brothers went to. But he always remained close to you and the both of you would just dance in the kitchen. He assumed the noise would bother you since you two lived in a quiet place. But instead he saw happiness, he saw longing as you lost yourself with the loud music. The suspicion that you wanted to be somewhere different and loud began to bother him, and suddenly he didn't feel like dancing anymore.

Let me take you out of this town Let me do it right now, baby Dancing 'til dawn, staying forever young Let's get out of this place 'Cause you're starting to waste within this teenage wasteland You will never see my face If you don't get me out of this place now, baby, I'm not crazy I'm leaving, are you coming with me?

You always loved going out with Kyle because he wasn't trying to solely get drunk. He wanted to show off his weirdly coordinated dance moves to you, to impress you. And especially whenever it was raining, he took you outside and he danced with you like it was your last day together. The both of you held each other and sang horribly to one another, while it downpoured. And for some reason deep down, it did feel like your last moment together.

I know that they say that all i want Is to have fun And get away for rainy days I know that they think I've come undone But I'm in love, I wanna run, run, run away I'm leaving, are you coming with me?

When the two of you were at another party, his nerves finally caught up to him and he asked you about staying. You finally said that you wanted to be somewhere different, somewhere bigger, somewhere louder. Neither of you agreed on where the two of you should stay and you couldn't meet each other halfway. So, you ran out, you left, you couldn't do it, you loved him you really did. But you wanted to be where you truly felt where you could fit in and be comfortable at.

Kyle didn't know how to take it, he knew you were leaving but he felt too defeated to say anything so he drank away his sorrows. He knew that he couldn't do anything, he couldn't change your mind, but his thoughts were interrupted when his friends were in a panicked state. They came rushing downstairs and dragged him along with them and he was partially too drunk and hazy to understand what was going on. When he was being rushed out of the house, he saw you down the street, walking by yourself, where? He tried calling out to you and even though the street was loud enough, you could hear Kyle from a thousand miles away.

You were confused about what his friends were doing and the sudden urgency into their bus. Kyle was trying to shout something, you could hardly hear him drunkenly sob, "I love you, I'm sorry!" You laughed at his effort still trying to reconcile even when he was nowhere close to being sober. Eventually they did board up the bus and drove off, but for some reason you felt as if you should've grabbed him yourself. One thing turned into another and you heard screaming from, you couldn't really tell who was chasing after the bus.

But they were yelling and you felt worried and as you were making your way to check it out. There was a loud bang, and it hit you. The bus had flipped over and before you even knew it, it burst into flames, and you felt everything crash in front of you. You wanted to believe that this was a dream and you couldn't feel the tears escaping you and that your legs weren't about to collapse. You shouldn't have argued with him over a stupid wish, a dream, maybe you should've held him and took him home.

Maybe this is all a dream and you're overthinking this whole situation, maybe Kyle is in bed next to you. Eventually you'll wake up and you'll find him in your shitty dorm, sleeping right beside you. And you'll tell him about it and he'll laugh and tell you how freaky your dreams are and everything will be okay. But as you do finally fall to the ground, sobs breaking through you and your voice turning hoarse from your screaming. You realize that this time, this wasn't a dream, and you weren't somewhere different, you were here and Kyle was there.

He's always been.

Let me take you out of this town Let me do it right now, baby Dancing 'til dawn, staying forever young Let's get out of this place 'Cause you're starting to waste within this teenage wasteland You will never see my face If you don't get me out of this place now, baby, I'm not crazy I'm leaving, are you coming with me?

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- Inspired by Prom Song (Gone Wrong) by Lana Del Rey - Decided to do a little plot twist sort of - Halfway proofread?

YOU still clearly remember the day that you were dragged out of your very own home and misplaced into the asylum. An unfortunate day it was, you were grieving the loss of your best friend. It was raining that evening, everything was aching, and you felt as if you couldn't carry on. How could you? Your dear friend was everything that you had, without them, you felt as if you had nothing.

Before you could mourn any longer, there was a loud bang and distant shouting, outside your home. Fear struck you, then there it was. "Open the door _, you are under arrest for the murder of _!" Before you could even collect what was going on, your front door slammed forward and fell just before you. There you came face to face with a group of police officers, with a few holding guns and riot shields.

Your ears were ringing and everything felt hazy during that moment, then quickly you were shoved into your floor. Your head hit the ground hard, which only made you feel more nauseous as people surrounded you. Soon you felt yourself being roughly handcuffed, then being pushed through the crowds of officers and people as camera flashes blinded you. What was going on? Then you felt yourself fall into the backseat of a van, you couldn't hear anything, you could hardly even see.

Eventually, everything drowned out as you felt yourself pass out and succumb to your concussion. Soon after, it felt like you weren't awake, and you weren't sleeping either, you felt the vehicle shake as it moved. Everything felt so painful and sore, you could mildly make sense of your current condition. Laid flat at the bottom of the vehicle in between rows of seats on the side on the inside. Everything appeared metallic, your senses slowly coming back to you as you felt the cold of the steel.

Weakly you pushed yourself onto your knees, holding on the edge of a seat, attempting to lift yourself up. You managed to sit yourself onto the side and study the rest of your surroundings and your state. It appeared to be the back of a van, but everything else seemed to be barricaded, only a small window in the back doors. You peered through them, clumsily, and only saw rows of trees surrounding the road behind you. The sky was dark and appeared slightly stormy, worse than before.

You wanted to scream and kick around, beg them to let you go. But your heart wasn't in it, you recall them mentioning murder--you murdering somebody. The name being a blur but of whom was what you couldn't remember, your head was throbbing. You tried to touch where it hurt and finally picked up on the chains that were wrapped around your shape. How did you just now notice this?

That was probably why you struggled so much just to sit yourself up. Nevertheless, you lifted your cuffed hands and felt the top of your forehead, wincing at the slight pressure. You brought them back and noticed blood now covering your fingers, drawing in a breath to calm yourself. You relaxed but still couldn't ignore the pain that took place in every part of your body, you just wanted to know where they were taking you.

Not only that, but you'd assume you were about to be locked up for a murder, that you hadn't done. Maybe it was still the grief that filled you or wanting to just lay down and never wake up. But you honestly had hoped where you were going had something for you to lay, even though that should be the least of your worries. You closed your eyes and leaned against the wall behind you, hoping this was a dream of some sort. But you knew that the pain you're feeling was real and genuine, what a terrible day it was.

There was a loud bang of the doors being slammed open and darkness surround you as you struggled to recollect yourself. You felt your sides being pulled, and messily climbed out from the vehicle, still unable to really see. You could only piece out, what looked to be, a hospital? Before you just closed your eyes trying to gain back your consciousness, soon feeling yourself being pushed upstairs. Then cool hair hit you and just for a second, you basked in it.

Only being able to see fluorescent lights above you and faint talking beside you, and now you were just clumsily standing. Before you could feel yourself collapse, you were being dragged somewhere again. Then once again, you were shoved into a room, the sound of a door shutting behind you. You were still in chains, but you hoped that they'd remove it later, since it was dark when you made it out of the van. You fell into what you assumed was a bed, ignoring the discomfort you felt.

The walls were messy and old, everything was secluded, and you could faintly make out a bucket. You just laid yourself back down, making due with a position with the chains. And you closed your eyes, letting the exhaustion finally hit you, the pain subsiding only for a moment. For some reason, you didn't feel angry or anything, only tired, like you've given up already. You thought for a moment, you hope tomorrow is better.

You were awoken by clanging from outside your door, sitting yourself up against the wall behind you. The door creaked open as a nun made her way to you, looking down at you, judging you. You only looked up at her, unsure of what to make of the situation, mainly focused on why a nun is in a prison? "Get up." It was all she said, and you complied immediately, she seemed to appreciate that as she just gave you a smirk.

She pulled out multiple keys and undid the chains on you, surveying you as you rubbed relief into your arms and legs. A grateful look took place over your features as you gave her a hesitant smile, "thank you, thank you very much." That was all you could make out, your throat felt dry and sore, you could almost hear it when you spoke. "Follow me, I need to take you to the common room where you can stay in your free time." You only nodded and followed behind her, stumbling a bit with your steps as she led you through the long hallways.

You observed the walls and rooms you two came across for a moment, and then it clicked in your head. You weren't at a prison, you were at an asylum. But why? Before you could question any further, you two stood before a room that held groups of people. You turned to look at her, clearly confused and lost, but she only held up a finger.

"Just go on, I'll give you a proper tour of this place later, I have business to attend to." And with that she was gone, you were a bit far away from the room, so nobody really noticed you. You just swallowed away your questions and stepped into the room, it was loud and a bit messy. You could feel that you stood out from the rest of these people, but you continued your way around the room. A record player was beside you, you made sure to situate yourself away from everybody.

You were sure that the confusion was evident on your features because there were two, seemingly normal people approaching you. Unsure of how to really converse with the situation you're in and your current condition, you just pretended as if they weren't there. But they tapped you and stared at you, confusion on them as well, they were studying you. There was a male and a female, looking similar in a way, they both had brown hair and were pale as can be. They looked more rugged than you did, beside the blood stains and bruises that probably showed on your features.

"What happened with ya'?" The guy spoke up, and the woman just glared at him, in turn he just gave her an apologetic look. You didn't know what to say, and your throat was still in pain, but you tried your best to sound normal. "I got knocked out and brought here, I thought they would've put me in the cooler or something. Is this like a place for crazy folks?" You let the question slip out, but they seemed amused at your response but remained hesitant. "Ya, sort of, what did ya' get in here for?"

The guy seemed to have a lot of questions, but his expression seemed genuine, so you continued. You thought for a moment, "well, my best friend died recently, so I was processing that, and the fuzz just came in and said I murdered someone, I can't remember who they said, but I didn't. I couldn't even say anything really, I was just put here." The two of them took in your words and relaxed a bit before nodding their heads, "Ya, that's how it wus' for me too. Lana here was put in here for somethin' differen' though." The two of them continued asking more questions about you and the events that lead to you coming there.

Throughout the upcoming weeks, you got to know the both of them more and discover how long they've been at the asylum. Kit Walker was the name of the guy, he was a sweet fella and often got hurt the most. Lana Winters was the name of the woman, and she was more on the quiet and mature side. It took her longer to really warm up to you, but she looked after you as much as Kit did. They told you their whole plan to escape and get out of the place, they were setting everything up and wanted you to be a part of it.

You gladly agreed, when you guys weren't setting up your plans and brainstorming over almost everything. You'd occasionally hang out, Lana mostly did her own thing and you didn't bother her. Not only that, but you admired her in every way if you were being honest, you had placed all of your trust with the both of them. They've clearly been through more together, and you didn't mind, you enjoyed what you could get. You often spent more time with Kit since he seemed to enjoy quality time.

As the months passed, Kit began to tell you about himself and what he's gone through when he first came to the asylum. About his wife and, Grace, he never went into specific details on what had happened, afraid you wouldn't believe him. But when he did admit to what really happened, he expected you to just stare at him and believe he was joking. He was surprised and conflicted when you only turned sympathetic, your eyes didn't doubt anything he said. And that's when he felt it, he felt his stomach flutter, and he could only give you a breathless smile.

You two would hold each other when you cried and find comfort in one another whenever the two of you were alone. Sneaking out of your rooms a lot just to enjoy random spots Kit discovered in the asylum, and you loved every second of it. Occasionally Lana would tag along and those two would bicker like siblings, they finally made you feel whole again. You didn't really feel the need to communicate with them when you all hung out, you enjoyed just being alongside them. Lana would listen to your sorrowful stories, and Kit would hold you dearly when you cried.

You did grow more and closer with the both of them, and you viewed them both as very close friends. Well, your only friends. But you saw the both of them very highly, Lana, eventually picked up on your sudden interest in Kit. She pestered you about it until you did tell her that you were quite fond of him, and she could only smile. She gave you advice or things she's heard him say about you, and you pretended it didn't affect you.

Kit couldn't contain his smile whenever you two would interact, most often looking forward to when you guys would chat. Whenever he would come back after a punishment, he would immediately seek you out, since you would soothe him. He pretended like your platonic hugs didn't matter, but he always found himself melting into your touch. Whenever you got in trouble, he would plead to get caned instead of you, it hurt him to see you get punished. And as for you, you even begged to take his caning instead of him, and you were bad as him.

Eventually you two would talk about life when the both of you got out of the asylum, what you'd do, who'd you become. He mainly talked about how he wanted to get married or to adopt kids, he was always fond of the domestic life. You didn't care what you did or who you'd be, you mentioned how you hoped all of you would still be close. It made him pause and think about it, he only stared ahead as he thought about his future with Lana and you. All he said after that was, "I hope for us to have a good future together."

You didn't push, he was out of it for the rest of the day, seeming lost in thought a lot as you and Lana talked. Hoping it wasn't something that you said, you just headed back to your room, shamefully. Lana only watched you leave as she glared at Kit, he wasn't even paying attention, just anxiously bouncing his leg. When he finally did look up, you were gone and Lana was complaining about his behavior. It registered in his brain that you must've been put off by his sudden change of behavior.

He only groaned into his hands as Lana pitied him and his obliviousness, so she headed off to give him some time to himself. But he finally figured out what he wanted. As he stared up at the ceiling of the common room, leaning back against a chair. It was registering in his mind on how you two would laugh and hold onto each other, enjoying the other's presence. He wanted his future to be with you.

Building up the courage, he told you, he told you how he wanted to get out of this place with you. He told you how he wanted to be together with you, to get married to you. He told you how he wanted to raise kids with you, if you wanted to. He told you how he finally found someone who genuinely made him happy, and it was you. He told you that he was in love with you.

It was when the both of you snuck out and hid in his room, you could only smile as tears escaped you. He was scared, why were you crying? But all you did was just smile and kiss him, you kissed him like your life depended on it. And he accepted every ounce of love that you were willing to give. You two laid in each other's arms that night, looking forward to a better life together.

Later, you slipped out of his arms to head back to your room, not wanting to get in trouble. You slept more peaceful than you ever had that night. When you awoke, you could only see Kit sitting alone in the common room, he was lost in thought. He saw you approaching, and a blissful grin broke across his features, he hugged you, but you were worried about her. Most often, she was there before the both of you, so where was she?

But before you could think any further, what he said made you frozen. "Lana--Lana got out!" You stilled and joy filled you, you recalled what the plan was, she escapes and proves you and Kit's innocence. You couldn't even form any words, so you and Kit just held each other, your future was coming. Furthermore, you could hardly even think for the remainder of the day, you knew Lana was always smart, your admiration was what fueled you. She was your inspiration and your support, you already couldn't wait to see her once more.

A couple of weeks passed, and eventually you were able to get out before Kit, you were framed for the murder of your best friend. The thought still angers you and makes you feel defeated, but they eventually discovered it was suicide. You don't like thinking or talking about it, guilt always swallowed you whole whenever you did. Lana revealed that the forensic department was just uncoordinated and didn't look more deep into the cause of death. And what led to it, automatically assuming it was you because of close relations.

You told Kit that you'd gladly wait for his release and that you'll be waiting for him, and you two would get married. And he kissed you one last time before the two of you departed, The tape was revealed, proving his innocence, but it still took some time to get him out of there. During that time you came face to face with reporters, obliviously you answered each one. People even offered you a lot of cash just to say one sentence to them with your experience in the asylum. Before you were sent away, you were having money problems and barely making it to the next month.

So, you accepted each offer that came. Every book deal, every guest appearances, and anything that was offered. Overtime, you became a surviving star, Lana seemed to take the same route as you and you two would soon discuss ideas with each other. When Kit was eventually released, all he saw everywhere was you. All of it confused him, he'd seen you and Lana everywhere and for some reason. He didn't feel ecstatic about it.

He could see the change in the both of you, but what he didn't like most of all was who you became. When you heard of his release, you immediately went to him and greeted him. You couldn't contain your excitement one bit, and so when paparazzi discovered who you've been head over heels for all this time. It was everywhere. Kit accepted all of your attention, but he wanted nothing to do with the press or any of it. You two did spend a lot of time with each other, and you were giving offers to Kit, which would help him get back on his feet.

He could only stare at you with a saddened expression, all he wanted you to know was why you were doing this? You two had each other, why would anyone else matter? Nevertheless, he never judged you, he just denied every time you wanted to do a collaboration with him. With your busy schedule, the two of you began to fall apart, with bickering that turned into full-fledged arguments between the two of you. At the time, you were upset, and you just couldn't get where he was getting at.

Overtime, the both of you just broke it off, and you knew you felt your heart shatter when you went out your guy's shared home. He regretfully watched you from behind. He watched on how you didn't turn around when you were grabbing your bags, how you didn't turn around when you walked out through the door. How you didn't turn around when you put your bags into the back of your car, on how you didn't look back when you got into the driver's side. How you didn't even slow down or stop when you drove out of his sight, to never come back.

You watched how he just stood there when you packed your bags, you watched how he got out of the way for you to walk through the door. How he didn't say anything when you were grabbing your keys and heading to your car. How he just stood there and watched you put your luggage into your vehicle. How he just stood there when you got into the driver's side and paused for a moment. How he just stood there and watched you leave, without even waving or saying goodbye.

Years passed, and you became more than you ever were, with your new books and talk shows. You had everything you could ever dream of stardom, money, and cars, you'll always remember who got you into vehicles. You heard of his new upcoming marriage, you didn't know until Lana came to you and told you. It was when the two of you were just visiting in your apartment, she knew that it was better to know now rather than later, and you only paused and stared ahead out the window. You were happy for him, he was getting all that he wanted in his life, he was achieving his dream.

Maybe you should've fought harder for what you really wanted and not what you thought was the best for you two. You could never forget the expression on his face when you both agreed to separate and go your own ways. Your vision became blurry as your face became wet, Lana didn't say anything, she just went to you. And held you, just like he used to. You only began to sob harder and bury yourself into her arms, wanting to disappear and forget about everything.

You eventually calmed down and just gave a content smile, you were happy for him. But you knew that deep down that you'll always love Kit Walker and his terrible jokes. Lana and you decided to attend the wedding yourselves, deciding not to tell him that either of you were going. You slowly let yourself recover and adjust to him being with someone else, it was for the best. He was going to get what he wanted from the start, and you were going to happily watch him do it.

When the lucky day came, you decided to dress modestly and try your best to blend in with the rest of the crowd. Kit quickly noticed Lana, but he didn't see you, you made sure to stay in the back of all the crowds. You walked away from the group and stayed in a more secluded area as you smoked, needing a break. You heard someone approach you from behind, and you realized it was him. Surprised, you choked on the smoke in your lungs and hurled forward, the pain catching you off guard.

Kit obviously tried to go help you, but you just shoved him off and turned away from his curious eyes. He shouldn't see you like this. "Holy, are ya' alright? That sounded like it hurt, real bad." There was a smile in his tone, you just nodded your head weakly, still facing away from him. You wore a hat earlier to help your disguise, and it was working, "yeah, yeah feelin' great."

Shifting your voice into more of a deeper tone, he didn't seem to pick up on it. He just chuckled behind you, and you contemplated what to say, you wanted to talk to him one last time. "So how's the wedding? Best day of your life?" "I spose' you could say that, it's a weird feeling." "How so?" "I don' know, guess this wasn't what I expected." "Well, what did you expect?"

The question made him pause as he looked at the view behind the both of you, the ceremony was still going on. He's not even sure what drew him to this place to speak with this stranger, so he pauses. "Thought it'd be different," was what he finished with before heading back to his now spouse. You didn't even realize that you began to cry, so you hurriedly wiped away the tears and took a second. You'll be okay.

There stood Kit as he waited for his partner, you didn't want to look at his expression, knowing it'll only make you hurt more. Why were you doing this to yourself? They eventually looked at each other and said their vows, that was when you finally decided to look up. He was so happy, and you could feel your throat becoming dry once more, this was for the best. Mindlessly, his eyes surveyed the crowd before he finally kissed his spouse.

There he saw you. You were crying, but a smile was placed on your features as you clapped. You weren't looking his way, no, you were staring at the ground below you. Afraid to look up, it was already too much for you. So you got up and headed to leave, Kit stopped the kiss and stared at your back. He was watching you leave again, and a familiar feeling bloomed in his chest.

He finally saw you again after all of these years, and it's the same way when he saw you last. He could only smile as he realized it was you he was speaking to earlier, you who he watched choke on a cigarette. Turning back to stare at his partner in the eyes, but in the back of his mind he thought of something differently. He recalled the question you asked from before, what was different? he expected he would be marrying you. Maybe in another lifetime, would you be the one he's saying his vows to, maybe you two would've ran away together.

Maybe you both wouldn't be cowards next time, you'll always love each other in the end anyways.

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- Inspired by Without You by Lana Del Rey - I have not written something with this many words in a while - Sort of proofread? - Alternate ending maybe

TATE LANGDON was his name, at first in the beginning, before the two of you first met you thought of him as sort of odd. He didn't really fit in, almost as if he didn't want to in a way. He had the looks, god he had the looks, short blonde hair and his dark eyes that made you still. You never really interacted with groups and sort of did your own thing, just minding your own business. Occasionally, you'd encounter Tate, you decided to only interact with him when it's really necessary.

You never really judged him, you just didn't want to partake in any social cliques and didn't have any friends really. Tate seemed to sense this, and it furthered his sudden interest in you, although you two weren't entirely similar. He felt a bond with you, you didn't feel it or didn't acknowledge it at first, and that was fine with him. He would study you from afar and felt as if you didn't belong with anybody here but him, but he was far too scared to interact with you. You felt the same, but you believed that he was constantly judging you whenever his brown orbs locked with yours.

Soon the two of you would look for each other in the rows of people crowding the long hallways. Forming a silent connection with one another, and slowly you would begin to openly communicate with each other. Just small hi's and hello's, yet both of you wanted to say more but never knew how to say it. Tate was smart, but that didn't seem to be his main catching point. No, it was the shy smiles he would give you once you two would sit together in the cafeteria.

It was how he would talk about how high school was just boring as ever and that the only two people that matter. Were you two. You were perfect in his eyes, everything that he's ever dreamed of, you didn't fit in, and you didn't want to. Just like him. It was almost as if you two were meant to be together, but you didn't realize it as quickly as he did.

And he was gladly willing to wait, I mean the two of you weren't even dating yet, so who was he to tell? Your relationship together did grow, eventually spending more time and time together. You always hung out at your place, him never wanting to be at his and finding comfort in your room. He loved everything about it, he loved everything about you, he loved everything you did and said. He was so infatuated with you.

As you were with him, it wasn't because he was different, it was because he simply was himself. He always sought safety with you, and you gladly provided that solitude for him. Tate was truly the most beautiful person that your eyes could ever lay on, his boyish charm drawing you in. He always made sure that you felt comfortable and swore to do everything to protect you from those judging eyes. It didn't matter to either of you on how you appeared to the rest of the world, only mattering to each other.

Eventually, both of you wanted more, but Tate was too in his head about it, so you decided to make the first move. He finally let you come to his house, but only when his mother wasn't home. You remember how he would cry to you about his troubles and worries with her, you despised the woman deeply. You remember him telling you about how his dad left, not really wanting to talk about it. And you never pushed.

You traced the items in his room, observing every corner and every object that you could come into contact with. He only watched you do so, basking in your presence, content with you being in his closure. Eventually, you seated yourself at the end of his bed, him crawling to lay beside you. Resting his head on your lap and placed your hands in his hair. You brushed through his golden locks and felt him ease into you, as he stared at you with those eyes.

You felt your chest tighten and butterflies fill your stomach, the feeling was new, so you turned away from him. Furthermore, you placed your hands on your side and closed your eyes, releasing a profound sigh. You hated that he looked at you--as if he was in love with you because you… you wanted him to. He quickly sat up and stared up at you, worry taking over his features, overthinking the situation. You felt him tense up beside you, knowing it was his insecurities taking over.

Opening your eyes, you looked at him and just gave a smile, it was enough to ease him but not enough to calm him. You thought for a moment, finally deciding to let your feelings take over. Lifting his palm, you placed it over your face and lightly kissed the end of his fingertips. Tate didn't know what to do, he only stared in awe as you let his hand cradle the side of your face. You stared ahead for a moment as Tate observed your features, wanting to know what you were thinking; what you'd do next.

He didn't expect tears to fall from your eyes as you trembled just beneath him, he perked up and held you more steadily. He was more concerned now and yet even though you were crying, he didn't see any hint of sadness on your features. Only disappointment, which he thought was far worse. Instead, he let you sob into his shoulder and grip onto him as if he was going to leave you any second. He could only whisper words of affirmations into your shoulder as tears also escaped him, the image of seeing you cry made him ache.

You both held onto each other, letting everything out that the two of you bottled and hid away from one another. Only then did you look at him in the eyes, wiping away the tears that slid down his face mournfully. And let the words escape you, "I think I love you." He stilled underneath you, a mix of emotions taking over his features, he was scared to do or say anything. In case you tried to change your mind, you took his quietness the wrong way and retreated away from him.

This made Tate scared, so he quickly, without thinking, reached over to you and kissed you. He kissed you as if you two were dying in each other's arms, and this was the last moment the both of you shared together. It was messy and horrible, but the feeling the both of you shared made up for all of it. You two belonged with each other. You both just rested your foreheads together, childish giggles escaping the both of you as you smiled.

It was like the both of you just received candy for the first time, it was like you two achieved the world together. You two only stayed there for a moment before laying back down together in each other's embrace. Oh, how you wish you could stay at this moment forever together, just with each other. Eventually you two had to depart, but instead of being sullen, you both looked forward to what is to come. Tate was over the moon that night, finally achieving the person of his dreams, he replayed the moment you two shared over and over again; before he eventually fell asleep.

The days and months passed by, and it was all wonderful, the time you two would share together. All the new things that you could finally do with one another, the dates were remarkable. You never thought you could love someone like you loved Tate, and he never thought he can love someone like you again. The ache that he always felt was eventually filled with you and you only, he made you feel like you really did matter. You two were just love sick fools, and it was the best thing in the world.

The years moved forward and everything began to change, and so did the both of you, for the better and for the worse. You decided to focus more with your studies, which meant less time for Tate, and he didn't enjoy it. Not one bit, he would try to reason with you, but he just wouldn't listen, he didn't understand. He didn't care about school, he just cared about you, and that was the problem. He brushed off on how difficult it was for you in school, it was easy for him because of his natural intelligence.

Every time he told you that you'd be fine, you felt as if he was condescending you because it was all just so easy for him. He couldn't understand you, and you began to not be able to understand him. Fights began to become frequent, and you couldn't take it anymore, you loved him, you really did, but you needed to focus on yourself. Before you could focus on him, and he didn't get that concept, so asking for a break wasn't easy. It was hard for the both of you, but Tate handled it worse than you did.

You sat him down in his room and stood before him, Tate suspected what this was about, yet he couldn't come to terms with it. So when your tone shifted to more serious, and you avoided eye contact with him, he denied everything you said. He wouldn't listen and began to sob hysterically and breaking everything he could reach, he couldn't accept it, he didn't want to. Tate wasn't listening to you, so you just decided to leave, you couldn't handle this. He fell to his knees and grabbed onto you, breaking down as he clung onto your legs.

He eventually let you go, and you turned away from his cries, this was only for a moment, you'll be back. But did he know that? You haven't heard from him ever since that day, he stopped showing up to the school. And he didn't reply to your calls and messages, maybe you shouldn't have done this. You began to regret your decision.

After a month or so he reappeared again, a black coat adorning his frame as he strutted past you, almost as if you weren't there. His expression was off, and he seemed out of it, usually he was, but not like this. It was unsettling. You brushed it off, just glad that he was finally back. You headed off to the library to study, since it was quieter there and you could relax peacefully.

You were settled into a corner of the room before you heard a loud noise, you looked around and everyone seemed just surprised as you were. Before it was heard again and screaming from the distance, it finally clicked. Those were gunshots. Everyone in the library began to panic, and the teacher tried to barricade the doorways as everyone hid in separate areas. You quickly rushed under two desks and enclosed in between chairs as silence took place. Then there it was, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching the library, you were terrified.

What scared you more was if Tate was hurt, he was always quick, so you hoped for the best. You hoped for his safety. Then you heard crashing and banging, you shook and held in your cries. Then there it was, they got in. You could only hold your breath as you heard the steps circle around the room.

And before you knew it, you heard mumbling, then a frantic voice and then a bang. You couldn't believe this, you didn't want to, you heard more yelling and pleads and just held your head in between your arms. You didn't want to die, not like this, you still wanted to reconcile with Tate. You still wanted to be with him. Through your fingers, you could see the corpses, but you couldn't see the perpetrator.

Fear took through you as you suddenly realized that they were standing before you, peering through the chairs. And you felt your heart stop, there stood the boy you loved for years. His once beautiful and soul driven eyes staring downward at you, lifeless. You stilled, and you felt tears cascade down your face as a pained expression took place. All you could do was shake and mouth a silent, why?

His expression didn't change, and the gun still was held within his grip as he took in your features. You only cowered beneath him and closed your eyes, sorrowfully content with dying by the hands of your beloved. But the more you waited, there was nothing, eventually you opened your eyes and no longer stood Tate. He was gone. You soon heard the wailing of sirens and the cries of students and teachers, you only laid frozen.

Why hadn't he shot you?

...

Years have passed, and the question still played in your mind, the guilt hasn't subsided. Why were you the surviving victim? Eventually you did grow from it and as soon as you turned 18 you left L.A, you stayed in a different city for a while before you returned. You didn't want to keep running away, you needed to confront it, yet it was still difficult. You stood in front of the house before you, it's much older now but still looked the same as before.

It was his house, you thought if you bought the place it would bring comfort to you. But it only felt unsettling when you stepped inside, you heard what happened to him right after the shooting. Being gunned down, before you couldn't even think about, but now it just leaves a bitter taste at the tip of your tongue. Exploring the house and the rooms, you felt as if you were already being watched, ever corner you turned. Ghostly eyes following your figure.

You've heard of deaths correlated with this house yet for some reason you weren't so scared about dying here. You eventually brushed away the thought and settled with staying in a different room, not wanting to sleep in his. That was the only difficult part in being in the house, so to distract yourself you got a job. You were gone most of the time, this time you decided you needed a few drinks with your coworkers. Eventually, you came stumbling home in a drunken state and laid in which room was the closest.

You felt the sheets beneath you as you tried to make sense of where you were, realization hit you as you gathered your senses. It was his room. Everything seemed to be the same beside minor differences, someone else must've lived here before. You could imagine his faint smell and basked in it for just a moment, you peered up as it felt like someone was staring down at you. There he was looking down at you, he held a confused expression, you shrieked and curled away from him.

Holding your head as you tried to recollect yourself, just telling your imagination to go away. It was silent, then he was gone. Were you hallucinating? Unsure of what to make up of what just happened, you just silently cried as you buried yourself into the bed. You missed him terribly, although you shouldn't, you cried yourself to sleep that night.

A ghost watched over you, he could only really stare from afar, afraid to scare you like he did before. Oh, how he wanted to hold you once more, he's spent so long without you, and he finally had you again. He couldn't ruin this, your absence broke him deeply and still hadn't fully moved on from you. He tried to with someone new, violet, but he knew in his core that he wouldn't love anybody like you. It ended as soon as it began, and now he had you again.

You awoke abruptly, the sun radiating through the room's window, were you dreaming last night? Brushing it off, you stumbled out of bed and went back into your room. Ever since then, every night when you would return home, there he stood, looking down at you. You could never make out what type of expression he was making, but it always felt mournful, you were too scared to reach out back to him. But as the months passed by, you stopped trying to hide and push away the remembrance of him.

One particular night when he would appear once more, just to check up on you, too scared to do anything more or less. You reached toward him this time, instead of telling him to go way, and held him gently as you observed his features. He avoided your gaze but let himself melt into your touch, he missed this. Even if this was just your imagination, you loved every second of it, he looked the same as he did before. "I've dreamed of this," was all you said as you held him a little longer, before eventually pulling away.

This felt torturous to the both of you, and you knew you shouldn't do this to yourself, he was only your imagination. So you let go, you pushed him away as you closed your eyes, and he could only stare down at you. He wanted to hold you like he used to, but he knew better, time will tell. Eventually he did show up more around different areas of the house, and you just took it as you slowly becoming crazy. Because he never spoke to you, only stared and let you do what you wanted while he was in your presence.

You didn't mind going insane, only if you could see and feel him a bit more, maybe then it wouldn't be so bad. This time you stared at his dark irises, taking in his form, he hasn't changed, just as you remembered him. "You know, I couldn't bare to say your name after what you did. I was too scared, I felt too guilty to even utter the first letter." Silence overtook you as his expression shifted into remorse, you didn't take notice, instead you continued.

Turning away from him, your throat began to feel dry as you stared forward, not wanting to look at him anymore. You buried your face into the palms of your hands as tears slowly began to take over. "Why'd you do it? Why would you do that? Was it because of me? Did I push you too far? Why would you leave me alive? Why...?" You didn't expect an answer, and you didn't get one, sobs raked through you as you clung onto yourself. What you didn't suspect was him to envelop you into a hug, something familiar.

You let him hold you, a strange feeling taking over you, he was physically there yet he felt so cold. "Why can't you be real?" Was all you muttered before you pushed him away from you and headed out the front door, needing some air. He tried to say something, but his words were caught in his throat as he watched you leave, time will tell entered his mind once more. You came home late that night, only to discover he was where you left him, patiently waiting for your return.

You only gave him a short glance before heading back to your room, letting your thoughts consume you. Staring upward at the ceiling before, you felt a dip in the mattress beside you. He was curled next to you but kept his distance on the bed, not wanting to bother you. He just wanted to be near you. You thought for a moment, slipping your arms around him and pulled him closer to your frame.

Holding him like you used to, a content sigh escaped his lips, relishing in the sentimental feeling. He missed this more than anything, you just holding him and comforting him, it was all he needed. You shakily kissed his forehead and let yourself cherish this moment, you really wished this was real. But you knew he would be gone by morning, and you would go busy yourself once more. "I love you."

The words unconsciously slipped through your lips as sleep took over, and you held him closer. He didn't say anything, he wanted to, but he knew if we were to he would have to answer questions he didn't want to answer. Sure, he was selfish for acting like he couldn't speak to you, but eventually he was going to have to. So, he was going to enjoy this as long as he could, and maybe he will come clean about his whole being dead thing. Just above a whisper, he hid into your arms for more closure, "I love you too."

He hoped you wouldn't have heard his confession, but you had, and a small smile formed on your lips. You would take all the drugs in the world just to keep seeing him and being near him. He was all you ever really did want in this godforsaken world, it was a blessing and a curse. Because in the end all you two ever wanted in the world was each other, one way or another you both were going to achieve it. What you didn't know was that maybe Tate Langdon wasn't just your imagination.

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- I am back from writer's block, hope this was a sufficient apology - Frank Ocean is my soul honestly - Briefly proofread (skimmed) - Maybe a part two if I'm feelin it

When you first moved into the home, you and your family were obviously weary, knowing of the murders and all. But it was cheap, and who wouldn't want a big house that didn't cost as much as the neighboring ones. After a while, you did get comfortable with the place and with a curious male. In the beginning, he would only make small appearances here and there, abruptly showing up in your home. You dismissed the uncertainty that came with your sudden interest in him, he was particularly different.

Eventually you both grew close as time went on, with your curiosity and with his adamant presence. He was everything you felt like you were looking for, someone that would listen and understand you. You both were basically attached to one another, him constantly wanting to be near your side. And with you feeling like you needed him by you. Everything you both did together just felt right, you even thought of Tate as some sort of savior.

And he thought the same for you. Later on, situations did get more conflicting between the two of you, there was a sense of longing but stubbornness. You wanted so desperately to become more with him, but you felt as if you just weren't the right person. Tate was a beautiful being, his smile, and laughter was infectious and rather addicting. It almost felt as if seeing his joy was your sole purpose.

Tate was always eager to be near you, no matter what, he's seen you at your “worst” and at your best. Honestly, he believes you're always at your best. Deep down, he felt horrible for lying to you about his own identity, but the chance of you freaking out scared him. Terribly. He's gotten so used to your presence that he can't even fathom the idea of you not being by his side.

You both were insecure of the other leaving, and eventually that caused a drift between the two of you. You thought it would be better to distance yourself with school, wanting to prepare when the time did come. Instead of talking to each other every second of the day, you both now only interacted once every few weeks. Tate didn't really understand what happened, but either way, he didn't fight for what he truly wanted. You were always gone, and so Tate would find himself sitting alone in your room, curled up on your bed.

Letting your faint lingering scent consume him, everything of yours would surround him and in those moments. He felt truly safe. Sometimes he would cry into your pillows and sheets, mourning the loss of something great. It was like a routine now, you would leave, and he would wander aimlessly into your bedroom. Trace everything you owned, and sometimes even just lay and let your faint presence suffocate them.

Sometimes it would be different, you two would talk once more as if nothing different has happened between you two. You laugh and feel your cheeks begin to hurt from your constant grinning, Tate always knew how to make you feel euphoric. At the moment, you both would enjoy it, savoring the feeling. Then it would end once again, neither of you knew why it would happen, you were only keeping each other hooked. You wanted to end this painful cycle.

So you would go out partying just to take your mind off of the blonde, you never felt any different for anyone else. Your heart remained, but you assumed that it would ease the heartache if you distracted yourself from him. Sometimes you wouldn't even come home and Tate would worry, although he tried to stop watching you all the time. He still looked forward to seeing you return, it calmed him in a way, knowing you'll always come back. He knew that you both were in a situation, he didn't even know why he felt so focused on you.

This time, instead of staying out, you brought someone back with you. Everybody that was usually home, left, talking about going on some trip. You didn't want to partake, disliking going to new places, and it probably would only make you miss Tate more. You and the other person only rested on your bed as music surrounded the both of you. Something you and Tate always did together, it was a bittersweet moment as you reminisced.

Pick you up at home, quarter to three Ask you if you want somethin' to eat Drive around, get drunk, do it over again

Neither of you really spoke, almost as if they felt your hesitance to be near them. The music soon drowned out all of your worries, but you still felt melancholy, the guest then laced the two of your hands together. Almost as if they were still trying to comfort you, you don't know anything about them yet here they were. Trying to make you feel the least good about a problem they're completely unaware about. You appreciated it, really.

'Cause every time you say you're gonna go I just smile, 'cause babe, I already know You know I got nothin' under this overcoat

Tate only watched from your doorway as you and the stranger enjoyed each other's presence. He felt envious, he assumed that was the both of yours thing, your little moment together. Tate longed for a moment like that one, just one more time, to hold you close to him. Let you cry out your worries and frustrations as he held you, cherishing the moment you two shared. He observed the two of you, obviously believing that they were no good for you, not as good as he is.

Ooh, let the light in At your back door yelling 'cause I wanna come in Ooh, turn your light on Look at us, you and I, back at it again

If you allowed him to, Tate would kiss the ground that you walked on, you were an angel in his eyes. And seeing someone else trying to take you away from him bothered him, deeply. He wasn't ready to let go of you, but before he decided to do anything, the guest got up. They stared down at you, you were clearly deep in thought because you didn't even acknowledge their sudden absence. And they felt for you, they felt as if right now wasn't the right time, there was evident longing in your eyes. And it wasn't for them.

Pick you up around quarter to two Usually we got nothin' to do Screw it, maybe you should and record some other songs Got my dress on tight 'cause you know that I Look shinin' in the light, there's so much ridin' On this life and how we write our love song

You were snapped out of your haze when you heard the front door click, they were gone. You pulled out your phone to send a quick apology, then throwing it somewhere in your room. You still remained lying there, helplessly, on your bed as the music soon felt like suffocation. You closed your eyes and felt hot tears fall, you missed Tate, incredibly. It was almost as if you felt him everywhere you went, his presence, it consumed you.

Ooh, let the light in At your back door yelling 'cause I wanna come in Ooh, turn your light on Look at us, you and I back at it again

There was a dip in the mattress beside you, no warmth followed suite, but you knew who was there. There was comfort in the air now, you felt eased. Although none of you turned to look at the other or tried to speak, there was warmth. Tate couldn't stand you crying alone, it pained him, because all he wanted was to be there for you. You both knew that this would be one of the last chances for whatever you two had to rekindle.

'Cause I like to love, to love, to love, to love you I hate to hate, to hate, to hate, to hate you Put the Beatles on, light the candles, go back to bed

You soon felt him pull you into him as his arms laced around you, he held you as the tears began to fall harder. And he began to cry as well, you both clung onto each other as you sobbed. Both happy and saddened with this moment. You both felt as if you needed the other, but all you two ever were, was close friends. Close friends that would treat each other like they were dating, maybe that was why it was so difficult to let go.

'Cause I want, I want, I want, I want you I need to, need to, need to need you Put the TV on and the flowers in a vase, lie your head

The crying stopped, but you still held on one another, it almost felt right, being in each other's arms. You looked up at Tate, as he was already gazing down at you, you held his face. Smiling earnestly as a giddy laugh escaped your lips, which made Tate smile harder at your cheekiness. You kissed him, hesitantly, and he reciprocated immediately, he let himself relax into you. You both pulled away from one another, you knew this was right, you two belonged together.

Ooh, let the light in At your back door yelling 'cause I wanna come in Ooh, turn your light on Look at us, you and me back at it again

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- Inspired by 'Let The Light In' by Lana Del Rey and not proofread - I love that song, it's my life - Not proofread - Lowkey my favorite piece

THE WITCHES had something to attend to, and you didn't want to partake, earlier you had to go over the limit with your powers. Still exhausted and worn out, Cordelia decided that it would be best if you rest. You were a bit ashamed of how weak you still were but knew that Cordelia was always right. You were fine with the suggestion, noting that you could practice a bit more in the meantime and look after the place. Zoe suggested that since you weren't going with them, you could look after Kyle.

You didn't steer clear of him out of dislike, you actually felt sorry for him, and he often made you feel sad. But whenever Zoe were to look after him, he would break down and throw a "tantrum" in the most sudden moments. He seemed to be fond of Zoe, and he would still freak out like that, it scared you a bit. Although he was zombie like and wasn't the best talker, he still had indescribable strength to him. In which you feared him because of it, it was ridiculous, but him being like Frankenstein didn't help your case.

But you knew Zoe cared deeply about his own wellbeing, and she was particularly kind to you. So you decided to suck it up and try your best, now wishing you did help look after him. Because when you walked back into the school, he stood before you, and you didn't know what to do. He had a forlorn expression of Zoe leaving, and it did make your heart ache, so you greeted him with a smile. It seemed he wasn't used to you two interacting either, because he returned with a confused look.

He studied your expression, and you did the best you could to make it seem more genuine coming from you. It sufficed, since he held a bigger smile than you, almost as if he was happy you finally spoke to him. "Alright Kyle, let's uh- what do you want to do?" You paused for a moment, realizing that he can't really answer your question, but he was trying. You tensed, not meaning to already frustrate him, and just grabbed his arm and pulled him with you near the doorway.

"Let's go for a walk, yeah?" You turned expectantly to him, and he nodded sheepishly at the question, extending out his arms. You stared at him confused on what the hell he was doing before realizing, he wanted help with his coat. So you delicately put it on him, afraid that he might react a certain way if you were too fast and urgent. You put his mittens on him too, deciding it was too cold out, he stared down at you as you slid them on.

A smile was adorned on his features as he smiled at you, you were already wearing your coat from previously walking out with the rest. You grabbed your own gloved from your pockets, ready to put them back on, before Kyle stopped you. He stared at you as he wore a big grin and took your gloves, he must'e wanted to put them on you like you did with him. It was a sweet gesture, but it would be harder for Kyle since he already had mittens on, and he was just fiddling with them. Trying to make them fit onto your hands, he was trying his best, but it wasn't really working.

So, you used your fingers slightly redirecting them easier into the opening of the gloves, hum erupting from Kyle. They were crumpled on, but Kyle looked prideful as he looked up at you, awaiting your reaction. "Wow, Kyle, you did it even better than I ever could. You did a good job, thank you for helping me." There was sincerity in your tone as you smiled back at him, "W-Welllcomeee." His reply caught you off guard, you're not usually the one to hear him talk, and you smiled even harder as you led him outside.

You knew Cordelia said it would be better if you were to rest, but how he eager he looked to go on a walk made you want to. Your body and mind were sore, but you figured you could hold off long enough until you get back. As you and Kyle strolled aimlessly, you were thankful that he wasn't able to pick up on much of your staggering. Too absorbed with the scenery and views in front of him and all around him. It made you smile and so you just gazed at him as you walked side to side, you created some distance not wanting to bump into him.

You steered him into the direction of a nearby park, neither of you really speaking. Just enjoying the presence of one another. You finally directed your attention away from Kyle and stared forward, the cool breeze settling around you. "It's so beautiful out here, I should go on walks more." You felt Kyle stifle beside you and give you a pout, unsure of what he wanted, "what, no? I shouldn't go on walks?"

He just shook his head, wanting to obviously say something, but couldn't really muster up the words to do so. Instead, he just took your hand beside him and walked closer alongside you, you were confused now. You two were close now, walking together, "You want us, to go on walks more? Together?" "Yeeess, too....to-togethhherr." You both looked at each other, you nodded at his words as you both giggled alongside each other.

You remembered the proximity of you two, since he got his point across, you separated yourself from him once more. Not wanting to make anything awkward for the both of you, but Kyle snapped his head at you. He was pouting again and tried reaching for your hand again, "are you still cold? Here, you can wear my gloves underneath your mittens." You were beginning to take off your gloves before he stopped you and shook his head, slowly encasing your hands with his. He peered up at you, wanting to know if you understood what he wanted, and you did, you just gave him a small smile.

Confused and unsure of the moment that you two were sharing, you assumed that this would comfort him. So you squeezed his hand to reassure him, and he sheepishly smiled at you before continuing on walking. Although you never really spoke to Kyle, you understood why Zoe cared so deeply for him. Although he was a grown man, he had that sense of wonder in him that disappears in people when they get older. You could see the gleam in his eyes as he looked at you once more, and you let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding.

He was so beautiful and throughout your guy's stroll, you acknowledged the amount of times Kyle refrained from lashing out. Instead, he looked deeply into your eyes and relaxed, he was trying not to freak you out, as if he knew why you avoided him. You felt your stomach do something and instead of hesitance and fear as you walked with Kyle. It turned into comfort and relaxation, you let him walk side by side with you and let him be right at your hip. Kyle was smiling incredibly hard as he looked back at you, seeming grateful that you finally let him in.

Neither of you needed to speak and just held each other's hands tighter, not knowing why you both found relief in another. Suddenly you felt hot, very hot, and your skin itched uncomfortably. You felt your legs begin to give out as your breath quickened, your body was beginning to feel incredibly painful. And your steps began to falter, Kyle only turned to you, hearing yelling, before you fell and everything turned black. You should've listened to Cordelia, she was always right.

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- Title is a song that pre-death Kyle would listen to unironically when he's in love - Part two, maybe if I'm feeling romantic - I love Kyle, he's so adorable - Mildly proofread

You've been dead for nearly a century, and most of the time the halls of the Hotel Cortez were dead silent. Besides the moments from time to time when people were being murdered, and you could hear their screams. You've grown used to it, most of the time avoiding the areas where they came from. Although you died a while back, unlike James, you decided to try to keep up with the new eras and trends. James didn't seem to mind because he told you he loved your “ivory soul” and not how you appear.

Now you just laugh at the memory of it, ever since you've heard of his affair you've been looking into it. Of course, James believed you were oblivious to his own endeavors since you don't pry into his business. You've discovered that The Countess was purely the opposite of you, she was breathtaking, but you could tell her heart was cold. At first, you were insanely jealous and cried to yourself for weeks, but now, it just feels like a light sting. Of course, you still loved James and you loathed it because your heart still yearns from him like before.

You wish you would've at least grew out of love with him over tie like he did with you, maybe replace him or something. But you can't see yourself with any man other than James, you've decided to try to be distant to help. It has been working lately, you don't feel the urge to have to see him every second of your day anymore. But you assumed that since James has to keep up his act that he's still infatuated with you, he checks up on you.

Surprisingly, he noticed that you were no longer clinging onto his arm everywhere he went. Since he usually never really did acknowledge you even when you did do that, just growing accustomed to the feeling. As you were getting prepared to head to the bar, to drink your own pitiful sorrows away. James appeared, typically he was off wooing the countess or doing his killings, you've figured out his plans to avoid him. You were wearing something on the fancier side, deciding it'd best to look expensive while you have your mental breakdown.

He halted in his steps as he studied your get-up, often you didn't wear anything fancy since it wasn't really the style anymore. You felt relieved now since you didn't blush under his gaze anymore and just gave him an unimpressed look. He strode toward where you were and stood behind you and smoothed his hands across your sides. Nuzzling his head into the side of your neck, "you look ravishing, dearest. It feels like forever since I have seen you dress so eloquently."

You felt a certain distaste in your mouth as his hands touched you, knowing that he was doing this with someone else. So, you gently removed his hands off of you and stepped away from him, still facing away. Grabbing the rest of your necessities, "thank you, James." You paused, unsure of what else to say to brush him off, "I'm sorry, but I was just heading off somewhere. Maybe we can chat when I get back, hm?"

"Well, where are you heading? Maybe I can accompany you, may I remind you, I do own this hotel. I know all the secret and wonderful places." He spoke at you eagerly, going near you once more, holding out his arm so you could take it like you'd usually do. "Yes, I know James, I was there with you. But I was looking forward to spending some time with myself." James gave you a quizzical look, confused that you rejected his offer, usually you'd take every chance to be with him.

He rested his arm back to his side, thinking, "but we haven't spent a lot of time together recently, we better catch up on the days we've missed!" He was grinning at you now, the idea of you not wanting to be with him simply not registering for him. Him mentioning that you two not spending time together humored you, he was the reason for it. Always brushing off both of yours plans to go and be with the Countess, telling you he had business to attend to. "James, maybe another night? I must be going now, I'll see you when I return."

You gave him one last glance, his eyebrows were furrowed and a frown was evident on his features. For a moment you thought he looked, hurt, upset even. The idea made you laugh, surely he wouldn't be, he had no right to be. With that, you slammed the door and headed off to your destination, trying to stop the unconscious tears welling up in your eyes. "You're just being ridiculous, he doesn't care."

You made your way to the bar, it was empty as usual, and so you situated yourself more in the front. Liz knew of your current predicament and only could pity you, never bothering you when you did drunkenly sob about it. She gave you your usual bourbon before asking, "what happened this time, sweetie?" "You know, he pretended to care and acted sad when I didn't want to spend time with him. Like as if he wasn't blowing me off, so he could go be with her." You chugged the drink, the strong taste not bothering you, but there was a faint sting.

Although you've been trying not to bother yourself with your feelings of the situation, it still always made your heart squeeze. "Why does he even still try? Why can't he just go and tell me he doesn't want me anymore? Just give me some piece of mind." "Maybe you keep him grounded? You did stick by his side with everything, so if you were to just be gone it would feel… Unnatural. He never did like anything out of order." You chugged more of the bourbon she gave you, looking at the liquid, laughing that you were drinking his drink.

You were always a lightweight, no matter how much you'd drink, and how you never got used to how strong the liquid was. You rested your head on your hand as you stared at the empty glasses, "Him cheating on me is out of order, like if I had the guts I'd like to punch him or something." Liz smirked at your remark, before noticing someone take a seat at the bar. You slumped over and buried your head in your arms, hearing the faint voice of a man beside you.

In your hazy mind you thought of the affair, deciding if he's cheating on you, maybe you can cheat on him. That'll give him a reason to end it with you, since you were too scared to do it yourself. You peeked up to stare at the mysterious man, he was fairly lean but muscular. He was the opposite of James, and it enticed you, he had blue hair that hung above his shoulders. He sported a gray turtleneck paired with a black leather coat.

Unusual, but you had no right to judge, you look like you just attended the met gala. He had an intense gaze before he flicked his eyes at you, you didn't flinch. So you two just stared at each other, him sipping his drink as you both studied one another. It looked like he was judging your outfit as well, looking up at you with a really? look. You grinned and nodded your head sheepishly, he shifted to the seat right next to you and looked down at you.

"What's with the formal wear?" He spoke in a teasing tone yet it sounded soft and gruff at the same time. He was smiling at you amused, "well, just felt the need to look exquisite while I get insanely drunk. The usual." He laughed at your response, shaking his head as he chugged the rest of his drink. "What's with you? You look like you're about to mug someone."

You hiccuped while you giggled at yourself, but his gaze shifted to something serious as he looked at you. Before switching back to charming, "maybe I am?" "Wait wait, no offense, but why are you in a hotel like this? You look like a motel type of person." "Looked shady from the outside, so I went in, and it was the opposite. Got tricked, I guess?" You furrowed your brows, you haven't really seen the outside of the place in a while, being dead and all.

He looked at you some more, although you're dressed normally, he had a sense that you were different. You wore your hair old timely and had a bit of an accent to you, like those people in those old Hollywood films. "I'm Y/N by the way, in case you were wondering." You interrupted him, he was looking at you too much, your tone was sluggish yet serious in a way. "I'm Kai, Kai Anderson."

He brought his hand out to you, you shook it firmly, giggling because you haven't done that in a while. He seemed amused at your drunken state of mind, "do you live here, or?" "Hm, yeah, been staying here for a while. Wouldn't recommend." "Then why are you still here?" "Commitment, I am no quitter." He didn't look satisfied with your answer, looking frustrated for a quick second before he smiled at you.

"I was actually planning on to stay here for a while, you want to show me all the good spots?" You smiled at that, you two were unconsciously leaning against each other, you just now noticed. So you shifted back to your original spot, Kai giving you a confused look but not saying anything. "Yeah, I can, I know all the juicy spots." "Juicy?" "Isn't that like... a slang?" "Not anymore."

You cringed at yourself, maybe you need to reeducate yourself again. "Well, I know some pretty amazing spots, nice and quiet." He hummed at your response, swigging one last drink before he stood up. "Maybe when you're sober." With that, he headed to the elevators, giving you one last wave before he was gone.

You cheekily smiled at yourself, feeling accomplished, feeling Liz's eyes on you, looking impressed. You felt smug and sloppily sat up, walking to the elevator in unsteady steps. Waving at her and stepping into the elevator. You made your way to yours and James room, opening it, surprised to see him sitting at his desk.

Usually he was gone whenever you returned from whatever you were doing, if he did come back it was only for a second. You ignored him and made your way to the bed and flopped down on your back, feeling the sheets. You wonder if he ever brought her back here, using his suite to woo her, or something. You heard him stand up, making his way over to you to tower over you as he studied your drunken state. "My beloved, were you at the bar?"

You pretended to think, "why yes, James, twas at the bar. Where else would I go?" He studied you once more, you both knew that you only drank whenever you were upset. But he decided not to say anything and sat next to you, "Is something the matter? You've been shaking me off lately." You thought of his question, yes, yes there is a problem, you're cheating on me, so I'm drinking to not think about it. "No, not at all. All is swell."

You giggled to yourself as you kicked your shoes off, knowing your answer was agitating him. "Who were you with at the bar?" You stilled, although you weren't doing anything wrong, the way he asked you bothered you. His tone was stern, and you knew if you looked at him, he would have his souless stare. There would be no use in lying, he had eyes everywhere, but he wouldn't really watch over you.

Suddenly sober, you asked, "what do you mean?" "You know what I mean." "No, James, I do not, elaborate." "I saw you at the bar with someone. A strange looking man to be exact." "He's not strange, and why are you watching me?"

The question made James falter and he seemed to be thinking, "well, you being curt earlier had me worried so I went to see what you were doing." "Oh my god, you stalked me." "No, I wasn't stalking you, I was just checking to see if you were alright and safe." "That's what a stalker would say." "No matter that, what were you doing with him?"

"Drinking, I was alone, and he randomly showed up and talked to me, we're drinking buddies now." "Well quit it." You sat up with him, scooting away from him as you glared at him. He was avoiding your gaze, but he looked equally frustrated with you as you were with him. "Quit what exactly, James? Drinking with someone? You do it all the time, why can't I?"

"It's different." "How is it different, James? Hm? Am I only supposed to drink with you now? I want you to know how unfair that is." He flicked his glare toward you but kept his temper, "It's business matters that's why, and he was flirting with you!" "No he wasn't! You know what I can't with you, I am tired." You weren't, but you needed to get your point across, "we can talk about this tomorrow."

James looked as if he was going to protest but held his tongue watching you curl away from him on the bed. Not bothering to change, his expression saddened as he laid down beside you. Not changing, either, he faced away from you on the bed. You felt bad for having him worried, but you wanted him to feel how you’ve felt for the past months. "Goodnight James, I love you."

There was no response, only a huff, and with that you closed your eyes as tears began to fall. The feeling of your failed marriage finally hitting you and James secluded life from you. Maybe Kai could help you tomorrow, you felt comfort with the stranger as you thought of tomorrow. You still silently cried because you could feel the remaining love that bloomed for James, no matter what. What you didn't know was James could feel you crying next to him, but his pride held him back from saying anything.

As he finally felt you fall to rest, he sat up and stared down at your sleeping figure, holding empathy and guilt. He knew he had no right to be upset with who you were talking to. The guilt soon finally hit as he curled himself next to you, recalling all the times he blew you off to be with someone else. The times he would lay with her because of her beauty, but your warmth was different from hers, he felt more safe and secure, but he was in too deep.

"Goodnight dearest, I love you too."

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- Had to make a story with both of my favorites - Possibly going to make more parts (I'm lying) - Not proofread in any way - The titles not a song, just a creative saying I saw

IT has been weeks since your encounter with your customer regulars, and honestly, you didn't think it'd affect you this much. But there were many, many moments where you'd miss their banter echoing throughout the café. Sure, most of it was downright ridiculous and made no sense whatsoever from whatever they spurred to hold their place. It still entertained you nevertheless because they'd include you for your input, rather amused at your confused responses. You'd like to think you grew quite close to them because eventually you were even brought in their playful arguments.

They seemed to eventually like your presence as well, saying time to time that they enjoyed your shitty little café more than others. Which has grown quiet, you've begun to think that the guy that was freaking out in your café from before might've had something to do with it all. You've been thinking about the encounter of the whole thing for the time being, well, more about the ragged blonde. The guy started almost going batshit crazy when he couldn't see your face and didn't really speak well. So yeah, you'd say thinking about him was reasonable and not just you being randomly infatuated with him.

You eventually snapped away from your thoughts as you heard a ding from the entryway, shooting your head up. For a quick, fleeting second, you had hoped it would be the girls, maybe even with Kyle once more. It was just another customer, so you quickly got their order. Strange enough they decided they wanted to chat, more like flirting, but you'd pretend to be coy because honestly. You're just trying to do your job, and people like this make you want to chuck off your very own name tag and quit.

But this job was what was getting you food and your shitty apartment's rent, so you can only dream of making a scene to nobody when you quit. You zoned out for a quick minute and surprise, surprise, the jerk is still trying to woo you. Apparently, holding the bitchiest face that you could ever muster and not even staring at the guy is not a hint of disinterest. You wish the café wasn't so empty because he'd have a good reason to go away, but since he's not holding up nay customers. He can do as he pleases, and you're sure that your boss would give you hell if you yelled at a customer that the place barely receives.

As you were slowly going insane, the bell rang once more and there arrived your favorite group and the distinctive boy. They seemed to notice the guy's intentions and how uncomfortable you were, and quickly shoved past him as they ordered their usual. Then like before they made him order as they sauntered off to their seats, even Zoe went off with them. Giving Kyle a reassuring look, maybe to ease his nerves that were very evident on his features when he stood in front of you. You decided that it'd be easier for him if you just offered what he ordered from before, not acknowledging why you remembered.

“So, Caramel Macchiato, like before? If I am correct.” You held the sweetest smile which was strangely genuine in hopes he wouldn't cave into his nerves. He looked surprised that you'd remember what he got, which he struggled to tell you in the beginning. Kyle then fidgeted as he beamed at you now, his face contorting into deep thought. “No, No, I uh- don't want that. It was pretty gross.”

You lifted your brows, somewhat surprised that he spoke more naturally than he did before. Although he was still sort of sluggish with his words, you were impressed by the quick development. Is that why they were all gone? Helping him get better with his speech? The thought made you smile, “I like the speech improvement, impressive to say the least.”

Joking with him, but he seemed flattered nevertheless and just gave you a shy smile as his hands began to tap on the counter. “No caramel macchiato, then?” “Uh yeah- What would... What would you recommend?” He peered up at you, somewhat eagerly waiting for your response, a shy smile laced on his lips. You felt your face heat up lightly at his cheeky appearance, hoping to god that he wouldn't pick up on it.

“Oh, uh- well I don't really drink caffeinated beverages but just the espresso, it does it for me.” You cringed at your awkwardness, but still held a small smile to ease the conversation. Kyle looked deep in thought as he fidgeted before you, “can I get an...- Espresso, then?” His voice was light, and he spoke in a breathy tone, you could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke to you. “Yeah, of course!”

Maybe you spoke to eager? Nobody is that cheerful to make just anybody an espresso. Before you bored more insecurities at yourself, you quickly headed toward the back. Missing the eyes that pleadingly followed after you when you headed out of view, away from him. You leaned on a wall in the back, cheesing out because a cute guy was happy to see you, or well you hope.

Your coworker studied you, sighing, “you're ridiculous.” They knew of your sudden infatuation with the hesitant boy and thought it was just hilarious. And honestly you did too, you don't even know why you're so interested with him. Perhaps it's because of how he talks like he's never dated anybody in his life before, an awkward teenager. You smiled at the thought of his cheekiness from earlier and pondered as his order was being made.

You quickly grabbed it, heading out to see if he hopefully likes this one rather than the other one from before. Like he was from earlier, he waited patiently for you to come back. He looked lost in thought, before he heard your footsteps approach him, perking up. A grin reappeared on his face as he stood straighter before you, focusing on your face. It was like he was trying to remember every feature of you, scanning you.

His eyes made you feel nervous, so you awkwardly handed him his drink with a smile, avoiding his gaze. He accepted it, his fingers encasing around yours in a quick, fleeting moment. “Thank – you.” “Hope you enjoy!” You turned around, feeling the nervousness bubble within you, yet you felt so happy.

You held your face, sighing, turning back around. Jumping slightly because Kyle still stood in front of you, studying you as he drank his espresso. A smile still being held, but a worried look took place in his eyes. You didn't expect for him to still be there, since usually the customers head back to their seats. The girls were still in the back of the café, chatting away, seeming to forget about Kyle.

“Are, you- okay? I'm sorry if I uh, scared you.” He held a look of shame, looking at his shoes now, lowering the drink in his hand. “What? No, it wasn't that, you didn't scare me, Kyle. I was just surprised!” You quickly tried to reassure him, feeling bad since he looked like a kicked puppy. Your answer didn't seem to make him feel any better, but he did look back into your eyes, embarrassed.

What you were going to say now is rather a quick thought and bold, but maybe shoot your shot now before it's too late? Get hurt now rather than getting hurt later. Besides, maybe this can cheer him up, “how about I make it up to you, yeah? I can buy you, uh, coffee later when I'm off work. Unless you don't want to-” “I want to.”

He interrupted you, now beaming at you as he wore a huge smile, his embarrassment from before long gone, “yes we can, w-we..- We should!” You were baffled at his response, kind of suspecting that he would only look at you with confusion and brush it off. But you smiled back eagerly, the same as him, in sort of disbelief with your sudden confidence. “Well uh, yeah great. If you want, we can do it tomorrow, or if you even can wait for me?” Your hands felt clammy, and you felt your throat swell up as you tried to sort things out.

Hell, you were ecstatic, but your nerves were killing you. “I... I can wait for y-youuuu after work. Yes. I will be right here.” Kyle looked at you attentively, still smiling ear to ear as he struggled to get the words out. Too happy at the moment to even properly remember his speech practice that he's been working on. For you.

He begged Zoe to teach him more proper English, so he could talk and interact with you, without seeming crazy. He's been huddled up all day, working and working on how'd he'd casually talk to you like those couples in the movies. Although he couldn't see you during those days, he remembered that he could be more open with you later on. For some reason, when he saw you, he felt as if he should protect you and be alongside you. In the short moment that you two spent together, he felt safe and comfortable because you didn't look at him weirdly.

You spoke to him softly and didn't even flinch during his tantrums, he only saw curiosity and understanding within you. You have enraptured him. Not only that, but you both were drawn to one another, not even knowing really why. Maybe it was foolish to ask him on a date first thing, but the way he looks at you as you smile at one another. Makes you think, perhaps it's good that you both were being hopeless for each other.

Before you guys could say any more he was being pulled away once more from you, the girls needing somewhere to be. You couldn't really hear them, all you could see and hear was Kyle as he looked back at you. His cheeky smile still there, this time he didn't try pulling away from them. Because now he knew that you'd still be there, waiting for him, and you two would be together. You've doubted the idea of soulmates at first, but now, maybe you were the one that was wrong.

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- I literally only watched AHS Coven for him - Frankenkyle is personally my preferred Kyle - I was listening to cheesy 80's music writing this - Proofread

There was a loud ding at the door as a group of people strode up-front to order, they were your usual. You were more comfortable taking this particular group's order, generally because they didn't really pay attention to you. And they had a certain aura of confidence circulating around them that made it more relaxing for you. Scanning them, you spotted a new face. Usually there was 5 of them, you've caught on their names now.

The usual were Zoe, Madison, Queenie, Nan, and Misty. Although they were always together, they fought, a lot. You've grown accustomed to the bickering that would fill up the empty café, it made it more lively in a way. Quickly, you shifted your attention back to the boy only for a glimpse as you put in their orders, he was tall to say the least. His face was adorned with unruly blonde hair that swayed loosely on his head.

He appeared exhausted and somewhat distant as he stood behind the group, exhibiting a sense of discomfort. The girls exchanged a look before they shoved the dude up-front to take his own order. Zoe whispering words of encouragement to him, which only made you grow confused, but you waited nevertheless. You and his sort of just had a stare down as it looked like he was trying to form the words to say what he needed. You exchanged a glance with Zoe, but she only looked at you as if she wanted you to wait for him.

Furthermore, you understood and just shifted your gaze back at him with a small smile to possibly ease his nerves. It looked like it worked at least a little because he relaxed and returned the smile more sheepishly. Eventually he spoke up in a sort of soft but rough voice, “I- IIII.....Cara..- Caramel? Coffeeeee.” He slurred the last part, but you still required him to be more specific, but before you could speak. Zoe whispered softly to him as she pointed at the menu, “Kyle, you have to choose the size and what kind of caramel coffee you want. You have to be more specific.”

She gave you an apologetic smile as he started once more, “Ca-...Caramel Moooch? Mochi...- Med- ium.” You only smiled more at his wording, but how he seemed to be genuinely trying his best. It made your chest feel warmer, for some reason. “Alright, so medium caramel macchiato it is, for?” “Kyle.” You nodded, amused at the fact that he stated his name so confidently in response, you bit your cheek, but your grin remained.

Kyle's gaze was basically piercing through you as you finished putting in all of their orders and taking the payment. Zoe finished up, smiling at you, “Thank you for not getting upset or anything.” “Oh, of course, yeah! It's always great to practice with this stuff in case you forget or something?” She laughed at the response and ushered Kyle to the table everybody else was sitting at. Acknowledging that there were no other customers, you went in the back to help make their drinks.

Since the place is always dead, your manager only puts two of you on the job, which you can't argue with because it's understandable. Noticing that the drinks were all being prepared already and your coworker shooing you off to go stay up-front. You and them sort of had this deal that you just work up-front and serve while they make everything. It was easier for you so you agreed, but god, sometimes you'd wish they'd let you help it was incredibly boring just standing and doing nothing all day. You leaned against the counter as you scrolled through your phone, but you felt that unwavering gaze on you once more.

Slowly you lifted your head to the corner of the caf￩, the group were bickering once more, but the culprit remained quiet. He was basically squished in-between Madison and Zoe, but he was still out of place. He looked as if he was trying to discreetly stare at you or something, which only made this amusing to you. You weren't creeped out by his unwavering stare, although it would make more sense, instead it only made you internally laugh. You pretended you just didn't catch him and just went back on your phone as you shifted to where your back would be facing him.

As you did, a grunt came from his area, and eventually you heard slamming then hushed yelling. You peeked over your shoulder a bit, confused, you saw Kyle tugging at his hair as Zoe was trying to soothe him. Madison looked absolutely put up with it, and everybody else was continued on like it was a daily occurrence. You could pick out this from Madison, “Kyle, this is why we don't fucking take you anywhere, did a fly set you off? Huh? Nothing was even happening! Why are you freaking out, Frankenstein?” You turned back around, caught off guard, but it isn't your place to judge, so you just went back on your phone.

There was another slam and slightly wailing which caused your eyebrows to furrow, and you fully turned around. Because this was now concerning, and you are an unbelievably nosey person. Kyle's fingers were still ripping at his hair, but eventually stopped as he stared at you once more, relaxing. The group turned to you as if you were the holy grail. Honestly, you were confused yourself, and it must've shown because the group looked at each other giving certain looks.

But Kyle's attention remained on you as you eyed him suspiciously because his actions and reactions baffled you. Madison blurted at you, “Hey! Wreck! Turn around again!” You furrowed your brows because what the hell, you're serving her and she's insulting you. You could spit in her drink, does she realize that? But she kind of was intimidating, so you did as you were told and there it was again.

The frustrated whining and slamming from the blonde erupted once again, so you turned back around again. It was like playing peek-a-boo with a baby, he's okay but as long as your face isn't visible he started throwing a tantrum. And you didn't find that weird in the slightest, instead you were intrigued and gave Kyle a light smile as the group turned into whispers. Before anything else could happen, there was a ding, meaning that their drinks were done. So quickly, you went and grabbed what they wanted, not staying long enough to hear the groaning.

You hurriedly walked to them and set down what was necessary as you handed Kyle his drink, holding it in front of him. He eyed you before shakily taking it from your grasp, his hand encasing around the whole thing, briefly swallowing your own hand whole. His touch was cold, but it still sent sparks through your body, as if you got shocked directly. You tugged your hand away as you believed he had a good enough hold on it, in which he gave you a pleading look. You looked at the group with a confused look as they studied you and nervously sped walk away from their view and hid in the back.

Kyle must've been still stunned from the shock as well because he only stared ahead, his drink sat down beside him. He was rubbing the palm that grazed yours as Zoe and Madison spoke in his ear about something. Before you could go back out to apologize, everyone was getting up, Madison dragging Kyle with her as he tried to remain. You were peeking from the doorway, afraid to be confronted and possibly blamed for whatever was going on. Zoe went to help Madison, whispering something in his ear, which caused him to be more compliant and follow her.

As all their backs were turned from the front, you hastily made your way back out and studied what was going on. Everyone was arguing once more, Zoe and Madison were basically clashing, you've never seen two people be so close yet be incredible enemies. As everyone was heading out the door, you could see the blonde turn his head to check if you returned in, which you did. You and his made brief eye contact that felt as if it made you two connected in a way, which was weird because you just met this guy. He opened his lips to speak as he tried to plant his feet again, but before he could, the door was slammed behind him as he was dragged out.

You and him stared at each other through the front window, not knowing what to do, you just kind of awkwardly waved. You've never seen anybody ever light up so quickly and so much because he was beaming at you. Reciprocating your action as smiles laced both of your lips as he was dragged out of view. Still processing what happened you just stared ahead, this all felt unreal and strange to say the least. Only if you knew what Zoe had whispered to ease his nerves as he was being tugged away from you.

Maybe she was promising he'd see you again.

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- Might make more parts, this was cheesy to make but sweet - This was not proofread in any shape or form - I love coffee - The fact I work at a ice cream shop instead of a barista is insane