and then everything just changed.     drastically so.     no longer the same boy   /   so carefree,     a home so quiet and filled with hope.     filled with love.     oh,   how much he misses it.     his dad,   his friends.     long forgotten now     ---     gone,   gone,   gone.     like picture perfect never even existed at all.     now he’s nothing but TROUBLE,     trapped in world he doesn’t want to be a part of.     but,   stubborn and devoted as ever   ----   he really couldn’t stop himself.     he had to finish what his dad started.     one simple task,   one simple job.     nothing more,   nothing less.     the sound of her voice  :   familiar to him,   yet unknown,   too.     he’s still getting used to this,     having her around,     hearing the sound of her voice,     noticing the sympathy that she feels for him.     ALL FOR SHOW   ----   he assumes.     brown eyes finds her,     body tensed and utter confusion overtakes him.     ‘’     davenport   ----   what,   uh,   what are you doing here?     ’’     arms crossed,     not letting her go out of his sight.     CAN’T SHE SEE?     THE WALL AROUND HIM?     ever so protective.     all different kind of thoughts attacking him   ---   does she know?   about ward?   about the gold?   about my dad?     confusion still rests upon features,     tongue drifting out to wet his lips,     another step closer.     ‘’     is there something you need from me?     ’’

one simple task.     he was so devoted,   so determined to fulfill his mission.     so desperate to get out there  &  finish what his dad started.     longing for redemption,   longing to find meaning again.     strange,   is it not?     he wanted nothing more than to leave this place behind   /   and now he wants nothing more than to stay here,   right by her side.     eyes closed as he takes in her words,     simple nod is given before a sigh full of defeat escapes fleshed lips.     ‘’     damn it,     ’’     forehead still resting against her very own,     one hand running through her thick blond locks,     still holding on to her  &  not wanting to let go just yet.     ‘’     you just made things complicated.     ’’     he says,   leaving a trail of words behind.     his gaze is soft,   thumb caressing over soft  &  smooth skin,   eyes flickering back and forth between her own.     ‘’     everyone’s after me.   ward,   the police     ----     i mean,   even the police.     if i don’t leave now…     ’’     he’s stuck,   trying to the find the right words to say.     such a fool    /    a fool for her.     he leans in again,   lips brushing against her very own,   still holding on to her.     ‘’     i can’t risk you.   i don’t want to hurt you     ----     let alone put you into this situation.     if something happens to you…   i wouldn’t know what to do.     ’’

he noticed her,   how could he not?     she was a beam of light.     the way she smiled,   the sound of her angelic voice.     she was always there,   supporting him,   being there for him,   taking care of him when he needed her to.     she never left his side,   not a single day.     and he knew,   he just knew,   whatever the circumstances,   she would always have a special place in his miserable life.     because she’s close to his heart.     always have been  &  always will be.     eyes half closed as he watches her,   observing her,   taking in her beauty.     he knows her,   sees her.     she’s thinking out loud,   fear and concern written all over the girl.     he hates doing this to her,   hates putting her into this position but the boy really had no other choice.     he had to do this.     had to warn her.     he couldn’t leave without saying goodbye   ----   knowing all too well she’d hate him for it.     he’s thinking as well,   trying to find the right words to say   ----   but it’s just then when he f e e l s it,   her lips crashing against his very own.     it takes him off guard,   and he needs a moment to process all of this,   but that that didn’t hold him back from returning the kiss.     heart begins to beat faster,     his hands automatically wrapped around her,   guiding her closer to his chest,   one hand up to her cheek,   thumb hovering over her jawline.     eyes open,   forehead resting against her own,   smile following through.     ‘’     what was that for?     ’’

he should’ve known.     she’s stubborn as ever,   strong willed,   and clever.     she’s tough,   fierce   &   always cares too much.     he was her best friend,     he should’ve known she wouldn’t let him go just like that.     it was a mistake,     waking her up,     telling her things he probably shouldn’t have.     eyes closed,     defeat is suddenly everywhere,     a soft sigh rolling down his tongue.     ‘’     you can’t,   sheely.   you can’t come with me.     ’’     chest feels heavy,     body tensed,     as he reaches out for her again,     guiding her closer to his chest,     holding on to her for dear life.     after finding out the truth,   about his dad,   about ward     ---     he’s SCARED.     but scared for his friends,   too.     scared for her.     ‘’     i have to do this on my own.     ’’     words escapes fleshed lips,     laced with devotion.     determined as ever.     hands cupping her face,     eyes locked with her very own,     instantly drowning.     always with her.     he couldn’t deny the fact,     she did something to him.     had a certain effect on him.     made him feel things he didn’t want to.     but he never said it out loud     /     ever wanted to admit it.     ‘’     you have to be careful.   just stick around with the group.   you can trust them.   don’t trust ward.   don’t cross that line.   i’ll be back before you know it     ----     and then I’ll tell you EVERYTHING.   i promise.   you have to let me go.     ’’

focused as ever,     but it is the sound of her voice that rips him back to reality.     cold air hits his face,     dark and horrifying thoughts attacking that little mind of his     ----     body begins to tremble a bit,     dark hues filled with a certain fear watching her.     REMEMBER BOY    :    YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG.     for her    /    always for her.     ‘’     i need to tell you something.     ’’     he leaves a trail of words behind,     a few steps taken,     closer to her.     he hesitates at first,     questionable eyes locked with her very own,     before he decides to close the distance,     reaching out for her,     cupping her face.     SHE,    HIS BEST FRIEND.    A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT.      he has to save her,     has to protect her.     ‘’     something happened.     something awful.    my dad       (     …     )       he’s gone.     ’’     the thought alone makes him feel sick   ---   makes him stomach turn around.     but he’s running out of time,     and all he wants to do is keeping her safe   &   sound.     ‘’     i need to leave.     but i need you to P R O M I S E me something     ----     promise me you won’t tell anyone.     i need to know if i can t r u s t you with this.     ’’