#cherry 2010

He let out a short, humorless laugh. "You don't gotta. You ask me every time. And every time it's the same fuckin’ answer."

You groaned, throwing yourself back until you hit the mattress. “C’mon Si! Just this once. I’ll stay in the back! I won’t start shit, I swear.”

Simon sighed through his nose, pausing for a second like he was considering it. But then he shook his head, tossing a flyer onto the floor. Shaking his head he replies "Not happening."

You sat up quickly, reaching out to grab his wrist before he got up. "Why not?" you pout.

“You know why.”

"Oh please, because you're 'protecting' me?" you asked, making air quotes. "From what, Simon? A couple of wasted punk dudes? You really think I can't handle myself?"

He shot you a look, that signature, sharp, narrowed gaze that usually shut people up. But you weren't people. You were you. And you weren't letting this go.

"You ever been in a pit when a fight breaks out?" he asked, voice low.

You hesitated, but only for a second.

"No, but-"

"Exactly." He pulled his wrist from your grip and stood up, running a hand through his messy hair. "It's not just the crowd. It's the scene. I get it, you like the music, you wanna see me perform, but that place is full of assholes. I don't trust 'em around you."

You crossed your arms. “So I’ll just stay close to you.”

He scoffed. "Oh yeah, great fuckin’ plan. That way, when shit goes down, you're right in the middle of it."

You sighed, rubbing your hands over your face. "Simon," you said, softer this time, trying to make him feel bad. "I just wanna see you play. I wanna be there for you. Is that so bad?"

He went quiet, staring at the floor. His jaw tightened, his fingers twitching at his sides. You could see the war happening in his head. He wanted to keep you away, but he also knew you, and he knew you weren't gonna stop pushing until you got your way.

After what felt like forever he finally exhaled and muttered, “fuckin’….fine.”

Your eyes widened. “Fine?”

He pointed at you, stepping closer.

"But you stay in reach. I mean it. You're either at the side of the stage or next to me before and after. If I look away for one second and you're not there, we're done."

A grin spread across your face as you jumped up, wrapping your arms around his neck. He let out a low chuckle, hands resting on your waist.

"I promise," you whispered.

"You better," he muttered against your hair.

You pulled back, smirking up at him.

"Now, what are we wearing? Matching eyeliner or what?"

He rolled his eyes trying to hide the smirk creeping on to his face. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”

“You love it.”