Eden’s POV:
I huffed.
“Don’t you dare watch it without me!” I called after him, moving my legs faster (and wincing) before successfully putting the popcorn in them and waiting for the popping sound to start.
I don’t know about other people, but I rather enjoyed hearing the popping sounds. It was soothing, like a tickling clock.
Once it was done, I emptied the packet into a big bowl and made my way into the room.
Sterling's POV:
I hadn't actually started the movie without Eden; I wasn't that mean. So when she walked into the room, I smiled over at her from the bed and scooted over a bit to make room for her.
"Ready, then?" I asked as I waited for her to sit down.
Eden’s POV:
I sat down gently, moving the bowl of popcorn on Sterling’s lap as I moved closer to him, curling up in his side, a smile grazing my lips.
I adored this movie. From the day it came out to here.
“Ready,” I whispered, setting my head on his shoulder.
Gray’s POV:
Honestly, I should really do something about my smartass of a mouth. I was currently sitting at a dark spot of the college, supporting a bruise on my cheek and pain in my side.
I knew people didn’t like my personality, or just plain out didn’t like the look of me. Yet I butted in where I didn’t belong, of just made things difficult for myself. Why, I’m still not sure.
“Where is he?” A deep voice growled. I pressed myself further against the wall.
Why was I hiding? I thought my bruises would be enough to tell you why. I’d been a smartass, shot an insulting remark towards this one guy I hated, and ended up in this position. Like I said, I could not fight. My only choice was to hide.
I sighed. Hopefully no one would catch me in here…
“Where is he?”
An aggressive voice reached my ears as I was making my way to lunch. Perplexed, I turned around and caught sight of a guy— was he drunk?— stumbling around and searching for something.
I shook my head and turned around again, only to catch a glimpse of someone familiar.
Gray?
Gray’s POV:
I sighed in relief when the guy walked away from my spot, but froze when I caught sight of Violeta.
Shit.
This was not good. This was bad. I couldn’t let her see me like this.
Then I frowned.
Why not? Why couldn’t I let her? Right, of course.
Shaking my head, I tried motioning to Violeta to leave and pretend she never saw me here.
My brain made the connection almost immediately. Gray was hiding from this guy, and I needed to leave before I accidentally gave him away.
But it was too late, the other man was already turning around, following my gaze——
(Should we pause the Steed for the Violay?)
(I don’t mind it, up to you two)
(Idk what to do anyway, so… 🤷🏼♀️)
(I mean, if it’s okay, we can. 🤷♀️ Also, sorry, we went out to get some groceries and stuff.)
Gray’s POV:
Damn it, I hated my luck. I stood up from the spot I hid in, walking out in the open with a carefree smile on my face.
“Hey, man, long time no see!” I exclaimed cheerfully. The guy, Dean, bared his teeth and grabbed my collar. “Whoa, easy there, man. No need to get all hostile on me.”
“You, again,” Dean hissed, tightening his hold on my collar. “I warned you last time not to mess with us.”
I shrugged.
“Well, maybe if you hadn’t been acting like a huge jerk, I might not have—“
“Listen here, you orphaned freak,” Dean cut me off, causing my smile to drop down. “You think you’re so cool? Don’t think for one second you can be better than any of us. You’re worthless, a waste of everybody’s time.” He jerked me back, making me stumble. I didn’t bother trying anymore. His words hit home deep. Hardly anyone knew about my parents. How did he? “Remember your place next time.”
I froze instantly. Orphaned freak? But this was not the time to be confused or sorry.
Shaking myself out of my stupor I took a few steps forward and shoved the stranger away from Gray as hard as I possibly could. I then grabbed his arm— he looked so defeated, why did he look so defeated?— and began pulling him in the direction of my dorm.
Gray’s POV:
I snapped out of my daze when I felt someone grab my arm and pull me away.
Trying not to trip, I matched the person’s pace and realized who it was the second I looked st the face.
Violata.
Why? What was she doing here? Why didn’t she walk away? She must’ve heard Dean. God damn it, I did not need anyone’s sympathy. Yet, I continued to let her pull me along to wherever she was taking me.
If I had been any braver, like Gray, I would have turned right around and verbally beaten the living daylights out of that guy…. whoever he was. But I wasn't as brave as Gray, so I merely shot the stranger a harsh glare over my shoulder and continued on my mission to get Gray as far away from him as possible.
Gray’s POV:
I set my hand on her shoulder in an attempt to stop her. Really, her efforts made me feel warm. For once, someone other than Amanda had cared enough to step up like this. It felt nice to be cared for like this, if cared was even a word I could use in this situation. Perhaps she was only trying to repay me from the time I defended her.
Whatever it was, I didn’t want her to end up getting hurt because she stepped up for me.
“Hey, Vy, it’s all right,” I said to her softly. “He won’t do anything. Not anymore, so you can stop.”
I paused briefly and turned to face him. "Gray," I started, mustering the most gentle tone within my capabilities, "You've been beaten up. Please, just come back to my dorm. It's evidently not alright, and there's no guarantee that he won't try anything else."
Why did I care so much? I answered my own question almost immediately.
Because he's hurt. And you hate to see him hurt.
Gray’s POV:
She was worried. For me. I must be dreaming, that was it. I was knocked out cold somewhere, and I was seeing her even in my dreams.
But the pangs of hurt on my cheek and in my sides proved otherwise. I wasn’t dreaming, unless you could feel pain in a dream. She was truly here, and offering to patch me up.
It felt… nice.
“I’ll be fine,” I said softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “He won’t try anything. I’m more worried about you, though. Why didn’t you walk away? He most probably won’t leave you alone.”
And I couldn’t have that. I swore to myself if he touched even a hair on her body, I would bring him down. I would ruin him.
My eyes widened the moment his fingers slipped through my hair.
And my heart rate was speeding up.
Why?
What was happening to me?
"Don't– Don't be worried about me," I told him, stumbling over some of my words. "Please, Gray, let me help."
Gray’s POV:
Her eyes widened when I messed up her hair, but she hadn’t pulled away, so I took that as a sign that she didn’t dislike the gesture.
I looked at her straight in the eyes before sighing, those warm, dark eyes melting my resolve. I wondered if this was how Sterling and Eden felt around each other. Was this how they felt when they were near each other? Peaceful, nervous?
“You aren’t going to take no for an answer, are you?” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Okay. I’ll let you help.”
I could feel my shoulders sag in relief, the harsh words of the stranger still echoing in my ears.
Orphaned freak.
"Thank you," I sighed, taking very careful hold of his arm and beginning to lead him back to my room. "How much do the bruises hurt?"
Gray's POV:
I could still hear Dean's words in my ears, but by now, they had dulled. It wasn't the first time I'd heard someone refer to me like that. Still, it hurt being constantly reminded of the reality, as if I wasn't aware of it every second of the day.
"Hm?" I blinked, finally registering her words."Ah, not much, really. They just sting."
I winced slightly, hoping she didn't notice. I could bear the pain, but that didn't mean they didn't hurt. Perhaps I should have learned how to defend myself, but I found I was much better at poking at weaknesses and taunts than physical punches. I regret focusing on that part now. If I had learned how to defend myself, Violeta wouldn't have seen me so defeated today.
I caught his wince almost immediately as I led the way into my building and towards the elevator.
“Why was he hurting you? Who is he?”
Deciding to voice a question instead of pointing out the wince, I pressed the button for the third floor.
Gray's POV:
I had a feeling she would ask me that. Of course she would. She just found me bruised–there was no way she wasn't going to ask.
"Er, just someone I share a history with," I answered, trying to avoid answering her question. "Is it okay for you to bring a guy to your dorm, though?
I leaned back against one elevator wall, regarding him with doubt practically written across my features. I didn’t press him, though, since it was evident he didn’t want me to.
“Why wouldn’t it be? I mean, my roommate does it all the time, so..”
Gray's POV:
"Ah, I answered, relieved she wasn't going to demand answers out of me. I was even glad she didn't mention the one thing I didn't want her to ask. "Isn't this a girl's dormitory, though?"
“Well……….. technically, yes. But no one really cares, like, at all. So you’ll be fine.”
I shrugged just as the elevator doors slid open, gesturing down the hall. “My room’s this way.”
Gray's POV:
I followed Violeta to her room silently, careful not to put too much pressure on myself in case the bruises start to hurt again. At this point, I could barely feel the bruise on my cheek, but then again, I couldn't even feel that section of my face, either. God, that man punched really hard when he was furious.
"Well, as long as you don't get into trouble for helping me out…"
“I won’t,” I assured him over my shoulder, entering my room before pausing in the doorway. Lillian was perched on her bed, staring at us… or, more specifically, Gray.
Swearing internally, I gave her a helpless gesture, and she immediately stood. “Uh… yeah. I was just going out. I’ll leave you two be….” She slipped past me and Gray, but not before shooting me a significant look.
Gray's POV:
I watched as Violeta's friend gave us a look before scurrying out of the room, an unknown expression on her face. I hoped she wouldn't get the wrong idea–not about Violeta. If she had heard about me, I doubt she would have left.
"Right…" I said, not knowing what else to say. I didn't dare look around–it wasn't my place to snoop. Especially if there was something either of them didn't want me to see.
There was a painting on my easel that I’d forgotten to clean up of a man leaned against a wall while golden light ran up through his fingers. I pretended not to notice it, instead opening a cabinet and pulling out a small First Aid kit.
Gray’s POV:
My eyes watched Violeta as she tried to find something, my thoughts drifting elsewhere.
It was baffling how that girl was still single. Not only was she beautiful, but she was kind and loyal and sweet, more than anyone he knew. True, she hated me at first but… she had a valid reason for doing so.
Suddenly, the thought of her being with someone else filled me with irritation. Why was it hard to imagine her being happy with a man? Why was I so upset with that thought? She wasn’t mine to begin with, and I wasn’t looking for love. It was just a crush, and it would disappear.
Before I could ponder more, Violeta came back with the First Aid kit. I sighed. This was going to hurt, wasn’t it?
“Sit,” I instructed softly, gesturing to my bed. Settling on top of the covers as I’d told him to, I pulled out a small container of Arnica gel.
