Take Care of Yourself (A Rory Flanagan/Glee fan fiction)

Three.

            We both take a seat on my bed as I open up my textbook. “It’s not so much work as it is just studying for my test tomorrow.” He nods. “Fair enough. History’s my best class here, should be quite simple.” He says, turning a few pages to get to the unit we’re studying.

“Here, what was the Cold War and what was the reason behind it occurring?” I shook my head. “I- I seriously don’t know. This isn’t my thing, Rory.” His eyes become intensely fixated on me. “Yes, you do. You just need to apply yourself. You can get this, I’m sure of it.” I look at it once more. I start flipping through pages looking for an answer I don’t have, but he stops my hand with his own. He sets my hand beside the book. “It’s fine. I don’t want to push you. But let’s just start from the beginning, shall we?” I tilted my head, pretending to read off the pages, but my eyes just skimmed over words. I nodded.

We begin reading through each chapter, and he explains them further to me. I start to understand certain things, but I don’t know how I didn’t get them before. It confuses me. Maybe I just needed someone to help me, instead of just stressing myself out.

“OH MY GOD!” I scream. The beeping of the kettle makes me jump because of the complete silence. I slap my forehead in embarrassment.

Rory just laughs his head off and then pats my back. “Oh, jeez. Calm down, Cassidy. Seems as if you heard a gunshot or something.” I catch my breath and then try to defend myself. “I was incredibly focused on my work, mind you.”

“Alright, well I guess that means it’s time for us to get our hot chocolate.” He says, hopping off the bed. “Guess so!” I hop off as well, and walk down the stairs with Rory following me.

“Here we go. Pass me the marshmallows on the top shelf.” I say, filling both mugs with hot water from the kettle. His fingers barely reach the top shelf and he knocks the marshmallow bag with them and catches them with the other hand. He tosses them over to me and then leans against the counter, watching as I prepare our drinks.

It remains quiet as I focus on preparing the hot chocolate; that is, until, Rory’s cell phone vibrates on the counter next to him – his hand sitting atop it, muffling the sound a bit.

“What is it?” I ask, barely taking my eyes off the two mugs sitting on the counter. “Brittany,” he says. “She’s going to be home soon. I should go too, to get some rest for tomorrow. You as well.” I nod as I finish stirring the mixture, and dropping some marshmallows on top. I hand one mug to him and take a sip of my own.

“Wow,” he states, running his tongue over his top lip, trying not to be wasteful of any chocolate. “This is the best thing I’ve ever had!” I take another sip. “I told you – mine is amazing.” I playfully brag, spreading a smirk across my face. 

Rory gulps his drink down as quick as ever, and then sets his mug down in front of him. “I really appreciate this,” he says to me “ – all of it, I mean. Letting me stay here and introducing me to the miracle that is hot chocolate.” I shrug my shoulders and half-smile. “Don’t mention it.”

I set my mug down next to his and lead him back to the doorway. I grab his coat from the closet as he ties up his bootlaces and then hand it over to him. He thanks me once again and goes to open the door as he lifts his bag over his shoulders. I look outside and see the darkness of the sky, the heavy fog, and barely being able to see just down the road.

“Are you sure?” I question. “Of what?” he spins around to look me in the eyes.  “Of going out there. It’s hard to see.” He nods his head confidently. “I’ll be fine – don’t worry about me. Keep studying!” he steps out of the house. “Right.” I reply. I watch his walk down the path but can’t help myself.