Midnight (One Shots)

Alyssa & Chase

The doorbell rings and I spring up from my couch, staring at the door with my heart thundering.

"Who is it?" I ask cautiously.

"Chase." He sounds weary and cold. My stomach coils tight. "Hurry up, I don't have much time."

I run to the door and open it, avoiding to look at his face as I turn to face my untidy little apartment. Embarrassment flushes my cheek but I focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Even as his intoxicating scent fills the room, Chase doesn't walk in with me.

"Why did you call me?" He asks emotionlessly. His hazel eyes dance over my face in the same fashion. With his curls unbound he truly looks dangerous, eyes sharp and hard.

"I thought I'd give all the stuff you gave me back." I stand awkwardly beside my couch, finally having the courage to peek at his face. He is looking directly at me, eyes guarded and mouth untrusting. It hurts to see the one you love look at you like you're the last person they want to be around.

But it's all my fault, anyway.

Unable to help myself, I peek once more as he silently regards me. He's clothed in his expensive blacks, sleeves rolled up to show the serpent tattoo on his lower arm.

But he doesn't look like a mess. He doesn't look like he cried nights and days like I do. Maybe he's already moved on.

"Is this a joke?" Chase's lip curls. "I don't want any of that shit back."

My chest throbs, but my next words hurt me more. "They're expensive things. Donate them. Give it to someone who deserves it more."

A mirthless quirk appears on his face, as if agreeing with me. "Fine. Give them to me."

"Okay," I breathe out and look around. None of his gifts are in sight. I begin to walk towards my bedroom when he speaks.

"You don't have any of it ready to go, do you?" He tilts his head, some of his curls tilting over his eyes. My chest gives. "I'm leaving."

I walk after him, grabbing his arm as he's heading towards the door. "Stop-"

"Don't touch me." He wrenches his arm away.

I wince. "Okay. I won't. But please take the things. I won't waste your time."

He looks irritated and inclined to say no but his eyes drop to my shaking hands and he only gives a nod. I walk briskly into my bedroom and let my face crumple. He can't even stand to look at me anymore.

Although tears flow, I pick up the laptop, the two gold bracelets and the overpriced e-reader he bought for me. I make sure to wipe any traces away before resurfacing in the hall. I find his eyes roving my apartment with interest.

Which quickly dies when he sees me.

"Here."

Without a word, he turns to leave again. Something in me dies as I watch him twist the knob. Not like this. This can't be the last time I see him.

"Wait."

"What now."

"Kiss me."

He turns his head slowly and speaks, deathly quiet. "What the fuck did you just say to me?"

"I just-" I swallow. "I just need something to remember you by."

When he doesn't reply, I rise up on my knees and lean in. But I feel a sharp push to my shoulder and fall back a couple of steps, stunned.

"Don't you fucking dare." He seethes.

I bow my head in shame, throat burning with rejection. What was I thinking? "It's just a kiss."