You X TVD // Passion And Danger

Your boyfriend is on my nerves

"One week away from you and I feel like a black hole opened in my heart. Although it's not like I didn't see you. You see, I'm a caring boyfriend. I've dropped by your house a few times; a few times is an understatement but we are talking about you. Your locks are pretty easy to crack; your items are scattered all over your tea table. You've got pretty sharp knives and newly arrived culinary sets: you must love cooking."

"Your cupboards are a mess, who is going to fold your clothes? Who is going to patiently wait and iron your jackets while you are practising with your band? I'm sure your overrated boyfriend- with whom you share a lot of photos and memories- wouldn't actually do your laundry for you. He doesn't understand your worth. But don't worry, when we will live together, I will cook for you. I will fold your clothes, I will dust your racks and even wash the dishes. You don't have to worry about paying bills on time because I will track them for you."

"You don't spend a lot of time in your own house. You leave so many things to the imagination. The last piece of music you have written on your music table is two weeks old."

"You spent a few days bedridden. Kai says you are no stranger to alcohol, yet, you seem too hammered for someone who is a regular. You and Kai shared many cute moments; ate pork rinds together, fooled around with some objects only fictional witches would own. What is he? A kid? A modern witch? The upcoming Harry Potter? Puff."

"Kai is not letting you go even for a second. So obsessive. So protective. But I know that he is not a saint or a good guy as he tries so hard to pretend to be one. I will have you know that he is a bad guy. There are some parts of us that we try so hard to contain, to sweep them away and hide them in a little closet that rests in the back of our heads. I'm going to expose him, Nora, for us."

Joe resumes back to work and the doorbell clinks. Joe raises his gaze and is surprised by Nora's entry. Joe parts his lips in bewilderment and Nora approaches him. A small smile breaks on her lips.

"I- I need to talk to you, ah-" Nora stutters to remember his name and Joe starts.

"- Joe." He grins to let Nora know that it's not going to be a problem that Nora had forgotten his name. "Ouch!"

"Yeah! Joe! We need to talk."

"Uh, yeah! Meet me in the third aisle. I will be there in five minutes."

"Thank you," Nora mouths and heads to the third aisle.

"All the misery I have faced due to your lack of presence this week fades away at the mere sight of you. You are the antidote to my poison. "

Joe places the books on their respective shelves and trudges towards the third aisle. Nora sits on the ground and fidgets with her fingers. She jerks and stands still at Joe's arrival and he brings her a leather stool for her to sit on. He adjusts himself on the ground and deflects Nora's suggestion for him to get another stool.

"Okay." Nora exhales and palms her mouth. "I'm here to thank you, Joe. I can't even find the right words to describe how grateful I am. I don't remember that much, but I know I was deserted, alone, and vulnerable, and if it weren't for you, I'd be dead, Joe. I couldn't comprehend the gravity of the situation. My mind wasn't in the right place, and now, reminiscing that day brings me unwanted chills and goosebumps." She stretches her hands out to fist Joe's palm. "Thank you for saving me and for being my hero, Joe." Her eyes get teary, and Joe inches in to hold her hands. "I owe you so much, Joe."

"Hey! I was being responsible okay. You don't have to owe me. If anything, I need you to live your life to the fullest. That's what I want."

Joe's words seem to thwart her strict composure and she responds with a warm smile. Joe retrieves a napkin out of his pocket and hands her to wipe her tears. "This is our moment, you can also feel that connection, Nora. You give me the chills and the thrills. Just say it, Nora."