You X TVD // Passion And Danger

I don't like drama

"The past few weeks were daunting. The Barricades replaced you, and you feel betrayed. You were broken, scrumpled, disoriented, and scared. Your fear drew me closer to you. You often visited the Mooney's under the pretext of reading, but I know that you wanted my attention. You wanted me to comfort you. You would talk for hours, and sometimes you'd get teary, but you pretend you are fine. You try so hard to be emotionally independent, but you let out subtle hints like you brush your knuckles against my fingers, beckoning me to hold your hand and assure you. I like you, Nora. I like how far we have come. I like how you view me as your protector." Joe adjusts his jacket and tosses a few glances ahead before crossing the road. He scans the flowing traffic and the heaving crowd to spot The Barricades perambulating to another end.

"To you, I'm just a fan who saved your life, who is now your friend, and to me, I'm just a man waiting for our fates to collide. You came to my house along with your overbearing boyfriend and bonded swiftly with Paco. Damaged finds damaged. You emotionally support Paco a lot. He likes you. While you were busy bonding with him, I had to ruminate about a few ways to keep Kai on his toes. I officially visited your house a couple of times -took a selfie and an autograph to avoid your Sherlock Holmes of a boyfriend manipulating you into cutting me off. You told me a lot about Kai and your love for music. I think it's safe to say I became your best friend. Although it's hard to play it cool and just be your friend, I think I've come quite far from your boundaries. I get why you like Kai; he always excites you for some reason. You've known each other for so long, and he is perfect, so how exactly do I segue this from talking about your life to 'Hey, Joe is the one for me!'" Joe strolls through the bustling crowd and struggles to keep pace with The Barricades.

"Kai is leaving town in a few days, and you try so hard to fend off your misery. I mean, what kind of a boyfriend leaves for Portland when his girlfriend is distressed? Nora, I would never leave you when you are in such a bad state. You tell him that you can handle the situation yourself but see, and I observe: you shrug when you are uncomfortable and squint your eyes."

"You went to therapy, and Kai is very supportive of that from what we have discussed. Your mental health should be a priority, of course, but I wish I could help you relieve your problems. I wish you would come to me, Nora. I just wish I could help you in the same way. But, we know that's impossible." Joe sets his blue cap on his head as he walks closer to the band.

"But from what I've gathered during our talks, you are closer to Sadie. Robert throws you the cold shoulder because he wanted someone else to fill in your spot. Liam used to be your close friend until he caught feelings for you, and then he budged away. He introduced you to the band when you all were just starting, so he thought you owed him more than your friendship. Such a narcissistic incel. They are the reason why you are a broken mess, Nora. I will make them pay." Joe stops his stride as the band settles at their regular coffee shop. He follows them into the cafe and glances around to find an appropriate table.

"Sadie, Liam, Robert, and a new guitarist. They all meet and converse as if they don't care about you. They excluded you from their chats as if you are some stranger to them now. They play, laugh, drink, and crack unfunny jokes. How did you tolerate this band, Nora? I'd rather hang out with the ashes of my dead father than even talk to them-"

Joe's train of thought gets interrupted by the waitress. "Sir, I'm Mindy. What would you like to have?"

"Just a coffee." Joe ducks his head and eyes the band from the edge of his menu. Joe sits a few tables behind them and eavesdrops.

"I'm glad that we took you in. You were our first priority, but then Liam here got all jittery, and his feelings got to him. He wanted Nora to like him back, so he motioned that we should take her in and made a huge fuss."