The Pic ✓

Tension

*2 Months Later*

"Are we sure this is a good idea?" I ask as Chris and I walk hand-in-hand through the entrance of Fenway.

"We've come to baseball games a million times in the past."

"And yet I've never been openly gawked at those other times." I glance nervously around. It's not as bd as I thought but there were definitely more phones in my face than normal.

"You going to be ok?"

"Yeah." I smile at him reassuringly.

...

The game was amazing, with the Red Sox winning. We rush from the stands but the paps were already waiting for us. Chris's grip on my hand tightens as we're lead through the crowd by security. My head is down, trying not to go blind from the flashing lights.

Chris pulls me into the car and the door slams shut. "So that was intense." I laugh out as we drive away.

"But you're ok?"

"I wish you would stop worrying. I knew, kind of, what to expect Chris. I've been your friend forever, remember? Besides momentary blindness, I'm good." He smiles and nods. "Now, are we going to back to my place or yours?"

"Mine. I don't want anyone knowing where you live, just in case we're followed. We should also look into upgrading your security system on your house."

"I don't have a security system at home."

"Exactly."

"Ok, point taken." I start biting my nails.

"Hey, it's ok. I just want to make sure you're safe, even when I'm not here." He grabs my hand and rubs soothing circles into the top of it.

"I know." I smile at him. We pass the rest of the car ride in silence. I fall asleep at some point and I was woken by Chris lifting me up and carrying me into the house. "You know, I can walk by myself. You didn't need to do this." I chuckle.

"Yeah. Doesn't mean I have to let you."

"Prince Charming should be taking notes." I mumble as he gently places me down at the front door.

"I'm sure he's quaking in his riding boots."

"He should be." He laughs and lets us in, where Dodger is there to greet us.

As we enter the master, Dodger and his lion leading the way, I get my second wind. Crossing to the bathroom and closet, I pick out the smallest short sleep set I own. Chris wasn't aware I brought this.

I step out and almost laugh when I see his eyes bug out of his head. "Yes?"

I watch him gulp before he answers. "Nothing." He replies before rolling over and waiting for me to get in bed before turning off the light. "Good night Arty."

I say nothing back, just roll over and do my best to fall asleep.

...

"I just don't get it. I know for a fact by this point he'd been intimate with his past girlfriends. Even Scott says it's weird that he's waiting this long to sleep with me."

"Gross! Don't really need to know this." Tara says as we sit in my living room, a spread of our favorite Chinese takeout dishes cluttering up the coffee table.

I roll my eyes. "Like you haven't be regaled with tales from high school."

"Fair point." She sighs. "So what are you going to do?"

"Cry?" She gives me a look. "What else am I supposed to do? I mean, am I really that unattractive that he couldn't be bothered to have sex with me. In the beginning he said he didn't want to feel like he was using me but it's been 2 months. I have needs you know?" She busts up laughing. "Seriously. When was the last time you went 2 months without sex?"

She takes a moment to think about it. "Before I started dating Jason."

"Which was years and years ago so you don't get to comment on this." I say to which she busts out laughing. "Seriously though. Is there something wrong with me?"

"No. You know how Chris is."

"Yeah, which is why I know that had I been anyone else, we'd have slept together already." I sigh. "Don't worry about it. It's just one of those things. I'm getting tired. Would you be upset if we continued this another night?"

She gives me a look before shaking her head. "You're fine. I should get home soon anyway. I'll talk to you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sounds good." I answer before hugging her and walking her out. I wait until she's pulled out of the driveway before putting the food away and heading back to my bedroom.

The house was quiet, too quiet. This was the first night I had spent here by myself in a while. I nearly jump out of my skin when the doorbell rings. "Who the hell is ringing the doorbell at 9:30 at night?" I grumble as I walk through the house to the front door, shocked by who was on the other side. "Chris, what are you doing here?"