𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙺𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙳༉‧₊˚. ᴄʜʀɪꜱ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʟʟ

𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲.

CHRIS AND DELIA STOOD SIDE BY SIDE IN THE CROWDED LIVING ROOM,
the smoke of various different things almost stinging their eyes. The band that was playing the house party, in Delias opinion, were far too obnoxious. But she was also probably the only sober person in the room, all the drunk or high party-goers seemed to love the lead guitarists far too large pedalboard and the singers forced rasp.

It was possibly just the particular night that Delia felt off, but she stayed at the party anyways, wanting to be with her friends. Though the only one she could see was Chris, unsure where the rest of their group had gone. After another song of the unorganized noise, she decided to go out back to the small backyard, Chris trailing her.

Delia soon found Ellis, Chris stood by the two women, sipping his beer and focusing on the muffled music.

Soon Chris was standing by himself, Delia and Ellis talking amongst themselves, probably in conversation unsuitable for him. He remembered Delia's words from when he'd told her Susan had broken up with him, get a rebound.

He had yet to hookup with another girl, and it wasn't because he didn't want to, he just couldn't find anyone he was interested enough in. He also found it difficult to go from an almost five year relationship to one night stands.

He'd give it more time. Besides, he was too busy with wrapping up Temple of the Dog and the beginning of Soundgardens next record.

He looked back to Delia, now by her side was an unfamiliar man, Ellis gone. His eyes lingered on them as he watched him flirt with her.

Delia returned his efforts, though only slightly. The guy was touchy, Chris noticed. Not in a total bad way, in a way that Chris knew Delia didn't always like.

He watched them a little longer, and he felt a twinge of an unfamiliar emotion. It wasn't quite jealously, possibly just an urge to protect her, though he knew she didn't need it. He'd always felt that way towards Delia. Not because she was weak, but because she was reckless, and at times, self destructive.

He ignored the feeling and went inside to get another drink, deciding it'd be his last. He didn't need another deadly hangover. When he went back outside, Delia and the guy were still talking.

Now, she looked tired of him, only offering small nods and one-worded replies to his comments. Chris took this as a sign to walk up to the two, he wrapped his arm around Delia's waist, smiling at the guy cheekily as he greeted them.

"I was wondering where you went!" He spoke loudly, grinning between Delia and the guy.

"Oh, sorry." The guy looked awkwardly at Chris, then back at Delia. "You want a drink?"

At this, Chris audibly laughed, but then went stony faced. "She doesn't drink." He said, before Delia could reply.

He looked annoyed that Chris had spoken before Delia had, and nearly considered saying something along the lines of 'I didn't ask you,' but the guy decided against it, not wanting an issue. "Alright... can I get you something else?"

Delia was quiet again, biting her lip to keep from laughing, wanting to see what Chris would reply with.

"Yes, actually I would love another Corona."

"I wasn't asking you, man." The guy tried to sound respectful, though was beginning to get fed up with whatever was going on between the pair, not fully believing he was with her.

"So?" Chris forced a scoff, beginning to get annoyed with his persistence.

He walked away, looking defeated.

"Do you think he's getting my beer?" Chris asked, his arm still wrapped around Delia.

"Definitely." She noticed this, glancing down at his hand, gripping her waist. She didn't mind, he was warm. "Do you wanna leave?" She asked suddenly.

"Nah, Ben and Jeff are about two drinks away from doing a keg stand." Chris paused, "unless you really wanna."

"I kinda want dinner." She said thoughtfully, looking out in the yard as she mindlessly leaned against him.

Chris noticed her doing this, and dropped his arm, knowing she wouldn't want to appear like too much of a couple even though he didn't mind if they did.

"Let's go then." He agreed, almost instantly.

As the two walked through the house and to the front door, Chris spotted the same guy who'd been hitting on Delia earlier, striking out again. He gave him an obnoxious wave as he followed behind her happily.

༺✧༻

"Love is on the horizon."

Delia raised her eyebrows as Chris read his fortune cookie paper, she obsessed over little things like that. "That's cruel."

Chris laughed, "I'm over it by now." She looked at him as if it say 'sure you are.' "Mostly." He added.

Delia opened her cookie, gasping as she saw her fortune. "It's the same fucking thing." She shook her head profusely. "What bullshit."

They continued talking about fortune-related things until their bill came, Chris paid. It had begun raining while they were eating, heavy raindrops pouring down on them both as they rushed home. Chris stretched his jacket over both their heads, but it didn't do much against the rainfall.

By the time they got to their apartment, Delia's mascara was streaked on her face, Chris' white shirt now soaked and see through.

She washed her face and changed into dry clothes, joining him on the couch as he played his Les Paul.

He worked on unfamiliar songs, but Delia appreciated it all the same. His voice never ceased to amaze her, despite all the years she'd known it.

It was unlike any other she'd ever heard, and she knew she couldn't ever get tired of it.

༺✧༻