Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

16) The Note

I woke up before him and probably the majority of people. Already knowing what I was in for, I had left the tent, walking past a bunch some unconscious people as I did. The difference between him and them though, was that they brought me disgust, and somehow Aris didn't.

I don't know why, but it doesn't matter. It's probably just because I know he doesn't suck. Plus, there was that weird rant he went on before passing out.

Sighing, I walked into the kitchen that was mostly packed up. Opening a box, I dug around until I found a bucket and a package of Fruit Loops. Dry cereal seems like a good hangover food so that's what he's getting I guess.

Walking out the kitchen, I strolled past more people that I paid zero mind to and back into our tent. I stepped inside before crouching down and swiftly yet silently pulling the zipper down. Glancing back, when I confirmed he hadn't awoke I set the supplies down and crawled back over to his side. Apparently, he felt like getting back at me for ending up in his spot yesterday.

I grabbed my book before remembering that I had read it all. The ending was kind of depressing. The girl went back to her old ways, and the boy realized that his love could never be enough to fix her.

Maybe that's my sign from the universe to quit while I’m ahead. Maybe it's the universe’s way of telling me to leave and not look back before I somehow break Aris.

So many people seem to leave him so often though. It would kind of suck to be one of them.

Shaking my head, I silently scolded myself for being so soft. I won't be getting too attached. I never get attached to anybody.

Sighing, I rubbed my forehead in frustration before quietly leaving the tent. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I took deep breaths through my mouth as I told myself to just get over it. It isn't that deep, and I’m not going to lose my jagged edges. I will always have them. Always. I will forever be nothing more than pain,  nothing more than the cause of death and blood.

And Aris is just Aris. He does not seem to be that.

Sighing yet again, I looked at the ground only to see something by my feet. Backing away from it, I crouched to the ground as I watched a white sheet of paper blow around in the wind with a stone attached to it.

My eyes scanned the area, but the sun was barely up, and most people were asleep. There was nobody near me, and I didn't hear any footsteps while in the tent.

Grabbing my red knife hidden in my hair, I gripped the open blade between my fingers as I walked forward. Leaning down again, I saw the paper was tied to it right side up, leaving the message perfectly clear.

Meet my at the edge of your “new home”
-C

C? Suddenly, I’m very aware of the people I’ve met whose names start with c. Crow, Camille, Corey, Cameron, Cai-
Oh hell nah. The passive aggressive way this was written? I know that damn tone.

I swear if that wannabe emo, punk ass bitch, little party boy is still stalking me I’m gonna lose it. It better not be him. He really thought he was all that with his box dye and expensive tattoos that looked trashier than him every weekend. He’s probably still a little prick too.

Kicking the rock over, I glared at it, resisting the urge to spit on it, before walking back into the tent. I really do not have time for this.

Just as I zipped the tent up and sat down there was a loud groan. As I looked up I saw him covering Aris face with his hands, clearly regretting whatever decisions he made last night.

“What happened?”He mumbled.

“You got wasted last night. You’ve got a throw up bucket right by you, and I’ve got you a box of cereal,”I explained, putting it beside him.

“Where did the cereal come from?”

“Does it matter?”

“Fair enough,”He sighed, slowly sitting up.

“There's a water bottle on your other side as well. You need fluids,”I added, going back to peering at the tent. There didn't seem to be any figures walking around yet, none that could have left the note.

Maybe it wasn't for me though, and maybe it wasn't even left by him. Maybe I’m overthinking this. Maybe I’m too deep in my paranoia.

“You okay there?”

“I’m fine. Eat your food, and drink.”

“Okay. Well, thank you. I appreciate it.”

“It's just some cereal,”I shrugged.

“It's a nice thing to do though so thanks.”

“Don't mention it. Seriously. It's not that much.”

“Well, I mean I take it I didn't exactly gracefully walk back in here, did I?”

“What's your point?”

“No point. Just saying that it seems like you dragged me back here.”

“What's it matter to ya’?”

“It doesn't. It's just a nice thing to do for a frien-”
“Don't finish that sentence. Just shovel your face with food already,”I cut him off.

“Okay, okay, message received.”

“Good.”

It's nice that he understands my message, but what about the one that's barely three feet away from us? And do I listen to some ominous note taped to a rock?

Every part of my survival instincts say no.

The part that always has to be aware of my surroundings though, that wants to take in all the information around me, is saying something completely different.