Lonely Hours [Kier/Shane]

Four

The journey to the café was incredibly awkward, having no idea how to start a conversation with someone like him, doubled by the fact that any passers-by would raise their eyebrows and stare at the sight of the man next to me, probably wondering the exact same thing I was; why the fuck was he around this part of town? And who was he?

"So," I began, clearing my throat beforehand while gazing over at the undeniably attractive man to my right. "Do I get to know your name? Or am I supposed to refer to you as 'the-weirdo-who-saves-homeless-guys-for-no-apparent-reason?" I asked sarcastically, but still attempting to keep the peace by masking it as a joke.

"Kier," Was his short response, leading me into a small, but cosy looking café. "Kier Kemp."

I merely nodded, glad I now knew his name but uncertain why I wanted to know so badly; it was of no use to me. Although, he appeared incredibly wealthy and people seemed surprised when they walked passed him in the street, I had no idea who he was.

"Hello, again, Mr Kemp." The barista welcomed him as he approached her, a soft blush on her cheeks from his beaming smile. I rolled my eyes, knowing instantly that he seemed to have a 'way' with women, which he knew fully well. "Same as usual?" She asked, appearing to blame herself when he shook his head, a deep frown on her lips.

"Two hot chocolates, cream on top with marshmallows on the right hand side of the mugs please, lovely," He replied, voice soft but stern. "Find a table by the window, would you?" He suddenly added, turning in my direction and nodding once.

I found myself nodding, quickly moving away and thankfully finding the last free table nearest to the large, badly cleaned window. I had no idea why I instantly complied to his demand, but there was something about the way he spoke that made me want to please him; it was stupid. With my eyebrows creased in confusion and embarrassment at the way I reacted I rested my elbows on the table, placing my head on my hands while I waited for Kier's return. His requests were admittedly ridiculous, but there was something about the way people seemed to go along with them unfazed that interested me; how famous was this man for people to pretend that the things he wanted were perfectly reasonable enough for them to grant them?

Kier eventually made his way towards our table, a tray in hand and a large grin on his lips as he placed the items down before sitting himself opposite me.

"Kier, I said I wanted to take away." I murmured quietly, thanking him regardless as he passed me my mug, a small smile on my lips when I noticed it had been presented in the exact way he requested.

"Well, you're the one who sat down," was his only response, a small smirk on his lips.

I couldn't help but glare in his direction at his words. "It didn't really seem like I had a choice." I growled, not appreciating him mocking me for something he wanted as I picked up a marshmallow and dipped it into my drink, biting into it moments later.

"You can get back to your brother soon," He replied, not appearing fazed by my sharp tone. "I'm sure half an hour away from him wouldn't hurt."

"You don't know what it's like around there," I murmured, my face softening at the mention of my Brother. "It's not safe for him to be out alone."

"How old is he?" I heard him ask, knowing he expected him to be young from how protective I was acting over him. I was just afraid; he's too weak to look after himself anymore.

"Same as me," I explained, taking a sip at my hot drink and humming softly at the taste. "My Mother married his Father, meaning he's only my Step-Brother... but he's the only family I have left."

Kier nodded, all evidence of his previous smugness being wiped from his face while he listened. "What happened?" He asked gently, his eyes holding comfort while I gazed over at him.

Flicking my tongue over the surface of my lips I shook my head, having never had to have this conversation before and not prepared to start it now. However, at the sound of him whispering a small 'It's okay' I began to speak, finding solace in the tone of his voice.

"T-There was a car accident." I mumbled out, gazing down at the warm drink my hands were resting against, the welcoming heat travelling up my form and comforting me slightly. "M-My Mum, Drew's Father and my G-Grandmother were involved; W-We were never close to the rest of my family, s-so..." I trailed off, never really caring that it was only my Mother and I before Drew and his family came along, but nowadays I wish I had someone else; someone who could help.

"I'm so sorry," I heard Kier whisper, leaning over to place his warm hand over my own, a gentle sympathetic smile on his lips as he stared over at me.

"I-It's fine," I replied in the same tone after swallowing loudly, moving my hand away from Kier's in fear of disgusting him by my grimy skin. "We get by."

"I don't see being homeless as 'getting by'," was his stern toned response, his smile dropping to stare at me with such a deep look of discontent that I couldn't help the tears that formed in my eyes.

"I-I'm doing the best I can, Kier." I pathetically croaked, a wave of realisation washing over me that I was hopeless to help Drew; there was nothing more I could do than what I was already doing, but that wasn't enough.

The redhead whispered a small 'I know' but before he could continue I muttered a small "I should be getting back now," and stood, ignoring my half-drunk drink and wiping my eyes.

"Listen, if you ne-"

"Can we get Drew something?" I interrupted timidly, knowing fully well that I was being rude, but he was all I could think about right now. "I-I'll pay you back as soon as I can."

Kier merely chuckled, leading us back over to the counter where he paid for a Takeaway hot chocolate, passing it to me the moment it was made and I beamed down at the item, knowing just how excited Drew was going to be when he saw it.

"C'mon, let's get you back." He murmured, holding open the café door for me as I shuffled through it, his hand resting on my lower back as we wandered back through the streets; No matter how quickly I walked Kier's had never moved, however.

"T-Thank you for this, Kier," I muttered to the man close beside me, glancing up at him through my dirty, knotted fringe. He merely shrugged it off, giving me a lopsided smile at my words as I eventually stilled in front of the entrance to my alleyway. Flicking my tongue over the surface of my lips I awkwardly stood in front of him, my fingers drumming against the side of the paper cup while I continued to stare at the well-dressed male.

"By the way," He began, not appearing as awkward as I felt in the slightest. "I never got your name."

A pink tinge graced my cheeks at his statement, realising that I'd used this man's money on multiple occasions without even introducing myself.

"S-Shane," I stumbled out, feeling immediately embarrassed by the entire situation. "M-My name's Shane... Sumner-Woolnough; Shane Sumner-Woolnough."

"Huh," was his unexpected reply, his lips forming a small smirk at my humiliation before suddenly leaning forwards. My whole body fell rigid as I felt his lips press lightly against my left cheek, the surface heating up as he stepped back. "It was nice meeting you, Shane." He finished in an almost seductive whisper, winking cheekily in my direction before walking away, giving me a half wave as he disappeared in the crowds.