Don't Bother Being Loved

Rotten

I finally got to the bar and ordered a beer. After I took a few sips at the bar, I left my seat and slowly headed in Ginger Boy's direction. There he was, still staring, hands shoved into his pockets, eyes burning into mine. I got close to him finally, somewhat excited that I could meet him.
"Well you took your time didn't you?" He spat. I chuckled and took a sip of my beer.
"I didn't know I was assigned a certain time." I replied. He smiled a little, but it wasn't a genuine smile. It was a smile that knew how to play games.
"Well you were, and from now on you have to be on time. I have a schedule you know." He said. I raised my eyebrow.
"Oh? A schedule for what?" I asked.
"Just a schedule, are you a bit slow?Always have to make sure I'm on routine!" He snorted sarcastically.
"Am I a bit slow? Hmm I love a game of name calling, it really adds a bit of fun to a conversation!" I exclaimed, cutting him off. He began to stare at me again, but he was..laughing?
"You're funny." He said, clearing his throat.
"And you're kind of a disappointment, I was expecting more out of you." I smirked.
"Oh believe me, I can go on all night, darling." He replied with a sarcastic wink. If this is flirting, it's the strangest I've come across.
"Oh I'm sure you're just absolutely relentless." I chuckled. He rolled his eyes and gave me a look of disgust.
"Are you coming onto me?" He smirked.
"Oh don't make me sick." I groaned, taking another sip of beer. He smiled maniacally,
"But making people sick is my specialty."
"Yes but you're not that sickening." I smiled. He dropped his expression.
"You're wrong. I'm quite sickening." He snapped, folding his arms.
"Well I think you're too cute to be too sickening." I chuckled. His eyes went wide and he let out a burst of laughter.
"You ARE coming onto me!" He exclaimed, pointing his finger right in my face.
"Am not!" I giggled, swatting his hand out of the way.
"Yes you are, I know it!" He snorted. I rolled my eyes and turned around, looking for Mandy who somehow completely disappeared.
"I'm John by the way." He said, shifting his weight on each foot. Ah so he has a name! At least now I don't have to call him Ginger Boy.
"I'm Ari. The show was great by the way." I said with a smile. John rolled his eyes.
"You would say that" he snorts. I just laughed and shook my head. There was a silence growing between us and I felt as if someone was watching me. I whipped around to see Paul staring at me.
Oh don't tell me he's jealous...
John sort of drifted away from me, so I walked back over to Paul.
"What?" His brows furrowed as he blew smoke out of his mouth.
"What do you mean what? You're jealous!" I chuckled. He glared.
"A bit yeah." I rolled my eyes.
"Why?"
"He looked like he was flirting with you." He sighed. My expression softened a bit, I wrapped an arm around him.
"He wasn't flirting with me, I promise," I smiled, he didn't say anything.
"I just don't want to lose you..." he mumbled. I looked at him, and held his hand.
"Is that why you've been so upset?" I asked. He sighed,
"Come talk to me outside." I nodded and followed him. He stamped his cigarette out on the pavement and leaned against the front wall of the club.
"Do you still love me?" His words caught my attention.
"Course I do..why wouldn't I?" I asked softly, he shrugged.
"I don't know, I just get the feeling that you want nothing to do with me." He mumbled.
"How do you think I feel?" I said, growing upset,
"I always feel like you don't want anything to do with me, that I'm bothering you, or that I'm always in your way."
He stopped for a moment. He was at loss for words.
"I'm sorry" was all he said. I shook my head and started to walk back inside. He grabbed my wrist gently and pulled me into a tight embrace.
"I love you." He mumbled. I felt the warmth of his touch, something I haven't felt for awhile. I sank into his embrace, wanting to stay like that forever.
"Promise?" I looked at him, smiling a little.
"Yeah. I promise." He gave me a genuine smile and a quick kiss, and I felt that things would be okay for awhile.