Reign of the Rejected Rosary (Ryden/Peterick)

Chapter Ten

It started pouring before we got back. My shirt stuck to my back instantly. Water ran down my my arms, causing chills.

Ryan's grip on my hand tightened. Rain was dripping from his fringe and he shivered. Displeasure was clearly expressed on his face, yet he said nothing. I started to walk faster, tugging on his fingers. His pace quickened to match mine. Eventually we were running, hands drifting apart. He was close behind me as we started to reach the end of the road, and back to the street where we began.

The dirt road was muddy, and my footing didn't agree with it. I felt myself start to fall, my shoe slipping. But then he caught me, holding my waist tight. I turned to face him; his hands rested on my elbows.

"Thank you," I whispered.

He smiled. "Well I can't let you fall."

I started up at him through the rain for a moment. His caramel eyes widened as I leaned forward. My arms wrapped around his neck, causing his hands to fall on my hips. I caught his lips, soft and wet. I kissed him slowly, and felt him kiss back.

The rain was cold, and the wind picked up, hitting my sides. He pulled me closer, and my fingers threaded through his brown locks.

His lips were warm. Safe, almost, in the harsh rainstorm drowning the life around us. With every part of lips the raindrops would find their way between. The water made his lips softer; slick as mine brushed against them.

I pulled back a minute later. My lips grazed his as I whispered, "Brendon."

"What?" he breathed.

"My name," I said quietly. "I'm Brendon."

I felt his smile against my lips. I couldn't open my eyes as the rain battered my cheek.

"Brendon," he repeated.

I couldn't help but to think how much more beautiful my name sounded rolling off his tongue. Everyone said it with such hatred and venom. His lips were gentle, forming my name perfectly. Slowly. Like he genuinely cared. I really hoped he did.

I felt the hands on my hips squeeze tighter. He kissed me, but when I started to kiss back he pulled away. He stared into my eyes, biting his lip.

He didn't like me. I knew I shouldn't have kissed him. I told him my name. I collapsed in the moment. I felt my bottom lip start to quiver, but Ryan pulled me back in. He didn't pull away that time. Instead we got closer. My lips were sore, but I let him bite down on them once. Twice.

I pulled my arms from around his neck and dropped back down on my heels.

"Goodbye Ryan."

"Brendon wait."

I turned back at the sound of my name. He took both my hands, grasping them tightly.

"Brendon please don't just leave again," he pleaded. "You have to give me something. I need to see you again."

I looked up at him; his eyes were wide and quizzical. I squeezed his calloused hands. I noticed how his wrists shook when I got closer. Or held on tighter. His bangs hung, wet and tangled, over his eyes. Eyeliner ran down his cheeks, creating an aubergine hue. He was shivering still, even though the rain had subsided.

I took a step towards him again. I let go of one of his hands to bring mine to his cheek. My thumb rubbed under his eye, essentially smearing the makeup even more.

"You should come see me again." I kissed him. "You'll find me soon enough."

A/N
Sorry this took a month! (I might go back and edit any grammar mistakes tomorrow) First band camp for two weeks, then school, and as soon as I'm back into the swing of thing I get sick. But I'm back now. Chapter Eleven up next Monday