Space Girl (Keith X Reader)

NITRO

"Keith?"
I called into the Red Lion. Stepping closer, I could see him slouched in his chair still. I put a hand on his shoulder, and he didn't respond.

I picked him up, and carried him to the small town. It was dark out, and I rested on a cushion bed with his head in my lap. I felt him stir.
"Nitro... I thought you didn't-"

I sucked in a breath.
"I still care about you."

He slumped his head back into my lap, then lifted it to mine.
"Can we talk about it?"

"There's not much to say."
I averted my gaze.

"Then at least tell me why."
His voice was hard, like he was holding back a cry.

I looked back at him, pulling him into the crook of my neck. His arms found their way around my waist.

"I don't want to hurt you."
I whispered into the side of his face.

"You didn't hurt me. It wasn't your fault, Nitro. It was my decision."

"But what if you make that decision again? But next time, what if it kills you? What am I supposed to do?"
I protested weakly.

He was silent for a long time.
"You're afraid I'm going to sacrifice myself to save you?"

I nodded, holding him tighter.
"I don't want that for you..."

"So... if I promise I won't protect you, you'll be with me?"
He tried to piece things together.

"Yes."
My heart thundered. Just promise me, Keith. Say you won't...

"Well then, I'm sorry. I can't promise you that. I can't let you get hurt. I won't."

"Then, let's just be friends."
My voice cracked. Keith, please...

"Then, we're just good friends."
He confirmed quietly, to my dismay.

I stood, setting him down on the cushion again. I smiled, trying to convince him I was fine. But I wasn't.
"I'm going to get you water, I'll be back later..."

He nodded, and I left the house.

'But I don't want to be friends...'