Wish Upon A Dare | Bars&Melody Fanfiction

Chapter 35 - "I Do See The Pain Behind Your Smile"

Aliyah's POV:

"It's Saturday tomorrow." Leo perked as he sat on my window sill, a small smirk on his lips.

I lifted my gaze from my phone, raising an eyebrow as I nodded my head.

"Yeah." I mumble in response, looking back at my phone.

Over the pay few days, Leo repeatedly comes into my room unexpectedly across the ladder because 'he's too lazy to walk downstairs, walk outside, open my door then walk upstairs to my room.' His words, not mine.

I know, I could just close my window, but I know deep down I'm grateful to have the presence. Because with Mason and Austin missing, I have no idea what I'd be like if he wasn't by my side. Especially due to the fact that I can't rant to Skylar, Seth nor Avery about it due to the fact Kian doesn't want me to tell them.

I've barely seen Kian other than at lunch, so I haven't been able to speak to him. It feels like he's ignoring me, but the reassuring smile he sends me each day shakes off the thought. But I'm still suspicious to why he says he's going to help, then pretty much ignores me. But maybe he's just trying to find them? Maybe he'll involve me when it's the right time?

I shake my head, cutting out the thoughts as I focus on Leo who sits on my window sill, a concerned expression on his face as his eyes meet my worn out, exhausted face.

You could say I also get a lot of nightmares now, which Leo tends to hear my screams and comes in to be by my side. I'm like a zombie every day, getting barely enough sleep to last me, living on coffee.

Dark circles rest under my eyes, my hair a tangled mess from constantly brushing my fingers through my hair from a nervous habit. I've also not been eating much, any hunger having disappeared ever since Mason's gone missing.

Leo sighs as he walks up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and softly kissing my lips, leaving a trail of fireworks and heat cursing through me, as his lips felt delicate and smooth against mine, filled with so much intensity it caused shivers to coax through me.

All too soon, he pulls apart, however it didn't break the moment, as we rest each other's foreheads against each other, our eyes lightly fluttered closed, our breaths mingling with each other's.

"Aliyah, we'll find them." He reassured for the hundredth time, his hands wrapping around mine as he gives it a reassuring squeeze.

I swallow hard as I reluctantly nod my head, heavily breathing out as I leisurely open my eyes to meet his soft, brown eyes.

"Thank you." I mumble, sending him a small, genuine smile.

He nods his head as he sits down beside me on the bed, as he gazes down at our connected hands.

"I do see the pain behind your smile, Aliyah." He mumbles, barely loud enough for me to hear. However, I heard him well and clear, causing my breath to hitch in fear and my body to freeze.

He slowly lifts his gaze, his eyes filled with sorrow which causes my heart to throb in utter pain.

"I-I..." I mumble, my hands trembling as the shock spills through me.

"I want to help you." He mumbles ever so softly, his eyes flickering down to my lips, then his eyes looking deeply into mine again.

I close my eyes lightly, treasuring the moment of intensity between us, hearing the sound of our heavy breathing and my heart pounding.

"You are helping me." I reply, reluctantly opening my eyes again to meet Leo's sad gaze.

"I know, but I want to help you find Austin. I know he's the light in your life which no one other than him can bring back." Leo confesses, a small frown making its way onto his lips.