Two Hundred Circumstances

O18. Love

Love a one-shot by trictor

Genre: Humor/Romance

Timeline/Universe: Canon Universe: Timeline I

Word Count: 538

Summary: They say the five stages of despair's components are similar to that of the five stages of romance. Theodoric Stevenson honestly wanted to experience neither, but fate never really listens.

Theodoric never was a very emotional child. Stoic and calm, he was the most composed person one would—and could—ever meet. Happiness was shown through tight smiles and short giggles-anger outbursts were quick and sharp, and tears were saved for the quiet of his bedroom. Serious to a fault, his self-control was boundless and his personality was as bland as his tone. His eyes betrayed nothing of what he felt within, and his face displayed no surprise. In fact, the boogeyman could waltz into his kindergarten class wearing a Barney suit and a tiara, and still wouldn't provoke even a bat of the eye from the small five-year old.

        Yes—Theodoric was a very passive child, and he rather liked it that way.

        But every child has to grow up. His classmate's brainless chatter turned from the latest Disney movie and cookies, to gossip about Rebecca's latest scandal and cigarettes. The hours spun into days, those days grew into years, then finally those years completed a decade, bringing our Theodoric to where he is now—the lunchroom during fourth period, much to his chagrin. His counselor, when told he didn't regularly meet new people, shooed the boy out of her office, insisting that he attempt to have fun with "other hooligans your age". Sighing, the tall teen recalled the event, picking up his sandwich. His grey eyes swept over the cafeteria curiously, some shivering at his creepy glare.

        Don't get me wrong—our hero is a quite handsome fifteen year-old, by all means. But every time a girl (or even sometimes, a guy) took interest in the brooding sophomore, one glance from his cold dismissive eyes sent the possible suitors running for the hills. Not that he minded, of course. He had no time for romance—his education was much more important if he wanted to escape this dreary town. Love would have to wait, he decided, besides—what's the point of spending so much time and effort on a girl for the slim chance you might one day get married?

        No—Theodoric was a single man and proud. No one could attract his attraction anyway.

        Or so he thought.

        Lillium "Lily" Giordano. The best and worst thing that has ever happened to him. She was an oxymoron all in herself—bold yet shy, kind yet heartless, annoying yet endearing. She was the reason he was waist-deep in this mess. She was the reason why he couldn't sleep at night. She was the reason why he felt this brand-new yet sickening feeling.

        He hated her. He absolutely despised her. What right does she have to make him feel this way? To make him overreact over nothing? He wanted her gone, yet he hoped she would stay. The normally sure Theodoric Stevenson was reduced to an indecisive mess.

        "He is so clueless," his friends will scoff, later on and throughout the months. "How could he not know what he's feeling?"

        But he knew. He knew it terrifyingly well. But being the stubborn teen he was, he refused to accept it. Because after all. . .

        Theodoric was always a very emotionless person, and that's why he found it hard to believe he's in love.

author's note: Ah, yes, the dreaded author's note. Because you guys totally want to know what a stupid twelve year-old is thinking. Don't worry, this is just a disclaimer. The character's here do not belong to me, nor ever will. They belong to my friend, whom I wrote this one-shot for a while ago. Review if you want to, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts!