Maybe he was one of "those" types. The kind you couldn't miss within a crowd or a face that seems to shift per blink, morphing into being more familiar every time. Either way, now probably wasn't the best time to question considering I had just ran from possible mass murder alongside some handsome stranger. Seems like a typical Wednesday.
We continue running, as far as we could. Round every nook and cranny, every road and corner till we finally gave in. We gradually slow down as we collapse onto a near staircase. We each sit on different sides of the same step, far enough to make things uncomfortable. We sit in silence, a silence that's well over due. I run my fingers over a fresh cut on my right hand as Grayson fiddles with the buttons on his worn out jacket. He sighs. "I think we're safe now." He breathes, sounding relieved. I pause, trying to process what was just said. Safe from what? I thought. Then it hit me. They could be dead. "Safe?! Nothing about committing a serious crime and running off with a fucking stranger is 'safe', Grayson!" I exclaim, running my fingers through my now slightly textured hair. He stops for a moment, even a split second, before shuffling slightly closer. "We can't be strangers if you know my name, can we?" He replies, a smirk creeping upon his face. "Yes, yes we can be." I continue, stubbornly. I turn my back on him, slightly pouting at his cockiness. "They're not dead if that makes anything better." He mutters. Shuffling forward in an attempt to comfort me. "How do you know? Do you just 'decide' these things?" I say. "Nah, I just know. I also know your name, Aria. Meaning we definitely can't be strangers now." My heart skips a sudden beat, as if it paused to allow heat to rush to my face. "Yeah, well.." I scoff, trying to articulate a sentence. "I'm sorry to piss on your bonfire, Prince Charming but you're not the only X-Men rip-off here." I continue, pushing myself up to my feet in an attempt to walk off. I feel a sudden pressure around my wrist, a grip. I turn to see Grayson, now on his feet with a hand around my wrist. For the first time within the past couple hours he actually seems concerned.
"Talk to me."
Those words. Words I've longed to hear from anyone. Words I would never expect from someone like him. I felt so much at the one time, it was overwhelming. I fall back onto the staircase, losing remaining strength I had. Tears cover my eyes like a sadistic blindfold as I breakdown, not even bothering to wipe my eyes or hide my face as I usually do. I was completely vulnerable at this point, one of my biggest fears. I was aware of this but at the same time I felt totally comfortable for the first time. He sits next to me, taking a deep breath before shuffling closer to put an arm around me. It doesn't take long before I rest my head on his shoulder. It was nice, having someone there. He placed his head on top of mine. This just feels right.
