KISS (band) one-shots

Tonight You Belong To Me (Paul Stanley x Reader)

There wasn't much to enjoy about the situation between you and Paul. Not quite in a relationship, but knowing each other since what feels like forever, you had started kind of dating and your interacting became more and more like that of a couple. However, there was not much physical contact yet or anything, just an occasional hug or kiss on the cheek. You couldn't quite tell when it had started or even why but Paul and you kept getting into arguments, each one felt like talking to a wall, you just weren't getting along well in that time.

Most of the time, just little things would trigger an argument that turned into a thunderstorm really quick. It seemed pointless. You were tired of it.

"How about we go have some dinner tonight. Have a nice talk, try to forget what's bugging us. Just for one night at least."
Paul held your hands and looked into your eyes, half begging, half hopefully. His grip was gentle and warm, his thumbs occasionally stroking across your fingers and knuckles.

You thought about if for a second. A nice dinner night was all you had wanted for weeks but it never was quite possible due to your stressful situation.
"I don't know. I mean I'd love to but... I'm afraid of what could be triggered again. And I don't want to fight in public."
Paul looked at you with a worried expression. He seemed to understand what you meant in the fullest, even though he'd rather not.

"Please, let's just try. We never know if it works if we don't try. I really want to make this-", he gripped your hands a little tighter, "to make us work. We've known each other for so long. This shouldn't go to waste."

You looked at him and felt like a monster for doubting him and the whole situation. These were the moments that made you go soft.
"Alright then. Let's go."

-

The air outside has gotten a little cooler. Spring had just begun, so the nights were still freezing sometimes. You pulled up the Zipper of your coat a little more.
Paul held the passenger door of his car open for you to get in. You gave him a thankful smile and sat down.
After you started driving down the road into town, Paul started a conversation.
"So, do you have an idea where I'm taking you?"
"No, not really. But it is supposed to be a surprise, isn't it?"

He chuckled.
"Yes. I just thought you might have a guess."
You smiled and looked out of the window to watch the houses and trees go by. "No, it's alright. I'm okay with surprises."
You spent the time during the ride with small talk and simple conversations, nothing that could bring up unwanted topics.
The car stopped at a street corner next to the tailor shop. The two of you exited the car and got greeted by the cool night air again, making you shiver a little. He led you to a relatively small restaurant. Your face lit up. "Oh how nice! It's one of my favourites!", you said and looked at Paul. He smiled.
"I know, dear. I know."

-

The waiter led you to a table at one of the windows. The space made sure you had a little bit of privacy, even though the restaurant was not even full. You gave up your orders and watched the waiter leave.
"These waiters always seem so extremely busy and focused. He is in such a hurry, even though there are not really a lot of people around.", you said.
"It's his job. He is supposed to work quickly and please the guests, making sure they get their orders as soon as possible. I think that's one of the most important things when working as a waiter or waitress.", Paul implied.

You looked at your glass of red wine and swirled the liquid around by moving the glass in circular motions. "Yes, you're probably right." Still looking at the glass, you got struck by a memory.

(flashback)

"Why can't we just enjoy a glass of wine together and watch TV? Do you really have to bring this up again?"
You walked up and down the living room, wildly gesticulating around with your hands and arms.
Paul had an irritated look on his face, his dark eyes piercing through you.
"I just think it's important to talk about it, since it's obviously bothering both of us."
"No, it wouldn't be bothering us if we'd just let it be, for god's sake!
"That's just like you! Shoving problems aside instead of facing them. How can you be so immature and just ignore these things?"
You burst with anger.
"I am not immature. I just don't want to fight all the time over the same pointless things that will always repeat!"
Paul got up with a quick movement about to say something, which led to one of the wine glasses tumbling and fall to the ground. It shattered and the red wine spilled all over the floor.

(flashback end)


"Are you alright, dear?"
You snapped back at the sound of Paul's voice.
"Oh, yes. I'm sorry. I just... thought of something. It's nothing."
He looked at you with an expression you couldn't quite identify. "Alright then."
You talked for a little while, about this and that, still no things that really mattered. Paul's words never left your head. You really kept ignoring problems and you didn't know how to help it. Finally, your orders arrived at your table. The food smelled incredibly good. The two of you dug in your food and enjoyed it in silence for a while. You kept occasionally glancing over at Paul. He didn't really seem bothered or anything. He was just quietly enjoying his food. The silence kept tormenting you, making you anxious. Was this really alright for him?

He noticed your nervous looks towards him. "Something's bothering you, isn't it? Please tell me, if so."

You hesitated. You didn't really want to risk destroying this wonderful evening by bringing up all of your arguments. "You see...", you started, "I just thought about... how you called me immature once because I refused to face our problems, according to you."
Paul tensed up a little but tried playing it cool. He continued eating. "Yes, I remember. What about it?"
"I was just thinking... I mean, it is kind of true that I am shoving our problems aside. And I-"
He interrupted you, "Kind of? It is true. Nice of you to finally realize."
Even though there was no sarcasm in his voice whatsoever, you felt insulted. It seemed to you like he was taunting you for finally realizing your mistake. You swallowed.
"Yes... as I was saying, I am well aware of that and I think I should change that in the future and try to compromise a little more.", you added.
"So you are well aware of that? For how long have you been well aware of that?", Paul asked. You could have sworn there was a taunting, sarcastic tone in this voice.
"I... don't... know...", you hissed, gripping your thighs tightly under the table, trying to suppress your anger.
Paul looked at you with a completely neutral expression. "You don't... know?"

That was when your thread of patience was torn apart.
"Is it fun for you? To torment me like that?"
He looked at you, a little startled, and replied "What do you mean? I just asked questions."
"Of course you did. I noticed that tone in your voice. You were clearly taunting me, not respecting me. I put all of my pride aside and admitted my mistake only for you to make fun of me!", you said angrily, raising your voice.
"My dear, please keep it down a little bit, there are other people trying to enjoy their meal."
"That's it! I don't care! I'm leaving! Watch me.", you hissed, took your coat and stormed out of the restaurant.