Puppy Dog Eyes

Clean Slate

Lylah's POV

I rub my eyes and sat up in bed... alone?

I looked around my room and realize all of his things were gone, he left me last night. No goodbye, no thank you, not that I expected much but still.

Selfish Bastard.

I walk down the stairs and make me a bowl of cereal, my mom is giving me a creepy grin behind her coffee cup.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

She pulls a wadded paper from the pocket of her robe, sliding it across the table.

"Did you read my diary again? Didn't we talk about that!" I scold.

"It's from Damon, I promised myself I wouldn't read it but I couldn't help it."

"Oh." I open up the paper and skim through first, it was definitely his handwriting.

I knew I couldn't say this in person so take this shitty note.

Joaquin's idea not mine.

Thanks for letting me crash at your place, and not tying me up in your basement or some shit.

It was also kinda cool that you went out to get my games to make me feel more at home.

I don't know why but I kinda didn't want to leave, but I didn't want to over stay my welcome an shit you know?

Also if you show this paper to anyone I'll deny it and then I'll fuckin kill you.

I do want a clean slate with you tho, I kinda owe you a real chance, you've put up with a lot of my shit, it's the least I can do. Meet me in the parking lot at school in the morning.

"So?"

"I guess I better get dressed then." I wash my bowl out.

"You don't seem excited?"

"I'm not getting my hopes up." I shrug.

"Y'know he hugged me last night..."

I stop in place and turn around. "He what?"

"The boy hugged me."

"That's... odd."

"Oh trust me I know. I was just as shocked as you."

///

I search the parking lot for the grey car until I find him leaning against it finishing off a cigarette.

"You know you can't smoke on school property."

"You know you piss me off, fuck off." He crushes the stick with his combat boot.

"I thought we were starting fresh?"

"Fuck I forgot, okay try not to piss me off and I'll... I don't know try to be nice."

"Deal."

"Okay... but can we take baby steps, take it slow?"

"Sure, I can do that." I nod.

"So um how do we start?" His cheeks are red and he's looking everywhere but me.

"How about a simple walk to my locker?"

"I can do that. Am I supposed to hold your hand or some shit?"

"Only if you're comfortable with it."

"I'll just carry your bag for you." He yanks my bookbag from my shoulder and starts off towards the school, then he stops. "Shit I'm supposed to walk with you aren't I?"

"It's fine, your legs are longer." I couldn't hold in my smile at his effort.

After we walked in, a few people took some double takes, including Trevor with a small smile.

"Well good morning."

"Please don't ask any questions." I warn as I open up my locker.

"Oh no, I'm going to let my imagination run wild, don't tell me anything." He pats my shoulder before walking off.

Damon and I look at each other in confusion before shrugging in sync.

"So are you going to let me carry your shit?"

"Oh are you walking me to class?"

"Mhm." He nods.

"As long as we hurry, I don't want you to be late."

"Don't worry about me."

"Sorry can't help it."

We walk in silence for a while and he does something unexpected, he grabs my hand in his.

"This is slow?"

"Yes I'm fine, just...please just don't put your fingers in between mine, I'm not at that level yet." His voice is raspy and soft.

"Don't be embarrassed."

"Don't be embarrassing." He mocks.

Once we reach my home room I turn to face him.

"Thank you for this." I whisper and separate my things from his.

"No big deal, just don't expect this everyday."

I make a quick decision to yank his jacket to lower his face, kissing him on the cheek and quickly running to my seat.

"I said slow! What part about slow don't you understand demon!" I hold my hand over my mouth to hold in my laugh. He mumbles incoherently about me being annoying with a red face as he leaves the classroom.

My mood instantly changed when I saw Mikah with a look of judgment a few rows back.

Can we really make this work?

Author's note: I really love Damon so much, my precious child!