Room 301 [Zarry]

good dreams, stupid dreams

"I'm glad I caved and settled on the root beer float."

She's laughing, reaching across the table to wipe the frothy foam from my upper lip. "I'm happy you're happy. I know my father can be intense but I think life has hardened him. You aren't just born heartless. This industry can be so cruel and I-" her voice breaks so I stroke my thumb over her hand, try to console her. "I don't want to see you change because I like who you are Harry. I like you a lot and it's soon to say that but you're unlike any man I've ever met and your kindness is real. You're just a real person."

I lean in closer, nudge the tip of her nose and she giggles, blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well I'm glad I'm real," I joke.

Kit is sunshine and soft laughter. She's always bubbly and full of energy despite the negativity her dad her throws her way and I admire her so much for that. I swear I can't stop smiling. My heart is loud in my chest. Despite her upbringing, there's something genuine and kind about her.

"I know how privileged I am," she breaks the silence with her change of subject. "And people have unfairly judged me for that my entire life but I'm not my father's daughter, I'm just me. I always told myself that I'm capable of anything. I can do whatever I want as long as I try hard enough...if I'm passionate and motivated. It doesn't matter how stupid you think a dream is, no dream is too big. Life is too short not to set unrealistic dreams so always follow your heart Harry and don't stop chasing them."

She's a mess of tears and I feel my own eyes brim with them. One lone tear streaks down my cheek but I wipe it away quickly and find her lips. It's a soft barely there kiss but the moment is so fragile, her heart is so delicate. I'm careful not to hurt her.

"I'm sorry I always fall apart around you, I promise it isn't you. I'm just not afraid to share my vulnerabilities."

My heart feels the exact same way. I want to knock her off the barstool and sweep her up off her feet.  "No, never apologize for that. Please, you're so soft Kit. I'm soft, I'm so soft for you. Is it hard for you to trust people?"

"Yeah," she sighs, dejected. "People aren't very genuine and they always expect favors from me or use me to get close to my dad and it makes me think I'm not good enough. I don't know, I've always just blended into the background. With you, things are different. You want to see me for who I am and you're willing to look past-"

She gets caught up in her thoughts and I'm hopelessly lost in her eyes. I like getting lost in Kit and forgetting everything else. The reality is I'm still not signed with a record label and haven't even stepped foot in a recording studio but she's my focal point.

"I needed creative inspiration and I think I just found it in you."

"You did?" I foot the bill and she leans on me as we wander the streets. "Aww no, we missed the sunset."

"It's okay, you look so beautiful in the pale moonlight." She turns in my arms and I kiss her, entirely unsure of where we are and who's watching. Nothing matters but her lips and the taste of sweet vanilla ice cream and root beer and her lingering cherry chapstick.

"Hey Harry," she whispers, head falling onto my shoulder. "I don't want to go home. Sometimes I stay with a friend but I don't like overstaying my welcome or dumping it on her last minute."

"Are you comfortable sleeping with me?" I chuckle before correcting myself. "I mean rooming with me...we'll have to share the bed but I didn't mean-"

"It's okay," she giggles. "Do you think Lana would mind if I spent the night with her? That way we can still be close and if I can't sleep," her voice drops, cheeks flushing. "I can just knock on your door."

"I'm sure it's fine but if it isn't you have me. I'd never make you feel uncomfortable but I definitely don't want you stay home. Your dad likes to incite fear."

"He changed after my mom died," she frowns. "Now he's all about signing big acts and drinking away his problems but it doesn't help you forget the pain, it only makes things worse."

Lana happily invites us over, pours us vodka and puts on a record. She's already halfway wasted, singing loudly and confidently with the incorrect lyrics. Kit and I are amused and she sits on my lap, lets me brush my fingers through her hair. I hum along quietly, kiss behind her ear. Lana is oblivious as she sways to the beat.

"Sing for us Harry," she shouts over the music and I try to suppress my laugher. Kit yawns, eyelids fluttering closed.

"Calm down," I laugh, giving my head a little shake. "She's exhausted."

"Oh come on," she groans. "The night is still young. Feel free to stay here but I'm going out."

Sometimes I worry about her, seem to forget that she's grown accustomed to Hollywood and the crazy busy night life. She loves a good party. Kit is knocked out so I scoop her up and gently place her on the bed. I don't want to leave her all alone so I lay beside her, thoughts drifting as my eyes catch the city lights through the cracks in the blinds. People here never rest, the hustle doesn't stop.

When I look over at Kit she seems so peaceful. Her features are exquisite. I trace the outline of her lips with my fingers, kiss the tiny crease on her forehead. I hope her thoughts aren't troubled.

"Good dreams," I whisper, stroking her hairline. "Stupid dreams," I feel myself smile, heart taking flight. "No dream is too big."