unintentional [g.d]

15; scopophobia

scopophobia: the morbid fear of being seen or stared at by others. anxiety. vulnerability.

Roonie's POV: 

"You're home!" I said with a bright smile as Grayson walked in through my bedroom door.

"Look what I got!" He said happily. He set his shopping bag down. 

"What is it?"

He pulled two wigs out of the bag, along with accessories and makeup. 

"We're going to hide again?" I asked.

"Yeah, but only when we leave the house to go to like really public places-"

"Grayson."

"What? What's wrong?" 

I sighed and placed a hand on his cheek before leaning in and placing a quick kiss on his lips.

"I love you."

"I love you too-"

"And I don't want to continue hiding how much I love you."

"You never hide your love from me."

"I know. But I'm talking about everyone else. Grayson, I know you don't want people to know you have a girlfriend because you're scared of what people will say, but I'll be fine."

He sighed. "Roonie, we can't."

"Well, why not?" I asked.

"Because."

"What a great answer," I said sarcastically. 

"I just don't want people to say things about you. I don't want the media to make up rumors about you. You see what they do to Emma, and she's not even dating Ethan."

"And that's why I'm saying I'll be okay."

"No."

"Grayson."

"No-"

"Why are you trying to hide me?" I asked. "What? Do I embarrass you?"

"Roonie-"

"Because if I do then we should just not do this. I'll be with someone who's not embarrassed by me-"

"It's not like that, Roonie."

"Then what is it like, huh?"

He reached forward and held my hands in his. 

"I love you, Veronica Kay Carter. I love you so much."

"Grayson-"

"Which is why I can't do that. As soon as I reveal you to the world, you'll never be left alone again. It's like I'm throwing out a piece of meat for a pack of wolves. You live such a peaceful, carefree life and I envy you for that. I don't want to put you out there for everyone to stare at, for you to be left in vulnerability. I want you to go to college and to follow your dreams unbothered. I care about you, Roo."

"Fine..." I said softly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I just... People were just getting to me, that's all."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I talked to Dylan and Charlie about the picture that got leaked and I guess our conversation just got to my head. That's all."

"Don't let it." He smiled. "I love and appreciate you so much. It's just not the right time."

"Okay..." I smiled.