Two Rats

Chapter 11

Daniel's POV

I just got out of class and now i'm walking to my car to head back home. Lauren and I haven't talked much today because both our mornings were so busy. I had a meeting with and artist who I may work with and I had my noon class. Lauren's been practicing for tour and recording. But now I have some free time, I decided to pull out my phone to text Lauren but I see that she had already texted me while I was in class.

Lauren: I know you're in class right now but i'm waiting for my turn to record and i'm very bored 😪

Me: Oh ahaha sorry I didn't text back. That class in particular is one that I try to pay attention more instead of use my phone.

Lauren: It's okay I assumed you turned off your phone or something. I just sat there and listened to christina complain that lisa gave her too many high notes...

Me: Hahaha I don't know why you were bored that sounds like a fun time. Those two arguing is quality entertainment.

Lauren: Well I grew up with it!

Me: ah I see your point. So you guys done?

Lauren: Yea, im about to go home right now.

Me: Actually i'm going home too, how about you come over, i'm gonna make some food :)

Lauren: hmmm it depends, what's on the menu?

Me: ummm i'm thinking maybe some salmon and not sure what else yet. I need a sous chef...

Lauren: Yea i can be the head chef 😉

Me: I said sous chef! It's my kitchen.

Lauren: whatever helps you sleep at night. I'll meet you there.

Me: Alright see you in a bit my sous chef 😙

Lauren: 🙄

I let out a little laugh at her response and put my phone in my pocket as I got in my car. I've been avoiding talking to her about us but I feel like I should try to do it today. I feel like she knows i'm holding back, and I don't want her to think that i'm just gonna stop talking to her one day. She told me about guys who have done that to her in the past, and I never want her to think I would do that to her.

Lauren's POV

I've been a Daniel's house for a bit and we started cooking now. He was cutting up some vegetables while I cooked the salmon. I went to the cabinet to grab some seasoning but it was to high up for me to reach. I think Dan noticed me struggling because he laughed and came up behind me to help me grab what I needed. I turned to face him as he handed it to me and he had a playful grin, like he was making fun of me. I just glared at him and we both laughed. I looked down to my feet as I laughed and when I looked back up our eyes met. He was looking at me as if he was just admiring. He lifted lifted his hand to move the hair in my face behind my ear. I started blushing. He just smiled and started to lean in as he was looking at my lips. But then suddenly we heard and alarm and we both jumped. The salmon I had on the stove was burning and the smoke detector went off. He started laughing as i panicked trying to calm the flames down.

~~

Daniel: I love burnt fish!

Me: *rolled her eyes* Shut up it was your fault!

Daniel: How is it my fault!? You sent me to the corner to cut the vegetables, YOU were the one cooking it because you're the "head chef"

Me: That would have never happened if you weren't distracting me. I'm sorry but i'm firing you as my assistant.

Daniel: What!? That's not cool, it's not my fault you got lost in my eyes. *wiggling his eyebrows with a smirk*

Me: Whatever, i'll just let you do all the cooking.

Daniel: That's fine, I won't burn it...

Me: Shut up!

He started laughing as he got up with our empty plates to go clean them. I started thinking about what almost happened earlier. That was 100% about to be a kiss. Sadly it's not the first time that happened. He walked back to the table and he looked a little serious as he sat down.

Me: Is everything okay?

- He looked up at me then looked back down.

Daniel: Lauren, *looks at her* I really like you, like a lot. But I just... im afraid to get hurt again.

- I could tell he felt bad. I've never seen him get so serious before.

Daniel: I know you wouldn't hurt me. But giving my heart away again is scary for me. Last time I did, I ended up so broken, I honestly didn't know how I could come back.

-He put his face into his hands. I put my hand on his shoulder and he looked up at me.

Me: Daniel, I like you, like a lot, too. I understand if you aren't ready. But i'm being honest when I say that I have never felt so comfortable with a guy before like I am with you. In the past when i'm with a guy, I just fall for the idea of them, the idea that they would treat me like i'm important and like I mean something or them. I'm always so anxious around them because I don't want to do anything wrong. But then when I realize that they don't actually care, it breaks my heart. I was so confused if it was even possible for someone to make me feel that way. But you changed that. You make me feel like i'm important to you. You constantly remind me that everything is okay, and that something good is always coming. You show me that you care about me. I feel safe around you. I am falling for you, and your amazing heart. If you trust me with your heart, I promise I will never break it.

I looked down, as I was a little embarrassed by everything that I just confessed. He grabbed my hand, and with his other hand he lifted my chin up and looked into my eyes.

Daniel: You're right. I do care about you. You are very important to me. I will spend everyday reminding you of how awesome, beautiful, and talented you are, and i'll remind you that you can literally accomplish anything. Which you have already proved multiple times since me met. I do trust you with my heart lauren. I've been falling for you since we first started hanging out and I haven't stopped since. I really wanted to tell you that, but first I had to tell you why it's taken me so long to ask you this question.

Me: What question?

Daniel: I just want to be able to call you my girlfriend. I mean most of our friends and all your siblings already act like we're together. It already feels that way, but I want to call you mine, and make sure that you know that i'm yours.

Me: Finally.

He looks at me and starts laughing in confusion.

Daniel: What do you mean "finally" !?

Me : It took you long enough hahaha

Daniel: Oh whatever.. so that's a yes.

Me: Yes obviously haha.

He pulled me in to hug me and we stayed like that for a minute, I just rested my head in his neck and finally relaxed as it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder. After a few seconds we heard someone got home. We pulled apart and looked over to see who it is, it was bobby, his other roommate.

Bobby: Sup dan

- They greeted each other and did their weird handshake. Then he looked over at me and gave me a one arm hug.

Bobby: Hey lauren, how are you

Lauren: Im good, what are you up to today?

Bobby: Oh you know, just class, the usual boring stuff. But chelsea's coming over right now and we're going to race at a go cart place, you guys wanna come?

Lauren: oooh like a double date !?

Daniel: Yea that sounds fun, let's go!