The Boy That Lives Upstairs (CaptainSparklez FanFic)

Comfort Comes in Many Ways

Tom, the puke green sprinkles on top of my turd cupcake of a day, ties his lips into a smirk. 

"Whatcha' up too, sweetums?" He asks proudly. I look down at the floor, ignoring him. I am not in the mood for him. "What, no answer?" Tom laughs. "You've gone quiet on me, doll. Where's the fire, the fight, the questioning my safety?" I still refuse to answer, shoving past him to press the button for the lobby, even though it's already illuminated. "Hey, you okay?" he asks suddenly. He sounds actually concerned, for once in his life, and I'm a bit shocked before I realize he's trying to weasel his way into my heart, or, more likely, my bed.

The elevator dings, and I rush out of the lobby, nodding to Ned, the doorman. "Have a great day, miss," he says curtly.

"Yeah, I doubt it," I mumble.

"What was that, doll?" Tom says, appearing beside me. I shake my head and walk swiftly down the street, towards the direction of the train. I hear footsteps racing to catch up behind me, and I turn to see Tom running up to me.

"Leave me alone, dick-wad," I said loudly.

"So mean doll, so mean." He holds his hand to his heart and mimicks getting shot. 

"I'm serious. Fuck off," I spit out, my intentions clear. Leave me alone, or you might have a bit of a problem reproducing in the future.

"Hey, you never answered me in the elevator. Is something wrong?" Tom asks, ignoring me.

"Yeah. You."

"Wow, okay then. How about a game of twenty questions? I'll ask, you answer, at the end I guess, okay doll?" Exhausted by his persistent efforts, I nod. "I knew I would wear you down eventually, doll. The next challenge is to get you in bed." Tom winks, and I shoulder bump him forcefully. He loses his footing and stumbles a few feet. 

"Hot," I say.

"Are you calling me hot, doll?" I shake my head. "Anyways, first question. Am I actually the problem? Because if I am, then it's okay. I usually am." Tom flashes a smile, and I look down and shake my head. "Does it have to do with your boyfriend that you could totally leave for me, doll?" Shit. Well, at least he cuts straight to the chase. I stare straight down at the floor, my throat burning as tears start to well up in my eyes. My heart starts to ache, and my stomach twists in on itself. I take deep breaths and wrap my arms around my self. Tom, oblivious to my situation, continues. "Are you single now, doll? Because I just installed this new pool in my house with a reflective roof. You're welcome to come over any ti-" He trails off as his eyes flick to me. "That's a yes, isn't it.." he asks solemnly. Tom reaches out to touch my shoulder, and I jerk away.

"Don't touch me." I rasp out.

"Vic, hey, it's okay. Do you wanna talk about it?" Tom asks seriously. He's completely different from the flirty dick bag he was a few seconds ago. I shake my head, and he nods understandingly. He stares at me awkwardly as I take heaving breaths. Suddenly, he wraps his arms around me tightly. Before I can comprehend what's happening, I lean into him, wrapping my arms around his torso. "I know I'm a jerk, a 'dick-wad', but hey, we're friends. At least, I hope we are. You can trust me. I won't hurt you." 

Instantly, hundreds of memories hit me like a brick. Moving here, bumping into him, somehow not recognizing his distinct face. Our first date, him rescuing me. Halloween, Christmas. His smile, his laugh, his eyes, his stubbly beard. Him. Jordan. I start to sob, and my legs buckle beneath me. Before I hit the gound, I am lifted up into a strong pair of arms. I turn into Tom's chest as he carries me bridal style down the side walk. 

"Come on, doll," he says reassuringly. "Now isn't the time to cry. Don't waste your tears on that dick-wad."

I manage a laugh as I say, "you're the dick-wad."