Show Stoppin' (A Robert Manion x Reader FF)

~ Chapter Nine ~

~ (Y/n)'s POV ~ 

The week felt miserable. Everything became more difficult the closer the show got and the more I plunged myself into my work, the more upset I got about everything. The world felt like it was crumbling and usually, the one thing that would put a smile on my face was Robert, my best friend. But, he has been so distant from me ever since that day during practice. It's like now that people were asking us how we felt that he just didn't want anything to do with it. Anytime I tried to talk to him or try to hang out, he would say he is busy or wouldn't be able to that day or time. It was frustrating me. Seeing him being so distant with me hurt me and it made me feel like I didn't ever really matter to him in the first place. 

I sat in the corner of the male dressing room going over the list of things Paul needed me to check on, but in that moment I couldn't even focus on that. My head was screaming at me and it hurt. I set the clipboard that held the list beside me and buried my face in my hands. I let out a sigh of frustration as I thought about everything and that's when I heard the door open. I raised my head to see who it was and I saw Jon standing there staring down at me.

"Hey if you need someone to talk to, I'm here, I know it's weird of me to just come out and say that, but it's also weird that you are sitting in the corner of the guy's dressing room," His voice was sweet and his words caused a chuckle to escape my lips. I slowly stood up and grabbed the clipboard. I walked past him and set the board down on the counter top before turning to face him. 

My head tilted down as I looked at my feet, "Jon, how is Robert doing in practice, is he doing good? Does he know all the words and steps?" I looked back up and saw how confused Jon seemed to be from hearing me ask those.

"Shouldn't you know, you are his best friend after all?" He questioned me. My small smile turned into a frown as I turned and faced the mirror. My eyes looked so dark and my face was so pale in that moment. The joy I had was gone.

I laughed, "Yeah, Robert hasn't really talked to me in a week. I don't know how he is. Has he said anything about me? Do I still matter to him?" 

Jon made a face like he understood what was happening, he stepped closer to me and placed a hand on my back as he smiled down at me, "You know I was there when Lauren asked what you and Robert were. When you said you guys were just friends, he seemed to get upset. If what I think is true then I think Robert might like you (y/n)." My body instinctually moved and jolted up in shock.

"There is no way he would like me!" I shouted and glared at Jon. He raised his hands up and stepped back. 

"If you don't believe me then you should ask him yourself or maybe try just having a conversation with him about it," He spoke. I stood there and thought about what he said. The longer I thought about it the more it made sense. I bit my lip. My eyes shifted to Jon only to see him smiling. He nodded towards the door and I took this as a sign. I quickly thanked him and then ran out of the dressing room, taking my clipboard with me.

I went everywhere in search of Robert. The look on my face was serious and anyone who attempted to stop me stepped back and stayed out of my war path. I eventually found him standing on stage talking to Nick. I marched up to him and tapped him shoulder, causing him to turn and look down at me. When he saw me, he tried to turn away but I reached out and gripped his arm tightly.

"Robert. Pick me up at eight tonight. If you don't then I will personally drive to your place and knock on your door until you come out. Alright. See you tonight." My tone was serious. I nodded at him and walked away, but once I was out of view I let out a shaky breath and sighed with relief.

My body shook as I stood outside. The breeze hit my face as I looked down at my phone to check the time. It was already ten past eight and there was no sign of Robert. I was about to turn around and go back inside, but before I could I saw his car pull up into the drive way. I smiled widely and skipped over to his car I hopped in and closed the door before buckling up. I looked over at him and he was staring at me.

"So, why did you want me to pick you up?" He questioned me before pulling out of the driveway.

"Drive to the park and I'll tell you when we get there." I told him.

We had arrived at the park and both exited the car. I walked round the car to the driver's side and grabbed Robert's hand. For a moment, I could've sworn that I saw him blush, but I shook it off. Instead of saying anything, I led him to the place I had in mind and it took us a minute. I knew he probably had so many questions, but I would eventually answer them all. We eventually made it to the spot I had in mind. There was a hill and on top of it there was a small tree that stood proudly. I dragged him up the hill and stopped once we reached the top.

"Alright, (y/n), seriously, why did you bring me here? I have important things I should be-" I cut him off by grabbing both of his hands. I held them tightly as I felt my eyes welling up as I thought about the past week. I looked up at him, showing my tear filled eyes and his face softened.

"Why are you crying?" He asked me. I smiled sadly as I tried to think of the right words to say to him. I tried to gather up my courage and feelings as I let some tears drip down my cheeks.

I stuttered out, "Robert, this past week has been terrible. Not because of how busy it's been, and not because of everything else, but because you haven't been around. I've missed you so much. It's like my days aren't the same without you and not having you around hurts. I know you've been ignoring me, but I don't want that. If you like me, you like me. I'm still trying to figure out my feeling and everything, but I know that I need you in my life because I've found out that it's just not the same without you. I need you Robert. Please.. I need-" I began to cry. Robert didn't even hesitate. He pulled me close to him and lightly stroked my hair. His scent filled my nose and it calmed me down. The breeze enveloped us as he stood there calming me down the best he could. 

"I'm so sorry (y/n), I promise I won't leave you, I promise." He whispered to me as he stood there holding me close to him. After a minute he lightly kissed the top of my head and lightly pushed me back. He let his hand raise and lightly cupped my cheek. He used his thumb to wipe away any stray tears that were left.

He smiled sweetly, "Lets get you home, I can stay over for a bit and we can watch a movie. I know that always cheers you up." His words my my heart flutter.

"And the fuzzy blankets?" I whimpered.

He laughed softly, "All the fuzzy blankets you have and even some popcorn." I smiled at him and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back just as tight. This was exactly what I missed.

"I missed you so much Robert, I really did," I whispered.

"I missed you too, (y/n)."