DEMENTED | Ethan Dolan

SUSPICION

Grayson wasn't very fond of the new neighbor, Jake.

However, much to his disliking, Y/N was quite very fond of Jake. After the first night where she invited him over for dinner to welcome him into the neighborhood (delightful on their end, awkward for Grayson's, who couldn't help but notice the few "sly" glared the new neighbor showed him when she wasn't paying attention), things were just... off about him. Especially since they've grown a lot friendlier over the course of the week, where the angel was able to take much more notice of Jake's odd presence. He just fond it strange that he was able to move into the previously owned house next door so soon, and the way Y/N had almost instantly taken such a strong liking to him.

Jake told little of himself, too. He gave minor details of growing up out of state, his schooling - not many details of his career that he didn't dare mention. He just continuously asked Y/N questions about her own life and listened very intently, staring at her as if she were the love of his life.

It was driving Grayson insane.

Y/N never took notice of Grayson's detesting of Jake. Though, she had rarely payed much attention to angel lately. For some reason, almost of her thoughts were consumed by the man next door. It couldn't be a crush; she hadn't even known him that long and besides, she wasn't in any mood to begin dating after all that has happened not too long ago. It was too soon for her to consider that.

Still, she couldn't help but feel extremely connected to this neighbor of hers, for reasons she doesn't know.

The angel was watching from afar as the pair sat in the living room, watching some show on the TV as they sat closely together. Too close. He stared with narrow eyes as Jake brushed his hand upon Y/N's, only mumbling a small apology but it was obvious that he wasn't sorry at all. He couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm going out," Grayson declared in an irritated huff, not giving either of them time to acknowledge him before he stormed out of the house.

"What's up with him?" Jake questioned confusedly, raising a brow.

Y/N shrugged, puzzled herself. "I have no idea. I'll ask him later, though."

The man simply smiled and continued to stare at her right into her eyes, as if searching for her soul within. He cleared his throat when he realized he was staring too long, and must have looked like a mad man. "You have the most beautiful eyes."

Her face flushed with heat, and she nervously stuttered out, "W-Why... thank you, Jake. That's very kind of you."

Though she was quite fond of him herself, Y/N also couldn't help but harbor some particular suspicion over him as well. Some of the things he did... and the way he made her feel... reminded her of her demon, who she desperately tries to remain a ghost in her memory. However, it's difficult to forget when she gets the familiar feeling of intense yearning toward Jake as she once had for her ex. Perhaps it was her subconscious finally moving on, though she hadn't expected it so suddenly. Never did she think she'd ever be able to move on from him, but here she was.

Oddly wondering what it would be like to kiss her new neighbor.

Jake broke the moment of silence by asking, "So I've been meaning to ask... how long have you and Grayson been dating?"

Y/N's eyes widened and she laughed, soon profusely shaking her head. "Oh no, Grayson and I are not dating. We're just friends... and roommates, I guess."

The man's face falls into a look of relief and he grinned victoriously, "Oh, my bad. Interesting..."

She nervously glanced down at her lap and admitted, "I'm not exactly looking to date right now, though."