Sleepless, a Poofless ff

Rebuild and Recreate What Was Always There

Listen to... "S.A.D." by Man Overboard.

Chapter 18, Rebuild and Recreate What Was Always There

"I promise I'll never do it again."

Preston stared at him, contemplating whether he was lying or not, but seemed content with his results.

"Good."

Preston's eyes seemed to dig into him, observing everything.

"Did I ...miss the funeral?" He spoke up cautiously.

"No, it hasn't happened yet, his parents have taken over, I believe it's in a week." Rob answered calmly.

They stayed there,looking at each other in silence.

"Preston?"

"Hm?"

"Is it possible to finish a puzzle, if you've lost a piece?"

"It's only possible if you choose to create a new picture."

"Then...Will you help me build that new picture?"

He snuggled into the taller man, his mind fuzzy.

"The picture was always there, Rob; we just overlooked it."

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"Adam!"

He jumped at the voice, hurriedly fumbling with his computer to cover up the youtube page.

"We have a visitor!"

He grimaced, and rushed into the main room.

"Hi." He said with a sideways grin. He looked at Jerome, who's arm was wrapped around a woman slightly taller than him.

"This is Louise, my fiance." Jerome said, grinning like a madman. His eyes travelled downwards to the ring on her finger. Adam pushed back his feelings and reached forward to shake her hand, only to be surprised by her pulling him into a hug.

"Nice to meet you." She said in a soft voice, pulling away with a permanent smile.

"You too." Adam replied, shocked by how kind she was. In a way, he wanted her to be horrible and rude. Although, this only made him feel even worse.

"Do you want anything to drink or eat?" Jerome asked them both.

"Sure, thanks." She said, and Adam simply nodded, gesturing to the couch.

"It's great to finally meet you, Jerome always talks about you." She spoke up, her easygoing attitude making the tension in the room completely dissipate.

"You too, and congratulations!" Adam managed, fighting against the jealous side of himself. Don't be selfish, He thought. How badly he wanted this woman, this impostor, to act out in any way. How badly he wanted to confess to Jerome, and never have to see her again. Yet, at the same time he confessed to himself. He was too late, and Jerome was happy.

"Hey...Adam?"

"Huh?"

"I know it's not really my place to ask this...but was there ever anything between you and Jerome?"

"No..."

"Do you ever wish that there was?" Her eyes shined with pure curiosity, not anger or intimidation, just interest. God...they're perfect for each other. Adam hated to admit it, but it was the truth. He was the one who walked away, therefore he didn't deserve something as amazing as Jerome. He didn't deserve to love anybody.

"Perhaps I did, but that was the past, and despite the fact that I can't move on, everyone else can."

Why can't I hate her?

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Mat finally stopped walking, sitting down on a nearby bench. Surprisingly, he felt incredible. He was over it. He stood up for himself. He sat there, grinning wildly as he thought.

"You know, I thought you were smiling because of my beauty, although I'm beginning to doubt that." Mat jumped, surprised by the voice. He turned to see a younger looking guy, with a childish grin.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think a twelve year-old was flirting with me." He returned, equally as amused. The guy responded with a fake gasp, pouting.

"If I didn't know better I'd think I was flirting with Shaggy."

"Damn, shots fired."

He looked over at the other guy, in the midst of laughing. He was wearing a winter hat, in a slacker manner, and a plaid shirt. He had a laid-back look, although seemed slightly awkward as well. He reached out his hand,

"Mat."

The guy stopped laughing, adjusting his glasses from the side of the frames.

"Tyler." He responded, shaking his hand.

____________________________________________________________

OKAY. I USED A CHARACTER FINALLY. YUSSSSSSS.

So I hope you picked up the fact that Tyler is...well Tyler. If you didn't, then oh well. I guess I suck. ^-^

Feeling good, I mean...I'm gonna affectionately hug random people on the street and pretend that they're you guys. (And totally not get arrested) Uhmm...Happy Holidays!

I'm in a car again. -_-

Bye!