monster ; it.

XXI

Guess who's back.

That night, I couldn't fall asleep. These thoughts kept me awake all night, and they didn't fail to make me scared of what might happen. First, I would be losing my best friends, and second, I would be losing the home and town I grew up in. But not only was this for my safety, but it was also protecting the people I love.

Penny and Xander stayed downstairs, and I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that they don't sleep. The whole thought in my head sounded quite bizarre, but then again, this entire situation itself was bizarre.

I woke up the next morning to Penny knocking at my bedroom door.

"Ariana?" Penny said softly, opening the door just enough to get a peek inside. I turned over, making eye contact with him. Seeing the tired look on my face, he smiled slightly, opening the door wider to step in. "How did you sleep?"

I sighed, sitting up in my bed. "Do the bags under my eyes confuse you?" I asked sarcastically.

Penny quietly chuckled, moving closer to sit down at the edge of my bed. He stayed silent for a moment, before opening his mouth to speak once more.

"I'm so sorry."

I watched his green eyes look to the floor in shame. Scooting closer to him, I listened.

"This is all my fault. I never wanted any of this to happen, especially not to you. Look at me, I brought this upon you, and now you're forced to give up your life. And for what," He paused, turning his head to look at me. "A monster?"

His eyes turned a light shade of red, tears swelling in his eyes. I wanted to do nothing but bring him in close to me, and wrap my arms around him. He looked so fragile, and so small, that I couldn't tell whether or not this was my Penny.

I wrapped an arm around his back in comfort. "You are nothing like a monster," I assured him, his expression made my heart sink to my stomach. "You are doing this to protect me, and everyone I know. You are far from a monster."

"This wouldn't have happened in the first place if I just kept my damn distance from you, Ariana." He snapped, his sadness turning into anger. He wasn't angry at me, I knew he wasn't. He was mad at himself, and I could see the disappointment written on his face.

"But what could I do, I couldn't stay away from you any longer. I couldn't watch you grow up knowing you thought I was a fragment of your imagination." His voice lowered.

I swallowed, soon shaking my head in response. "I don't care what I have to go through. I don't care if I have to leave my home, I don't care if I have to get hurt, or even if I have to lie in the process," I paused, taking his hand in mine. "I want to be with you. And I know it sounds completely selfish and heartless, but I can't be without you. I know I shouldn't-"

I was cut off by his lips pressed to mine.

Penny put his hand on my cheek and used the other to help scoot closer to me. I put my hand on his waist, closing my eyes with a feeling of butterflies in my stomach. A moment passed by before he let go, and I opened my eyes to see a small smile on his face. "You have no idea how long I've waited for someone like you." I smiled and felt my face heat up from his words.