Now That You Are Here

Ten Things, Kitten

I don't have to look at Brixton's face to see the pity. I'm not asking for pity, I'm stating facts.

"No need to pity, Brixton. You should get to your party."

"No. I'm not pitying you, and I'm not leaving."

He stays silent for a minute before catching my attention once again.

"You know what we should do?"

"What?"

"Make you a bucket list of all the things you've always wanted to try."

"Like what?"

"Anything. But I want to add one thing."

"What?"

"Skinny dipping, kitten."

"Doesn't that seem a little cliché?"

"As long as it gets you naked."

"You are flirting with me now? That's new."

"No, it's really not. You were too oblivious to notice it at first, but now that you like me flirting, you're paying more attention."

"Oh shut up, idiot."

Brixton rolls his eyes at me, clearly annoyed with me.

"We can figure this out."

"I have work to do. That's why I'm in a library."

"Come on, kitten. What could go wrong?"

"With you? Anything and everything."

He pouts at me, and I almost blush from his adorableness, but instead I roll my eyes.

"Please. It'll be a great way for us to get to know one another."

"You want to get to know me? I'm sure."

"I do. Please let me."

"I bet you have better things to do."

"I'm not so sure about that."

"You do know me better than most people. You know I work at an auto mechanic shop, love cars to death, and hate the Patriots. You know a lot."

"I want to know more."

"You also know that I didn't know Derek had a girlfriend and that I have panic attacks. You know more than you think you do."

"Let me in. A little?"

"No. I'm not an idiot. Not like you."

"I'm not an idiot, I'm just open with what I feel. Most of the time, not all the time."

"You could get seriously hurt with an outlook like that."

"Of course the wall is a defense mechanism! How could I not see that?!"

"And you're saying you aren't an idiot, right?"

Brixton scoffs.

"You need to have more fun. Bucket list now. Ten things."

"Is skinny dipping a must?"

"No, but it would be greatly appreciated, by both of us of course."

"I don't want to see you naked."

"Yeah, that's a lie. Everyone wants to see my naked."

"Everyone? Wow, Elon Musk wants to see you naked. That must make you really proud of yourself."