A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

I'll Fight For You Till Then

As soon as I get into my room, I head toward Kellin's bed. I'm not certain if he's asleep or not, but I lie down next to him, putting my arms around him. He shifts against me at my touch. I can feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest. I see his eyes open in the darkness as I kiss him softly. Wow, I could really get used to kissing him every day.

"I missed you," he whispers as I finally pull away.

"It's only been a few hours," I can't help but smile at him.

"How did it go?" He asks, his breath warm against my neck.

"Fine." I wrap my arms tighter around him. "We came back in one piece."

Kellin sighs, resting his head against my shoulder. "You're cold," he mumbles.

"So are you." I poke him.

"No, but you're usually so warm," he says, tapping my chest. "You warm me up." I roll my eyes and pull him closer, so he's cradled against me. I kiss the side of his head, breathing in his familiarity.

"You warm now?" I ask as I kiss his cheek.

"Better." He snuggles against me, his hand slipping into mine. He's right—he is warmer now.

"You're so cute when you're sleepy," I murmur, kissing the soft skin on his neck. "Actually, scratch that. You're so cute all the time."

"Don't be annoying," he mutters, but I can tell he's blushing.

"What? It's true," I say, kissing him again.

He lets out a soft sigh as he curls up closer to me.

"Kellin?" I say, breaking the silence.

"Hmm?" He asks sleepily.

"I don't want to get your hopes up," I say, tracing circles on his hip. "But we might have a chance to escape."

"Really?" He twists around, so he's facing me, now wide awake.

"We met someone," I say. "Gerard. He escaped from here a long time ago. He's gonna help us do it."

"That's great," Kellin breathes. "Do you think we have a chance?"

I nod as I run my hand down his arm, pulling him closer to me. "I do. I really think we do."

"Thank you," he says. "For everything."

"I'd do anything for you," I tell him. "Anything."

I'm still wide awake, even after he's drifted off into sleep. I lie there, trailing my fingers up and down his spine, listening to the sound of his steady breathing. It's the only sound I ever need to hear, the sound of him alive.

"We're getting out of here," I whisper. "I promise you."

This is how I want to fall asleep every night—with him next to me. I want to wake up to him every single day. I just want him. He's all that I will ever need.

---

"How is it going?" Mr. Styles asks as I walk into Study. I frown, confused to see the room empty besides two folding chairs facing each other, Mr. Styles seated in one. "Take a seat," he says, motioning to the chair across from him.

I cross the room, sitting down in front of him, folding my hands in my lap. What is this all about?

"You've been a great asset," he says. He does sound sincere. "You've been with us for so long, yet you've always had outstanding results." Thanks for the reminder, I think bitterly. I've been here way too long.

"Did you need me here for a reason?" I ask stiffly. Unsurprisingly, making small talk with Mr. Styles is not high on my bucket list. I'd rather be back with Kellin, in our room.

"I'm sorry about Guard Mullins," he says. I look up, shocked. He can't know, can he? If he does—No. He can't. Otherwise, I'd be dead by now, right? "He—the two of you knew each other, is that correct?"

Is he looking for information? Maybe is he trying to confirm his suspicions? "We talked once or twice," I respond. "Obviously, we never knew much about each other, with the rules and all here." I can't help but let bitterness seep into my voice.

Surprisingly, Mr. Styles flinches at my words. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he apologizes. "But I needed to set an example. You know that, right?" I wonder if he's talking about Jaime or not. Does he know about the escape plan?

"I'm not certain why you would need to," I respond. "I don't think anyone here is trying to escape."

He meets my gaze, staring at me until I start to get uncomfortable. Is he testing me? Does he know I'm lying through my teeth? "Right," he says finally.

The silence stretches on as he watches me.

"If there's nothing else," I say awkwardly. "Can I go back to my room?"

"Oh, yes," Mr. Styles blinks as if he's snapping out of whatever daze he's caught in. He motions to the guard standing outside the room. "Take him back."

"M-37," Mr. Styles says hesitantly as I follow the guard out. I look back to see him standing, watching me. "I know you don't believe me, but I do care about all of you."

"Thank you, sir," I say. "It means a lot to me." It really doesn't. I can't give less of a shit about his lies.

He nods, breaking his stare. "Go now."

Even as I follow the guard down the hallway, away from the Study room and down the stairs, I can feel his gaze still trained on me, as if he can see right through me.