Nikki's POV:

I pull away from Andy, smiling softly. He returns it and cups my cheek, bringing our lips together once more. We both reluctantly pull away, out of breath.

I snuggle against his chest, listening to the strong pulsing of his heart, both of us not really sure what to say. Andy is the first to speak, "so, Oli gave you a ride?"

I sigh, nodding. "He just randomly pulled up at the sidewalk and offered my a ride home. i no I shouldn't of, but I was cold, and it was dark-" I ramble on, trying to find an excuse for my very irrational behaviour yesterday.

Andy shushes me and goes on, "okay, so since we're on that topic, why did you leave yesterday?"

I open my mouth to speak but I am once again shushed by Andy, who gives me a knowing look.

"And no excuses. We're dating now Nicole, you should be able to talk to me if you feel uncomfortable, okay?"

I nod, smiling shyly.

"Good, now you need to explain what the hell happened when you got home. And whether or not I should beat the shit out of your fucking parents," he growls the last part, and I wince at the memory, making his hard expression soften.

I close my eyes, breathing deeply, "well, they were just angry that i was out so late and stuff. t wasn't that bad, really. I should've seen it coming, I was out all day and didn't leave a note.."


By that point Andy is practically exploding with rage. "Fuck that shit! You being out all day to fucking escape those sociopaths isn't a problem. And fucking don not ever say that it was your fault, alright Nikki? Hell, I'm not letting you stay here anymore, you can stay with me, or Amy, or fuck, I don't know, anyone else!"

I bite my lip, considering what he's offering. Could I move out? Leave my abusive parents behind? While I have always been somewhat terrified of them, especially when they would purposely get wasted, I have never once thought of calling the police, or telling anyone, let alone leaving them. But could I? I have the chance, and the motivation, but then again, they are my parents.

Andy's hard expression softens and he brushes his fingers against my cheek and I lean into his touch. "You don't need to decide anything right now, but you should, soon." He whispers, and I nod.

Andy reaches out and takes ahold of one of my wrists, running his fingers along my scars, a deep frown set on his handsome face. He looks up at me, his face serous, "you also need to explain these."

I nod, taking a deep breath, trying to summon the courage and words to actually explain why I hurt myself. "I did it because... I felt like it was all i could really do. I know what you're going to say, that I should've called you, but I was still semi mad at you. And I don't know, old habits die hard I suppose."

Andy nods sadly, bringing me into his arms again, kissing my hair and stroking my back soothingly. it's been a long weekend, one that isn't even over yet.

---

"What do you want to do after high school?" I find myself asking, hours later.

Andy stayed the remainder of the day, and we just watched Netflix and held each other most of the day. Now, we're both cured up on my small bed, my feet resting in Andy's lap as I casually begin painting my nails, a rerun of Friends playing in the background.

"I've always dreamed of moving to LA, starting a band," he shrugs, "ti's always been my dream. What about you?"

I take a moment to think about it. I've never really had such big dreams, and I definitely haven't always had one career option in mind. More like ten possibly job paths that have always lurked in my mind, but I still haven't set my mind on one specific one. It does make sense that Andy has more of an idea, he's graduating this year, I've still got two years to go.

"I've always wanted to be a writer," i confess, "but it's hard. My parens always said it wasn't practical."

He raises a brow, "was this before or after they started acting like assholes?"

"I honestly don't know."

He laughs and pulls me closer to him by my legs, almost making me smudge my thumb. I scowl at him and bat his hands away, trying to fix my almost mistake.

"Are you seriously painting your nails now?"

I shrug, "nothing better to do."

He looks slightly offended at my comment, making me giggle, "I'm right here you know!"

I smirk, "I know."

He pouts adorably, and I grin, laughing at his childishness. "Mature much!"

"Not fair! You're being mean!" He whines in a pouty voice which sounds vaguely like a five year old.

I roll my eyes, scooting closer to him, and peck his cheek, making him smile. I ignore my wet nails and lean closer to him, pressing our lips firmly against each other. Andy immediately responds, pulling me onto his lap. He tries to deepen the kiss, but I am quick to pull away, tapping his nose playfully. I press our foreheads together and whisper, "I love you Andy."

He smiles, "I love you Nicole."

Notes

another short chapter mostly filled with fluffy cute goodness!
So march break officially begins for me tomorrow. Anyone have plans?

also, much anticipated drama approaching!!

Love you guys!

qotd: artist you're currently obsesssed with?

For me it has to be BMTH