Chapter Negative Nine: High

"You made my perfect picture look like black and white. I know I've never seen my colors so alive. With you around, I know that we're gonna be fine."

~Perfect Picture by Bea Miller~

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Warnings: abuse, addiction, domestic violence, hospitals/medical things, homophobia, language, slight smut, substance abuse, underage drinking, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

"Motherfucker," I groan when I wake up with the sun shining brightly in my face. 

Needless to say, I have a hangover really bad; I remember none of last night.

I make it out of the room I unintentionally collapsed in and out to where I see Jess and Katie eating French toast.

"Hey," Jess smiles, her mood peppy and not at all showing signs of a hangover.

"How are you not dead?" I ask them with a groan.

"Drinking water before, during, and after drinking helps with hangovers," she says while scooping whipped cream into their mouth. 

"She's insane to be this alive," Katie says, about to face plant into the syrup.

"I never want to drink like that again. I think I overdid it for the first time," I sigh, wondering how I took it so far when I know that my mom doesn't do well with a bunch of alcohol in her system.

"Worth it. Robby is an ass," Jess says as I sit next to her.

"With a nice ass," Katie giggles.

"I just wish he cared about me like I care about him, you know?" I admit as I pour some orange juice.

"I know, babe," Jess pats my hand supportively. "You deserve better than that skater boy."

"Not to go all 'Avril' on us," Katie smirks.

"Just being honest," they smile. "Not just because he's a skater, though. He seems like a good guy, besides the fact that he abandoned you."

"I just want someone to feel secure with, to make me feel at home when I'm with them," I sigh. "I'm convinced there is no such thing."

"We're only in high school, Zion," Jess reminds me. "We've got time to hoe around and figure it out."

"I just want what my parents have," I say, knowing how much they've truly loved each other since high school.

"I don't," Katie sighs, thinking about how her parents are currently figuring out a divorce.

"We all deserve a loving, long-lasting partner. And we will all get one someday. Or, many," Jess says positively.

"Your optimism is giving me false hope," I groan.

"Better than no hope," Katie says and I roll my eyes.

"Okay, who wants a Bloody Mary?" Jess stands up.

"I don't want anything else to drink!" Katie exclaims as I vaguely recall her passing out drunk last night.

"Bloody Marys help hangovers," I explain. "I'll take one."

"Oh, then me too," Katie agrees.

⭒⭒⭒

I get home from visiting my dad and walk into the kitchen to make some coffee, despite it being five in the afternoon. It's just that kind of day.

I'm home alone right now and I just want to pass out, honestly. I still haven't heard a response from Robby, so I guess that's done... and it kind of kills me inside.

I thought we had something good, something pure, but instead he flakes at the first sign of danger. But, that's my luck, right?

I sit down with my coffee just as the doorbell rings. I leave it be, expecting it to be a delivery.

Then, it rings once more and I stand up, wondering who it could be. Maybe it's Jess to cheer me up? She said she'd come later tonight and usually she just barges right in. It's unusual.

The good news is, I do feel better since I saw my dad. I only wish they'd send him home.

I open the door and stare in shock.

It's Robby in a nice shirt and slacks with his hair gelled back and a bouquet of roses.

"I'm sorry," are the two words out of his mouth.

I'm speechless, standing here in my sweats from the day.

"I didn't think rationally yesterday and just fled town after I left your place," he explains.

"You ditched me without even responding to my calls and texts," I say, the hurt evident in my voice.

"Can I come in?" he asks.

I nod, not wanting to deny him that. I close the door behind him and he turns back to me.

"I owe you an explanation, Zion," he sighs. "It's no excuse for standing you up, but I was used to us. I was used to the freedom I get with you, the way I feel with you, the stress-free life I have with you, and I felt like things changed yesterday and even the night before between us and I've been trying to hold onto that."

"So, it was because I yelled at you," I frown, so upset at myself for mirroring my mother.

"It's because I was scared that this perfect thing was leaving so quickly," he says softly and slowly. "I was worried that if it wasn't good all the time, then we were doomed to end. I mean, that's how everything I've experienced has ended. Something goes wrong and it's over."

"Well, we aren't perfect," I remind him. "And I'm sorry I yelled."

"I'm sorry I kept pushing you about your mom and that I left you alone last night. It was an asshole thing to do," Robby says, truly sounding horrible about it.

"I forgive you," I tell him and his beautiful eyes meet mine with a hint of happiness.

"Thanks," he nods. "I-I forgive you, too. And, well, these are for you," he hands me the roses, "so I can get going."

"Wait, you're leaving?" I ask.

"Yeah, I mean... I don't think we were planning on seeing each other again, so I'm just going to go back home, I guess," he shrugs.

"Robby," I walk over and grab his hands, "I do want to see you again."

"Really?" he asks, skeptically and hopefully.

"Really," I kiss his cheek. "We have what, like, another week together? Why end it now when we were having so much fun?"

"That's a good point," he nods with his cute smirk. "Did you want to go out tonight?"

"If you'll give me time to get ready, sure," I nod with a smile.

"I'll give you all the time you need," he nods.

"I'll be as quick as possible," I say before turning to get ready.

I set the roses in a vase first and then head upstairs.

I know it's stupid for me to turn around and forgive him so quickly, but Robby is broken and if I can help fix him, then so be it. 

⭒⭒⭒

I rush down the stairs in a backless dress, trying to not keep Robby waiting any longer.

"Wow," Robby looks at me, slightly biting his lip; damn, he's so sexy.

"You like it?" I ask him and he nods.

"Yeah. You look really pretty," he tells me, his eyes still not moving away from me.

"I don't always look pretty?" I tease him.

"You know what I mean," he catches onto my joke and I laugh.

"I do. Thank you. You look handsome."

"I know," he shrugs.

"Just for that I revoke my compliment," I gasp.

"It's too late. You already said it. You said I'm handsome," he grins.

"Fine. You're hot, okay?" I confirm.

"You're hot, too, you know," he laughs sweetly.

"Oh, I know," I nod.

"We're perfect for each other," he grabs my hand with a smirk.

"I guess we are," I blush coyly. 

"Should we get going?" he asks me.

"Okay, can we walk downtown and find somewhere to eat?" I suggest. 

"Sounds good to me." We walk out the door. 

"My dad's nurse recommended this cafe with a backyard garden we could eat at," I intertwine my fingers with his. "I mean, i-if you want to eat outside."

"Whatever you want is fine with me," he shrugs.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"Why would I say it's fine if I didn't mean it?" he asks me and I nod.

"You're right, you're right. Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize for that," Robby smiles. "But you are adorable when you're flustered."

I blush again as we make it into the downtown area and only a minute later we also get to the cafe.

They sit us in the back and I see fairy lights are strung around the garden to keep everything visible as the sun sets.

"This is really nice," Robby says, looking around in approval.

"What can I get you to drink?" the hostess asks as she seats us in some wooden chairs.

"Can I have a strawberry banana smoothie?" I ask and she nods.

"And for you?" she turns to Robby.

"I'll have the same," he says. The waitress walks away and I turn to Robby.

"This is kind of a health food restaurant. Is that okay?" I flip through the menu.

"I'm all for being healthy," he says.

"Okay. As long as you're sure," I say.

"Zion," he grabs my hand from across the table, "I promise it's fine. As long as I'm with you, I'm having a good time."

"Okay," I nod and grip his hand back. "Good."

"So, I hate to ask, but, uh, how's... your dad doing?" he asks.

"He's actually doing better today. He was awake and we played cards together," I say.

"That's good," he says as the waitress comes back with our smoothies.

"Have you decided what you'd like?"

"Oh, I wasn't even looking at the menu," I admit.

"Can you give us a few more minutes?" Robby asks the waitress.

"Of course. No rush," she nods and walks away.

"They have sushi," Robby notices.

"Yeah," I nod. "I kind of want their all day breakfast."

"Oh, I didn't even see that," he says and flips it over. "I kind of want a ham and cheese sandwich. Just something basic because I can't pronounce half of the other stuff."

"I'm thinking I'll take the oatmeal and fruit," I say. "Or, the omelette."

"Definitely get the omelette," he tells me.

"Hm, okay," I agree with his decision.

I go to take the first sip of my smoothie and wince at the chunky texture.

"What?" Robby laughs at my expression.

"It's not blended all the way," I whisper. Robby just laughs more. "I'm serious!"

"Fine, I'll try some," he grabs his smoothie and takes a few sips. Nothing seems to be wrong with his. "Can I try yours? Mine tastes normal."

I push the smoothie his way and he takes a sip out of my straw, really needing to take a deep breath to get the fruit chunk. His face is hilarious.

"Damn, I guess we'll have to share," he moves my straw into his smoothie cup. 

I smile at the gesture, "How convenient for us."

We both grab our straws and take a sip, our eyes connecting for an intimate moment.

"I'm getting deja vu to the other night," Robby notes as I suck the straw.

"Is this turning you on?" I ask with a laugh and he shrugs, not denying it. 

"I brought some bread over," the waitress interrupts our awkward moment and sets a basket of various breads on the table. "This is vegan butter and the other is honey," she points.

"Thank you," Robby says on behalf of both of us.

"Did you figure out what you want?" she asks us.

"Can I get the omelette with bacon and cheddar cheese and tomato?" I ask and she writes it down.

"I'll take the hot ham and cheese with a side of fries," Robby orders and then glances at me. "Well, extra fries."

"Okay, I'll bring that out whenever it's ready," she grabs our menus and walks away.

"You got extra fries for me?" I ask.

"Whenever I am hanging out with a girl and buy fries, she insists on stealing them. So, I've learned to order extra," he says and I frown, remembering the one-night-stand girls.

"Smart," I nod, trying to keep my emotions in check.

I'll just be another one of those girls once this summer fling is over and I've tried to make myself okay with it, but I feel like I'm not getting everything out of it. I only have maybe one weekend left with him? 

"Fuck, this bread is hard as a rock," he slams it on the table and it doesn't even budge.

I ignore him, "Will you be back next weekend?"

"Yeah, it'll be my last weekend," he confirms as he tries to break the bread in half. I sigh, aware that this was coming.

"Um... I know my dad would like to meet you," I mention softly and Robby stops to stare at me.

"Are we... Are we that serious?" he looks at me nervously for a moment.

"No, no, I just thought you may want to meet him. I don't know; he likes to be involved. I-It was a stupid idea, sorry," I look down and pick up a piece of bread, switching it from hand to hand.

A hand moves onto mine and stops my actions, "I'd love to meet your dad. And, your mom."

"Really?" I ask skeptically.

"If it's important to you, then it's important to me," he nods.

I smile softly and look down, "Thank you."

"Hey," he tilts my chin up with his finger, "this isn't just about making me happy. I want you to be happy too, you know."

Our eyes connect as he softly holds my chin and I feel my body heat up in happiness and want for him. He sends butterflies through my body so effortlessly.

"And I am sorry for ever making you sad," he continues and pulls away sadly. "I didn't think through my actions. I made an impulsive move and you deserve better."

"I think I have exactly what I deserve," I smile. "In a good way, of course. You're the best and I deserve the best. Not that I'm full of myself, but I-"

"Zion," he grips my hand, "it's okay. I know what you're trying to say."

"Okay," I giggle lightly.

"Omelette," the waitress brings out a tray of food, "fries, and a sandwich with more fries." She places everything in front of us. "Look good?"

I glance down at the food that honestly doesn't look the most appealing.

"Yes, thanks," Robby nods on behalf of us. 

She walks away as Robby and I tacitly agree that the food already looks about as bad as the bread.

"I'm sorry," I apologize immediately. "Nurse Vera said she loves this place and I just thought it would be a cute and romantic place to take you. I totally failed."

"Maybe it'll be better than it looks," Robby suggests and tries to make me feel better.

We both look down at his burnt sandwich and then my eyes drift to the undercooked and runny omelette.

"Maybe," I mutter as we both take a few test bites.

"Oh," Robby groans in disappointment as he bites his sandwich. "My tooth."

"Are you okay?" I ask in concern.

"Yeah, I just wasn't expecting it to be so hard. What's up with the bread here?" he chuckles slightly.

"My eggs look like soup," I sigh, trying to pick around the undercooked egg and only get the tomatoes and bacon. "I should've gotten the fruit so it would be good like the smoothie."

"I'll eat around the bread," Robby picks his sandwich apart and puts the meat and cheese into his mouth best he can.

I grab the smoothie to take a few more sips, really disappointed in the choice for tonight. 

⭒⭒⭒

We walk down the streets of downtown together. Robby is holding my hand as we walk by light post after light post illuminating our pathway. It's dark and we've gone into a few tiny, expensive boutiques here and there. 

"What's that?" Robby asks as we get to the eastern part of downtown and hear drums.

"Oh, that's the drum circle they have every Saturday night. I totally forgot about it. I haven't been since I was younger with my dad," I say, looking towards the park in curiosity.

"Let's go, then," Robby matches my smile.

"We don't have to," I shrug.

"Come on," he pulls me towards the crowded park and the music gets louder, filling our ears.

It's very festive as everyone is dancing, drinking, smoking, eating, singing, or playing an instrument. I had to leave when I was younger because my dad didn't think this type of scene was appropriate for a ten year old. It's really amazing to be back here.

Everyone looks at us as Robby shoves through the crowd towards the center where the drum circle is.

"Robby, slow down," I whisper to him as we pass a girl in hippie clothes with a bra that barely covers her tits as she dances and bounces around.

"If you're going to experience this, I want you to get all of it," he explains. "We're going to find the best spot."

I sigh, knowing there's no reasoning with him, as we push through the crowd a bit more and then come just behind the barrier of tall adults.

"There's no way for us to see. We can just go to the back where the air is clearer," I glance around at all the smoke. "We'll still be able to hear the music."

"What about that roof?" Robby points to a small building just above the drum circle.

"The roof? That's private property. If we go up there, we'll get arrested," I say.

"Not if we be careful. I've done stuff like that before and evaded the security cameras," he says, a little too excited about this. "I bet they have the best view in the house."

"I don't think that's a good idea," I say worriedly.

"Do you trust me?" Robby's eyes meet mine. "I won't let you get caught, Zion. Promise."

I sigh, knowing I can't argue with him, "You'd better keep your promise, Robby Keene."

"Come on," he smirks and I follow him back through the crowd and to a fire escape on the back of a small two-story building.

"Do you see a security camera? Is anyone watching us?" I ask anxiously.

If I ever get caught, Janice would lose her shit with me... as if she's never been arrested for public intoxication multiple times before.

"I don't see anything, but I'm going to text my friends to check for me. There's this website you can access on a desktop with important information about stuff like this," Robby pulls out his phone and I see him texting his contact named "Trey."

"Is that legal?" I ask. I'm usually not this lame, but I just can't be out with only Robby and get into severe trouble.

"No," Robby chuckles. "But, it gets the job done."

"What exactly is your job?" I ask as he walks around the building and texts some more stuff.

"Got it. The security camera is on the front door, so the roof and this ladder is okay," Robby ignores my question and goes up the ladder. Then, he turns back to me, "I'll catch you if you fall."

I give into that damn gorgeous smile every time.

I nod and follow him up to the top, but I feel it rattle with the beat of the drums as they continue relentlessly. 

Robby and I move to the edge of the roof together and sit with our legs dangling over. He grabs my hand and I set it in my lap. I scoot closer and lay my head on his shoulder as we watch the dancers and drummers have the time of their lives.

It's a shame I haven't been here more often.

It's more of a shame that I only have one more weekend with Robby.

We stare up at the sky and stargaze for a little bit as the tiny roof is illuminated by the moon. I look at him as he looks away and I know when I'm looking up, he's looking my way. 

And then- I don't quite know how- my lips move in and connect with his and we make out on the roof. We move away from the edge and he gets more physical as his hands move up and down my sides while my hands pull his neck and hair to bring him closer to me.

I let out a small moan as he moves his hand over my bra. He smirks into the kiss and I break for air.

"Is it the best idea to do it up here?" I ask softly.

"What are our other options?" he asks in a surprisingly seductive tone. Fuck.

"My place," I whisper in his ear and he sits up.

"Let's go," he stands up and gives me a hand.

"That was a quick decision," I smirk. 

"I don't want to lose one second with you," he admits.

"Then let's go," I repeat what he said.

I fully agree with him. This is all we have: impulsive, heated moments. I won't let them pass us by.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: (Slight) Smut ahead. 

"So beautiful," Robby murmurs against my skin as he leaves hickeys lower than anyone would see... unless I'm in a swimsuit.

"Mmm," I moan, wanting him to just stop the teasing and move to where I need him.

"Such a pretty girl," he holds my thighs down as his tongue finally works my clit and I let out a loud moan.

"Please, can we just stop the teasing?" I ask breathlessly.

Robby sits up slightly and moves his face away from my heat, "You want to go further?"

"Yeah," I say. I have no impulse control, apparently. I'm completely driven by hormones right now.

"Are you sure?" he asks.

"God, yes," I say and yank his hair. He groans and our lips connect.

I grab his belt on his jeans and he helps me get them off. I see the imprint of his dick through the boxers and my mind goes wild. 

He slips it out and it slaps his stomach. Fuck, he's hard and I'm wet. 

"I'll start slow, 'kay?" he confirms as I nod. 

He grips my hips and kisses me as he rubs my clit, getting me ready for him. 

"Not that slow," I whisper in desperation and he nods in understanding as I feel his cock touch my clit now. I let out a soft moan, "Please..."

Suddenly, footsteps come by my room and I hear a voice, "Damn, I wasn't expecting this!"

We both jolt at the noise as I yelp in shock. Robby quite literally jumps off of me as we both try to cover up for decency. 

"Sorry! Sorry!" Jess exclaims as she covers her eyes and closes the door behind her.

I hurry to put my clothes on as Robby is fully stunned in the moment.

"It's just Jess," I assure him with a sigh of relief. God forbid it had been my parents-

"Just Jess? Why is anyone here?" Robby asks in confusion.

"She usually just walks right in and I didn't think about my bedroom door because my parents are both sleeping at the hospital tonight until he gets released tomorrow," I slip my shorts on. "I'm sorry... Are you going to put your clothes on?"

"Fuck," he shakes out his panic and rushes to grab his dressy clothing.

"Why didn't you close the door?!" Jess exclaims once I open the door.

"Why did you walk in on us?" I counter.

"I didn't know you'd be in the middle of doing the dirty!" they yell. 

"We weren't there yet," I assure her.

"Why would you tell her that?" Robby comes behind me, sweaty and with his hair disheveled.

"Sorry," I share a smile with Jess.

"You're back," Jess points at the boy. "I wasn't expecting you to be back after last night."

"He apologized," I realize how uncomfortable Robby is now.

"He better have," she frowns. "I guess he's where you got the roses, then?"

"Yeah," I note that they're downstairs in the vase.

"Nice touch," they look at Robby, "but I still don't trust you."

"I was horrible to her last night. I know," Robby nods. I see his dress shirt is dishelved and not tucked in; I want to jump on him again right here, right now.

"Understatement," Jess says protectively.

"I never want to hurt her again," Robby assures my best friend.

"You'd better not. I can find out where you live," Jess steps forward in a semi-threatening manner.

"He won't," I guide her away from the boy, trying to persuade her that I trust him now.

"I'll be watching you," Jess looks at him and then turns to me. "I'm sorry I interrupted your sexy time."

"'Sexy time?'" I laugh.

"You had a condom on, right?" Jess looks at Robby.

Robby and I share a look of momentary panic as I realize we got way too caught up in the moment.

"I'm a lesbian, so I don't know a lot about male dick, but you two aren't that stupid, right?"

"Right. No babies or STDs here," I assure her.

"Good," she smiles in satisfaction. "Well... have a good night."

"Bye, Jess," I say awkwardly as she walks downstairs to leave.

It's silent a moment as I avoid any eye contact with Robby.

"The mood was kind of ruined," Robby breaks the silence with the obvious.

"Kind of," I repeat with a nod, still looking down and away.

"I guess it was good that we held off, in a way. I didn't even think to have a condom on me. I was so stupid," he laughs at himself awkwardly. That's the first time I've heard a guy say that and honestly, it puts me at ease.

"I was, too. We were just so... caught up in the feeling," I look up.

Our eyes meet and he steps closer to me, "Hopefully we can feel that again together."

"I hope so, too," I blush.

He cups my cheek and leans in for a deep, passionate kiss.

When we pull away, Robby speaks up, "I'm going to get a friend to take me back to my 'crackhouse' for the night. But, uh, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Try and stop me," I tell him before kissing him on the cheek. "Goodnight, Robby Keene. Be safe."

"I'll do my best," he gives me his award-winning smile and then heads downstairs and out the door.

I sigh to myself, wondering how I got so lucky with him and also unlucky in such limited time.

But, fate hasn't intended for us to stay together. It's like Jess says: "If it's meant to be, it will be."

That night, I go to sleep alone. But, I'm not lonely. I have happy thoughts now that Robby and I are at peace again. 

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Well, well, well, I disappeared from updating this book due to the spectacular thing called writer's block! Thank you for hanging in there.

I've been on constant vacations, but I'm making time to write and update because I truly love it so much. It's therapeutic, in a way.

Thanks again if you still enjoy reading the prequel. I know it isn't as popular as season four is bound to be, but the fluff I have between Robby and Zion in here is such a fun thing to write.

Anyway, have a good day/night and stay hydrated! Love you.