A/N: Before I dive into part one of The Rose, I must first apologize for the more depressing side of this. I've just been feeling really down and heartbroken right now, so it helps me to express my feelings through writing these sorts of stories... There will be a part 2 with a happy ending, but I just... I had to write this half of the story. Thanks anyways for reading! (BTW I'm sorry this A/N sucks so much... I'm just not feeling it right now... But the me you all know will be back very soon! I've just got to get over someone that I truly did fall in love with who, well, let's just say gave me my rose back. Politely, of course, but... I figured out I loved them much more than either of us realized.... but enough with the depressing stuff. Have this lovely chapter!)

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Dark took a deep breath and adjusted his tie before making his way through the sea of couples on the dance floor. It was the night of senior prom, and Dark had finally made up his mind. He was going to ask Wilford for a dance. He'd arranged for the DJ to play Wilford's favorite slow song, 'A Thousand Years,' next, so there was no turning back from this one. He held the one black rose he brought tightly in his hand as maneuvered through the sea of people. His eyes locked onto Wilford's pink hair as soon as he escaped the mob, and he walked over to the man, holding the rose behind his back.

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises

Wilford noticed Dark appear beside him and gave a warm smile to his long-time friend. "Dark- my main man- good evening!" He said, grinning. "How're you doing tonight?"

How to be brave,
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

Dark gave a nervous smile back. "Hey, Wilford! I-I'm doing great." He replied, then instantly cringed at how suspicious that sounded. Dark was the stereotypical "bad boy" at school. He got into trouble all the time and was always in detention. Therefore, he'd never describe himself as doing "great," and Wilford knew that.

But watching you stand alone

The aspiring journalist raised an eyebrow. "What's up, Dark?" He asked seriously, sensing something was off with his friend. "Oh, and what's behind your back?" He inquired.

All of my doubts suddenly go away somehow

Dark pulled out the rose and scratched the back of his neck nervously. "O-Oh, w-well, if you must know, I was thinking of asking someone to dance... I know, I know, it's stupid and cheesy, but I feel like they'd like it. I'm just really nervous-" He was cut off as Wilford recognized the song that was playing.

One step closer

Wilford's eyes lit up and he grabbed the rose from Dark's hand. "Thank you very kindly for the rose!" He said, and Dark was about to reply when Wilford turned right around and gave it to the girl behind him. "Would you like to dance, m'lady?" He asked, and Dark immediately noticed that the two had a matching corsage and boutonniere set. Which only could have meant one thing... she was Wilford's prom date.

I have died everyday, waiting for you.

The girl took it and grinned, nodding happily as Wilford took her over to the floor. "Again, thanks for the rose, Dark. Oh, and good luck with your date!" He called, thinking of it as just another harmless prank to get under Dark's skin.

Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years.

But this time, it wasn't a stupid little prank. With that single action, Wilford had completely crushed his heart. Biting back tears, he left the auditorium and sat on a bench outside. Once he found he was alone, he let the tears go. Wilford had already chosen another girl, given that girl the rose Dark was going to give to him, and now they were slow dancing to the song that suddenly seemed to fit his life.

I'll love you for a thousand more.