The first night at Rey's came and went.

I had a couple of nightmares. I'm better at hiding them than little kids so thankfully I disturbed nobody.

My legs started to ache halfway through the morning. Right now I'm curled up on my bed with the cat asleep besides me. Kate has added me to the groupchat and shit is blowing up.

Apparently, Tiffany has been chatting up Felix's brother and has just announced she's not interested, leaving him hanging. I can understand why she plays that femme fatale role. If I looked like her, I totally would too.

I consider jumping to Tiff's defence, but eventually decide against it.

"What's the latest drama?" Rey has entered the room without me noticing and I jump. "Sorry, sorry."

"Don't worry. Um, just my friend leaving guys hanging."

"Let me guess, it's the tall blonde one? I can imagine." he sits next to me. "How are you doing, anyhow? You're very quiet."

Of course I'm quiet, I have social anxiety.

"Yeah, I'm fine." it's a bland answer but it's better than the truth. He raises an eyebrow anyway.

"Mmhmm. You can talk to any of us at any time, you know?"

"I know." I sigh softly. I don't want to, not now, not ever.

Rey pauses before speaking. "We want you to get better, Bee."

"I'm not sick."

"Yeah, but... well, you know what I mean. Um, give us a shout if you need owt, ok?"

"Okay."

He leaves me alone. I turn my phone off, placing it on my desk as I stand up, carefully to not wake up the sleeping cat.

It might be nice to do something alone with Kate. As nice as these new friends are, I'm starting to miss our private times together. I drop them a message.

Their reply is almost instant- a yes. I get ready to head out.

We meet where we always meet. Top of the house.

Kate's already there, dark hair tied back, stretching out and lapping up the last of the winter's icy grasp. They smile when they see me, lifting an arm up in greeting. I smile as I seat myself besides them.

"Hey, gorgeous. How you doing?"

"I'm doing okay."

Their arm links with mine. "I'm gonna miss winter. It's the best time of year, don't you agree?"

"No." I shake my head. "I disagree. I think summer is the best. But specifically the end of summer. Not quite autumn, you can still wear shorts or whatever, but you're not drenched in underboob sweat."

Kate raises an eyebrow and nods. "Hm. I get that. But winter is just so... happy. The coldness is always warmed by the community. You huddle tightly with your friends and you don't even mind because it makes you all feel closer and safer. It's the best time of year just because of that."

"I think you forget how much I dislike people." I lie down, a hand resting on my stomach, fully relaxed. Kate lies next to me.

"You're cute." They say after about a minute. "Really cute."

"Thanks."

"No. Like, uh, really cute. Like I think you're really cute." Kate turns away, they awkwardly rub their nose.

"You've said that about 6 times."

"Sorry. Sorry. I don't know what's up with me. It's getting kinda cold, you want my jacket?"

"I'm wearing one."

"Oh, of course. Well, I reckon I ought to be off. It's getting late, welp, see you, Bumble Bee."

"Oh? Uh, bye." I watch as they leave, abruptly.