A/N: unedited

I thought it was time to give you his POV ;)

Midnight Visitor

Dylan's POV

"And then me and Mia played dress up with Ollie. And he didn't even run away! When can I get a puppy?" Mom exchanged glances with Tristan, a small smile playing on her face.

"You'll just have to wait sweetie." Lillian pouted, falling back on me. Suddenly her head turned towards me.

"Will you get me a dog, Dill Pickle?" She batted her eyelashes me. I groaned, not liking the nickname at all.

"How about we start this movie instead?" Tristan asked, bouncing Asher in his arms. He giggled, chewing at his hands.

"Yes!" She cheered, completely forgetting about our conversation. She snuggled further into me, paying attention to the Disney movie on screen. I grinned at the opening scene.

What? You can't blame me. The Lion King was hands down the best movie created, ever. A loud knock upstairs interrupted the movie. "I'll get it," I offered. I removed Lillian from my lap, placing her beside mom.

"Hurry up, the song is about to start soon!" I bolted upwards with an intention to get rid of whoever was at the door, so we could sing along to the opening song. My plan was disbanded as soon as I saw the person waiting once the door was opened.

"Lia?" I sucked in a breath when I noticed she was drenched from head to toe. She shivered, holding her arms around her body trying to conserve as much heat as possible. I ushered her in, taking a second to rush and grab a fluffy towel. I wrapped her in it, tightening it around her body to create more heat.

She didn't say a word; however, her breaths were coming out faster and faster, and before I even knew it, she was hyperventilating. I couldn't tell if it was the rain or not, but I saw tears rolling down her cheeks. She looked around the room in a panic, not recognizing her surroundings. I snapped out my thoughts, going to help her instead of simply observing.

"Lia? Querido?" She visibly relaxed when her teary eyes met mine.

"Dylan..." she strained out between her shaky breathing. Immediately I was by her side.

"What can I do to help?" I replied, feeling helpless.

"It's my fault..." It seemed like she didn't hear my reply, now lost in her own world. She kept repeating the words over, and over again, letting out more and more tears each time. "It's all my fault."

I don't even think she noticed when she grabbed my hand, mainly grasping onto my wrist. It seemed to slightly calm her down, so I didn't make a move. I didn't even mind the pool of water forming at our feet. I was in shock however when she didn't have any shoes on.

I wanted to know what was going through that pretty little head of hers, and what made her come here in the first place. Clearly, it wasn't thought out and she abruptly decided to come, hence her shoeless feet.

I wanted to do something to help her, but I couldn't if I didn't know what the problem was. Did someone hurt her? I clenched my jaw as I looked over her for any signs of physical harm. I couldn't find anything but that didn't mean there wasn't any other signs under her clothes. And I didn't mean that in the creepy way.

After she had gained a rhythm of her breathing, I tugged her up the stairs. I led her into the bathroom, and as much as I didn't want to, I tried to let go, but instead she held her hand tighter, if that was even impossible. She was shivering, a lot. Even the towel didn't help.

"Lia, come on, you have to warm up," I pleaded. I didn't know if it was the lighting or not, but her lips were turning the slightest shade of purple. "Please," I begged, finding myself hurting when she was. Just because she wanted to be friends didn't mean my feelings for her vanished. Instead, they only grew stronger.

"Okay." I strained to hear her answer, it was that quiet. Reluctantly, her grip on my hand loosened.

"I'll bring you some clothes okay?" She nodded, playing with her fingers. I noticed she did that when scared or nervous.

"Thank you." I gave her a small smile, knowing she wasn't just thanking me for the clothes. If only she'd knew I'd go to any lengths for her.

I closed the door behind me, hearing it lock. I grabbed a towel, a shirt and pants from my closet, heading to the dryer downstairs. Surely, she would feel better in warm clothes. I also managed to clean up the water on the floor before going to the basement. I couldn't help but chuckle when I noticed Lillian was fast asleep in mom's arms, the same with Asher in Tristan's.

The movie seemed to act as background noise as the two were deep in a conversation. They halted once I walked into their peripheral vision.

"Who was that?"

"It was Lia." Mom furrowed her eyebrows at that.

"Is she okay?" I let out a sigh, sitting down.

"I don't know," I admitted, running my hands through my hair. "She didn't seem to be. She ran here, drenched from the rain. I-I want to help mom, but I don't know what to do."

"Dale tiempo para venir limpio. She didn't just come here for no reason."

"I will. Thank you." I took my little sister from my mother's arm. I carefully placed her head on my shoulder before going back to the dryer to retrieve the warm clothes.

After I had tucked Lilly into bed and hung the clothes on the doorknob, I made a quick detour to the kitchen to make two mugs of hot chocolate and a bowl of fruit. She might be hungry. I then returned to my room and sat back on my bed. It was now a waiting game. I sighed, running my hand through my hair. I just hoped she was alright.

Five minutes later Lia walked into the room, towel in hand. Even though she had practically had a breakdown just half an hour before, she looked absolutely gorgeous, even if she was drowning in my baggy clothes. Her short wet hair clung to her and she moved it out of her face. I frowned slightly. I missed her long hair.

She didn't say a word, sitting down on the bed beside me. I handed her a mug and the bowl of fruit and after a muttered thanks, we sat in silence as we drank it. I was right as I watched her gobble the fruits in less than a few minutes; she was starving. A few moments passed as I watched her play with her fingers. I decided to be the first one to speak. "Are you alright?"

Stupid question. Obviously, she wasn't.

"I don't think I will ever be," she admitted, biting her lip, pausing. "I-I'm sorry for barging in on you like that. I didn't m-mean to. I just didn't know who else to t-turn to," she whispered, looking down, ashamed.

"You're not barging in, I promise. Do you want to talk about it?" She shook her head, her lips quivering. So, this was a topic to stray away from. Noted.

I decided to change the topic. "How about that challenge Hunter proposed?" That caused her lips to lift. Score! "Are you going to take him up on that?"

She scoffed. "If he thinks he can beat me after I won f-five consecutive races, he has another t-thing coming." She ran her hands through her dark hair. She turned to me, completely sitting on the bed instead of having her legs hang out from the side.

She let out a deep breath before talking. "It was... Shane. We got into a huge argument... and," she paused, looking down and took a deep breath. "He s-said... somethings that I thought w-we were past." She sniffed, wiping her tears with her fingers. I handed her a tissue which she gladly took. "I just—I didn't--" That was when she broke down.

I myself, didn't know what to do. I placed our mugs and bowl on the side table and moved in closer. It seemed like she was now having a panic attack. "Lia?"

"Y-your ha-hand," she stuttered, looking up. Her eyes were bloodshot red, her chest rapidly heaving in and out. I frowned; even the people who lived with a permanent smile on their face could fall just as quick. I thrust out my hand and watched as she placed her thumb against the inside of my wrist. Thankfully, this seemed to calm her down.

Minutes passed and just like before, she slowly regained her consistent breathing. "Oh, Lia," I muttered, stroking my thumb on her hand. I never wanted to see her hurting, ever. I didn't want to push any further than that, so I remained silent. She looked broken... Surely having two panic attacks in the span of an hour can take a toll on anyone.

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out, no matter how hard she tried. In the end, she closed it again, staring down at the space between us. She tired again several minutes later. "T-thank you." Her voice was hoarse. "That was a p-panic attack. Every time I talk about this, I always end up with a panic attack." She replied looking at me.

"Is that how you calm down?" I asked gently, gesturing to my wrist which she still grasped onto.

She gasped letting go. "Sorry," she mumbled. "I-it helps when I-I count the beats and synchronize my breathing with it. With Shane, his heartbeat is steady, but with yours, it was a little too rapid," she laughed slightly.

My jaw clenched at the mention of her brother. I could never imagine putting Charlie or Lilly in the position of running away from home and ending up at someone else's home. However, I was glad she chose to come here.

"Is there anything else that helps?" I gritted out as gently as I could. I wanted to punch Shane.

"My... m-medication," she hiccupped. "But I d-don't have it with me." I furrowed my eyebrows.

"We can go get it." I was already up.

"No!" She blurted. "Shane is probably home, and I d-don't want to s-see him," she pleaded. "I'll be fine without it." I didn't believe her, but I sat back down when she tugged at my hand.

"If there is anything you need..." She nodded, tucking a hair piece behind her hair.

"Have you started reading that yet?" She asked, looking at the only book on my nightstand. I went along with her change of topic, grabbing the book.

"No, not yet. Want to read it together?"

"I'd l-like that," she breathed out, resting against the headboard beside me.

We flipped to the first page, reading in silence. Although I couldn't concentrate on anything else but the fact of her shoulder touching mine. My skin felt like it was burning up, but I couldn't bring myself to move away. The rhymatic sound of her breathing was calming, I tried to follow it as my heartbeat was rapidly accelerating. Surely she could her it.

A knock on the door brought us back to reality. We, well Lia, had surpassed the second chapter, onto the third. My mom was standing by the door. I felt Lia tense up beside me, her grip on the book tightening.

"I'd just like to say goodnight to you two," she smiled. "You're welcome to stay the night if you'd like Lia. I'm sure my son will be more than glad to set up the arrangements."

"Good night," I replied. Lia gave a warm smile and replied with a soft thanks.

"What time is it?" She asked with alarm as soon as my mother left the room.

"Midnight, why?" Her eyes bulged out.

"I-it's late. I-I h-have to get home." I could tell she didn't want to go home. In fact, she looked quite anxious.

"You can stay, if you want," I added, sitting up all the way. "If not, I'll take you home," I promised. Another thunder crackled, making her slightly jump.

She paused, as if contemplating before letting out the next few words carefully. "Can I stay?" She asked unsurely.

"Of course, Lia. I'm just going to go get changed, yeah? You can have the bed." Relief flooded her face.

"And where will you sleep?" She asked quietly, closing the book, but not before adding in a bookmark.

"Believe it or not, the floor is very comfortable," I joked. I didn't mind having to sleep on the floor—as long as she was comfortable, I'd be fine.

"Would I be able to use the phone? I left mine at home." I dug through my pockets until I found the object, placing it on the palm of her hand.

When I'd returned, I found Lia with her back towards me, trying to braid her hair. After watching her struggle with her shaky hands, I couldn't help myself by taking over. I gently removed her hands, smoothing out her damp hair. Her hair was as soft as I imagined, and I couldn't help but run my hands through it slightly. I heard her let out a small noise. Even without the proper shampoo for her hair, it retained its usual shine. I weaved my hands through her hair, loving the silk-like feeling and as much as I would have loved to continue, I finished off her loose braid. She turned around, cheeks tinted pink. "Thank you."

"Did you call?" She nodded.

"I told mama that I'm staying at a friends. She d-didn't question it. They all must've heard my argument with Shane," she sighed.

"You consider me as a friend?" I teased, but slightly hurt. I guess friends would be as close as we could be.

"Of course," she quipped. I turned around to set my bedding on the floor. As much as I liked being friends, I wanted more. However, Lia didn't feel the same way. In the midst of my thoughts, she spoke.

"Dylan, I c-can't. I should go home." I faced her, watching as she shook her head. "I'll j-just go home." She nodded, making her way to the bedroom door.

"Hey," I grasped gently onto her hand. "What's wrong?" I furrowed my eyebrows. She wanted to stay, but now she didn't? She bit her lip; my eyes followed the movement.

She shook her head. "I c-can't."

"What do you mean? Is it because I'm the same room? I can sleep on the couch downstairs, I don't mind, really. It is quite comfortable—" I rambled.

"I can't sleep alone." She blurted out. I furrowed my eyebrows, not understanding. "I mean, I physically can not s-sleep alone."

"I can get Lilly for you," I offered, wanting to help in any way possible, even though I wasn't following.

"I know she's already s-sleeping. I-I already feel bad for intruding on your night, I'll just leave."

"Please don't feel guilty. I don't mind. In fact, thank you for trusting me and coming here." My soft gaze met her anxious one.

"But I also don't want to go home," she pleaded, obviously conflicted. My heart clenched, wanting to help her with the pain, but all I could do was gently squeeze her hand. "I'm s-sorry I'm putting this all on you. Amy is gone and Mariana l-lives across town and you were the only one who came to mind and—"

"Hey," I interrupted her. "It's okay, you're welcome here anytime of the day, or night," I added with a slight smile. "If you want to go home, I'll take you, but you are not intruding."

"Okay," she nodded, seeming as if she overcame her demons. I couldn't help but smile.

"How do you feel if I slept beside you? The bed is big enough." She hesitated, but gave in.

"Thank you, Dylan." She sat back on the bed, pulling her legs to her chest.

"What did you mean by not being able to sleep alone?"

She took a second the gather her thoughts, opening her mouth a few moments later. "Along with my anxiety, I was diagnosed with being a hypnophobic," she let out a humourless laugh.

"I think I read this somewhere." I sat back on the bed beside her. "Something about being afraid to sleep?"

"My nightmares... p-practically eat me alive. Ever since then, s-someone always slept beside me and it h-helped keep the nightmares... at bay."

"You don't mind if I sleep beside you, right?" I wanted to make sure.

She shook her head. "As long as you keep on your side of the bed," she teased. "Would you be able to do that?" She asked seriously a moment after. "It's just that--"

"You don't have to explain yourself," I assured. "I'll keep on my side," I promised. She nodded, tucking a baby hair out of the face.

I waited for Lia to get settled before I shut off the lights. I made sure the bedroom door was open and confirming the hallway night light we kept for Lilly was on. I slipped under the covers. She clung onto the left side, and although that was my spot, I let her have it. I couldn't bring myself to argue, especially when her eyes fluttered shut as soon as her head hit the pillow.

"You're not afraid of the dark, are you?" She whispered, opening her eyes back up. I couldn't bring myself to answer because I was definitely afraid of the dark. "It's okay, you can help me with my nightmares and I can help with the dark, yeah?" She was too pure.

"Yeah," I swallowed.

"Good night Dill," she yawned, immediately falling into a deep sleep.

"Buenas noches mi amor," I said into the quiet night, the thunder resonating in the background.

--

"Stop!"

I was awakened in the middle of the night by Lia. I wasn't a deep sleeper. It didn't take a lot to wake me up. I turned around, my eyes adjusting to the dark. I settled my eyes on Lia who had worry lines stretched across her forehead, her eyebrows furrowed. She was still asleep.

"I said no!" She tossed and turned, whimpering into the dark. "Please stop. Don't," she cried out quietly.

"Oh Lia," I muttered, sitting up, not knowing how to help. Her hand sat on top of the covers and without thinking I grasped it. She began to calm down, the creasing between her eyebrows relaxing. She let out a relaxed sigh.

I wanted to stick to her wishes; I tried to let go, but she had an iron steel grip on me. I sighed, laying down and faced her. I kept our hands in the space between us. I also didn't know that if I let go, would her nightmare still haunt her?

My eyes roamed her face, from her long delicate eyelashes to the full pink lips, every part of her was gorgeous. Inside and out. I moved a strand of hair away from her face, my fingers brushing against her smooth skin ever-so-slightly. She was beautiful.

I shook my head slightly. I was being a creep. I forced myself get some shut eye. Besides, I was a morning person, and the sun was about to rise in just under four hours.

--

I had woken up about an hour ago, while Lia was still sound asleep. I didn't mind, the panic attacks must have made her really tired. What surprised me was the fact that she had held onto my hand through out the night, even until now. She snuggled deeper into the blanket, tugging my hand along with. I scooched over so she would have more space to move.

I turned over to the clock on the beside. Any minute now...

Right on cue, the hardwood slightly squeaked under her small weight, and in came Lilly. She smiled at the sight of me being awake and hobbled to the bed. Her eyebrows furrowed when she came closer and noticed a mop of dark hair beside me.

"Who's that?" She asked in a hushed tone, trying to be quiet but failed.

"Melia," I replied in the same manner. She squealed, immediately slapping her hands over her mouth to muffle her noises. She was too excited to see her 'best friend' as she quoted just days ago. "Why don't you go make your bed, yeah? I'll wake her up." She nodded eagerly, dashing out of the room.

I didn't want to wake up Lia. She looked so peaceful and I didn't want to disturb that, especially since last night. However, she began to slowly stir awake. Her eyes gently fluttered awake, and I met her deep brown eyes. Her eyes told the story of confusion and her mouth parted open as if to ask a question. Surely her mouth had been hoarse from the crying.

"Good morning." I bit back the gorgeous part, smiling instead.

"Morning." She sat up, quickly pulling out her hand from under mine, muttering a sorry. "I-I didn't mean to."

"It's okay," I chuckled. "You kept my hand warm through the night."

"All night?" She asked, eyes widened. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize. You should've had—"

"It's okay," I assured. "I was the one who actually held your hand first. Tell me, how did you sleep?" I genuinely wanted to know.

She hesitated at first. "I-I had a nightmare at first, but then... I slept like a baby," she admitted. I was glad she didn't lie and trusted me.

"That's good. And um, I'm sorry. You told me to keep on my side but then when I woke up you and you were—the only way I thought I could help was by that." I held back a sigh. She told me not do something, yet I did it anyways.

"Um, thank you for that. I'm sorry for being a bother," she expressed, biting her lip. "I'll leave right after I get dressed." She paused but opened her mouth again, but then closed it.

"What is it?" I asked gently.

"C-could I ask you of one last favour? I promise it'll be the last one." She pleaded, looking away. "I'll leave you alone after today," she muttered to herself, playing with her hands. Only she meant for me not to hear it, but I did.

"Of course you can. Besides, you are not a bother, got it?" I asked, reaching out for her moving fingers, clasping my hands over hers. "Now what's this last favour?" I teased.

--

After eating breakfast, pancakes to be exact as Lillian had insisted on, Lia had went upstairs to go get dressed as I cleaned up. Although she didn't go willingly and insisted on helping me, I shoved her out of the kitchen. She was too sweet and being so close to her sent my heart racing.

As I placed the eggs in the fridge, a bang to my front door called for my attention. My eyes narrowed at the person standing in front of me as I opened the door.

"I know she's here. Let me see her."

"There must be something wrong with you if you think you're seeing her, especially after the state she came to me in last night," I scoffed. Really, I was trying to keep my anger in check. Lillian was in the living room and I didn't want to scare her.

He opened his mouth but then closed it again, then stepped closer. "I wasn't asking. I need to talk to her." His eyes locked with mine, both anger and desperation shown in his brown eyes.

"I don't care. She had two panic attacks last night and refused to get her medication because you were home; I don't think she wants to see you right now. Get off my property before I come out there and do something you'll regret," I gritted out. Lia didn't deserve any of this, especially not from her brother, not her twin.

"Dylan?" A soft voice called out from behind me. I shut my eyes, letting out a deep breath before turning to her. I mentally sighed when I realized she was on the top of the stairs. Her eyebrows were furrowed, confusion written all over her face. "Who's at the door?"

Before I had a chance to answer, the door was shoved open and her twin barged in. "I need to talk to you. Please," he begged. My fists clenched at my sides.

Lillian's in the house.

Lia backed up and rapidly shook her head. "No," she whimpered. My jaw clenched, wanting to beat the living shit out of Shane and comfort her.

Lillian's in the house.

"Just give me five minutes." He made an advance towards the stairs. Immediately I got in his way pushing him back.

"D-Dylan..." I turned to Lia who was doing everything to keep her tears in check. "Please."

I pushed Shane out of my house who didn't put up a fight. Instead he said two simple words. "Code red." And then he was out.

I ran up the stairs, watching as Lia took in what he said in confusion. "Hey, he's not worth crying over," I whispered, wiping away her one stray tear with the pad of my thumb.

"C-Can you wait in the car?" She asked, looking away, trying to hide her glassy eyes.

"Of course," I replied softly after a moment. I'm sure she just wanted a moment alone.

I walked into the living room where Lillian was. "Ready Pollito?" She nodded, getting up from her seat and tugging her barbie doll with her. Lillian already had a playdate planned with our next-door neighbor so everything played out perfectly since Lia asked me to take her somewhere.

After dropping Lillian off, I sat in the car. Lia joined me a few moments later with a small smile on her face. Although she didn't tell me where, I knew she was nervous by the play of her fingers as soon as she sat down in the car.

She gave me the directions to where she wanted to go. She soon asked me to turn left and we had entered a plaza. I parked the car; however, Lia made no move to open the door.

"This is my th-therapist's office." She didn't look at me when she spoke. It felt like as if she was embarrassed. I didn't know what to say without trying to offend her, which I wasn't trying to do. "I know, I'm a n-nut job," she laughed.

"But you're not. Everyone is different. You don't even know the amount of therapy sessions I had to go through after my father passed away," I assured. "Granted, you might not be going through what I have, but everyone heals in their own way." She slightly nodded, somewhat believing what I said.

I opened the door of my car, jogging to her side and opening it as well. "The longer you wait, the greater the anxiety you'll have built up and the more you won't want to go." Reluctantly, she got out of her seat.

"Thank you for driving me, and... t-thank you for last n-night," she stuttered. She paused for a moment before she reached up on her tippy toes and snaked her arms around me. The scent of my shampoo immediately engulfed my nose, and I never liked that scent any better than I did right now. I wanted to hold her forever, but unfortunately, she swiftly pulled away, not meeting my eyes.

"D-don't wait up," she insisted. "I'll get a ride." She gave me one last wave before disappearing behind the doors of the office.

I'll be damned if she thought I would just leave her here. I knew I had about an hour until her session finished, so I decided to get lunch for both of us.

I was about ten minutes early when I had returned to the office. In the meantime, I jammed out to some music. It may or may not have been country.

I immediately perked up when I saw her small figure walk out through the front door, her concentration on her phone. She was genuinely surprised when she saw me walk up to her.

"I thought I said you didn't have to wait for me? I don't want t-to bother you then I already have," she murmured, looking down at the flip flops she borrowed from my mom.

"You did," I answered cheekily. "And Lia, I'm not going to say it again, but you are not bothering me." I knew there was a reason why she felt that she was bothering me but didn't let on. She sighed but changed her attitude when she knew I wasn't going to budge.

"Alrighty then. What do you have planned?" I led her to the car and drove just under two minutes to a small park.

"Well, I got lunch. What do you think of fruit salad and sandwiches?" Her face instantly lit up.

"I think that's perfect."

--

Q: If you could live off only one food item, what would it be?

A: Chicken!!