*Steven's P.O.V*

     After making mends with Delilah, I felt significantly better.

She had run off to dress, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

I leaned against the counter and remained silent. Keeping my mind on anything other than that horrible, horrible needle.

It was rather difficult.

My wrists trembled in pain- as if they were starving. I flexed my fist, trying to make the pain dissipate.

My knees grew weak as I felt myself growing intensely needy.

I had been severely deprived of that gøddâmn drug for too long now- whether too long be a few hours, minutes- even seconds.

Trembling, I ran my hands through my hair, grasping fistfuls and just holding onto myself.

I let out a soft cry and shut my eyes tightly- biting down on my tongue until the taste of blood filled my mouth.

'No- you overdosing bastard. You take that poisonous thing and you'll pay. You'll loose Delilah- you really want that?...You stupid piece of trash. Then get yourself together for god sakes.'

I mumbled inaudibly to myself, clawing at my shoulders as I cursed at myself lowly.

Staring down at my wrists- I could see previous needle stabs where I had done the dirty deed.

Seeing dry, faint, blood upon my toned skin- I was sickened by the memories.

I couldn't help it- depression causes people to do stupid things...awful things.

Just then, I heard light footsteps trotting downstairs.

I held my face in my hands, and continued to belittle myself- forcing the pain to go away.

"Alright, I'm b-...Steven?...are you okay?" Delilah called out to me softly, I could sense the words of panic in her voice as she failed at masking it.

I glanced back to her over my shoulder, fighting back tears- I smiled softly and nodded "I'm fine-..don't worry." I reassured her, trying to convince myself the same thing in the process.

She nodded slowly, looking to me with eyes of concern.

I admired her for a moment or two-

Her, now, completely curled air bounced around her shoulders playfully.

She wore my 'Toxic Twins' cut-off sleeve shirt and a pair of Tight jeans- fixing a pair of  black suspenders on in the process.

I merely smiled- "I love you." I manage to let the words slip. It was actually embarrassing- but my heart pounded as I said it.

She looked to me with surprised eyes, I saw confusion and wanting flicker in them- "I-...Okay-" she cleared her throat and just ran a hand through her hair "You should get dressed." She avoided eye contact and nodded towards the stairs.

I frowned deeply, feeling pangs of my needle wanting come flying back through my veins.

I hid the frown and shrugged it off "Right- yeah...I'll be down in a bit-.." I spoke with a slightly cold tone.

Brushing past her, I felt her soft finger tips slowly touch my bicep- as she tried to get me to come back- as if she wanted to say something.

I only shrugged her hand away and darted upstairs, avoiding the embarrassing scene.
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*Delilah's P.O.V*

I don't understand what's wrong with me.

I just don't.

I really care about him, I saw the sadness behind his eyes- and it hurt to look at him.

I just- don't know if I love him back.

I want too. So, so bad.

I watched as he began to walk past me-

I reached out and went to gently grasp his arm, he instantly jerked away.

I frowned and stepped back, feeling guilty.

I honestly had no clue what I was even doing anymore- I met that boy during times of trouble, I followed him home and began to befriend him.

Weeks go by- I followed him out of school, daring to not return.

We fought, made up- fought again, now he loves me. This was all becoming to dramatic for me.

I felt like we were on a soap, for gods sakes.

I only want to be happy, I want the same for him- but, seeing the path he's taking...it'll be rough.

I want to be there when he smiles brightly and laughs that laugh I love.

I want to be there when he's goofing around with Joe- when he says something so stupid, it's funny.

I want to hug him, and kiss him- and tell him I love him.

I want to be the one who wakes up beside him in the morning and gets to see his sleepy smile.

I. Want. To. Be. The. One.

But, what if what I want- isn't right?

What if I'm screwing with destiny- maybe he's supposed to meet another.

Have kids one day, laugh and smile cuddling his wife as his kids play around the living room.

I'm going too far-

I shake my head and rub my temples, sighing softly-

I hadn't noticed Steven leaning against the wall- his arm resting above him upon the walls frame.

He had an expression I couldn't read- I couldn't tell if he was unhappy, or playful. (Picture at beginning of chapter ^^^)

He applied eye liner, and wore numerous pieces of jewelry.

A tight suite of black and white fitting him splendidly.

Eyeing my Frame up and down generously, he met eyes with me once more- before leaving the room, heading for the phone on the table.

Oh lord- that was definitely playful.
_______________________

*Steven's P.O.V*

     I don't know what the hêll I'm even doing right now.

I had approached her, trying my best to seem calm.

Yet I couldn't help but want her when I saw her.

Or maybe, it's because I'm just a guy- either way....

I had decided to leave the room before I made things worse- I decided to call Joe to check in and see what the plans were for our concert-

We were being approved of a world tour- which I was extremely excited about.

I dialed a number of two-

"Hello?" A women's voice called out.

"Good Morning, Helen."

"Oh, hello Steven." She spoke thoughtfully.

"Is Joe home?" I bounced my feet lightly as I chewed on my lip, playing with strands of my hair as I waited patiently.

"No-...not at the moment. He left a minute ago with Tom. He told me you'd call. He mentioned something about Griffen- greffen?"

"Griffen Records." I corrected her.

"Right- he said to be in the studio next week by three- oh, and Steven?"

"Alrighty then, yes...?"

"Have fun tonight- just, don't do anything too reckless. Watch out for Joe, please?"

I smiled and nodded- as if she could see me "Of course- Thank you once again."

After hanging up the phone- I sighed and just held my face in my hands.

Looking back up, I rested my hands upon my hips and stared out the window for a moment or two.

Admiring the trees of green, the grassy yard as the sun projected colors of yellow and morning orange in the sky.

I was startled from my thoughts by a sound I couldn't identify.

I stayed in my position comfortably, on tossing a glance over my shoulder.

Delilah held her Polaroid camera up, only the lower half of her face was visible as she smiled.

Snap! Startled me. Snap! I was looking this time, which I regretted.

I winced and held my hands to my eyes, seeing flashes of bright light in the darkness of my closed eyes.

Snap! I heard a soft laugh after the final photo was taken.

Blinking violently to clear my vision, I glanced up and met eyes with the beautiful girl across from me.

She was smiling as she laughed, holding the pictures in her hand.

"What was that for? I could have been blinded." I complained, approaching her.

She rolled her eyes playfully "You did it to me..."

"I'm pretty sure you did me first- or were speaking of the photography.." I teased.

She blushed as her eyes widened slightly "Steven!"

"What!" I imitated her.

She shook her head, I could tell she was keeping back laughter.

I smiled and chuckled lightly "Alright, Alright- I'm sorry."

She eyes me cautiously and sighed.

Remained quiet for a moment, I glanced to her and stepped closer "I don't know if you overheard- but...Remember the concert I mentioned at one point? It's for the new song we wrote last week- I believe it'll help us make it to the top." I smiled proudly.

She nodded slowly and ignore my commentary about how successful I was hoping to be "Yes- I remember? Why?" She looked to me.

"You'll come- right?" I asked.

She nodded once more, averting my gaze.

I smiled and placed my hands on her elbows, bringing her close as I kissed the corner of her mouth softly- "Thank You."

She became stiff and shrugged out of my grip, weakly forcing a smile "Of course.."

For the next moments or two, we stayed silent- before agreeing to leave to meet Joe.

I'm going to kiss her. Whether she likes it or not. I've gone long enough without her kisses. Does she have any idea what they do to me? Pucker up butter cup.