I wrote this a while ago, and kinda maybe forgot about it. . .
Anyways, here you go!

"We need to talk."

I froze, looking up from the speech I was editing. The speech I was going to make to Joseph, and finally tell him why I have the shell I retreat too. The story I couldn't tell him without having ideas written out. The story no one else knows. I got off the stool, but didn't go over to him, my heart beating unevenly.

"I understand." Was all I managed, even before he started talking.

He blinked in surprise, and confusion, a look of fear crossing his face. "Y-you do?"

I looked up nervously. Joseph doesn't stutter. "I, I think I do." I whispered, looking back down. "You're breaking up with me, right?" Joseph had to strain to hear what I said, and when he did, he recoiled.

"What? No! Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm damaged! Because I can't talk, or speak for myself. I'm not, I'm not, like you!" I moved my arm up and down, gesturing I meant his dressing style and piercings. His jaw fell open, and he stared at me. I hugged myself, feeling to vulnerable under his gaze.

"Damian, is that what you think?" He watched me nod, and scrutinized me, getting a 'read' for what I'm feeling. Usually, I love that he can read me so easily, but right now, it made me feel open, unsafe. He crossed the room, and gently gripped my biceps, letting out a humorless laugh, still looking at me in disbelief.

"You actually think that, that because you're not 'punk' or dress in dark clothes, and that, in your opinion, you're a coward for not being able to be you, makes you not good enough for me?"

I let out a quiet sob, closing my eyes as I nodded. "And if you didn't think that before," I whispered, hanging my head, "well, now I've pointed them all out, so you can break up with me."

There was a puff of air, and I looked up to see Joseph with his eyes tightly shut, mouth in a thin line. His eyes fluttered open, and before I could escape his gaze, we made eye contact, and I couldn't pull myself away. I realized his eyes were swimming with tears, and felt my own drop down my face. He brushed mine away with his thumb, gently cupping my face. He searched my face, his free hand sliding around my waist, pulling me to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning my cheek on his collarbone, his hand moving from my cheek to cup my neck, and Joseph gently swayed us, not saying anything for a long time.

"Did you actually think I was breaking up with you?"

I shrugged, letting out an embarrassed giggle. "Kinda." I hugged him tighter to me. "It's just, we've been having more issues than normal, and I just, I guess I thought you were done with me."

Joseph was already shaking his head, pulling away slightly to look at me. "Never. Damian, I don't care about what you think are your insecurities. They won't make me stop loving you."

Instead of relaxing, I stayed tense, and Joseph noticed, pulling away fully. "What?"

I shrugged, not mentioning that the paper behind me might make him change his mind.

"Damian, seriously."

I pressed my face into his chest, muffling out my answer.

"What?"

"I, I'm not ready."

Joseph nodded, and pulled me closer. "OK. Whenever you're ready love. But, I really do need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Well, it's going to be the start of fourth quarter, which means, I'm graduating in a couple months. From college. And you have two more years."

I nodded, still unsure where he's going with this, since he doesn't want to break up.

"Damian, I have to go all over the world, for weeks on end, to do journalism. And, I was wondering, if you wanted to break up with me."

My jaw unhinged, and I stared at him. "Why in the name of Hell would I do that! After all you've done for me, after all the love you've shown me, and the fact that you care for me, I don't care if you are away for a year, as long as you are faithful, and come home to me."

I gasped as he swooped down and kissed me, his lips warm and soft, gentle yet full of a passion that was new to me. I kissed back with the same amount of force, arms wrapped securely around his neck, as his tightened around my waist. I moved one hand to hold his jaw, inhaling sharply as I felt his tongue trace my lips. I gladly succumbed to him, letting him dominate.

Eventually, I had to pull away, both of our chests heaving. I smile up at him, my heart filled with so much hope and love it hurt.

"I love you." I say, and he grins.

"I love you too."