Unsteady

Zacky didn't expect her to say that at all. He was frozen in his seat, completely stunned. "So... so you like me back? All this time you've had feelings for me since highschool and you've never told me?" Zacky had a lot of nerve to say that considering he just sat here and spilled his guts about the same thing. But he could remember countless times he wanted to tell her that he loved her. To just pull her into his arms and crash his lips onto hers. "Jesus, Clara. You don't know how many times I've wanted to just pull you in my arms and kiss you. To just run up to you and tell you I love you. Especially prom night, fuck, that killed me seeing you go with Matt. Even if I knew you two didn't even like one another, that much was obvious. I couldn't even get up the nerve to fucking ask you to dance with me, you looked like a damn princess that night. I was too afraid to compliment you so all I could do was insult you like the best friend I was," he said with a laugh, beginning to chew on his nails out of a nervous habit. "God, Clara. I'm so sorry."

---

Kalli smirked and shrugged at him, not really caring. "If it's that important they'll keep trying to reach you, it'll be okay," she said as she gave his shoulder a small pat. "I do drawing, painting, digital art. Those sorts of things," she said as she pulled out her own phone, bringing up one of her recent pictures and showing it to him. "I painted that last night." Kalli huffed when Matt's phone went off again, reaching into her pocket and pulling it out. She saw some blonde's picture flashing on the screen, quickly recognizing it as the girl from the Facebook photos. Kalli glanced at Matt before answering it, putting the phone up to her ear. "Matt's a bit tied up at the moment, he's been a bad boy so I've got to teach him a lesson. He knows better than to play with dirty blonde sluts while momma's away. I'll make sure he doesn't call you back after we're done. Bye bye," she said sweetly with a smirk, hanging up the phone and looking over at Matt, who had an odd look on his face. "What? She wouldn't stop calling and you definitely don't need to be talking to her right now, okay, sugarplum? Drink," she said, pushing the shot towards him.

Matt's eyes widened, and he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. "What the hell?" he exclaimed. "Why did you do that?" He moved the shot out of the way and leaned across the table, reaching his arm over and grabbing the phone from her. He quickly dialed Hayley's number, frowning when she didn't answer. He huffed and put his phone down, looking up at her. "Thanks a lot. I really needed to talk to her." He wasn't trying to be rude, but he was just kind of upset that she'd done that. If anything, she could have just turned his phone off instead of answering it. He grabbed the shot and downed it quickly, sighing as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Sorry if I'm a bit uptight. I don't mean to be. Just . . . I just wish I could forget everything for a while, escape."

---

Clara frowned as she listened to him. "Well it's a little too late now, right?" she mumbled, shaking her head as she grabbed her glass and took a sip of her drink. No matter how much she tried to be happy about the fact that he felt this way, she just couldn't bring herself to be fully happy. Because she knew Piper was still involved, and it killed her. "You have a fiance, Zack. You're getting married soon. I know you wouldn't have accepted to marry just anyone. Piper has to mean something to you too." She looked up at him and sighed heavily, not believing that after all these years and finally finding out he felt the same way, she was just giving up on it. But it was the right thing to do. He was engaged, and she wasn't going to be a side chick or a home wrecker. She pulled her wallet out of her purse and put some money on the table before she stood up. "I should get going. But, um, it was good to see you again. And congratulations on your engagement."

Zacky listened to her, staring down at his hands. She was right, Piper had to mean something to him. He just wasn't sure if she meant what she needed to mean to him. She didn't mean to him what Clara meant, that was for sure. Zacky frowned when Clara looked like she was about to go, shaking her his head when she got her wallet out. "No, keep your money. My treat," he said with a smile, giving her the money back. "It was really good seeing you again, too. We'll have to do it again sometime. Maybe go to the old spot in Central Park and drink some forties," he said with a small laugh. "I'm sorry I sprung that on you, honestly. I had no idea it would even turn out like that." Zacky shook his head, putting his money down on the table before finishing his drink and getting up himself. "You have my number. Give me a call or text me anytime."

---

Kalli raised a brow and shook her head, sighing heavily as she sat back in her seat. He was worse than she though. "You're not uptight. You're just worried about a girl who cheated on you with your friend." She really didn't understand people sometimes and how their minds worked. But she didn't understand love either. Obviously he had been in love with this girl and she felt bad for him. "If you wanted to fix this with her then you should have said something earlier. But she's a cheater, you don't mess with cheaters," she said as she took a sip of her drink. "Look, I'm sorry I answered your phone. I had no idea you'd freak out so bad," she said with a small laugh. "I thought it was pretty funny but I should have known that you probably wouldn't have." Kalli did feel pretty bad for answering his phone but that blonde little bitch had it coming. She needed a taste of her own medicine.

Matt shook his head. "No, no," he mumbled. "You were just trying to help, and I overreacted. I mean, it's not that I want to fix things. What can I even fix at this point? I still have no idea what I did wrong. I haven't talked to her since it happened, that's why I freaked out." He shook his head as he looked up at her. "But I was having a good time tonight, and I'm not gonna let her ruin it." He grabbed his phone and turned it off, slipping it into his pocket and looking at her. "You never told me your name, you know." He just now realized that he didn't even know this girl's name, yet he'd been drinking with her all afternoon. He wasn't usually one to just throw away his cares like that, but he'd been enjoying himself, so why the hell not?

---

Clara frowned when he gave her her money back, knowing that she should have known better than to try and pay. She sighed as she put the money back in her wallet, looking at him when he stood up. You know, Clara was a good person. She had always done the right thing her entire life, had always put everyone before her when it came to things she wanted versus what other people wanted. But you know what? It just wasn't fair anymore. She knew what she wanted now, and now that she could finally have it, something just had to get in the way. Piper. She shook her head. "Forget Piper," she muttered, reaching up and grabbing his face. She pulled him down and leaned forward, pressing her lips feverishly against his. She had always imagined kissing him would be amazing, but she never knew that it would feel this good. It felt like heaven, and she never wanted to pull her lips from his.

Zacky was about to turn to leave when all of the sudden he heard Clara mumble something, then he was being pulled down and a pair of lips was being pressed against his. Zacky was in complete shock for a second but he quickly got it together and wrapped his arms around Clara, pulling her close and deepening the kiss. It was everything he'd ever imagined and then some. Her lips were so soft, so sweet, so perfect. So much better than Piper's rough ones. They didn't pull away until they needed air to breathe, Zacky panting softly as he stared down at her. Kissing like this in public was definitely risky and dangerous but right now it was worth it. "I'm not sure what just happened but I really, really liked it," he said after a moment, a small smile on his face. Zacky leaned down and gave her a few more kisses. Where did this leave them now? What was he supposed to think about this? Jesus, what about Piper? He was all sorts of fucked in the head now.

---

Kalli grinned at him, leaning over and placing her elbows on the table. "My name is Kalli," she said sweetly. "You're Matt, at least that's what I got from your napkin." She giggled, biting her bottom lip. "If you hadn't told me your name I was just going to keep calling you dimples all night. You need to smile more, by the way. Those dimples melt my heart," Kalli said with a sigh as she placed her head in her hands, just staring at him. He was such an gorgeous human being. How could anyone want to cheat on him. She wondered what was wrong with him. Maybe he was secretly nuts or something of controlling. He could be abusive or some sort of lunatic. Okay, she was seriously getting way ahead of herself here. There was no way he was any of those things. He was just an ordinary broken hearted man who needed someone to talk to.

Matt laughed softly. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said, smiling at her. "So, are you from around here? Other than this bar, I haven't really seen you anywhere before. And I'm sure I would have remembered you if I had seen you around anywhere." He knew it was a cliche and practical question to ask, but he wasn't very good at small talk. And he was genuinely curious. She didn't seem like she was around here. She had a very distinct southern accent, and that wasn't from California, that was for sure.

---

Clara looked up at him, biting her lip gently. She looked around before she took his hand, pulling him out of the bar. When they got to his car, she stopped and pulled him towards her, sliding her arms around his neck and pulling him down. She kissed him again, this time with as much passion as she could muster. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and adrenaline was pumping through her veins. She didn't want to think about how wrong this was, or about Piper right now. She just wanted to focus on being with him, because that was all she wanted. "Take me to our spot," she murmured when she pulled away, sucking in a breath.

Zacky followed Clara out to the car, his eye on her backside the whole time. He couldn't help it, she'd always had a nice ass. Zacky licked over his lips, gripping onto her hips and pushing her up against his car as she kissed him, kissing her back just as passionately. He let out a soft groan as he deeped the kiss, any thoughts of Piper completely vanishing from his mind. He felt guilty but obviously not guilty enough to stop and actually care that he was engaged and cheating right now. He was kissing the girl he's always fucking dreamed of kissing. The girl he's always wanted to be with. When she pulled away, they were both breathing heavy, trying to catch their breaths. Zacky nodded when she wanted to go to their spot, helping her into his car before getting in himself and practically being a speed racer to the park. He got out of the car, going around and helping her out and locking the doors behind her. He held her hand as they made their way to their spot, biting down hard on his bottom lip.

---

Kalli laughed and shook her head. "I'm from Tennessee," she said with a smirk. "Is it that obvious I'm not from around here?" She said with a laugh, taking a sip of her drink. It was always the accent that gave it away. No matter how much she tried to bkend in, she could never get it because of the stupid fucking accent. "Yeah, I came here to see what I could do with my future. Couldn't do much there unless I wanted to be done country music star, which definitely wasn't in my future. Art is in my blood," she said with a smile, twirling her straw around in her drink. "What about you? I can pretty much tell you're a born and raised Calli boy," she said with a smirk, placing her cheek in her hand as she stared at him. He had that gorgeous California glow that just screamed he was from here. Kalli found it sexy as hell, that's for sure. Along with everything else about him.

"You just have that whole Southern hospitality thing about you," Matt said with a smile as he looked at her. "I could tell almost instantly you weren't from California. But yeah, I was born and raised here, and I'll most likely die here. I love it in California, and I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else in the world." He twisted the shot glass between his fingers, thinking for a moment before looking back up at her. "So you're an artist. What kind of work are you interested in doing? Do you want to illustrate books or be one of those rich, fancy fuckers with your art hanging in a museum only other rich fuckers will ever look at?" He grinned, knowing he was probably being an ass, but he was just teasing her. He was sure her art was amazing.

---

Clara followed Zacky, smiling when they finally reached their spot. It felt like it had been forever since they had been here, and now that they were here, it was bringing back all the amazing memories she had. She pulled him to a stop and grinned as she pushed him down behind the bushes, onto his back. She dropped to her knees and climbed over top of him, looking down at him. "Remember when my dad was looking for me and we were hiding right here just like this?" she murmured, giggling softly. She used to always get in so much trouble with her parents, she was honestly surprised they hadn't disowned her at some point when she was younger. She looked down at him for a moment before she leaned down, pressing her lips to his. She kissed him passionately, just wanting to forget about the world around them right now.

Zacky's eyes widened when she pushed him down behind the bush, chuckling when she mentioned that time her dad had come looking for her. "I remember like it was yesterday. I thought I was going to have a heart attack with you on top of me like that, I blamed it on being scared of your dad finding us." Zacky had so many memories of the two of them that he would never forget. That night when her dad came looking for her, she pushed him just like she had a few seconds ago and she dove on top of him and Zacky thought he was going to die. He could faintly hear her father calling for her but he didn't even care that night. That was one of the many nights that he felt like he could confess his feelings to her but never did. Zacky ran his hands up her sides as he felt her lips back on his, kissing her deeply. He didn't think he could ever get used to her kisses or get enough of them. He was going to be so sad when he eventually had to return home to Piper.

---

Kalli made a face at the whole Southern hospitality thing. "It's because I'm a bartender, isn't it? I knew that wouldn't be a good idea," she said with a laugh. "My mom grew up in California, which is why my name is Kalli. Well one of the many reasons. She never would tell me why she moved," she said with a small sigh. She perked up at the mention of art, smiling cheekily. "I do all kinds, really. Graphic design, painting, sketches, anything that involves drawing and coloring I can do it, no matter what format," she said proudly. "I actually did the murals for the walls in here. Pretty proud if I do say so myself." Kalli loved doing art, even though she could only do it in the side. She hoped that eventually she could turn it into a full blown career.

Matt laughed softly. "It's not a bad thing. I've dealt with some pretty douchey bartenders before, but you're different. A good different," he said, smiling at her. He nodded his head when she told him about her artwork. He looked around the bar, noticing the murals she was talking about. "Wow, really? They're awesome." He looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "No matter what format, huh? Well, one of the guys who does artwork for us just moved away to be with his mother who's ill, and we really need a new artist for our merch and stuff. Maybe you would be interested? I mean, you'd have to meet the guys first, of course. And they'd all have to approve too, but I have no doubt they will. Just from these murals, I can tell you're talented. And I'd really like to get to know you more, too."

---

Clara's heart was pounding in her chest, and she had butterflies filling her stomach. She felt like a teenager again, and she honestly never wanted this night to end. Because that meant everything they'd said to each other would mean nothing, and he'd have to go home to Piper. She pulled back and looked down at him, wishing she could ask him to leave Piper. She wanted to be with him so badly, but she could never ask him something like that. She knew she was being a total home wrecker right now, and she wasn't that kind of person, but for once in her life, she was allowing herself to be happy, to have what she wanted for once. Even if it was just for one night. "God, I missed you," she mumbled, reaching up and gently pushing her fingers through his hair. "I thought about you every day and every night while I was gone. I thought, 'maybe tomorrow I'll call him, see how he is.' But then I couldn't get up the courage to do it, because I knew you were off living your life, being happy. And I didn't want to burden you."

Zacky looked up at her, letting out a relaxed sigh as she ran her fingers through his hair. "I missed you too. I always meant to call you. I just got so busy with tour for the longest time and then Piper suddenly wanting to get married, with how my feelings toward you are I knew I just needed to take a step back for a while," he said with a deep frown. He pecked her lips one more time before he sat up, the ground cold. "God, I wish things were different. I wish we could go back to my place right now and you could stay the night. I wish Piper hadn't practically somehow forced me to marry her. I just wish I wasn't such a chicken and had spilled my guts out to you sooner instead of thinking I had nothing to lose since I was getting married," he said with a laugh, shaking his head as he rubbed his face. He was such an idiot. He needed to find a way to fix things. He wanted to be with Clara but at the same time he didn't want to hurt Piper because he still cared for her.

---

Kalli giggled. "Well I'm glad to hear that," he said with a small smile. She watched him look around the room, nodding at his amazed surprise. Her eyes widened though when he said something about making some album art work for his band. For one she had no idea he was in a band. Maybe it was some MySpace takeoff band he needed artwork for. Either way she would totally do it. "Are you serious? That would be so sweet!" She said excitedly. "What's your bands name?" Kalli would feel stupid if it was some well known local band or some famous YouTube band. The last thing she expected was for him to be some actually signed to a record label and well known all over the world band that she knew a few songs from but just didn't recognize him.

Matt chuckled softly, smiling at her. It was kind of refreshing to meet a girl who didn't know about the band, and wasn't just interested in him for sex. He could get used to this. "Avenged Sevenfold," he said. "I don't know what kind of music you're into, or if you've ever heard of us before. We've been around for a while now." If everything else in his life went wrong, the one thing he could say he was proud of would be his band. He and the guys put their everything into this band, and it meant the world to them. They were working on their next album right now, and they were almost done, actually. Just a few more finishing touches, and then it would be ready to go. He was excited to get on the road again and start touring.

---

Clara slid her arms around his neck, sighing softly. "I should have said something," she mumbled. "But, it honestly doesn't matter anymore. You're getting married, and I know Piper loves you. And I know you love her too. You wouldn't blindly accept a marriage proposal if you didn't love her. You're not that stupid." She cupped his cheek in her hand, making him look up at her. "Marry Piper, have babies with her, grow old with her. I want you to be happy, even if it means that I have to be with someone else." She leaned down and hugged him tightly, resting her head on his shoulder. While she was glad that she knew his feelings about her now, she wished he'd never told her. Because then she would have just gone on thinking he didn't love her, and she wouldn't feel guilty seeing him with Piper after tonight.

But Zacky didn't want to marry Piper. Clara was right though, obviously Zacky felt something for the other woman if he was marrying her. Even though he did just feel like he was settling for her because he couldn't have Clara. He sighed heavily and nodded, rubbing his face with his hand. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he grumbled. "But we're still hanging out as much as possible and being as close as ever. I don't want you out of my life because of this," he told her. Zacky wanted to see her as much as possible. He can't just pretend that this never happened. This were never going to be the same for him now. The woman of his dreams confessed her love for him, was he just supposed to go back to how things were before and pretend that the kiss they shared didn't happen? Like he didn't contemplate on leaving his fiancé?

---

Kalli thought for a moment, trying to figure out if she knew the band. She was pretty sure she heard of it before but hadn't exactly heard their music. "The name sounds familiar for sure, but I haven't heard any of the music. I would certainly love to, though," she told him with a smile. "I listen to classic rock mostly and sometimes indie or alternative. I switch up a lot though, but if I think it sounds good I'll listen to it," she told him, grinning. She could tell by the tattoos and the lip piercing that he was in a rock band. "Do you play an instrument or do vocals?" Kalli was curious what he actually did. He has such a smooth though somewhat raspy voice which was perfect for singing and in her mind occasional screaming. She waved her hand, pulling out her phone and going to YouTube, searching the band and finding a Beast and the Harlot music video. She smirked as she began watching it, her head nodding a the beat of the music.

Matt chuckled softly as he watched her. "So I'm guessing you like it?" he asked, biting his lip. "We're working on a new album now. It'll probably be released sometime next year." He was excited about this new album, because it was like nothing they'd ever done before. They'd taken so many new influences and every single song was different. There weren't two that sounded alike, and he loved it. It was definitely new for them, producing their own album, but it was exciting, and it just felt so much like them. "That album definitely isn't the best of my vocals, though. I had surgery while we were recording, and it was really tough coming back and finishing the album up. But now that I've gotten better, I sound a lot better."

---

Clara sighed as she pulled away and pushed herself up off the ground. She brushed her clothes off while she waited for him to get up, sighing softly. "Oh, um, I was wondering something," she said. "I start back at work on Monday at the children's hospital, and I was wondering if you and Brian could come by and play some music for them? You know, it's the holiday season and they're stuck in the hospital without their families. I know it would really mean a lot to them." She was sure her boss would give her the okay for the idea since he was a real sweetheart. He loved kids just as much as she did, and she knew that he would want them to be happy like she did. "I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, I just think it would be really sweet. And it might put a little spirit back into them."

Zacky cleared his throat as he pushed himself up off the ground, dusting himself off. He smiled widely when she asked him about going to the hospital and playing for the kids, nodding eagerly. "Of course, you know how much Brian and I both love kids." Zacky was so hyped to go to children's hospital and play something for those children. No matter what he was going to make Brian go even if he didn't want to or already had plans. "Whenever you want us to come by you just let me know, I'll round Syn up and we'll come on over," he told her as he shoved his hands in his pockets. He was already going over the little set list in his head of what they could play. Maybe a few Christmas songs and then a couple of their songs. Of course any songs they would like them to play too if he and Brian knew the chords to them.

---

Kalli nodded, giggling. "You sounds amazing, don't be so silly. If you really think you don't sound your best here I can only imagine how great you sound now," she told him, nudging him gently with her elbow. She took a sip of her drink, scrolling through the suggested videos and finding a fan made video of Matt. She smirked and raised a brow as she clicked it, her eyes widening when there was nothing but video clips of his junk area and his butt. The video ended with him in the shower wrapped in a towel and then a music video clip of his bare ass. "Aren't you full of surprises!" She exclaimed, actually kind of blushing. "Totally wasn't expecting that, I'm so sorry. I should have saved that one for when I got home," Kalli smirked, running her eyes over his body as she let out a small giggle. She wasn't going to hide the fact that she thought he had a banging body and an extreme nice ass.

Matt raised an eyebrow, snorting. "You weren't expecting it, yet you still watched," he teased, smirking at her. He wasn't dumb, he knew he had an amazing body, and he knew girls were attracted to him, so he wasn't going to act surprised that she found him attractive as well. He glanced up at the clock on the wall before looking back at her. "What do you say we get out of here?" he suggested. "I need a change of scenery." He felt as if he'd been in this bar all day, which he technically had been, and he needed to get outside. Maybe they could take a drive, or a walk somewhere. He felt sober enough to drive, and he knew she was too. If he knew he was past his limit, he wouldn't try to drive, but he wasn't there yet. He was a bit tipsy, but not so much that he wasn't aware of his surroundings. "Plus, I don't feel like I'm ready to end the night yet. I feel like I could sit and talk with you forever."

---

Clara grinned, nodding her head. "Thank you so much," she murmured, leaning up to kiss his cheek. She was so excited for this now. The best feeling was seeing a child's face light up with a smile. She walked back to his car with him, sighing softly. She really wasn't ready to go home yet, because she knew her brother would question her about where she'd been, and she didn't feel like explaining to him what had happened between her and Zacky. Her brother had never liked Zacky, which had caused issues now and then between the two of them, but she knew above all, as long as she was happy, her brother would be happy for her. And that was what really mattered. She turned back to look at him, biting her lip hard. Her heart hurt as she looked at him, to know she could never have him, but she knew this was for the best. After all, they both lived such different lives that even if they did try to be together, it probably wouldn't even work out. He was so busy with his music, and she was so busy with her work at the hospital, and who knew when she would have to travel again? At least Piper could follow him around everywhere he went. She wouldn't have that option. She sighed as she turned back and climbed into the car, buckling her seatbelt.

"Anything for you," Zacky told her with a grin. He would do anything for Clara in a heartbeat. If she didn't know that then shame on her. Zacky was always there for her growing up and until the day she left him to move for work, he went to her rescue and did what she needed every time she called. He always dropped everything for her, even when it came to his band or even one of his girlfriends. Zacky followed her back out to his car, about to open the car door for her when she stopped and just stared at him. He furrowed his brow, about to say something when she turned and got in the car. He wasn't sure what to think of that but it definitely didn't set well with him. He sighed heavily and got into the car himself, started it up and letting the car warm up. "What was that look for?" He asked her with a small chuckle. He sat back in his seat, looking at her for a few moments before looking down at his hands. He didn't want to go home yet. Well he wasn't sure if it was that or if he just wasn't ready to end the night with Clara.

---

Kalli blushed deeply, giving him an innocent look as she shrugged. "Hey, what can I say, I liked what I saw," she told him with a wink. She wasn't going to hide the fact that she found him attractive. He obviously knew he was, just by the way he talked about it. She didn't mind, she liked a man who knew he was attractive and knew how to flaunt it. Kalli nodded eagerly when he suggested getting out of here, tossing some random money on the table. "Yes, please. I've been stuck in this stuffy hell hole all day and I would certainly love a change of pace," she told him with a small giggle. She was sure he felt the same, considering he's been here since she started he shift almost. Kalli' face turned blood red when Matt said he could talk to her forever, smiling at him. "Aw, shucks. You're just too sweet, sugar," she smirked. "For the record, I feel the same."

Matt laughed softly. "You're absolutely adorable, you know that?" he teased, standing up and leading her out of the bar. He walked to his car, unlocking the doors. "I'll bring you back to get your car later." He just didn't feel comfortable leaving his car in the middle of a parking lot he wasn't familiar with. He didn't know who roamed these parts, and the last thing he needed right now was his car broken into or stolen. He already had too much going on in his personal life without getting robbed. He opened the door and climbed in, waiting for her to get in as he started the car up. Once she'd gotten inside, he smiled over at her. "So, where do you want to go?" he asked, wondering if she knew of any cool places they could go. He kind of wanted to go somewhere new. Everywhere he went nowadays just reminded him of his ex, and he just wanted something new.

---

Clara looked at him and let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She shook her head. "It was nothing," she murmured. "I was just thinking." She sat there as the car warmed up, imagining what his wedding with Piper would be like. While Piper might be a bit of a bitch, the woman did have amazing taste, so Clara knew the wedding would be beautiful no matter what. She could see Zacky standing there, looking handsome as hell in a tux, with the guys behind him, and Piper walking down the aisle in a beautiful, flowy dress with her father. She could see him sending her off to Zacky, see Zacky take her hands, saying their vows, and then kissing to seal the deal. It didn't feel right, no matter how beautiful it felt. It didn't feel right, because it should be her walking down the aisle with her dad, her dad sending her off to Zacky, Zacky taking her hands and saying their vows together, and them kissing. She looked over at him again, undoing her seatbelt and climbing across the center console. She ignored the car horn honking as she moved into his lap, grabbing his face and making her look at him. "I want to be with you."

Zacky furrowed his brow, not really sure he believed her when she said it was just nothing. He could always tell when she was thinking about something or when something was weighing heavy on her mind. He didnt question her further about it though, knowing how she was about things that were bothering her. She'd talk to him about it eventually as long as he didn't pester her about it. Though he was almost positive he knew what was wrong and what she was thinking about. It was probably about them and what fheir friendship was going to be like now that they had confessed their feelings for one another. Plus Piper and the wedding. Maybe that was just what was on Zacky's mind. The next thing he knew, Clara was climbing over into his seat and making his horn go off, grabbing his face and making him look at her. He looked into her eyes, biting down on his bottom lip hard when she said that she wanted to be with him "I want to be with you too, Clara. More than anything. I've wanted to be with you since I met you," he told her honestly.

---

Kalli blushed even more when Matt said she was adorable, grinning and shaking her head. "Stop being such a sap," she teased, giggling. She walked out with him to his car, nodding in agreement about coming back for her car later. She got in the car, not being able to help herself as she looked around, being all nosey. "What about the beach?" She suggested, chewing the inside of her cheek. "I'm in the mood to dig my feet in the sand and listen to the waves while we continue our conversation." Kalli smiled over at him. She really was enjoying her time talking with him. It was just so easy and the conversation just ran so smoothly. Plus she wasn't nervous around him. She knew that she probably should be, especially getting in a car with a man she just met. Famous or not. But she wasn't, she felt so safe with him and that was something she hadn't felt with anyone in such a long time. It was so nice nice.

Matt chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not being a sap," he said. "I'm being a nice gentleman." He smiled and nodded when she mentioned the beach, beginning to drive in that direction. He loved going to the beach, especially when it got dark because there really wasn't anyone out there. And there was just something about being alone and staring at the moon that felt nice. But he guessed he wouldn't be totally alone, since Kalli would be with him. When they got to the beach, he parked the car and got out, leading her down towards the ocean. "It's really beautiful out here tonight," he said, looking at the water. More so than usual, actually.

---

Clara nodded her head. "Then be with me," she murmured, ignoring the voice in the back of her head that was yelling at her to stop. She knew she was going against everything she believed in and had said to him right now, but she just wanted him so badly, her heart couldn't take it. "Just tonight. Piper doesn't have to know. Tell her you're staying at Jimmy's. You know he'll vouch for you." She was being a dirty little homewrecker, but she didn't even care. She wanted nothing more than to be with him right now. She was kind of worrying that he would reject her, but honestly, why would he? If he felt the same way about her, there was no reason for him to say no.