The Inbetween.

"What are you doing?" Stefan asked, pulling away from me with a questioning look on his face. I started breaking inside...he...he only saw me as a friend...

I mentally slapped myself, feeling my cheeks grow hot. I tried to speak, but only a weak whimper escaped. I looked down, biting my lip.

I stood there, feeling a bit numb and drained as he sat down on the couch. He had his head in his hands for a minute before he slowly looked up at me, smiling.

"I...really like you too. I mean...yeah..." he said quietly. I saw the faint hint of a blush on his cheeks, and I smiled back at him before sitting down beside him. I leaned my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes.

"Sorry," I mumbled quietly, starting to shake.

"I didn't...I just..." I took a deep breath, my mind too scrambled to make a proper sentence. I felt his arm slowly circle my waist, and I felt...warm. I smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Stef..." I whispered. A small tear traced its way down my face before landing on the couch with a soft splat. I opened my eyes to see him looking down at me. He reached over, catching a second tear before it could fall.

"All I do is worry you..." I mumbled, studying the pattern of the couch. I can't die again...I can't leave him here.

I just...can't...