Running from the Rain

"So, um, well we were talking about doing an acoustic EP sometime soon and so, I've been writing a lot you know..." John said once they entered his bedroom. She nodded unsure where he was going with this as he picked up his guitar.

"Will you listen to a song and tell me what you think?" He asked and she nodded as he sat in a chair. She watched him carefully as she took a seat on his bed.

It was odd seeing him so intrigued by something. He seemed so focused on the movement as he fiddled with the guitar.

"I mean, it's just a rough draft but still..."

Charlee couldn't help but grin, "Just go."

John nodded focusing on playing instead of the girl before him.

"Midnight comes in Paris and as I light my cigarette, the rain it hits my face. So I start walking, towards the Ferris wheel. From my hotel on Champs-Élysées. For now I am alone. I might always be alone..."

Charlee watched him, a bit mesmerized by his voice alone. Sure she had watched his video on you tube and heard him sing along to the radio but this was definitely way better.

Once the song ended she couldn't help but feel like she knew a part of him he was hiding. The lyrics alone seemed to mean something to him. Seemed to show a side of him she apparently hadn't paid enough attention to.

"Like I said, it's still in a rough draft sort of stage." He spoke softly and she shook her head, "I think it's awesome."

John looked up from his guitar with a small grin, "Thanks."

"When did you write that?" She asked and he shrugged, "well I had bits and pieces written already and I just decided to focus on it recently."

She nodded and he breathed in, "I can write better than I talk you know? I mean, being charming is one thing but I don't know..." He stated with a shrug.

"Do you really feel alone?" She asked and he sat down his guitar, "Not lately but most of the time..."

"Not lately?"

"How could I be lonely when I have you?" He asked with a grin and she chuckled softly.

The room grew quiet and she looked over at him as he fiddled with his fingers.

"You really don't give yourself enough credit. Someone breaks your heart and all of a sudden you are the one questioning if you are good enough for someone or if you will ever find someone again, but that makes no sense, John. You're amazing. You truly are and I can't wait until you fall in love with someone who loves you just as much. It will happen. I know it will and you're going to be so happy that all of that crap will seem silly."

"See, that's the problem." He stated staring at her intently, "I just want someone who loves me as much as I love them, but for some reason that never happens. I am constantly the one who gets hurt when I put myself out there and I just can't do it anymore. I refuse. I refuse to be broken and vulnerable again when I try so hard. It's bullshit."

"Yeah but what if you miss out on that person who's willing to do all that for you?"

"I like being alone. Honestly, I've come to terms with it. It's safer and less dramatic and I appreciate it. I really do."

"That's no way to be, John."

He shrugged as he moved to sit by the window so he could smoke. His nerves were now seeping into him. He hated talking about this shit and even more so he hated talking about it with her when he knew very well he would never just come out and say what he really felt which was that he had feelings for her. The kind he hated having.

"And what about you, Charlee? I don't see you putting yourself out there."

Charlee shrugged, "No ones interested me."

"Except for Pat huh?" He joked trying to lighten the mood.

Charlee chuckled, "Everyone is interested by him."

John nodded with a grin as he stared out the window in thought. He always tended to think too much. That was his problem. He had gotten lost in his own world until he felt arms wrap around him from behind.

"I'm sorry about fighting with you." Charlee mumbled into his shirt.

"It's ok baby. I deserved it." He replied softly. Here he was basically doing what Eric told him to do. How did that happen?

She shut her eyes as she took in the smell of him and he rubbed his hand over hers that rested on his torso before pulling away in order to face her. Her eyes met his as he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his chest.

"Do you have any idea how cute you are?" He asked not sure where that came from.

She couldn't help the blush that hit her cheeks from such simple words.

"I know I am a pain in the ass sometimes, but I'm glad you're sticking around." He whispered to her, "I need you here."

"I need you too." She managed to get out.

"Good." He mumbled hugging her to him and she shut her eyes tightly. She was officially in too deep.

Thankfully nothing was different like Charlee suspected things would be after their kiss at the lake. They still pretended to be a couple and hung out as much as one would which she didn't mind. The more she was around him the more she liked him and she wished that wasn't the case, but between their flirting (even if it was for show) she couldn't help it.

"John." She spoke with a grin as she sat in his lap carefully not wanting to spill her drink which clearly she had already had too much of.

John laughed as he placed his hand on her lower back to steady her.

"Have you been doing shots with Garrett again?"

"He's such a conniving boy I swear." She grumbled and he laughed once more. He wasn't worried about her drinking a lot. One because they were at Jared's and two, he was there so he felt comfortable enough for her to do whatever.

"I think you've had too many drinks sweetie." He stated, rubbing his fingers into her lower back as she stuck her bottom lip out, "I'm fine I swear."

He grinned, a bit tipsy himself so what could be say?

"Can you just promise me you'll stay where I can see you?"

"I'm not some drunk 16 year old."

"I am well aware. I just feel better knowing someone say, Garrett for instance isn't taking advantage of you."

"He already has. He's given me too much alcohol."

John laughed right as Garrett walked up.

"Hey, getting my girl drunk?"

Garrett chuckled, "She wanted to!"

"I did not!"

"Don't try and get me in trouble! You volunteered I didn't ask!"

She glared at the boy and he brushed his hand over her face causing her to swat at him.

"Garrett!"

"Garrett!" He mocked and she leaned over to push him.

"Ok, ok. Kids settle down." John said grabbing her wrist and she frowned, "I don't like him anymore."

Garrett laughed, "Bullshit!" He shouted as he walked away.

"Flirting right in front of your boyfriend?" John asked in amusement although he wouldn't deny that he didn't approve of it.

"No, he's mean."

"Mhm."

She laid her head against his chest as he rubbed his fingers up her back.

"I only flirt with you John Oh."

He laughed, "If what you do with me is flirting we need to work on that."

"Shut up."

He laughed as he finished off his beer before wrapping his arms around her.

"Wanna go home?"

"I want to stay with you." She mumbled as his fingers met her arm.

"I wasn't planning on leaving you, baby." He whispered against her ear causing her to shiver. She really was too drunk for this.

"I'm scared if we stay here much longer I'll find you and Garrett making out in a closet or something."

"Uh, no." She stated as she raised up to look at him. A crook grin lined his lips and he brushed her hair behind her ear.

"Oh kissing one Maine kid is enough for you?" He asked boldly. The alcohol clearly giving him more than he bargained for.

"Well, he is my boyfriend. Only seems right. I hear that's how it's suppose to go in relationships. Even if they are fake."

He laughed as she moved from his lap.

"Where are you going?"

"To get another drink. I shall get you one too because I'm nice even if you say otherwise."

He chuckled, "Go on."

As she walked away Eric sat beside him and didn't waste time to strike up a conversation.

"I see you two made up." Eric stated and John nodded, "Yeah..."

"Good. I like her. She's good for you, don't screw it up."

"I won't." He mumbled, although how could he when they weren't even really together? If this was real would he screw it up? That was the question he couldn't get out of his head.

Finally Charlee reappeared and John thanked her for his beer as she sat back in his lap. He pressed his lips to her cheek before taking a drink of the alcohol in his hand.

Eric had by that point gotten dragged into a game of beer pong leaving Charlee alone with John.

"Charlee, if you want to go this weekend with Jenna. Go. I'm serious. It's been on my mind since last night and I want you to have friends here no matter what I feel." He stated and she locked eyes with him.

"I do have friends here."

"I know, but I know how girls are. They need girl friends. I'm not going to be mad or anything. I really want you to go."

She studied him not sure if he was telling the truth or not thanks to her alcohol consumption.

"I don't want you to think that we are just going to like become best friends or talk about you or something like that."

John rolled his eyes, "I don't think any of those things. I know you. That isn't you."

"Promise you won't be mad?" She asked and he nodded, "I swear it." He whispered rubbing her side lightly.

"All I ask is you text me when you get home so I can know your safe."

"So, I'll be without you that night?" She asked placing her arms around his neck.

"You were a few nights ago, remember? Which kind of hurt my feelings." He stated with a grin and she rolled her eyes, "It did not."

"Did so."

"I only went home that night because I needed to shower ASAP."

"Well why didn't you tell me that?"

She chuckled, "I didn't know it was a big deal. Why did you think I went home?!"

"I thought it was because of that kiss." He answered honestly and she shook her head no, "Of course not."

"Mhm." He mumbled in thought and she grinned, "Awe you were worried I was mad at you."

"Was not."

"You were so."

He rolled his eyes and she laughed softly, "I think it's cute."

"Cute that I over think everything?"

"Yeah, that and cute that you cared."

"Don't tell anyone." He grumbled as she messed with his hair.

"I won't."

He stared at her in thought, his mind wondering back to how her lips felt against his and before he knew it he was saying and doing things he shouldn't have.

"Don't tell anyone about this either..." He spoke at a whisper before pulling her in and crashing his lips to hers. This time he didn't hold back. This wasn't a show for anyone around them, this was for him only.

Once she pulled back, her breathing now heavy as he grasped her sides, raising up to her in order to place more kisses on her lips.

"I really like kissing you." He breathed against her lips causing her to shiver once more. It was just the effect he had on her.

"Let me kiss you some more." He mumbled between kisses and she immediately turned into putty in his hands.

"Can you two get a room?!" They heard and John stuck up his middle finger at Kennedy who stood near the couch.

"What happened to no PDA?" He asked with a smirk and John pushed up from the couch once she stood up.

"We're going home." He said grabbing up her hand.

"I'm sure you are. Try keeping it PG yeah? We actually like her hanging around." Kennedy said once the boy was close enough.

John rolled his eyes, "Nothing's going to happen."

Kennedy nodded not sure if he believed it or not.

"What?! No don't take her!" Garrett whined grabbing for the girl who was now giggling.

John rolled his eyes at the boy, "Sorry kid, she's mine. We're leaving."

"Is he making you or do you want to?" Garrett asked her and she looked at each boy, "Uh..."

"Garrett shut up! She's not staying with you!"

"Someone's sounding really possessive." Kennedy chimed in. He really was amused by the way this was all playing out. John claimed he didn't have feelings for her, but lately he could tell John wasn't so sure anymore.

"Yeah well I can." He grumbled grabbing Charlee's hand before leading her outside.

"John Oh, you need to be a bit nicer."

John scoffed, "They need to stay out of my business."

"Can you drive? I don't want to die and I know you're all lonely and sad but I'm not so..."

He shot her a look trying not to crack a smile as she laughed from the passenger seat.

"I've driven worse before, smart ass. I'm fine. Plus it's just a street over."

"Fine as in, you're confident we won't get pulled over or fine as in Garrett should come save me."

"Fuck Garrett."

She smirked, "Someone's sounding really jealous..."

He rolled his eyes, "I am not jealous! Last time I checked, you were kissing me not him so..." He replied as he started his truck.

"I mean if he wants to..."

He quickly glanced at her and she began to laugh.

"I'm kidding!"

"Fine, you go right ahead love. I can't stop you."

"Oh you would be that ok with it?" She challenged, she liked him intoxicated. He seemed to be a bit more vocal.

"Yep."

"Good because I don't know why he's so attractive it must be his blue eyes or..."

"Ok shut up!" He groaned pulling into his driveway.

She was now intentionally talking about the boy to mess with John. Drunk or not she enjoyed his jealousy. Maybe he did in fact have feelings for her.

"Just stop talking about him." He grumbled grabbing her hand as he quietly pulled her inside and they tip toed to his room, closing the door behind them.

"Just admit you in fact wouldn't like me and Garrett together." She stated as she kicked her shoes off before sitting on the bed.

John shrugged before doing the same. He climbed on the bed, hovering over her small frame.

"I would not like you and Garrett together, or him kissing you, or touching you." He whispered causing her breathing to come to a halt.

"I don't want anyone to do any of that actually." He whispered seriously as his eyes narrowed together as if he just realized that himself.

"Fuck." He mumbled. Reality seemed to hit him and he sobered up from his own words. He didn't want another guy to even look at her. What had happened in such a short amount of time?

He sighed before falling onto his pillow. Charlee didn't know what to do or say so she kept quiet. Sometimes she didn't understand him. After several minutes of silence she reached over and turned the lamp off before cuddling into a pillow. She was a bit scared to ask him what was running through his mind and she was too drunk to think of other ways to go about it. As she closed her eyes she felt the bed shift and an arm wrap around her gently.

"Goodnight, Charlee." He whispered and she didn't have time to respond before she fell asleep.

Charlee snuck out the next morning before John woke up. She left him a note before doing so and all but ran to her house. Last night was replaying over and over in her head and she just needed to talk to someone.

Charlee stepped inside quietly and sprinted to Carrie's room knowing the girl was probably awake. She opened the door to in fact see the girl sitting on her bed reading. Charlee had realized how tired she looked recently and how skinny she was getting. She tried not to let it take over her thoughts though. She knew it was a side effect and she didn't want anyone else to worry.

"Oh decided to come home?" Carrie asked closing the book and the girl sighed as she moved to the bed.

"Carrie, I just don't know what to do anymore."

"Well what happened?!"

Charlee breathed in before spilling out the whole previous nights events.

"Charlee, you need to just tell him how you feel."

Charlee groaned and laid down dramatically.

"What if today he acts like nothing happened or apologizes and blames the alcohol? I can't just confess to liking him."

"Why not? Honestly, he's acting like he likes you and I believe he does. No boy goes out of his way for a girl like he has for you. He likes you. Accept it."

"I'm just going to see how today goes and to from there." She mumbled and Carrie chuckled, "Fine. You two can't be scared of everything. You're going to miss out on something great. I actually told him that the other day too."

Charlee sighed as she stared up at her sister. She knew Carrie was right. She needed to just be brave like her sister. Then again, that was always easier said than done.