Chapter: 8/10

Words:

AN: Okay, so, here's chapter eight. Almost done, guys! Reviews are much appreciated, but even if you're just reading this story, I love you all!


Chapter Eight: It's Hard To Say

As soon as we left the bathroom, Vincent appeared before us. He hovered over Reno, who was fairly pissed, now. Within moments, Reno had decked him in the face and stormed off to class without lunch. After he recovered, the goth before me rose to his feet and dusted himself off, looking at me worriedly.

"Rude...I have to talk to you." He tugged at my arm and gestured us back into the bathroom; must be something important and private. I follow him in, but stay very aware of my surroundings; what if he wants to try to get rid of me or something? I grit my teeth once we're locked in and half-expect Reno's usual sexual desire to plague him. It doesn't, for I hear a sigh as he sinks heavily against the door.

"Reno...has HIV, Rude." He whispers, and I nod.

"I was there when he went to the doctor." He looks up at me frantically.

"But you just—Rude! You could get it, too!" He coughed loudly from over-exerting his voice and I wince a little behind my sunglasses.

"I don't care if I get it, Vincent. I love him and I'm willing to suffer through it with him, to die for or with him, whatever happens first." I reply softly, looking down, hoping my sunglasses hide my eyes as well as usual.

"Rude…" Vincent looks down at the floor with a sad expression. "I gave it to him. I…haven't completely quit him, you know…I can't. I've just made sure to keep it quiet and not go so overboard with it that we get caught. I…got fed up with him leaving me for every man under the sun so I went out and…made sure that if he cheated on me again I would be able to combat it somehow…"

"So you purposely contracted HIV for him?" I get a solemn nod and sigh. "Vincent…you know that isn't right, don't you? You'll die for him, too, and he doesn't even like you all that much." He cringes as I point this out and I watch him shift a little uncertainly.

"I'd like to die for him. He's very important to me, whether I am to him or not. …Rude, I want you to know you're important to him. I…was over at his house last night. He kicked me out so you wouldn't find out."

"Maybe it means he cares about you…" I suggest, "I probably wouldn't have been very nice to you had I found you there." Even I could be possessive. He sighs a little and closes his eyes.

"You take good care of him. Promise me." But before I have a chance, he's moping off towards the Science hallway. I feel kind of bad, but at the same time…Reno's mine and he's conceded defeat. What could be better than this? …other than Reno not having to give me deadly diseases in order to keep him happy.


AN: Alright, there was chapter eight. I know it's short but it was meant to be. I didn't know what more to really have them say. See you in the next chapter!