River

Prior to living at the Benedict's, I had only been living in Denver for a few weeks so I was glad I got the chance to explore. We had been wandering around all day and now that it was starting to get dark, we decided it was a good time to eat.

"How about here?" Victor asked, swinging our interlocked hands between us. It was a small Italian place that claimed to have the "best pizza in Colorado!".

"Sure." We went inside and found a seat towards the back of the shop where there were less people. The shop itself was small but cosy and the smell of freshly-cooked pizza made me realise how hungry I was.

"Not exactly what I imagined for a first date with my soulfinder." Victor looked around the room, a small frown on his face as he took in the groups of teenagers seated next to couples who were clearly on dates. It was all a bit mix and match but I loved it.

"I know," I replied, deciding to play along "it's a bit... cheap." Victor turned to me with a worried expression and I had to struggle to not give the joke away.

"We can go somewhere else if you want. I think there's a restaurant down the road we could try." He stood up but I didn't follow; I crossed my arms and let out a huff of annoyance.

"What's the point? We'll never be allowed in after being seen in a place like this." Victor sat back down and turned me towards him.

"I'm sorry. I'll do better next time." His voice was quiet and I couldn't stop myself from dropping the act. I placed a hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer.

"Victor, I was joking. This place is perfect, I love it." It took a second for my words to register but when they did his face broke into a smile.

"You had me for a minute there. I thought I had messed up." I shook my head at his words.

"I'm not really the type for fancy restaurants and expensive stuff. However, I am totally the type for pizza." He smiled and brought his lips down to mine and I let out a contented sigh. From the day I made that stupid agreement, I immediately regretted it. Lucky for me, Victor seemed to be unable to stick to the rules of it anyway.

We were interrupted by a cough and quickly broke apart. My cheeks started to burn as we turned to see a waitress tapping her pen against her notepad impatiently. She shot me a glare then turned towards Victor, a huge smile on her face.

"What can I get you, honey?" I grimaced at her overly sweet tone and glared right back at her. Unfortunately, she didn't see because she was too busy sending seductive glances towards Victor.

"We haven't decided yet. Can you give us a few minutes?" Her face dropped as she realised Victor wasn't looking at her and she turned and left. Once she was out of hearing distance I turned to Victor.

"Looks like you have an admirer." I nodded in her direction and Victor turned, receiving a wave and a wink from the waitress in question. "Excuse me while I go throw up."

Victor laughed at my reaction and pulled me closer to him. I sighed into his chest but couldn't deny I was jealous; I couldn't compete with a girl like that.

"You don't have to compete," he whispered, pressing a kiss to my hair "you've already won." A grin spread across my face at his words.

"In that case," I mumbled, burying my face deeper into his t-shirt "I'll have a pepperoni pizza and a coke." His laughter surrounded me and I couldn't help but join in.

When we finished eating, I got up to use the bathroom. After being unable to find it by myself, I finally gave up and asked a member of staff.

"We don't really have the space in here so the toilets are outside. Walk out the door, turn right and you'll be there. You're gonna need this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key.

I quickly thanked him and made my way outside, refusing an offer from Victor to come with me. It wasn't hard to find but the crowds of people on the street made it difficult to get to. It seemed Denver woke up at the night time.

When I was finished, I stepped back outside, making sure to lock the door behind me. As I turned to head back to the restaurant, I froze. People continued to push past me but my eyes were locked on one man only.

He stood on the other side of the road and stared back at me, mouth twisted in a smile, hand up in greeting. He hadn't change much, the only difference being that his once pitch black hair was now shot through with white.

My mind kicked back into gear and my body obliged, moving as fast as I could in the opposite direction. I ran through the crowded streets, pushing past people in desperation of putting as much distance as I could between myself and him. I didn't dare stop till my legs ached and my lungs were burning.

I fell back against a wall and closed my eyes, heaving for air. I unclenched my fists and jumped at the sound of something hitting the floor. It was just the bathroom key. My eyes flew open as I remembered Victor. He was still at the restaurant.

Victor! I screamed the message and he replied instantly. He was okay.

River what's wrong? I wondered why you were taking so long. Where are you?

Victor you have to leave. Now.

Where are you? I'll come get you?

No! Go home. I'll meet you there but you have to leave now!

River, tell me where you are!

I cut off the conversation and threw up my shields. I could feel him trying to get in but I couldn't let him. He had to get away from here and so did I. I started to run again until I came to a main road. Hailing the first cab I could, I jumped inside.

"I need to get to Wrikenwridge, fast." I was out of breath and my whole body was shaking.

"Are you okay, miss? Wrikenwridge is a long way away. Are you sure thats where you want to go." He was only trying to help but I couldn't deal with this right now.

"Just drive!" He nodded and turned back to the road, putting his foot down and speeding up.