A/N: Umn, not much to say about this chapter, but um. It's a chapter.

What a brilliant speech.

HRH-Ft-Louie: Which one did you want it to be? you just put /s, but no initial. Sooo…yah. But anyway, I think it's going to be a J/S. Actually, I know it is. So sorry to Paul fans, but his end will be a happy one. Not that he's going to die or anything, but you know.

alphamelodygirl( ): Sorry about Keith. I know, that was weird. But I needed someone to force Suze to come in the beginning, and then I didn't know what to do with him, so instead of killing him (I couldn't think of a creative situation) I decided to send him back to NY. He probably will come back in the story though. (maybe)

Strawberry-Shortcake01 : thanks. blushes

Stephanie( ): sorry about that, but like I mentioned, his end will be a good one.

meggiec: oh, about my English class. We were in the computer lab working on a report (it was in class, so yah) and my friend was on the Quiznos sandwich website and turned up their song really loud and I busted up laughing and fell off my chair. You kinda had to be there, but it was great.

Everyone else: thanks for reviewing! It makes me feel loved. does a little happy dance, people throw tomatoes

Right.

On with the story!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nada. Zip.

Chapter 7

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, my sobs slowed to sniffles. I felt a million times better. Paul's button down navy shirt was soaked, and I felt myself blush.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"Don't be. When was the last time you've shown any emotion at all Simon?" I froze. Emotion? It was a foreign thing to me now.

I had lived out the time since…Jesse…as if I was in a trance. I smiled. I laughed. I pretended to be excited. But that was it. I don't even remember the last time I cried. And damn, it felt good. I didn't feel weak anymore. Sure, I felt hollow, but like it was finally all out there.

And, six years ago, when I was sixteen, I would never have thought I'd say (or think) these words: I could trust Paul. And he understood.

He started unpacking his clothes into the empty dresser drawer.

"So," he placed another pair of jeans in the drawer. God, how many jeans could one person own? Whatever, "what are we going to do about this little fix you've gotten us into?"

"I have no idea."

He looked at me, surprised.

"Really? You mean that you didn't plan this out ahead of time?" Okay, now he was mocking me, "Suze, I'm shocked. And you, so organized!" A smirk played on his lips.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"You should talk," he just raised an eyebrow.

"No, you should."

"Huh?" If there was an award for confusing someone quickly, Paul would win it. I swear.

"You should talk to Jesse Suze. You need to talk to him. I can see you, falling apart more and more. You're good at pretending. But one day, and not too soon, I'll tell you that, you're going to crack.

"Oh."

"I'm serious. You're going to sit down and talk to him. And if need be, I'm going to be there with you."

I grumbled something incomprehensible.

"And when exactly are we going to pull out this little action plan? I have a feeling Jesse's not going to want to talk to me; he thinks we're going out. As does the rest of the family. Oh, God. What did I do?"

"I dunno, but your mom's going to be kinda peeved when she finds out. And how could she not be? Look at me," I did. He was smiling at me.

"Asshole."

"That hurts. Really, it does," he touched a hand to his heart.

I threw a pillow at him. And really, what is a better response? Nothing, I tell you, noth—

Except he threw one back at me, hard.

"Hey!"

"You started it," I swear, he sounded like a two year old.

"Whatever. You deserved it."

"Oh, and you'll talk to him tomorrow."

I groaned.

"No excuses."

"Fine, but I'm not happy about it."

"I didn't think you would be."

There was a knock on the door, I wandered across the room and swung it open. It was Keith.

"Hey," he looked at me, kind of anxiously.

"Yah?"

"I'm going to have to fly back to New York…tonight. I'm sorry, it's just that Elle's sick and they need me back there and well," he paused.

"Don't worry about it."

"Oh, and you two aren't really dating are you?"

I gave a snort.

"I didn't think so. You can explain later. I'll see you," he trotted down the stairs.

"Bye."

I shut the door and crawled onto the bed.

"Gah. So now he can't save me either."

"Nope."

Paul crawled onto the bed next to me. We lay there, staring at the ceiling until he broke the silence.

"Well, I'm going to get some sleep, night."

And he rolled over and well…fell asleep.

I wished I could too.

But I was too nervous about Jesse and talking to him…again. I suppose it wouldn't be that hard. I'd open that hole in my face and sound would come out. And then he'd do the same. And back again. And maybe Paul would too.

But somehow, I knew it wouldn't be that simple.

A/N: What'd you think? The next chapter is in progress, and it'll be a little different, but I think it'll be okay. Don't worry, it's not a song fic.

Now, please, please press the shiny purple (well, not so shiny, not even so purple, really) button and leave a review! It'll be much appreciated. And I'm sorry it's so short! I promise the next one will be longer. Really, I do. It already is.