I groaned, leaning back into the pillow, trying to squirm out of the plastic cuffs that cut at my wrists. I hated it when I lost…and who the hell wouldn't? My cell looked so bare and boring all of a sudden. I wondered what Caulf—Holden was up to. I thoroughly enjoyed his bland, pessimistic company. I guess I felt sorry for the bastard. I was so sleepy. I managed to get comfortable and had just started dozing off when I heard a tap on my door. I rolled over to see a slip of paper fly from under the door. I stumbled to pick it up. A small apology was scrawled on it from Caulfield. Then, on the bottom was a confession and hopefully a will.

"'P.S.," It read. "'Your queen took my queen and you got my king in check mate…'" I growled, crumpling the note in anger. Oh, I was going to kill him.

The cuffs were gone the next morning, leaving purple and black welts in their wake. I pulled on that damned red hat before walking out into the chilly hallway.

"Top of the mornin' to ya, Vincent." That old kook just walked past me, his newspapers tucked underneath his arm. "Oh, well good morning to you too Livinia. Did you sleep well? Oh no, Vincent. I had a terrible sleep. See, I know this one bastard who made me mad and I slept in cuffs…again."

"Who're you talking to?" Holden asked, looking suave as hell there, leaning against the wall, a small, lazy smile brightening his face.

"You bastard," I snarled. "I haven't had a proper night's sleep because of you. I'm gonna kill you, Caulfield."

"Not today you're not." He held up a Hershey bar.

"How'd you—where'd the hell did you land that, Caulfield?!"

"Say you forgive me and I'll tell you."

"You stole it." I declared, walking past him toward the recreation room. Holden chased after me.

"So, you forgive me then?"

"Not a chance, Caulfield." He pulled the hat off my head, holding it high enough so I couldn't grab it.

"Say you forgive me, Liv."

"I'm cold, Caulfield." I failed to retrieve it, deciding to stand my ground I glared at him.

"Say you forgive me."

"What if I don't?"

"Then you'll freeze to death." I put my hands on my hips.

"I'll take my chances." Then, I began walking down the hall again.

"You're no fun at all." Holden sighed, shoving the hat on my head and falling into my brisk march. Suddenly he pulled me into the broom closet, pulling the lamp switch. The air smelt of raw ammonia and bleach.

"What're you doing now?" I groaned, trying to find something solid to lean on.

"I'm trying to make you smile…now hush." He broke off four squares of chocolate and split it between the two of us.

"I don't like chocolate."

"Now, you're just being difficult on purpose." I smirked, taking small, careful bites of the smooth cocoa. "See, that wasn't hard was it?" He continued optimistically, tossing another four whole squares into his mouth.

"You're going to get sick if you eat that fast."

"No, I won't." Argh! Men…stupid, stubborn, arrogant bastards! I stormed out into the hall. Holden reeled me back.

"What have I done now?"

"You forgot to apologize."

"I already apologized, Liv."

"Well, it wasn't good enough, Caulfield." Holden smiled and took my face in his hands. What the hell! He leaned in…the air between us slowly diminishing as his lips came against mine. I think I blacked out for a whole two seconds before I pulled away. He stared at me, surprised and waiting to be reprimanded. I couldn't find my words…I just stood there like an idiot with my mouth open.

"Liv, I—" I sprinted up to the roof, burying my face in my hands, feeling the memory of his fingers on my cheek. What the hell is happening?

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