Desperate.

Pathetic.

Crawling back.

These words buzzed through Tristan's head over and over. He knew Miles was angry, but his words cut like a knife. He didn't want to believe it, but he couldn't help but think that Miles could've nailed it on the head. He was desperate. He was desperate for one of his romances to not turn to shit, and when he finally was able to trust that this one wouldn't, he jumped all in. He'd stand by Miles no matter what. Maybe he was just allowing Miles to use him as a doormat. At that point, all Tristan wanted to do was run. Run from the person he thought he knew.

But he found himself doing the exact opposite and gathering his books at his locker. Part of him believed that Miles was just angry, perhaps even scared. Most was pulling him in the other direction, telling him to run. But if it was true, and Miles was just scared, he would've ran when Miles needed him most, which was the part that was fueling him to keep walking toward the back entrance.

Something shining in the grass caught his eye, and before he could dismiss it, he realized what it was. He picked up the antique lighter, dusting the dirt off and pocketing it. As he started walking, he felt the soft drizzle of rain patting his head. Ironic. He stifled a laugh before practically running to the Hollingsworth manor, the rain pounding down harder with every step he took. He slipped through the entrance that lead to the pool, only to see a dripping wet Miles, sitting on the steps with with his head hanging between his legs.

"Miles!" Tristan yelled over the rain. Miles barely heard, but looked up. His eyes were red-rimmed and face puffy, but he was smirking.

"Crawling back for more, I see." Miles said impulsively, the smirk on his lips curving into a devilish smile. He couldn't keep his filthy fucking mouth shut, ever. He stood up, walking over to Tristan. Tristan stepped back when he started to get too close. The last thing he wanted was to prove Miles right. "What, you didn't have enough when I was practically telling you to run?"

"Why do you want me to leave you so badly?" Tristan questioned, his voice softening a bit. Miles looked everywhere but his face, smiling to hide his eyes glossing over again.

"I'm nothing but bad news, Tristan. All I can do is hurt you." His voice cracked on 'hurt' as if emphasizing how much it hurt having Tristan seeing him like this, on the verge of breaking.

"Yeah, well you know what hurts more?!" He stepped closer to Miles, nearly closing the distance between them. At least the physical distance. "Having you push me away whenever I get closer. Thinking you might trust me, then pushing you away when I get it wrong." Their faces were only inches apart at this point.

"Dammit, Tristan. I just want to.. keep you close to me..."

"So you push me away?!" Tristan asked, the confusion seeping into his words.

"You'd run if you knew..." Miles turned his face away from the blonde.

Tristan touched the brunette's chin, forcing Miles to look up at him. "I haven't ran yet, have I?"

Miles choked, nodding. "We really should get inside..." He said quietly, before pressing his lips against Tristan's. He wanted one kiss just in case. Just in case that was the last.

Somehow, Miles's head ended up in Tristan's lap as he spilled his entire life out. The soft, constant motion of having Tristan's fingers rake through his hair gave him a sense of comfort, knowing he wouldn't run.

"I'm so sorry, Miles..." Tristan said softly, trying not to choke up. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Stay with me?" Miles asked weakly, turning his head to face Tristan.

"I already told you I wasn't leaving..."

"I mean stay the night. Or a couple of nights. It's not like I can just run... But if you're here, it'll be a lot safer, or at least, I'll feel a lot safer." He muttered.

Tristan gave him a weak smile, nodding. "Alright." His eyes shifted over to their pile of wet clothes that they were still neglecting to dry. "I almost forgot.." Tristan patted Miles's shoulder, making him sit up. He pulled the antique lighter from the pocket of the jeans, plunking it down on Miles's nightstand. "I found this in the parking lot."

Miles took the lighter from the table, gripping it tightly. He pressed his closed fist to his chest, smiling.

"Glad you found it." Miles said in a quiet tone, pulling Tristan into his bed with him. He hugged Tris's back to his chest before crashing them both down on the mattress. Tristan turned to him, a soft smile on his lips. He kissed Miles's forehead lightly before feeling the brunette snuggle into him. Miles never felt so secure and safe in anyone's arms.

shit: Huehue. So that was that. I really did want to give the story some closure, since we didn't get shit in 14x09... This is just a short little HISHE. :D I hope you enjoyed.