Fuck. No. What was wrong with me?? Why was my heart suddenly speeding at a million miles per hour? Why was my meticulously constructed mask crumbling to bits? Why was I blushing? None of it made any sense.
"What's next, is I snap your phone in two," I somehow managed, but my conviction had dissipated.
“No you won’t.” I rolled my eyes playfully. “You like having power over me, don’t you?” I teased, allowing a second meaning to slip into my words.
Finally, finally, a witty comeback rose to mind.
"Why, do you like it when I have the upper hand?" The same connotation slipped into my voice as it had to his. "Is there something you're trying to tell me, Mercutio?"
I paused, feeling my face get a bit red. I cleared my throat quickly and shrugged. “You caught me in the act, what can I say?”
"You're a bad actor," I told him, using exaggerated bluntness as a shield. "If you want to pretend to be in love, take notes from Romeo."
“Yeah, pretend.” I rolled my eyes. If only she knew. “I’m not to the one stealing phones for your… thing.” I drawled, trying to make a quick recovery. “You really seem to like getting me on the ground. That’s for sure.”
"Says the guy who was literally straddling my waist in detention?" I shot back, refusing to slip up again. "And yeah, pretend."
“And then you panicked.” I deadpanned, taking a step closer to her. “I know a panic attack when I see one.”
Fuck.
I took a step away from him. "You were on top of me. I didn't like that."
“Don’t bullshit me.” I took a step back to give her space. “Something happened to you, whether you tell me the truth or not. I’m not an idiot despite what you think of me.”
My blood ran cold as panic flooded my senses. "I–I have no idea what you're talking about," I answered as calmly as I could, shoving my hands into my front pockets before they could start to quiver. "Something happened to me?"
“Alright, don’t have another panic attack. I don’t anything else stolen from me. Deep breaths, remember?” I couldn’t believe I was attempting to help her out after all she’d done.
"I'm not going to have a panic attack," I snapped, my expression hardening. "Stop acting like you actually know anything about me."
“Then what happened to you?” I met her hardened gaze with determination.
"Nothing. At all." I don't know how it happened, but somehow, I found myself backed up against the tree behind us. "I–I have no idea what you're talking about."
“You’re a terrible liar.” I rolled my eyes, but stayed put in the same spot. I didn’t want to scare her away at the moment. “You obviously know exactly what I’m talking about.”
"Enlighten me," I deadpanned, but I was struggling to keep the emotionless expression fixed to my face. He couldn't find out—He couldn't know—Not even Juliet knew.
(I've got to go in, like, a minute, but I'll be back as soon as possible)
“I have an idea based on what happened.” I responded, eyeing Marina quietly. “But I’m not going to enlighten you because it’s pretty clear you’re about it lose it.” I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “How do I always get myself caught up in these situations?” I mumbled under my breath.
(Ok! Take your time!)
(Back now!)
I shook my head firmly, lifting my chin. "I'm not about to lose it. Just go, Mercutio."
(Wb!)
“No.” I said flatly, refusing to budge.
"Why? Literally five minutes ago, you were practically begging to go." Averting my eyes, I pulled my mouth into a hard line. "Leave me alone."
(THE TENSION)
“You just made it loud and clear that both you and the Capulets do a shitty job of taking care of you. We should at least move though.” I sighed in exasperation, picking up my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.
"To where, smart one?" As usual, my sarcasm was a tool, masking my panic, my weakness. "Just go home, and I'll do the same."
“Nope. Come on, get your stuff.” I stood still, waiting impatiently. “I’m not going to go over there and touch you, okay? I’ll keep my distance. Just listen to me for once in your life.”
"Why?" I argued, hands tightening around the bark of the tree. "And why do you care all of a sudden?"
“Because I know what it feels like to have a panic attack! It’s fucking awful!” I snapped, losing my cool at how stubborn she was being. “I don’t like you, but you don’t deserve to deal with that shit alone. No one does. So are you coming or not?”
I blinked at him, faltering slightly. But you shouldn't want to help me, goddammit. It doesn't work that way. But I found myself nodding, picking up my backpack from where I'd discarded it.
