Who wants a romance o/o? (OPEN)

"I-I'm fine," she stammered, nodding to convince… she wasn't sure whether she was trying to convince him or herself.

He looked down at her, thinking. "Let's take a minute."

"W-We don't have t-to," she said shyly.

"It's fine."

"I'd like to meet them," she said quietly. Damn you, Laura! You're only doing it because you know he wants you to.

"Eh, looks like they're talking right now." They were actually looking at the two of them on the couch, but he shot them a look and Renee started talking about how they could improve the song.

Laura drew her hair over her face and started to retreat into her shell.

Nicky grabbed her hand, twining their fingers together, and squeezed. "You play any instruments?"

"No," she replied quietly. If she hadn't been so nervous, she probably would've made some witty comment about her pen being her instrument.

"Learning to play one is so hard. All the time and effort and care. It's kinda worth it though."

She nodded. "Yeah… I can get that."

"If you had to pick an instrument to learn, what would you choose?"

"I don't know… Maybe the piano…" That was the stupidest thing you could've said.

"Oh, that's a good one!"

"R-Really?" Her eyes flickered to the band. "Uh… they look done now."

"Alright then, want to go over, or want me to drag them over here?" He asked, grinning.

She smiled shyly. "Let's go over."

Nicky jumped up, not letting go of her hand, and pulled her over. "Guys, this is Laura. Laura, this is Mitchell, Renee, Lily, and Rico." He pointed at each of them in turn, Rico giving a short nod, Renee smiling brightly, and Lily waving shyly. Mitchell had his nose buried in a book, but lifted his hand in a wave.

"Hi," Laura whispered shyly and lifted her hand in a timid wave. Her hair was in front of her face again.

Renee looked from their clasped hands, to Nicky's face. "Aaron leaves you alone in the park for like twenty minutes and you're bringing a girl home?"

Laura averted her gaze quickly and stared at her socks.

"I wanted her to get the chance to hear you guys play!" He said defensively, squeezing her hand quickly.

"I-It sounded good," she put in quietly.

"See, she's pretty and has good taste." Nicky stated, smiling down at Laura.

Laura was blushing furiously, something that was unusual for her. Dammit, Laura…

"Dammit Nicky, you broke the poor girl." Renee joked, turning to Laura. "Excuse him, he's spent too much time around Aaron."

Laura glanced up quickly and nodded. She wanted so badly to write… her fingers itched for words…

"Hey, I'm gonna take her on a tour of the house. See you guys around!" He lead her back up the stairs, an once they were definitely out of earshot, standing in the hallway, he leaned against a wall. "They're so mean to me. You looked like you needed a break though."

She smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

"No problem. You want that tour, or would you rather just sit somewhere?"