I'm going old school with this shit.

I picked up another pebble and threw it at her window. I could've just texted or called. But no, I had a hunch that she'd appreciate this more so I went with it. Plus, throwing rocks at other people's windows was helluva fun.

Finally, Halo's bedroom window slid open and her head peeked out. I sighed in relief. I was half dreading that I might've gotten the wrong room.

"Oz?"

"Hey, did I wake you?"

It was quarter past eleven in the evening, after all.

"No," she shook her head, rubbing her eyes.

"Come out with me," I said, jiggling the car keys in my hand.

"Now?"

"Yeah."

"Where?"

"Does it matter?"

I caught her biting her lip, then she smiled.

"Not really," she admitted shyly. "Give me a minute."

Thank fuck. I thought she'd refuse and I was gonna have to beg because we had school tomorrow. I didn't expect her to agree so quickly. I was glad she did, though.

True to her word, she climbed out of her window in under a minute. She was a bit slow in her movements, giving off the impression that she didn't do this often. She glanced down at the ground and hesitated when she realized how high it was.

"Jump," I urged, stepping forward and raising my arms. "I'll catch you."

"If you don't?" she feared, her voice slightly cracked.

"Then, we'll both end up with broken bones."

She huffed. "Thanks."

"Just being honest," I said with a grin. When she stepped closer to the edge, I added, "Remember to jump sideways, much easier for me to catch you that way."

"I'll haunt you if I die."

I had to cover my mouth to muffle my laughter at that.

Halo squeezed her eyes shut, which wasn't really smart if you were gonna jump from a roof. I was about to warn her but then she jumped just as I opened my mouth. Good thing I managed to catch her smoothly.

"You're heavier than I thought," I commented.

Nothing I couldn't handle, though.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Of course, you would.

I put her down, now noticing her fully. Her hair was loose, and she had no make-up on. My eyes traveled down her body; she wore red plaid pajamas and an oversized Chicago Bulls sweater under a green coat. Quite festive.

"You look comfy," I remarked truthfully.

My shirt and jeans combo seemed dull compared to her getup.

She looked down on her clothes. "I figured since it's almost midnight, it'll be cold so I wore something cozy." She trained her eyes on me. "Why?" she asked slowly, watching me. Before I could explain, her eyes widened in realization and she gasped. "Oh, my goodness! Don't tell me – Actually, wait. Tell me – Is this a date?"

I opened my mouth to answer her but she spoke again.

"Is this the date?!" she asked, horrified.

I smiled crookedly and rubbed the back of my neck, nodding.

Her purple orbs looked as if they were gonna pop out from their sockets and her right hand flew to her forehead in a facepalm. She looked about ready to pass out. 

"Holy biscuits," she muttered. "I can't believe I'm wearing my PJs to our first date. I can't even . . ." she trailed off, shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh, dear God. I am such a –"

"Dork?" I offered, amused.

  She was really freaking out over this.

"Be right back, dying," she said, pointing to herself before she covered her face with both hands like she always did when she was embarrassed.

"Come on." I grabbed her hands and pulled her with me towards my car parked out front. "You can make up for it next time. Besides, I've already seen you in your sweats."

She groaned. "Keep killing me."

I chuckled, and opened the car door for her.

"Thank you," she mumbled, sliding inside.

The grin stayed on my face as I walked around the car to the driver's side, got in, and started the engine. The Fray's Look After You immediately started playing on the radio.

Halo gasped and clapped, her mortified state apparently forgotten.

"I love this song!"

So I turned up the volume for her. She started singing along and swaying her body. It fucking slayed me how she could dance to this song. She looked too goofy and cute that I had to keep myself from watching her and focus on the road.

A smile was playing on my lips, until I found myself humming and singing with the dork beside me with my fingers tapping on the wheel. My cool self wanted to stop because this shit was kinda lame. But a bigger part of me wanna continue because it was fun.

I was seriously enjoying myself.

When I saw of my favorite fast food chain, I turned on the right signal and rounded the corner to the drive thru slot. I only ate five slices of pizza tonight. I was starving already.

"What do you want?" I asked, turning to Halo.

"Big mac and large fries please," she answered, without missing a beat.

I liked how she didn't get shy and hesitate.

"Not too hungry, are you?" I teased.

"Hey," she protested, pointing at me. "Don't judge, mister."

She looked like a stern five-year-old that I burst out laughing.

"Where the hell do you put the shit you eat?" I wondered aloud, playfully poking her stomach through her clothing.

"Stop," she giggled, pushing my hand away. "I run, remember?"

I smiled smugly, raising my hands in defeat. She eyed me suspiciously, making me laugh. I faced the intercom and placed our orders.

"Two big macs, three large fries, and two large Cokes."

I didn't wait for the confirmation, I lurched the car forward to pay at the next booth. I handed the money to the staff and waited for the receipt.

"You're okay with eating inside your car?" asked Halo.

"Yeah, why?"

"Some guys don't like that."

"I don't like making a fuss," I shrugged, as I took the receipt and quickly scanned it to make sure our orders were right. Then, we headed to the third window to get our food.

For an hour or so, we just drove around town, eating our burgers and having our own little concert in my car. We talked about the most random shit, laughing our asses off until we settled into a comfortable silence.

"This is so chill," sighed Halo. "Do you always do this?"

"Sometimes."

I usually did this with the crew. But that included a bat and wrecked mailboxes. I was pretty sure Halo wouldn't be up for that.

She took a deep breath and pulled out her hand to feel the wind. I glanced at her and saw that her eyes were closed. She looked at home in the passenger's seat of my car.

I liked that.

I turned back my eyes on the road, my left hand reaching outside. Acoustic melodies played in the background. Streetlights lit the empty path. Cold breeze kissed our hands and faces. Problems left behind. Neither of us found it necessary to talk.

I never thought night cruising could be this relaxing.

It was like we had our own world.

"How was that volunteer thing you did today?"

I actually asked Halo out earlier in the day but she had to go to church with her family in the morning, then she volunteered at some youth center in the afternoon. But I couldn't let the day pass without seeing her so I went to her house tonight anyways.

"It was fun," she answered, nodding. "There was a new kid admitted just this weekend. He's still a bit aloof but he'll warm up eventually."

"Aren't they dangerous?"

I know. Look who's talking, right?

"They're not criminals," she reasoned. "They're only troubled teens."

"Kinda feel like you're talking about me," I joked, smiling crookedly at her.

She let out a small laugh. "Most of them don't have parents, though."

"Still me."

I felt her look at me, making me glance at her. She gave me a sarcastic look, to which I only shrugged innocently. She shook her head and looked away, but smiling nonetheless.

I slowed down to a halt at a stoplight. I picked up my cup of Coke and took a sip, while my eyes wandered around the street. There were barely any stores left open.

"What's the story with your folks?" I finally asked, facing her.

"Our mom left us long before I could remember, and we haven't seen her since," she answered so casually it rendered me speechless. Twirling a strand of her hair with her finger, she looked down. "Dad, on the other hand, died in Afghanistan when I was eleven."

Whoa. "Sorry to hear that."

"It's life," she muttered, turning her eyes outside the window.

"That sucks ass, though," I stated, putting back the cup on the holder.

"Each of us have our own problems to deal with," she said, leaning back on her seat while she stared out. "It's all sucky just the same."

I didn't answer. As much as I hated to admit it, I didn't know what to say to that. This was probably the first time I've ever seen her this mellow. It was so out of character, I kinda regretted asking about it.

Without thinking, I grabbed her hand and held it. She instantly turned her head and looked down on our hands. Her expression softened, watching as our fingers intertwined.

I honestly didn't wanna let go.

"We're still very blessed to have Pops and Grams around," she added, looking up at me with a genuine smile. "So it's okay." She had no problem looking at the bright side, despite the shit that happened to her. I was in awe.

'Each of us have our own problems to deal with.'

It's up to us how we respond to it, huh?

The only person I knew who had the same shit handed to him like me was Ethan. And I seriously had no fucking clue how he put up with everything. He had no siblings and his folks were rarely home, but he still managed to be steady. Sure, he's a jerk at times. But nothing compared to how fucked up I've become.

I had siblings, yeah. But I only saw them like once or twice a year. I might as well be an only child. My folks? Never there. If they were, they'd only criticize me and force me to strive harder so I wouldn't be an embarrassment.

Guess my difference with Ethan is the company we keep.

He managed to be best friends with the good guys. While I stuck with people who got me, people whose lives were just as messed up as mine. Our environments influenced how we responded to our problems, causing our outcomes to be different.

He got out, and I haven't – yet.

I let Halo's hand rest on my lap, while I put the car on gear when the stoplight turned green. A part of me wondered if she was the one who could help me escape.

We passed by the local diner, the only place that I never once saw close. Everybody in town loved it there. It was familiar, consistent. Of course, the food was fucking great, too.

Right. We'll stop by there to eat again before we call it a night.

"What does it feel like being out in the field?" murmured Halo, like a passing thought.

An idea suddenly came to mind. I maneuvered the car and headed to the direction of the high school. I didn't think she noticed where we were headed because she kept quiet, entranced by the streetlights.

"It's better if I show you," I told her.

She looked at me, frowning in confusion. I only flashed her a crooked smile. She let out an easy laugh as she turned back to face the open window, the wind blowing her hair. I had to remind myself that I was driving so I could look away from her.

I placed my elbow on the window sill, covering my grin with a hand. Ever feeling so light, the tension on your face goes away and all you feel like doing is smile? Yeah. Fucking weirdo, smiling for no reason.

"Is this your first time sneaking out?" I asked.

"Um, yeah," she admitted, laughing weakly. "Is it too obvious?"

"A bit," I chuckled, nodding. Putting my hand on top of hers on my lap, I sent her a grin. "Better make it worth it, then."

She cocked her head in wonder, as I made a right turn toward the football building parking lot. I pulled a stop near the entrance so we wouldn't have to walk far.

"Oh, we stopped."

She looked around and blinked when she realized where we were. Her head whipped to me, eyes wide and mouth open. I leaned over to her to close her mouth, then I pinched her cheek and flashed her a smile.

"Let's go," I said, before climbing out of the car.

"Are we allowed to be here?" she whispered, getting out and following after me.

I had an urge to laugh when I caught a glimpse of her clothes again.

We went through the tunnel that led toward the football field. There wasn't really a gate or anything. Only a couple of lights were kept on to scare away any troublemakers, each on both ends of the bleachers.

"Sure." I looked at Halo over my shoulder. "As long as they don't find out."

I smirked at her, then winked. She flushed and avoided my eyes, looking a bit lost on what to do. Heh. Cute. Grabbing her hand, I pulled her with me to the middle of the field.

We wouldn't be making any noise, so I doubted the school patrol would notice anyone here. I've done this countless of times already, and I've never been caught.

"Whoa," breathed out Halo with astonishment, as she turned around when we got to the center. "So this is what it feels like to be out here."

I took a deep breath. "Exhilarating, huh?"

She nodded, her eyes practically twinkled when she looked at me.

"Very much," she beamed.

"Imagine your name being chanted like a spell during a tight game," I said, grinning as I recalled it. Then, I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Best feeling in the world."

The crowd cheering my name as if it was hope. They trusted me to win. They believed in me to lead my team to victory. I was hope for them.

I lived for those moments.

Out of nowhere, I felt warm fingers touch my lips. I slowly opened my eyes and caught Halo with her hand reached out. I raised my hand and held hers, keeping it against my face. Our eyes made contact, but neither of us moved for while.

This close, I could practically count the freckles on her nose. Her lips looked a bit dry, I wanted to wet them – especially the bottom one. But what stood out the most were her eyes. Always. She looked so goddamn natural that it slightly took my breath away.

I was hooked.

I turned my head sideways and gently kissed her warm palm, causing for her cheeks to flush again. The corner of my lips turned up, and I let go of her so my abnormally beating heart could calm the fuck down.

I crouched down to check if the grass was dry. When I thought it was safe, I sat down on the grass, laid on my back, and put an arm behind my head. I sighed and looked up at the night sky. This was so peaceful.

I felt Halo do the same beside me. Glancing at her, I noticed her chew on her lip as she contemplated on something. Returning my eyes to the stars, I asked, "What?"

"Huh?" she mumbled.

"You wanna ask something," I stated.

"Wha –? I do not," she denied indignantly. Then, she sighed and gave in. "Okay, how'd you know?"

A ghost of a smile played on my lips. "Just ask, dork," I said quietly.

She was silent for a moment. I let her take her time. But the more she hesitated, the more I suspected the question to be quite personal.

"Do you regret falling for Snow?" she said in barely a whisper.

I stilled. I didn't expect that at all. I kinda braced myself for it, but it still caught me off guard. It was so out of the blue that I couldn't speak for a minute. Eventually, I swallowed the lump in my throat and spoke.

"No."

Neither of us said anything for a long while. We let the silence engulf us. The breeze was getting colder and the lull was getting thicker. Still, no one said a thing.

I wasn't sure how to put what I wanted to say into words. I didn't want Halo to think I was still pining over the past. But I also didn't want her to believe that I disregarded it.

I let out a breath, gazing at the stars.

I'm gonna be honest with myself. 

I'm gonna be honest with Halo.

"First love teaches us a lot of things," I murmured. "Good or bad, it's a lesson priming us for the future."

Snow taught me that someone like me was capable of loving. She taught me happiness beyond words was possible. But also the numbing pain that came with it.

Despite everything that happened, I honestly had no regrets being with her. Because if we didn't happen, I wouldn't have known that even a fucked up loser like me had a shot of feeling something real.

Still, though. It fucking sucked getting broken over that. 

"I'm sorry."

I frowned and turned to Halo. "For what?"

She took a deep breath, and explained, "For asking." She looked away, before adding in a whisper, "It probably brought back unpleasant memories."

I wonder what she sees in me.

"I almost killed someone, you know," I confessed quietly.

Her shocked eyes landed on me, clearly taken aback. Scared that she might hate me, I faced my front and sat up. My back was turned to her so I couldn't see her reaction. I placed an elbow on my bent knee, while my other hand ran through my hair.

"I wanted to get back at them," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. I just felt like pouring out this shit. "So much fucking hatred. I'm sick of it." I had to stop because I felt my chest tighten. I took calming breaths before looking up. "I just want them to pay."

A warm hand touched my shoulder, making me look at it. Halo was now sitting close to me. I raised my eyes up to her face. Her expression told me she pitied me.

I wasn't sure if I should be happy about that.

"They must've done something for you to feel that way," she said softly, looking sad as her hand traveled to my hair at the back of my neck. It was comforting.

I stared as if seeing her for the first time, not able to take my eyes off of her. I couldn't move. Those were the words I badly wanted to hear from the girl who broke my heart, but didn't. Instead, I heard it from a girl who was starting to make me feel all kinds of weird shit.

This purple-eyed dork believed in me.

Fuck. My eyes stung. I felt so goddamn vulnerable right now.

I had the sudden urge to put my arms around her. I leaned closer and placed my lips against hers instead. She stiffened at my touch. Damn. Her lips were just as soft as I imagined them to be. And sweet. Definitely sweet.

Slowly, I felt her body ease against mine, making me smile. Tilting my head, I took my time kissing her. My hands made their way to the curves of her waist, then on her back. My right hand traveled up to her arms, her shoulders, her neck, and to her face. I then caressed her cheek while I used the hand on her back to pull her closer to me, closing the gaps.

She moaned. I took that opportunity to plunge in my tongue in her mouth. That move made her shudder, making me smile again. Her hands made their way to grip my shoulders, holding on to me. I liked how she was responsive. I liked it so damn much.

I had a hunch she'd never been kissed like this before. I could feel the inexperience, which only made me more addicted. I didn't want to stop. But she was new to this.

When I pulled away, she tried to catch her breath while I tried to calm myself before I jumped on her right then and there. She had on a dazed look, with her eyes half closed and her lips swollen from the kisses – tempting the fuck outta me.

"I don't wanna be just friends," I murmured, brushing my lips against hers.

She closed her eyes and hummed in response.

Damn, she looked adorable.

"Be my girlfriend, Halo."

_____________

I'm giddy. Heehee.