"I don't understand you two," my friend Nora sighs. "Some days you seem happy as can be, others it's hard to believe you actually are in love."

I sigh,shoving my hands in my coat pockets to shield them from the bitter wind, "We are in love, and I know he loves me. He just... sometimes lacks in the attention department. Or, maybe I'm just too needy. I don't hate him for it, and normally I don't mind when he spends a night out with friends instead of me, or playing those online games."

"-It just sucks when he does it after I've told him I wanted to do something with him," I mutter.

Nora shakes her head, about to say something, but suddenly she's jumping and dashing forward, "Crap. There's a Vulpix up here. Come on, I don't have that one yet!"

I roll my eyes, but smile as I run after my friend, apologizing for the both of us as we weave through the crowded sidewalk. This girl has had me out playing that PokemonGo game for two hours already, and I'm sure she will have me out for a couple hours more. This game is great and all, but when your friend is a try hard who doesn't know the words'please, can we sit for a moment' it makes it slightly exhausting.

After she successfully gets her Pokemon, she turns to me with a sheepish grin, "Okay, sorry. Back to the conversation. I think this time, he really was the jerk. You didn't do anything wrong, and no it's not needy to want to do something with your boyfriend for the night,Finn. You guys live together—sure, but that doesn't mean you can't want to actually go out and do things together. As his boyfriend, it's kind of your right to request his time. It's basically the number one perk next to sex."

I laugh at that, shaking my head because this isn't the first time she's ranted about this. Jaxon isn't really that terrible of a guy, in fact I rather like him—love him even. We've been together since sophomore year, and now—five years later—we live together in acute little apartment about half an hour away from the college we both attend. We moved in together roughly two years ago, when we first left for college, but ever since then, our relationship has hit a bit of a road bump. I can't explain it, but we just don't do much anymore. I can't even say it's just my relationship, it feels like my whole life has slowed down and become kind of dull. My days are often so similar, I can't keep track of which day is which and Ifind time going by so quickly without much happening to fill the gaps.

Back to my point however, Nora thinks that Jaxon has begun to think that because he's got me in every way possible, he doesn't have to try so hard anymore and she gets annoyed on my behalf. Maybe it's true, but I can't blame him for everything, I mess up too sometimes, but I guess I just wish... that maybe I could feel as thought he's putting at least a little effort in still? It's not like I'd ever leave him,I don't know anything else and I've never even been drawn to the idea of dating anyone else. I know I want him, I just need a little more from him lately, but I can't tell sometimes if I'm just being needy because I'm sad with the dullness in my life, or if he's actually just brushing me off too often. This has been cause of a lot of arguments lately, and that too has left me feeling rather down.

Noticing my declining mood, Nora quickly back tracks, "Okay, no more Jaxon talk. We're out here to cheer you up, so let's catch some Pokemon,try not to get killed in the streets, and then we'll head down to the club or something, yeah?"

I smile down at my much shorter friend and nod, "Sounds like a plan."

*

After chasing multiple Pokemon around, stopping at a million random places labelled as stops and gyms, which got us lost multiple times and had us wandering down some questionable neighbourhoods—which I seemed to be the only one noticing while Nora had her nose in her phone,completely invested—we finally stop at our favourite local club.Luna.

It's just what I need—nothing too over the top busy, but full enough that you don't feel self-conscious on the dance floor. Not to mention, it may not be a gay club, but the regulars here are quite tolerable, so it's not uncommon to find a good amount of lgbtq+ folk in here. Not that I'm looking, but it's nice to know I can be myself in a place I've grown to really like—despite not really being much of a club regular.

"What can I get you two?" The bartender asks, bracing her hands against the bar.

"Two rum and coke, please," Nora says.

That's another thing that's great about this club, they often over look the carding system. They more or less only card those that look younger than the legal age. I always thought I looked rather young myself,but seeing as I never get asked for ID here, I'm guessing I'm wrong.

As soon as we have our drinks, we turn to face the dance floor and scan the crowd, "See anything interesting?"

Nora looks around, but sighs, "Nah. No one worth the effort."

That's another thing about my lovely friend. She's got a hate-on for relationships. She tried them once or twice back in high school, but she just couldn't feel it. So, she's come to be quite content with the hook-up scene, often finding cute boys, and on the rare drunken occasion—girls, to bring home for a night, but never more than that. I used to hassle her about it, but I think by now it's clear that she can't help it, and it might bother her deep down, but if this makes her happy for now, who am I to question her. She'll figure herself out in time.

After finishing my drink, and taking the time to dance to a couple songs, I realize I'm just not feeling the club atmosphere anymore. My mind keeps wandering to Jaxon and wondering if he's thinking about me at all, or if he's too busy having a good time gaming with his friends.Or, maybe they went out clubbing too, it happens sometimes. It bothers me, but I don't let that show, because I want to trust Jaxon seeing as he's never done anything to hurt me and I know how hurt he gets when he notices my unconscious distrust. I can't help it though,after seeing my mother be put through hell by the men in her life,it's practically ingrained in my brain to never fully trust anyone.No matter how long you're with someone, they can always still hurt you, and I hate myself for thinking this way. I don't want to, but it's one of those lingering thoughts that get voiced at the most inconvenient times.

Leaning down so my friend can hear me I say, "Mind if we get out of here? I need air."

Looking a little concerned, Nora takes my hand and leads me out of the club and back onto the sidewalk with ease. "You okay, Finn?"

I nod,sighing slightly, "Yeah, just not feeling it. Think we can find somewhere quieter to keep warm and maybe get some food?"

She looks around and hums, "Not sure what's close by, but we can wander until we find something. Sound good?"

I accept that and shuffle close to her for warm as we walk down the street, passing clothing stores and convenience stores, and trinket shops and a dive bar or two. Eventually, we find this little cafe slash diner place still open. I didn't catch the name before entering, but inside is rather cute and cozy. The floors are dark,worn looking wood, the walls are brick, and with the old leather armchairs and black wrought iron tables and other themed furniture, the whole place has a very cozy, rustic feel to it. I absolutely adore it.

We step up to the counter and order a wrap to split and while Nora gets an espresso like the coffee addict she is; I opt for a hot chocolate.Nora looks around excitedly before deciding on a set of chairs around a little table in the corner. I have to admit it's a lovely little place that I'd like to revisit.

"Isn't this adorable?" She exclaims, taking her phone out again. "Has wifi too, ugh I love it already."

I chuckle humorously at my friend, shaking my head at her, but as I do so my attention strays a little and I notice a guy sitting by the window alone. I didn't noticed him at all when we first entered. He's so quiet, but immediately I can sense the sadness and pain emanating from him. It rolls off him in waves so harshly that I can tell without seeing the tears trickling down his cheeks as he stares into his mug of coffee with eyes so filled with sorrow it makes my own heart ache. I don't believe I've ever seen a person look so sad.

Without realizing it, I'm ignoring Nora's questioning and feel myself stand from where I am seated and slowly make my way across the little cafe.Don't ask me why, but I'm drawn to this boy. Something in me is telling me I need to talk to him, need to help him somehow. It's such a strong feeling, I can't help but listen.

"Hi,"Is all I can think to say when I find myself standing before him.

Suddenly,watery green eyes are meeting my hazel ones. They're a sort of pale green, like a favourite sweater that's been washed too many times.They're nothing out of the ordinary, but they catch my attention all the same and I can't seem to look away.

"Hi,"He says back, voice cracking slightly to his embarrassment.

I offer a smile and think about asking to sit, but in fear he'll say no, I sit without permission and my smile threatens to widen as he furrows his brow in confusion, "I don't mean to sound too forward, but are you alright?"

The guy frowns slightly, staring down at his cup now, "It's nothing."

"Last I checked, nothing doesn't make someone cry," I say, earning myself an eye roll. "Look, I know this is kind of odd, but I just figured I'd offer the ear of an unbiased stranger. Maybe talking will help,maybe I can offer some advice... but, if I'm bothering you, just say so and I'll leave you be."

His eyes meet mine again, and I ignore the strange feeling that washes over me as he studies me, because I have no way of explaining it, and only hope he doesn't reject my offer. I'm unsure why, but I really want to know what's wrong. I want to do something to stop the obvious pain radiating from the man before me.

Just when I think he's not going to speak, and begin to stand, he does,"My girlfriend cheated on me with my best friend."

I slowly sit back down, eyes widening at the news, "That's awful, I'm sorry."

He nods, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his blue sweater, "We were together three years, and she said she'd been sleeping with him for the last two."

I'm absolutely repulsed by what he tells me, and feel my heart ache for the poor heart-broken boy in front of me, "What did your friend have to say about it?"

He scoffs, "He said he couldn't help himself, that after the first time she cried about how much of a mistake it was, but then the two of them kept hanging out and 'fell in love' and started hooking up behind my back. Said she stayed because she cared about me too, and didn't want to hurt me and figured I'd break up with her myself eventually, but I guess she got tired of waiting."

"Well,I certainly hope you dropped him from the position as best friend,"I sigh, shaking my head as I sip my hot chocolate.

He smirks, glancing up at me from beneath his dark brown—nearly black,locks of hair, "Yeah, and gave him a black eye as a parting gift."

I smile back, nodding my approval, "Good for you, it's the least he deserves. Karma will get her too, that much I can promise."

His smile fades again, but he just sips his coffee, "Why are you here talking to me, don't you have better things to do?"

I frown at the sudden change of mood, "Because, you looked like you needed someone to talk to and I was capable of being that someone. Helping someone who looks down is just the human thing to do, isn't it?"

He smiles, but it's bitter, "Maybe, but there's not many humans left these days. Just cowards and assholes."

"Which category would I fall under?" I question, amused.

Green eyes meet hazel again, "I haven't figured that out, yet. Maybe neither. You're kind of weird, I don't think I've met anyone who randomly sparks up conversation with strangers who are crying in a nearly empty cafe at eleven thirty at night."

I shrug and smile, "To be honest this isn't a usual occurrence for me. I'm really not one to talk to strangers at all unless I need to."

"So,what made you need to talk to me?" He asks, looking confused again."There was nothing forcing you to come over here."

"You're going to think it's lame," I say with a light laugh, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly.

"Try me."

I sigh,but relent, "I guess, it was a feeling. See... I'm a pretty heavy reader. I read all these stories about character's who go through all these trials and there always seems to be some amazing side character who comes along to help them find their way, or help them, or save them, or even give them that small bit of advice that changes their entire outlook that eventually leads to them successfully reaching their happy ending down the line. Truth is though, in real life,those kind of character's don't always show up when we need them most. They haven't always for me, so I guess... if they aren't going to appear for me, I can be that character for somebody else. Somebody has to do it, and if I can, why shouldn't I?"

The green-eyed boy smiles, biting the tip of his thumb as he glances away before looking back at me, "You're right that was lame. Refreshing,but lame."

I grin at that, "My name's Finn."

He nods thoughtfully, "It's different, but sweet and simple. Suits you."

"Thank you," I say with a courteous head nod, blushing slightly.

"I'm Oliver," He says and I let that sit on the tip of my tongue as I test it out before nodding.

"I like it," My voice comes out softer than I intend, making me smile bashfully as I sip my hot chocolate again.

"You here with anybody? It's kind of late to be out here for no reason,"Oliver says, looking among the few people lingering in the shop.

I point over my shoulder at Nora who sits alone, nose still in her phone,"I'm here with my friend. We just came across this place and decided to warm up before making our way home."

He nods a little, sipping his coffee as he glances back out the window with a thoughtful look, "You should return to your friend, she's probably getting impatient."

I shrug, "Probably, but she'll live. Are you going to be okay—you know, if I do head home."

He smiles lightly, "Do you always worry about strangers?"

I smile in return, "Hey, now. We're not strangers, we introduced ourselves—that makes us acquaintances."

He laughs lightly, and the sound is so light and cheerful it practically makes the cloud of sadness dissipate on the spot, "You're something else."

"So I've heard," I chuckle. "Well, I should get my friend home..."

I'm not sure how I want to leave this conversation. It'd be easy to walkaway, feeling like I accomplished what I came to do; cheer up a stranger. However, now that I've spoken to him, I don't really want to stop. He's interesting and I can tell he's witty and even when he laughs at me, it doesn't make me feel bad about myself like when most do. He laughs because he's honestly amused with how odd I am.

"It was nice talking to you, Finn," He says honestly, his pale green eyes meeting my hazel ones for the hundredth time.

"It was," I say quietly. "I hope you have a better night now, and things work out for you."

He thanks me, and as I begin to stand, ready to walk over to Nora who is standing and getting ready to leave as well, a hand catches me by the wrist, halting my movements. I glance down at the boy, who smiles sheepishly before digging in his pockets for a moment.

"I really appreciate you coming to talk to me, not many would have,"He tells me, placing a five dollar bill in my palm. "Get yourself another hot chocolate for the walk. It's the least I can do."

I blush at the fact he realized I was drinking hot chocolate rather than coffee, but decide to accept the money rather than reject it. He doesn't seem the type to take no for an answer when he's trying to offer something.

"Thanks,"I say, as I walk away, turning back with a smile. "Have a goodnight!"

"You too, Finn," He says with a slight smile, before turning his back tome.

He looks much like when I first saw him now, but no longer are there tears trailing down his cheeks and the aura of pain is diminished at least a little. Feeling pleased to have helped the stranger with pretty eyes, I buy my hot chocolate and leave with my still confused friend badgering me with questions.

"Seriously,who was that?" She sighs as we make our way to the bus station.

I smile and shrug, "Oliver."

"You know him?"

"Nope,"I answer, laughing when she rolls her eyes and tosses her hands in the air.

"You're so weird, I give up."

She eventually quits asking questions, but the event is still playing on repeat in my mind. I feel sad knowing I may never see him again, but I feel good knowing I made him smile and laugh at least once. The boy with faded green eyes doesn't leave my mind the rest of the night,and I'm not entirely sure why, but I somehow feel better about my own problems than I did before walking into that little cafe.

 It's funny what one chance encounter can do.

A/N

So, first one is up! Also, this one-shot is already planned to become a full length story, but it won't for a bit as I'm working on it privately first, but consider this a teaser! Tell me what you think? Vote?

Love you guys!

~Shay<3