Hurts too much

Eli's heart hurt just a little bit as he listened to Ryan. There was a lot more going on inside of her than just the whole Alec and Leo thing.

Moving closer to her, he wraps his arms around her from behind and kisses the top of her head. "I miss them too." Swaying a little, he tries to help her feel better but he wasn't sure how. She was always so strong... often times he just stayed out of her way and let her figure things out on her own because she preferred that. But this morning, it was apparent that she needed a little extra boost.

"You gonna be okay, hmm?"


Pete searches Nikki's gaze, wondering what was going on in her mind. But having permission, his fingers continue to comb slowly through her hair. A softer touch? "Maybe I just hadn't had any reason to be soft before."

Quite suddenly, a laugh surfaces and he shakes his head. "Nikki Keller... are we flirting?"


Though Leo continued to listen to Cassy, his eyes are closed as he leans against the closed door. He just felt... stupid.

Hearing Cassy's words... her sweet, kind, genuine words, Leo's hand slides from the wall. She meant it... she really meant it... every word. His stomach gives a little lurch and he wonders if it's because of this mess or because he hadn't eaten anything in over twenty-four hours.

As the silence signals she has said all she can, finally, finally Leo looks at her. He knew his face was as mess and his eyes were tired and red... He felt even more stupid.

Leaning a shoulder on the door, he reaches out with a bruised hand to run a rough finger down the side of Cassy's face. "All I can do when I'm by myself is make a mess of things. All I can do at the shop is break things. All I can do at the studio is be a clumsy oaf. And all I can do around you is be a bumbling idiot."

He tucks aside a strand of her hair, his eyes meeting hers. "You're the only one who would still want me."

Licking his lower lip, he realizes it's split again. "I don't... want to be afraid of the future anymore. I don't want to be afraid of getting hurt again anymore. I just..."

His hand moves so his palm cradles her cheek. "I just don't know how an I always get it so messed up. I try and try and I just..."

Sighing, he feels even more stupid. "I want to kiss you but my lip hurts too much."