Why was I always dealing with that guy…? I could easily request a different editor at this point, so…

I took a gulp of the blood before giving the editor a fierce glare, “You know what…?” I shook my head as Anthony met my eyes with his usual aggravated expression, “I’ve had enough of you. Anthony, I want you to leave.”

“Excuse me?” The blond raised an eyebrow at me as he placed his arms tightly around his chest, “We have work to do.” He replied pointedly as he went for my wrist.

I dodged away as my temper slowly rose to the surface, “You know as well as I do that I’m well ahead of schedule at the moment. Not to mention is it really okay for you to be treating me, your best author, this way?” He seemed taken aback by my harshness as I made a dash for the door retrieving my coat and shoes as I went, “I’m going to visit my dear caretaker, so make sure to lock the door when you leave!” The door slammed behind me.

. . .

Why did I put up with that ass for so long?!? It’s clear that he’s the problem here!

I fumbled the phone from my coat pocket before carelessly dialing Starburst’s number, “Hell--!” I was met by the catboy’s anxious voice.

“I’ll be over in six!” I shouted before fully hearing his greeting, “I can’t wait any longer. I need to talk to you!”

. . .

I ran up to the steps to the apartment before dashing down the hallway only halting to a stop when I came in front of the door labeled ‘303’. My fist thudded against it as I struggled to regain my breath from both exhaustion and hunger. Soft footsteps sounded from the other side of the door. Starburst opened the door with a quick swing before forcing me inside.

“What’re you doing here?!?” He inquired with a shake of his head as I slid down the wall finding myself splayed out on the light, slightly faded carpet. I only clung to his leg from my place on the floor feeling a familiar warmth pass between us, “Come here…” Starburst’s voice turned gentle as he kneeled down next to me and took me in his arms running his hands up and down my back, “I don’t know what happened, but you’ll be alright… Let’s get you something to drink.”

“Thank you…” I said lightly feeling unbearably childish as the cat pressed the glass to my lips as he gently coaxed me to drink, “I can handle this much, you know…?”

“That’s why you’re shaking, right?” I gave no further response as he pulled the empty glass away drying the water from my lips as we sat their silently red-faced and hearts pounding, “What happened?” He took a step back staring at me through worrisome emerald eyes, “And, before you say it, you wouldn’t be here unless something happened…”

“Anthony…” I carelessly took one of Starburst’s hands in mine, “He’s just… I guess he was being as he usually is and I kind of… Lost my temper…” I held it tighter as I clenched my teeth, “Starburst, what do you think I should do…? Anthony wasn’t always like that and I just don’t want to hurt his feelings either…”

“Hmm…” The ginger-haired boy hummed as he sat across from me, “That’s not my decision to make, Onyx.” He put forth gently hand still in mine, “I don’t know what to tell you, but if you’re this concerned about him… Just consider what he’s done at this point and if he’s worth talking it over with. I won’t tell you too much since I know I’m biased, but you can tell me anything you like, okay?”

“Star…” I whimpered wiggling in my seat as moisture gathered in the corners of my eyes, “You’re such a nice guy… Star, I’m going to tell you one more time and you can make of it what you like. I don’t know what it’ll take for you to believe me… If you hate it, then… I’ll never say it again…” He stared at me blankly as I swallowed down my nervousness and gulped down a large breath of oxygen, “Starburst, I love you and it’s not because you’re the one I’m around the most or anything like that. I won’t grow bored of you and even if certain people don’t approve… I still want to be by your side regardless of how you see me…”

“Damn it…” Starburst growled hiding the redness of his cheeks behind his hands as he squeezed my hand just a tad tighter, “If you keep saying it like that I might just believe you…” He slowly tiptoed around to me still hiding his face, “You can keep telling me that if you want…” His lips were just inches from my ear, “I think I would be sad if you never told me that again…”