■■■■ (Y/N)'s POV. ■■■■

I looked up from the spot I had been staring at for hours, giving my head some space to breathe apart from my plauging thoughts.
"Ughh.." I groaned, removing my hand from Adler's and rubbing my temples.
"What's wrong?" He questioned as we sat next to each other.
"A lot. I'd like to tell you but my mind is suffocating in its own demise currently." I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths in and out. His hand found his way to my back and rubbed it comfortingly. I thanked him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm gonna go get some fresh air." I rose from my seat quietly. "I'll be right outside if you need me." I continued as he nodded.
Quickly, I made my way to the front door and opened it. My feet paved their path through the doorway and lead me to the old willow tree next to the front path of the house. I sighed, slowly sliding down the tree. Breathing in the fresh air helped clear my mind a bit, and even being alone helped. I counted the stars quietly and smiled sadly to myself.
"One day, I'll be okay.." My whispers resonated as the phrase kept repeating itself from my lips.
I sighed once more, taking deep breaths in and out once again.

The dark sky stared down at me. Its hues of blue and purple piercing into my eyes. The sky was beautiful, and so calming. I had been at peace with myself for the first time in a couple days. For the past few months, I had been practicing trying to calm myself down. It took me a while to learn what was my happy place and what wasn't. And this was one of the best.
I zoned out, not hearing the footsteps that shot through my ears, almost as if they went in one ear and out the other. My eyes nearly shut closed until I saw a hand wave in front of my face.

"Mind if I join you?" The voice asked quietly, standing next to me.
"Not at all." My head shook from side to side slowly as I smiled at him.
"So.." Franks body slid down the tree next to me as I pat the grass on my side. "What are you doing out here? I saw you sitting here all alone." His voice cut short with a huff as his butt hit the grass.
"Just clearing my head, you know me, Frank." I weakly looked towards him.
He let out a quiet chuckle, lead by a smile and simple hand gesture that laid atop his knee.
"Yeah, you're right. This scenery is a very (Y/N) type of scenery." He smiled.
I giggled, shaking my head.
"Isn't this exciting for you?" I questioned as I continued counting the stars in my head.
"Of course," He smiled brightly. "I love her to death and I know she feels the same about me. I would give anything to marry this girl. She's perfect in every way.." He swooned right where he sat, nearly turning to a mush of putty.
I sighed happily. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. That's all I ever want for my best friend." I pat his shoulder softly and placed my hand in my lap.
"And I'm glad to have a friend like you." He nudged my shoulder lightly.
"Aww.. Thank you, Frank. That means a lot for me to hear." I gave him a quick hug.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, just watching the stars.

Soon, Adler had stepped out of the door with some Advil and a water bottle. He wasn't stupid and knew what was going on with me. I just didn't tell him as to not worry the poor guy anymore than he already is. Woods had his eyes closed as he breathed in the fresh air. I smiled at Adler as he walked towards me, kneeling down in front of me and handing me the Advil. "Thank you.." I whispered. He nodded, handing me the cold water as I popped the Advil into my mouth. The bottle cap cracked as the plastic broke from the bottle and the cap twisted off. The plastic rustled and the water swayed as I took a nice gulp of the cold liquid. Adler's hand was on my knee as another form of reassurance. I appreciated him, as he always knew what to do. He sat on my other side, never moving his hand from my knee. We all knew of each others presence and the fact that we were there, but instead we all just sat in silence and appreciated each other and our surroundings. My head rested on Adler's shoulder as my fingers toyed with the buttons on his jacket. His left hand had been around my shoulders, holding me close to him tightly.
I held back the urge to cry, as my mind had been over crowded with thoughts, making this more difficult for me to handle. For me to process that Adler and I could not be a thing, not official or unofficial. In no way, and that hurt my heart more than I can say. It's terribly painful to be in love with somebody that you can't be with. We both understood that we couldn't be together, and why. But we both weren't happy with that decision.

Though, it was for the best. We always promised to be there for each other. And even when we find another to be with and somebody else to love, we will still always love and care for each other. Him and I promised to never leave each other's sides and to be happy for one another, and protect each other. We may not be able to be together, but we can still be there for each other even through our darkest times. Adler is a good example of that, taking care of me when I needed him most. When I need somebody with me. When I'm begging for help and nobody hears but him.
It just feels nice.
It feels right.
It feels like I belong.
I sighed happily, closing my eyes.
The effect of the Advil began to kick in, as I laid on his shoulder I began to drift to sleep.
"You're the best.." I whispered as I yawned.
I could have sworn he cracked a smile, but you can never be sure with Russell Adler.

~~~ Time Skip. ~~~

I awoke to my alarm clock beeping loudly in my ear. I groaned as I covered my ears with my pillow and swatted my arm aimlessly around the "snooze" button until the clock stopped beating. My eyes peeled apart and I yawned, stepping out of my bed and putting my slippers on. Today is my day off. Which means Mason and I are going shopping for Franks wedding. I opened the blinds, killing my eyes with the sunlight. "Ow! Shit, fuck." My arms shielded my eyes as I turned away towards the bathroom. 'Guess Adler brought me home last night....' I thought to myself as I walked into the bathroom, flipping the lights on. The toothpaste scent whacked me in the face as I squirted some onto my toothbrush. "(Y/N)!" A voice yelled out to me. I stopped brushing my teeth as the door slammed open and I jumped, startled. 

"Today is the day!" A giddy Mason stood in front of me. I looked at him with shock on my face for a moment before rolling my eyes and smiling at him.
"Mason, I love you but please stop sneaking into my house during early hours of the morning." I spat out my toothpaste and washed out my mouth with some mouth wash and water.
"I'm sorry. I'm just so excited." He smiled back at me as I moved to the door and flipped off the lights.
"I know, I know. Just let me get dressed and I'll be downstairs." I turned to Mason as I opened up my dresser drawer to grab a pair of sweatpants. He continued out of the doorway as I closed the door behind him. 

I brushed my hair and put on some light makeup, as I would need some to try on dresses. I changed myself up in a shirt and a pair of sweatpants as it was going to be chilly today. Then, I  slipped on a sweater and grabbed my purse, ready to go. The door creaked quietly as I opened and closed it behind me. I walked downstairs and looked at Mason who was waiting at the bottom for me. 

"Ready to go?" I put down my purse and slipped on some shoes. He watched me as I grabbed my set of keys and we stepped out the door. I locked the door behind us and looked at him.

"Ready as always." He said, putting out his arm. I giggled and linked arms with him. He helped me into the drivers seat and closed the door for me, playfully bowing. I smiled and waited for him to get in the car. 

"Alright, let's do this thing." I said, starting the car as he buckled his seatbelt. 

-- A/N

I... don't know what to say. life's just been a trip. I can't make any more excuses for myself, I guess I just got busy and overwhelmed, and had forgotten. this wasn't my top priority but... I still don't want to give up on these stories. I'll try my best to update these as much as I can but life has a choke hold on me. anyways, anyone else excited for MWIII? I know I am! I'm definitely buying it. hope you guys enjoy the new chapter. the story will only get jucierrr...

anyways,

as always,

stay frosty !!!

love y'all <3