Dodge somehow always trusted you. The one person in Carp he could believe would never betray him—not for some stupid game, not for anything. It was against the plan he'd made for himself senior year, he was meant to compete alone. Only bring people in to betray, to use as ploys in his plan.

But he never accounted for meeting you. His first week at Samuel Maverick High School, he met you. You wouldn't let him carry on his year as the invisible boy, no—you took him in. Gave him friendship, that he didn't realise he was so desperately in need of.

Part of him was scared—that you'd see through him, and his plan to win Panic. But, he was also scared he'd see through you. Discover you'd been playing him along the whole year to strengthen your allies for Panic. That all fell apart when you told him you weren't even playing.

Somewhere along the way, Dodge's feelings flipped. Fell through the gaps of friendship, drifted to something more real. It was the summer, after Panic fell apart—he was ready to drive off into the sunset and leave Carp behind. But you kept him there, staying in the small town in Texas for a chance with you.

He knew it was stupid—and unlike him—to give up his plans for a girl, to change everything for just a chance with you. Dodge knew it could be the dumbest thing he'd ever done—especially because he couldn't have you even if he wanted. You were someone else's.

That stupid boyfriend of yours taunted him. Almost like he knew Dodge wanted you, but never called him on it. Just made sure to have a tight grip on you whenever Dodge was around. Always with that stupid smirk on his face, whenever he'd kiss you in front of Dodge's eyes. He was sure he did just to irritate him.

The sight of tears on your face made Dodge want to kill him. Always turning up at his front door, seeking his comfort. He never could turn you away, he'd never dare—even if he was forced to listen to all the awful things your boyfriend had been saying this week. Just one punch, he'd beg you, not that you ever allowed.

When he dumped you, you didn't tell anyone—not even Dodge. Too embarrassed to tell a soul. You hid from the world, locked away in your room as your pillow caught your tears.

Dodge knew something was wrong. He'd gone a week with no more than a few stray texts from you, and after his call was left unanswered for the 20th time that week—he was outside your window.

"{{user}}, let me in, please," Dodge mutters, with a couple raps on the glass. Your tear stained cheeks and red eyes meet his, and his heart damn near breaks at the sight. He can tell by just looking at you what's happened, doesn't need to be told to know.

His arms are around you as soon as he's climbed through the window. His lips pressed to your forehead, down your face—he's unable to stop himself when they reach your lips. Gentle as they do, his hands cupping your cheeks.

"Fuck, shit—m'so sorry," He mumbles, as he hastily pulls away from your mouth. His hands still holding your jaw, with guilt written over his face. "I shouldn't have—I didn't mean to—"