The last bouquet of flowers Patrick gave you hadn't even died when he broke up with you. The wilting bouquet sat upon the kitchen counter as you shared your last conversation with Patrick. And just like that, he was back on tour like nothing had happened.

Art was trying so hard to not immediately pounce, he'd waited all year for this moment. He couldn't want you anymore, he was desperate to make you his. It had been killing him to watch you with Patrick, his best friend had managed to steal you away from him without even trying. Art would never break your heart, he'd do anything you wanted. He'd change everything about himself if it meant you'd love him.

Art may as well have moved into the college apartment you shared with Tashi, he was there almost everyday after Patrick had left. Doing everything he could to comfort you, show you all the ways he could make you feel, how better he could treat you. He was the most attentive he'd ever been, Art was making sure he was the person you relied on. He wanted to be the person you thought of when you needed something, just to be needed by you.

The flowers from Patrick had died, the dried petals fallen onto the counter, and Art was growing impatient. He needed more, growing desperate for your affections. He wasn't sure he could hold himself back anymore.

Arms around your waist, dancing you around the kitchen with that goofy grin on his face. The soft music plays out, Art could have kissed you then and there. Your body gently pushed up against the counter, he knows it's his moment. Art's growing tongue-tied, cursing himself for not planning out exactly what to say to you.

"I— I don't wanna make you feel bad," Art murmurs, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip, his arms still gently wrapped around you. The touch grounding him, reminding him how important this moment is. The thought of Patrick flashes into his mind, but he knows there's nothing that could stop him from wanting you as much as he does. "But I— I'm trying so hard not to kiss you right now."