ʏᴇʟʟᴏᴡ ∆ ᴄᴀᴇsᴀʀ ᴢᴇᴘᴘᴇʟɪ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ∆

∆ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ғᴏᴜʀ∆

The streets were mostly empty, save for the prostitutes on the corner, the homeless men propped up against buildings and the occasional car that drove past. The faint sound of jazz music filled our ears as Caesar and I passed by a bar that was hosting a new band. We could see people exiting stores and shops after locking them up before rushing out to their cars to go home.

“So how are you liking New York?” I asked, looking up at Caesar. He shrugged.

“It’s different from Italy, that’s for sure,” He said, watching as a group of kids rode past on their bikes, waving at us.

“Yeah, well, New York doesn’t really have lots of wonders. Unless you count the cats that do tricks,” I said, making Caesar chuckle. “You know, I’m kinda glad we met again.”

“You are?” Caesar asked, his tone seemingly surprised.

“Of course I am. It’s not like I didn’t ever want to see you again,” I said, smiling slightly at him. “Daniel and my dad were just upset.”

“I’m glad as well,” Caesar said, smiling down at me. “It's actually kind of ironic. Joseph and I had been talking about you that day, and then you came sliding in. Quite literally.” We laughed at that.

“Yeah, well...people say things like that happen,” I said, shrugging.

“Y/n, can I ask you something...a little weird?” He asked.

“Go for it,”

“Do you believe in fate?”

“Fate?” I repeated as I halted my steps. Caesar stopped as well. “That everything happens for a reason, with some unknown connection from one thing to another?”

“That’s the definition of fate, so yeah,” He said.

“Hm..” I said. A moment of silence followed before I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know if you believe?” He asked, falling back into step with me as we continued.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve had anything big that would make me think fate is real. I mean, talking about me and then me showing up isn’t exactly fate,” I said.

“Would you call it a coincidence then?” He replied, slipping his hands into his jean pockets.

“I wouldn’t call it that either,” I said, tilting my head in thought.

“Then what would you call it?”

“Ties to the universe?”

He looked down at me, green eyes hooded with an ‘are you serious’ face. I laughed and covered my mouth. “You’re joking, right?”

“I’m kidding, Caesar,” I giggled.

“So then, what would you truly call it?”

“Well...I don't know that either.”

“So, logically, you could say it’s fate,” He said.

“Not exactly,” I drug out.

“In a sense, it is, and you can’t deny it!” He laughed.

“I can!”

“You can’t!”

“I’m denying it now!”

“But you don’t have an answer either!” He said, pointing an accusing finger at me.

“You’re an idiot!” I laughed, playfully bumping his shoulder. “But...you’re a good kind of idiot.”

“I hold that in my heart,” He replied, half-sarcastically. I rolled my eyes as we walked into my apartment complex. I checked to make sure the creepy guy wasn’t sitting on the stairs before jogging up them. When I entered my apartment, Dixie jumped up and barked at Caesar.

“Calm down, you know him,” I said, crouching down to pet her. She dodged my hand and ran straight to Caesar, who patted his chest. She jumped up on him as I stood up. “At least I don’t have to worry about her attacking you.”

“Has she attacked someone before?” Caesar asked, looking down at her mixed colored eyes.

“Once,” I replied, hanging my coat on the rack as I removed my shoes. “I had a boyfriend who, uh, was kinda...handsy and...obsessive. Dixie attacked him and almost got killed because of it.”

“What do you mean...handsy and obsessive?” Caesar asked.

“I-It doesn’t matter,” I said, dismissing him with a shake of my head. “He’s gone now so I’m not worried about it. Here, I’ll show you the bathroom and your room.”

“...alright,” He mumbled, and I could tell he wasn’t convinced by my answer.

“You can shower here and your room is right next to it,” I said. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night, but if there’s anything you need, just knock or yell.”

“Okay,”

“Goodnight, Caesar.”

“Night, cara.”

….

I jolted awake when I heard a frightened yell. It sounded like...I jumped to my feet and threw open my door before running down the hall. I grabbed the handle to the guest room and jiggled it, only to find it was locked. I banged my fist on the door.

“Caesar?!” I yelled. “Open the door!” Nothing. I couldn’t even hear anything. I continued banging and shouting his name. What was going on? Was he okay? He sounded scared. Dammit. I had to get this door open, but I didn’t have keys for them. Shit. Why’d you have to lock the door, Caesar?

I took a deep breath before ramming my shoulder against the door. It didn’t budge the first time, but after three times, the doorway gave out and broke. The door swung open and I stumbled inside, holding my now aching shoulder. I looked around and spotted Caesar on the floor, back pressed against the wall, his body slumped forward.

“Caesar!” I exclaimed, running to him. I dropped to my knees beside him and grabbed his face. “Hey, Caesar, wake up!” I said. His face was pale, and he was coated in a light cold sweat. I pressed my fingers to his neck and felt his pulse. His heart was racing.

Did Caesar have a panic attack?

I raked my hand through his blonde hair, shook his shoulders, tapped his face; he was out cold. I cradled his head in my hands, swiping my thumbs under his eyes, gathering the small droplets of tears that had gathered on his long eyelashes. I made soft gestures, saying his name quietly to try and wake him. After about ten more minutes, it worked. His eyes fluttered open, lime eyes glossy with tears and glazed over with a distant sheen.

“Y/n..?” He whispered in confusion. I smiled softly. He glanced behind me at the broken door frame, and his eyes widened. “D-did I-”

“No, I did,” I said. “I heard you cry out, and you passed out so I couldn’t get the door open. It’s nothing a few nails won’t fix.”

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you and-”

“Caesar, calm down,” I frowned, grabbing his face, making his eyes widen. He looked panicked, his eyes flashing across my face. I could feel him slowly relaxing. “Are you okay?” He swallowed hard before giving me a short nod.

“Wh-what are you d-doing?” He stuttered as I straddled his waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. I felt him slowly and hesitantly reach up and wrap his arms around me.

“It’s okay,” I whispered. “I’m here. You’re okay now.”

“Don’t...don’t leave,” He whispered in a cracking voice.

“Don’t worry,” I said, placing my chin on his shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere.”