Won't say I'm in L O V E *Guillermo*

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose drove in the rain aimlessly for about an hour, trying to think of where to go. She couldn't go home. She'd probably run into Guillermo if she did that, and at the very least Seth. Rose didn't have it in her to deal with that right now. Tears streamed out of her blue eyes, because Rose knew-

She just hurt Guillermo.

And it was killing her.

Finally, Rose stopped at a light, trying to figure out where she was. She was on Carter street, near St. Augustine's Park. That meant she was just twenty minutes away from her parents- her Mother's- apartment. Taking a deep breathe, Rose decided it was the best route.

The apartment was a shabby red brick, with many broken windows. It was not a place that people tended to go on purpose. No one aspired to live in the Crawford Apartments. It was the second to last resort before you were in the poor house. Half regretting her choice, she sighed and climbed up the stairs. True, it was one in the morning. And true, her Mother had no notice. Rose was being terribly rude. Again.

Still, no going back now.

Rose tapped on the door, biting her lip nervously. She should have put on some make up, her skin was all blotchy from crying.... Still, when Maria Mercer opened the door, Rose was over come with a sudden embrace. Unable to hold it in, she broke down, and wept in her Mother's arms for the first time in twelve years.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Soon after the Mercer women cried, Rose was sitting at the table peeling apples quietly, as her Mother worked hard on her special, homemade pie crust. Typical Mama. When in doubt, bake. "Ma comer tu corazón para robar su poder-"

"Rose, don't sing that strange song. It is very unsettling." Her Mother chided gently, making Rose grow quiet, taking a bite of the green apples skin. "So," Her Mother started, as Rose felt a heart to heart coming on. "What brought on this little visit. Not that I am objecting-"

"It's complicated Mama." Rose said, tiredly, chewing the apple.

Her Mother looked at Rose, her doe-brown eyes burning into her daughters skin. "Complicated, I can handle."

Rose sighed, knowing her Mama would not let it go. "Before the accident, Guillermo told me he loved me." Rose started, her voice careful. "And then Seth did the same thing earlier today."

Maria chuckled a little, though it was demure. "You always had a way of getting boys attention." Rose shrugged. "And what did you say to them?" She appreciated her Mother keeping the nonchalant tone.

"That they were idiots. That they didn't love me, they were just being... emotional." Rose's ears piqued as her Mother made a small, disbelieving noise. "What?"

Her Mother licked her lips, spreading the crust inside a pie pan. "With Seth, I agree with you. But I see where he thinks he does... His Mama has always taken his Papa's time... you were one of the few people he could count on, Hija." Rose shrugged, waiting for the but. And of course, because it started with Seth, that meant the exception was- "Guillermo on the other hand... perhaps you do not give him enough credit. Carina, make sure you slice those apples evenly."

Rose followed the directions carefully, a little prickled. "What do you mean, 'not giving him enough credit'."

"Oh, don't get sour. You have such a pretty face." Rose rolled her eyes as she placed the cut apples in a pot. "And I am thinking you know exactly what I mean, Rosaline. He's very protective of you. The way he rushed to your defense against..." Maria's voice trailed off slightly. "And it is not just this. How he looks at you- I am thinking he might be in love with you." Rose frowned, considering this. "Do you love him?"

Rose was startled by the question, as her Mother took the pot from her, and began adding ingredients. "Wha- That- That's ridiculous- I-" She stumbled clumsily, as her Mother grinned at her. "Guillermo can't date me Mama. I don't date."

As the apples steamed, Maria sat next to her daughter, taking her hands. "Hija, someday, you will not want to be so strong. And on those days... you will want to be with someone who can be strong enough for the- do not interrupt. Listen to me. You have always been so very hard headed, Rosaline. And you have always thought of the bad. But you must think of the good, because if not you will end worse than what you are trying to prevent." Rose couldn't meet her Mother's eyes, as they both knew what she was attempting to prevent. "He is not your Papa, Ro-"

"Mama, I don't want to talk about Dad, alright. Can we just... talk about something else."

Maria shook her head. "Rosaline Grace, if you do not accept this boys love... you'll lose him forever. And never will you be able to forgive this." Maria flashed Rose her own little smirk, getting up to stir the apples. "You already love him, Rosa, all you have to do is tell him. It will all fall into place after that."


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rose decided to go back home, after an hour or so, a fresh apple pie in hand. Her Mother's words were pushing on her brain like a tumor. "You're not honestly going to listen to her, are you? What does she know about love?" Rose ignored Bruja, continuing on her way to her car. Did she love Guillermo? Did she really love him? Rose pictured her life without him. Seeing other guys, going through the motions. It was trite. It was empty. There was little light in that world. "He's just a man, Rose. We don't need him."

Rose's car purred gently, comforting her. Rose examined the idea of her being with Guillermo entirely. He were sexy, and strong, and did his damnedest to protect her, even from herself. His secrets are were with purpose. He didn't want to alienate her. He didn't want to hurt her.

Holy shit.

She was in love with Guillermo.

"Rose, you're just having a crisis!" Bruja fought, annoyed with her hostesses sudden realization.

"I think... I love him." Rose said, allowed, testing the words on her lips. "How the hell did that happen?" It was not a tone of anger that asked this, but awe. He managed to get passed her wall. He had earned her love, even though she didn't deserve his.

"AN ACT! ALL LIES!"

Rose drove home silently, getting her thoughts together. She loved Mallory. She loved Seth. But Rose was in love with Guillermo. Shit, that made Mallory right. The thought made a laugh creep on Rose's throat, her eyes swelling with tears. Crap, she was crying a lot today.

Sitting in the parking lot of the apartment complex, she stared up at his window, wondering how she was going to fix this.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

His walk home in the rain had been a difficult one.
He arrived back at his apartment a little after dark.Jenyfer had opened the door, gasping at the sight of him drenched and nearly collapsing from exhaustion. Seth was already passed out in his room.
Somehow, Jenyfer talked him into putting on fresh clothes. So, in his plaid shorts and blue t-shirt, he fell onto the couch.
And he wept.
He couldn't believe all the crying he'd been doing lately.
All this with his dad and Rose, mixed together and ripped to shreds. He was surprised he was even alive at this point.
Even so, he laid on the couch, crying.
Jenyfer approached him cautiously, then swooped down to kiss his cheek, before disappearing into his bedroom.
He let out a sigh of physical and emotional tiredness.
What had this girl done to him?
Rose.
He loved her.
So much more than he could have imagined.
And she was gone.
Probably wouldn't speak to him again.
But hey, at least Seth was still her friend.
He glowered at the opposite wall and turned over, burying his face in the couch pillow, tears staining the fabric.
He could never take back what he said to her.
It was true.
But he loved her, so it should all cancel out.
Right?
He cried until the rain on the window faded away and he was laying half asleep on his stomach.

Outfit(if anyone cares to know) : spc.fotolog.com/photo/28/8/102/freddie_mclair/1269316382894_f.jpg

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose sat in her apple pie and cigarette smelling car, trying to collect her thoughts. Seriously, holy shit. "Rose, you know you would make a terrible girlfriend." Bruja said, obviously trying a new tactic. It was a far more effective one, as Rose saw her point. Still, she had to tell him. But he was probably sleeping now. Staring at the pie, she thought hard as too what to do. Finally, she jumped into the back seat, finding a forgotten recite and a pen. What would she write?

Staring at the piece of paper, she bit her lip. He deserved to hear the love word in person. That much she was sure. Finally, she settled, writing sloppily.

Sorry.

Yeah. Simple. Sweet. Direct. Too the point.

"Everything you're not." Bruja growled, distastefully.

Rose ignored her, grabbing the pie and note, and exiting the car before she could chicken out. Okay, the plan was as such. Guillermo was the worse door locker on the face of the planet. She'd sneak into the apartment, leave the pie and note on the counter, and talk to him tomorrow. Hopefully he wasn't too cheesed at her...

Running up the steps, she stopped only at his door, staring at it frightfully. What if he was awake? Unlikely, it was almost three... Taking the plunge, she opened the door slowly, stepping in quietly.

Looking around, she saw his figure on the couch. "Shit!" She blurted, in a hasty whisper. Taking a deep breath, she looked around, nervous. "Guillermo? You awake?" No answer. She was okay. Phew. Rose bit her lip, setting the pie on the coffee table gently, placing the note next to it. Why wasn't he using a blanket? Sighing deeply, Rose grabbed a throw, gently covering him with it.

Wait. This was her chance. Her practice part. Her hand hovered over him, too scared to actually touch him for fear that she'd wake him. "So... I know this is a bad time... you sleeping and all... but... I-" Rose's whisper stuttered, fear seizing her. YOU CAN DO THIS! How was she going to tell him if Rose couldn't even say it when he couldn't hear her? "I- I love you too." What now? She didn't really feel as relived as she thought she would, but it did feel nice to say. "But... you deserve someone... you know... not bat shit crazy. And when I tell you, I'm really scared you won't listen to me. Because I know, for a fact, I would be a terrible girlfriend." Rose chuckled humorlessly to herself, as she released on her sleeping lover. "Hell, I'm not even a good friend."

Rose hugged herself, wondering if she would chicken out tomorrow. It was highly likely. Still, maybe deep down in his subconscious, he would know.

A girl could hope.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

For some time, he hovered somewhere between dreams and consciousness.
When he heard the door open, his eyes cracked open blearily.
An angel was in his house. He closed his eyes again.
"Shit!"
It took all of his strength to hold back a laugh.
That angel sure had a dirty mouth.
"Guillermo? You awake?"
He heard the words echo, so he figured he was dreaming or something of the like. He was too tired to answer anyway.
There was a soft sound of something hitting the counter and he heard a sigh. A blanket was thrown around him.
Then he felt her next to him. She didn't actually touch him, but he knew she was there.
So it wasn't a dream.
"So... I know this is a bad time... you sleeping and all... but... I-"
Rose's whisper stuttered, and Guillermo held back a sleepy smile.
Silly Rose, coming in while he was asleep.
"I- I love you too."
Now he was awake.
It took all his power to not sit up and startle the hell out of her.
She...
She loved him.
A warmth spread from the middle of his chest and stretched through his middle and over his arms, through his fingertips.
She loved him.
She fucking loved him.
He'd never get tired of hearing that.
"But... you deserve someone... you know... not bat shit crazy. And when I tell you, I'm really scared you won't listen to me. Because I know, for a fact, I would be a terrible girlfriend. Hell, I'm not even a good friend."
She gave a sad laugh and he wanted to frown.
What could he say to make her feel better? Something really profound.
Guillermo cracked his eyes open again and gave a small smirk.
"It's illegal to break into someone's apartment, you know."
Yeah.
Profound, indeed.
He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as his eyes adjusted to the dark.

[ROSE MERCER]

Okay. She couldn't just keep standing here like an idiot. Time to go home and not throw up. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan. "It's illegal to break into someone's apartment, you know."

"Guillermo-!" Rose jumped in surprised at his voice, falling flat on her tailbone hard. She took a moment off from being embarrassed, frowning at him as she winced. He hadn't been asleep at all?

Wait...

CRAP!

He had heard her! A dark blush crept on Rose, as she looked around, seeing if one of his many housemates were startled by the noise. The house seemed still enough, minus that ear splitting sound of the world partially exploding. Oh. Wait. No. That was just her heart. "I thought you were asleep!" She said, accusingly, picking herself off from the ground gingerly.

Great, to add to her embarrassment, her ass also hurt.

She was overly aware of her surroundings right now. What could she say? "I made a pie." She said, staring at him, a little wide eyed. Oh yeah. Shake-fucking-spear. Rose tried to keep the tone light, ignoring her pretty little speech before. "It's apple."

Wow, could she be more bad at this?

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

He tried not to laugh at her horrified surprise as she jumped and fell on her tail bone. Ouch..
"Guillermo-!"
She glowered at him momentarily, before seeming to realize what that meant.
Rose blushed so bad that it was visible even in the dark room.
"I thought you were asleep!" She said, accusingly, picking herself off from the ground gingerly.
"I'm lucky I wasn't," Guillermo said, his brown eyes glittering at her.
He sat up as she began to search for distractions.
"I made a pie. It's apple."
He got off the couch and walked straight up to her.
Staring into her perfect face, he didn't smile or let his eyes wink. He let himself enjoy the intensity of being so close with her.
And then he kissed her.
He hoped to God that she wouldn't run again. He hoped she wouldn't take it back.
He kissed her harder before releasing her then pulled her into a tight hug.
"I love you, Rose. I love you." He didn't really know why he felt the need to say it again. Perhaps a reassurance for her. Or maybe a way to tell her that he understood.Whatever it was, he felt amazing and no one would ever take it from him.

[ROSE MERCER]

"I'm lucky I wasn't." He looked amused, but at least had the decency to hide it. Barely, but still. He got up, crossing the room to her, her heart finding away to go faster. He stared at her, so... happy. Guilt hit her first. She had been so cruel to him, and instantly she was forgiven. Her lip trembled slightly, as her natural instinct to run washed over her. No. No. She'd stick through this. It was okay. The kiss was gentle, to start out with, and she quivered under his touch. Her palms rested on her cheeks, as the kiss intensified, wrapping her arms around him as he pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Rose. I love you."

Don't cry, don't cry, WHATEVER YOU DO DO NOT CRY RIGHT NOW!!!

"I love y-you too." She whispered, so quiet, she wondered if he even heard her. "But I meant what I said- you need someone-" Tears. CRAP! "... Someone not crazy. I said s-such mean things- I'm... " She pulled her head back, her eyes wide and frightened. Overwhelmed, she kissed him, her fingers going into his soft hair. It would be so easy, just to melt into this. It would be so perfect. They would make up, and tomorrow... be together. Rose had never been a we before.

But wait. No, she was right. She'd make an awful girlfriend. She stopped kissing him, breathless. "It would be horribly selfish of me to date you! You think I was bad as a friend-" She kissed him again, conflicted. "-Imagine me as a g-girlfriend!" Her lips hovered over his, lost in such bliss and turmoil, her head was spinning.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

He had never been so happy.
He felt like a balloon being pumped full of air, getting bigger and bigger. It should pop. But it didn't.
She hugged him back and he pulled her in tight, sighing into her hair.
"I love y-you too."
She whispered it so quietly he thought he might not have heard her if she was a foot or two away.
She said it again.
God, he loved her.
"But I meant what I said- you need someone-"
She began to cry and he sighed, a half smile on his face.
"... Someone not crazy. I said s-such mean things- I'm... "
She pulled away a little, her wide blue eyes locking with his brown ones. She kissed him, her fingers going into his soft hair.
Rose.
Rosaline Mercer was the most beautiful thing in the world.
She stopped kissing him, breathless.
"It would be horribly selfish of me to date you! You think I was bad as a friend-"
She kissed him again, and he could tell she was battling internally with herself.
"-Imagine me as a g-girlfriend!"
Her lips hovered over his and he smiled at her.
"You don't think you can get rid of me that easy?" His brown eyes held some mischief, seriousness and love.
"Rose, listen to me. I want you. Crazy or not. Love is crazy, isn't it? I can't survive without your crazy anymore. Don't say that it would be selfish of you, because it would be incredibly generous of you. I don't want anyone else, Rose. Only you."
His voice was quiet but he said the words with such confidence that he knew nothing would ever make them untrue.
"I'm sorry for some of the things I said to you too, Rose."

[ROSE MERCER]

His smile was patient, as she cried quietly in her own little struggle. She could feel Bruja's rage at the turn of events. It was like needles on the back of Rose's neck. "You don't think you can get rid of me that easy?" Rose laughed a little, choking out a laugh. No, she didn't. She had told him he would be too stubborn to listen. And for once she wasn't going to make him. "Rose, listen to me. I want you. Crazy or not. Love is crazy, isn't it? I can't survive without your crazy anymore. Don't say that it would be selfish of you, because it would be incredibly generous of you. I don't want anyone else, Rose. Only you." Only her? She closed her eyes, smiling as she took this in. Only her. It sounded so nice, like a blanket wrapped around you, right after you pulled it out of the dryer. Only her.

"Only you." Bruja repeated, her voice quiet and deadly. Why was she so mad? "Why would he want you, Rose? You're mean, and selfish, and play games constantly-" He wanted Rose! And Guillermo was too level headed to just say things willy nilly! "How long until he gets bored with you, Dear? How long before he doesn't want to deal with your coldness, your aversion to emotions-" Rose would be different! She wouldn't have to guard herself anymore! Bruja laughed cruelly at this. "You'll always be guarded Rose. We are not creatures meant for love..."

Rose closed her eyes, wanting Bruja to just go away. Hating bitch. "I'm sorry for some of the things I said to you too, Rose." Instantly Rose covered his mouth, not wanting to hear him apologize. For what, calling her a bitch? She had been one. Is one. Whatever. Or for saying she played games? She did that too.

"And you always will-"

"Shut up." Despite the happy smile that had formed on her face, it was directed to both of them. Rose turned her attention to Guillermo, moving her hand to his cheek. "Te amo, Guillermo. Usted me consiguió." Rose felt Bruja become confused, and it dawned on her that the little tumor couldn't understand Spanish. Fucking A. "Ven a mi casa. No hay que dormir en un sofá." She kissed him, temptingly, her smile getting wider as Bruja's annoyance deepened.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

His mouth was covered by Rose's soft cool hand.
"Shut up."
She smiled though, her eyes sparkling at him.
Her hand slipped to his cheek.
"Te amo, Guillermo. Usted me consiguió."
She said it again.
Right now, the entire country could blow up and he wouldn't care.
"Usted es la cosa más hermosa del mundo."
"Ven a mi casa. No hay que dormir en un sofá."
She kissed him, temptingly.
"¿Me incluso dormir allí?"
He smiled at her mischievously. He couldn't believe the day he'd had. And now, none of it mattered, because Rose loved him. And that was all that he cared about.
Guillermo held up a finger to her, then checked the bedrooms. Seth snored on his bed in his spotless room.
Jenyfer was asleep on his mattress, wearing one of his t-shirts and a pair of shorts, curled around some pillows like a kitten.
He smiled softly, then returned to Rose's side, leading her to the door, grinning.
"Vamos, Cariña. Antes de que despierten."

[ROSE MERCER]

"Usted es la cosa más hermosa del mundo." Rose blushed lightly, her eyes falling coyly, though her smile was pleased. Bruja made a gagging noise, and Rose had to hold back the urge to roll her eyes. That wouldn't look right, rolling her eyes after receiving a compliment like that. Especially if she had to explain that it was not he that Rose was rolling her eyes at, but the imaginary witch in her head. Maybe she should see someone about that...But kissing Guillermo took her mind off from that particular trouble. He seemed entertained by the idea of sleeping over at her house. "¿Me incluso dormir allí?"

Rose giggled, her bright eyes sparkling. "¿Quién necesita dormir?" Though her shrug was dismissive, Rose's smile was thrilled. She felt... so happy right now. Like everything that had happened before in her life didn't matter anymore. Her Father was a distant memory, the surroundings of her raising vanished, the accident dissipated. At this moment, everything in Rose's world felt okay.

"Temporary, Rose. It's all temporary."

Guillermo held up his finger, a silent order to wait as he went to the back of the apartment. Probably to check on his sister. Her nerves jostled a little, as he left. Tonight would be the first night she was with someone she had said the 'Iluvyew' word too. It was a ridiculous fear, that Rose possessed, but it consumed her suddenly. It wasn't just fucking anymore. Would it be different? He returned, his smile wide and sweet. "Vamos, Cariña. Antes de que despierten." Rose grabbed his hand, smiling nervously as she lead him to her door, biting her lip.

It would be fine. It's not like anything really changed. It was just... legit now. She opened her door and tossed her coat and shoes aside carelessly. Someday, Rose was going to have to take Seth up on his offer to clean her apartment. Well... if that offer still applied. As Rose lead Guillermo to her bedroom, she thought about the reactions of her various friends.

Fernando might cry with joy. Mama too.

Misa would defiantly cry. But Misa was quite the sensitive soul...

Stefano and Hiro probably have some sort of bet on them. Bastards.

Mallory would just smile victoriously, maybe through an 'I told you so' in there. But she would probably be a bit warmer to Guillermo.

Rose had no idea how Jeny would react... she could only hope well.

Seth... Seth. Who knows. Rose's heart ached a little for her childhood friend.

She didn't turn the light on in her bedroom, but slipped her jeans off quickly. She was tired, but the adrenaline was pumping. There was no way she could sleep right now. Rose slipped under her quilt, wiggling her finger for Guillermo to join her, a smile on her lips that was far more confident than she felt.

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

Rose grabbed his hand, smiling nervously as she lead him to her door, biting her lip.
Guillermo was beside himself with excitement. She opened her door and they walked inside silently. She tossed her coat and shoes inside the door.
Rose lead him to her bedroom and he swallowed suddenly, worry washing over him as they passed the living room window.
Seth...
How was he going to react to this whole thing? He would be angry, no doubt. Probably sad. He and Guillermo would have to have a face off at some point and he was fully willing to let Seth beat on him. He deserved it for taking the girl his friend loves.
Guillermo's fears evaporated as she entered her bedroom, her jeans coming off in the process.
He grinned widely and removed his t-shirt as she beckoned him closer, smiling.
He kneeled beside her on the bed, leaning down to kiss her.
He could taste cinnamon and smoke on her lips.
I love you.
"Te amo."

[ROSE MERCER]

Rose grinned, as he knelt into bed, and leaned forward to kiss her. "Te amo." She giggled quietly as she returned the kiss, her nerves melting slowly.

"Te amo demasiado." She whispered, her lips not leaving his, as she pulled his arm forward so that he would fall on the bed. She pinned him lightly, sitting up on her elbow so that she could look at his face. The only light that came in the room was from the street light out side, and a plug in light in her bathroom. "Usted no tiene que seguir diciendo que. Yo no estoy tomando de vuelta." She leaned forward to kiss him. "Te amo." Kiss. "Te amo." Kiss. "Te amo." Kiss. She laughed lightly, nuzzling his neck affectionately. "Si seguimos diciendo, que se cansará de mí."

Each time she said it, Rose grew a little more confident. Her white tee shirt seemed to glow in the faint light, especially against Guillermo's nut meg tone. Her fingers traced the lines of his chest as she spoke gently. "I don't want to be Bruja anymore, Guillermo." Bruja scoffed loudly in the corner of her mind. Damn, this lack of privacy thing was irritating.

"You can't stop it, Rose-"

Rose ignored her, sitting her head up, and tugging on Guillermo's hair lightly. She chewed on her cheek nervously, her eye brow raising slightly. "So... Am I... your girlfriend now, or something? I'll be honest. I'm sort of in unfamiliar territory."

[GUILLERMO SALAS-ORTIZ]

"Te amo demasiado."
She whispered, her lips not leaving his.
Rose pulled his arm a little and he laid on the bed as she sat up on her elbow so that she could look at his face.
"Usted no tiene que seguir diciendo que. Yo no estoy tomando de vuelta."
She leaned forward to kiss him.
"Te amo."
"Te amo."
"Te amo."
Each time she said it his smile grew wider. He must look like a total nut.
She laughed lightly, nuzzling his neck affectionately.
"Si seguimos diciendo, que se cansará de mí."
He breathed in hungrily, memorizing her smell and taste.
"Nunca me canso de escuchar lo dices."
Her fingers were cold and left burning trails down his chest. Now Guillermo was absolutely certain. There was a God.
He wanted her. He went and prayed with Fernando. And he got her.
"I don't want to be Bruja anymore, Guillermo."
Her voice was a whisper and he knew that she still felt bad about before.
He kissed her again, smiling.
"Usted no tiene que ser, si no quieres estar."
Rose tugged on Guillermo's hair lightly.
"So... Am I... your girlfriend now, or something? I'll be honest. I'm sort of in unfamiliar territory."
He shrugged.
"I'm not very familiar with it either. But yes, I would assume so. If you want to be. Which I hope you do."
He still felt a little like she might back out. He stared at her in the dim light.

[ROSE MERCER]

"Usted no tiene que ser, si no quieres estar." He said it like it was so simple, like she could have been doing it the whole time. Rose considered, as she kissed him back, if she really could stop being the Bruja her coworkers, family, friends, and associates were use too. She really couldn't picture her being all sunshine and unicorn smiles. She couldn't really picture them wanting to be around her if she were. Perhaps... she could just be normal. Not really mean, not really nice. Not really. Rose watched as Guillermo shrugged, his smile so wide it took over his lean face. "I'm not very familiar with it either." Oh yeah, that was right. In all the halabaloo, Rose had forgotten, he really didn't do much dating either. "But yes, I would assume so. If you want to be. Which I hope you do." There was an edge to his voice, like he was afraid she was going to bolt.

Not likely, as the bed was so warm and comfy.

She rolled on her back, considering aloud. "'Hello, I'm Rose, Guillermo's girlfriend...'" Her eyes closed as she imagined various conversations. "'I'm sorry, the drink does look tasty, but I don't think my boyfriend Guillermo would appreciate it much'... 'Bitch, step off my boyfriend, Guillermo'..." Opening one eye, she smirked at him, shrugging lightly. "Hmm. I suppose it doesn't sound awful..." Rose yawned widely, but her grin was teasing and warm. As she nestled in between his chest and arm, she kissed over his heart. "Alright. I'll be your girlfriend." Her eyelids felt heavy, as she started to drift, exhausted by the nights antics.

Before she knew it, Rose had fallen into a heavy sleep. Her dreams were sparse as always. Some things were good: cars, shoes, Guillermo; not necessarily in that order. Others were not as carefree: Her Father, Tornadoes, The accident. But nothing frightened her so much as too wake her up, which was nice, and she slept through the dreams until they vanished, leaving her in a comfortable and heavy darkness.

The sound of her phone ringing brought Rose out of her slumber, much to her irritation. The room was filled with a yellowy light that peered in through the paper Rose had covering her windows. Through the course of the night she had rolled on to her stomach, her hair spilling over her face and shoulders messily, as she considered just not answering. The ringing ceased, causing her to sigh and fall back into her dreamless world, before it started up again. Groaning, she reached over to the night stand and hit the speaker button. "Hmm?" She groaned into her pillow, bitterly.

"Rose?" Hiro's voice echoed through her room, and Rose tried to burrow into her pillow away from it. "Rose, is that you?"

Escaping was a no go. She spoke loudly into her pillow, her voice muffled. "Hiro? Why the fuck are you calling me so early?"

"Rose, it's like half past noon." She leaned up a bit, looking at her clock. Oh, hey, look at that. It was indeed half past noon. She'd feel guilty about the prior indignation, had she not been tired. "You were suppose to be at work an hour ago."

Shit. That was right, she had to work today. "Tell Tio I'm taking a mental health day." She ordered, snuggling back into her pillow. Her body was warm, under the blanket, and next to Guillermo's still body. He was like a hot rock or something. Which made Rose the lizard...

"Mental health day? What does that mean? You sick?"

"DON'T tell him I'm sick. Because then he's going to make me soup and come over here and I don't want soup, I just want to sleep-" She had made that clear before, right? Why was she even still on the phone?

Hiro didn't take the blatant hint. "Are you depressed?"

"What? No!"

"Are you suicidal?" Okay, deep down, Rose liked that Hiro cared. But she could feel the sleepiness leave her, which was not what she wanted at all!

"No, Hiro, I'm not suicidal. Steadily growing homicidal, maybe..." Her voice feigned patience, as she thought of how Guillermo had mentioned that she didn't need to be Bruja.

Hiro ignored the jibe, sounding puzzled. "What's the problem then? You never call in sick? You came to work with pneumonia once-" Rose groaned, not wanting to get into this. "You know Fernando isn't going to be okay with that answer."

"I know you're just being a nosy bastard." Rose growled, rolling on to her back and rubbing her eyes. "Tell him through a series of misadventures I stayed up til five getting a boyfriend." It sounded weird on her tongue, but she still couldn't help the scowl as Hiro laughed.

"Yeah, that's believable."

"It should be. It's what happened." She responded icily.

Hiro stopped laughing, taking in the information. "Wait.. ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Ugh, did he have to yell. "Is it Guillermo? Is he there?"

"I'm hanging up now. Make sure you check the motor in the Ryder car, it's making some strange noises-"

Hiro was too busy laughing to really hear her. "GUILLERMO, YOU ARE THE MAN-"

-Kaybye!" Rose said over him, pushing the end button on her phone's home base. She shouldn't have had it on speaker, but the actual phone itself was lost in the abyss that was her room. Frumping her hair grumpily, she pulled the blanket over her head, too awake too fall immediately back to sleep. Stupid Hiro. Instead, she burrowed her face into Guillermo's arm, kissing it sleepily. "Mornin."