Manipulated Vunerability ~ HSMTMTS AU

Chapter 6

Big Red tried to follow Ashlyn's advice, because 99% of the time she was right. He invited the whole friend group to his house— and he meant the whole group. He invited Ricky, because he knew things would have to heal sooner or later. If Ricky was around people who were truly kind and in good relationships, maybe he would figure things out quicker.

Surprisingly, everyone but EJ, Kourtney, and Howie could make it. This included D mostly been hanging out with Lily, so no one had seen much of him. No one was happy about the new couples, but their lack of interactions made them slightly more hopeful than the redhead.

And his girlfriend. "Well I hope it goes well, hon, he can't be so... off for too long." Ashlyn said over their FaceTime after Big Red had explained his plans. In all honestly, she wanted to say 'mean,' but she knew this was temporary. Besides, judging him off of his girlfriend, no matter how rude she was to Ashlyn, was something she did not want to do.

"Yeah, I just hope things feel normal for tonight. How much can possibly happen with almost everyone there?"

"I'm not sure."

"Emphasis on almost. I miss you."

"It's only been a day." She laughed lightly. "But I miss you too." She admitted.

"Yeah, but the only parties I've been to have been yours. I mean, and a few hosted by our friends, but you've always been there. You just add a lot to them."

"Thanks." She smiled. "You're gonna have a blast."

"I hope."

"And if Ricky is a bit odd, try to enjoy the time with everyone else. It might be hard, but... you know. Worth a shot."

"Thanks, you're the best."

"That's you." She responded. Her eyes shifted off camera for a few seconds, faint talking audible through the phone. "I've gotta go, talk later."

"Bye Ash." He smiled. She gave him a quick air kiss before hanging up. He let out a sigh. It was a mixture of relief and annoyance. He didn't want to face Ricky, but his relief came from Ashlyn. He truly believed, now, that she would always be there. Even when he didn't feel good enough. Especially then. She would make him feel better, and he would do the same for her. Now they were used to their relationship, and had worked through a few relationship insecurities, they were sure it was forever. Or at least for quite some time, but they never worried about the future too much (as anxious of people they were).

"Hey." Big Red greeted Gina and Nini, grateful Ricky wasn't the first one there. That was hardly on his mind, though, because he genuinely did enjoy time with his friends.

"Hi!" Nini beamed, making her way inside. Gina followed with a small smile.

"Hey."

"So Seb and Carlos on on their way, and... I'm not sure, I've barely heard from Ricky." He shrugged.

"Right..." the two girls shared a glance.

"Look, I'm nervous enough for the three of us, you two just enjoy the night."

"Hey, it's not like we have no past with him." Gina joked. Now she was dating EJ, she didn't really care, but she found his obliviousness both hilarious and mildly annoying.

"Yeah, I think the three of us are in for an interesting night." Nini added. She didn't care for making their breakup a big thing, but she didn't beat around the bush. She wasn't elated it had happened, but she was content.

"You didn't have to come—" he started.

"Relax, it'll be fun." Nini smiled.