Manipulated Vunerability ~ HSMTMTS AU

Chapter 7

Ashlyn was sure she would miss the beach in a matter of days, but she was far from disappointed she would be back home with her friends. She wanted rest first— which she was only temporarily disappointed wouldn't come as quick as she hoped.

Big Red, missing Ashlyn and pulling of a surprise as usual, was waiting for her when she got home. Despite her tiredness, she ran over to him, smiling. She hugged him tightly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He smiled, gently rubbing her back as he returned the hug. "How was it?"

"Fun. Tiring."

"I figured." He laughed lightly, hugging her a little tighter.

"I just wanna sleep." She joked.

"I figured that too. I still came, because I miss you, but that doesn't mean we have to do anything." He kissed her forehead. She smiled softly.

"I wanna catch up with you, sounds like a lot went down, huh?" She said, walking inside after her parents had unlocked the door. They had the trust of their parents, which had definitely grown because of the fact Ashlyn could rarely be watched anyways, so they both headed to her room. She collapsed on her bed, missing the feeling she had gained from it over the years of sleep in it. He laid beside her, both teens staring at the ceiling.

"Yeah... a lot went down."

"We don't have to talk yet." She assured him.

"No, I want to, but it's still all so weird that I feel like I can't explain it without it being confusing— because I'm confused."

"Come on, I've dealt with EJ, go for it." She grinned. It got easier as he went along with the story, and he poured out nearly every little sentence to his girlfriend. "Wow."

"Yeah, honestly, I'm not sure what's gonna happen."

"Me neither." She gave him a bittersweet smile. "But I'm here." She gave his hand a small squeeze.

"And thank goodness for that." He adjusted ever so slightly, closing his eyes and connecting their lips. She giggled.

"See, this is what I missed."

"Mhm." He confirmed, kissing her a few more times. She gladly kissed back each time, beaming. After a moment they stopped, resuming their hug.

"So... how are you feeling about it all?"

"I don't know. Just... a little hurt, lost."

"I'm just so, so sorry." She let out a small sigh.

"Not on you."

"I know." She nodded.

"We'll just... see what happens, I guess? He's still Ricky. He's just Ricky plus Lily."

"Yeah. I hope." They cuddled together in silence now, for nearly 10 minutes. Big Red's phone dinged, receiving a text. He opened it, keeping his arm around her regardless. "Oh, Ricky." He sat up.

"Is that a bad thing?" She sat up as all.

"Um, no? Maybe? He invited me to some party tonight— I mean, it's a North High crowd, but they can't all be bad. Even if Lily's there. Might as well go."

"You sure?" She furrowed her eyebrows, surprised by how quickly he decided to go.

"I want things between Ricky and I to get better quickly, I've got to."

"Good luck." She pecked his lips. "When?"

"7."

"Okay. Stay for a bit longer."