Manipulated Vunerability ~ HSMTMTS AU

Chapter 8

Ashlyn took a deep breath. She was fully aware she didn't have to do this, she didn't even have to hang out with Ricky. The two had grown close after playing opposite each other in Beauty in the Beast, so she wanted to. Her boyfriend made it perfectly clear he didn't need her there, and he almost didn't want her there. But she did want to go. Big Red and Ricky had been hanging out for about 2 weeks.

And, accidentally misunderstanding a question, Big Red had agreed to a double date.

As much as Ashlyn loved her boyfriend's dumb moments, she dreaded the date. He had assured her, constantly, she didn't have to go, but she didn't want him there without her either. They were both aware neither wanted to be there, but after awhile just decided she would come. She wasn't upset, because she knew he would have let her bail, but she still didn't exactly want to go.

So there she was, waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up. And his best friend, and his girlfriend. Big Red tended to drive Ricky more than Ricky drove Big Red, despite the fact Ricky had a car (granted, it was fairly old), and Ashlyn was relieved today was the same. Something about being in someone else's car could only make things more awkward.

She walked to the car, opening the door and getting in the passenger's seat with one more deep breath. Big Red's hand almost immediately was put out to hold her hand. After closing the door and buckling her seatbelt, she took it. "Hey guys." She forced a smile.

"Hey." Her boyfriend smiled.

"Hi." Came from the couple in the backseat. Only about ten seconds into he drive it already became silent.

"Uh, Ash, how are you?"

"I'm alright, kinda tired." She replied, squeezing his hand. He glanced at her.

'Sorry.' He mouthed. She shook her head.

'Don't be.' She mouthed back.

And there was no conversing between the 4 kids, only the occasional chatting of Ricky and Lily. Big Red and Ashlyn both knew each other wanted nothing more than the date to hurry up, or at least get better, so to spare themselves energy just stayed quiet.

Things were awkward but fine, up until Ashlyn went to the bathroom to wash her hands before eating. Generally, that was fine— but Lily did the same.

"Oh, uh, how are you?" Ashlyn asked politely.

"I'm good." She smiled.

"And with Ricky?"

"Good." She said, beginning to wash her hands. "How about you and your guy?"

"The best." She said. Lily tried to hide her eye roll, failing. "What?"

"What do you mean?"

"You rolled your eyes."

"I just think 'the best' is a little dramatic." Lily said.

"It's just a phrase. And, you know, to me it feels like the best."

"Yeah, but come on, it's high school. It's not gonna last."

"What if it does?" Ashlyn, having dried her hands, crossed her arms.

"You're 15, someone's gonna fall out of love."

"Shut up. If you don't think it will last, why are you with Ricky?"

"Because I can be. God, you and your boyfriend always complaining about us. Just let us live."

"Let me and my boyfriend live then." Ashlyn said. "And for the record, I think we will last."

"No one stays in love that long, especially you two."

"What's that supposed to mean? You don't even know us."