unbreakable heaven • awsten knight

1.7 better half of a year

december 2008
houston, tx

"Oh, I can't give you a ride today," Zakk turns to Awsten. "Or you," he adds, as Ellie joins them at their lunch table.

"Why?" The two of them respond at the same time, before offering each other a sheepish look.

"I'm taking Inez on a date," he smiles in return.

Ellie rolls her eyes, dramatically, with a groan.

"Don't give me that look!" Zakk protests. "You're the one that set us up."

"Yeah, but I didn't think I'd be losing my lift home," she retorts. "This is twice now."

"You're just bitter because you're not going on a date," he scowls back.

"Oh, please," Ellie waves off the comment, while Awsten looks blankly between the two of them.

He can't help the way his thoughts wander at the brief topic of dating— wondering if Ellie even wants to date anyone.

Jawn notices Awsten's change in expression easily, from his spot opposite him; so, when the bell rings for their next class, he catches up with Awsten in the hall.

"What was that about?" He raises an eyebrow.

"What was what about?" Awsten responds, obliviously.

"You know," Jawn nods his head towards Ellie, who's walking slightly ahead with Dean and Zakk. "I thought you were gonna make a move."

"What?" Awsten shoots back an odd look.

"Oh, come on, man. Don't try to play dumb," Jawn rolls his eyes. "It's obvious you like her. You never stop goo-goo at her," he mocks. "It's literally every day—"

"Okay, I get it," Awsten cuts him off. "I'm not making a move. Not yet, at least," he shakes his head. "I have more of a plan, I guess."

"Seems to be a pretty fucking lengthy plan," Jawn comments, earning a nudge in the ribs, causing him to wince.

"Maybe another two or three months," Awsten shrugs, nonchalantly.

"Three months?" Jawn's eyes widen, almost-shouting.

"Keep your fucking voice down," Awsten grumbles. "Yeah, three months."

"That'll end up being like—" Jawn pauses, mentally trying to tally up how long Ellie has been here already, plus the extra three months. "That's like, the better half of a year, Awsten."

"I have my reasons," Awsten answers, vaguely, earning a sharp look to continue. "Hear me out, okay?" He sighs, making sure to keep his voice low. "She still hasn't been here that long. I don't wanna be that guy who just jumps at her, as if she's an opportunity, just because there's a new girl around," Awsten begins to explain. "She's not an object, and I don't want it to come across like that. Besides, that'll probably fish out some competition, because no other douche bag has any sort of patience around here," he adds, with an eye roll. "And it'll give me a chance to see if she actually likes me, or even wants to date anyone."

Jawn nods along, his eyebrows furrowed, as he pays attention to what Awsten's saying.

"So, what I'm hearing is," he pauses briefly, "you're gonna be a pussy for the next two to three months and do all your cute shit to get close to her, until you have the balls to actually do something about it."

Awsten hesitates for a moment, pressing his lips together. "Pretty much, yeah," he nods.

"Sounds good," Jawn pats his back, harshly. "I'll check back with you in three months," he feigns a proud grin, before wandering off to his class.