Playdate with Fate (A Chris & Keith AU)

Spill some tea!

Because nobody was inside the Starbucks when both of them went inside, Ashly and Keith immediately approached the counter.

The barista smiled at them and uttered, "Hey! Welcome to Starbucks! What would you both like to drink?" Ashly said, "I'd like a Grande strawberry acai Refresher for me, please." Keith then added, "Could I have a Venti iced caramel macchiato?"

The barista nodded.

As the barista repeated both of their orders, they asked the pair further, "Would you like any food to pair your orders with?" Keith replied, "A turkey and pesto panini for me, please." Ashly blurted out, "Sourdough grilled cheese for me, please."

After the barista took note of their additional orders, the barista told them how much the bill was.

Keith offered, "I could pay for what I ordered, Ashly." Ashly tapped Keith's shoulder a few times before replying, "Don't worry. I'm like, one of the richest bitches in my class. Let me pay for these." Keith scratched his head and said, "Thanks."

As Ashly paid for their order, she asked Keith to sit at wherever table he wished.

Once Keith decided to sit at the table near the window to the left side of the door, Ashly sat to the seat facing him. Keith said to her, "I insisted on paying for my order earlier 'cause it was pretty---" Ashly cut him off and replied, "It's alright, honey."

Keith simply nodded.

Afterwards, Ashly said, "I know we've talked quite a lot earlier during lunch time back in school, but I feel like at such a personal setting, with no one else but us, I'd like to further get to know you. You know, I have such a soft spot for queer people."

Keith got curious.

So, he asked, "How so?" Ashly replied, "Babe, I'm a queer person myself. My parents are quite devoutly religious, but I don't like some Supreme Being being used to guilt-trip and shame me for shit that I actually love doing. They wanted me enrolled an all-girl Catholic school in this state, actually. When they couldn't find anywhere that offered a good enough education, they discovered our school."

Keith nodded slowly.

Ashly continued, saying, "Thank goodness our school has cheap-ass tuition. Those factors were such blessings in disguise, I actually feel freer being around people because the general environment has no trace of discrimination whatsoever."

Keith smiled.

Then, he said, "Well, my parents knew since I started walking that I wasn't straight. I mean, the first reality show I ever watched on TV was America's Next Top Model. And I was only six at the time!" Ashly laughed and replied, "No, you fucking didn't."

Keith laughed along shortly afterwards.

Once their laughter died down, Keith continued, saying softly, "Don't tell anyone about this, but... I've actually already experienced hooking up with some guy." Ashley's eyes suddenly grew wide open in shock of what Keith revealed to her.

Ashly stared at Keith for a few seconds.

When Keith waved his left hand in front of Ashly's face, he said, "Hello? Earth to Ashly. Is she here?" Ashly shook her head quickly and replied shortly after, "Oh, um... Wow. I never thought I'd hear that from you, but tell me... did you like it?"

Keith giggled.

He then started talking about his experience from his first ever hook-up from Ashly. As Keith finished telling the story, Ashly said, "I live for how open you are, sweetie! Trust me, straight men fear people like you." Keith playfully brushed his right shoulder and replied, "Well, a true man isn't afraid to open up about things." Ashly and Keith laughed loudly together and gave each other a high-five.

Ashly and Keith proceeded to talk for a few more minutes, until the barista arrived at their table.

The barista gave what each of them ordered, and told the pair afterwards, "Enjoy your meal." Ashly and Keith smiled at the barista and thanked them. After that, Keith offered, "Let's eat, girl. I'm fucking starving." Ashly breathed out and nodded.

So, both of them took bites of their paninis first before taking a sip of the drinks they ordered.

In the middle of eating, Ashly and Keith continued talking to try getting to know one another better. As they finished 15 minutes later, Keith checked the time on his phone and said, "It's getting kinda late, Ashly. I think we should go now."

Ashly nodded and immediately stood up.

After leaving a tip to the barista, both of them quickly exited Starbucks. Keith then said, "Did you order an Uber for us?" Ashly nodded and said, "Don't worry. I'll take care of this one, too." As the Uber arrived quick, Ashly and Keith immediately got in.

Because Keith was the first to be dropped off, he sat on the right side of the car.

When the Uber driver pulled over in front of his house, Keith gave Ashly a hug and said, "Thanks so much for this mini-date we had, boo. Glad I got to know you!" Ashly hugged Keith back, smiled, and replied, "Likewise, babe." As Ashly pulled away from the hug, she told Keith, "Well, goodbye now! Your parents are probably waiting for you inside." So, Keith got out of the car and waved goodbye to Ashly.

As the Uber driver started driving Ashly to her house, Keith immediately went inside his house and apologized to his parents for being out later than usual.

To be continued in Part 5...