Best Mistake ★ Nicholas Chavez

Eight | hardcore crush pt2

flashback continues

—••—

After several lively rounds of beer pong, filled with laughter and playful competition, Nicholas and Amara slipped away from the bustling party, finding a quieter spot on the rooftop. The cool night breeze wrapped around them, and the distant hum of the city below set the perfect backdrop for a more intimate conversation.

Leaning against the railing, Amara gazed out at the twinkling city lights, still riding the high of the game and the thrill of being alone with Nicholas. "That was so much fun!" she said, her face lit up with excitement. "I can't believe we actually won."

Nicholas laughed, glancing over at her. "We do make a pretty solid team. But honestly, you almost gave me a heart attack with how competitive you got!" Amara grinned and gave him a playful nudge. "What can I say? I don't like losing." They shared a moment of easy silence, the warmth between them lingering. After a beat, Nicholas broke it. "So, how are you getting home tonight?"

"I was supposed to ride back with Liz and Victoria, but... well," Amara shrugged, a knowing smile playing on her lips, "Victoria's our designated driver, but she's had wayyy too much fun tonight, they're gonna crash here. I'll just call my mom to pick me up."

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You live with her here?" Amara nodded. "Yeah, I still live with my mom." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Also... I'm still 17."

Nicholas raised his eyebrows, grinning mischievously. "Seventeen? Well, that changes things. Now I feel ancient at 19. Guess I can't make a move, huh?" His teasing tone was light, but Amara could feel her heart skip a beat.

Rolling her eyes with a smile, she shot back, "Oh, please. I'm turning 18 soon. And you're only one year older than me, so don't get too comfortable with that 'ancient' joke."

Nicholas laughed, leaning back against the railing. "Still, my birthday's before yours. I'll always have the upper hand in age."

Amara smirked. "Yeah, enjoy that upper hand while it lasts. It's just one year." She playfully nudged him again, the teasing banter making the night feel even more electric.

Nicholas tilted his head curiously. "So De Luca? That's your last name, right? Where's that from?" Amara smiled. "Yeah, my dad's Italian, and my mom's Egyptian. We used to live in Italy when I was younger, but we moved to the states when I was about nine."

"Wow, that's a cool mix," he said, clearly intrigued. "Avan mentioned you came from Miami, right?"

Amara nodded. "Yeah, my mom and I moved from Miami to LA when I got the role on Victorious." She purposely left out any mention of her dad, not wanting to get into that story right now. Nicholas seemed to pick up on it and didn't press. "My mom doesn't really like it here though," she continued, "She misses Miami, and honestly, I think she's only staying because of me. So when I turn 18, I'm gonna convince her to move back so she doesn't feel like she has to stick around for my sake."

"That's really thoughtful," Nicholas said, his expression softening. "It must be tough for her to stay somewhere she's not happy." Amara nodded. "Yeah, it is. But I think she'll be happier once she moves back."

Nicholas shifted slightly, leaning against the railing again. "I get it. I moved to LA from Denver about a year ago. Not to sound like a spoiled rich kid, but my dad bought an apartment here, so that's where I live now."

Amara raised an eyebrow, half-teasing. "So, you're living the LA dream in a fancy apartment?" Nicholas laughed. "I guess you could say that. But honestly, it's weird sometimes. LA still feels a bit like a whole different world."

"I know exactly what you mean," Amara agreed. "It's definitely... an adjustment."

"What about you?" Amara asked, tilting her head with a playful grin. "Chavez is Hispanic, right?"

"Yeah," Nicholas replied with a chuckle. "But I, unfortunately, don't know any Español."

Amara laughed, shaking her head. "Lame! Not to flex or anything, but I know three languages." She proudly says. Nicholas raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, is that so? Now you're just showing off."

She smirked. "What can I say? Gotta make up for your lack of Spanish somehow." Nicholas grinned and playfully said, "Hola bonita." Amara burst out laughing, shaking her head. "Okay, I'll give you points for effort. That's about all you know, huh?"

"Pretty much," he admitted with a chuckle. "But hey, I'm trying!"

"Well, I guess I can be your tutor," Amara teased. "You clearly need all the help you can get." Nicholas laughed, nudging her lightly. "I'll take you up on that."

A moment of silence fell between them, the night air settling around them as they both gazed at the city lights. Nicholas cleared his throat softly. "So, uh... about Cassandra," he began, glancing at Amara, "there's nothing going on between us." Amara shrugged, trying to keep her tone light. "You don't have to explain anything to me."

"I know," Nicholas said, his voice sincere. "But I don't want you to get the wrong idea." She gave him a sideways glance. "You seem a bit close though."

Nicholas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We used to be, but... then she confessed that she has feelings for me. When I told her I didn't feel the same way, things got weird. She's been acting... extra touchy ever since." Amara raised an eyebrow. "That must be awkward." Nicholas nodded. "Yeah, it is. But I just wanted to be clear with you, you know?"

"I appreciate that," Amara said softly, offering him a small, genuine smile. Nicholas returned her smile, the tension easing between them. "Good. I just didn't want there to be any misunderstandings." Amara nodded, the air between them feeling a little lighter. "I get it. Thanks for being honest."

"Well, I have to go now, I'm gonna call my mom to pick me up," Amara said, pulling out her phone. "Don't worry about it, I've got my car here," Nicholas offered quickly. "I'll drop you off. I'm sober, I promise."

Amara hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, if you're sure. Thanks, that's really nice of you." Amara paused, giving him a thoughtful look. "You don't have to, though. I wouldn't want to trouble you."

Nicholas shook his head, smiling. "It's no trouble at all. Honestly, I'd feel better knowing you got home safe. Besides, it gives me an excuse to spend a little more time with you." Amara laughed softly, feeling her cheeks warm slightly. "Okay, you win. I'll take the ride." Nicholas grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Great. Let's go before your mom starts wondering where you are."

As they made their way back toward the party to grab their things, the quiet rooftop moment lingered in the air between them. Amara couldn't help but feel that the night had taken an unexpected but welcomed turn.

—••—

should i include covid in this ?🤔🤔🤔🤔 bc i wanna put a flashback of them quarantining together but also i don't know if it would work bc how tf would they have filmed their old projects so yes or no covid

also thoughts  !!!