social casualties | 5sos au

Chapter 16 {By Me}

Neptune's POV

After I got out of the car, I felt bad that I didn't tell Rylie thanks for driving me. I had been a bitch all summer, the least I could do is thank her.

I knocked on the door, not exactly knowing how awkward it was going to be to be alone with Michael.

"Neptune, you're here!" Michael said and smiled as he opens the door. I smiled back, and he let me inside.

"Okay, so I figured we should put together a presentation board for some extra credit, and then add all of our information."

"I don't wanna study. I uh... I actually need to talk to you."

"Is something wrong?" I asked, setting my bag down on the couch.

"Uh... Yeah. A-are Rylie and Calum dating?"

"As far as I'm concerned, yes. I don't know, maybe I heard wrong, but, Michael... You need to talk to Rylie about your feelings for her, not me. I can tell her, but it'll mean more if you tell her."

"I know, but-"

"Michael. I'm serious. What could I do that would make her change her mind? I'm going back to her house anyway, if you want to come... You could talk to her."

"Yeah," He nodded, "I guess that would work."

"Yeah," I paused, "Maybe we should study tomorrow. Now just doesn't seem like the time, does it?" He shook his head. I sighed, and looked down at my hands.

I knew that Michael liked Rylie. It was obvious from the start... Of the summer. I know that usually when you fall in love, you can tell. But, I could tell that Michael was. Okay, maybe not in love, but the way he definitely had feelings for Rylie. Rylie... She liked Calum. At least, I think she does. Wait... Are they even dating? Or was she just joking? Crap.

*later that night*

I watched as Michael walked out the door, and Rylie sat down on the couch next to me.

"So...?" I asked.

"I wasn't expecting that."

"Well, what about Calum?"

"We aren't together. We're just... Close. I mean, I really like him, but I can't hurt Michael. Or Cal! What do I do?" She asked, putting her head in my hands.

"Ryles, don't feel bad. You'll figure things out, you always do. I wouldn't stress it. At least you know."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"I know what will make you feel better!"

"A solution?" She asked sarcastically.

"No! Ice cream! It's how we met the guys... Maybe it'll help us figure them out. I'll go get it!" I jumped from the couch, and walked to the kitchen. I put a few scoops of chocolate into my bowl, and some scoops of mint chocolate chip into Rylie's bowl.

"Here." I said as I handed her the bowl of happiness.

"Thanks!" She smiled, and took the bowls.

"Wait," I said, "I forgot the spoons." I walked back into the kitchen, and got two spoons.

"Okay, got 'em." I say back down and handed Rylie a spoon. We immediately started eating our ice cream.

"How are things with you and Luke?" She asked, shoving the spoon in her mouth right after.

"Great!" I said, and smiled. I was happier than ever to be her friend again.

"Ya know what I just realized?" She said.

"Hm?"

"We've been obsessing over our relationships - or relationship problems in my case - but where is Ashton in all of this? We've left him out, and obsessed over stupid shit."

"Should we talk to him?"

"Definitely."