Not So Bad After All

# 14

Ruby tensed up at Ryder's actions, but relaxed a bit after. 'He's only doing this to help me get back at those two...' She thought, closing her eyes and returning the kiss. She felt sparks she had never felt with Leo, and she liked it. After what felt like hours but in reality was seconds, they pulled away, gazing into each others eyes. "Princess, did I ever tell you that you have the most beautiful eyes?" Ryder murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Ruby could feel the heat rising to her cheeks but made no comment. She glanced out of the corner of her eye, seeing Anastasia and Xander slack-jawed and Liam on the floor. She glanced over to the entrance seeing Peyton looking at her with wide eyes and Leo had a hurt look cross his face. Ruby smirked a bit. 'Yeah, you totally deserved that' She thought, turning back to Ryder. He pulled her in, placing a quick kiss on her lips before pulling away. "Is he alright?" Ryder asked, pointing as Liam who was still on the floor, with a bored tone. Xander and Anastasia blinked, switching their gazes to Liam. "Get up, you idiot." Xander said, kicking him in the ribs. Liam groaned and sat up. "Guys, I had this really horrible dream that the world ended because Ryder kissed Ruby and I never thought I'd-" Liam was cut off when Ryder stomped down on his leg, causing him to yelp and scramble to get up. "S-sorry." Liam murmured, looking down at the ground. Ryder scoffed before walking out of the arcade. "Well? What are you just standing there for?" Anastasia asked, motioning after Ryder. "Go get him! You guys obviously need to talk after that." She continued, motioning for Liam and Xander to follow her. They exchanged glances with each other before looking to Ruby, both winking and grinning before running after Anastasia. Ruby blushed but went after Ryder anyways.

"Ryder! Ryder!" Ruby called, chasing after his retreating form. He glanced over his shoulder, slowing down a bit. Ruby panted as she caught up to him. "What... what was all that about in the arcade?" Ruby asked, keeping her head down in hopes he wouldn't see her tomato red face. "A mistake." Ruby stopped dead in her tracks at that, looking up at him with wide eyes while he seemed indifferent about it, a small flash of an unknown emotion making its way into his eyes. "A... mistake?" She repeated, chest constricting painfully as her eyes stung with tears. "Ryder, you can't be serious!" She yelled, watching as he turned to face her fully, glaring at her. "You wouldn't understand. I'm doing this because you deserve better!" He shouted, grabbing her shoulders. "I'm a reckless idiot who has done the worst kinds of things to people, and you're a perfect and beautiful girl that deserves better than me..." He trailed off, eyes downcast as he released her shoulders. "Princess, do yourself a favor, stay away from me and find someone better." Was all he said as he walked off once more. Ruby sobbed, hiccuping as she wanted to chase after him but she couldn't move. She collapsed on the sidewalk, leaning against the building with her head in between her knees as she sobbed. Unbeknownst to anyone, a traitorous tear slipped out of Ryder's eye as he heard her sobs. 'I'm so sorry Ruby... but this is truly for the best...'

"That sounds like him, alright." Xander murmured, sitting down with his arm around Ruby's shoulders as Anastasia sat on her left, rubbing small circles on her back. "He's such an idiot." Liam groaned. "I hate to go, but I'm going to go grab Noah and we are going to knock some sense into that tiny brain of his. Feel better, Rubes!" Liam called as he ran off. Ruby sniffled a bit, her tears ran dry a while ago. "Hey Ruby, let's get you home... You've had a long day." Anastasia said, standing. She smiled a bit at Xander as Ruby stood, giving him a silent 'thank you'. He nodded, returning the smile. "I'll see you later, Ruby- oh wait." Xander grabbed a small piece of paper, handing it to Ruby. "This has mine, Liam, and Noah's numbers on it if you ever need something." He said, grinning. Ruby offered a weak smile, murmuring a 'thank you'. He nodded, running off to catch up with his friend. "Let's get ya home, girlie." Anastasia said, offering her hand to Ruby. Ruby gladly took it, following her friend back home.

(A/N: So... my sister is going to despise me for this. They finally kiss and then all this happens. But I had to cause some drama! It's all for the best, ne? Anyways, I hope you enjoyed reading and I hope you all have a wonderful day/afternoon/evening! Sayonara!)