Fast Lane (G/t)

4

An intense wave of emotions rushed through Preston's veins - every single one conflicting with each other - making Ainsley's issues and dealing with them even more troublesome. He pondered over the possible paths he - they - could take and almost resulted with nothing until he made a sudden realization. 

While calming her down and revitalizing her sense of happiness at least a little bit was important, that couldn't be done if she was in too much pain to care... or live. So, he went with his gut feeling (and his past learning from first-year Psychology) and scooped her up within both of his hands as carefully as he could, carrying her against his chest for safe keeping to start a search for some kind of alleviation. However, when he figured where the closest spot for some probably was, he figured that he'll probably be the one in need of a remedy.

Within the surprisingly roomy confinements of flesh and thick hoodie fabric, attempting to focus against the loud lub-dubs shaking her system and her increasing panic from being up so high so quickly, Ainsley cowered, curled into herself tightly (and painfully, but she wasn't caring about that at the moment), listening to the repeating sounds of crushed grass and gravel and rubbing fabrics. She already knew that he was moving, taking her elsewhere, but the specific location was unknown, and when she heard music and new mumbles of voices using such intimidatingly professional jargon, she really didn't want to know.

Preston climbed the hill leading to the main party - well, the private party at the big party - and wasn't surprised that he was met with a variety of facial expressions as he merged with the main collection of gatherers. Some were happy to see him, but most people had their eyes set on the hands by his chest and what was hidden behind them. Preston caught a hiding Thomas looking, too, before his gaze shifted it away when he spotted the daggers Preston was sending his way. The angered look Preston briefly gave before continuing to walk was almost disregarded until an outsider cut him off. 

An admired outsider.

Ainsley felt the instant change in velocity when Preston stopped moving. However, she wasn't put down immediately, like she expected and hoped would happen. Another voice popping into the picture was also a surprise. 

"Preston, is that you?" a new, slightly older male cheerfully called, wrapping an arm around the hooded college kid's shoulders in a brief hug. "Man, it's been a while. How've you been?"

Part of Preston's insides fluttered at the recognizable voice - it belonging to a man that was practically a brother to him. Well, actually, he was... but not by blood, at least. He smiled when he turned to see Lindsey Parrish, a popular, past president of their chapter of their fraternity... and the man that personally invited Preston to join when he was just a new kid three years ago, even though he was going to join, anyway. Covering the pained petite with his fingers to not cause suspicion, Preston 'played it cool' and greeted his superior and friend, 

"Uh... y-yeah, dude. H-Hey. I've been alright, I guess - just... uh, living life, you know." After a brief moment of shared smiles in silence, Preston saw his buddy's eyes began to lower, so he tried to diverge the conversation in the best way he could. "I guess you've just become too good to come to our functions now, since you graduated, huh?"

"Oh, haha," Lindsey chuckled. He knew what his bro was trying to do, but he would play along... for now. "Someone's salty, huh? I'd never think you, of all people, would call me out for a slacker or something. Excuse me for getting a job, a fiancee that always wanting to plan the big day, and a baby within three years. My bad."

Now, Preston felt bad - one for assuming bad character and also because he felt that he should've known that. That's one time he could say that he wasn't on social media enough. Little did he know that even tiny Ainsley felt sympathy, too, aside from the intense pain and ever-growing fear of the future, obviously.