IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ wiping the slate clean

( WIPING THE SLATE CLEAN )
by onemorefanaccount

Sitting on the bleachers, you watched as Zach trained-running drills with the rest of his teammates-trying to ignore the stares you knew were still coming your way.

Ever since Hannah's tapes got out and the police got involved, almost everyone you knew at school had ostracised you for your brothers actions. You believed that outing the people on the tapes was the right thing to do-you just never thought you would be punished for Bryce's wrongdoings.

Growing up, despite how close you were in age, the two of you had never been close and finding out about what he had done to those girls...you just couldn't put into words how it disgusted you. You found yourself unable to be in his presence. While your parents took him out of school, they refused to kick him out of the house which resulted in you moving out and staying with family.

The only person you could rely on was Zach Dempsey-the boy you were head over heels for and who you believed felt the same way.

Over the course of the past year, neither of you had taken any steps to develop any relationship beyond a friendship-but you knew something was there. You both did.

Being caught up in your thoughts, you didn't notice as the basketball practice came to an end and Zach slowly made his way to you.

Nudging your shoulder with his as he sat, Zach sent you a small smile as he wiped his forehead with a towel.

"I figure you'd get bored," he admitted.

Shaking you head, you shifted your body so you were giving him your full attention, "Nope," you told him, your own smile gracing your lips. "Are you done?" you asked which drove him to nod in reply. "Did you want to head off?"

"I should probably get changed," he sighed.

Scrunching your nose as you finally take in his sweaty uniform, you nodded, "That would be a good idea."

Zach rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around your shoulders to draw you closer into him. You almost squeal as you fall into his side, but you don't push him away.

"And why didn't you change before you came to me?" you inquired.

His smile grew shy, "I wanted to see you. I haven't had the chance to spend any time with you lately."

Chuckling, you tapped his chest before removing his arm from you-bringing yourself to stand. Staring down at him you held your hand out, "Come on," you told him. "The quicker you get ready, the quicker we can leave."

It didn't take him long to meet you by his car. Instead of going straight to your house he made a detour to Rosie's where you both sat now, snacking on your meals.

"Have I told you lately how much I appreciate what you've done for me?" you quietly asked.

Zach raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his seat, "What are you talking about?"

You sent him a look, "Don't be like that. You know what I mean. After....Bryce, when everyone shunned me, you stayed by my side. You never left me," you continued quietly.

"Why would I?" he countered, completely sincere.

You remained silent for a few minutes, just staring at his genuine confusion. "It doesn't matter," you smiled, adverting your eyes-unable to comprehend how much you really appreciated Zach.