Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter eleven

Rose's POV

"Russell!" I screech, lunching at my brother who is moving towards Alec. The dark haired boy is doing his best to stand, holding his jaw in surprise and pain. I wrap my hands around my brother's arm, tugging him backwards. He raises his fist, but when he sees it's me he lowers it, yanking his arm out of my grip instead. "What were you thinking?" I scold, trying to hide my intimidation as I look into his wild eyes.

I had seen Russell plenty of times after fights, but very rarely have I seen him during. It's scary to see the way his fists clench, sweat gathering at his forehead, adrenaline pumping through his veins. His eyes bounce around the people that have gathered around before landing on me again. "Me? What were you thinking? You're the one here whoring yourself out to my friend?" He snaps, tone harsh.

I flinch at his words, knowing that he doesn't mean it, he couldn't. He gets so incredibly protective over me even when he doesn't admit it. I can tell he is deflecting the way he feels and not thinking rationally. When it comes to Russell, he very rarely thinks rationally. I try not to think about how he would react if he found out about the meaningless kiss Ashton and I shared. Had he told him? Somehow I knew Ashton wouldn't say anything.

"Sorry that I'm sixteen and wanted to enjoy a date with a guy." I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

"A date?" He scoffs, "He took you to a fucking high school party. Why out of all guys do you have to choose my asshole friend. You know the rules." As his words continue his voice turns into a growl, making me want to shrink back into myself.

I say strong, standing my ground. "There shouldn't have to be rules, you're not my dad okay? I can date whoever I want." I say this to him, but know that no matter what I will never change his mind. Before we even knew what dating was it was an unspoken rule, and always will be.

"You need to chill bro," Alec finally speaks up, hand still cupping his jaw. He moves to stand next to me, placing his hand on my shoulder, "Are you okay?"

I nod, Russell moving to shove him backward, causing Alec to stumble, "Don't touch her you prick!"

I step in front of Alec who has quickly regained his balance, "He's right Russell, it's not a big deal."

"Get out of the way Rose." Russell gently moves me to the side, steppin in front of his friend, the two now face to face.

Almost everyone is watching now, gathered in a large, crowded circle. I see someone jumping in the back trying to see, and hear a couple of people chanting a low 'fight, fight, fight.' My eyes settle on Penny as she pushes through the crowd, Calum behind her. When she realizes that it's me, Russell and Alec the ones starting the commotion, her head drops almost in disappointment. I know what she must be thinking, that something seems to always be happening with me now, because I was thinking the same thing.

"Honestly I'm surprised you're here. I didn't think I would have to worry about seeing you tonight." Alec mumbles just loud enough where I can hear.

"What do you mean?"

"I figured you'd be with everyone like usual. Luke asked me if I was going- I told him maybe later. I know Ace would if he wasn't convinced to throw another dumbass party. You know where the real fun is." A smirk grows on his face as he speaks, and the smugness of his expression makes me feel sick, "Speaking of, I know he was looking for you the other day. Wanted to talk about-"

"Shut your fucking mouth White." Russell hisses, gathering his friends shirt in his fists again. I'm confused for a moment before realizing it must be his last name. "Now isn't the time to be talking about that and you know it."