Lara Jean and Peter

The Understanding Ex

For one thing, Peter is anxious. Why, you ask? Because, he's about to do something he's been contemplating on doing for the past few days, tossing and turning in bed, nonstop thinking about her.
Oh fuck. She's back, he thinks.
"Hey babe! I brought you a beer."
He tries to smile sincerely, but can't help the little voice in the back of his mind that's been tormenting him.
Stop leading her on Peter. You love someone else Peter. She's not the one for you Peter.
Now, he just can't keep ignoring it. Even if it's the last night of Spring Break, he has to do it. He can't keep leading her on like this. He's not a dick, after all.
"Hey, Angie. Can I talk to you for a sec? In private?"
Her smile is way too content for comfort, especially for what he's about to say, making him even more uncomfortable — if that's even possible. Anyways, who is he to be the one to ask to feel comfortable, he's just about to break up with someone, after leading them on for months. He definitely hates himself right now.
"Sure babe. There might be a room upstairs that's open, though, I doubt it."
"Can we go outside instead?"
She clasps her hands together enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up with joy as she exclaims, "Let's go walk on the beach! The sun has almost set, so it must be beautiful."
He can't say no to her. He doesn't know why, because he was always able to before, but in this moment... it just seems wrong. So, he smiles politely, setting his drink down and nodding.
"Sure. Let's go."
***
The sunset looks so beautiful. Almost... magical, with its golden-auburn rays and the pink and purple tints in the sky. It immediately reminds Peter of Lara Jean, bringing an involuntary smile to his face, that doesn't go unnoticed by Angela.
He takes a deep breath, stopping them and grabbing both of her hands instead of one.
"Listen, I-"
She interrupts him, knowing what is about to come, "I know Peter." Honestly, deep down, she always knew.
Peter can't help but blink rapidly, trying to understand if she could read his mind or something. But, he recover quickly, raising an eyebrow and saying, "Know what?"
She shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Peter, don't play coy. I know you're about to end this. I know you're still in love with Lara Jean."
He can't help the defeated look that crosses over his face. How could he? Peter felt utterly defeated.
What he says next, he does so so softly that he's worried Angela doesn't hear him over the calming waves.
"How?"
She looks up at him, smiling warmly, and gives his hands a little squeeze. "It's the little things Peter. I've noticed the way you look at her when she's talking, especially about something she's passionate about. The way you inhale deeper each time she passes by you — just to get another whiff, the way your hands get clammy just thinking about her accompanied with the little smirk that plays on your lips each time. The way your breath hitches just the slightest when she walks into a room..." She pauses for a moment, breaking eye contact to look down at the sand, golden with the light from the sunset, a tear escaping before looking back up at him. She can't help but feel sad, I mean, she truly liked him. It's just, the feeling wasn't reciprocated, which she knows she'll get over soon enough. It's just, now... it hurts just a bit.
"The way you look at her when you think no one is watching..."
She trail off, and Peter can't help but hang his head in shame. He can't believe he's become one of those guys looking at other girls while he's in a relationship. Honestly, he feels like his father.
Angela can read his face, because she cradled it in her hands and makes him look into her eyes.
"Stop putting yourself down. You are a wonderful person; you were just confused for a bit, that's all. The heart wants what it wants."
"I'm sorry."
She gives Peter one last — chaste — kiss on the cheek before saying, "Don't be. Go get her; I can tell she's also still in love with you."
Peter hates himself for the little twinge of hope growing in his heart.
"Thank you."
"Of course."
How was Peter ever so lucky to find her? She's definitely one of the best people he knows.
He start walking off, but stops in his tracks as something comes to mind.
"Hey Angie?"
She looks back from where she is, now sitting, in the sand and tilts her head to the side in confusion. "Can we still be friends. I still want you to be in my life."
She shakes her head, facing the now set sun and the deep orange and purple skies.
"I thought that was already implied Peter."
Good. Good.
With that, Peter starts off to the house again, to find Lara Jean. To tell her how much he really loves her.
Except, when he gets there, he sees Lara Jean... laughing with a guy on the armchair. He knows he shouldn't feel jealous, more territorial, but he can't help it. Seeing the girl he loves, flirting with another guy — and clearly drunk — isn't the best for his temper, which becomes progressively more difficult to control as the night proceeds.
He loses her in the sea of people when she decides to go out back, finding her once again when he hears a familiar, "Peter! Yoo hoo! Over hear! Peter!" from the pool.

A/N
Sorry this is such a short chapter. Honestly it's more of a filler than anything, just to get Peter's perspective and clear up a few things for the next chapter, which will probably be hella long. Just a preparation. So, THANKS FOR 5K READS!!!! WTF?!?!?! You guys are the best, I swear. Sorry for such slow updates, I just haven't had any inspiration to write, but I will try harder. Go read my one shots cause I update that more often.
Stay beautiful loves,
;)- Dreamstate5