Mutual

Chapter Two

Brooklyns POV

"Guys? Where's Andy? He's been ages and I want to watch the film."
"Brook, stop complaining, I'm sure he'll be here soon." Rye says.
Just then the door opens. I run and jump on Andy to show my eagerness, but he wasn't ready as he ploughs backwards into a girl. Hold up? A girl? Who's the girl? He went out for coffee and snacks and instead brought back... well... a snack. Woah. There's no mistaking it, she has the most beautiful ey-

"What the hell, man? Are you trying to kill me?" Andy interrupts my thoughts.
"Sorry I was just happy to see you and I wanted food. Oops."
"You're like a bloody overexcitable puppy when it comes to food."
I throw him a goofy grin before turning my attention to the girl. I offer my hand to her but she pushes it away.
"That's the second fucking time today someone's shoved me over. Watch it."
"Someone's fiery. I'm sorry. My name is Brooklyn, and you are?"
"Annoyed." She pushes past me and puts a bag of food onto the counter. Andy scowls at me as he walks past. I sit down on the sofa between Jack and Sonny trying to get out of the way, slightly embarrassed.
Sonny screeches, "Ow fuckinghell Brook! You stood on my toe!"
For goodness sake why am I such an embarrassment? First I pushed Andy into the most gorgeous girl I have ever laid my eyes on and pissed them both off and then I hurt Sonny. I mutter an apology as I storm off upstairs.

Ten minutes later I hear a knock and the door.
"Please go away."
"No. I'm coming in" The door opens as Rye barges in. I sigh and chuck myself backwards, staring at the ceiling before feeling a dip in the bed. A second later and his warm arms wrap around me. Goddammit. Cuddles always make me feel instantly better. That's the way to my heart. "I don't deserve this, Rye. I'm always in the way and getting on people's nerves. I'm an actual embarrassment."
"No, you're not. Don't ever say that you're an embarrassment again. We all love you so much. Please come back down. You can meet Hannah properly. Andy's not pissed he just wasn't expecting you to jump on him. Are you coming?"
"I guess I can. Wait, that's her name? Hannah? Somehow that suits her so well. A beautiful palindrome."
"You're thinking a little too much into this. Wait, does someone have a little crusssshhhh?"
"Nah, I just asked for her name earlier and she ignored me. I suppose she's quite pretty. Her personality could be a two though."
Rye laughs and tugs me out of the room. A movie is already playing on the TV screen. Glad to know they waited for me.
"Really? A horror film? You guys know that I hate horror films. I grab the bag of squashies from Sonny and sit down in between Hannah and Jack.
"Hey." I whisper to her, confidence suddenly sprouting somewhere inside me.
"Hey. Sorry about earlier, I was just rather annoyed. I'm glad you just came in, we just got to a really scary part. I hate this film." 

There's something so soothing about her voice. It's smooth and sweet, and I know it sounds cliche, but it's like honey. I pull my eyes back up to the screen so I don't look like I'm staring. We both jump and my arms automatically go around her. She relaxes into my arms and grabs my hand, interlocking our fingers. Butterflies grow in my stomach. I wouldn't mind getting to know her at all. We stay like that for the rest of the film, though admittedly, I was watching more of Hannah than the film. I can't stop saying her name to myself. It's one of the only things I know about her, apart from the fact that she hates horror films, but still captivated by them - much like me. Her hair looks so soft and silky and, eventually, curiosity gets the better of me. I start playing with her hair,  twisting strands through my fingers. It's as soft as it looks, and subconsiously she leans in closer to me. The next thing I know, the credits are going up. She looks up at our hands still laced together, fitting perfectly together like two pieces of a puzzle. Then her doe eyes meet mine and for a second it's as though everything clicks together. I could stay in this moment forever. I feel as though we could conquer the world together, just the two of us. But then she tenses and pulls away.

She stands up gracefully, "I'm sorry, I've umm, I've got to go. Sorry!" and dashes out the door.
"Brook did you fucking say something to her?" Andy snaps.
"No!"
"Well, what happened then? You two were super cosy one minute, then the next she's running away from you!" He glares at me before running to follow her.
I run upstairs into my room and haul myself into bed, facing the wall. What happened? Was it me? Why am I such a fuck-up? The door opens and I turn over to see Jack getting in beside me. I know he's not going to move so I sigh and cuddle up to him. He understands and pulls me in closer. Before I have time to resist, I'm asleep.

The next morning I'm making some scrambled eggs when Andy comes up behind and hugs me.
"Hey Fovvs, you want some?" I guess it's better to get on with the day instead of sulking.
"Nah it's alright, thanks though. I'm going to see Hannah."
"Did you catch up with her yesterday? I'd ask to come with but I doubt she'll want to see me."
" I did not. And to be honest, probably not. Don't worry I'll sort it. Sorry Brook, mate."
"Don't worry. I understand." I sigh. "Do you have her Instagram? Maybe I could DM her later?"
he nods and sends it over to me as he exits, leaving me to start eating my eggs in silence. I pull up my Instagram and request to follow her. I have nothing else to do today so as soon as I put my plate in the dishwasher, I call to the others asking who would go to the gym with me. I get two yes's and I go and collect my gym gear. Jack and Sonny come out with their gym stuff as I start to head towards the door.

An hour and a half later, and we're just about ready to leave. In the changing rooms, Jack saunters up to me and hugs me.
"What was that for? Not that I don't appreciate it."
"Just thought you could do with some love. So, anyway, are you into Hannah?"
"I knew you wanted something out of me."
"How could you think that? Just casual conversation innit." He smirks.
"Well she's very pretty, and she seems lovely but we haven't really had had a proper conversation. And anyway, she wouldn't like me back even if I did like her. Both times I've been with her, she's ended up being pissed at me. I can see why though, just look at me!"
"Hey, no stop being so hard on yourself. You don't get to do that. She'll come around, she just doesn't know you properly. Maybe you should ask her for a coffee or something? Get to know her a bit more."
"Yeh maybe I-" I'm interrupted by my phone buzzing.

HannahRs_ accepted your follow request.
HannahRs_ started following you.
HannahRs_ sent you a message.

Jack peers at my phone from over my shoulder. Which I suppose isn't too hard for him to do anyway, given the height difference.
"Who is that? Better have a good excuse for interrupting us."
"Umm, Hannah"
"Ooh speak of the devil. What's she saying?"
"What's who saying?" Sonny walks over with a towel around his waist, still dripping from the shower.
"Err, Hannah. She's asking to meet me tomorrow."

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