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Chapter Text

She knew she should have been listening to Mrs. Rice talk about the themes hidden inside Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. She knew that if she was too distracted, she might have to hunt someone down for the notes took during the Shakespeare loving English teacher of hers if she did not listen. Unfortunately, Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers were not as intriguing as a pair of could be lovers.

Kaitlyn turned to her left where her sarcastic, radio voice friend Dylan Lenivy sat ogling North Kill High's personal handsome loner Ryan Erzahler. Dylan should be grateful that Mrs. Rice had assigned Ryan to sit up front so he could continue his staring sessions during class. Dylan might think the stares were one-sided, but Kaitlyn could swear on her life that she has seen Ryan look back when Dylan was not looking.

Ryan was determined to listen to everything Mrs. Rice said during her lectures. Kaitlyn knew he was a good student and always strived for good grades. It was not like everyone flunked the class, but Kaitlyn could tell there was something different about Ryan when he attended his classes. It appeared that he was giving the lecture his all because he had to. Kaitlyn never caught him glancing at anything else but the teacher or whiteboard.

However, there were those moments when those dark eyes landed towards Dylan's direction. Kaitlyn would think perhaps Ryan might feel the same, but she could not be a hundred percent certain.

She wanted to hope that Dylan's love was not unrequited. Kaitlyn wanted to think of Ryan and Dylan one day becoming a couple, but she also knew to be realistic. She knew Dylan has had a history of crushing on straight guys or guys who gave him the wrong signals. Kaitlyn did not want her friend making the same mistake again. She knew how much it hurt Dylan ever time. She also knew how much Dylan wanted to find that romance everyone wanted so badly. Well, maybe not her, but most people.

Ryan might like Dylan back, but Kaitlyn could not just accept that. She wanted to know for sure her friend had a chance. She could easily tell him, "Take a chance, Dylan. Who knows? You won't know unless you ask," but she had done that in the past. It was no one's fault that Dylan kept getting rejected, but Kaitlyn was tired of seeing her friend end up in heartbreak when he tried to take a chance.

"Just take a picture. It'll last longer." Kaitlyn commented, nudging Dylan who flinched in surprise. She was officially not listening to Mrs. Rice.

Dylan scoffed. "Sure thing. I'll take out my phone, take a picture, get caught and Mrs. Rice will have me sent to the principal's office because I'm showing stalker behavior." Kaitlyn rolled her eyes at the sarcasm. She could always trust Dylan to be a drama queen.

She could have listened to Laura Kearney give her answer to Mrs. Rice's question, but she was too invested in talking to Dylan now when she should have been paying attention. She would be lucky to not get them both in detention. "What's the plan after school?"

"My mom is leaving town for a business trip, so Mittens and I have the house to ourselves." Dylan took out his phone from his pocket and eyed his home screen which was a photo of a black cat with white paws wearing a sunflower hat.

Kaitlyn smiled at the picture. Her parents insisted pets were a hassle to take care of. They had kids so what was the point of bringing animals in the house was her parents' view on pets. Even though she had asked for a dog when she was little, they never felt like getting a family pet. Kaitlyn burst into joy when meeting Mittens, the memory of asking for a pet long ago coming back to her. Dylan pretended to be jealous, but he was happy he was not the only one giving his cat attention.

"You both gonna party while she's gone?" Kaitlyn had been influenced by her childhood friend and popular boy Jacob Custos to throw a party the first time her parents let her stay at home by herself. She convinced her older sister Karly to keep her mouth shut when she came home to find the house littered with red cups and people passed out everywhere. It was the last party Kaitlyn ever threw.

"Oh yeah." Dylan agreed, opening up his Spotify app. "I'm gonna blast the speakers with my awesome jams until the people in the other town can hear. Party for two only."

Kaitlyn eyed Ryan who was writing something down. "Uh huh, you'd be letting someone else in if he happened to want to come to this party of yours."

Dylan blushed, knowing who she was talking about. He looked back at his many playlists. "Well, that's if he'd wanna come."

Kaitlyn would be hopeful again and hope Ryan would want to come to a party where Dylan was, but she also doubted Ryan was the party type. She was making assumptions, but Ryan did keep to himself. The only person she saw him talking to the most was Kaylee Hackett or Laura Kearney. She had overheard someone think Ryan might have a crush on either girl, but rumors were just rumors. You could not believe everything you hear when it came to high school rumors.

She could still remember the rumors of Jacob and she were in a secret relationship. Kaitlyn wished she knew what idiot had started that rumor, but that's all it was. One lousy rumor people took the time to listen and believe in.

It was decided.

She was going to get to the bottom of it. Could Ryan have feelings for Dylan? She would figure it out. Kaitlyn doubted straightforwardly asking Ryan would be a no-go. They were not exactly buddies (unlike Dylan and she) so it was not like he would just tell her a secret he might want to keep to himself.

Nah, this would require her to get creative.

Who could she possibly ask for some help?

"Class dismissed!" Mrs. Rice announced as the bell rang as the class period had come to an end. Kaitlyn sighed and began putting away her stuff in her backpack, Dylan doing the same.

Kaitlyn eyed her copy of Romeo and Juliet on her desk. She was too busy talking to Dylan to listen to Mrs. Rice. She turned to her right where Abigail Blyg was putting away her sketchbook and notebook. Although lost in her own sketches, Kaitlyn knew Abigail had listened to the last few things that had come out of Mrs. Rice's mouth.

"Hey Abi," she grabbed the artistic girl's attention. "Do you mind if I copy your notes? I was uhm. . . talking with Dylan about something important." To everyone else they would disagree, but Kaitlyn believed this was essential for Dylan.

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "Is talking about Dylan's crush on Ryan important?" Kaitlyn knew that Dylan's crush was obvious, so it was not shock she had a clue. She probably caught Dylan staring at Ryan during English a bunch of times too.

"It is." Kaitlyn said seriously.

Abigail was lost in thought for a moment, probably contemplating if it was important enough to risk their grades. She chuckled right after, taking her notebook and handing it to Kaitlyn. "Here."

"You're a life savior!" Kaitlyn complimented Abigail, taking the notebook and holding it tightly. "I'll make sure to deliver this to you before school is done."

Dylan tapped on Kaitlyn's shoulder. "I'm heading off to my college science class. I'll see you at lunch."

"See ya, Dyl." Kaitlyn nodded at him, watching him leave the room. She eyed Abigail. "Come on, Abi." They both shared a few classes together such as chemistry which was next.

While they were making their way into the hallway, Abigail followed her to her locker. Kaitlyn grabbed her chemistry textbook out of her locker and threw it in her bag.

"So. . ." Abigail began, eyeing the left and right before stopping at Kaitlyn. "Who do you think is going to make the first move?"

"Between Ryan and Dylan?" Kaitlyn asked. She thought for a moment but knew her answer. Dylan was too afraid of being rejected and Ryan likely felt too awkward to make a move. "My bet is on neither."

Abigail pouted. "Well, then how are they supposed to go out? Isn't that the goal here?"

"It is. . ." Kaitlyn paused. With these two it was going to be easier said than done. She sighed deeply. "It won't be like Nick and you where a truth and dare kissed lit the spark you two needed."

Abigail blushed at the mention of her boyfriend. Kaitlyn remembered Abigail being like Dylan - staring at her own crush like he was a masterpiece. Kaitlyn wished someone would have planned for Nick to come into the art class as a nude model for the students to draw. It would have been interesting to see Abigail's reaction to that. Her face would have been as red as a tomato.

Everyone knew about how Abigail began dating Nick Furcillo, another popular boy and a friend of Jacob's. It was all streamed live, that was why. Popular girl and vlogger Emma Mountebank (Abigail's best friend too), set up a truth and dare stream with Jacob, Nick and Abigail. Emma and Jacob had their own thing going on that had ended (Kaitlyn had heard all about it from her dear childhood friend). One of her followers dared Emma to kiss Nick or Jacob. Jacob and Abigail had been upset that Emma picked Nick, but three days after Abigail and Nick showed up at school hand in hand.

Emma had even uploaded an update to the game where she explained she was not trying to be a bitch about the whole thing, that it was just some dumb dare. She was thrilled to hear that Abigail and Nick were dating too. Kaitlyn supposed she could applaud Emma for getting those two together accidentally since the dare had been made by a follower of hers. Kaitlyn was not sure something like that would work for Dylan and Ryan. Ryan would never let himself be caught on camera, and besides if it was in a game like setting that could be taken as just being "a game."

No, no, Kaitlyn had to do this right. She wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings made between the two. Misunderstandings just made things more difficult.

"Okay well, then what are you going to do about it? It seems like neither of them will." Abigail walked with Kaitlyn once she started walking away from her locker.

Kaitlyn sighed in defeat. "I'm not a hundred percent sure. I can't just ask Ryan if he likes Dylan. If I told him Dylan felt the same, I have a feeling he might not believe me."

"There's always the people he hangs out with. Kaylee Hackett and Laura Kearney, right?" Abigail suggested as they made their way into the half full classroom. "Hold up, didn't someone say that either one of them he might have a crush on long ago?" Ah, so Abigail remembered that rumor too.

Kaitlyn shrugged, flipping to the page in her chemistry textbook that was written on the whiteboard. "I mean yeah, but rumors are just rumors. It's not like Ryan has ever been seen being affectionate borderline dating with either of them."

Abigail nodded. "You're not wrong, but some people might not think Ryan as an affectionate type of guy to begin with. He could always be affectionate with either of them outside of school. Then again, we're not experts on Ryan, so. . . I don't even know how he would be with his boyfriend or girlfriend for that matter."

Kaitlyn could admit that Abigail was bringing up good points about Ryan. It was just a big reminder that there was little to nothing that she knew about the loner. She knew he liked to work as a counselor at Hackett's Quarry and according to Abigail, he had a great interesting in drawing too, but their artistic styles were different. Abigail was the type to paint and draw on paper whereas Ryan liked to draw on the computers to create an animation of some sort.

She thought of asking Dylan why she liked Ryan again. All she really knew about him other than what Abigail told him was that he was a loner that kept his earbuds on whenever he was not in class making it hard to approach him sometimes. She would have to ask Dylan later. If Laura and Kaylee were the only ones who talked to Dylan, they might not exactly tell her anything about Ryan.

This was not going to be easy, but she had predicted it would be a challenge.

If she could not seek answers through Kaylee or Laura, maybe there was someone else. Abigail shared an elective class with Ryan. Thankfully, their chemistry teacher Mr. Banks had not come in yet. Kaitlyn turned directly to Abigail. "Abi, maybe you can do me a favor."

Abigail was taking out her sketchbook for a moment since there was still no teacher inside. "I don't doubt this has to do with Ryan."

"You're right." Kaitlyn was almost certain Abigail would agree to what she was going to ask her. Abigail liked Dylan even though they might not hang out every single day. Abigail could comprehend Dylan's pining over a crush too. "I was wondering since you share art class with Ryan, maybe you can ask him some things."

"What type of things?"

Kaitlyn thought for a moment. She wanted to gain answers from Ryan, but she did not want him to get too annoyed with Abigail since this was going to be slightly prying. "Maybe you can somehow ask him if he is seeing someone." This would debunk the rumors of him likely dating Kaylee or Laura. Then again, there was a fifty-fifty chance that Ryan would just keep that information to himself.

"Oh." Abigail was a bit thrown off by the question. It was a personal question, but she must have been expecting a question that would not require a yes or no. "But he might not be telling the truth about it."

"Correct, but. . ." Kaitlyn thought for a moment. Sure, she could trust whatever Ryan's answer is, but it would almost feel like a waste to just ask that. It almost felt like something anyone could ask him, if he answered of course. She thought of the staring Ryan had done in English class. He would know Abigail was in the same class and her desk was not far from Dylan's. "Maybe bring up the fact that you've caught him looking at Dylan."

Abigail tilted her head. "What do you think he's going to say about that?"

"Just observe him when he answers. Notice how he answers and any behavior he shows. If he seems nervous when he answers, he's hiding something." Kaitlyn informed with a large grin. She shut her mouth when an old man with big glasses came in and closed the door.

She was excited to see how her little plan went.

Chapter Text

With intrigue, she observed during lunch. Her lunch tray laid to the left of her sketchbook which was sitting in front of her. She used to sit alone during lunch, but ever since becoming friends with Emma Mountebank, she always had someone to sit next to during lunch. Sure, Emma babbled about her channel and lovely followers, but it was nice having a friend to sit with. Then came Nick, and he was friends with Jacob.

Regardless of their relationship ending, Emma did not oppose to Jacob sitting with them. Abigail believed that she deeply supported her relationship with Nick and knew Nick and Jacob were friends, so it made sense for Jacob to sit with them. Today's lunch felt typical. Nick and Jacob ranting about sports while Emma was filming herself again even though the cafeteria was always loud.

She would have been continuing her latest sketch, but she was curious. The next table in front sat Kaitlyn and Dylan. Abigail liked both of them. She would have to invite them over to the table. This time around, Abigail was looking at a table a few tables away. Ryan was sitting at one of the tables with Kaylee and Laura. The three seemed to be in a deep conversation, but Ryan's eyes would ever so often make their way towards Dylan.

Well, Dylan and Kaitlyn's table. Since Dylan and Kaitlyn were sitting on the same side with their backs facing Ryan, Abigail was not certain who he was staring at. She wondered if there was a possibility Ryan could have a thing for Kaitlyn. Would she pursue a relationship with him even though Dylan was the one who had a crush on him? Abigail was hoping that did not end up being the situation.

"Abi?" Abigail snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her right where Nick was sitting. He looked concerned, clearly seeing that she was distracted by something. "Are you okay?"

Abigail nodded, smiling sweetly at her boyfriend. "Yeah, I'm fine." The unconvinced look on Nick's face almost made her feel bad. There was nothing for him to worry about. "I swear, Nick, I'm okay."

Not looking away from her phone, Emma asked. "Why were you looking at Ryan Erzahler?"

"Loner Ryan?" Jacob chimed in.

Nick ignored Emma and Jacob, his attention on his girlfriend. "You were staring at Ryan?"

Abigail considered just telling them right then and there. Surely, they would not tell, right? She bit down on her lip, debating to tell them or not. Nick might continue to worry especially after Emma's observation.

"I noticed he was staring." Abigail admitted.

"At you?" Nick asked.

Abigail shook her head. "Oh no, not me!" She leaned a little close to the table to not be too loud. "He was staring at Dylan and Kaitlyn's table." With that, she received three knowing looks.

"Which one out of them pissed him off? I'm guessing Kaitlyn!" Jacob thought aloud.

Emma groaned in annoyance. "Use your thinking cap, Jacob." She set her phone down, grinning at Abigail. "Ryan is likely eyeing something he likes."

"The question is who." Nick interjected. Jacob ooh-ed in realization.

"I don't have a clue who, but I've noticed during English he does stare at Dylan." Abigail had seen it on various occasions during class. She knew he was not staring at Kaitlyn.

Nick hummed. "Well, that answers the question of who then."

"Not necessarily." Emma added. She pulled out a small hand mirror from her backpack and a stick of lip gloss. "You won't know unless you ask," she said, applying the lip gloss to her lips.

That was exactly what she was going to do.

Nick glanced at Emma and then to his girlfriend. "You're not matchmaking are you, Abi?" He had a small grin on his face as he said this. Abigail would agree with him that she would not be expecting to be bringing two people close together.

"Not necessarily." Emma shot her a grin when she used her own response. "I'm actually helping Kaitlyn matchmake."

Jacob tilted his head in interest. "Kaitlyn is doing the matchmaking?"

"Kaitlyn should leave the matchmaking to me. I am the one who has helped set up a couple." Emma said, putting away her lip gloss.

Abigail doubted Ryan would appreciate being filmed and dared to kiss someone. "I don't think Ryan would be a fan of your methods, Emma." Emma gasped in fake shock, placing a hand over her chest. Before Abigail could say anything else, the lunch bell rang loudly.

"I'll walk you to class?" Nick suggested. Abigail nodded happily, pecking his cheek before getting out of her seat.

Emma and Jacob left to their classes while Abigail held onto her sketchbook closely. Ever since they became official, Nick always insisted on walking Abigail to a class if he could. Art always made sense since it was near the nutrition class Nick was in.

"What's your latest sketch?" Nick questioned as they made it down the hallway with other boys and girls.

Abigail always liked to keep her sketches a secret. Once they were complete, she was more than happy to show others her work. Even though Nick was her boyfriend, she still liked to keep her sketches to herself. He even knew about that too.

"I've actually started taking drawing commissions." Emma was the one who had suggested it. Abigail was not too sure about it, but many people liked her artistic style and had sent her messages on her socials about commissions.

Nick was thrilled to hear that. "That's great, Abi!" He was always one to support her decisions. Nick knew how much art meant to her. "So, any details you can give me?"

"A girl wanted to a small portrait of her boyfriend and she at a fair together." Since it was a commission and not her own freestyle work, Abigail did not mind giving Nick a bit of information. "She wants to give it to him as a present, I think."

"That's sweet." Nick commented. "Maybe one day you can do one of us together." Abigail blushed at the thought. It would be super romantic. She would definitely think about it.

Finally, they were in front of the art class. Mrs. Tate, the art teacher, was talking to a student while others were pouring into the classroom.

"I'll see you afterwards." Abigail turned to kiss Nick on the lips.

Nick smiled. "Good luck, assistant to the matchmaker," he said with a small wink before walking away from the classroom.

Abigail crossed her fingers as she entered the classroom. Mrs. Tate did not assign seats, but she did make it a rule that the seats chosen by the students the first day were their official seats. Lucky for her, Ryan sat right next to her on the right. She took her seat at her desk as she waited for Ryan to make his appearance. Like expected, the brooding teen entered the class with his earbuds still in his ears. She sent him a smile as he sat next to her. He smiled back at her.

They were not best friends. She was not close like how Ryan was close with Kaylee and Laura, that was for certain, but they were good acquaintances, Abigail would say. Since they were next to each other, they would chit chat here and there. Ryan would listen to whatever played on his phone if he could, Abigail knew. Mrs. Tate did not mind students conversing with each other, but phones were a big no. She thought phones were just a distraction whereas conversations with others could inspire them.

"Okay class, today we are going to be working on our sketchbook sketches. We'll continue with our leaf sketches and tomorrow, we'll be painting them on canvases." Mrs. Tate explained.

Although she had her own sketchbook, Mrs. Tate insisted having one specifically for school to start putting their portfolios together. Abigail swapped out her sketchbook, noticing Ryan was doing the exact same. She flipped to the page where a basic sketching of a maple leaf was. She took her charcoal pencil and began sketching. At the corner of her eye, she could see Ryan was sketching a rowan leaf.

"Your rowan leaf is looking good!" Abigail complimented Ryan. She was being genuine about it, but she did need to begin a conversation with him.

Ryan did not smile often. Most of the time everyone was used to the stoic expression on his face, but there were instances when you could catch a small smile from him. "Thank you," he said. His dark eyes glanced at Abigail's sketchbook. "Your maple leaf is looking good too, Abi. What can't you draw?"

Abigail blushed at the compliment. She was sometimes caught off guard when someone applauded her art. "Thanks, Ryan. I'd say people, but that's just because I had been drawing nature and animals for a little that when I went back to people, I was a little rusty."

"I always remember your sketchbook being full of people sketches. Why did you take a break from it?" Mrs. Tate had asked all of them to show their best sketches and what they drew often. Abigail loved drawing people especially when they were doing something. She liked capturing the particular facial expressions on their faces as they teared up at a sad movie or their eyes sparkled at seeing something they cherished deeply.

"Well, I've been taking drawing commissions. Only one person has asked for people in their drawing so far, but I've just started doing commissions, so, I think slowly people will ask for other things too." Abigail explained. She had enjoyed drawing pets for people. She recalled squealing at the cute pictures she had been sent.

"Wow, Abi." Ryan seemed impressed by her response. He added something to his sketch, "You're going to get a lot of people wanting drawings, Abi. You're a great artist."

Abigail would have thanked him again, but speaking of her commissions, this was the great way to transition the conversation. "A girl asked for a portrait of her boyfriend and she at the fair. That's so romantic, isn't it?" She added a bit more to her sketch, watching Ryan's reaction.

Ryan simply nodded in agreement. There was no smile on his face, but Abigail could see a yearning glint in his dark eyes. He agreed that the idea was romantic, but his lack of smile and longing look could mean he felt a pinch of devastation for wanting someone he might not have, such as a relationship.

"You going to do one of Nick and you?" Abigail was thrown off by the out of the blue question. There was the smallest hint of a smirk on Ryan's face when he asked. Abigail was thankful his mood was not completely dampened by the topic.

"Maybe." Abigail liked the idea of it. There were so many pictures of Nick and she that she could make into a portrait. It might be a nice anniversary gift, but they were nowhere near such a milestone yet. She found another opportunity to gain answers from Ryan. "If you'd like, I can do something similar of your special person and you?"

Ryan stopped sketching. He was biting his bottom lip as he kept his charcoal pencil in his hand, turning to Abigail. "Ah, I don't think that'd be necessary, Abi. But thank you for the offer."

The answer was a little too vague for Abigail's liking. There had to be a definite answer she could deliver to Kaitlyn. "Oh, of course." She was quiet as Ryan went back to his sketching. "I get it. It must not be their type of thing, right? I think promise rings are so romantic, but Emma said that it was all too much to make such a promise to someone especially when you're so-"

"I-it's not that." Ryan interrupted. Abigail stopped talking, not offended that he had interjected. This would just help in the long run. He opened his mouth just to close it. Abigail patiently waited for Ryan to find the right words. "It's just. . . there's no one, that's all."

Bingo.

Ryan was a single guy.

The stoic expression returned to Ryan's face, making Abigail feel slightly bad. "Hey, you're going to find the right person one day, Ryan. We all will." She remembered before meeting Nick how she was stuck in downer world where she thought that she might never find the one for her. Even now, maybe she was still young, but she did love Nick. She enjoyed being with him and she hoped they would stay together forever. "Who knows? They might not be too far than you think. It could be someone you know you. . . stare at during class."

Ryan dropped his charcoal pencil on his desk. Abigail was watching closely. He had not been expecting that. "Uh. . . I don't know what you're talking about, Abi." There was the denial. Abigail grinned as Ryan grabbed his charcoal pencil and went back to sketching.

"Look, I'm not insinuating anything, but I have noticed things in English class." Abigail began innocently. She would not say her assumptions aloud, she knew that would likely make Ryan irritated. "I just want to make sure Dylan didn't do anything wrong. There are a ton of reasons to stare at someone during class. Maybe they said something, maybe you like their hair or you notice they have a band tee of the same band you listen to-"

"He didn't do anything wrong." Ryan interjected again. At least she could cross of all the other reasons off her list for why Ryan stared back at Dylan. "You know, I'm not the only one who does the staring."

Abigail froze. So, Ryan noticed Dylan's staring.

With that, Ryan went back to his sketching and the topic was dropped.

Abigail was glad that she had some information to give back to Kaitlyn.

◇ ◇ ◇

While Mittens was playing with a little mouse toy, Kaitlyn was jotting down the notes she had taken pictures of on her phone and sent to her email. "He's single? Great!" Abigail was on the other line as she was at home probably working on one of her amazing sketches. Kaitlyn promised to go home with Dylan so she could not stay and listen to the information Abigail had for her, but she had given her back her English notes.

"That's not it, Kaitlyn." Abigail said on the other line. Kaitlyn erased a small spelling mistake she made as she listened to the other girl. "He knows Dylan stares at him."

Kaitlyn cackled loudly, not caring if even Dylan heard her. "I think even Mrs. Rice knows that to be honest." She recalled she advised Abigail to ask her about Ryan staring at Dylan too. "What did he say when you mentioned you caught him staring at Dylan?"

"He wasn't expecting it. Not only that, but he denied it too. He said he didn't know what I was talking about. He said it's not because Dylan did anything wrong to him or something. He then brought up that he knows he's not the only one who does the staring which he obviously was referring to Dylan." Abigail elaborated.

Interesting. It seemed like Ryan did not have a problem with Dylan staring at him because he would end up doing the exact same. "Thanks, Abi. You really did take one for the team. I owe you one."

"No problem. I am actually kind of hoping they get together. When Ryan was telling me that he's basically single, he had this longing look in his eyes."

Kaitlyn sighed. "Both these boys need each other, that's for certain. Thanks again, Abi," she said before hanging up.

Dylan came back downstairs with his phone in his left hand. "The pizza has been called," he dangled three movies in his right hand, he continued, "and three classic horror movies. Psycho, Rosemary's Baby and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Pick your poison."

"I'd want to watch all of Freddy Krueger's movies, so serial killer hotel owner or the devil's spawn it is." Kaitlyn set her phone down and jotted down the last of Abigail's notes in her notebook.

"You could always stay over, and we can binge the whole movie franchise." Dylan suggested, walking near the TV to pop one of the movies into the DVD player.

Though the idea was tempting, she was expected at home. "I'd love to, but my parents have me on a curfew ever since he snuck out to that concert last month."

"Best decision we ever made as a team." Dylan set the other two movies down and sat down on the couch to add Kaitlyn's new notes to his notebook. "I'll have to thank Abi for this. I shouldn't have gotten so distracted."

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and teasingly nudged him. "Ah don't beat yourself up! When you're in love you don't think straight."

"Cause I'm not." Dylan joked.

Damn right you're not, Kaitlyn thought while chuckling softly. She debated if she should tell Dylan about her plan. Would he agree with it? Part of her believed he would be kind and considerate and tell her to just leave Ryan alone. Even a part of her thought so too, but it's not like Dylan and Ryan would tell each other they felt something towards each other.

Kaitlyn liked to think she was doing a favor for the both of them. "Hey so, not to change the subject but, speaking of you not being straight. . . What do you see in Ryan?"

"Why are you asking?" Dylan asked with a grin as he wrote down the notes in his notebook.

Kaitlyn shrugged. "Honestly, I never thought for a second why you liked him. Yeah, he's hot, but you don't fall for just hot guys. Most of your crushes you liked them for another reason except their hotness."

"Thankfully you've noticed my pattern." Dylan teased. Yes, Dylan's pattern was not being a shallow dude. "Uhm, I kind of like that he lives in his own world. It leaves a bit of mystery to him."

"Alluring is your turn on, I see." Kaitlyn said.

Dylan scoffed. "Yeah sure." He erased something of his notes before continuing. "I know there's more to him than what he shows everyone. He's more than the hot, brooding loner that keeps his earbuds on the time."

"Still theorizing what it is he keeps listening to." Kaitlyn added. She put a finger on her chin. "You think he listens to emo and heavy metal? It'd fit his personality."

"Emo or not, there's more. You probably don't know this, but remember how we were both busy last summer?" Kaitlyn nodded. Her family had taken a trip to California for the summer to visit family. "Well, my mom encouraged me to be a camp counselor for that camp at that quarry?"

Kaitlyn snapped her fingers when she recalled the name. "Hackett's Quarry!"

"That's the one." Dylan agreed. He handed Kaitlyn her notebook. "Anyway, Ryan is a normal counselor over there. I got to see a different side of him. He's a sailing instructor, you know? It was sweet seeing him interact with all the kids. He was also always talking to the owner, Chris Hackett. . . He's really close to the Hackett's. Like family. There's more to him than meets the eye. I'd like to get to know more about him. That's not something a small hookup would do. I want a relationship. Maybe I should have become his friend first."

Kaitlyn was smiling during Dylan's story. It was sweet hearing how her friend's crush started. Luckily Dylan did not just like Ryan for his looks. She knew Dylan wanted a relationship and it was all in just finding the right person.

Perhaps Ryan would be the right person.

"Better love story than Romeo and Juliet." Kaitlyn commented as she gestured at her notebook.

"I know right? At least Ryan and I aren't gonna kill each other after getting married. To hell with everyone! We'll just run away." Dylan said with a wide grin.

Kaitlyn raised her hand. "Can I officiate the marriage?"

"Sure! You can be our Friar Lawrence." Dylan agreed.

Kaitlyn bowed her head proudly. "All we need is your Romeo." Challenge accepted, Kaitlyn thought.

She was going to figure out whether Ryan's heart was beating for Dylan like his was for him.

Chapter Text

It was not hard to find the handsome loner she was supposed to talk to. They both happened to be in the same film studies elective. Their teacher, Mr. Bailey, would have had them watch a movie and have a worksheet on it, but he was taking a few days off since his wife had given birth to their baby. The substitute teacher, Mrs. Strickland was having them work on their textbook work in or outside of the classroom as long as they were working.

Since the classroom was not in the main school building, there were trees and tables outside. Emma had taken out her work and caught Ryan taking his work outside, his earbuds in his ears as he left the room. Emma knew this was the perfect time. She grabbed her stuff and exited the classroom.

Like she expected, Ryan was sitting down all by himself at one of the tables underneath a tree. There was no one else outside since it was pretty warm. There was a small breeze in the atmosphere, and it was enough for Ryan. She believed he just wanted to be by himself listening to his tunes while working. Emma almost wanted to ask what it was he listened to until she recalled that was not the conversation, she was supposed to have with him.

Emma sat down in front of Ryan, making the boy look up in surprise from his work. He was not expecting anyone to come sit with him, let alone Emma. He took out his right earbud. "Uh, hi. . ."

She smiled brightly, showing off her white teeth. "Hi Ryan! How are you?" Emma had no practice in conversing with North Kill's brooding loner, but there was always a first time for everything. She had nothing against Ryan.

"G-good." Ryan responded weakly. He was about to put his right earbud back in his ear when Emma stopped him.

"So, what did you think about this class? Personally, I wish there was the technical side of film making rather than going through all the terms for acting." Emma even skimmed through the little section she was supposed to be reading in her textbook.

Ryan shrugged. "I don't want to be a director or make videos, so I guess neither make sense to me."

Emma wondered if the make videos was a reference to her channel. "Well, what do you want to do? If it's not making movies. Did they just put you in this class?"

"Basically." Ryan said. He was about to put his earbud back in when he noticed Emma was studying him. There was something she wanted to ask. "Not that I'm not a fan of our nonexistent talks, but uhm, is there something you wanted, Emma?"

At least Ryan did not beat around the bush, Emma thought. She figured it would feel odd to Ryan that she, someone who had never interacted with him, would be talking to him. She would have to just put it out there on why she wanted to talk to him.

"Look, I'm going to upfront with you because I don't want you to think I'm lying. When it comes to things like this, I don't joke." Emma warned.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Things like this? What kind of things?"

"I'm getting there!" Emma exclaimed. She was planning to make sure everything was discreet. Ryan's sexuality would be kept secret just like Dylan's identity. "My friend likes you a lot, Ryan."

Ryan narrowed his eyes at her. "You're matchmaking again?"

"I'm helping, that's all I'll say. Anyway, you don't need to tell me how personal this information is that I'm seeking." Emma frowned when she saw Ryan's face contort to confusion. She would be surprised if he would tell her his sexuality right away. "You see, I don't want to give this friend of mine false hope."

"Why isn't this friend of yours asking me?" Ryan queried.

Not everyone was willing to go up to their crush and make a move, but Emma knew that was partially the problem. "Look, my friend has faced rejection in the past. They don't want to ask you because. . . I want them to know if they should even try to risk it. I don't want them to feel that pain again. At least with your answer, I can tell them to look elsewhere."

Ryan removed his other earbud and set it down on his notebook. "What is it you wanted to ask me?"

Emma bit down on her bottom lip. There was no point in wasting time now when she has already gotten this far. Time to rip it off like a Band-Aid. "Your sexuality."

Ryan tilted his head, an offended look on his face. "What the fuck?"

"I know that's a personal question, Ryan. Trust me, you don't need to tell me. You don't even need to tell me your sexuality. Just tell me if you're straight or not. That's all." Emma hoped she did not sound like she was downplaying anything. She knew information like this was sometimes something someone would want to keep close to their heart. Emma did not want to out Ryan.

Ryan got up from his seat. "How am I supposed to know your friend and you aren't playing some trick? Some stupid game that you'll just rant about on your channel?"

"I'm not a bully, Ryan." Emma said sternly. She knew people mistook her as one because she happened to be a confident popular girl, but that was it. "I wouldn't hurt you like that."

"Didn't you kiss Nick, your best friend's crush in front of all your fans?" Ryan said bitterly. Emma would be lying if she said she did not feel that sting.

Emma sighed in defeat. "This isn't about me, Ryan. This is no joke either. Someone likes you and they're scared of being rejected after being rejected for so long. I want to let them know if they should be hopeful or not. I think they deserve to know."

"Don't want to give them false hope?" Ryan asked.

"Yes. I understand what that feels like. When you have deep feelings for that person, and sometimes you give yourself false hope that. . . that they'll magically feel the same for you." Emma was looking away from Ryan. Her eyes were glued to the table. "I did it to myself. . . It sucks when you give yourself the false hope when it was right in front of you."

Ryan was listening intently to Emma. "What do you mean, Emma?"

Emma kept her eyes on the table. She was wondering if she should just be honest with him too. She had accepted a part of herself she had kept locked away for some time. So, what if Ryan knew too? The only one who knew was her best friend. It had been hard enough to tell Abigail, but it needed to be done.

She could understand having false hope. She had done it to herself. It was sweet that Kaitlyn was going through all this trouble to figure out whether or not Dylan had a chance with Ryan. Emma also wondered if Kaitlyn would tell Dylan.

Emma believed she could trust Ryan. She supposed trust went two ways.

"I'm bisexual, Ryan." Emma announced softly, her eyes on him. "It took me time to accept it completely. I thought I could just wish it away. It got worse when I realized I was in love with my best friend."

Ryan's eyes widened. "Abi. . ."

Emma nodded. "I knew she was straight, but I couldn't get the idea of us out of my head. I pretended to be straight like her, but in secret I fantasized about her being with me. It felt so wrong, but so right. Then Nick arrived. And I was a goner. The fling with Jacob seemed easier than thinking about Abi pining over Nick. Not long after, Jacob and I were over, and I planned that truth or dare game. I wasn't really thinking."

"Why did you pick Nick?" Ryan asked. "I always thought you did it to nudge them towards each other."

Emma looked ashamed as she sighed deeply. "I was jealous. I wanted her to stop looking at Nick when I wished she was looking at me. I know she'd be mad at me, but I also thought she'd stay away from Nick. Afterwards, I didn't feel good about it. I regretted it instantly."

Ryan shook his head in disbelief. "Everyone thought. . . Everyone thinks you did it for a different reason."

"I was in love with my friend, and I wanted to ruin her shot with Nick so she wouldn't be with him. But what sense did that make?" Emma chuckled humorlessly. "She'd hate me, and she would still like boys. I'd lose her no matter what."

Ryan turned to face Emma. "Not long after there was the update video you made." He remembered it had been talked about in school. Everyone thought there would be a heap of drama between Abigail, Nick and Emma.

"I'd rather have her in my life as my friend than lose her forever because I had feelings for her. After keeping the secret to myself for so long, I told her. Told her I liked boys and girls. Told her I was with Jacob to mainly not think about someone I could not have. Told her I loved her, but that I didn't want to lose her no matter what." Emma explained.

"She's your best friend." Ryan remarked.

"Exactly. She's been there for me, and I've been there for her. No matter what I'd like that to continue." Emma blinked away her teary eyes. She cleared her throat. "I knew I had no chance with Abi, even though I did what I did. I gave myself false hope when I knew the truth. I don't want to give my other friend false hope."

Ryan tapped the pencil in his hand on the table lightly. "So, you came to ask me for my sexuality and then?"

"You don't even need to tell me what you are specifically, Ryan. Just tell me if you're straight or not. If you are, cool, and if you're not, cool too! It just hurts being rejected constantly. I want to let them know whether they should forget it or cling onto that hope."

Emma watched as Ryan took a moment to think deeply. She knew this was a big moment. She was glad that Kaitlyn was not asking for specifics. A yes or no would suffice. She knew none of them would want to out Ryan if he was not ready.

"I'm not. . . straight." Ryan answered, his eyes glued to the table.

There you go. The answer that they needed they now had. Emma nodded her head, a satisfied smile on her face. Kaitlyn would be happy to hear about this.

Did Dylan even know what Kaitlyn was doing behind his back? Would he let her if he knew?

Emma gently placed a hand on Ryan's shoulder. "You know, you deserve to be happy with someone you love and someone who loves you, Ryan. If it's not this friend of mine, that's fine. You both deserve love and happiness."

"Thanks Emma." Ryan thanked her. "So, once your friend of yours knows, what then?"

The bell rang loudly. She grabbed her stuff and rose from her seat. Emma smiled. "I guess that's for the both of you to find out," she said before walking away from the table.

"He's not straight." Emma began the conversation as she sat in the abandoned room that used to belong to the chess club. There had not been a chess club at North Kill High since 2010. The room was just used for storage and for students who decided to just hang out in there.

No one else was in the room so it made perfect sense to use it. Kaitlyn told Emma that she could tell her in the former chess club room. She double-checked the room just to be certain no one else was in the room. Kaitlyn did not need some random person knowing any of the personal information that was going to be talked about.

"Oh." Kaitlyn was hoping for Emma to give her a hopeful answer, but now hearing it was something else. Clearly, Ryan had an interest in guys. Even if he did, there was still that risk that he might not find Dylan attractive. Kaitlyn tried not to think of that possibility. "Good for him," she said sincerely.

"Do you think he might like Dylan?" Emma asked inquisitively.

"I think there's a chance. My only real clue is the fact that he stares at Dylan during English." Kaitlyn said. It was a small clue because there was a possibility that Ryan was staring at Dylan for a different reason, she supposed. She still thought that was a possible sign of him liking Dylan.

"Abi told me she caught him staring again during lunch."

Kaitlyn's eyebrows raised. "What? When was this?"

Emma took her phone from her pocket. "It was the day you had her go talk to Ryan. She caught him staring at your table. She wasn't sure who he was staring at, but since he stares at Dylan, I think he might have been staring at him."

"Holy shit." Kaitlyn whispered. She believed Emma. There goes Ryan staring again. "I feel like I've been given more hope that he likes Dylan."

"Still, you won't know until someone asks him." Emma reminded Kaitlyn. "Maybe that's something that has to happen soon."

Kaitlyn supposed Emma was right. Even once she had all this information, it would be up to someone to ask Ryan if he was interested in Dylan.

She was going to keep hoping Ryan did like Dylan.

Chapter Text

"How's the matchmaking going?" Kaitlyn snapped her head up when she saw Jacob hovering over her with a football clutched in his hands.

Kaitlyn remembered Abigail telling her that she had let Jacob and Nick also in on her plan. She did not mind them knowing. Both guys were kind enough to go seek out more answers before trying to approach Ryan.

"I'm still trying to collect necessary data." Kaitlyn answered.

Ryan was not straight which meant he could be bisexual or gay - either way, it meant he was into guys. Then there was also the fact that he was single too.

Now, did Ryan like Dylan?

Ryan had not given too much to Abigail when he mentioned he knew Dylan stared at him too. There could always be another reason Ryan was staring at Dylan.

Kaitlyn just needed accurate answers.

"I don't know why you don't just go up to the guy and say, 'Hey Dylan thinks you're hot, what do you think about him?' I think that could work." Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. It was no surprise that such an inane plan could be hatched from Jacob's brain.

"That wouldn't work, Jacob. I want to give Dylan a winning chance. Sure, it took some different methods, but I don't want him to face anymore rejection." Kaitlyn explained, jotting down more things in her journal. She kept it with her always, so no one was going to get a peek at what was inside.

"It's sweet that you're being such a good friend." Jacob remarked, taking the seat right next to her. "But what then? What's supposed to happen once you've collected all your data?"

Kaitlyn looked up from her journal, setting her pencil down. "I tell Dylan he has a chance with Ryan. I'm still on the fence on whether or not I should let him know what I've been doing, but I'd tell him to go for it. To make his move."

"And will he?"

"Maybe if he knew he had a shot with Ryan. I think that's what's holding him back from seizing the moment. All he can think about is the thousands of times he's been rejected by guys." Kaitlyn placed her pencil in her pencil pouch and her journal in her backpack.

"And if he's rejected again this time too?" Jacob wondered aloud.

Kaitlyn exhaled. "Then. . . Ryan isn't the one for him. But I want Dylan to go in with some information that'll make his chances better."

"Is there anything I can do to assist?" Jacob offered.

"Nah, you'll probably make things worst." Kaitlyn teased.

Jacob pouted at his childhood friend. "You're mean." He was not giving up so easily. "Come on, Kaitlyn, I can be a big help to your little matchmaking business."

"It's not a business, Jake." Kaitlyn would not dare make this into her thing. "This is a one-time service, and it's not like I'm actually matchmaking them. I'm just collecting helpful information for Dylan."

And with that, the conversation was over. Too bad Kaitlyn did not see the mischievous glint in her childhood friend's eyes.

Kaitlyn did not want him getting involved. Part of him warned him to listen to her, but then there was a bigger part of himself arguing with what Kaitlyn said. Abigail had helped out. Why could he not do the same?

Jacob had an experience with romance. He could so help Dylan with his!

"Hey man." Jacob was changing out of his clothes in the locker room right next to Nick. There were other boys getting undressed or hitting the showers, but Jacob had a plan. "I think we should help Kaitlyn out a bit."

Nick was grabbing his deodorant. "What do you mean?"

Jacob eyed Ryan, who was getting dressed from across of them. "I think we should help in a way as she is matchmaking."

"Uh. . . Is that a good idea?" Nick asked uncertainly. "Did she ask us to help?"

Jacob chuckled. "No. But-but that doesn't mean we can't throw her a bone."

"Are you using that phrase right?" Nick asked.

"Screw that!" Jacob waved his hands dismissively. "Just follow my lead, okay?" He put on his new shirt and closed his locker, making his way over to Ryan.

Nick followed hesitantly, still not convinced about Jacob's idea.

"Hey man!" Jacob greeted Ryan loudly as he patted the boy's shoulder which he jumped at. "It's just me. Don't gotta be scared."

Ryan mumbled. "That depends."

Jacob laughed. "You're a funny guy!" He turned to Nick with a wide smile before looking back to Ryan. "Look, Nick and I were playing this game, okay? If we just happened to be into dudes, who would we think is the hottest."

Ryan tilted his head at Jacob's words. Even Nick was looking at Jacob like he was crazy.

"Are you on drugs?" Ryan questioned Jacob.

"What? No man! This is a serious game. Come on, all guys play this, ain't that right, Nick?" Jacob sat down on the bench that was nearby.

Nick scrunched up his face and crossed his arms unimpressed by Jacob's plan. "Yeah, sure."

"See, told you!" Jacob exclaimed. He clapped his hands. "Okay now Nick said he'd totally pick me. I mean, can you blame him? Look at me." He showed off his left bicep confidently.

Ryan eyed Nick. "I'm guessing your type of guy is meatheads, huh?" Nick could not help but chuckle at that.

"Ay!" Jacob was insulted by that. He cleared his throat, ignoring the grins on Ryan and Nick's faces. "You know who I chose?"

"Who?" Ryan humored the athletic guy.

"Dylan." Jacob said, letting the name linger on his lips.

Ryan sighed softly while it seemed he was lost in thought. No word came out of his mouth though. It was like there was nothing he could say to that. Why though? Jacob watched Ryan, and he hoped Nick was doing the same.

"Great choice, Jacob." Nick commented. "Dylan's got a nice smile. He's got personality too unlike you."

Jacob waved his hand. "Yeah, yeah, I'm a big idiot, huh?" He flipped off Nick before looking back at Ryan. "Now Ryan, me or Dylan?"

Ryan blinked. Jacob nearly triumphed at how surprised the other boy was. "W-what?"

"What do you think about Dylan? I have an idea of what you think of me, but how about Dylan?" Jacob asked. He knew Ryan must have thought he was going to ask who he would prefer.

"Oh!" Ryan rubbed at the back of his neck nervously. "Uhm, Dylan is cool. He's no meathead, that's for certain."

Jacob would have growled in annoyance at the other boy for the comment, but he refrained himself from doing so. "He's pretty good looking too, if I may say. I don't know if he's better looking than me, but I'd say he's a 9."

"I'd say he's better looking than you." Nick randomly commented, but Jacob knew he was just trying to get under his skin.

"What do you think, Ryan?" Jacob asked.

Ryan shook his head weakly. "Is this a prank or something?"

Jacob opened his mouth, but Nick beat him to it. "We were just. . . asking for your opinion, that's all. We meant no harm, I swear."

"Yeah dude, no harm." Jacob agreed.

Instead of answering the last question, Ryan closed his locker and grabbed his backpack. He gave them one last look before making his way out of the boy's locker room.

Nick punched Jacob's arm. Jacob hissed and rubbed the place where he got punched. "What the hell was that for?!"

"I think we pissed him off." Nick remarked with a frown, making his way back to his locker.

"What? But we didn't do anything wrong." Jacob defended himself. He grabbed his backpack and followed Nick out of the locker room.

Nick scoffed. "Didn't do anything wrong? You were being so weird!" He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Kaitlyn might be more angry than grateful for your help."

Jacob knew that maybe the method was not the best, but he thought it showed some helpful answers. "Didn't you see though?"

"See what?"

"He had nothing to say when I brought up Dylan." Jacob could reminisce Ryan's noticeable silence. He had been speaking perfectly fine and with remarks before, but when he mentioned Dylan, he went mute. "It's like he was lost in thought. Maybe he had to think of the right response."

Nick shrugged. "So? Maybe-"

"Abigail said Ryan didn't have a problem with Dylan-"

"Abi told you that?" Nick asked.

Jacob chuckled nervously looking like he had been caught doing something illegal. "I might have taken a peek at Kaitlyn's matchmaking notes."

"What the hell?" Nick did not get the chance to say anything else.

"It's not like Ryan was thinking of that time Dylan pissed him off. Nah, he was thinking about something else." Jacob knew that there was more to it. Of course, Ryan would not just say it like Kaitlyn warned him.

"Did you say Ryan's name?" Both boys turned around to see Laura Kearney, her pink baseball cap resting on her head.

Jacob shook his head quickly. "I mean we were just mentioning something. We weren't saying anything bad though."

Laura crossed her arms, staring at them suspiciously. "Look, Ryan is my friend. If you're saying anything bad about him, you better wish you weren't."

"We weren't saying anything bad about him, Laura, we swear." Nick chimed in.

"I've noticed some things about your little friend group. Abi asked him if he was in a relationship, Emma talked to him too and now you two?" Laura had clearly been keeping an eye out for Ryan without them noticing. "Now, I don't know what the hell you four are up to, but if it's all just some big prank, I swear to God-"

"That's not it, Laura!" Jacob looked around and saw some people were staring in their direction. "Can we just. . . explain it to you?"

Nick's eyes widened. "Jacob, I don't think-"

"I'd like to know." Laura said.

"She won't threaten us if we tell her, Nick." Jacob said reassuringly. He eyed the room where the newspaper kids did their work. He led them into the room and shut the door.

Laura looked at them both. "So, what's this all about?"

"For starters, it's no prank or joke. This is serious shit, Laura." Jacob did not want her going to tell Ryan anything.

"Then tell me." Laura insisted.

"I don't think this is a good idea, man." Nick sighed.

Jacob turned to Nick. "I know what I'm doing, Nick." He looked back at Laura who was patiently waiting for him to continue. "Dylan has a crush on Ryan."

"Dylan? Dylan Lenivy?" Laura asked for clarification.

"Yeah, him." Nick said.

"Kaitlyn has been trying to matchmake them. So, she's been seeking out information to see if Ryan likes Dylan or might. Then Dylan can make a move." Jacob elaborated like he was telling a presentation to an audience.

"Matchmaking doesn't work all the time, you know. Sometimes you just have to let things happen on their own." Laura advised.

"We know that but, we don't want Dylan to face more rejection." Jacob has not seen Dylan go through rejection, but he knew Kaitlyn had. He was used to seeing Dylan being cheerful and sarcastic. He did not think he would want to see him being devastated. "She just wants to make sure he has a shot."

Laura thought it over for a moment. "It's sweet of you guys to care about Dylan like that. I guess I can understand why he wouldn't want to make a move, especially if he's been rejected in the past."

"Is there anything you can tell us?" Jacob wondered. If anyone knew anything it would be Laura.

"You really think I'd just give you personal information like that to you?" Laura propped her hands on her hips. "I think that's something for Ryan and Dylan to have a conversation about."

Nick nodded. "You're right about that."

"I just hope no one's heart gets broken." Jacob muttered. He was hoping for Laura to reassure him, but she kept silent.

Well, it was time to let Kaitlyn in on some more data.

"I heard you talking to Nick and Jacob." Ryan said as he sat down next to Laura at the cafeteria.

Laura smiled. "I was happy to hear that they weren't trying to be mean to you or anything."

"Thanks for looking out for me, Laura, but what did they want?" Ryan asked with pleading eyes.

"Well. . . I can't say much." Laura grabbed her red apple and removed the little sticker on it.

"What?"

Laura groaned. "Let's just say it's got to do with Kaitlyn."

"Kaitlyn? Kaitlyn Ka?" Ryan was not expecting to hear that name. "Do you even know what they were asking me in there?"

Laura had the general idea of why Jacob and Nick were talking to Ryan to begin with, but she was curious to hear what they had said to Ryan. "What were they asking you?"

"They were playing a game of what guys they thought they were attracted to. It was so random of them!" Ryan complained in disbelief. "I really did think they were on drugs."

Laura shrugged. "Maybe they were," she said. It was all a part of the plan of trying to figure out if Ryan was attracted to Dylan. She suspected Jacob or Nick brought him up during this little game of theirs.

She decided to change the subject. Laura noticed Kaylee had not been in school for two days. "Hey, where's Kaylee?"

"She's got the flu." Ryan answered with a small frown. "I can't believe Kaitlyn has something to do with all this."

"I'd say just let them do what they want, Ryan. As long as they don't make you uncomfortable or anything." Laura understood Kaitlyn just wanted to make sure Dylan had a chance, but she did not want anyone stepping over boundaries.

Laura was still hoping Kaitlyn would just let things happen naturally. Who knew? Maybe no one would mind the result.

Chapter Text

There was something off, it had to be. It seemed like everything was going normally. Kaitlyn had apparently gotten a little busy, but she was still there to chat with at school. She said she had a ton of homework all of a sudden from her other teachers, but she promised him that it would all be worth it.

Dylan was wondering what she meant by it being all worth it. Worth it to her?

He let Kaitlyn work on her homework and just carried on with what he was doing. His mom was back from her business trip, and he was happy to see her back home, so his home life was good.

Then there was school. School was just school. He made sure to never get anything lower than a C. Sure, he mostly got distracted during English but that was just because he shared that class with Ryan. After feeling bad for borrowing Abigail's notes, he made a better effort to listen to Mrs. Rice's lectures and not just stare at Ryan.

Something must have been off for Ryan. Mrs. Rice did not give assigned seats so anyone could sit anywhere. Ryan usually sat at the front of the class with Laura, for the past few days he had chosen to sit in the back with Laura.

There was something going on, but he did not have the guts to ask anyone, especially Ryan.

He tried to let it go as he exited the school building and waited for Kaitlyn to come out too.

"Hey Dylan." He was about to open his notebook when he heard his name. Specifically, by a handsome loner he had been pining for. Dylan turned around to see Ryan looking at him with confusion.

Dylan cleared his throat to not stutter. "Hi Ryan. Uhm, do you need something?"

"Yeah, I have to know." Ryan walked closer to him until he was just a foot from him. "Does Kaitlyn have a thing for me?"

Dylan dropped his notebook. He was not expecting that from Ryan. He bent down to get his notebook. "Uhm, she's never mentioned it before. . . Why would you think that?"

"Someone told me something and I've been kind of asked a few questions - and then Kaitlyn's name was brought up, so I thought maybe she is trying something. . ." Ryan explained.

"Well, we're friends and I feel like if she did feel something for you, she would've let me know." Dylan kind of felt a small sting. Is that why Kaitlyn has been a bit distant after school? Did this have to do with her homework?

"Y-yeah, you're probably right about that." Ryan decided with a small nod.

Dylan could remember the last time they had a conversation. They had said hi to each other since they returned to school and "see you at school" when they left Hackett's Quarry. Chris definitely kept them all working until the last day. It was the last night at the camp when Ryan was telling his ghost stories he told every night.

The last night he told the tale of the Hag of Hackett's Quarry.

Dylan remembered sitting with everyone as Ryan told it. Seeing all the kids huddle together in fear as Ryan told them of the hag that wandered the woods searching for her lost baby boy. Dylan had to reassure some of the kids that no one would let any hag take them on their last night of summer camp.

While the other counselors were taking the kids back to the cabins, Dylan was assisting Ryan by cleaning up the firepit. "You should be a professional ghost storyteller. You know how to send them into a cold sweat."

Ryan shook his head while grinning. "I don't think I'd go far as a ghost storyteller if the only people I can strike fear into kids."

"I don't know, man." Dylan disagreed, picking up the bag of marshmallows. "The alluring vibe you got going on can help you with making someone's blood run cold."

Ryan was looking into the fire. "You don't think I scarred them for life, do you?"

"Probably! But it's the last night of summer camp, right? Gotta end it with a big bang." Dylan knew the kids were definitely scared, but he hoped none of them had nightmares. He sat right next to Ryan, looking at the firepit too.

It was his first time as a camp counselor, and he had the fun time which he did not expect. He had seen Ryan at school, but he never got the chance to really talk to him. During this summer it was the most he had talked to him. He had seen that there was more to Ryan than a brooding loner like everyone thought of him as.

It was sweet seeing how Ryan was the kids. Although he scared the pants off of them, the kids loved Ryan. He was great as a sailing instructor, but he was overall a caring, fun leader.

Dylan always thought he was a good-looking guy and he would be lying if he said he did not want to get to know him. This summer just made him like Ryan more if anything.

"So. . . did you make up all the stories you tell the kids?" Dylan was always curious about it. He would not be surprised if Ryan had just come up with the stories.

Ryan gestured at his phone. "I listen to this podcast, Bizarre Yet Bonafide. It talks about these paranormal occurrences, if they're bizarre or bonafide."

So that was what Ryan must be always listening to. Dylan supposed it was not surprising Ryan would like paranormal stuff.

"Huh. It sounds interesting." Dylan said genuinely. He could not say he was a diehard horror fan, but he would not mind taking a listen to something Ryan found intriguing, especially if it meant sitting next to each other on the van sharing earbuds. He would definitely listen to what Ryan liked as long as he kept staring at him like he was now. "Maybe we can-"

And then, Chris Hackett interrupted the nice moment.

They never got that moment back. The next day they were leaving Hackett's Quarry and he lost any confidence to ask Ryan again. Once they were back home, they went back to their regular lives almost as if camp never happened. Dylan wished there had been no interruption. Maybe it would not have been so hard to talk to Ryan if that moment could have continued on without pause.

Too bad there was no such thing as turning back time.

There was a small ding on his phone notifying him of a new message. Dylan fished out his phone from his pocket and saw the message was from Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn: my mom is picking me up and dragging me shopping for some family event. ttyl :)

He typed an "okay ttyl" before putting his phone away. It would be normal for him to walk home with Kaitlyn, but it looked like a change of plans. He would think maybe it was more of that "homework" of hers, but he might believe her this one time. Dylan swore he was going to ask her all about it tomorrow.

"Everything okay?" Dylan looked at Ryan, almost forgetting he was standing there.

"Yeah, it was just Kaitlyn." Dylan found no point in hiding it. Friends walked home together all the time. "We usually walk home together, but something came up." Lucky for him, the walk from school to his home was not incredibly fair.

"If you're not busy, uhm. . ." Dylan gulped. Did Ryan want to hang out with him? Dylan was dying to just say yes. "Uh, I'm not busy either, so I was just wondering if. . ." There went Ryan's cute awkwardness that Dylan did not mind one bit. Ryan could not find the right words.

Dylan beamed at Ryan. "I'm not busy either." He eyed the one earbud in Ryan's left ear. He must have been listening to his podcast again. "Listening to your podcast again?"

"Uh, yeah. Guess you can call me a fan of it." Ryan seemed to gain his confidence back by hearing about the podcast. It must be able to bring some calmness to him.

"Any new episodes?" Dylan questioned. He did not dare look up the podcast. He was still waiting for the moment to listen to it with Ryan.

Ryan nodded. "Yup. They're covering this case that happened back in 2015 at Blackwood Mountain in Canada. These teens claimed to have encountered these cannibalistic beasts."

"Does it seem bizarre or bonafide?" Dylan wondered.

"Personally, I think it's pretty bizarre. There are reports that two cops checked out the mines in the mountain, but they've never been found. Rumor has it they lost their lives to the cannibalistic beasts below." Dylan listened intently. Ryan was definitely going to be telling this story to the campers next summer camp. "But I wanted to ask if you'd like to join me."

"Join you?"

"Sometimes I head to the park nearby and get lost in all the stories. It's just my way of unwinding from a regular school day." Ryan explained calmly. He fidgeted with the hem of his long sleeve. "It's nice to just relax before uhm," he paused with a small frown. He let go of the hem. "Heading home," he finished.

Dylan was puzzled by Ryan's unenthusiasm of heading home. He knew if someone knew anything about Ryan's personal life it was likely his friends. Chris probably knew a thing or two about whatever Ryan's home situation was. He wanted to pull Ryan in for a comforting hug, but he knew that would be inappropriate.

He might have been worried about Ryan, but he was joyful at the fact that his crush invited him to listen to his podcast with him at the park. It was what he had wanted. How could he say no?

"I'd love to join you." Dylan answered, not wanting the conversation to head into an awkward silence. He was not going to pressure Ryan to tell him what was wrong either. If and when Ryan felt comfortable to lean on him then he would.

The park was not far from North Kill High. Across from the high school was North Kill Elementary, so the town believed it made sense to add a park where a bunch of kids were. Dylan saw there were a few kids at the park with their parents, but it was not a huge crowd. He could spot some kids still at the elementary school.

"Is school not done for them?" Dylan asked without realizing he had.

Ryan eyed the elementary school. "Those kids are there for the extracurricular activities. It usually ends an hour after school has ended."

"How do you know?"

Ryan made his way towards the swings. There were no kids on them, so they were the perfect seats for now. "Uh, my sister, Sarah, she's in band. I stay here also to wait until she's done."

Dylan had no clue Ryan had a sister. It was nice that he was slowly learning a little bit more about Ryan. "I didn't know you had a sister."

"Most people don't." Ryan remarked. It made sense. The ones who probably knew were Laura Kearney and the Hackett's.

"I've always wanted a sibling." Dylan wished he would have had a brother or sister, but he was not granted a sibling. There was a possibility his dad had other children after he remarried and left long ago. It was a sore topic for him, but it was not one he discussed. It was so long ago he would rather not. The absence of his dad just made it all feel like he had no dad. It was fine. All he needed was his mom and Mittens.

Ryan sat down on one of the swings, Dylan sitting down on the one right next to him. "I was happy when Sarah was born. I remember being glad to be an older brother. At the time I didn't know all the responsibilities it would entail." There was a bit of sadness in Ryan's voice as he spoke. It was the family/home situation that was sensitive to Ryan.

He wanted to ask Ryan, but he did not want to make it look like he was prying. Ryan would just end up despising him which was something he did not want. Be patient, he thought. "What instrument does your sister play?"

"The clarinet." Ryan said proudly. Dylan imagined that a good brother would be proud of his sister for any achievements she would have. He had no doubt in his heart that Ryan was a good older brother. "My grandma thought maybe the flute because it sounded softer, but Sarah insisted on the clarinet. She just thought it sounded better than the flute. Ever since she began band, she hasn't stopped practicing."

"She's passionate about it." Dylan thought about how he was always eager to learn more about the quantum theory. He wanted to know all he could because he was deeply interested. He wanted to know Ryan's passion. "What are you passionate about, Ryan?" He was still holding the earbud in his hand. Dylan was glad that Ryan had not started playing the podcast. He was more intrigued with Ryan than Bizarre Yet Bonafide right now. 

He was met with silence. 

Dylan believed Ryan had an answer. Ryan was always aiming for success during class. He noticed he was always paying deeply attention in class. Ryan seemed to be the type to have an idea of what he wanted to do, but Dylan wondered if his family situation (whatever it was) could be preventing him from reaching for that dream of his. 

Dylan prayed to whatever high power was out that there in the universe that his question did not ruin any chance he had with hanging out with Ryan. 

"I want to go to animation school." Ryan blurted, his eyes looking straightforward. Dylan saw his finger hovering over his phone screen. "I like to draw, but I'd love to see these drawings come to life."

There was a warmth within him as he listened to Ryan. The way he spoke about wanting to bring his drawings to life - it showed the passion he had. It looked like the Erzahler siblings had a deep passion for the arts. Dylan could understand why Ryan shared an art class with Abigail. He probably had a sketchbook too. 

"You should go, Ryan. It's something you want to do. Something you love to do. I can tell you're really passionate about it too." Dylan knew there were no big universities here that could offer Ryan the education he wanted, that was certain. North Kill Community College had its perks, but not everyone was racing to get go to that school. 

Ryan wheeled his head to directly face Dylan. He had a downcast gaze. "Dylan, I don't. . . I don't know if I can." Dylan knew that this was not because he feared of being rejected by the school of his choice. He believed there was something more to him not being able to go. "It's all complicated."

"Maybe it doesn't have to be, Ryan." Dylan said hopefully. He had no clue what Ryan's dilemma was, but he would like to think there was always another way to go about things. Perhaps there was a solution that Ryan had not thought of yet. "Things work out sometimes. They can work out this time too." 

"I'm not sure about this, Dylan. I know I'm just in my junior year and I don't need to think about it yet, but that's all I think about." Ryan gazed over at the elementary school. Dylan looked that way too, knowing he was thinking about Sarah. "I try to think about other solutions. I try to think about different scenarios where I didn't have to think of solutions. I wish things were different, but that's just not it." 

Dylan wanted to tell Ryan that there had to be another way, but he did not want to anger Ryan. If this was a big problem, Ryan would have thought about it a lot. Chris might have given him advice when they talked alone during summer camp. Ryan seemed set with his thoughts right now, but maybe later there could be more convincing. 

Instead of pressuring Ryan, he moved his swing until he was inches away from Ryan. "You know Ryan, you can talk to me." Dylan wanted to curse himself. Ryan surely had enough people to talk about his issues. He had Laura. The Hackett's. Why would he need him to talk to? Still, Dylan could not help it. "I know we're not exactly close, but I wish we were. I just wanted you to know that I'd listen to you. You can talk about anything. Life. School. Paranormal podcasts that would keep kids up at night if they heard it." 

Ryan looked at Dylan. "You wish we were closer?" 

"Hell yeah!" Dylan exclaimed excitedly. He had forgotten that he was actually quite close to Ryan already. If they moved a bit closer their faces would touch. "I actually wanted to tell you that before camp ended."

"That you wanted to become closer or listen to the podcast with me?" Ryan asked with a wide grin. 

"Both." Dylan said. He was a bit surprised he was being so honest with Ryan, but right now everything just felt so right. "You're an interesting person, Ryan. People see this mysterious brooding guy, but you're not all that. You're a passionate mysterious brooding guy." Hearing Ryan's deep laugh made him happier about this moment. "Deep down, you're a passionate, charming dude that cares."

"That's really sweet of you, Dylan." Ryan said. They were both still close to each other.

Dylan was lost in Ryan's eyes as they stared at each other. It was like they were lost in their own world. Dylan wished this could last forever, but he knew cruel reality would pull them away from themselves.

Dylan was about to say something when he felt something soft on his lips. It took him a second to realize Ryan was kissing him. His first kiss was stolen by the guy he was crushing hard on. It was a sweet, soft kiss that he wanted to last forever. He would have kissed back if Ryan had not pulled back so quickly.

Ryan looked worried as if he had done something wrong. Dylan was still blown away by the fact that Ryan had just kissed him. Dylan opened his mouth to say something, but Ryan grabbed his stuff and got off the swing.

He was leaving. Dylan did not want him to leave though.

"Ryan, wait!" Dylan hurried off the swing and grabbed Ryan's wrist. He was lucky he had not ran off. "Ryan-"

Ryan turned around. He looked ashamed. As if kissing Dylan was the biggest mistake he could ever make. "I'm sorry, Dylan. I shouldn't have done that. That was. . . overstepping boundaries. I was crossing a line."

"Did you ever think maybe I wanted you to cross that line?" Dylan wanted Ryan to know that he liked the kiss. If anything he wished they could do it again.

"That didn't - you're not weirded out that I just randomly kissed you?" Ryan asked.

Dylan moved his hand from Ryan's wrist to his hand, intertwining them. "Ryan, I've been wanting you to kiss me for a while now."

"R-really?" Ryan asked in disbelief.

Dylan nodded, walking closer to Ryan until they were right in front of each other. "I kind of had a crush on you for some time now, Ryan. I didn't want to make a move because I was scared. I was scared of being rejected. I've been rejected before and I was scared it would happen again."

It looked like Ryan was trying to piece something together in his head. "You're the friend," he muttered softly.

"What?" Dylan was not sure what Ryan was talking about.

"Uh, never mind what I said." Ryan cleared his throat, squeezing Dylan's hand. "Listening to your daily PA announcements were a joy in many ways. Just hearing your cheery, positive voice made me smile. I liked how you try to lighten up the mood in any way you can. I thought maybe you'd want a guy more happier or someone like Jacob."

"Jacob?!" Dylan could not believe his own ears. Sure, Jacob was good to look at, but that was it. Dylan did not mean to offend Jacob in anyway, but the guy was not his type.

"Nick and he agreed you both were good looking."

Dylan raised his chin. Nick and Jacob both thought he was hot? When did they tell Ryan this. "I can't blame them. I'm a walking 10, so I can see where they're coming from."

"I'd have to agree with that." Ryan said. "I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know how everything works."

Dylan shrugged. "I have never either." He leaned his face closer to Ryan's. "We can figure it out together. Go our own pace. Play by our own rules. Just do our thing."

"I like that idea." Ryan took a step closer, capturing Dylan's lips. This second kiss was a bit longer, and this time Dylan kissed back.

Chapter Text

He still could not get the feeling of Ryan's lips on him out of his head. The best thing about it all was that Ryan enjoyed it. Ryan wanted to kiss him and he wanted to do it more than once. Dylan wanted to do the same. Unfortunately, Ryan and he could not just make out in the park for as long as they wanted.

At some point they would have to go home. Sarah would be leaving school too. However, that did not mean they could not relish in their own little fun.

They were back on the swings, earbuds in their heads as Grace Corbin and Anton Anderson went on about "The Beasts in Blackwood Mountain." It would have felt like a thing friends would do if their hands were not intertwined as they listened to the spooky podcast.

Kaitlyn was going to be blown away when she found out. She was going to be happy for him, that's for certain. She would start teasing him on how she would have to start planning Ryan's and his wedding soon. He could imagine the smile on her face when she heard the great news.

Ryan felt the same for him.

"I have a feeling you're paying attention to the podcast, but you're also distracted about something else." Ryan had a smirk on his face as he avoided eye contact.

"Well, I may be thinking about how much I enjoyed your lips on mine. And how I can't wait for it to happen again." Dylan said honestly. He could not hide that truth after Ryan and he had already kissed.

Ryan removed his earbud. "We still have a few minutes left before Sarah gets out. We should probably exchange numbers too."

"I like that idea." Dylan took out his phone and handed it to Ryan. He watched as Ryan added his number to Dylan's contacts. Once Dylan had his phone back, Ryan had sent a quick ":)". Dylan checked that Ryan had just entered his name for the contact name. Dylan eagerly wanted to change it to boyfriend, but that was still something that needed to be discussed. "So, us. . . We're officially boyfriends?"

Ryan nodded. "I think that perfectly fits us. What do you think?"

"I'd like that." Dylan could not wait to change his status on his socials, but there was more to look forward to than that. "And you're okay with this too? I don't want to force you into anything."

"No, I want this to." Ryan promised, squeezing Dylan's hand.

It was good they cleared that up, but he did wonder if Ryan wanted them to be public about their relationship. There were all sorts of reasons for not telling people about your relationship, and Dylan respected Ryan's decision if he wanted to do that.

"Are you okay with everyone knowing about our relationship?" Dylan was ready to tell Kaitlyn, but it was best he figure out if Ryan was okay with that. It would be hard to keep that type of secret from her, but he would do it for Ryan.

"Yeah, that's okay." Ryan replied softly. "I know people will have their reactions to it, but. . . I'd be lying if I said I didn't want people to know you were my boyfriend."

Was he being possessive? Dylan smirked. "What? So no other guy will realize how amazing and hot I am, and try to make a move on me?" The idea of a jealous Ryan made him amused.

"Your wit knows no bounds." Ryan said while shaking his head. "Laura is going to want to know everything about us."

"Same with Kaitlyn." Dylan thought of surprising her tomorrow morning. Speaking of Laura, Dylan remembered an old rumor. "You know how many people thought you were going out with Laura?"

Ryan burst into laughter, nearly dropping his phone. "Even though I'm bisexual, I can't even imagine dating Laura." He froze right after. Dylan wondered if it was because he just outed himself.

Ryan was bisexual. He kept learning new things about his boyfriend. "You know, you don't have to be worried or anything."

"You're okay with me being bisexual?" Ryan questioned.

Dylan found no problem with it. Just because Ryan found girls attractive it did not mean he had to worry about Ryan chasing after some girl. Ryan had kissed him. He was Ryan's boyfriend.

"I'm fine with it, Ryan, I promise." Dylan leaned close to peck Ryan's cheek. It was different from the lips, but it was still sweet affection he loved to receive and give. "In case you didn't know I'm gay, but I think the entire town knows that."

Ryan raised up their hands and brought Dylan's up to his mouth before placing a kiss on the back of his hand. Dylan felt himself gushing at how sweet Ryan was being.

Dylan noticed Ryan glance at the time on his phone seeing that it was two minutes away from four o'clock. "Sarah should be finishing soon."

Dylan wanted to meet Sarah one day, and figure out about the family struggles Ryan had, but that was for another day. "Yeah, of course," he said, getting up from the swing with Ryan. "See you tomorrow at school?"

"I'll be there." Ryan responded.

Dylan removed the earbud and held it out for Ryan. He leaned close and kissed Ryan's lips one last time. He was going to enjoy that every time. Dylan tried not to look back - he knew he would never leave if he did - and left the park.

This was the best day ever.

"So, I have to figure out how I'm going to go about this." Kaitlyn ranted on the following morning. Jacob was walking right next to her as they made it to the school campus. She usually got her before Dylan, but this gave her some time to chat with Jacob about her matchmaking.

Jacob's family was close with hers since they had been friends since they were little. Kaitlyn had a theory their parents might have wanted them to be together, but she would gladly pop their bubble. Sure, she practiced french kissing with him, but they were just friends. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Do you think you need more information?" Jacob questioned as he was scrolling his Instagram home page. "I think the final piece of data is whether Ryan likes Dylan or not. Honestly, you could have avoided all this if you had just asked that question first."

Kaitlyn groaned. Jacob was not exactly wrong, but did he not understand how that was not an easy question to ask. Ryan could always hide feelings he held for Dylan. Or, he could be blunt about it.

"Shut up, Jacob." Kaitlyn did not want to admit that her himbo friend might be a bit right. She had asked others to seek information and had went directly home to work on this homework. She was the one who asked for it though. "I. . . I don't know, maybe I should have just asked Ryan."

"Next time you see Dylan, tell him to make a move!" Jacob encouraged positively. He was always one to try and see the brighter side. "He'll never know unless he goes for it."

"Like you and Emma?" Kaitlyn teased, hoping she did not bring Jacob too much pain.

"You're mean." Jacob commented with a small pout. "But, yes, I guess. You'll never know unless you ask."

"I guess." Kaitlyn noticed Jacob was posing for a selfie as he did a peace sign and smiled at his phone. "You update your Instagram story every morning?"

After taking the selfie, Jacob looked away from his phone. "You don't?"

"Did Emma teach you that?" It sounded like something Emma would do. She was the type to constantly keep her followers updated on whatever was going on.

"It doesn't matter cause I still do it, does it?" Jacob checked the picture he had taken and groaned in annoyance. "Okay, I think you distracted me when I took it. Hey, you wanna be in the selfie?"

Kaitlyn was about to argue about how dumb that sounded, but she supposed she could play along. "Sure," she replied, standing right next to Jacob and leaning close. She did not give a peace sign or smile like Jacob.

"Say cheese!" Jacob exclaimed, raising his phone a bit higher. Kaitlyn could see the other students who were walking into the school campus behind him them. She would have ignored it if she did not notice two certain boys a few feet away from them.

It was Ryan and Dylan.

Their hands were intertwined.

"What the?" Jacob checked out the selfie with Kaitlyn. "Why do you look like a gaping fish?"

Kaitlyn completely ignored Jacob and turned around to see Dylan and Ryan getting closer. "Dylan?" She called out to him. Her friend looked up at her, a wide smile on his face.

"Hey Kaitlyn." Dylan greeted her nonchalantly. Kaitlyn had her eyes glued to Dylan and Ryan's intertwined hands. "You good?"

"I- uhm-" Kaitlyn could not find words for how she was feeling. She was obviously thrilled for her friend, but she was also shocked. Dylan had done this without her help.

"Holy shit!" Jacob approached them, stuffing his phone in his pocket. He looked like he was over the moon. "Yes! This is what I'm talking about! So, who made the first move?"

Dylan grinned at Jacob. "Not that it's any of your business, but it was Ryan."

"Wow!" Kaitlyn thought there was a higher chance that Dylan would make a move. "I'm so happy for you guys! Oh Dylan." She ran up to him and embraced him tightly.

Dylan let go of Ryan's hand to hug Kaitlyn back. "Thanks." He was the one to pull away from the hug. "How do you feel now that your friend has a boyfriend?"

"Like the happiest person on the planet!" Kaitlyn gently nudged Dylan. She then turned to Ryan, who was just watching the interaction. "Hey Ryan. You ready to deal with this sarcastic drama queen?"

Dylan gasped in shock. Ryan chuckled at the comment. "Ready as I'll ever be, even though he seems to be quite the hassle," he joked.

"Rad!" Jacob clapped his hands loudly, gaining the attention of other boys and girls walking near. "We should merge our lunch tables. You can bring Laura and Kaylee to the table too if you want, Ryan."

"I think I will. Sounds like a good idea." Ryan intertwined his hand with Dylan's.

"Of course it does. You two will share a table together. Try separating you two now that you're together." Kaitlyn joked.

"I've been trying to convince him to let me sit next to me during English, but he's worried that I'm just going to distract him." Dylan complained like it was the worst thing Ryan could do to him. "Of course I'm going to be distracting to me, I mean look at me."

"See? Quite the hassle." Ryan commented. The bell rung loudly, alerting everyone to head to their classes. "We should head to class."

"Good idea." Kaitlyn agreed.

Jacob began walking in a different direction. "See you guys later!"

Once they got to their English class, Dylan was pouting since he did not get to sit next to his boyfriend, but Kaitlyn could see they were both just happy to be boyfriends.

"Make sure he behaves." Ryan reminded Kaitlyn as he let go of Dylan's hand and made his way towards the front where Laura sat.

"You got it, Ryan." Kaitlyn put a thumbs up.

Dylan glared at both of them. "You both are rude." He took his seat right next to Kaitlyn as everyone else was coming inside the classroom.

"You can only imagine how happy I am for you, Dyl." Kaitlyn whispered as she took out her English notebook and copy of Romeo and Juliet.

"You can only imagine how happy I feel, Kaitlyn. I'm over the moon. I still have to let my mom know." Dylan was taking out his own English class supplies. "I was too lost in my own thoughts to even tell her."

"I'm going to have to plan the Lenivy-Erzahler wedding now." Kaitlyn flipped to the page she was on in the book. "I think Emma and Abigail would love to help. Maybe Emma can film the whole thing?"

Dylan looked at Kaitlyn knew he knew that was something she would say. "You know, I've been meaning to ask you something." When Kaitlyn remained silent, Dylan continued. "What homework were you working on?"

Kaitlyn looked up from the book, contemplating whether to tell him or not. Maybe she would tell him another day. She was too happy for the both of them.

"It was difficult homework, that's all I'll say." Kaitlyn answered. She cleared her throat when Mrs. Rice entered the room. "The next homework is planning a wedding." Dylan giggled at that.

Kaitlyn knew she was no matchmaker, but she was nonetheless glad Ryan and Dylan had found their way to each other.

Chapter Text

There was no way anyone could have missed Dylan and Ryan entering the classroom with their hands intertwined. Abigail did catch such a sight. There was a mix of shock and joy as the two let go of each other's hands and made their way towards their separate desks. Why didn't they sit next to each other? Abigail wondered.

She overheard Kaitlyn and Dylan talking about something, but she would be lying if she wasn't interested in how Kaitlyn's matchmaking had gone. After she played her role in gaining information, Kaitlyn had been busy getting other information about Ryan through others. Emma had said she had done Kaitlyn a favor and asked Ryan something. Nick had also told her that Jacob volunteered as tribute to help Kaitlyn too.

Abigail knew Dylan was crushing hard on Ryan and Kaitlyn had pulled her into this, so she was most definitely curious on how it all turned out. Based on Dylan and Ryan holding hands, she guessed it went according to plan, but she still wanted the details.

"Kaitlyn." Abigail called out to the girl next to her, catching her attention instantly. Mrs. Rice had began playing Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet, so if they were quiet enough they could chat. "Are Ryan and Dylan together?"

Kaitlyn smirked. "You saw them enter the room, didn't you?" When she received a nod from Abigail, Kaitlyn looked at Dylan before turning back to her. "I'll tell you everything at lunch, but yes. They're boyfriends."

Abigail gasped. It had been something Kaitlyn had been waiting for and even she waited for this outcome too. Abigail was rooting for Dylan and Ryan to get together, but it all mattered on whether Ryan felt the same which happened to be the million dollar question.

She was not doubting that Ryan had mutual feelings, but this was life. There was always a possibility that Ryan did not feel the same which would have been devastating for Dylan, but it wouldn't be Ryan's fault. This was better though. Ryan did like Dylan and now they were boyfriends.

I'm definitely going to ask Ryan if he wants me to draw something for him and Dylan, Abigail thought, reminiscing when she found out Ryan was single.

She smiled happily. Ryan did have someone to love and be loved by.

He forgot that Dylan - his boyfriend (that was going to be something to get used to, but he wasn't complaining) had no idea that there had been something going on behind closed doors. Ryan was still surprised that he had pieced all the pieces together, but it was still odd to him.

Ryan had never hung out with any of them before. Sure, he knew them all, but he had never had engaged in conversations with any of them. The only one he talked to the most was Abigail and that was because they both loved art and were in the same class.

He also could not get their last conversation out of his head either. Ryan would never believe that Abigail would have a role in this elaborate plan, but since when did any of their talks about anything personal? She had brought up relationships as a topic of discussion. No one would think anything of it, but Ryan couldn't get it out of his head.

If you'd like, I can do something similar of your special person and you?

It was a sweet question and he thought she was just being nice. He didn't doubt she was being genuine about it, but he now saw it differently. Emma and Abigail were best friends, surely it was not farfetched to believe that they were both in on the plan. Emma had also asked him things not long after he talked with Abigail either.

He basically told Abigail he was not seeing anyone and told Emma that he was not straight. Those were the answers needed.

Answers that Kaitlyn needed. Kaitlyn who happened to be Dylan's friend. Dylan who was the friend, that according to Emma, had faced rejection in the past.

"You're thinking loud over there, Ryan." He turned to Dylan who was sitting right next to him.

"You good, Ryan?" It was Laura this time. "You don't want to worry your boyfriend," she said, eyeing Dylan. She was sitting across from him with a bright smile on her face. He had let her know that he was in a relationship via text message so she wouldn't be super surprised when he showed up to school holding hands with Dylan. She also might have felt slightly betrayed if the whole school found out before she did.

"Thinking about Dylan?" Jacob asked from where he sat next to Nick and Abigail. He was grinning widely like the charming himbo he was.

He thought he was insane for thinking that Kaitlyn would actually recruit Jacob into her plan. Nick had seemed less enthusiastic when Jacob told him about the what guy I'd be into game all guys played apparently. He wouldn't be surprised if Jacob dragged Nick to follow his lead.

Did Kaitlyn really ask Jacob to help her?

"I think Ryan can keep his dick in his pants longer than you can, Jacob." Kaitlyn remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. Ryan couldn't stop himself from laughing. He was glad that they had all decided to merge their friend group together. Even Laura had thought it was a good idea.

Kaylee was still sick from the flu, but she was in for some news. She picked the wrong week to get sick, Ryan thought humorously.

Emma changed the topic slightly. "So out of everyone in this table, only four people happen to be in a relationship?"

"Make that five." Laura raised her hand. "I have a boyfriend." Ryan was the only one at the table that didn't seem astonished by the fact. Of course he would know, they were good friends.

Dylan raised his eyebrow at Ryan. "I'm guessing you knew?"

"Of course I did." Ryan answered. How could he not? He knew there had been a past rumor that Laura and he were a thing, but it was just a rumor. Laura was like a sister to him. "Just like how Laura knew I liked you."

Jacob and Nick both looked at Laura. Ryan figured this was because Laura had talked to them after they both talked to him. Laura didn't tell them how he felt towards Dylan, but she also didn't tell him that this was all to figure out if Ryan felt the same for Dylan. Just like how Emma didn't tell him that her "friend" was Dylan.

Once again, everything was making sense. Laura wasn't even involved in the plan, but she had indirectly been a part of it.

"Like how Kaitlyn knew I liked you." Dylan said.

Kaitlyn laughed. "Dyl, I think the whole school - except Mr. Brooding Loner, knew you had a crush on him." Ryan narrowed his eyes at her for the nickname she gave him, but he couldn't argue. She was right.

Dylan gently nudged Ryan. "Ryan, defend me. Kaitlyn is offending my subtly."

"To be fair, I didn't have a clue you might have a crush on me." Ryan defended Dylan, although he felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner. Was he that oblivious?

"They are cute together." Emma commented as glanced at Dylan and Ryan. "How did you get them together again, Kaitlyn?" Emma questioned, glancing at Kaitlyn.

Dylan caught that. "I would say obviously we're cute together, probably the cutest couple in the whole school, but what did you say Emma?"

Ryan glanced around the table. Now everyone was silent and eyeing Kaitlyn. Said girl had been taking a sip from her water and was now slowly putting it down to face Dylan.

Here went the truth.

"Uh about that. . ." Kaitlyn began with a small chuckle. She glared at Emma first. "Ryan actually made the first move."

"What?" Emma widened her eyes. Ryan believed Emma must have been expecting to hear a different response. Her eyes met Ryan. "You asked Dylan out?"

Dylan chimed in, looking away from Kaitlyn. "Well, he asked me to hang out with him. We went to the park near the school. He offered me to listen to his podcast."

"Ryan has a podcast?!" Jacob asked.

"Um no-"

"He listens to podcasts, Jacob." Dylan clarified. "Paranormal ones to be specific."

Ryan glanced at Laura who was just listening to the whole conversation with amusement. Of course she would just let this all play out.

Kaitlyn nodded. "So that's what you're always listening to. Huh." She considered the earbud that was in Ryan's left ear. "Listening to one right now?"

Ryan would have answered, but his boyfriend did it for him. "Oh yeah. He's been obsessed with this new one they have about these teens who apparently encountered these cannibalistic monsters."

"Sounds spooky." Kaitlyn said.

"I know right? Anyway, we started talking about a ton of stuff, and then Ryan kissed me." Dylan continued on with how Ryan and he became official. "We talked some more after that about where we wanted to do. We agreed on being boyfriends. It's what we both wanted."

Laura awed. "How sweet."

"So you guys got together by yourselves." Abigail said in realization.

"Sometimes you just have to let things happen on their own." Laura expressed, sending Jacob and Nick a knowing look.

Ryan wondered what Laura meant by that, but he didn't get the chance go ask her. "Now that everyone knows how Ryan and my love story begin, Kaitlyn, what did Emma mean by how did you get Ryan and I together?"

Kaitlyn sighed. "Short answer: I tried to matchmake you guys." Dylan's mouth gaped, speechless from what his friend answered. "Look Dylan, I could tell how much you really liked Ryan. I also knew you were scared about being rejected. You've been rejected in the past and I didn't want that to happen again. I hated seeing you so torn apart. I wanted you to make a move, but I also didn't want you to be rejected. So, I thought of giving matchmaking a shot.

"I asked Abigail and Emma to help me. I had them ask Ryan some things that would help me determine whether or not you should ask Ryan out. If he was in a relationship or happened to be straight, I'd tell you it wasn't a good idea to make a move and that you'd find your Romeo. Jacob decided to help even though I told him no. I was going to try and figure out a way to bring you two together, but then I got the greatest surprise I could ever ask for this morning."

Ryan listened intently. He had already pieced together that Dylan was the friend Emma had been referring to yesterday. Even though Emma told him Dylan had been rejected in the past, it was different hearing it from Kaitlyn. She obviously had good intentions when she decided to matchmake them. Kaitlyn was just a good friend who wanted Dylan to be happy.

He had been right about all the players in the game to get Dylan and he together. He also was correct that Kaitlyn didn't ask Jacob to help.

"The greatest surprise you could ever ask for?" Dylan asked Kaitlyn.

"Hell yes, Dylan. You're my friend. I think you deserve everything. Happiness, love, the whole nine yards. I was over the moon seeing you two together. My friend gets to date the guy he likes? That's a win to me. A win to the world." Kaitlyn said passionately.

"That's the sweetest thing ever." Dylan said, clearing his throat a bit.

"I'm sorry I left you out of the loop of it all." Kaitlyn apologized. She sent a raised eyebrow at Emma, "I didn't even think of telling you because it didn't matter," she said, turning back to Dylan. "What mattered is that Ryan and you are together. That's all that matters to me."

"You know you're a great friend, right?"

"The best." Kaitlyn teased.

Dylan didn't say anything else. He leaned in and pulled Kaitlyn into a hug which she accepted happily. Ryan watched. He was delighted that Dylan had Kaitlyn as a friend. She surely didn't mind doing whatever was necessary to make sure Dylan was happy.

When Dylan pulled away, he looked at everyone else. "Wait, so everyone  here knew about you're matchmaking business?"

Jacob clapped his hands, pointing at Kaitlyn. "Told you it was a business!"

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes, ignoring Jacob. "I don't think I'm doing it again for it to be considered a business, but yes everyone knew."

"Laura did too." Nick added.

"I wasn't as involved as everyone else though. All I did was ask Jacob and Nick what they were doing cause I was concerned that they might be bothering Ryan." Laura elucidated where she had been involved with it all.

"And then she told me they were asking because it something to do with Kaitlyn. When Emma told me she was asking for a friend who had been rejected, I think for a moment I thought Kaitlyn was that friend." Ryan added. Although he knew something was off about everyone trying to talk to him he still had no clue what was going on.

"That's why you asked me if Kaitlyn had a thing for you!" Dylan exclaimed.

Kaitlyn's face wrinkled in disgust. "Me liking Ryan?"

"Am I that repulsive?" Ryan joked.

"Nah, but you're just. . . Dylan's. I don't look at my friend's boyfriend that way." Kaitlyn replied.

Dylan wrapped an arm around Ryan. "Don't listen to her, Ryan. You're gorgeous." He looked up and leaned close to Ryan. "Besides, I like you."

"That's all that matters." Ryan said, leaning to take Dylan's lips in his. He tuned out what everyone else was saying because nothing mattered to him right now than Dylan's lips on his.

Chapter Text

There was always that little silent reminder. He would just be doing something, lost in his own thoughts, when it would all hit him like whiplash. He would be reminded that there was more happening than what he was actually focused on at the time.

For instance, he was just sitting down eating dinner when his phone dinged right next to him. He usually kept it on silent when he was eating, but he had forgotten to. It was a text message from someone. Dylan knew that, but so did his mom. She knew he had different notification sounds for each one, and she was familiar with the text message notification sound.

"Who's texting you, dear?" Mrs. Lenivy asked, she set her fork down and eyed her son interestedly.

Instinctively, he answered. "It's just Kaitlyn."

Someone to his right cleared their throat and Dylan nearly dropped his fork. He turned to his right to see Kaitlyn sitting right next to him eating her plate of dinner. Kaitlyn was given the okay to eat dinner at his house tonight, especially since Kaitlyn's parents were out and so was her sister Karly. Dylan was excited since it meant having his friend over and she was not forced to follow her curfew.

"Hi Dylan." Kaitlyn greeted him as if she had just magically arrived beside him. Instead of saying anything else, she continued eating, watching to see what Dylan would do next.

Mrs. Lenivy chuckled. "Well, it's not Kaitlyn."

Dylan nibbled on his bottom lip nervously. He clearly did not think that through. Dylan knew he should respond to Ryan's text, but he was eating at the moment and he knew his mom was curious to who he was texting. He quickly sent Ryan a "ttyl <3" before turning his phone on silent.

"Y-yeah, sorry about that." Dylan apologized. It was not like he was going to get in trouble for telling that lie, but he knew it would make his mom more interested.

It must look weird for him to not be screaming to the top of the world that he was dating the guy he had a crush on for so long. He should be telling his mom, "My future husband aka your son-in-law is texting me right now," but there were some concerns when it came to telling his mom that he was in a relationship.

Lucky for him he did not have to worry about the worry of facing a homophobic parent. His mom has known he was gay since probably forever. She had no issue with it either. The concern was the fact that he was dating. He has never told her he has been rejected by guys before and he felt no need to for many reasons. The one reason was just him feeling depressed about talking about being rejected. The second being that since he was not in a relationship with the guys who rejected him, what was the point in bringing them up?

Dylan knew how much he meant to his mom. He would not be surprised if she was protective of him, and although she has never set a rule of when he can start dating, he felt like she would have concerns. She has never brought up dating before because Dylan has never really brought it to her attention either. He had been too ecstatic when becoming official with Ryan that he may have failed to mention it to his mom.

She was in for a surprise.

"It's no weirdo bothering you, right? I'd like to deal with that now before it becomes some stalker mess." Mrs. Lenivy asked, worry dripping from her words. Kaitlyn giggled at that.

Dylan could not wait to tell everyone that his mom thought Ryan was some stalker, but there were other things to talk about. "Uh, no, you don't gotta worry about that, Mom. It's no one bad I promise."

"Okay, good." Mrs. Lenivy sighed in relief. "So it's just a friend of yours."

When Kaitlyn turned to smirk at him, Dylan looked at her. He could see she was ready to tell his mom, but she would never. She respected that this was something he had to tell his mom.

Dylan turned back to face his mom. "Well Mom. . . I have some news for you, actually."

"Good news I'm hoping?" Mrs. Lenivy had hopeful eyes.

Well it was good news for me, Dylan stopped himself from saying. "Oh yeah, I think you're going to be thrilled." There was a part of him that believed his mom might not be happy, but he was hoping that was him just overthinking things. "You see, so remember when I was a camp counselor at Hackett's Quarry?"

Mrs. Lenivy smiled. "Yes, I remember suggesting the job to you."

"Yes! And I'm very grateful you did." Dylan owed his relationship to his mom. He did not want to think what it would have been like if he had not gone and was even more intrigued by Ryan. "Either way, so you know how your gay son crushes over hot dudes who are interesting he meets, right? Well, there's this guy, his name is Ryan. I got to know him at the camp."

"Ryan?" Mrs. Lenivy asked. She picked up her wine glass. "Does he go to North Kill High too?"

Kaitlyn almost spat out her drink. "He's got a reputation at school." Dylan sent her a small glare.

Mrs. Lenivy raised an eyebrow at Kaitlyn's response. "Oh? He's not a bad influence, is he?"

"What? N-no, not at all! If anything I'd be a bad influence, but we're getting off topic here!" Dylan glanced at his phone. Ryan had replied with an "k <3". He wanted to gush at how much he loved his boyfriend. "Well, so I had this huge crush on him, right?"

"Huge like carving their names on a tree and putting a heart around it." Kaitlyn chimed in mischievously.

Dylan refused to respond to Kaitlyn, but he would have been grinning if he knew how his mom would respond to the news. "Either way, I've been crushing over him since then. It was until recently that we hung out since summer camp. He invited me to listen to the podcasts he loves. We shared earbuds and sat on the swings of the park near our school-"

"He listens to paranormal podcasts, Mrs. Lenivy." Kaitlyn added randomly. Dylan was not sure if her adding stuff was helping or not, but he did not hate that she was doing it.

"Anyway, so we were talking about all sorts of stuff. What he wants to do, school, his sister, summer camp - bottom line, he stole my first kiss and he even felt like he overstepped some boundary. I mean, what a gentleman, right? He was worried he had made me uncomfortable, but if anything I was begging for him to kiss me again. Thank God it wasn't the last time we kissed because I would have felt a bit sad, but that doesn't matter. We kissed again and holy shit it felt like summer camp again-"

Kaitlyn cleared her throat. "Uh Dyl, love the story, but you're kind of rambling, buddy."

Dylan flushed at Kaitlyn's interruption. He looked to see his mom was listening intently, but she was still waiting for the bottom line of the story. "Oh, uh sorry about that."

"So you're good news is that you kissed a boy?" Mrs. Lenivy tried.

"Oh no, it's uhm. . . I have a boyfriend." Dylan confessed quietly, but his mom had caught his words by the shock on her face.

There was a small silence, but Dylan knew it was just his mom thinking to herself. Before she could say anything, Kaitlyn opened her mouth. "If you want Mrs. Lenivy, I can leave the room for a moment."

"Thank you, Kaitlyn, I'd deeply appreciate it." Mrs. Lenivy finally said something. She smiled at Kaitlyn as she watched the teenage girl get out of her seat and exit the dining room. "How long has it been?"

"Since I've had a boyfriend?" When his mom nodded, Dylan answered. "Only a week actually."

Mrs. Lenivy frowned. "Why didn't you tell me, Dylan? I'm your mom, and I think as your mom I should know if you're dating someone."

"I know, Mom, I just. . . I didn't know how you'd react." Dylan did feel bad for not telling her. It was her business and it was something she should know, he was just worried about her reaction. "I was so caught up in just how happy I felt having a boyfriend. And then, I was worried about how you'd react."

"You know I have no problem with you being gay." Mrs. Lenivy reminded him.

Dylan knew that without a doubt. "I know, but it's the whole general idea of dating that I was worried about."

"Dating young can have its setbacks, I won't lie." Mrs. Lenivy expressed. She set her wine glass down. "I just want to make sure your relationship isn't distracting you. You've been passionate about pursuing education in science and I just want no one to change that for you."

"Ryan would never!" Dylan defended his boyfriend, but then he felt bad because could he blame his mom for thinking it? She knew nothing about Ryan because he had kept him from her. "I'm hoping to encourage Ryan to continue with what he loves too. He wants to go to animation school."

"I'd love to get to know him, and meet him." Mrs. Lenivy said genuinely. "I also want to make sure if and when you both decide to be intimate you will be practicing safely."

Dylan's face scrunched at the thought of his mom talking to him about sex, but he understood where she was coming from. "We haven't talked about that yet, but I still have condoms that the school passed out during Sex Ed."

"Good. If you need more, please don't feel bad or weird to ask for them. Safe sex is important." Mrs. Lenivy said.

"Will do, Mom!" Dylan said almost too excitedly. "So, you're okay about Ryan and I?"

"I'm happy you're happy, dear. As long as your relationship is not affecting you badly in any way, I don't see why there'd be a problem." Mrs. Lenivy eyed Dylan's phone. "I do want to meet him though. I'd like to meet his parents too."

Dylan pursed his lips. "Uhm, there's a bit of a situation there, Mom."

"A situation?" Mrs. Lenivy questioned.

"Ryan and his sister live with his grandparents. His dad died long ago and his mom isn't in the picture at all." Dylan explained. There was nothing more he could add. "He still hasn't told me the specific details which is fine. I want him to tell me when he's ready, but he's kind of had to be the adult in the house. He's had to watch out for his sister since he doesn't have parents to do it."

Grief was stricken on Mrs. Lenivy's face. "That's unfortunate. No kid should have to endure such pressure on themselves."

"Exactly. And he doesn't want to leave everything for his grandparents to deal with. They're old, and Ryan doesn't complain about having to take care of Sarah. I just. . . I wish he wasn't alone." Dylan wished he could do more to help Ryan, but there was only so much Ryan allowed him to help with which was not much.

"Maybe there is a way to help." Mrs. Lenivy wondered aloud. "No matter what, I still want to meet him. Maybe Sarah and he can come over for dinner one day."

Dylan smiled widely at the idea. "I think Ryan would like that!" They did talk about meeting each other's family, so this would be good. "I'll let him know."

"Can I come back in?" Kaitlyn called out from where she was in the living room.

"Yeah, you're all good, Kaitlyn!" Dylan responded.

Kaitlyn reentered the room with a wide grin. Once she sat down, she glanced at Mrs. Lenivy. "Did you tell her I attempted to matchmake you guys?"

"What?" Mrs. Lenivy looked to Kaitlyn.

Dylan shook his head, sending Kaitlyn a small grin. This was going to be a funny story to tell Ryan and their friends tomorrow.

Chapter Text

She knew she shouldn't have done it.

When she saw the question and the idea formed in her head, she knew she was wrong. Once her lips were on Nick's, it felt all wrong, but her heart had betrayed her. She clearly had not been thinking. Even after Abigail left the room distraught, she thought she had done the right thing in some twisted way.

It all came falling hard on her, Emma realized. She knew it wouldn't be perfect after she did what she did, but it felt way worse than she expected.

Right after the kiss, Nick chased after Abigail and Emma was forced to stop her live stream. Afterwards came Jacob's wrath. She didn't expect how hard he would fall for her. In the end she wished she wouldn't have gotten involved with him. She would say more for her sake, but she did use him. It's not his fault that she got involved with him to not think about someone else she wanted.

One lie after another lie. What was wrong with her?

Here she stood in front of Abigail's bedroom door. Mrs. Blyg had let her in without ease. Emma knew Abigail hadn't told her family about what she did. Mrs. Blyg seemed so happy to see her. Emma gulped as she extended her hand and knocked on the door lightly.

"Come in!" Abigail called out. She had no clue that the last person she wanted to see was outside. If it was any other day, Emma would have just barged in, but things were different. For now, at least.

Emma swallowed any nerves she had, turned the doorknob and opened the door. She found Abigail sitting on her bed sketching, as usual. There was never a time when she didn't have her sketchbook and a charcoal pencil. She looked so tranquil and in her own world whenever she was sketching. Her passion for sketching was a beautiful thing. It happened to be one of the reasons why Emma loved her.

She had been doomed and she hadn't even seen it coming.

Once she was inside Abigail's room, she closed the door and turned to her best friend. Abigail glanced up and jumped off her bed, she stood on alert. "Emma. What are you doing here?"

Emma tried not to feel so hurt. It was so normal for her to stop by, but it made sense why Abigail might not want to see her. "I know you don't want to see me right now, Abi, but I have to talk to you."

"I don't know if I want to hear what you have to say." Abigail admitted, crossing her arms. "Haven't I made that obvious?" She had. Every time she tried approaching her, Abigail avoided her. Emma hadn't been expecting this and she felt stupid for it. Why wouldn't Abigail stay away from her?

Emma wondered about Nick. She hadn't seen Nick and Abigail together at school but that meant nothing. Did she ruin her chances for Abigail? A part of her was hopeful, but she cursed herself for that. "Are you and Nick. . ." She could feel her eyes go watery and a lump forming in her throat. ". . . Together?"

"Not that it concerns you, but we did talk after. He told me he was sorry and that it was just some stupid dare. He thinks you did it to make Jacob jealous." Abigail answered, not looking at Emma.

Emma was relieved to hear that Abigail and Nick had talked. She had no clue of what had happened since no one really wanted to talk to her. Jacob was still mad. Abigail felt betrayed. Nick was probably confused and just cared about getting Abigail back.

"Nick and I, we're good." Abigail said, earning a sigh of relief from Emma. Abigail glanced up at Emma with hurt. "That doesn't mean I'm still not mad at you, Emma. It really hurt that you'd do that. You knew I liked Nick and you just. . ."

Seeing the emotional pain she had caused Abigail was the worst thing about this. Emma knew Abigail would be upset, but she didn't consider the emotional hurt she would put her through. Abigail felt betrayed. Emma had betrayed her best friend.

No matter what she felt for Abigail, she should have remembered that they were best friends. There were just some things best friends didn't do to each other and betrayal was one of them.

Emma sighed deeply, pushing away a strand of hair that was in her face. "I know you probably hate me. I can say that it was just a stupid game. I can tell you I'm not the one who came up with the question. I can tell the whole world that I did what I did to give you a shove towards Nick. But it would all be a lie. A coverup for the truth."

Abigail narrowed her eyes. "What's the truth, Emma?" When she didn't get a response, she asked, "do you like Nick?"

"What? No, no, that's not it." Emma waved her hand dismissively. Her nerves had found her once more. She wanted to leave Abigail's, but she knew she had to tell her the truth. She had just told Abigail that she wasn't going to lie to her. Emma needed to be honest. Not just for Abigail's sake, but for her own. "I need to tell you something, Abi. I haven't told anyone this, but. . . I have to tell you. Especially now."

Suddenly, Abigail looked concerned. Emma relaxed how that Abigail didn't look mad at her. "What is it, Emma?"

Emma walked towards Abigail, taking her hand in hers. She led them towards the edge of the bed so they could sit. Abigail obliged without saying a thing. They were just sitting side by side, looking at each other. Emma looked at Abigail and saw not just her best friend, but the girl she loved. She believed all Abigail saw was her best friend who kissed the guy she liked in front of the internet.

She wished so much was different. If she could have what she wanted, Abigail would be her girlfriend. All she had was her own daydreams of being with a girl that was straight. Before this big mess all Emma had were her daydreams. She knew Abigail liked guys, so why was she trying to give herself false hope that Abigail will magically have feelings for her?

Although it hurt to not have Abigail the way she wanted, she realized how much life sucked without her in it. At the end of the day Abigail was her best friend. That was the most important thing to her.

"You mean so much to me. So much more than you'll ever know," she began, earning a well-deserved scoff from Abigail. "I know I haven't been a good friend. I didn't realize how much I'd end up hurting you when I kissed Nick. I should have known. I know how much you like him, and. . . I know what I did was wrong. I hurt you and that's the last thing I'd ever want to do in the world. I was wrong. And I know that."

"I didn't get why you did it. We're best friends and it just-" Abigail paused, looking away from Emma. She continued, "I didn't think you'd ever do something like that to me. It hurt that you would do that."

Emma understood that perfectly. Abigail wondered why and she had the answer. "I was. . . jealous."

"Jealous?" Abigail questioned. "You said you didn't like Nick-" she stopped when a thought popped into her head. "Who were you jealous of, Emma?"

Emma had to rip it off like a Band-Aid. Years of friendship, she could be risking telling Abigail, yet she had risked when she kissed Nick too. "I love you, Abi."

Abigail knew just from those four words what she meant. Emma could see it in how Abigail looked at her sympathetically. She was more devastated for her than shocked it seemed.

"Emma, I didn't know." Abigail admitted. "I would say I wish you would've told me but. . . there's no way to just tell your crush that you like them. I'd be a hypocrite."

Emma could feel her eyes burning a bit from the incoming tears. "I'm a bisexual, Abi, but no guy or girl has ever made me feel something like you did. I wanted to hide that part of me. Jacob was attracted to me, and he isn't a bad guy, so I used him. I was with him to not think of the feelings I had for you. I was horrible to him because he doesn't even know that. I have to tell him though.

"I was so jealous of Nick. I wanted you to want me, not him. I wanted you to be my girlfriend, not his. So, I kissed him because I wanted to ruin what you guys had. All so you wouldn't be with him. It didn't matter in the end. I hurt you. You both talked and are doing good. And in the end, I'm the bad guy. I don't deserve you, Abi, but I realized that I missed you. You were my best friend before you were my crush and I have to think of things that way. We've been there for each other and. . . I can't imagine you not in my life. I'd rather have you in my life as my friend than without you."

Emma could feel the tears rolling down her face as Abigail watched her pour her heart out. She knew the truth now. She didn't know what she was expecting after. She was sure surprised when she felt Abigail's arms wrap around her.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I'm sorry I can't be the person for you. I'm sorry that you've kept this to yourself for so long." Abigail apologized.

Emma shook her head, pulling away. "Abi, you don't need to apologize. You don't have the right to feel bad for being who you are. You deserve to be who you are. I love you the way you are, even if it means something else for me." She wiped at her cheeks with the back of her sleeve. "I needed you to know. It's still up to you to forgive me, but I needed you to know why."

Abigail shrugged. "It's different now. I don't like what you did but hearing why changes stuff. I feel hurt because you're hurt."

"I'll be okay." Emma promised. She squeezed Abigail's hand. "As long as I have my best friend beside me, what can go wrong?"

Watching couples being cute was something she had gotten used to. Nick and Abigail were always together and even after her whole truth and dare stunt, she was happy for them. She thought they looked cute together. Emma was also happy that Abigail was happy. She stopped looking at it through her unhappiness and instead through Abigail's happiness.

Max Brinly, Laura's boyfriend, went to another school so she could not be all cute and cuddly with him. However, there was Dylan and Ryan. Those two were overtly cute and were always together. Ryan was not as affectionate, but he made it obvious that he was Dylan's boyfriend. He'd hold Dylan's hand, kiss him and hold him. It was sickeningly sweet and she was happy for them.

Emma thought of Kaitlyn. She was the mastermind behind it all even though she didn't necessarily get them together. Ryan knew something was off and that Kaitlyn had something to do with it which is why he went to Dylan to ask him about it. That lead to them confessing. So she guessed it was in a way thanks to Kaitlyn's effort that the two got together.

A whole week had gone with Dylan and Ryan being official boyfriends. Everyone at school had gotten used to it by now and it just became a school norm. She wasn't the only one who thought they were cute together either.

"What do you think?" Emma blinked away and cleared her throat to not show she had gotten distracted. She glanced at Abigail, who was trying on a black spaghetti strap cocktail dress for a date with Nick.

"I think you look amazing! This is the dress." Emma had helped go through Abigail's closet to see what might go perfect for the date. Nick's older brother, Nate, was getting married and Nick was taking Abigail as his date.

Abigail sighed in relief, pushing a few strands of hair out of her face. "Phew, I'm happy I have that out of the way." She looked down at her bare feet. "I was going to wear black tights, but high heels have never been my thing. . ."

Emma waved her hand dismissively like it was the smallest problem in the world. "Your black combat boots or flats will work perfectly fine! The guests will be thinking how lucky Nick is. He's got a fine date with him."

"Aren't the guests supposed to be staring at the bride?" Abigail chuckled. She went towards her dresser to search for black tights.

"You'd outshine the bride." Emma commented, eyeing Abigail like she was a beautiful piece of art. She cursed herself sometimes. There were times when she thought the sweet comments she'd give her were too flirty, but Abigail never saw it that way.

Emma wanted to say her crush on Abigail had vanished, but she would be lying. The feelings weren't so intense, but there were still those small lingering thoughts. They were just thoughts that plagued her mind, but she knew in time they would go away.

Abigail turned to her and walked away from her dresser and approached Emma, pulling her into a hug. There were no words, just a caring embrace. Emma hugged Abigail back, maybe a bit too tightly. It was like Abigail was her life preserver she needed when she wandered too far into deep water. Abigail could always pull her back to a clear mind.

Abigail pulled away first, still holding Emma. "What are you going to do?"

"Uhm, I got no plans." Emma stated honestly. If it were anyone else she'd say she had a bunch to do, but this was Abigail. The one thing she had been able to keep from her was the crush. "My parents are out at dinner visiting some family friends. Lily is out with her friends. I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do but I'll figure something out."

"Maybe check the group chat? See if anyone's free?" After everyone's lunch table merged, Emma had created a group chat for them. Emma didn't mind having more friends. It was nice.

Emma thought of the first few people that came to mind. "Jacob is out on some family trip. Laura and Max are probably fornicating somewhere."

"Ew! Don't put that image in my head." Abigail scolded her lightly as she let go of Emma and went back to searching for black tights.

"What? I'm just stating the obvious." Emma thought of the remaining three people. "I can bet my money that Ryan and Dylan are going to go on their own date too. Those two lovebirds, my gosh."

Abigail looked away from her dresser briefly. "You have to admit they're cute together."

"They are." Emma agreed truthfully. She was kind of jealous of them too, if she was honest.

"How about Kaitlyn?" Abigail grabbed a pair of black tights and began putting them on. "If Dylan and Ryan are going out, she might be doing the exact same thing you're doing."

"Admitting how cute Rylan are?" Emma joked.

"No!" Abigail chuckled. Once she was done putting on her tights, she grabbed her black combat boots. "Helping Dylan pick out something to wear on his date."

Emma could see that. Kaitlyn was Dylan's best friend and wingman (or wingwoman, she guessed). "Yeah, I'll text her and see what she's up to."

"Good." After her shoes were on, Abigail took her bat mini backpack from her bed. "Nick should be here soon."

"You two have fun, okay?" Emma hoped Abigail didn't feel bad for leaving her all alone to herself. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," she said with a wink. Abigail rolled her eyes at her with a wide grin.

"Abi, Nick is here!!!" Mrs. Blyg called out from outside of the room.

Abigail put on her backpack and snatched her phone from her nightstand. She sent Emma a little wave. "I'll see you later, Em!"

"Bye!" Emma waved back as she watched Abigail leave the room. She looked down at her own phone that was resting on Abigail's desk. She went into her messages and found Kaitlyn's number.

Kaitlyn was an interesting person, that was for certain. Never mind the fact that she wanted to help Dylan get with Ryan - she genuinely cared about her friend. Emma could admit Kaitlyn even sounded like a better friend than her since she wanted to matchmake Dylan and Ryan without any other motives unlike she when she claimed she wanted to matchmake Nick and Abigail.

Besides being such a good friend, she had a great personality too. She was headstrong and cunning, both traits Emma could admit were attractive. She never minded a tad of mischief in someone. Kaitlyn also happened to be a very physically attractive too. 

"Are you really admitting you think Kaitlyn is hot?" Emma questioned aloud. She groaned in annoyance. Did she never learn? Kaitlyn might not even be into girls. Heck, she might not even want to be in a relationship either.

You won't know if you never ask, she heard a voice in her head taunt her. It was the same advice she gave Kaitlyn when she wanted to know if Ryan had any feelings for Dylan. Emma started out the message to Kaitlyn. She took a look over at it before sending.

Perhaps it was best she took her own advice.

"So where is this date taking place again?" Kaitlyn was sitting at the edge of Dylan's bed while stroking Mittens' fur. She was watching Dylan look through his closet searching for clothes to wear.

"We're heading to a drive-in theater." Dylan answered simply, choosing a band tee. "I didn't tell you?"

Kaitlyn shook her head. "Nah, I just remember you gushing about going on your first date with Ryan."

"I mean, if you were in my shoes wouldn't you be excited?" Dylan said joyfully, grabbing a pair of jeans.

"To be going on a date with Ryan?" Kaitlyn teased. She chuckled when Dylan took off his shirt to replace it with the band tee. "No, I'm happy for you, Dyl. I am."

Dylan quickly put on his chosen jeans and then his charcoal slip-ons. "I couldn't help but think. . . do you ever plan on dating someone one day?"

"Getting personal over there, buddy?" Kaitlyn joked.

"I'm being serious, Kaitlyn. As a supporting friend, I just want to know if that's something that interests you. That's all." Dylan said. When he unplugged his phone from his nightstand, he sat next to Kaitlyn. "Also if that's something you don't want to discuss and I'm just prying, please let me know. I don't want to do that."

Kaitlyn shook her head to not worry Dylan. "You're good, don't worry," she reassured him. "Honestly? It's been the last thing on my mind. Relationships are a lot. You don't have to be in one to know that. I wouldn't be opposed to one, but I'm not rushing to get in one, you know?"

"Are you calling me a relationship rusher?" Dylan teased.

Kaitlyn shoved Dylan. "No. That's something you've wanted for a while. It's not like you woke up one day wanting one. You've been wanting to one. I just. . . have been taking my time, I guess."

"Waiting for the right person?" Dylan asked.

"I think so." Kaitlyn agreed. She knew that the right person didn't just show up and you'd fall in love with them at first sight. Dylan had truly fallen for Ryan when he got to know him more. "Sometimes we don't know that the right person isn't too far away from us," she said, looking at Dylan.

Dylan scooted away. "Kaitlyn you're amazing, but you know I'm gay, right?" Kaitlyn burst out laughing. It was never a dull moment with Dylan. "I want you to know that if you ever need to talk about any of that, I'm here. I want to be the supportive friend you were to me."

"You definitely have beaten me at being the first one to be in a relationship." Kaitlyn admitted, but she raised her finger to make a point. "However, I beat you at kissing someone first."

"You're hilarious, you know that?" Dylan narrowed his eyes at her. When Kaitlyn didn't respond, he began petting Mittens.

Kaitlyn watched the two until she heard her phone vibrate. She took it out to see it was a message from Emma.

Emma: hey I'm free tonight, wanna hang? <3

If lunch tables hadn't been merged, Kaitlyn would have been a bit surprised to see Emma Mountebank had texted her. She wondered what Abigail must be up to that the two weren't hanging with each other.

Maybe she's with Nick, Kaitlyn considered.

"Who's that?" Dylan asked.

"Just Dylan." Kaitlyn mocked him.

Dylan groaned. "You're never gonna let that go, are you?" He hated being reminded that he had told his mom Kaitlyn was texting him when she had been eating dinner with them.

"Never," she promised. She stared at her phone thinking about how she should answer. "It's Emma. She was wondering if I was free tonight."

"I mean you are." Dylan pointed out. Mittens whined when Dylan withdrew his hand. "You two should hang out! Two matchmakers together? You guys would be invincible."

"Slow down there, Dyl, it's not like Emma and I are going to search for lonely brokenhearted people for fun and help them find love. That was a one time offer." Kaitlyn reminded him. It was funny that her friends referred to the matchmaking as a business, but she didn't want people literally going to her for such advice. She was truly the last person to ask.

Dylan gave her a small shrug. "I still think you should go hang out with Emma. See a movie. Go shopping. Raise Hell upon North Kill. Whatever floats your boat."

He wasn't wrong. Kaitlyn had no plans. Her parents and sister were out of the house so it's not like she could spend time with her family right now. Dylan was also going on a date and Jacob was out of town so she was free to do anything.

So was Emma.

Kaitlyn learned it was always nice to have fun with one other person. Besides, she didn't know a ton about Emma and she was getting used to her new friends. Who knows? Maybe Emma and she could get closer?

Speaking of getting close, there was a small memory in her head that kept playing. When she asked Emma to help with Ryan, she had touched her hand. It kind of lingered and Kaitlyn tried not to think too much about it. At the time there were more important things to think about such as the fact that she was trying to matchmake Dylan and Ryan.

Kaitlyn didn't hate that her hand lingered on Emma's and the other girl hadn't complained either.

Relationships were not something she was an expert at, but attraction towards someone she was familiar with. She had seen guys she was into and girls too. Jacob and Dylan were both aware that she was bisexual, but she didn't go around advertising it to the whole world.

Emma had her fling with Jacob, but that didn't mean she wasn't attracted to girls. Then again, that was something only Emma knew. Kaitlyn wasn't going to force the answer out of her either, attracted to her or not. It would be rude and uncalled for.

The vlogger girl was more than just a pretty girl. Perhaps it would be nice to get to know her more.

"I will." Kaitlyn decided. Dylan clapped his hands cheerfully as Kaitlyn typed out her reponse.

Me: yeah sure, got anything in mind?

Emma: honestly no, but we can figure it out together ;)

Kaitlyn gulped at we can figure it out together. There was no reason to take it in a not innocent context, but screw her mind that got stuck in the gutter for a split second.

Me: sounds good. Where do you wanna meet up?

Emma: I'll pick you up . Where are you?

Me: at Dylan's. I'll send you his address

Emma: sounds good see you soon <3

Kaitlyn sighed, trying to calm herself down. For some reason she was feeling a little nervous. Emma and she were just going to hang out as friends. There was nothing to worry about.

Right?

Chapter Text

Dylan had already left by the time Kaitlyn got the text message from Emma that she had arrived. Mrs. Lenivy was in the living room watching some true crime show with Mittens on her lap when Kaitlyn said goodbye to them both.

"Hey Em." Kaitlyn greeted the other girl once she came outside. Emma had gotten out of the car and was leaning on it as she waited for her. "Abi on a date?"

Emma nodded. "Yeah, Nick is taking her to his brother's wedding." Emma eyed the Lenivy house. "Dylan going out with Ryan?"

"Yup. They went to go see a movie." Kaitlyn responded awkwardly. Everyone was used to her being by Dylan's side all the time, she didn't realize how it did feel different that he was hanging out with his boyfriend and not her.

Now she wasn't jealous of Ryan, but she was starting to see why it did feel a little weird when your friend was in a relationship and you weren't. Kaitlyn wasn't going to hook up with the first person she saw, but she could admit it was different.

She guessed it might be the same for Emma, but she has been in a relationship. Kaitlyn figured what she had with Jacob began and ended quick, so she believed that to be a fling, but she always had the impression Emma had past relationships before. Who would pass up on being able to date Emma?

Emma cleared her throat, sensing the small tension in the air. "Let's cut to the chase. It's weird not being by the person we're with all the time, but we're friends no matter what. I guess you can say Rylan brought us closer."

"That's a real cute ship name." Kaitlyn didn't even remember who had started saying it but then everyone did, and it just felt right. "But you have a point. This is good for us."

"Exactly!" Emma said cheerfully.

"So, what do you wanna do?" Kaitlyn asked. She knew Emma said they'd figure it out together.

Emma hummed in deep thought. "Well, what do you like to do for fun?"

Make sure Dylan or Jacob don't get themselves killed would have been at the top of her list, but those were a no-go right now. "Anything that seems fun. And that doesn't include listening to opera for over than hour." She could never forget being lassoed into such an event by her aunt two years ago. 

"No opera. Got it." Emma gave her a thumbs up. "How about shopping? That's always fun."

"Sure." Kaitlyn stepped into the passenger seat while Emma headed over to the driver's seat. "Too bad we can't go to the lake."

Emma paused. "Why can't we?"

"It's dark, Em. I don't know if it'd be smart." Swimming was always fun. Kaitlyn hadn't gone in some time, but she wasn't sure going at this time was ideal.

"We have our cellphones." Emma picked up hers as if that was convincing enough.

"I don't have a swimsuit."

"We can buy some. Going shopping, aren't we?" Emma grinned. She set her phone down and started the car. "Besides, a swim sounds fun."

"Shouldn't we be worried we'll come across some serial killer? I'd hate to die tonight." Kaitlyn felt like she should let someone know where would be just in case. Emma had no problem about it. She wasn't secretly trying to kill her, was she?

Emma shrugged. "It'd make an awesome video though, wouldn't it?"

"Oh yes, my life is worth sacrificing because you want to entice your followers." Kaitlyn shook her head in disbelief.

"See! Now you're getting it." Emma said, turning her head to give Kaitlyn a small wink. 

"Focus on the road, please. As much as I don't like this going to the lake at night idea, I don't want to be killed in a car accident." Kaitlyn had never been in the same car as Emma, so she was hoping the other girl was a good driver.

"Don't worry, I won't get us killed on the way there." Emma promised. She had put on the radio, but the silence that came after was uncomfortable to Kaitlyn. She wished Emma and her could just click and begin a conversation. She guessed this bonding time would result in that. Hopefully.

Perhaps it was best to try and strike up a conversation. Better than just sitting there in silence.

"What are your plans for after high school?" It was the safest question to Kaitlyn. Everyone asked their friends that.

Emma kept her eyes on the road. "College preferably. My parents would freak if I told them I wasn't going."

"Ooh, same." Her parents were strict that she got an education and didn't just get a job. Continuing education looked like the sophisticated thing successful did and that's what they wanted her to be.

"I don't mind going. Some college experience would be nice." Emma added to her answer.

Kaitlyn believed Emma would take advantage of all the opportunities. She could probably get some nice videos during college for her channel too. The idea of experiencing college also didn't seem too bad to Kaitlyn. She loved expediting any fun whether it was parties or stealing the stash of whatever booze a teacher could be hiding. 

Jacob and she had done that before. Mrs. Barnett, their home economics teacher, had been going through a nasty divorce and kept a bottle of vodka hidden in her large purse.

"You're not wrong there." Kaitlyn agreed. "What would you major in?"

"I don't know. I love making videos, but I don't know if I'd major in editing videos to get better at it. I feel like I'll know the ropes the more I keep making my videos." Emma answered. She took a moment to add on. "My dad is a lawyer, and my mom is nurse. I think they're hoping I'll pick either one."

Kaitlyn could argue but becoming a lawyer didn't seem interesting and she didn't have enough medical interest to want to be in charge of caring for someone like a nurse would. "What do you want to do?"

That took Emma a bit longer to answer. Kaitlyn waited patiently until she knew what to say. "I want to make videos. It's more than just going online and talking to a bunch of people about my problems. It's documenting a moment in time. A moment in my life and sharing it with people. It lets you be vulnerable, depending on how vulnerable you want to be with the whole world."

Huh. Kaitlyn had never seen it that way. It made sense why so many people did it.

"Would you ever document super personal stuff?" Emma's silence made Kaitlyn believe she was wondering what personal stuff she meant, so Kaitlyn gave her examples. "Getting engaged, marrying the person you love, becoming a parent - all that."

Emma giggled. "God that's so far away from now."

"Who knows? You might find the person for you sooner than you think." Kaitlyn eyed Emma and saw she was shaking her head in disagreement. "You don't think so?"

"Not that I could find the person for me sooner than I think but getting married. I can imagine Nick and Abi or Rylan getting married in like the next five years or four." Kaitlyn noticed she hadn't mentioned herself or a few other people in that sentence. She supposed there'd be no need to mention Jacob and her since they weren't in a relationship.

"So what does that have to do with you?" Kaitlyn asked.

"I think I'm gonna need some time for myself before making such a decision." Emma responded.

"Do you want to get married?" Kaitlyn brought up her hands in surrender. She didn't want Emma to think she was the type to say marriage was something everyone should do. Marriage wasn't for everyone, and it shouldn't be forced. "If you don't that's perfectly fine. I understand why others might not want to."

Emma shook her head. "No, no, I do want to get married. My parents have been happily married for a long time, so I've always wanted that. I just want to make sure that everything else is fine before making such a commitment."

"Like?"

"Well, I want to make sure the person I love wants that too. Compromises exist." Emma said.

"True, but if it's something you really, really want and is important to you, maybe that person isn't for you. I think compatibility is something important and you probably know you're compatible with someone if you both want similar things." Kaitlyn didn't feel like Emma should change what she wanted.

"What do you think of marriage?" Emma asked. She didn't know if she was asking her to steer away from what they were talking about.

Kaitlyn didn't argue. She supposed it was time for Emma to ask her stuff. "When I was younger, I didn't want to. I think as I got older I started seeing how marriage isn't a bad thing. Two people just have to both it and be ready for all the bumpy roads it comes with. I think with someone who wants it and who I love, I'd want to get married too."

Wow. What a discussion to have. Kaitlyn wasn't expecting it to go down this road.

"I wouldn't mind documenting moments like those." Emma finally answered one of her questions. "And I'm still unsure what to major in for now."

"Please just don't major in something someone else wants you to major in. You should major in whatever you want to." Kaitlyn told her. She believed becoming a lawyer or nurse weren't interesting to Emma either.

Emma turned her head away for a moment. "You too," she said, smiling sweetly. Kaitlyn smiled back at her.

"Are we really going to go swimming in the lake?" Kaitlyn asked for what felt like the hundredth time when they entered the store.

"I plan to." Emma said with a little shrug. She knew Kaitlyn was still worried about whether this was still a good idea, but she hoped her nonchalance could relax the other girl. "Weren't you the one who wanted to go to the lake?"

"Well yeah, but that was before you thought of going now. We're two young girls going to the lake by ourselves where anything can literally happen. Aren't you you a bit worried?"

"You sound like Abi right now." Emma chuckled. Abigail would be panicking and continuing to remind her how bad of an idea this was. It was one of the things that drove her crazy, but one of the things she loved about her. Abigail was just worried that something would happen. It was good to have one responsible person.

Kaitlyn seemed like she'd be that person between the two of them. Although she was trying to convince her on how bad the idea was, Kaitlyn still wasn't exactly like Abigail. Kaitlyn still agreed to come into the store and shop for a bathing suit. Abigail would have continued to persuade her that it wasn't a good idea until Emma changed her mind.

"Thank goodness you have Abi to make sure you don't get killed by some guy running around with a chainsaw." Kaitlyn said, not one bit insulted by being compared to Abigail.

"We're not in a movie, Kaitlyn." Emma grabbed a hanger holding a bikini top and bottom. "After this, we can get some other stuff."

"Do you have any mace in your car? Or a pocketknife?" Kaitlyn questioned, eyeballing the bikini sets around her.

Emma looked at Kaitlyn like she was crazy. "No. In this situation it would probably be best if we had something, I guess."

"I think we should get some flashlights. We shouldn't kill the battery of our phones in case of emergencies." Kaitlyn instructed.

Emma pouted. "What? I was gonna film the whole experience for my followers."

"Emergencies, Emma." Kaitlyn emphasized.

"What if I told you my phone was at a hundred percent and I'll only use it for a little bit?" Emma suggested. This was the perfect time to do some filming. It wouldn't be live and if she didn't like whatever she filmed she could just delete it.

Kaitlyn looked like she wanted to protest. She sighed deeply. "Okay, fine." She pulled out her own phone. Emma believed it was to check her phone's battery life. 

"Come on, Kaitlyn, pick out a bathing suit." Emma encouraged her, placing the set she had in the cart.

Kaitlyn put away her phone and looked at the bathing suits. Emma watched her pick out a set and placed it in the cart.

"So what next?" Emma asked. It seemed like Kaitlyn knew exactly what they needed to bring. She knew she was sounding careless about it all, but she understood the importance of their safety.

"Flashlights, mace and maybe a pocketknife if we can get one." Kaitlyn listed off all the items. "Too bad none of us have fake IDs."

Emma smirked. She remembered during her little fling with Jacob, he had borrowed his older brother's ID to get some beer for them. It had been fun and risky, but overall fun. Two hours later they ended up passing out on the floor with empty bottles surrounding them. Thank God Jacob's family had been out that night and they didn't check on them the next morning. It all worked out.

"Maybe next time." Emma said. Hoping that Kaitlyn would like to hang out again.

Kaitlyn looked back at her with a small, genuine smile that reached her eyes. "Definitely."

Emma pushed the cart as Kaitlyn led the way. While Kaitlyn added stuff to their cart, Emma watched her. Whatever she picked up she examined closely as if she were determining what they could use it for. Emma could tell Kaitlyn just wanted to be safe so she needed to think out many scenarios in her head so they would both be prepared.

It was sweet that Kaitlyn was deeply concerned about their safety but she was still going along with heading to the lake. She definitely knew how to have fun. It was nice to be around someone who would just go with the flow of things. Sure Kaitlyn didn't fail to remind her of how dangerous the idea was, but she wasn't trying to change the whole plan either.

Emma was relieved once they bought everything and headed for the lake. While she was driving, she could see Kaitlyn checking the flashlights. She couldn't help but grin as the other girl tried to make sure the flashlights worked. It was dark so they would be using them from the time they headed to the lake to the moment they left.

Once they were close to the lake, Emma parked her car. She opened her door and took her bikini set from the plastic bag. She peeked over at Kaitlyn and noticed she was still checking the flashlights.

"Kaitlyn, I think we'll know if they work when we actually decide to use them." Emma said, chuckling a bit as she took off her shirt.

Kaitlyn looked up when she heard Emma's voice. Her blush was something Emma had caught instantly. "Ugh fine," she said quickly before putting away the flashlight and taking her own bathing suit from the plastic bag.

Once they were both done they grabbed a flashlight for each of them and grabbed the bag of other stuff they had bought and started making their way toward the lake.

"When's the last time you were at the lake?" Emma asked curiously. She flashed the light on a hedgehog that was scurrying away.

"It was this spring break actually. Jacob was busy, but Dylan and I headed to the lake. He would nonstop talk about Ryan, of course. I'd try to talk him into asking Ryan out." Kaitlyn explained.

"Until you realized how that might not be a good idea?" Emma chuckled.

Kaitlyn nodded. "Yeah. I thought he was just shy, but then I realized he was scared of being rejected. Then I remembered all the times he had been."

"It sucks." Emma had only been rejected once in her life and it felt like the worse pain in the world. "To not be wanted by the person you want."

"Yeah, but I try to see a different way." Emma looked at Kaitlyn expectantly as they got closer to the lake. "It does suck but you realize that person isn't for you. Neither theirs or you fault, but you're just not meant to be together. You just go back."

Emma tilted her head. "Back to what?"

"Waiting for the right person."

Emma felt her heart skip a beat.

The right person.

Ever since she realized she loved Abigail she had been convinced she had been perfect for her. That there was no one else in the world who could hold up a candle to her. No one could ever be Abigail because there was only one Abigail.

According to Kaitlyn, Emma hadn't been the right person for her. Just like how Dylan hadn't when he had confessed to other guys in the past. There was some other person in the world that was perfectly right for her and it wasn't Abigail.

Abigail had her right person and so did Dylan. Sure things didn't and weren't going to work out for Jacob and her, but he would find his right person too.

So would she.

So would Kaitlyn.

Once they made it to the lake, Kaitlyn set out the large towel they had gotten. They both sat down on the towel and just stared at the lake. Kaitlyn wanted to make sure they had what they needed not too far from them.

"Gosh I really wish we some beer. Or some wine coolers." Emma expressed as she grabbed a water bottle from the plastic bag.

"Maybe we can get Jacob to borrow Jonathan's ID again." Kaitlyn said with a wink.

Emma was surprised to hear that. Had Jacob done this before? "You guys drank alcohol together?"

"Yeah. It's what we did when we drank alcohol for the first time. Thank God all the Custos boys have dark hair and eyes. Cashier believed him when he pulled out the ID." Kaitlyn took a sip from the water she had taken.

Emma knew Jacob and Kaitlyn were close. There had once been rumors that the two had been an item once. Then again rumors were just rumors until someone cleared it up. She couldn't help but wonder though.

"You and Jacob are really close." Emma pointed out.

Kaitlyn nodded, her bee earrings dangling as her head moved. "We are childhood best friends. I have two best friends, Dylan and then Jacob. I've known Jacob longer."

"Did you guys ever. . . get together?" If Kaitlyn said yes that meant the only girls Jacob hadn't been with in their friend group was Abigail and Laura.

"Ew, no." Kaitlyn scrunched up her face. "However, we did practice kissing on each other when we were freshmen. It was terrible." Emma burst into laughter when she saw Kaitlyn's disgusted face. She raised an eyebrow at her. "I haven't kissed him since, so has he gotten better?"

Emma believed she meant it as a joke, but she answered nonetheless. "He's not too bad. I wasn't really focused on the kissing when we were together." No, you were more focused on what Abi was doing, she thought.

"Oh. Was the sex that good?" Kaitlyn asked.

Emma pursed her lips. It was sad to her that what she had with Jacob felt meaningless. She knew it meant something to Jacob and she was glad she gave him an experience that he clearly enjoyed. It sucked because in the end it didn't mean anything to her.

She tried drowning her feelings for Abigail by being with Jacob yet it did nothing. No matter what she still had feelings for Abigail. No matter what Abigail would still be straight and her heart taken by Nick. All it did was hurt Jacob and prove to hear burying your feelings did nothing.

Now that she had told Abigail and Ryan, she could tell Kaitlyn. She had always wanted to tell Jacob, but she didn't know what he'd think. To be told that he had been used so she wouldn't have to think about her feelings for someone else - that'd crush him. Maybe one day she would be able to.

"Actually. . . I didn't think about any of that when I was with him." Emma began, clutching onto her water bottle tightly. "I thought about someone else."

"Someone else?" Kaitlyn questioned.

"I was in love with someone else and I knew I couldn't be with them so I thought being with someone else could make me forget about my unrequited feelings I knew I had." Emma explained, keeping the specifics to herself.

Kaitlyn was quiet for a moment as she registered everything she was hearing. "Abi," she mumbled loud enough for Emma to hear. The only sounds that could be heard right now were just the chirping crickets.

"How did you know?" Emma set her water bottle. Abigail promised never to tell and she didn't think Ryan would either.

Kaitlyn looked down at her lap. "When I asked you to ask Ryan about his sexuality, I noticed you'd stare at Abi. You weren't ogling her, but you were staring her like an artist stares at paintings in an art gallery. With deep interest and appreciation."

"With love." Emma added. There goes my subtly, she thought humorlessly. "We talked about it. Obviously, she's not the one for me since she rejected me."

"If only she were a lesbian or bisexual, right?" Kaitlyn's words were more like a statement than a question. She was right though. Abigail just wasn't into girls. It wasn't her fault.

"I still love her because she's my best friend. She means a lot to me, whether or not she can reciprocate my feelings." Emma did love Abigail. She loved her in many ways. One as her former crush and the other as her best friend. If she couldn't have Abigail as a girlfriend, she'd still want her as a best friend.

"At least you know you'll always be friends." Kaitlyn said hopefully. Emma appreciated her for pointing out the bright side. "This means you're still on the lookout for the right person."

Emma knew sometimes the right person could easily be the person right in front of you. She didn't know if that was her case, but it would be nice to figure it out.

She got up from the towel and stretched her arms. "I'm going for a swim. How about you?"

"Hopefully no lake monster pulls us under." Kaitlyn grabbed her flashlight and got up from the towel too.

"If there's one, I'll save you." Emma said with a wink.

Kaitlyn scoffed. "With what? Your phone?"

"I'm stronger than you think." Emma said, crossing her arms. She sighed in relief once they were at the water.

"Oh yeah?" Kaitlyn challenged. "We'll have to see about that."

Emma smirked at her before jumping into the lake. The water felt nice on her skin, soothing and just a bit cold. She giggled when she saw Kaitlyn get into the water too.

"See? Wasn't it worth possibly risking our lives?" Emma splashed a bit at Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn hadn't been expecting the splashing, but she sent one back at Emma. "I'll admit it is nice. And honestly? You might be right."

"Are you giving me a compliment?" Emma almost blushed.

"Now that we're here in the lake, my belief of the likelihood of us getting killed has decreased by a lot." Kaitlyn looked down at the water. "I think I just. . . think of the worse scenarios."

Emma defended Kaitlyn's desire to make sure everything was fine. "That's not a bad thing. Sometimes that fear is necessary in some situations. It's better to be safe than sorry and besides we're in the lake now and everything is fine. So let's enjoy it."

"You're right." Kaitlyn agreed. There was silence for a little until Kaitlyn broke it. "So. . . You loved Abi?"

"Yup." Emma nodded her head. She didn't mind continuing on with the topic. "Was I subtle?"

"A hundred percent. I would've never guessed." Clearly Abigail and Dylan weren't too subtle about their own crushes. "You didn't have a thing for Nick, like some people theorized, and you didn't for Jacob either."

Emma felt bad thinking about Jacob especially when she was talking to his childhood best friend. "I was jealous of Nick. I thought kissing him would somehow make her stay away from him. In the end it just made her hate me."

"And Jacob?"

"I didn't want to think about Abi and my feelings for her as she was pining over Nick. It was selfish of me. Everything I did. I did it all because I believed in some way it would benefit me. It didn't though. I felt horrible after all of it." Emma knew she would have to tell Jacob one day, maybe even Nick too.

When she expected Kaitlyn to judge her for hurting Jacob that way, she got a sympathetic look instead. "We all mistakes, Em. Jacob and you are free from each other and can be with someone you both actually love."

"It sometimes feels like it'll never happen." Emma blurted out. She blinked away the tears forming in her eyes. "I loved Abi. We're not meant to be, okay, I have to accept it and I have. But I just wish. . ."

"That right person would just magically appear in front of you?" Kaitlyn suggested.

"Exactly!" Emma was glad Kaitlyn knew what she was talking about. She wondered what Kaitlyn's thoughts were on love. "Don't you wish for that?"

Kaitlyn shrugged. "Sometimes we're duped, Emma. Do you know how many people go searching looking for that person when that person was actually near them?"

Emma could see Kaitlyn's point. Dylan and Ryan lived in the same town and they found each other.

"Are you waiting for yours?" Emma asked, looking up at the night sky. It made her a bit happy to see all the stars out there shining brightly.

"My lucky girl or guy is out there. Maybe closer than I think." Kaitlyn was a bisexual too. Emma glanced at her when she made the realization. "Yours too."

Emma blushed. She opened her mouth to say something when there was a sound. It sounded like some twigs snapping.

"Holy shit." Emma cursed. What could be out here with them? It could easily be an animal, but what if it was a vicious one ready to kill them? "What is it?"

Kaitlyn was staring at the direction the sound came from. "I don't know," she whispered when the snapping of twigs was heard again.

"Do you think it's a serial killer?" Emma didn't mean it as a joke.

"Why would you say that?!" Kaitlyn looked at her as if she were crazy. Emma followed Kaitlyn as she got out of the lake. Emma grabbed her phone as it laid on the towel.

Kaitlyn grabbed a flashlight and one of the mace bottles she had bought. Emma raised her phone up and turned on the video. In case it was a serial killer, Emma wanted to get their face on camera.

Slowly, they approached the woodland bushes that were clustered together as the twigs snapped a few times again.

It was coming closer.

Emma gulped and watched Kaitlyn. She was standing in front of her protectively. It was sweet that she had taken that position without complaint. She didn't hesitate to be the one to protect Emma.

There could be a serial killer out there and Kaitlyn sacrificed herself as the one who would protect her and reveal who was behind the bushes.

It was a sweet gesture.

The twigs snapped again and there was movement in the bushes. After the bushes separated a bit, Kaitlyn aimed the mace forward. "AHHH!"

Emma watched with terror and confusion as there was nothing in front of Kaitlyn. Something had moved the bushes though. Emma's eyes landed on the ground where a cute raccoon was near the bush glancing at them. 

"What the fuck." Kaitlyn saw the raccoon too now. It was a raccoon that had scared them. Not some insane serial killer.

It was scary moments ago, but now it was funny. Emma began laughing.

"Wow! There goes for a good story. Kaitlyn Ka terrified by a an adorable, defenseless raccoon." Emma moved her phone to show the raccoon that was looking around in confusion.

Kaitlyn was still on edge as she held the bottle of mace in her right hand. "I didn't know, okay? And what if it wasn't a hedgehog?!"

"It was though." Emma answered, bringing up the camera back to her.

Kaitlyn narrowed her eyes at her. "You didn't plan this did you?"

"Yes, because I was able to communicate with the raccoon and telling him to come out and scare you for a perfect video." Emma turned to face her phone to her. "Thank goodness I grabbed my phone to capture the moment."

Kaitlyn threw the mace onto the towel and propped her hands on her hips. "Emma, delete the video."

Emma turned to Kaitlyn, mouth gaped from such an idea. "What, why? It was brilliant. We thought it was something and then it was nothing. It's like an unplanned prank. In a way."

"I look like an idiot on there grabbing the mace, ready to attack when it was just the damn hedgehog."

Emma pouted, looking at the hedgehog that was starting to scurry away. "Don't blame the little guy, Kaitlyn. The woods is his home and he was just trying to get by."

"I blame you. Now delete it." Kaitlyn repeated.

Emma turned off her phone. "No."

"Uh, did you just say no?" Kaitlyn asked.

"If you want it, you'll have to take it from me." Emma smirked at her. When Kaitlyn was thinking about it, Emma ran. She knew Kaitlyn was going to try to take her phone no matter what.

"What the? Emma!" Kaitlyn called out to her, beginning the chase.

Emma was laughing as she ran to the other side of the lake. She turned on her phone to use its flashlight but it was a bit hard to use while she was running. She didn't know what she thought about accomplishing, but being chased by Kaitlyn had sounded fun.

The other girl running after her.

"I'm going to get that phone!" Kaitlyn called out to her. This was fun.

Emma was thinking about the fact that Kaitlyn mentioned she was bisexual too. It meant she was into girls as well. Internally, she triumphed. If she wanted to she could always ask Kaitlyn out and see what the other girl would say. There was always that possibility she might be rejected for not being her type, but Emma had a better chance with Kaitlyn than she had with Abigail.

She wanted to see if Kaitlyn and her could go further than being friends.

Emma had been too caught up in her thoughts when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her. She yelped until she saw Kaitlyn behind her. Emma struggled while in Kaitlyn's arms, laughing at the fact that she had been caught.

"I got you." Kaitlyn said as she held Emma.

"I'm not letting you-" They both fell to the ground. Emma was lying on her back when Kaitlyn got on top of her.

"Where is your phone?" Kaitlyn asked, looking down at Emma.

Instead of verbally answering, Emma grabbed Kaitlyn's arms and pulled her to the ground. Once Kaitlyn had her back lying on the ground, Emma was the one hovering above her.

"Told you I was quite strong." Emma taunted jokingly. She grabbed her phone from underneath a bunch of leaves that were next to them. She had hid the phone there right quick just in case. "You want it? Gotta fight for it."

"I can pin you down." Kaitlyn had determination in her eyes as she glanced up at Emma.

"Winner decides the fate of the video. Who can pin down who for the longest." Emma put her phone back down with the little pile of leaves.

"You're on."

There was no wasting time for Kaitlyn, Emma noticed. She reached up to shove her to the ground so she would be on top again. Emma grabbed her arms, but Kaitlyn decided to use something else. She hooked her leg around Emma's waist before skillfully flipping them over. Now Kaitlyn was on top.

"Damn it." Emma cursed under breath, but she didn't care about the video at this point. This was fun. She was having fun with Kaitlyn. She used her strength to pin Kaitlyn back down, but Kaitlyn struggled.

She wanted that video deleted desperately. Emma grabbed Kaitlyn's arms to try and move, but it seemed like Kaitlyn wasn't letting her go.

Kaitlyn had her pinned for what felt like for a minute. 

"I think I win." Kaitlyn whispered, a bright smile on her face. She raised her arms and cheered. "Point one for Kaitlyn Ka!"

Emma chuckled softly as she watched the other girl cheer. She thought of an idea. Kaitlyn was too distracted from winning that she was surprised when Emma grabbed her arms and pulled her close to her. Emma let go of her arms and wrapped her arms around Kaitlyn's neck. She connected their lips instantly.

Kaitlyn was frozen in place as Emma kissed her. It wasn't a passionate, hungry kiss. Just a small, nice kiss, but an unforgettable one.

Emma pulled away from Kaitlyn. "Uh. . . Emma? What was that?"

"Call it an extra reward for winning." Emma joked, winking at her. There she went again. Covering up the truth. She wanted to kiss Kaitlyn not congratulate her.

Kaitlyn moved away from Emma, sitting next to her. "Uh, are you sure. . . is that really all it was?"

Emma wanted to go fetch her phone, but this was way too important. She could see slight disappointment in Kaitlyn's eyes. Maybe she wanted it too. With that thought in mind, Emma scooted closer to her until their shoulders were touching.

"I like you, Kaitlyn. I think today I realized I liked you a lot." Emma told her the truth. "I won't lie, sometimes I do think about Abi, but it's not like before. I want to move on. Seeing Abi and Nick, Rylan - I want that. I perfectly understand if you don't or for any other reason you wouldn't want to see where this goes."

Kaitlyn pondered on a thought for a second, taking in what Emma said too. "I'm attracted to you too, Em. I still can't stop thinking about when I touched your hand that one time."

Emma remembered. It had felt nice. She had the girl she liked sitting next to her but Kaitlyn reached out and thanked her for helping out.

"Except for the fact that you're gorgeous, you're an amazing person. I know you kissed Nick, but you didn't do it cause you were a bitch. You care so much about your friends and not just Abi. I can never repay you for putting yourself out there and asking Ryan of his sexuality. You were so careful with that information because you cared.

"I didn't expect to be in a relationship, but honestly? I wouldn't hate it. Especially if it's with you." Emma could feel butterflies in her stomach as Kaitlyn continued. "I can't predict the future, but I'd like to see where this goes."

Emma smiled, wrapping her arms around Kaitlyn. The other girl giggled and hugged her back. Emma pulled away to plant another kiss on Kaitlyn's lips. This time, this one was a bit longer than the other. When Emma pulled away, Kaitlyn pouted at the absence of her lips.

"What's wrong?" Kaitlyn asked as Emma got up.

"I'm getting my phone. We're taking pictures." Emma insisted, walking a bit away to find her phone with the pile of leaves.

Kaitlyn didn't look exactly thrilled about that. "We're talking selfies?"

"Girlfriend selfies." Emma gestured at her phone. She bent down to grab Kaitlyn's arm to help her up.

"Girlfriends, huh?"

Emma wrapped an arm around Kaitlyn's waist. "Are you okay with that?" She didn't want to pressure Kaitlyn into anything. They didn't have to even be public about their relationship.

"N-no. I think I like it." Kaitlyn agreed.

They both walked back to where they had abandoned all their stuff. It had been a nice time at the lake, but they both agreed it was time to leave. Emma had taken a few pictures of them before they headed into the car. 

"You were right." Emma said, before driving off.

"About?"

"Rejection does suck. But it goes back to watching for the right person." Emma then turned to Kaitlyn. "Until you find them." Both girls shared an identical smile before Emma began driving away from the lake.

Waiting for the right person was worth it, especially when you found them.