Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Otis house

Pov' Otis

Blue eyes stared at the ceiling of the room silently, totally lost in thought.

I was the biggest idiot in the world, after a long time thinking that was the realization I got. When a person says they love you, you don't say nice...definitely. I couldn't forget about her tear-streaked face as she told me I should leave.

- "Since you left the clinic, you became selfish." - Maeve's words echoed in my head, at the time I felt offended, but now I realize it was true, not even when I went to talk to her I really put myself in her place.

Deep down I want to blame Maeve, to think that I couldn't love because of her, that I wouldn't be here if she had responded to the damn message, but that would be selfish again on my part. I sigh deeply and turn over on the bed, trying to somehow expel this lingering pain in my chest.

-"I love you." - His voice repeats again in my head, like endless torture, reminding me over and over of the stupidest moment of my life. I've thought of hundreds of different scenarios, any one sounding better than my stupid word choice.

Ruby house

Pov' Ruby

Brown eyes stared at the ceiling with a grim expression, eyes swollen after hours of crying.

She wanted to hate him with all her strength, for making her believe in something as ridiculous as love, for making her tear down layer by layer of armor she'd taken years to build, but she couldn't, because regardless, Otis it was still unlike any other boy she had ever met, the first to see her as something more than a pretty face and she knew he would never do anything to intentionally hurt her, she could see in his eyes everything he wanted say, but lacked the courage.

- "You are perfect in much more than looks." His voice echoed in my head, one of many of his cute words from those hidden days, funny how she misses those little moments of their own without Maeve around.

Maeve... a pang of bitterness hits her chest, her brain not able to identify what the other girl has that she doesn't, even after making clear her distance from him, she always ignored her jealousy when she saw them together talking, talking to themselves even though she was so much better than the other girl, maybe she was wrong.

Pov' Otis

Time seemed to fly by on this day, I could barely focus on something enough to be really noteworthy. I really wish Eric was here right now, he always seems to know what to say, now everything is so noisy but so silent around me, it's suffocating.

My body feels like stone as I board the bus, my eyes roam the seats and my eyes meet hers, shame immediately twists my stomach and I look away and sit up.

Pov' Ruby

I barely pay attention throughout the day, even as my friends ramble on about a Kardashian controversy, they seem to pick up on my mood as they don't pressure me to speak, which I'm deeply grateful for.

The bus is full, I almost lose my patience, shoving my bag a little harder than necessary, I finally finish and straighten up, when I look to the side, I meet a pair of familiar blue eyes, I feel a knot it forms in the throat, but still, I lift my chin and stare at him, he looks away quickly, it almost made me lose my composure, but I was quick to hold back. It would be a great trip.

Pov' Otis

We were all huddled together in front of the bus awaiting instructions, I stare firmly at the ground, knowing she was just a few steps beside me. I hear someone make a joke about her, I immediately turn around, fist clenched, they stop shortly after embarrassed. I gasp as we're put together, her friends steadfastly denying the choice, but with a few words from Ruby, soon we're walking through the place. I can't help comparing it to the early days, when I followed her everywhere at school, wanting to spend every second with her. I look at his back further forward, my determination boiling over as I advance towards him.

- Ruby, can we talk? I want to apologize. - I say, trying to convey my yearning, she just keeps walking.

- Stop talking! is trigger for Ruby. - Your friend says coldly, I never thought that a single sentence could hurt so much, I visibly deflate, slowly stopping my steps and letting them continue without me, after all maybe it was better that way.

Pov' Ruby

His presence was just a few steps away, but I might as well be by his side, just so it would make sense to this anxiety bubbling up in my chest. I keep walking with my chin up, lifting all my walls and not letting my face show my true ones.

My determination slips at his plea, wanting nothing more than to go back to the times when with just a message I would drag him to a place alone, but these aren't the old days anymore, I knew I'd lose all the effort I've made since the beginning.

Pov' Otis

It was weird to ramble on while being actively ignored, but I keep talking, hoping that eventually she'll get tired, at least enough to yell at me, because I know I deserved it. After another round of sarcasm, I stare at her expectantly.

- What are you looking at? - She asks annoyed, looking at me blankly, I almost recoil at the coldness, but choose to ignore the mockery of her friends.

- I feel terrible Ruby, I didn't want to hurt you! even worse that he hated me. - I finish almost as a silent plea, looking slightly at the floor, I feel his gaze boring into my head.

- I don't hate you Otis! I wish I could, it would be so much easier. I just don't want to look at you right now. - She ends with a sigh, walking back.

Pov' Ruby

Part of me wanted to continue ignoring him, ignoring his stupid puppy dog eyes, but I make the mistake of staring straight ahead, my strength giving in instantly with that pure, honest look.

I so wanted to say more, but I didn't want to let myself down any further, because I know I would expect an answer that might never come.

Chapter Text

Pov' Otis

After that conversation it all went away with a slight weight shift, my guilt diminished to something not so overwhelming, knowing she didn't hate me was already a big deal for me, I was hoping we could fix this.

After that nothing really exciting happened, not that I was really paying attention, when actually I was looking at Ruby the whole time, after a few times, her eyes finally met mine, I looked away in embarrassment, looking somewhere beyond her.

Forget what I said about nothing exciting happening, I regret those words after apparently we almost crashed over a flying turd? I'm not sure why yet, this seems pretty stupid, after Adam admits to be him, which I obviously get up to protest knowing was a lie, I'm silenced by his piercing stare, immediately reverting to my starting position, which obviously doesn't end. well for him. We're stuck for a long time, the teachers trying in vain to placate the family's righteous fury, I just stare uncomfortably from afar. I sigh with regret, the lack of movement letting my mind wander again, this road terribly reminding one of our secret places, my mind wandering to those times when everything seemed easier, my eyes searching hers.

It doesn't take long to find them, she also seemed to be impatient, looking at her nails with an annoyed look, a small smile pulls my lips at her attitude, filling me with affection, she seems to feel that she is being watched because it doesn't take long for her eyes finding mine, we stared at each other for a few seconds that seemed endless.

Pov' Ruby

Time felt like an uncomfortable torture, personally created for her annoyance, the last conversation still fresh in her memory, steadfastly refusing to go away, her mind wandering into dozens of scenarios, different things she could have said, anything really.

She knows she's an idiot, but she misses conversations with him terribly, she lied when she said for a long time that it was for sex, she loved talking to him, he understood her in a strange way and that no one has been able to before, many Sometimes it only took an exchange of looks between the two, to understand what the other was thinking.

To her endless annoyance, the distraction she's been praying for the past few minutes has come in the form of a near-car accident that could have killed them all, the cause being nothing more horrible than feces being thrown into the air, her nose twitching. in disgust, almost getting bored out of her mind as the story unfolded, wanting nothing more for this day to be over and she could be in bed.

Pov' Otis

After the long break, I decide to go to the bathroom quickly, both to use and to breathe some much needed air, all this unresolved tension leaving me euphoric and more anxious than a while, it seemed so easy at first, if it's not the enough for her, finish, now it doesn't seem so easy and I don't even feel like I want to, but again this is selfish, so better keep the thought to myself.

I sigh as I stare at my reflection in the public bathroom, I was a little paler than usual and my recent sleepless nights have taken their toll with the bags under my eyes.

After a few seconds, I finally come out of the bathroom, taking a deep breath, I head towards the bus, but I'm stopped by a pair of familiar brown eyes, I see her posture shift slightly.

- Are you okay? - I ask worried, noticing the sadness in her eyes, she slightly lowers her head.

- Me and Ammie fight for the first time! stupid trip. - She complains with regret, if the situation were different I could almost laugh at the phrase.

- After the poop, nothing can get worse! - I say fun, trying to cheer her up, she smiles slightly and looks away, her smile disappears.

- Where's the bus? she asks, a sudden dread rising in my stomach, my eyes chasing the road.

Pov' Ruby

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we were ready to head back, after one more bizarre story to add to the school curriculum, I almost run to sit, not wanting to stand another second.

- That Adam is really a troglodyte, the fights weren't enough, now he's playing crap, barbarian. - Anwar speaks with disgust, Olivia agrees with a disgusted grimace at the side.

- It couldn't be expected less. - She speaks with disgust, I look away, holding my tongue with the feeling of defense for him, even for a little while, she started to like the silent boy, help him like Kardashian, I was about to go back to my own world , when my eyes land on Otis' seat, my heart flutters as I realize it was empty.

Pov' Otis

I sure as hell wasn't freaking out, clearly there was in some survival manual something about screaming for help somewhere, but clearly it didn't help that Maeve was laughing at my expense. After many failed attempts to shout coherent French words, I finally stopped and sat down beside her, an uncomfortable silence ensuing.

- Why did you and Ruby break up? - She asked, trying to bring up a subject, immediately I stopped, all that weight coming back again, I didn't even know how to answer, was it a good idea not to answer?

- She liked me more than I liked her.- I say, I almost mentally beat myself, when you don't have what to say, you say shit, written down.

- But and you? how are things with this Isaac guy. - I say quickly, trying to change the subject, she smiles at me amused.

- "That Isaac person", things are fine. - She speaks amused, ending by saying that she likes him, I just listen in silence, not really knowing what to say.

- I know you left me a voicemail. She speaks unsteadily, I gasp visibly, my heart lurching in my chest, I meet her eyes shakily.

- Can we not talk about it? it was embarrassing enough that you ignored me for months. - I say uncomfortable, averting my gaze.

- I never heard, Isaac deleted the message. - She speaks slowly, terrou comes in my stomach, already knowing what was to come.

- So you never heard the message? - I ask unsure, she shakes her head.

'No.' She finishes, I sigh deeply, letting the silence fall.

- How long have you known? - I ask expectantly.

- Some weeks ago. - She finishes, I stare at her indignantly for a second.

- Didn't you think to comment? - I ask, trying not to let my bitterness surface.

- You were an asshole to me last semester, a message wouldn't change anything. - She speaks sadly, I snort, letting my anger rise.

- That's how excuses work Maeve! - I almost scream indignantly, jumping away and walking away, long moments of silence passed.

- What was in the letter? Your question interrupts the silence, anxiety gnawing at my chest.

- Does not matter. - I say dejectedly, trying to interrupt this conversation.

- It matters to me. She speaks gently, her voice so fragile I can't help but let my guard down, I sigh deeply.

- Something like, "Hi Maeve, I'm watching you on TV now, I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, when you said you liked me, that's all I wanted to hear, it was always you, I love you... it was stupid .” I end up out of energy, my chest gnawing with growing anxiety.

- Was it true? - She asks anxiously, I frown with regret in my heart, I don't answer her question, totally frozen, not knowing what to do, I realize too late, that now she was by my side.

- Was it true? she asks again, her eyes staring at me expectantly, my breath coming out of my chest.

- Yes. - I speak silently, I knew what was happening when she got a little closer, getting just a few inches from me, just a little more and it would be real, how many times did I imagine this? I approach slowly.

Except it's not so easy anymore, Ruby's fragile, tear-streaked face fills my thoughts, memories of our conversations, the many places we shared, finally her confession to me, I knew what I had to do.

I push her away gently with reluctance, part of me still struggling with this resolve, she looks at me confused, a little hurt expression.

- I can't, sorry. - I say sadly, she really doesn't know how much I wished for it, but it's not the same anymore, I look away from her hurt gaze, a light filling the corner of my vision, I pull away quickly but I can still see Ruby's silhouette in the window.

Chapter Text

Pov' Ruby

I should have listened, I immediately regret getting up, should have just sat there, damn curiosity.

I watch frozen for a second, my brain taking a moment to register the image in front of me, not wanting to believe it.

Otis was inches from that cock eater. A second registering this was all it took, my heart plummeting, my eyes filling with tears I couldn't hold back, I ran as fast as I could with my head down to the bathroom.

I close the door tightly and rest my head on it, slowly slipping onto the floor. Weeks ago if you had told me that Ruby Matthews would be sitting on the floor of a disgusting public restroom, I would have laughed and thrown the closest thing in the poor guy's face, but that joke has apparently come true.

Damn Otis Milburn and his weird geeky charm, damn him for making her think he was different from other guys, damn him because despite all this, she could still imagine his smiling lips brushing hers, damn him for make her believe in love.

Pov' Otis

My eyes fill with terror as I register her dipped eyes staring at me, too late to avoid, too far away to fix or explain, I watch helplessly as she runs.

I could only curse myself for my stupidities, for not avoiding this step sooner, for not doing anything to stop her from getting closer.

- "I didn't mean to hurt you Ruby." - My own words said not long ago come back with force, guilt is a known friend in these moments, because apparently whether I like it or not, I'm always hurting her.

I stare helplessly in the direction of the bathroom, noticing his friends talking towards the door, probably trying to convince her to open it, I sit down hard and sink into the stool, trying to erase this sinking feeling in my chest.

Pov' Ruby

After long moments to recover and not look like a complete disaster, I reluctantly unlock the bathroom door, just opening it slightly so my friends can walk in, I am immediately invaded by two pairs of arms, I sigh, letting myself be enveloped in the heat.

- I kill this little shit! - Olivia's voice interrupts the silence of the place, after a few seconds I can't help the laugh that ripped my hoarse throat, I cast an amused look in her direction.

- Right serial killer, will you kill him with your makeup? - I ask amused, looking at her fondly, she gives me a fervent look.

- I'm sure I can make him suffocate him with my blush. ” She says determinedly, I roll my eyes at that statement.

- I can hide the body... but you would have to buy me new clothes later, blood is terrible for their useful life. - Anwar speaks seriously, I laugh again at the nonsense, shaking my head for a second, trying to recover.

- Thank you for your concern, but if necessary I'll kill you myself. - I say, they give me dubious looks, I look away, my voice clearly not expressing the same as my words.

Pov' Otis

My legs hit the floor repeatedly, my anxiety getting the better of me, looking back several times to check that Ruby was okay.

I roll my eyes at that last thought, of course she's not okay, moments after I said I didn't want to hurt her, I was seconds away from kissing another girl, I might as well have done, what I was thinking.

I almost jump out of my chair at the sound of the bathroom door being unlocked again, I reach up beside the chair to look, my eyes meet Ruby's, she sends me an icy look and I shudder, lean back against the seat and sigh deeply.

Time seemed to pass slowly, after what seemed like an eternity the bus finally stopped, I sigh audibly in relief, standing up almost immediately, before I could register, I was already off the bus, a little away from the other students, my eyes searching. just one person.

It doesn't take long for me to find her, her face easily standing out in the crowd, I wait anxiously, ready to go after her, after long moments, her friends walk away towards the teachers, I almost fly towards her, finally stopping a few meters away.

- Ruby, can we talk? I ask softly, she jumps visibly, probably not noticing my presence, her hard gaze meeting mine.

- We have nothing to talk about, Otis. - She says gruffly, already turning and walking towards her friends, I hurry and gently take her arm.

- You don't understand, let me explain. - I say pleadingly, she looks at me sarcastically.

- What is there to understand? clearly you find it more appropriate to solve your problems by swallowing other people's mouths. - She speaks sarcastically, I look at her sadly.

- I can explain, just calm down. - I say exasperatedly, despair flowing in waves, wrong words I guess, she shoots me an indignant look.

- I'm calm! I am perfectly calm! why wouldn't I be? lower your geek ego, I don't care what you do with your love life! - She yells at me, poking my chest repeatedly, I stare at her shocked for several seconds, she seems to notice the audience around her and quickly leaves.

Pov' Ruby

Stupid blue-eyed nerd, stupid school trip for taking it all, I wanted nothing more than to curse any petty deity for playing with her life in such a way, she can already imagine all the comments about her attack after the trip.

Olivia and Anwar could barely keep up with my quick steps, a thick silence falling between the trio, the event causing mixed feelings around the group.

- II...I'm sorry. - I say weakly to them, my shame expressed all over my face, two arms encircle my shoulders.

- To play Lady Gaga on the nerd? this was more fun than embarrassing. Olivia speaks softly, rubbing circles on my shoulder, Anwar rolls his eyes beside me.

- Besides, who cares about the opinion of these peasants? - Anwar speaks confidently, I smile fondly, thanking them for having the two of them by my side.

Chapter Text

Pov 'Otis

He really shouldn't be surprised at this point, apparently his ability to mess up like things was intact, managing to make things worse in such a stupid way that he did.

Which brought him to this moment, walking down the street at night, just one goal in mind.

His anxiety was still firmly imprinted in his stomach, like an unpleasant feeling of foreboding, but he chose to ignore it for now, it was time.

He doesn't know how long he's been staring at a wooden door in front of him, probably longer than necessary, after taking a deep breath, he knocks softly on the door.

His legs felt like jelly now, his chest barely inducing enough sugar, eagerly awaiting the answer.

After long moments, the door opens as slowly as possible, a large figure standing on the other side.

- Otis!- Rolland says excitedly, I gasp at the sudden jolt in my arm, his strength almost enough to launch me.

- M-Mr. Matthews, sorry to be so late. - I say shyly, I must seem strange since I only appeared once.

- Don't be an idiot boy, it's a pleasure to see you again, Ruby has been acting strange lately without you here, come on. - He says everything in a frenzy, I can barely keep up, before he drags me into his house again, I'm invaded by the memory of the first day here, I can't help the smile that crosses my face.

- After all, what happened to you boy? you're welcome here anytime, i haven't seen you like this in a long time, it's a blessing. - Continues rambling as he guides me through the rooms, I search all the rooms with my eyes, invaded by memories.

- Sorry, things have been weird lately.- I say honestly, he looks at me funny for a second, then laughs.

- You teenagers and your endless problems.- he says, shaking his head with a smile, I just laugh in response, imagining all the craziness of the last quarter.

- Ruby, I have a surprise for you! - Roland yells with a smile, right after heading towards the couch and throwing himself down to possibly rest.

- You think too much boy, sometimes you just have to go with the flow, it can do wonders. - He speaks slowly, looking at me seriously, his eyes conveying knowledge of the facts, I look away, unable to meet his eyes.

- Dad, I often have to repeat that food is not a surprise.- Ruby's voice stands out in the silence, my heart gives a sudden leap, I look quickly in the direction of her steps, it doesn't take long for our eyes to clear. meet, his eyes filling with shock, I see his expression harden quickly.

We stare at each other for long moments, silence stretching across the room, Roland looks between the two of us with heavy eyes, finally sighing after long moments.

- Go to the bedroom and talk. - He's serious, I'm almost surprised not to have seen this other side of him before, not that they have had so many opportunities.

It's enough for the ruby to start moving, I find myself following silently behind her, it could have been an eternity and I wouldn't know, too engrossed in my own thoughts.

- What are you doing here Otis?- she asks, I can feel the bitterness creeping into her voice, I sigh and stare at the floor for a second.

- I didn't kiss Maeve. - I say finally, she stares at me skeptically for several seconds, her eyes searching my face for something, then sighing as she seems to find it.

- Did you come here just for this?- she asked roughly, looking at me expectantly, I bite my lip hard, trying to get my thoughts in order, she makes a move to get up from the bed.

- Otis, are you t-

"I was stupid." I let go quickly, more desperate than anything resembling fuel, she sighs and crosses her arms but sits back down.

- I know I've been an idiot the last few days, especially after that day... - I speak softly, letting my words sink in, she looks away and squeezes her arms tighter.

- The truth is... you scare me, everything was so sudden, but at the same time so perfect, you accepted me because I am, if I'm probably willing to be seen differently by me, it terrified me. - I speak sadly, looking away, not being able to meet his eyes this time.

- I couldn't accept that maybe someone really loved me, I freaked out, so I pushed you and said stupid things to try to protect me. I speak anxiously, finally meeting his eyes, which stare at me intently but never interrupt.

- I don't know if I love you Ruby... but I know you made me happier than I thought possible, somehow subject you can't get out of my head, sometimes when I go out I think I wish you were there, i feel like you're part of something i didn't even know was missing. - I keep talking, everything I kept to myself rising, like a dam breaking, I keep looking at her, but my vision is still blurry.

- I know you deserve more than a maybe, but I would love to know with you by my side. - I finish gently, I lower my head, trying to hide my tears, I feel two hands wrapping my face, bringing it up, their thumbs gently graze the corners of my eyes and I close them, enjoying the feeling, opening slowly as the rhythm be. slowly my eyes watched hers, which were also watery.

- I would love to. - she finally speaks, slowly approaching our faces, then bringing our lips together in a kiss, a wet kiss full of emotion, still the best kiss she's ever had.

That chosen moment lasts an eternity, everything used to lose its importance in that moment, we finally parted our lips, touching our foreheads with our eyes closed.

- You desperately need a shower. - Ruby speaks after the silence, I can't contain myself, a laugh escapes my lips.

- Are you really going to talk about bathing now? - I ask amused, she looks at me like I was an idiot.

'If we're going to be together, we need to not smell like rotten fish.' She speaks firmly, I laugh again, looking at her with amusement, a wave of affection passing through my stomach.

- I never said that together together.- I say provocatively, she looks at me quizzically and raises her eyebrow.

- And I never said it was your choice. - She says rolling her eyes, I stare at her for a few seconds, before shaking my head.

Chapter Text

POV' Otis

Have you ever had that feeling of floating, not feeling the ground at your feet, completely removed from everything. I was ecstatic, I spent the entire night just thinking about Ruby.

Somehow everything changed in just a couple of days, as if somehow the closing revelation I had with Maeve, working things out with Ruby, everything seemed to weigh pounds less.

- What do you have today? - A voice interrupts my thoughts, I blink several times to come back to reality, look in his direction, bumping into a smiling face of Ola.

- Hmm?? - I babble stupidly, she lets out a laugh at my answer.

- You've been smiling at this package of cookies for a while, unless you have a secret crush on it, something happened to make you smile like an idiot. - She speaks mockingly, but a concerned smile on her face, I feel my face heat up quickly, I look away and smile.

- Me and Ruby made it up. - I say enigmatically, she looks at me in surprise for a few seconds.

- Otis Milburn said something right? I had my doubts, but clearly Ruby is in a fragile state. - Ola speaks with an exaggerated expression, I let out a small laugh, throwing a cookie at her.

Pov' Ruby

I stare at the ceiling for several moments after waking up, a smile lingering on my face, I'm sure if Anwar saw me like this he'd say something like it's stupid to be like this, but I can't help it, the events of last night replaying in my head, I touch my lips with my fingers gently, remembering our kiss, definitely disgusting, but I found I didn't care because it was the best kiss I've ever had.

I go through my daily routine with extra enthusiasm, taking a little more time in front of the mirror, wishing I was the prettiest today, for possibly a new phase in their relationship, this thought brings a smile back to my face.

Finally after I'm done getting ready, I head towards the kitchen, my eyes finding the sink full of dishes to wash, her mom never allowing dad to clean and end up causing an accident.

She quickly starts washing the hundreds of dishes in the sink, knowing she still needs to make coffee for her dad before he wakes up, or she'd end up being late for school.

She started to fry an egg while making strawberry juice, her father's favorite, putting 2 buns to prepare. Soon the table was full.

- Did I tell you how incredible you are? mostly making all this food! - Her father says excitedly, she jumped slightly, not expecting the unexpected interruption.

- Someone has to keep him on a diet dad, you can't eat this perishable crap first thing in the morning. - She speaks seriously, her father looks at her affectionately, making her look away with embarrassment.

- You worry too much, this old man is still in his prime! her father exclaims, patting her arm, she rolls her eyes slightly but looks at him fondly.

- Right young man, now sit down to eat, your food will get cold. She speaks sternly, only getting a loud laugh in response, before she can say anything else, her cell phone vibrates in her pocket.

"Good morning Rubes, I hope you slept well, I'm already missing you"

She immediately smiled at the message, rolling her eyes at the tacky content.

"We saw each other less than 24 hours Ot"

She sends that first message, rereading it several times, she bites her lip lightly in thought.

"I miss you too Sexy Boy, good morning"

She finally finishes, smiling slightly at the answer, finding it quite decent.

- I see everything went well yesterday. - Her father speaks amused, she chokes lightly at her father's amused look.

- Dad! - She cries softly with embarrassment, but never denying the statement.

Pov' Otis

Somehow it felt different walking the halls of moordale, so much had happened lately, so many sudden changes. The future looked so uncertain indeed, with the principal's departure leaving a hole to be filled, not to mention the poor opinion about the school. But it wasn't really about that, he felt different… he felt free.

- Otis! - His best friend suddenly stumbles on his side, causing him to jump and his thoughts to be interrupted.

- Jesus Eric, do you want to kill me? - I cry helplessly, looking indignant at him, he gives me a disapproving look.

- I'll kill you? I go out for just a week and suddenly find out you kissed Maeve! what the hell, how did you not tell me? this is friendship emergency! - He whispers, but it could as well be a scream, I look around quickly, seeing everyone looking.

- It's complicated. - I say tiredly, he stops suddenly, crossing his arms in the middle of the corridor, looking at me expectantly.

- Oh no, you won't use this shit complicated with me, I want to know everything! - He yells, I feel my cheeks heat up, stepping forward and taking him by the arm, dragging him.

- Okay, okay, Maeve tried to kiss me, but I couldn't kiss her, so everyone kind of caught us close to each other, Ruby got mad, I went to her house to talk, we're kind of together again. - I explain everything quickly, kind of breathless, their expressions were comical, ending with a smile.

- I leave for a second and your life turns to chaos again, hold on man, I'll be glued to you for the next twenty years. - He speaks with determination, I laugh at him and roll my eyes, I see him staring down the hall, I turn around and see her.

She was as perfect as ever, walking like that like she was the queen of the place…she kind of was. His eyes meet mine, a smile creeping across his face that I feel returning to my face.

- Otis! - She calls, I could have flown and wouldn't have noticed, being at her side in seconds, she reaches out with her bag, I roll my eyes softly but pick up her bag, my hand taking the place of her bag.

- Great, he's back. - Anwar speaks dramatically, I roll my eyes in response, feeling a gentle squeeze on my hand, my eyes meet hers, I smile and keep walking normally, noticing the looks we were getting.

- We are the center of attention again. - I say with a resigned sigh, Olivia scoffs beside me.

- We are always the center of attention Otis. - Ruby speaks like it's obvious, I laugh and shake my head.

- Don't worry, if any of them try to say something, I'll just kill the poor guy. - She speaks playfully, seeming to read my head, which was worried about bringing more bad comments to Ruby.

- I'm pretty sure that's a Ruby crime. - I say slightly amused, she raises her eyebrows at me.

- Yes? if they found the bodies. - She speaks meanly, a poor bastard who was nearby turned slightly pale, I couldn't hold back a laugh.

- I kind of feel bad for them. - I say sincerely, she just gives me a small smile.

Chapter Text

Pov' Otis

I'm suddenly awakened by the annoying noise of the alarm clock, I moan with displeasure, knocking on the dresser several times, until I finally find the damn thing and hang up.

It only took a few seconds, then a smile grows on my sleepy face, remembering the conversation I had with Ruby long into the night, only interrupted by her mother, who apparently was working overtime at work and came home yesterday.

I search the bed for my cell, with only one goal in mind, texting Rubes. Finally, the encounter tucked between the blankets.

"Good morning Rubes, you killed me last night, I can barely get up."

I say excitedly, eagerly waiting for his response, when I was about to give up and put my cell away, it vibrates in response, my hands almost fumble.

"Do you always have to say things with sexual hints? It makes you even stranger...
Good morning OT "

I smile happily, finally ready to start my day. I get up and start my daily routine, basically running through the halls.

- What did I say about running around the house? - Your mother asks critically, I look at her, pouting.

- Sorry, just hurry, Rubes will be here any minute! - I say hastily, already running to sit at the table and preparing my plate. His mother looks at the clock on the wall.

- But there's still 20 minutes to go. - She speaks with a raised eyebrow, I blink in surprise, seeing that she was really right, I think my anxiety has speeded things up, I shrug slightly.

- Good morning, weird. - Ola speaks lazily, soon joining me at the table, I look at her slightly dismayed expression with confusion.

- Something happened? - I ask worried, she looks at me surprised, raising her eyebrows in my direction, I can't help but feel a pinprick, for the surprise that I'm worried.

- Lily still hasn't left the house after all that shit poster of shame, I swear I'm close to killing that woman! - Ola speaks angrily, I feel like hitting myself, completely forgetting the recent events of the school.

- I was wondering if you could talk to her?- she asked, looking at me expectantly, I swallow hard at the prospect, feeling my anxiety pounding in my stomach.

- I'm not sure, I could screw things up more. - I speak with fear, she looks at me warmly.
 
- Nothing can be worse than her stuffed in your room, just think about it. - She speaks irritated, I look with regret, feeling the guilt hitting hard, I haven't been the best of friends either. 

Pov' Ruby

I finish texting with a smile on my face, thinking about how it's been the last 24 hours.

I get up a little tired, having spent most of the night talking to Otis, now her back is paying the price, not that she's not used to it, being so beautiful has its natural price.

Soon her routine started normally, carefully preparing her makeup after brushing her teeth.

Her thoughts race to her friends, things happened so fast that she didn't even have a chance to share it with them, not that they would be satisfied, probably hate the idea, mainly because it's Otis, but she decides to send a message to both of them.

She positions herself in front of the mirror, preparing to take a picture, which she sends them both.

" #Otis+Ruby back again "

I send it to both of them simultaneously, with a smile on my face, it doesn't take long to get an answer.

"You seem to have a uniquely bad taste...congratulations, now maybe he'll buy a wardrobe?"
-Anwar

"Are you sure about that? I don't want you to get hurt again."
- Olivia

I roll my eyes for the first message but smile fondly for the second, Olivia has been very protective lately, it was kind of boring but cute.

- Can you take your face off this crap for a minute?- Her mother's voice interrupts her thoughts, she carefully keeps her face neutral, trying not to get annoyed.

- Sorry mom, just answering some friends. - I say, greeting my father at the table with a greeting and a kiss on the cheek.

- You are amazing as always dear. - Your father praises with a smile on his face, I smile back, nodding in thanks.

- It couldn't be different, especially in the current state of the school, I have to show it at its best. - I say confident, his father nods with a smile, but his mother makes a face in response.

- We should change you soon, this school is full of losses with no future, the farther the better.- Your mother speaks in disgust, I clench my fists tightly, taking offense at my friends and Otis, feeling the need to defend them.

- I agree that many of them are a nuisance and unnecessary, but I know some that are worth it, I wish you didn't offend them. - I say controlling myself, my mother looks at me with disapproval.

- All this because of that kid... Otis?- she asks with a raised eyebrow, I hold back my surprise, not expecting her to know yet.

- Your father told me about him, son of "Dr." Milburn, you should know better than to bet on a future failure like his mother, I thought I taught you better than that.- Your mom speaks loudly, I grit my teeth hard, shooting an annoyed look in her direction.

- Teaching me? do you mean before or after you crash into work to escape the problems here at home? what should i learn mom? how to leave your sick husband and leave the responsibilities to your daughter? message taken! - I say angrily, grabbing my bag and flying towards the door, ignoring my dad's choking sound and my mom's shocked look.

I practically jump in the car and accelerate as fast as possible away from there, my angry mind unable to think straight, after almost hitting a car, I stop for a second to breathe, staring hard at the steering wheel, I feel my eyes sting, I grit my teeth hard, refusing to give in once more, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, finally getting in control, I start to drive.

I find Otis in his usual spot, he's been waiting anxiously for me, almost looking like a child, that thought brings a small smile to my lips.

- Ruby Matthews running late, who was the poor guy that pissed you off? - Otis asks playfully after getting in the car, the smile disappears from his face when he notices my expression.

- Hey, what happened? - He asks worried, placing his hand on my thigh, which reminds me of those early days, bringing a sense of nostalgia and security.

- Just my mom being her usual self. - I say mockingly, rolling my eyes, he raises his eyebrow, lightly squeezing my thigh.

- You know you don't need to be strong all the time right? - He asks sincerely, I look into his eyes so vivid, before I know it, I'm with my head on his chest, crying and telling everything that happened to him.

A long time seemed to pass, but I couldn't pull away, smelling his cheap deodorant, letting his presence soothe me, his fingers running over my scalp.

I finally lift my head, knowing we still have a full day to go to school to face.

The rest of the trip was spent in comfortable silence, neither wanting to spoil the calm atmosphere, but his hand never left her thigh, and she found preferred it that way.