Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Me and Hart are sitting on my bed doing homework together, and I can't just stop staring at my girlfriend. “Okay Ames,” She says, adjusting her cross legged position on the bed to face me and turn towards me. “What's 6 times 3?” She asks, looking at me intently. I scoff. “Wow! Really, Hart? Babe, you really think that I'm that stupid that I need to handle a tiny little problem?” She holds up her hand to signal she's not done, and then leans her paper toward me to show her the problem. “It's only half the expression.” “Oh.” Hartley rolled her eyes and shook her head. “18.” I answered, and went back to my work. 

After a few minutes of silence, I got up and gave her a peck on the lips. “Where are you going?” She asked. “Therapy.” I replied, packing my bag up and tossing my homework.”Hey! You're gonna need this!” She gets up and calls after me but I'm out the door before she can hand it to me. She texts me saying she'll hand it to me later. I laugh as I walk out to the car which is revving its engine and blowing smoke. “Hurry up and get in.” Says my dad as I hop in, sliding my backpack off my shoulder. 

“Where have you been?” He questions, looking at me from the rear view mirror as I shift in my seat. “Hartley's.” Was my one word answer. “Of course.” He says as he drives the car, the constant engine sputter filling the silence of the drive. “We finally arrived. Get out.” He sneered, and I ran to the building. He didn't even say who would pick me up. “Oh well, guess it's gonna be Hartley again.” I muttered as I walked in. And I nodded. “At least somebody cares about me.” And I was just fine with that.

Chapter Text

It happened during passing time, right after second period and we were heading to lunch. Amy had sneaked up on me at my locker and kissed my cheek. “Hey baby!” She greets, wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her chin on my shoulder, inching into the crook of my neck. “Hi.” Is my short response as I put away my books and grab what I need for lunch and the periods following after that. I can feel Amy pout on my shoulder. “What’s wrong?” She asks, a genuine concern evident in her voice. “Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s fine.” I assure, closing my locker and turning to face her. She doesn’t look too happy either, but that checks out - she’s never happy. Except right now a small smile mixed with compassion and love fills and replaces her resting bitch face. I playfully roll my eyes. 

“Can we go sit?” I ask, unraveling from Amy’s grip. “Sure.” She led the way to the little cafe area and we sat at one of the tables, the farest one on the end and near the exit. I opened my sandwich and stared. I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. Amy noticed and put down her taco to offer me some. “Bad sandwich?” She asked as she gestured for me to eat her taco. “I guess.” I reply, glancing at her. I know she can tell my face is downcast, but I don’t care. I tug on the curls that were let loose and debate what I should do next. A hand touches my shoulder. Amy’s. She rubs it, soothing me into talking it out. I smile. ‘ Fuck you Amy.’ I think. ‘ You always know how to make me feel better.’ Amy just smiles and says “I know.” I didn’t even say that out loud. Mind reader.

“So,” she finally says after a while, me still not eating my sandwich and her not even biting her taco. “What’s the matter Hartley? I’m here for you, you know that right?” She asks with a questioning tone. I try not to dwell on the fact that she used my full name as a way to get me to talk. I push away my sandwich and finally talk. “I dunno.” I shrug. “Just all this pressure…it’s…it’s finally getting to me.” I hesitated. Amy’s hand has moved from my shoulder to my back, where she’s rubbing it even more now. “What pressure?” She asks, softly, a tone I’ve only heard her use with me. “School, sunshine club, Grandma, my parents. Me.” Amy’s face turns to shock. “You’re parents? When did your parents get involved in this??!!” Amy shoots up, looking like she’s about to fight someone. 

I close my eyes. I feel a panic attack coming on. I bring my hand up to Amy’s arms, clasping on it and gasping for air. Tears fill my eyes and I feel things that words couldn’t even name. “Hart? Hartley?! Babe!! Are you okay??” She soothes me, although she already knows the answer to that question. “I-I’m…” I can barely speak, barely breathe. The only thing keeping me from fading away is Amy’s touch, which I lean into. Tears fall down my face now, only leaving slight tracks to show they’ve come and gone. “Okay…it’s okay. Count with me.” She says, rubbing my back. I nod okay, as I’m still trying to grasp the air. “99…97…95…93…,” She counts. I gasp out the numbers with her, slowly nodding back to my original state. 

Finally, I regain all my senses and whereabouts. Amy crashes into me to hug her, and I hug her back. Hard. “A-are you…okay?” She stutters, hesitating. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” I wanna act as if nothing just happened, but it did. And it was big. “You’re okay…you’re really okay.” She coaxed, leaving me to decide whether or not to talk. “I’m sorry. It’s just…whenever I talk about my parents, I get a little panicky.” I said, shrugging at my stupid apology. Amy nods. “It’s okay, I deal with this stuff a lot. Colby gets them too. I just want you to be okay, that’s all.” I smile. “I know.” I say, breaking away from the hug. We look at each for a few seconds before lunging in to kiss each other. 

After the most romantic kiss, I turned back to my food. Amy saw me staring at it. “Look, if you don’t want to talk about your family, that’s fine, I won’t pressure you.” She glanced at the food. “But you’re gonna eat. I don’t care about anything except that you’re my girlfriend, and if you don’t eat, I won’t. And I’m hungry . SO EAT.” I shake my head. “But I don’t wanna!” I cry. “Fine!” She goes into her bag and pulls out snacks. “Then eat those.” I gasp. “Doritos!” I grab one, rejoicing at the label. “Thanks babe.” I say, leaning into her touch once more. “Of course.” She reaches out and grabs another pack and opens it for herself. She looks down and smiles. “Anything for my girlfriend. 

Chapter Text

I skipped into the Madden household through the back door. “Good morning!” I chirped, a little too perkily. I looked around the table to see Jake, Colby, Eva and Vic all sitting around the table eating breakfast. But no sign of my girlfriend. “Where’s Amy?” I ask, taking a plate and a seat at the table. “First, who said you could take a plate and sit at the table? Second, I haven't seen your girlfriend at all this morning.” Eva replied, voice coated with her thick British accent. I made a face. “But you’re her mother…” I trailed off. 

Hoisting my backpack onto one shoulder (I definitely didn’t trust anyone in this family except Amy near it), I worriedly pushed open the kitchen door and hurriedly walked up the stairs. Amy’s room door was closed, a red and white KEEP OUT sign hung on it. I dismissed the sign by pushing it aside and opened the door to Amy’s room quietly, in case she was still sleeping.

 The first thing I saw was Amy, sprawled out in her bed, looking more than a little sweaty. In her dim lit room, her quilt was on the floor (even though it was winter time), and the blanket was strewn across the bed, pillows everywhere as well. “Amy?” I shouted quietly, all the way from across the room. “Hm?” Was all that arose from the bed, Amy still sprawled out well enough, not even trying to lift up her head. I walked over to her bed, careful not to step on any of the mess of clothes or other things that were strewn across the floor. 

“Hey babe.” I affectionately kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?” I asked, looking at her with worry. “Hm? Oh yeah…Hartley I’m fine.” I was taken aback by the use of my full name. Amy only ever called me Hart or another nickname, usually not Hartley since back when we were friends. I found her hand and rubbed it with her finger. 

“Ames,” I began, not sure how to phrase this. “Are you…are you sick?” I asked hesitantly. “Me? Sick?? No, no Hartley. You’ve got it all wrong.” Amy sat up soothing her forehead which was accompanied by a sneeze. “Are you sure?” I questioned, helping Amy get up and out of bed. “Yeah..yeah. I’m-” Her sentence was cut off by a cough, which soon turned into a whole coughing fit. “Fine.” She finished, trying to mask the uncertainty in her voice. 

She walked out of her room and I went to work. I opened up her closet door and picked out some comfy pajamas to stay in. Yellow and black flannel pants with a skeleton T-shirt for her, and red and black flannel with a pink oversized sweater for me. 

I assumed she was taking a shower, since I heard the shower on. I ran downstairs to where the rest of the Madden were cleaning up the remains from their breakfast. I grabbed a cup from the cabinet and went to fill it up with water from the fridge as I watched. 

“What's wrong with Amy? Is she okay?” Asked Eva. I didn't wanna lie but I didn't wanna tell the truth either. “She's fine, just a little sniffle that's all.” I assured, taking the water away. It wasn't a complete lie but it wasn't the complete truth. Amy wasn't fine and it definitely wasn't a little sniffle! “Alright then I'm headed to work!” Eva said, taking her bag as the rest of them filed out. 

“Jake!” I flagged him over before he left. He nodded to show his attention. “Wassup?” “I need you to cover for us. She's sick, like, really bad. And surprisingly, you wouldn't know how much she actually gives a shit about unexcused absences.” I shrugged. Jake just nodded and left the kitchen, fixing me to prepare a snack for me and Ames before we went to bed. 

When I came back up, Amy was sitting there, staring into space, hair loose in two ponytails. “Hm. You did your hair. Looks nice babe.” I kissed her forehead as I set the food and drinks down on her nightstand. “Mhm. Thanks.” She nodded, coming back to focus. “You okay?” I asked, picking up my clothes from the bed. “Yeah. Just hot and stuffy.” Amy took one look at me, shocked. 

“Wait, you're staying home?!” She asked as I got undressed and redressed right in front of her. “Yup.” I nodded. “ Someone's gotta take care of you. And it ain't your family that's gonna do it.” Amy shrugged, but I knew she agreed. “Hart…” She whispered. “What’s the matter, love?” I ask, fully dressed now. “I…I don’t feel so good.” She groaned. “I know sweetheart. Just lay down okay? Lemme go get the medicine, I forgot it.” 

I rushed downstairs to find the cold medicine, instead only finding bandages and a lozenge. “Of course.” I groan, running back up the stairs. “Hey Ames, I’m gonna run to the store okay? Your parents don’t have any medicine.” I called out into her room, only taking a peek inside. But Amy wasn’t on her bed where I left her. 

I looked around the entire upstairs until I heard retching in the bathroom. I ran in to see Amy puking in the toilet, her head not fully in the bowl. “Amy!” I ran to her and held her hair back while she vomited into the bowl. I rubbed her back softly, trying to calm  her down. 

When she looked away she coughed, signaling that she was done. “My head hurts.” She cried, rubbing her forehead. I felt so bad for her, so I turned her around and undid her hair. She started to actually cry, tears falling left and right. 

“Okay, it’s okay.” I said, guiding her to her bed. “You…you took my hair out?” She asked, looking slightly sadder than before. “Yes honey, but only for your head to stop hurting so much.” She nodded. “Okay.” She laid down in her bed, and I grabbed her garbage can and placed it next to her before leaving the room. 

I almost cried a little. I hated seeing my girlfriend so weak like this. She was usually outspoken, outstanding and strong. Right now, she looked weak and quiet. I turned away to search on my phone the nearest grocery store, finding one quite near to the house. I sighed as I went back in, caressing Amy’s cheek. 

“Babe?” I said quietly, not really wanting to wake her up.

“Hm?” Was the response I got from her. I could tell she was half asleep. 

“I’m gonna go get medicine. Your house has none.” I started to walk away but she grabbed my arm.

“In your pajamas?” She asked. Her hand was so hot. She was burning up. 

“Yes, in my pjs. I love you too much to change.” I laughed. 

She laughed too. “Hart? T-thank you.” I turned and looked her in the eye. “For what?” I asked, not sure what she was referring to. She smiled and let go. 

“For everything.” 

Chapter Text

Candy walked up to Amy. “Sup?” She greeted, setting down her lunch and tossing the traditional head nod. “Hey.” Amy said, toying with a bracelet in her hand. Candy laid a hand on her shoulder. “You aight?” She asked, bracelets dangling from her hand. “Fine.” Was Amy’s one word answer. Candy shrugged. “Oooookay.” She took a bite of her sandwich. “Hey, where’s that perky girl? The weird one?” Amy's eyes shot up to meet Candy’s. “You mean Hartley? My girlfriend?” Candy laughed. “Yeah! That one. Where is she?” Amy rolled her eyes. “She is with her friends talking to a teacher. And she can’t know I’m doing this.” Candy nodded, but didn’t ask why. She just kept eating her sandwich. After a while, Amy started scrolling on her phone and Candy kept on eating. “Well, we doing this or what?!” Amy finally scolded. “Yeah, yeah, just wait a minute. Text Jakob to see where they are. And Kami too.” 

Just then, a girl came to the lunch table. Tan with brown and red dyed hair, she stood tall. She was wearing black tights with an oversized black T-shirt with drawings of Venom. A black and red flannel was tied around her waist rather perfectly, although it looked disgruntled. “Who’s this?” Amy asked, pointing. “This…” Candy said, getting up. “Is my girlfriend, Noah.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “Huh.” Amy said, uncrossing her legs. “And, how come I’ve never seen her before?” She questioned, getting up to twirl Noah’s hair, thinking. “She was out of school for a week because…” “Because of an incident!” Noah filled in, speaking up. Her voice was light and cheerful, with an undertone of sweets and sadness. Amy made an unreadable face. “What?!” Candy put her hands up. “Just because you can’t bring your girlfriend doesn’t mean I can’t!” She stated. And she was right, therefore leaving Amy with nothing to protest. 

Just then, two people came up. One was wearing a beanie over their blond short hair, had way too many ear piercings (and a nose ring) and had black jeans and an oversized Nirvana sweatshirt on. The other had braided her hair into two long dirty blond pigtails, white tank top with a zip up sweater and decorated pajama pants intact. Her glasses were very slim and decorated, beading slim in a long line. “Got your text.” Said the one with the glasses, Kami. “Yeah, same.” Said the beanie one, Jakob. “We going?” They asked, lowering their voice. It was close to the end of lunch, as Amy had checked the time. “Yeah,” Candy assured, grabbing her bag. “Let’s go.”

5 minutes later, Amy, Kami, Noah, Candy and Jakob were all in the biggest stall in the bathroom together. Amy was standing, Noah was sitting on the toilet, Jakob sat on the floor, Candy was standing next to Amy and Kami was sitting on a stool, which for some reason was in the bathroom. They were all in places away from the door. 

“Open it already!!!!” Amy cried. She was craving, and it was not good when she was craving. “Calm down, calm down. And just for that Amy, I’m not letting you go first.” “Awwwwww.” Amy whined. While Amy kept on whining and pleading to go first, Candy pulled out a little pouch. In that pouch were her essentials. 

For example some makeup, bandaids, a pocket knife and most importantly, a vape pen. “Yay! Finally!” Amy clapped and jumped. “Okay, I go first, Noah second, Kami third, Jakob fourth and Amy fifth.” She said, taking her first hit. “Ooooh yay me next!” Noah was handed the pen and took two hits before passing it on to Kami. Kami acted all smart and pushed her glasses up before taking two hits, passing it onto Jakob who was taking three. It was finally Amy’s turn. She lit up, happy and careless, nonetheless confused, as she inhaled twice and exhaled twice. “Mmmm, strawberry lemonade. My favorite.” She moaned. Candy waved away all the smoke to get it from reaching the smoke machine detector. 

“Okay, one more.” She announced, taking the pen back. “And then whoever has to leave, leave.” She shot a glance at Kami and Noah as she took a sip. Noah waved it away carefully, letting nothing go up in the air and smoke. Noah took the pen from her, getting two hits before exiting the stall door and washing her hands. “I’ll wait outside the bathroom!” She called, directing her statement at Kami. “Okay.” Kami agreed, taking one more hit before also exiting the bathroom, laughing. “Alright y'all, take as much as you want.” Candy assured. Jakob smiled and took enough for their suffice before handing it over to Amy. “Okay Ames, don’t overdo it now. You don’t want that lil’ girlfriend of yours to find out.” Candy reminded.

 Amy nodded and put the pen to her mouth before taking a refreshing sip and blowing it out. “Mmmm.” She groaned. “Refreshing.” She took another hit, and another one, and another one. Before you know it, she was as high as the sky. “Ames, no!” Candy laughed as Amy jumped and danced wildly. “Of. Fucking. Course.” Jakob sighed, grabbing their things. Candy stashed the pen back inside her backpack before opening the stall door and leaving. 

Amy started saying random things. They went out into the hallway, laughing because of how Amy acted when she was high. “Numbers are made of candy!” She screamed, prompting teachers from their classrooms to yell at her left and right. “Oh geez.” Was all Candy could say before taking Amy’s hand and pulling her towards the library. She rolled her eyes. “Where’s Hartley when you need her?”

Hartley walked into next period and sat on her phone, scrolling through Tik Tok while waiting for Amy. When she finally stumbled in, Hartley rushed to her side, grabbing her hand and guiding her through the maze of desks and tables she reached while entering the doorway. “God Amy. Where have you been?” Hartley pried as she sat her down at the table. “In spaceeee.” Amy sang, slurring her words as she went. 

Hartley caught a whiff of her breath and almost died right there and then. “My god Amy. What were you doing?!” She scolded. “Tingsssssss!” Was Amy’s drawn out reply. 

“Geez babe. Are you high?!” Hartley spoke softly, but her words were really meant for a shout. Amy turned and looked at her in total surprise. “High?! What’s thattttttt?” She exclaimed, proving she really was high. 

Hartley slapped her hand to her face. “Babeeeeeee.” She groaned. When Amy went to question her, she fell off her chair, hitting her hand violently on the desk. “Owwwwwwwwieeeeeee!” She screamed, loud enough for the whole building to hear. 

Because of her sonic scream, she almost shook the entire building off its foundation! “And yet, your favorite song is literally I Don’t Do Drugs.” Hartley sighed as she picked her up. 

She walked her out of the class (the teacher wasn’t even there yet), and almost bumped into someone in the hallway. “Sorry!” She looked up, and almost screamed. “CANDY!” She exclaimed, almost fainting. Candy looked up. “What?!” 

To be continued….

Chapter Text

I was as mad as hell. Candy has the nerve to fucking drug my fucking girlfriend?! Before I knew it, I had Candy pinned to a wall, forcing her to talk. Amy was seated nearby, on the bench in the middle of the hallway. I still don’t know why they put that bench there. “Look, I’m sorry, okay?! But she was the one who asked for it. I just got the goods.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Why the hell do you expect me to believe that ?” Candy pushed me off and stepped away. “Ask her. Look through her phone if she’s really your girlfriend . She’s the one who said you couldn’t see it. Or know that this is what she’s been doing in her freetime.” 

She began to walk away, but turned around as if to point out one more thing. “Oh, and it wasn’t drugging, it was vaping. Before you accuse someone, get your facts right.” And with that, she walked off, leaving me in my thoughts. 

At this point, it was clear the teacher wasn’t coming and that the class was canceled, so I walked in to grab our stuff and came back out to the bench in the hallway. “Ames, is this true?” I asked her, even though it was clear she wasn’t paying attention. 

Instead, for a quick two seconds, she stared straight at me, - although it looked like she was looking straight past me - before she began singing. “Love got me fucked up, got me on stuck, chasing that rush. Had to give in, couldn't give up! I just want you, but I don't do drugs!!” She sang off key. 

Before she could sing anymore I said, “You do! You do, do drugs!” A little too loudly. I scooped her up in a bridal carry and silenced her before we got to the main entrance. “Where you going?!” The security guard asked, getting up from her chair. I hated to lie, but in order to save Amy (and me), I decided to. 

“Uh, it’s our lunch.” I fibbed, ears burning and anxiety rising. As she stared at me stern and cold, I could feel myself sweating and the rotation of all my insides. She stared at me hard for a good and long 5 seconds before letting me go. “Alright. Enjoy your lunch!” She called as I kicked open the double doors. 

The walk to Amy’s was a grueling ten minutes since I was carrying her and lugging our things around. When we finally got there, I set her down rather gently on the couch as she had fallen asleep. “She’s so cute when she sleeps.” I thought aloud, admiring her.

After a few more admiring seconds, I got up and made myself a snack, since I was hungry. I spent all of lunch talking to a teacher and I doubt Amy got something in either. I sat down and turned on the TV when I remembered what Candy had said. She was Amy’s friend - and mine too -  but she could be a little feisty at times. Especially when accused. 

I squeezed my eyes shut in shame. I should have known better. But Amy…I love her so much and I never want anything to compromise… her .  ‘ Ask her. Look through her phone if she’s really your girlfriend. ’ Those words replayed in my head over and over, and I felt guilty for not knowing sooner.  Without a second thought, I pulled Amy’s phone into my hand and opened it. We were dating, of course we would know each other's passcodes. I found Amy’s messages list and scrolled through it. “Roni?” I read aloud. Next to it in parentheses was the name Candy , her nickname . Amy never was good at remembering nicknames, unless it was mine of course. 

I tapped on Candy’s contact and viewed their most recent messages. Brow furrowed, I read their conversation that apparently took place yesterday. 

Amy - Roni: You got them yet?

Roni - Amy: Yeah chill dude. I got ‘em. They don’t call me Candy for nuttin’. 

Amy - Roni: Good. And remember, Hart can’t know I’m doing this. 

Roni - Amy: All good. Just don’t tell her. 

Amy - Roni: True, true.

Roni - Amy: So, tmrw at lunch??

Amy - Roni: Yeah, Hart’s gonna be talking to a teacher. Idk abt wut, but I’m doing this.

Roni - Amy: Cool. See ya in class then. And at lunch. Oh and uh, I’m bringing some friends

Amy - Roni: Coolio. See ya.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Roni, Candy , was right. Amy was the one asking for it. But why? Before I had any time to even ponder that question, I heard grunting and movement from the couch. I looked up to see Amy getting up and stretching from the couch. 

“Hey.” She said, moving into a sitting position. She seemed like she slept it off. “Hi.” I said, still laser focused on her phone. I guess she noticed it in my hand, because the next thing I know, it’s being pulled away from me in a panicked frenzy. The struggle was real .

“B-babe, w-what were you doing on my ph-phone?”  She stuttered, scrolling through the contents I had been looking at on her phone. I shifted my position. “Oh nothing. Just wondering why you were high. Candy told me to look at your phone to answer my questions.” 

I saw the muscles in her neck tense up. “Oh…really?” She closed her eyes, leaving a long pause in the question. “Yeah, really.” An awkward silence filled the air, Amy’s eyes away from me as I moved next to her. 

I rubbed her arm soothingly. “Ames,” I cupped her face in my hands as I turned her to face me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She looked me dead in the eye, body present but I could tell her mind was elsewhere. “I…I don’t know.” 

I should’ve known better than to ask that. Because, how do you tell your girlfriend that you do drugs? Or vape? It’s definitely not that easy. Again she looked away. “I-....I’m sorry.” She croaked. I could see her eyes well up with tears as she apologized.  

It broke my heart to see Amy like this. There must have been a valid reason she did it. “Hey, look at me.” I said softly, but I knew she could sense my stern undertone. After a few moments of silence, she eventually did turn around to face me. But she just couldn’t look me in the eye. 

Nonetheless, I continued on. “I-I’m not mad. I just….I need to know why you did it. Okay?” She wiped the tears that had fallen onto her cheeks with her sweater sleeve. “Okay.” She fidgeted with her hands, hiding them in her oversized sweater sleeves. I waited patiently - a silent cue for her to continue. 

“I, I use them - drugs -  to cope. With my…problems.” She responded after a while. “What problems?” I inquired instinctively. She kept quiet, letting on that she had no intention of furthering this conversation. 

I hugged her, and she burrowed into my warmth. After a few minutes, she got into a more comfortable position with her head on my chest, and I can only infer with her advanced hearing that she was listening to my heartbeat. She said before that it calmed her. I smiled and pecked her on the lips before putting on a movie. 

“Ames?” I called her nickname, hoping she would respond.

“Hm?” She answered, definitely falling asleep to my steady heartbeat.

“Are you gonna stop?” I hesitated, but eventually asked the question. 

“Stop what? Doing it? Taking them? We’ll see.” She replied, voice coated with tiredness and defeat. 

“Okay.” I said nothing else for about 5 minutes as the starting credits were wrapping up for the movie. 

“Ames?” I called again, awaiting her response. 

“Hm?” She tiredly replied. 

“I love you. A lot.” I could feel her smile rising on my chest. 

“I love you too, Hart. More than you could ever know.” 

Chapter Text

“Hey Ames?” I glanced up. We were on Hartley’s bed, doing homework, and I could stay late tonight because I had no therapy. “Hm?” I asked, giving my attention to my girlfriend. “When are we gonna do… it? ” I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion. “It? Oh you mean se-” Hartley cut me off before I could finish. “Shhh! Don’t you dare say that or my grandma will hear!” She shushed. “But then why…” I trailed off before deciding not to finish. “Sorry babe. I was just thinking and wanted to know.” “About math homework?” I joked, trying to change the subject. “Amy…” She gave me the look, and I turned my full body to face her. “Look, I’m not a virgin.” I began. “I know.” Hartley answered the statement, which fully surprised me. I gave her a look of astonishment as I continued. “So, whenever you are ready and feel like you wanna do it and give you my consent, we’ll do it.” I concluded, looking at her seriously. She smiled. “I know Ames. And maybe one day.” She looked so cute in her overalls and beanie as she explained her stance. “Just not today.” I finished for her, laying down at the thought. “Yeah…” she said. “Just not today.” She laid down next to me, turned to her side so she could face me. I laid on her, using my sonic hearing to focus on her heartbeat. “I love you.” I whispered as I played with her braids that stuck out under the beanie. “I know.” she said, reassuringly. “And I love you too.” She smiled passionately. And we fell asleep. Just like that. 

Chapter Text

Amy’s POV

“Ames hurry up! We’re gonna be late!” Hartley called into my bathroom, where I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup. 

We were going to a Christmas Eve party Candy invited us to, since her parents weren’t gonna be home. Although she promised there would be no drugs (Hartley made her swear to that), she said she couldn’t promise there would be no booze. 

She said her brother was old enough to drink and had invited some friends to the party, so there was most likely gonna be some. 

“Coming babe!” I called, running into the living room. I was wearing dark blue grunge jeans with a large oversized black T-shirt and an oversized tan zip up hoodie. Hartley glanced up at me as she was looking for her phone. 

“Baby! That so suits you!.” She exclaimed. I blushed and handed her her phone. “Thanks. And you don’t look too bad yourself.” I joke. In her black jeans and red hoodie, she still did look beautiful, so I wasn’t lying. She rolled her eyes. “Thanks babe.” 

When we got to the party, there were already so many people there. Hartley could see I was getting anxious - and that the noise was starting to affect my ears. “If you wanna go home at any time you can leave.” She whispered, not so sure of this herself.

We spotted our friends and walked over, greeting each other with hugs and handshakes. Then we introduced our friends, since we were gonna be hanging out all night. Hartley introduced her friends - Connor, Geni, Dylan, Dani, Arrowyn and River - and I introduced my friends - Lacie, Candy, Kami, Jakob, Noah and Zaya. Then we all made a big group chat with each other before going off to get some drinks.

“Your house is big !” I told Candy as we went to go get some food after the punch, people dancing and it had already hit the middle of the night. “Shyeah, I know. You don’t have to remind me either.” She responded, a little bit irked by the observation. 

After we went to grab some food from the humongous table laid out in the kitchen, we went back to our seats on the balcony. Although it was cold, it wasn’t that cold up there. And plus, I wanted to be away from all the noise. 

“Hey babe.” I went to greet Hartley with a kiss, short and sweet. “Awww I wish I had a boyfriend.” Dani swooned. “Yeah, I wish I had a girlfriend.” Connor added. “And I wish I had a…someone.” Said Arrowyn, taking a bite of her pizza. “Oh yeah, well merry fucking christmas.” Candy shut them all up, colder than the cool winter breeze. 

“Babe!” Noah snapped, looking her in the eye. “Oh, I forgot to mention. She can be a little feisty sometimes.” I apologized to the group for them, half joking. “Yeah…” Noah agreed, looking at her girlfriend with an unreadable expression.

“Alright I’m gonna get some drinks. Hart wanna come?” I offered, standing up from my chair and placing down my plate. “Hm. Sure.” She takes my hand and grabs me around my waist as we walk up.

“Such a cute couple they are.” I heard Geni say as we walked away. I smiled. I guess we are a pretty cute couple. 

We walked up to the table with the refreshments holding hands. “Oh, what do you two lovebirds want?” Candy’s brother, Jamie, greeted. He was serving some punch in cups and spiking some of them. “Nothing much, just some eggnog.” Hartley answered, undaunted. “Yeah, and gimme a beer.” I nodded to the bottles of beer stashed back behind him. “Or two.” I teased, ignoring Hartley’s glares. “Yeah, on it.” He didn’t think much of it, not so much that we were underage anyway. 

She nudged me. “Amy! What are you thinking?!” She shouted quietly, very much enraged as Jamie opened the beer bottles. “You want 'em mixed, or no?” He asked, handing me them quietly. “Nah, I’m good.” I give him a head nod as thanks and walk away. 

“Woah woah woah. Look what we got here. Two of dem lovebirds, drinking!” Jakob was already tipsy, so it was not a surprise that they were acting this way. “I’m drinking, she’s not.” I pointed to Hartley, who was already gulping her eggnog. “Well well well, only one brave soul then on this day.” Jakob waltzed, almost falling multiple times off the balcony, Noah catching them constantly.

Hartley sipped again, not looking the slightest offended. “Don’t get it twisted. I’ll be the one sober to take care of her when Amy gets tipsy.” She swayed. I took a jug of my beer. “Sure you will love.” I smile, taking in the sweet taste of Jack Daniel’s winter beer. She just rolled her eyes and kept sipping. 

After a few more rounds (I had already finished the first two and Candy dared me to a drinking round), I started to get a little dizzy and slightly tipsy, I could feel it. Me and Candy and Jakob all filmed a Tik Tok of us tipsy and acting crazy together. “Make sure no one posts that.” I slur, still wanting to keep my villain identity. 

Hartley went inside to use the bathroom, and I snuck in another two beers before finally collapsing. “Mmmm, tasty.” I say, drinking my last one on the lounge chair. “Ha! I win!!” Candy said, flexing her tolerance for alcohol a little bit more. “Did Amy get tipsy yet?” I hear Hartley say. 

I stand up to greet her and walk towards her. “Hi baby.” She scowls at my breath as I wonkily walk towards her, collapsing onto her. “I love youuuuuu. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!” I slur, hugging her. “Dear lord.” I hear her say as she pushes me down onto the lounge chair. “How many drinks did she have?” She asked, eye roll audible. “I dunno. Either 5 or 4.” Dylan answered. “6.” River said, exact as he played around on his phone. “Oh great.” Hartley sighed. 

“Have fun!” Zaya laughed.

“Welp.” Hartley said, unsure of what to do next. 

“Merry fuckin’ Christmas.”

Hartley’s POV

“I love youuuuuuu.” Amy sang, getting up from her lounge chair and letting loose on the balcony. I sighed and couldn’t help stifle a laugh as Amy pulled River - one of the only ones that was sober in the group - into a dance. “Danceeeeee with meeeeeee.” She sang, nothing to go off of but the music in her head. 

“Hey!” She stopped, turning to me. She pulled me by the hand, running towards the balcony’s edge. “Let’s do shit together!” She exclaimed, dancing as she stopped multiple times. At some point she stopped altogether, sitting down in the lounge chair, going still. 

“What’s wrong babe?” I asked worriedly, squeezing her thigh. “I…I don’t feel so good.” She clenched her fists, which she usually does whenever she’s in pain. “Aw baby. What hurts?” I coax, almost certainly knowing the answer. “M-my stomach. And my head.”  She said, unclenching one of her fists to soothe her head. 

“I wonder why.” I murmur under my breath. “You don’t have a fever, so that’s good.” I say, putting the back of my hand on her forehead. “I think I need to throw up.” She gulped, even looking sick. “Okay.” 

“Guys,” I say, standing up. “I’m gonna take Amy to the bathroom. She’s losing it.” I take Amy’s hand to stabilize her so she doesn’t go waltzing through the house. “Merry fucking christmas. I’ll come with y’all. I know where the bathroom is and - I have to throw something out.” Noah calls, picking up some trash. 

I thank her as she escorts us to the restroom, Amy almost fainting along the way. “Hurry up. Puke.” Noah says, pushing the door open. We end up going inside with her, just to make sure she’s okay. Noah locks the door. “So, uh, what’s going on with Candy tonight? If you uhm, don’t mind me asking.” I pry politely. “Oh Roni? Eh, she’s just fed up with people calling her rich all the time.” She shrugs.

“Oh really?” I say, confirming the point. “Yup.” Noah nods. “Something to do with her family I guess.” She answers. I sense she knows more than she’s letting on, but I don’t decide to push.  

As Amy’s hacking gets worse, I decide to hold her hair back and whisper reassuring words into her ear as I rub her shoulder. “I shouldn’t have had all these drinks.” She regrets as she finishes. She lays her head in my lap. “Merry fuckin’ Christmas!!” She sings. I look down.

“You wanna go home?” I whisper in her ear, Noah still standing there. “Yes please. Plus, i-it hurts my ears!” She cries as we get up. “What the noise? Oh yeah, it hurts my ears too. Roni always teases that my ears are too sensitive.” Noah laughs. 

She pushes open the door and we walk to the balcony. We grab our stuff and say our goodnights, Kami catching Jakob one last time before they fall. “Goodnight!” yells Candy. “Have a good Christmas!” Lacie hugs us. “Yeah man!” Slurs Jakob. “Merry fuckin’ Christmas!!!” They all yell in unison, making Amy wince. “Thanks!” I laugh. “You too!” 

I close the door when we get back to Amy’s. I give her some warm milk and snacks so she can sober up before going to bed. We sit on the couch together and cuddle up to watch Christmas movies, it already being two hours into Christmas day.  

“Hey Hart?” Amy mumbles as she cozies up. 

“Yeah?” I say, snacking on some cookies and turning from the movie. 

“I love you. Thanks for taking care of me today.” She half smiles. 

“I love you too baby. Next time though, only one drink for you chick. Or zero!” I joke, making her laugh as I push her. 

“Shhhhh, you’re gonna wake them up!” She exclaims, coming in for a kiss. 

“We wouldn’t want that now would we.” I pull her in close, returning the passionately placed kiss. 

Epilogue

The next morning, we woke up on the couch with Santa hats on our heads. “Guess they decorated.” Hartley yawns. “Guess so.” I stretch, getting up. 

“Bro, c’mon man. Time to open Christmas presents!” Colby calls from the tree, which is right next to the couch. “How did we not see them?!” Hart laughs as she gets up and walks to the tree. “I dunno.” I shrug, taking a seat right next to her.

“Well c’mon! Open them!!” Mom and Dad exclaim. Celia comes in from making breakfast. “Christmas tradition!” She says as everyone stares. 

After opening our presents, we dispersed, me and Hartley going up to my room. “Thanks for the gift!” She grins, holding up the Sunshine Club stickers I gave her. “And thanks for mine.” I had received a Hartmy scrapbook, pictures of our days together since we became besties. I had gushed over it for a whole 15 minutes, thanking Hart over and over again for making it.

We plopped down on the bed and looked at each other. “Hey, you know what would make this Christmas even better?” I ask, drawing in close. Hartley looked at me and in pure confusion asked, “What?” I pulled her under the mistletoe I had hung up on my ceiling in my room. 

“I have one more present for you.” I said, moving so close that I could hear and feel her breathe. 

“W-what is it?” She asked, genuinely sure now.

“A Christmas kiss.” I pecked her on the lips before pulling away.

“Merry fucking Christmas.” We said in unison, our lips touching once again and making the world's most passionate, most beautiful Christmas kiss.

Chapter Text

We sat down in the library with the aim of actually trying to focus and do our project. 

“So..to start we need-” I was cut off by the sound of a ping coming from Noah’s iPhone. 

“Sorry Hart, one sec.” She picked up her phone and scrolled, brow furrowed in concentration. 

“Yeah sure.” I rolled my eyes in frustration as I too picked up my phone, wanting to text and bother Amy. 

“Bro this can’t be good.” I heard Noah say as she picks up her stuff and starts slowly walking out of the library. I walked toward her, hearing her breath intensify. 

“Are you okay? What’s wrong? You good?” I place my hand on her shoulder gently so as to not startle her. 

“No. I’m not.” She answered, voice steady but firm. 

I went in front of her. “What’s wrong?” I pried again.

She looked me straight in the eye. “It’s Ronni.” 

Candy (Ronni) and Amy were sitting on a sort of makeshift bench nearby the biggest toilet stall. 

I sat beside Amy, who looked like she was about to throw up. “What did you two do?” I scolded quietly, knowing it was definitely something bad if Kami had to text us. Well technically, Noah, but I still came along, knowing that wherever Candy went, Amy would follow suit. I rolled my eyes at the thought. 

“We smoked. We ate food. We did a lot. You must be specific.” Amy joked, being fresh. 

“Amy Madden.” My voice tried hard to conceal my concerned anger, not doing a good job as I flatly said her full name. She jerked at the phrase. 

“Veronica Thomas.” Noah copied me as she voiced her concern. Once again, I saw Candy wince hard at the sound of her full name being used. Just like Amy, I know she hated it. 

I moved over to stand closer to Noah. “Y’all are in so much trouble.” She began, eyes flickering open and closed. Tears threatened to fall as they formed in the corners of my eyes. 

“We…I’m sorry. I should’ve never made her do it.” Amy squeaked gently. 

“I’m sorry too. Kami came to get us. We were at lunch. I guess I kinda passed out I think…” Candy trailed quietly. 

“You’re in for it when we get to your house.” Noah waved a finger in Candy’s direction. She didn’t seem angry now, just sad. 

“Amy…I can’t believe this. I-I’ll talk to you when we get to your house.” I sighed, eyes downcast. 

“...Okay.” Amy sniffed, as if she was about to cry. 

I turned to Noah, confused. “Wait but bro…don’t you do the same thing?” I asked, referring to the smoking. And the drugs. 

Noah faced me, eyes glistening in the light. “I do do it. Not gonna lie I do. But….I don’t support it. At all. And I’ve been trying to get Ronni to stop doing it too.” She sighed, collecting Candy’s things. 

“Let’s go. You’re gonna be late to class.” She scolded once again, slipping her hand into Candy’s and silently taking her books. They didn’t say another word as they left the bathroom.

I did the same. With very few words - none to very little - I scooped up Amy’s things and sighing. Amy glared at the floor, and I was instantly reminded of a little child and their mother. Amy was the child and I was the mother. I chuckled to myself as I gestured for her to come on. 

“Time for your last class baby. Let’s go.” I smiled a sad smile as I took her hand in mine, just like Candy and Noah.

“I-I’m….I’m sorry. Like…really.” Amy mumbled, letting go. 

“Don’t be. Things happen. It’s okay. I just wish this wasn’t how you coped.” I shrugged, brushing it off. 

She looked up. “So you’re not mad at me?” She seemed surprised. 

I shrugged again, sighing. “Disappointed? Yes. Mad?? Not really.” I couldn’t be mad at her. Not for long anyway. 

“Yay!” She rejoiced. “You think Candy’s gonna get in trouble?” She asked quietly. 

I laughed. “That bitch? Yeah, she prob will.” I shrugged. “But it’ll be okay. One thing me and Noah agreed on is that we can’t be mad at y’all for long.” I say as we stopped in front of her class. 

“I’m going back to study hall okay?” She nodded. “Okay.” I watched her walk into class and then I safely made my way back to my study hall. Noah wasn’t there. 

“Hey Arrow. Where’d they go?” Arrowyn looked up from her phone. 

“Yo Hartley! What’s good?” She dapped me. “They left. Noah said something happened to Candy so…” 

I nodded. “Oh alright.” I said as I sat back down in my seat and threw down my bookbag. 

“Guess I better start working on this project.”

Chapter Text

“I’m freaking the fuck out.” Hartley dropped her lunch onto the table, a Snapple complete with a sandwich and chips, which she was supposed to share with Amy.

“Why Hart? What’s wrong??” Noah inquired curiously, trying and failing to force Candy to eat half of her sandwich. “Ronni! Baby please? You need food!” She pleaded. 

Candy shook her head. “Anyway, Hartley, what’s wrong?” Candy repeated Noah’s question. 

“Amy. I can’t find her anywhere, she’s not answering my calls or my texts, and I know she didn’t leave early because her mom or she would’ve told me so. Something’s off and I’m worried about her.” Hartley panicked, sitting down on the bench next to River. 

“Come to think of it, she did skip last period.” River chimed in absentmindedly. Hartley shot Candy a glance. 

“Did you-?” Before Hartley could finish her sentence, Noah cut in. “Don’t blame Ron this time. She’s had a tough week and she’s sick. She wouldn’t do that to Ames of all people.” Noah defended her girlfriend as Candy silently nodded. 

“Sorry, sorry. Not in the right mind right now.” Hartley apologized as Candy nodded once more. Noah rubbed her back. “You okay baby?” She asked, a tone of genuine worry strewn and hidden throughout her voice. 

Candy nodded slightly, absentmindedly picking at her sandwich. “Mk.” Noah said as she took a bite of her sandwich, for the time being giving up on forcing Candy to eat hers.

“Where the hell could she be?” Hartley paced worriedly. “I dunno. Bathroom, library, field…there’s a number of places she could be.” River answered, still playing on his phone. 

Hartley gave him a look, to which he didn’t notice. “ Not helping.” She picked up her backpack and glanced up from her phone, where she was waiting for a response back to her text message. 

“ I’m going to find my girlfriend. If anyone wants to come, that's fine. If you don’t, see ya later suckers.” She hesitantly croaked as she packed the lunch she bought into her bag, Candy and Noah standing up with her. 

“We’re coming with. Amy’s our friend and we want to find her too.” Noah gave Hartley a sad smile. “But don’t mind our ‘couple’s banter’,” She continued, using air quotes. “Ron can be a little stubborn sometimes.” Noah chuckled to herself, Candy saying nothing in response. 

Hartley smiled a bit. “Okay let’s go.” She said, zipping up her backpack. 

After numerous attempts of searching, they almost gave up, Hartley admitting that maybe she went home and maybe forgot to text her. She didn’t quite believe that though. 

They were about to give up and head back to lunch, with the time remaining which was 15 minutes left, when Candy tapped Noah’s shoulder. 

“What’s wrong baby?” Noah took her by the hand and walked next to her, Hartley mumbling random shit in the background. 

“I don’t…I don’t feel so good.” She moaned, a pained expression plastered on her face. 

Noah rubbed her back as Hartley looked up from her phone. “Do you have to throw up?” She inquired softly. “I..I dunno. I think so.” 

She clenched her stomach. “You didn’t drink did you?” Noah questioned, voice steady and calm with a whirlwind of panic inside. “N-no. I’m sick. I’m not gonna make the pain worse.” Candy found a bench near the hall and sat down. 

“Hart?” Noah called quietly, Hartley appearing out of nowhere. 

“Hm?” She answered absentmindedly, her phone back into her jean pocket as she wordlessly fiddled with her curls. 

Noah ran her hands over Candy’s braids as she kneeled down, holding her hand steadily. “Can we stop at the bathroom for a second? Like the one right here?” Noah pointed to a splintered wooden door with an old bathroom sign on it. 

“Sure.” Hartley nodded, turning the knob and finally just deciding to throw her weight on it. The bathroom on the inside was completely furnished. Complete with four redone stalls, a nicely renovated sink, a side counter and…

”Amy!” Hartley ran over to her girlfriend, who was distractedly gazing out the window. 

Amy turned to face her, sniffling, bangs covering her face a little bit, eyes red and puffy. Hartley brushed a bit of hair away from her tearstained cheek. “Ames? Sweetheart, what's wrong? Are you okay?” She sat up on top of the sink where Amy was.

Noah and Candy entered the bathroom after a bit of who knows what. “We’re just gonna use the big stall door ‘kay? She’s gonna be sick.” Noah intervened for a second, stepping and guiding Candy into the stall, closing and locking the door quickly behind them. 

“Mk.” Amy mumbled, only loud enough for Hartley to hear. She turned to face Hartley. “Nothing’s wrong baby. Just life.” She shrugs, giving a small smile as a reassurance to Hartley’s worry. 

Hartley searched her face for any lying or bothered expression breaking through, but there was no sign of it. Aside from Candy’s retching, nothing else looked to be bothering her. Maybe she was telling the truth. 

“Now then, we better get to class.” Amy jumped down from the counter and walked over to the sinks to wipe her face in the mirror and wash her hands. As Hartley watched her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Something was bothering her. But she had told her nothing was!

Then again, fuck the truth.

“Ames?” Hartley went behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist and perfectly fit her head in between Amy’s head and shoulders. She hummed. 

“Hm?” She answered as she finished wiping her face with a paper towel. “What’s actually going on love?” She whispered quietly, so only Amy could hear. 

Amy couldn’t hold her facade. She cracked. “I uhm, I…I failed. My math test. I failed. When my parents found out, they told me I was a mistake and a failure and I’ll never succeed in life and that I should’ve never been born.” Amy croaked, voice breaking as she started to cry again. 

“And I’m starting to believe it’s true.” 

She walked away from Hartley, away from Candy (who was still retching) and Noah’s cooing, away from the bathroom. She ran to the nearest bench, slamming the old wooden door closed, not caring if it splintered anymore than it already was. 

Hartley walked out after her, concern painted all over her face. She sat next to her. “I don’t think you’re messed up. Or a failure. And I’m so glad you were born. Or else I never would’ve fallen in love with you.” She took Amy’s hand, squeezing it gently.

“Uhm…thanks Hart. That uh, that means a lot.” Amy hesitated, a few sniffles thrown in. 

“Of course! I love you Ames, just for who you are. And you know that.” Hartley squeezed her hand again. 

“I love you too.” Amy gave a small smile, body present but mind definitely elsewhere. Hartley noticed.

“That’s not all there is, is it?” She questioned, voice soft and steady but spilling out with concern. 

“No, it’s not.” Amy shrugged. “But I’d rather not talk about it right now, if it’s okay with you.” She looked away from Hartley’s gaze.

“Of course!” She exclaimed, a little too enthusiastically. “Just talk to me whenever you’re ready.” She gave her hand another little squeeze, standing up. 

“Okay c’mon let’s get back to them.” Hartley guided Amy back through the now more splintered wooden door and found Candy and Noah freshening up.

“W-what’s wrong with Candy?” Amy asked, genuinely concerned. 

“N-n-nothing Ames. I’m fine.” Candy laughed a little bit, hacking.

“Ronni’s very ill. Like very. And I don’t know why.” Noah answered for her, worry painting over both her expression and her words. 

“N-Noah?” Candy shook, stammering in her words.

“Yes baby?” Noah rushed by her side in answer.

All Hartley and Amy could do was just watch in severe awe at Candy’s weakness. Maybe this is what doing drugs and drinking all the time gets you. It gets you very sick.

“I-I don’t feel so good.” She stated the obvious, yet once again.

“Yes, I know baby. Do you have to throw up again?” Noah rubbed her arm, looking her in the eye and taking her hand. 

“N-no, it’s not that, it’s just-” Before she could finish her sentence, she was cut off by the bell.

“Was that already fifteen minutes?!” Amy gasped. 

“Welp, c’mon, we gotta get to our next class.” Hartley took Amy and looped her arm through her shoulder. 

“Y’all coming?” Amy asked, impatient. 

“Ronni baby, let’s go, we need to get to our next class.” Noah cooed, ignoring Amy’s word.

Candy stood up, obvious that she was shaking. Noah leaned forward. “Do you need help?” Candy shook her head. 

“I’m fine Noah, I’m fine.” She waved her away, walking slowly towards the splintered wooden exit.

“C’mon Ames, let’s go.” Hartley signaled. They all walked out together, but soon splitting in their separate ways. Noah and Candy left, Hartley and Amy right. As they walked to class, Amy pecked Hart on the cheek.

“What was that for?” She asked, surprised. 

“A thank you. For caring Hart. Thanks for coming to find me. Thank you, and I love you.”

Hartley stopped to peck her on the lips, and then kept it moving. 

“You're welcome. And I love you more than anything Ames. Always.” 

Chapter Text

“I want Doritos!” Hartley pouts. They move up in the lunch line before Amy turns around. 

“Doritos aren’t food, Hartley.” She rolls my eyes and laughs a little at her girlfriend’s pouting face.

“But still! I want them!” She pleads again, as they both move up and Amy grabs a tray and a melty cheese pizza. 

“Will you eat actual food hon?” She ask as she pay, Hartley getting nothing but a Snapple as she trails after her.  

“Maybe…” She mumbles as she takes a seat next to Amy at the lunch table. 

Candy gestures to Hartley. “What’s up with her?” She takes a sip of her drink, relishing it obnoxiously. Noah laughs.

“Yeah Hartley, why you look so upset?” Connor asked as he picked at his food. His presence startled Candy, because he was almost never at the lunch table. 

Zaya comes up from behind and ruffles Amy’s hair, making her laugh. “I am here to lighten the mood.” She jokes, throwing down her tray.

“Why does Hartley look like she died inside? Usually that’s Amy who looks like that.” She says as she takes a seat, back slumping on the chair. 

“Wow…thanks, I think.” Amy says, confusion evident in her voice. “Anyways Hartley’s mad because…”

“Because Amy won’t buy me Doritos.” She cuts her off, clearly still upset, maybe even more than before. 

“And you can’t buy them yourself because…?” Jakob asks, clearly intrigued and waiting for an answer. 

“Because I have no money obviously. Bitch.” Hartley mumbles the last part of her sentence. Kami almost said something, but instead pushed up her glasses and left it alone. 

“I don’t want ‘real’ food. Just Doritos.” Hartley bites her lip, putting air quotes around the word ‘real’. 

“But why?” Amy questions, taking a hearty bite of her pizza. 

“Because… DORITOS!” Hartley screams, hurting everyone’s ears, especially Amy’s.

“Fine babe jeez!” Amy laughs. She goes up to buy a bag of red Doritos for 2 bucks, and comes back, throwing the Doritos to Hartley. 

“YAY!” Hartley exclaims, quickly opening up the bag.

“I love you Amesssss!” She smiles, mouth full of Doritos.

Amy kisses her cheek. “I love you too baby.” She eats her pizza and smiles.

“Damn. Over fucking Doritos…” Candy trails, and Noah kisses her on her cheek too, making her lean onto her shoulder and smile.

Now that's what I call a good ass lunch.