Chapter Text
It couldn’t work. Maddy was her best friend. And Nate was her boyfriend.
Her toxic, abusive, and manipulative boyfriend.
Cassie dated guys, obviously, but the way she felt for Maddy was different than any relationship she’d ever been in.
“Cass?”
Maddy’s voice snapped her out of thought.
“What?” Cassie looked at her, almost surprised.
“You’ve been staring at the ceiling for the last like.. ten minutes.”
Cassie sighed, sitting up on Maddy’s bed. “Are you and Nate together right now?” Cassie asked. It was hard to know, their relationship was.. well.. complex.
Maddy narrowed her eyes at the question, almost having to stop and think for a second.
“It’s complicated.”
Cassie figured.
They’d broken up at least ten times in the last few months, and still gotten back together after Nate choked Maddy at the carnival.
“Nate’s taking me to some party tonight, you should come.” Maddy smiled, looking at her nails.
“When?” Cassie asked, staring at the ceiling and fidgeting with the hem of her top.
“Like.. 10. Or something. He’ll just swing by here and pick us both up.”
“Okay.”
-----
Maddy and Cassie spent three hours getting ready for the party. Maddy wore a black bodysuit that nicely captured her hips and curvature, and Cassie wore a blue dress with thin straps and white heels. They both looked really good.
“You look hot, bitch.”
Maddy smiled, looking over Cassie.
“You look way hotter.” Cassie spoke, eyeing Maddy.
The two continued touching up their makeup before Maddy’s phone rang.
“Nate’s here.” She sighed.
-----
“Heyy Maddy. Sup’ Cass.”
Nate grinned, talking loudly over the music blasting in his car. He had a beer in hand and a six-pack of bud light in the passenger seat.
“Hey.” Maddy rolled her eyes, handing Cassie the six-pack and sitting in the passenger seat.
“You’re not gonna drink?” Cassie asked, almost instantly reaching for the drinks beside her.
Maddy shook her head.
“Nate, can we go?” She complained, refusing to look at him.
Nate smiled at her again, taking another swig of his beer and driving off.
Cassie opened a bottle, chugging half of it down.
“You look really sexy tonight, Maddy.” He spoke, words slightly slurred.
Nate glanced at her for a long second, which only made Maddy irritated that he wasn’t looking at the road.
“I know.” She spoke, almost like it was obvious.
Cassie sighed, glaring outside at the darkness.
“Whose house is this anyway?” Maddy asked, finally looking at Nate.
Nate shrugged.
“One of McKay’s friends, I think.” He spoke, uncertain.
Cassie’s eyes widened slightly at the name. She did not want to run into her ex-boyfriend tonight. She didn’t even know if they were together anymore.
At the thought, she finished her beer bottle quickly.
-----
The drive was pretty quick, especially with Nate speeding like a maniac and nearly crashing a couple times.
“You guys hyped?” Nate chuckled, looking back at Cassie, who’d now drank two bottles.
Cassie smiled awkwardly and nodded, looking down. Maddy simply groaned and exited the car. “God, he’s so annoying,” She rolled her eyes, walking beside Cassie.
“Hey.. um.. Maddy?” Cassie spoke nervously.
Maddy looked at her, waiting for the question.
“What if McKay’s there?”
“It’s fine, Cass. You’ll just stay with me.”
Maddy smiled, wrapping an arm around her. Cassie loved when she did that to make her feel better.
Nate followed behind the two, meeting up with some friends eventually.
As they walked into the house, they were greeted by loud music, dancing, talking, drinking, smoking, all the stuff you’d normally see at a party.
“Hey you guys!” Kat smiled, approaching Maddy and Cassie with her new boyfriend, Ethan.
“Hey Kat!” Maddy spoke, smiling.
“Hey.” Cassie seemed a little shyer today.
“Yo.” Ethan grinned awkwardly, waving his hand for a second before putting it down.
“Um.. McKay isn’t here, right? Like.. have you seen him?” Cassie asked, words slightly scrambled.
Kat shrugged, looking at Ethan. “I’m not sure. I haven’t really been paying attention.”
“Kat!” Jules shouted from a distance, waving her arms.
“Oh, catch you guys later!” Kat smiled, running off with Ethan to join Jules.
Cassie sighed, looking at Maddy.
“What’s wrong, Cass? Cmon, we’re at a party, let’s get wasted and have fun.”
Maddy grabbed her arm, dragging her into the dance area.
Cassie smiled as Maddy pulled her close, dancing with her and giggling.
-----
The two danced together and drank for a while before deciding to sit down. Cassie was very drunk.
“Hey, Cass?” Maddy spoke, staring at the ceiling.
“Hm?” She mumbled, sipping her drink.
“Wanna go for a swim?” Maddy asked, smiling as she looked at her best friend beside her.
Cassie nodded, giggling as Maddy grabbed her arm and dragged her through the crowd and into the backyard. The house was really big and nice, but what was even nicer was the pool. It was giant, and there were surprisingly not that many people in it.
“Come on, Cass” Maddy smiled, taking her dress off and leaving her in just bra and underwear. Maddy helped Cassie remove her dress when she noticed she was struggling a bit.
“Maddy, ‘m scared,” Cassie mumbled, holding her best friend’s hand.
“Come on!” Maddy squeezed her hand before jumping in, dragging Cassie along with her into the water.
“Ah!” Cassie squealed, her body quickly adapting to the water. It wasn’t too cold, at least.
The two girls rose up for air, smiling and laughing. A very familiar voice then rung through Cassie’s ears.
“Hey, Cass!” A man spoke.
Cassie blinked through the slight blur from her eyes, immediately recognizing that it was, indeed, Christopher McKay.
Cassie looked at Maddy quickly, before turning back to him and looking up at him from the pool.
“Hii..” Her voice wavered nervously. McKay crouched down to be closer to her height.
“Um, can I talk to you?” McKay asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Maddy quickly blurted out before Cassie could reply.
“Can’t you see we’re swimming?” Maddy put her arm around Cassie’s shoulder, almost protectively.
“Yeah—no, I see that. Just.. I have to talk to you, Cass.” He chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Cassie looked at Maddy again, watching Maddy sigh loudly and nod. Cassie gave her a sad look before making her way to the stairs, exiting the pool. McKay looked around and quickly found a towel, helping her into it.
“Hey.” He smiled, but Cassie was looking at Maddy, who was already swimming off. She seemed upset.
“What d’you want to talk ‘bout?” Cassie muttered, shivering slightly.
“Can we go inside?” McKay looked at her, noticing she was drunk. And also, cold. So, he pulled her into a warm embrace which she melted into almost immediately.
Maddy glanced over as she watched them walk away together, feeling almost jealous. Why was she feeling this way? She had Nate, and Cassie had McKay. It was simple. So why did she feel this way watching her walk away with McKay?
Nate’s voice snapped her out of thought.
“Hey Maddy. Where’d Cassie go?” He asked, taking his shirt off and tossing it to the ground before slowly getting in the pool.
“McKay’s here. He wanted to talk to her. She’s like.. really drunk though. I’m a little worried.” Maddy spoke.
Nate wrapped his arms around her, hugging her gently for a few seconds.
“I’m sure she’s fine. McKay’s not the type of dude to do that stuff.” Nate replied, holding her comfortingly.
Maddy didn’t feel very comforted by his embrace. “What stuff?” She retorted, backing away and looking at him.
“What? Isn’t that what you’re worried about? Him taking advantage of her?” Nate asked, caressing Maddy’s cheek.
Maddy grimaced a little at the touch, shrugging her shoulders. “I’m.. not sure. I guess she just tends to say some stuff she probably shouldn’t be saying when she drinks.”
Nate smiled softly, looking at her. “It’ll be fine, Maddy.” He spoke quietly, taking her chin gently and leaning in to kiss her. Maddy felt panicked, turning her head away quickly. Nate furrowed his brows, a mix of confusion and slight anger.
“I-I’m sorry, Nate. I can’t.” She mumbled, panicking and quickly exiting the pool.
Obviously, their relationship had problems, but Nate had never seen Maddy like this. She’d never not wanted to kiss him or be held by him. Something was going on.
“Wait—Maddy!” He quickly followed behind her.
-----
Cassie looked around the bedroom McKay led them into. It was empty and blocked out most of the noise outside, which was nice. Cassie curled in on herself as she sat on the bed, still wrapped in the towel and shivering slightly less.
“So.. um. We haven’t talked in like.. weeks. Are you okay?” He asked straight up, looking at her. Cassie stared at the floor, her thoughts blending together and she couldn’t think straight from the alcohol.
“I-I’m fine.” She whispered. Small. Gentle.
McKay narrowed his eyes, unsure of what to say. “I.. missed you. A lot,” He spoke, not taking his eyes off of her.
Cassie finally looked up at him, baby blue eyes glossy and slightly red.
“Did you miss me?” McKay added.
Cassie swallowed, looking back down. “McKay.. I.. I think I.. like Maddy.” She spoke, mumbling and slightly slurring her words.
McKay furrowed his brows, chuckling. “You’re drunker than I thought,” He smiled. “of course you like her, Cass. Isn’t she your best friend?”
Cassie sniffled, fidgeting with her hands. “Not.. like that. I.. love her—I think?” Her voice sounded so small, almost scared. But those words told McKay everything he needed to know.
He stayed silent for a bit, processing what she just said. “You.. have a crush? On Maddy?” He chuckled a little, thinking this was her drunk mind talking. “I think you drank too much, Cass.” He got closer, sitting beside her and placing a hand on her thigh. She moved it at the touch. Uncomfortable. McKay immediately drew his hand back.
“I.. it’s not from ‘m alcohol.. I really, really, love her..” Cassie added, still staring at the ground. McKay inhaled deeply, still processing the words. He didn’t know if she even knew what she was saying, but it sounded so certain. Like she truly was in love.
“So, you don’t wanna be with me because you like Maddy?” He spoke, trying to read her facial expressions. She turned to look at him, and let a ghost of a smile form on her lips, nodding slowly.
“I love Maddy.” Cassie whispered, letting a tear slip. McKay reached up and wiped it off her cheek, nodding. He looked hurt. Upset.
“I’ll see you later, Cass.” He suddenly stood up, walking out of the room.
Cassie hugged herself tighter, and simply sat there, looking outside the large windows and watching everyone dance and drink. She glanced over and saw a half-empty vodka bottle and shrugged, grabbing it and drinking straight from the bottle. Soon enough, the door opened. She didn’t even look back. But she did when she heard a familiar voice.
“Cass? Jesus, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Maddy closed the door behind her, quickly walking up to Cassie who was still in a towel and drinking yet again. Maddy gently drew the bottle from her, placing it aside. She also had Cassie’s dress and shoes in hand.
Cassie sniffled, looking at her best friend. “I loveee you..” She whispered, kissing Maddy on the cheek. Maddy sighed softly, taking in how drunk she looked.
“What happened with McKay?” Maddy asked, helping Cassie out of her towel and back into her dress.
Cassie sighed quietly, shrugging. “I t’ld him I loved you ‘n he got mad.. he left me,” She spoke sadly, touching Maddy’s hair.
Maddy furrowed her brows at Cassie’s statement, a little confused. “Why did he leave?” She asked, gently grabbing Cassie’s wrists when she tried to reach down and take the vodka bottle back.
“B’cause. I like you, n’t him.” Cassie giggled, cupping Maddy’s face with both hands.
Maddy inhaled sharply. “Cassie, stop. You’re wasted, we should go home.” She spoke, standing up.
“I’m fine..” She groaned dramatically as Maddy helped her up, supporting her as they walked. Maddy took her phone out. 3 missed calls from Nate, 10 unread texts. She sighed, and called him.
“Maddy where the fuck where you? I called you like fifty times.” He sounded drunk and angry.
Maddy spoke to him as her and Cassie made their way through the house, trying to get to the entrance to leave.
“I was looking for Cassie. Are you in the truck already?” Maddy spoke through the phone, dragging Cassie along by her wrist as she smiled in her own world.
“Yes.” He mumbled. “Are you two coming?” Maddy could hear him tapping on the wheel.
“Yeah, we’ll be there in a sec.” Maddy groaned, hanging up and putting her phone back into her purse.
-----
Maddy helped Cassie into the backseat of Nate’s truck before entering in the passenger. She knew she’d never hear the end of it.
“You can’t do that shit, Maddy. You can’t just run off and ignore me. I was getting worried.” Nate spoke harshly. Cassie stayed quiet in the backseat. Maddy just rolled her eyes.
“It’s not a big deal, Nate. Are you sure you’re even okay to drive? You smell like beer.” Maddy complained.
“It’s my car, Maddy. I’m driving it. ’m not trying to fight with you tonight, okay? I love you, and I’m sorry for caring about you, I guess.” Nate sighed loudly, pulling out of the driveway.
“Whatever.” Maddy leaned heavily away from him against the car door. She looked back at Cassie, who was slumped. She was laying down and taking up both seats.
“Cass.” Maddy said quietly, nudging her leg. She didn’t reply. Maddy sighed.
“Is she okay?” Nate asked, looking back.
“Yeah.. just drank too much I guess. I think something happened with her and McKay. She said he got mad and left, or something. I dunno.” Maddy spoke quietly.
Maddy crossed her arms and went back to gazing outside.
“Hm.” Nate tapped the wheel once more, turning up the car radio for the rest of the ride.
-----
Soon enough, they arrived at Cassie’s place.
“I’m gonna go in there with her. No way she’s making it to her room by herself.” Maddy told Nate as she got out of the car, helping Cassie.
“C’mon, Cass. Its late, you can sleep inside.” Maddy helped her up, and caught her when she stumbled while leaving the truck. Cassie groaned, clutching her head as they walked.
Nate watched the two of them walk inside. Watched as Maddy looked back for a second before shutting the door behind her.
“Cassie, come on.” Maddy was starting to get annoyed at her collapsing to the floor every few seconds, and struggling to make it up the stairs.
Eventually, they made it. Maddy helped Cassie take off her heels.
“Are you sleeping in that dress?” Maddy asked, moving a few blonde locks away from her face as she laid stomach down on her bed. Cassie let out a quiet, incoherent noise that Maddy couldn’t tell if it meant yes or no, but probably yes since she likely wasn’t getting up again.
“Goodnight.” Maddy spoke softly, kissing the top of her head before standing up.
“Maddy?” Cassie spoke quietly, ghosting her fingers over Maddy’s arm.
Maddy turned around, looking at her.
“C’n you sleep with me?” She muttered, so quietly she wasn’t even sure if she actually spoke out loud.
Maddy hesitated, knowing Nate was outside. Waiting for her.
“Um.. Nate’s outsi-“ Maddy was quickly cut off by a quiet mumble.
“Please.” Cassie looked at her, eyes half-lidded and glossy. She looked like a lost puppy.
Maddy couldn’t help but feel bad. Her best friend needed her. So, she took out her phone and texted Nate.
maddy: sry im spending the night 2day
She sighed, clicked send, and turned off her phone. She took off her shoes and laid down beside Cassie, not too close. To her surprise, Cassie closed the space between them and wrapped her arm around her waist.
“Ev’rything I said t’day.. I meant it..” Cassie spoke quietly, nuzzling close to Maddy.
Maddy’s heart fluttered. This felt safe. Comfortable. Nothing like with Nate. She was always either tense or pissed off when she was with him. She felt protective over Cassie. She loved her.
“Love you..” Cassie mumbled once again before her breathing evened. Maddy stayed awake, staring up at the ceiling and listening to the sound of her breathing. Maddy held her closer.
For once, she wasn’t thinking about Nate.