Semi-Edited. (Really late my time and I don't want to edit) 

Thank you @V9863K for the lovely cover above! Perfect for this chapter!

Song Above is Kiss Me Again by We Are The In Crowd. Not sure if it fits but oh well :) 

"I just can't believe he won!" Macey practically yelled as she got ready the next morning. I rolled my eyes but smiled. It was surprising, well to us at least.

Yesterday Gage had a fight, which Macey and I tagged along to, and he won. His competitor was this huge burly guy that resembled something like bear. The moment I saw him come into the ring I wanted to pull Gage right out of there. Dylan kept telling me Gage would do fine but how was I suppose to know that. Just a look at the guy he looked like he could squish Gage like a bug.

Although the guy was huge and apparently 'amazing' Gage had no problem taking the guy down. Of course he had to taunt the guy for a few minutes until he got tired of dodging the man's punches. Within minutes he was down on the ground, declaring Gage the winner. It shouldn't have been that much of a surprise that he won, but I just couldn't help to be. This definitely proved the point of 'never judge a book by its cover'.

Gage just walked out of the ring like nothing had happened and headed for his room to change. Everyone round us were either groaning or yelling, handing money to the person they bet on. Dylan acted like it was no big deal and lead us back to the room, not batting an eyelash at the guy laying in the middle of the ring groaning.

It was the next day, Saturday, and Macey was still talking about it. I think the reason she was so fascinated was because last time she didn't see much of the fight, trying to find me, and she didn't know Gage then either. It was very impressive I had to say.

Along with going to the fight with the two boys we ate dinner together which turned out to be a lot of fun. Macey got along great with Dylan and Gage and surprisingly Gage wasn't rude to me; something I did not expect. It was like a small shift happened between us the night of the party last week. I still wasn't sure if it was a good shift or not.

I was lost in thought as Macey went on about the fight. Lately my mind tended to do that, slip off into no man's land. I was busy not listening to Macey and she was too busy talking animately neither of us noticed the front door opening until two loud voices reached our ears. My head turned towards it to find Luke and Ethan striding through the door like they owned the place.

"How did you get in here?" Macey asked standing up and putting her hands on her hips, staring the two boys down. Of course neither cared.

"I have a key remember." Luke held up the key my parents gave him when we moved in. I almost forgot he had it honestly. Both boys ambled towards the couch and wasted no time in getting comfortable and making this their home. Because we had the same furniture that they did one person had to sit in the chair beside the couch that held three people. For a dorm room we actually had nice furniture that held more than two people.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked glancing over at Ethan in the chair and Luke on my other side.

"We had nothing to do so we decided to come hang out with you guys." Ethan replied.

"No hot dates on a Saturday?"

"Car it is noon." Luke pointed out.

"So you don't need to have a date at night time. Girls expect day dates to you know."

"Aww are you jealous? You want us to just hang out with you." Ethan said in a little baby voice.

"I am not jealous, just wondering." I shrugged. The thought of Ethan going out on some date did make my insides clench but I ignored the feeling. There was a moment of awkward silence but I quickly quenched it.

"So how was the game last night?" As I predicted both boys immediately dived into details concerning their football game.

"It was a good game. The Ducks were pretty good, they had a great defensive team that stopped us from scoring multiple times. Definitely well matched." Luke said. I knew they won because Luke texted me right after telling me but I knew they liked to tell me what happened and such. At least I liked football or I would have no clue what they were going on about.

"Number 54 was quick dude. Did you see how fast he got to the ball? I would have hated to be put on him." Ethan to my brother.

"How many touchdowns did you score?" I asked Ethan. Knowing him it was probably most of the touchdowns.

"I made five." He grinned at me and leaned back in the chair. A proud smile clear on his face. My eyebrows shot up to my hairline. Five touchdowns was amazing, most people only get 1 or 2.

"Wow that is...wow." I breathed out. I think that was a record for him as well. There was no doubt Ethan had talent when it came to catching a football.

"Caught every catch I threw him." Luke said his tone just as proud. They definitely made a great team together. Without one the other wouldn't do as well. They came as a package deal almost like Mario and Luigi.

"I'm so proud of you guys. I'm glad you won." I smiled at the both of them.

"Good job." Macey said but kept her gaze on her cellphone. I watched from the corner of my eye Luke frown at her.

"So what did you girls do?" Luke asked a second later. Macey's head shot up to look at me. Her eyes silently asking what we should say.

"Nothing much honestly. Just studied forever and went to go eat dinner." I said. Part of it was true at least. If they knew we went to an underground fight they would have our heads. I don't think either of us wanted a lecture today from them, plus it would sour their good mood from their win.

"Boring!" Ethan stated.

"Well sorry not all of us can go and play football and win." Shot back at him rolling my eyes.

"That is true. No one is like me." I scoffed at that but didn't say anything in return. After a few minutes I stood up.

"I am going to get something to drink. Do you guys want anything from the kitchen while I'm there?" I asked.

"Water for me." Both Luke and Macey said at the same time.

"Bring me a snack." Ethan said.

"A snack? What kind?"

"Surprise me." I stared at him for a good few seconds before turning and heading for the kitchen.

As I got to the kitchen and went over to the fridge to get everyone drinks I missed Ethan getting up and following after me. Just as I was pulling my head out of the fridge Ethan decided that was the moment to announce him presence. Hearing his voice made me jump in surprise which resulted in hitting my head on the fridge.

"Ow!" I rubbed my head and shut the fridge door forcefully. I glared over at Ethan knowing he probably did it on purpose.

"Oops sorry." He shrugged but I could see he was fighting a grin.

"You are so rude." I mumbled setting the drinks on the counter. Going over to the cabinet that held our treat stash I was stopped by a hand on my arm. Looking over my shoulder I saw Ethan staring down at me. He was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Carter I actually came in here to talk to you." His voice was low like he didn't want the other to hear what he was going to say to me. Confused I turned to face him.

"What's up?" I asked. From my angle I could see how bright blue his eyes looked today. I just wanted to drown in them.

"I uh..." He brought a hand up and rubbed the back of his neck. I raised an eyebrow at him noticing that he was nervous. He only rubbed his neck when he was nervous or when things were awkward. The action made him look so cute.

"Ethan what is it?" I asked slightly worrying. Was something wrong?

"You know I never got the chance to apologize for the way I acted last Friday at the party. I was drunk and not in the right frame of mind." He started to say. At his words my heart sunk a little. He regretted dancing with me. He is saying he was drunk and not responsible for this actions. My face fell at the thought of him not liking dancing with me. I mean I thought he had a good time...well had somewhat fun at least before he left me for another girl.

"I shouldn't have left you when that other girl came up and started dancing with me." I was brought back by hearing that.

"Wait what?" I interrupted him. I thought he was talking about dancing with me, not about what happened after.

"I shouldn't have danced with that other girl. I was having such a great time with you and when she suddenly appear my drunken mind didn't realize what I was doing." He stared down at me.

"I am so sorry Carter. I really am. By time I came back around you weren't there anymore and when I tried to find you I couldn't." He tried to find me! My inner voice screamed. "All week I wanted to come and apologize to you but I couldn't figure out what to say or when to say it. Every time I tried to you were busy or someone was around you. I know it is a little late but I hope you can forgive me."

I looked up at him my heart beating hard in my chest. Here he was apologizing for leaving me on the dance floor. I had thought he just didn't want to talk about it, that is why he didn't bring it up. I told myself I didn't care but deep down I did. Now hearing him apologize my heart soared. His eyes were shining down at me, pleading for me to forgive him.

"Carter please say something." I hadn't even noticed I didn't reply.

"Ethan it is okay. I figured you had been drinking and wasn't thinking properly." I was still hurt seeing him dancing like that with that other girl but I couldn't resist him when he stood right in front of me looking like that. He was apologizing when I thought he wouldn't, that is what meant more to me than anything.

"No it is not okay. I shouldn't have done that to you Carter and I want to make it up to you."

"Make it up to me?"

"Yes. Would you like to um," He glanced around to make sure neither Macey or Luke had walked upon us. He lowered his voice even more and leaned closer to me face. "Would you like to go out to eat with me tomorrow?"

Would you like to go out to eat with me tomorrow? LIKE A DATE?! I inwardly screamed. Did Ethan just seriously ask me out? The way he said it and is now rubbing his neck and avoiding my eyes made me think he meant it in that way, instead of a friend way.

I stared at him trying to see if he was messing with me but his eyes were clear and looking right at me, waiting for my answer. He is literally asking you out right now! This is everything you have ever wanted. Why haven't you said yes?! My inner voice was yelling at me. I just stood there like an idiot my mouth opening and closing like a dead fish.

"I-I uh..." Damn it Carter get the words out! "um yeah sure. I'd love to." I finally got out but my voice was all high and squeaky. I bet my face was bright red to.

"Really?" His face lit up and his hand dropped from his neck like he was surprised I said yes. I was surprised I got my answer out.

"Yeah." There goes my high voice again. "I'd love to go out to eat with you." It was like my mouth was moving on it's own. Both my mind and heart were going at a million miles a minute.

"Great! I was thinking we would do something tomorrow and then go out to eat. My way of making it up to you." The whole thought of spending the entire day with Ethan made my knees weak and I'm glad I was able to stay up right.

"That sounds good." A smile was appearing on my face soon taking over.

"Maybe we can get together around-" He started to say but Luke's voice interrupted him.

"Hey where's my water!?" He yelled. I stifled a groan at my brothers timing. Of course he had to interrupt whatever Ethan was saying and interrupt our moment. The best moment I have ever had with Ethan.

Ethan sighed and closed his eyes. He wasn't happy with my brother like me. Perfect timing Luke. Perfect Timing. I couldn't help but giggle at the annoyed look he had. At my giggle his eyes snapped open and a smile appeared on his face.

"Guess we better go out there before they come in here." He said.

"Yeah I guess." I didn't really want my brother to walk in a see Ethan standing so close to me, who knows what he would do to us.

"I'll text you more about the details. Your brother would skin me alive if he knew I was taking his sister out." My heart skipped a beat at his words. He was referring to it as a date! I had to force myself to stay calm and not freak out. That would have to wait until they are gone.

Ethan leaned even closer to me and I almost thought he was going to kiss me. My pulse started to go crazy the closer he got. HE IS GOING TO KISS ME! I screamed. He stopped a few inches away from me before disappointedly pulled away a big smirk on his face. I stood there frozen with my jaw hanging open like a freak. As he pulled away I looked down and saw he had the two waters in his hands.

"Better go give these to them." He lifted them in his hands. Sending me one last grin he turned and left the kitchen. I stood there not moving trying to process everything that just happened in the last two minutes. Ethan apologized for what happened at the party, he asked me out, and teased me by almost kissing me.

I slumped against the counter a grin taking over my face as I thought about going on a date with Ethan. I was finally going on a date with him. Well maybe not a 'real' full date but a date none the less. I brought my cool hands to my heated cheeks grinning like a lunatic. I just prayed I wasn't dreaming right now.

*****

Macey's POV

Last Friday Night...

All day I looked forward to this party. I needed to unwind and get my mind off of school work. It was literally only the second week and I felt like I was already drowning. But what made this party great was Carter was going. She really needed to let go and have some fun. With Ethan and Luke always governing her actions she deserved to let loose once in a while, and it was just the way to do so.

When we arrived to the party I made she to keep my hand on Carter to make sure she didn't get lost. Knowing her she would have or she would fall. She was like a little puppy you had to keep track of and make sure she didn't get hurt. Out of the two of us I was the partier and Carter was the one to stay home. We did even each other out and I did like to stay home and watch Netflix with her instead of partying sometimes.

We finally made it to the 'bar' aka the kitchen bar stool, that held all different kinds of alcohol. Although the party only just started a few bottles were already looking almost gone. A huge stack of red solo cups were on one side ready for people to just grab. Perfect spot for people to just come up, make their drink and go else where. Grabbing two cups and a can of some kind of beer I filled them up before handing Carter one.

"Here you go!" I yelled over the music.

"I don't want any alcohol." She replied yelling as well.

"Just hold it. It will make people leave you alone and don't set it down anywhere!" I told her. It was always better to have something in your hand than not too. It gives guys the idea that they can just give you whatever. Easy way to be drugged. Having a cup filled with something limited the amount of guys coming up to you to try and get you a drink.

I took a sip of my own cup tasting the cheap beer. It wasn't terrible but what do you expect at a college party. The only thing ever available is cheap stuff that we can afford. I was a huge drinker but coming to a party you had to drink something.

"2 o'clock." Carter suddenly muttered to me. My eyes snapped in the direction she was talking about. I bit back a groan at seeing Luke. Knowing him he was coming over to force Carter to go home and me included.

"Carter what are you doing here?"

"Hey bro!" I bit back a laugh at Carter's words.

"You are here because..."

"Because it's a party."

"Carter-" Luke started to say but Carter stopped him.

"Luke stop. I'm here and I'm not leaving. Don't try to guilt me into leaving or force me to go because I won't. I can do whatever I want for once." Carter said her voice firm. I smiled at the side of her face. She was standing her ground which I was so proud of. Luke stared at his sister for a good minute before relented.

When Luke turned to leave I stuck my tongue out at him to which he shook his head at me but a small smile was on his face. Maybe he was proud to see his sister finally sticking her ground.

As we walked off I looked back at the dance floor and saw Amy grinding against some guy. I rolled my eyes, of course. It never took long for Amy to make herself at him at a party. Seeing her dance I turned to Carter.

"Lets dance!" I yelled tugging on her arm.

"You go." Carter waved me off tugging her arm out of my hold.

"But what about you?" I wanted to her to dance with me. Sure she wasn't the greatest dancer and neither was I but it was to have fun.

"I'll be fine. I'll be right here okay. Go have some fun! That guys keeps eyeing you anyway." She gestured to a tall blonde guy that was making his way towards us. I sent her a look telling her 'come on' but she only answered with shoving me towards the unknown guy. I shot a glare over my shoulder at her for shoving me but couldn't stop a grin from appearing on my face. Of course she would think of me first before herself.

I danced with the unknown guy silently praying that Carter danced with someone and had fun. She deserved it and I just hoped she would do something. The guy I was dancing with wasted no time I grabbing my waist and making me flushed against him. I wasn't complaining but felt weird that I didn't even know his name before he started grinding against me. With the beat of the music flowing over me I let myself go and danced.

The next little bit was a haze. I danced with the same guy for 3 or so songs before I had to get a drink and I wanted to find Carter to make sure she was okay. I told myself I wasn't going to get drunk tonight so I could keep an eye on Carter. If she needed me I didn't want to be flat on my ass drunk.

Untangling myself from the still unknown guy I made my way to the bar to grab another drink. My throat was so dry that made it hard to swallow. Grabbing a new red cup I filled it with beer once more before looking out at the dance floor. My eyes took everyone in from the couple making out against the wall a few feet from me oblivious to everyone else, to the girls standing in a circle by the back door.

Finally my eyes landed on a familiar figure and I couldn't stop a huge grin from invading my face. My best stood in the middle of the dance floor with her arms wrapped around Ethan Galloway. Her eyes were closed and Ethan had his arms wrapped tight around her so she was pressed up against him. In that moment I couldn't be happier for my friend. She was finally getting a moment with her long time crush.

I have been telling her for years to tell Ethan about her feelings or make some sort of move, of course she waved me off on all of them. But now seeing them dancing I knew it was a move in the right direction. After all these years Carter deserved to be with Ethan. She has been crushing on him for far too long. My only concern was Ethan not liking her back. I had no clue what his feelings were towards my best friend but for her sake I wish he felt the same way, he had