Nate's POV

"Hiya folks, nothing to see here, just a manly man. Tickets to my next boxing match can be found online if you're interested!" I call out to the trio of girls blatantly staring at me as I sit on a bench in the school lobby.

Man, that Styles kid sure knows how to hit. My jaw is throbbing. I guess I kind of deserved it. I don't really know why I implied that he'd hit her, because I don't think he would, but I guess it struck the nerve I was aiming for. I just hope it didn't upset him because it's true.

As I wait for Ashton to return with ice, I continue to stare back at the students who are clearly taking in my bruising face as gossip fuel.

"Step right up and see the amazing wonderboy who took on East High's very own prince in the battle of the century!!" My joke causes a few people to quicken their pace and avert their gaze.

"Oh, will you stop being obnoxious for ten seconds?" I hear Ashton scold me as she settles in next to me on the bench.

"Im just having some fun. You should try it sometime," I wince as she places a bag of ice on my jaw, "oof, watch it that hurts like hell."

"If this is your version of fun, I think I'd rather pass," she continues to look at my battle wound, "This is going to be quite a bruise. You're lucky he didn't fight back."

Even though I know she's right, I resent the comment. I think I could take that little British boy. I mean, no one as privileged as him could ever have reason to learn to fight. Regardless, I'm glad he turned into a pacifist after his first hit.

"Hey, what's going on with you and that Niall kid?" I ask as I remember his comment about her being a hot nurse.

"What? Nothing, why?" Ashton's tone isn't defensive, just confused.

"He called you hot.. And you agreed with him.." I mutter. It wouldn't have been as out of character for Jamie to be snarky to a guy, but Ashton? She was the quiet one. She was the mom.

"What, I'm not allowed to flirt a little?" She chuckles, but continues after my only response is a confused look, "Honestly, I don't know. You heard Jamie the other night- he likes me. Why not give it a shot?"

"Ugh, not you too.." I try to play disgust, but my real irritation must be obvious.

"I'm not saying I'm going to let a golden boy take over my life. Don't worry, I've got my hands full taking care of you two. Maybe if we can make it two minutes without one of my best friends self-destructing then I'll focus on boys. But for now, a little flirting may be fun."

I try to hide my relief, but it feels good to hear her say she isn't looking for a relationship.

"Hey, he's right you know," I grin at her.

"What?" She replies, confused.

"You do make quite a hot nurse," I wink at her and watch her face flush. She's never been as immune to me as Jamie, which makes everything more fun.

"Save it for some bimbo, Nate."

"I love making you blush. You look prettiest like that," I know she thinks I'm playing, but this comment is genuine.

"Thank you. Now let's get back to class before you've lost your mind enough to actually try to hit on me," she states as she helps me to my feet.

I'm still a little dizzy from the hit, but the ice is helping a little. I follow Ashton's lead as she navigates the halls to take us to our math class. As we walk, I watch her. She moves with purpose. She always looks focused. That's something Jamie and I don't have. As we round the corner, we run smack into Niall. Of-fucking-course.

"Oh! Hey Ashton. Uh, hey Nate. How's the face?" He stutters and avoids eye contact. Ew, he really is crushing.

"I've heard the face is quite nice, girls seem to like it alright," I deadpan, my mood instantly soured by his presence.

"He's kidding," Ashton cuts me off, "His jaw is going to bruise, but he'll survive. Hey, have you seen Jamie and Harry?"

"Last I saw they were headed into the girls' room. I had to get to class, but I figured I should come find them or you guys and help, so I told my teacher my stomach was upset and fled the room," Niall stares at Ashton like she's the night sky as he speaks. Disgusting.

I interrupt their puppy-dog stares, "Well, great talk. We were just going to math, so-" before I finish my sentence, Ashton cuts me off with a look.

"You know the way, don't you? I think I'll go with Niall to find Jamie and Harry," Ashton leans in to whisper, "a little flirting doesn't hurt, right?"

She pats me on the back and they head off in the opposite direction. Fuck.

Jamie told us that Niall had had his eye on Ashton since the first day of school, but they've only spoken about two times. Why are my best friends rushing into relationships? I mean, I worry about Jamie because she's fragile.. And Ashton? Why do I worry about Ashton?

As my thoughts bounce around in my brain, I try to avoid the one thought that's most prominent. But as usual, it's not possible to hide from reality. Why do I worry about Ashton?

"Ha," I chuckle dryly aloud to myself, "that's right. You've been in love with her for three years, how could you forget."

Notes

I've returned from hibernation. Hope you all enjoy the new chapter to this old story.

--JKM