Just The Boy Next Door

~9~

~Andy~

I was more than eager for that damned plane to land.

I had gotten tired of being barked at by Scout's mother over the break, being told staying in a hotel hurt Scout's feelings and that that was all I ever did was hurt her. Hearing the "you should have taken her back, Andy" and "Can't you see she loves you, Andy" lines one too many times really got to me; I decided to cut out early.

I wanted DJ to know first, of course, so she could come and pick me up from the airport.

I had called; no answer. I had called again an hour later, and there was still no answer; it was odd because she normally answered first ring. Then, I remembered the text I had gotten earlier that day from her:

"Ashley and I are just hanging out..."

That brought back too many jealous memories and anger issues I didn't want to relive. I mean, I wasn't her boyfriend yet, but I knew I wanted to be. If something happened while I was gone then it would have been my own damned fault because I didn't go for her sooner, right?

Stop making excuse for yourself and him, dude, I said to myself. I know he is your best friend, but he knew good and well you liked her. Then it hit me.

He likes her, too. Fucking son of a bitch likes and has feelings for DJ and couldn't have bothered to tell me, HIS best friend, about them.

I knew how Ashley was. If a girl was remotely interested in me or visa versa, he would try and learn as much as he could about them in an attempt to protect me from anything weird that could pop up. Instead of doing me a favor, he ended up falling for the girl himself. Good thing he was so laid back, otherwise I would have to be worried about hurting his feelings.

I watched as the "buckle seat belts" sign blinked, and the captain began the descent into Richmond International.

The plane landed shortly after and taxied around to my section of the airport.


When speaking to DJ the other evening, it felt like something bad had happened while I was gone. I mean, if something did, then we had to work past it and see what happens. I was just happy it would be her picking me up today.

I finally exited the terminal only to see a beaming DJ standing there, arms folded slightly across her chest. I flashed a smile at her, quickening my pace. She began running full tilt and soon jumped into my arms.

This... this is what I want. If anything happened while I was gone, I can deal with it later.

She held on to me for what seems to be an eternity, and I took in her scent like I hadn't seen her in even longer. Cucumber melon and a hint of ocean breeze; it worked for her, and I detest cucumbers.

I looked into her eyes as she studied my face. The beautiful green orbs that rest in their sockets called to me; these are what i had been dying to see since the day I left.

I kissed her sweetly only to be kissed back with passion. It took me by surprise; I didn't know she had still felt the same as I did. Or, at least, night anymore.

Ashley had texted me that morning while I was at a layover stop and said something had happened between them. He said she had a choice to make, and didn't care either way it went. He was batting for me, he said. He didn't want a sweet girl like DJ ruined by his perverse way of life.

That was when I knew he had slept with my girl while I was gone; Ash might be my best friend, and he might not care if she goes for him or not, but this shit is what pissed me off about him. Either way, we can discuss it later. I was just happy to have her back in my arms.

"I'm so happy to see you," DJ's eye lit up brightly as she flipped her freshly dyed black and red tufts of hair out of her eyes.

Her smile was so genuine, so beautiful, that it made my heart beat a little faster.

"I am more than happy to see you, princess." I took her hand as we began to wander towards the baggage claim a short distance away.

Picking up my bag, I threw it over my shoulder and wrapped the other arm around her. I looked down at her and giggled. She was only five foot five inches tall, and here I was a whopping six foot and four inches. I couldn't help but smile at how cute she was, being pint sized and everything. I gave her a light squeeze as we exited the airport doors.

The car ride back to our side of town was full of conversation, rants and raves, and confessions. She ended up telling me about Ashley, and about how it made things complex now that they had indeed slept together. She did mention, however, that it lacked the same spark our night together had; I guess that counted for something.

"I can understand if you don't want to speak to me again." he voice was soft, fearful that I would just walk away and give up.

Fuck no; who ever said I would do that?

"Look, babe," I sighed, "I knew this was going to happen, which is why I was more than prepared for this conversation. However, Ash said you had a decision to make, and I'm assuming he told you some bullshit like 'I don't care who you choose, but if you choose me Andy won't come around anymore'? Well, that is fuckery if I hadn't heard it before."

She listened and drove on, turning down "out street" she said.

Out street? Wait one damn minute. I stopped running my mouth and looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean 'our street'?" My face must have screaming the same confusion as my brain felt.

"I signed the papers yesterday to move today," she giggled girlishly, "I live next door to you now, as of this morning, so you don't have to drive across town in the car you don't really use."

She paused and smiled.

"Besides, I have always wanted to fall in love with the boy next door."

Fall in love?

"What do you mean 'fall in love', DJ?" My heart pounded as I waited to hear the words I have been waiting for all this time.

"Well, don't you see, silly boy," she chuckled as we stopped as a stop light and turned to me, eyes shining.

"I love you, Andrew Biersack."

I asked her to be my girlfriend at that light; she said yes.



~Ashley~

I stood outside the house, watching as DJ's car pulled up. I saw her get out, laughing that cute way she does. Then, Andy got out smiling at her; that is, until he saw me. It was the look of "we need to talk, bro," written all over his face.

The pair of them walked up and he hugged me. For the first time in a long time, my eyes got misty; wasn't sure why now out of all times.

"He, no hard feelings man," He assured, "We weren't dating then."

He turned to walk a few steps then paused.

"But, she is my girl now, and if you try anything, the is nothing inside this friendship that says I won't bury you where you stand."

And he was serious.

DJ smiled at me, looking embarrassed to have caused so much commotion. I smiled back, but inside my heart was in fact breaking. First time for anything, I guess.

In the past, I gave up on women easily, but not because I didn't like them. It was because I liked them too much as a whole. Still do kind of, but now it's not so easy anymore.

I, Ashley Purdy, am very much in love with Deanna Jenna Martenson.

But I can't tell anyone now. I mean, Andy knows, and I tried to tell DJ yesterday but I think she picked up on it as much as I picked up playing the timpani drums in high school.

And now she is officially dating my best friend, which is perfectly fine.

However, knowing myself, and believe me I do, I won't make it easy for them.

I was lost in my own head for about fifteen minutes only to come out of it when Jinxx threw a Koosh ball at my head, smacking me in the ear. I picked it up, confused.

"Dude, fucking really?" I held it up and raised an eyebrow in response, "The nineties called; they want their koosh balls back."

Jinxx chuckled and shook his head, heading back inside.

I guess I will go in, too.

At least I can still look at her.

Notes

Andy knows he has some clean up to do when it comes to DJ and Ashley's one nighter, but cannot help how he feels for DJ. Will he keep his cool, or will the laid-back young man snap?

Ashley's heart is broken for one of the first times in his adult life. Will he remain loyal to his friends, or cause havoc for them both?