I made my way home after hanging out with Gideon for a while. I let myself into the house and went up to the living room, beaming at my parents who were sitting on the couch.

                “What?” mom asked curiously. “Why are you in such a good mood?”

                “Mother, father, you are currently looking at Gideon Marchesane’s boyfriend,” I said proudly.

                “It’s about time,” dad said, laughing.

                “Good for you Benjamin,” mom said, smiling at me.

                “So if you hear strange noises coming from my bedroom, it’s probably just me fangirling over the fact that we’re dating now,” I informed them.

                “We’re happy for you Benji,” dad said with a smile.

                “Thanks!” I said before skipping into my bedroom.

                I collapsed on my bed and grinned up at my ceiling. I sat up and grabbed a picture of me and Gideon off of my dresser.

                After all these years of being friend zoned by him, we were finally boyfriends. I had never been so happy in my entire life, and I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was shaking in excitement, and it was taking all of my willpower not to call Gideon and scream in his ear about how much I loved him and how happy I was. I had already done that when I was with him at his house.

                I curled up on my bed, clutching the picture to my chest. Tomorrow, I could tell Sonnet and Ethan that we were dating. My smile grew even wider and I closed my eyes, wanting it to be tomorrow already so I could see Gideon.

                                                                                                ***

                I looked around the hallway for any sign of my boyfriend. Gideon must have been running late, though, because he wasn’t anywhere in sight.

                “Hey Benji,” Ethan greeted, walking up to me. “Congrats on dating Gideon.”

                “How did you know?” I asked.

                “Because it’s written all over your face,” he said with a shrug, hooking his thumbs in his pockets. “I’ve never seen you look so happy before. You usually have a cynical look on your face. So congratulations. I’m happy for you.” He offered me a smile.

                “You’re one to talk about cynical expressions,” I said, rolling my eyes.

                He grinned at me. “I may be cynical, but I am damn sexy while doing it.”

                “Hey guys,” Sonnet said, coming over to us.

                “I’M DATING GIDEON!” I cried, gripping her shoulders tightly. “HE ASKED ME OUT LAST NIGHT AND NOW WE’RE DATING AND I AM SO DAMN HAPPY SONNET.”

                “Whoa, easy killer!” she said, pulling my hands away from her shoulders. She pulled me into a hug and smiled. “I am happy for you, though. You’re way better for Gideon than Jude Tibbits was. And you’ve wanted to date him for so long.”

                “Greyson!”

                I smiled widely and spun out of Sonnet’s arms to face Gideon. He opened his arms up to me and I basically launched into them, sending Gideon stumbling backwards a little.

                “I promise I won’t do that forever. Just let me do it until I get over the shock and excitement of finally dating you,” I said as he steadied us.

                He chuckled and kissed my cheek. “Do it as long as you want to. I don’t mind.” He blushed. “I’m glad you’re so excited that we’re dating, Greyson.”

                “How could I not be?” I took his hand in mine and beamed at him.

                “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Sonnet and Ethan chanted as they watched us.

                “The crowd demands it,” Gideon said, leaning down and kissing me on the mouth.

                “About damn time,” Sonnet said, coming over and ruffling Gideon’s hair as we pulled away from each other. “You’ve only been friend zoning the poor kid for years.”

                Gideon blushed as he fixed his hair. “But now we’re dating, and that’s all that matters,” he said, squeezing my hand lovingly.

                “Since Benji’s taken, I guess I have to turn my efforts to Sonnet’s brother. What was his name? Will?” Ethan said, glancing at Sonnet.

                “My brother is straight and I swear to god if you make it otherwise, I will hunt you down and castrate you,” Sonnet said.

                “He’ll protect me,” Ethan said.

                “Will is terrified of Sonnet,” I said, laughing. “He may be 20 years old and fit, but he is still scared to death of his little sister.”

                “Ah well then. I’ll find someone attractive who will be desperate enough to screw me,” Ethan said with a shrug.

                The bell rang and the three of us went off to class. When lunch time came around, I held Gideon’s hand as we walked towards our lunch table together.

                “Gideon.”

                The shaky voice had both of us turning. Jude’s eyes were locked on our hands, still clasped together. He gulped and dragged his eyes up so that he was meeting Gideon’s eyes.

                “So it’s true? You really starting dating Benji?” he whispered. “People told me but I…I didn’t believe…”

                “Yes, Greyson and I are dating,” Gideon said.

                “Gideon, I can’t believe this,” Jude said, clenching his fists. I was surprised to see that his eyes were watering. He hastily wiped his arm across his eyes and narrowed them at Gideon. “You told me you loved me. But if you really had, you wouldn’t have gotten over me this fast. I love you Gideon. I never lied about that. Never.”

                “Judeikas, let it go. We’re through. You hurt my friends and you played me for a fool. You lied right to my face numerous times. I would never get back with you. There is absolutely no chance. I hope you’re miserable. I did love you, until I found out the real you. You’re a terrible person Jude. You disgust me. I’m done with you,” Gideon said flatly.

                The destroyed look in Jude’s eyes almost made me feel bad for him. I knew what it was like to see the boy you loved dating someone else. But to know that he had once been yours, and then lose him? I couldn’t even imagine what that felt like.

                “Fine,” Jude choked out. He cleared his throat, and his pitch black eyes seemed to grow even darker. “Fine,” he repeated, this time his voice steady. “If that’s how it’s going to be. If I really have no chance of getting you back, then I have nothing to lose.”

                He turned and stormed over to Nate, who had just walked out of the cafeteria. Jude grabbed his arm and dragged him back into the cafeteria and out of sight.

                “I don’t like the way he said that. Stick close to me today, okay?” Gideon said nervously. “You, Ethan, and Sonnet. I don’t want him to hurt you guys.”

                The cafeteria exploded into excited talk. Gideon and I glanced at each other before rushing in there. We froze at the sight in front of us.

                Ethan’s lunch tray was on the ground. His face and shirt were covered in the food, and Sonnet was supporting him. Sonnet was glaring at Jude, but Ethan was regarding him calmly.

                “I like to eat my food, not wear it,” Ethan said, wiping at his face.

                “Shut the fuck up!” Jude snapped. Nate and Landon stood behind him, snickering at Ethan.

                “You didn’t have to trip him just because you’re jealous of Gideon and Benji!” Sonnet snapped.

                “You shut your damn mouth. I am not jealous,” Jude growled, rounding on Sonnet now.

                “Oh please. You are the definition of jealousy right now. It’s your own fault for lying to Gideon and hurting Ethan and Benji. If you weren’t such a dick, Gideon would still be your boyfriend instead of Benji’s. But Benji is a good person, and he deserves Gideon. The only thing you deserve is a good kick in the balls,” Sonnet said.

                Without warning, Jude struck Sonnet in the face. She staggered to the side as his fist collided with her face, and blood began to trickle out of her nose. Ethan steadied her.

                “Jude!” Gideon cried furiously, rushing forward. I followed him.

                Gideon stepped in front of Sonnet and Ethan protectively. The whole cafeteria was watching eagerly, and I was surprised that security guards hadn’t showed up to see what was going on.

                “I told you to leave them alone!” Gideon said.

                “And I told you that I have nothing to lose anymore! You were the only person I cared about. Your friends? They’re worthless. They are absolutely nothing to me. Just annoying little shits,” Jude snarled. “I’m never getting you back, so why should I care if hurting them pisses you off? Do you think I’m afraid of you Gideon?”

                “Oh I’m going to kill that boy,” Sonnet grumbled as Ethan handed her a napkin for her nose.

                “Are you okay?” I asked in concern.

                “I’m fine. But he won’t be when I get my hands on him,” she said, glaring at Jude.

                “Yea, I’m too weak to help you guys out,” Ethan said with a sigh. “So I’ll just stand here and watch while the food on my shirt soaks in.”

                Landon’s eyes widened a little and he nudged Nate, nodding towards the doors. Nate looked over and his eyes widened too. He grabbed Jude’s arm and dragged the protesting boy away, back to their table.

                I turned and grabbed Gideon, pulling him and Sonnet away quickly. Security guards stepped into the cafeteria and eyed it suspiciously.

                Ethan trailed over to us, grabbing napkins and cleaning himself with them. “Well that was exciting. Are you alright Sonnet?”

                “I’m fine. Stop asking,” she said in annoyance.

                “Sonnet, I am so sorry. This is all my fault,” Gideon said miserably.

                “No it’s not. Look, I can handle myself. Don’t start blaming yourself. Jude is out of his freaking mind, and that’s not your fault,” Sonnet said sternly.

                “Gid, you didn’t know he would do this if you told him off,” I said, wrapping my arm around his waist and kissing him gently. “Don’t blame yourself.”

                “I wish he would leave me alone. More than anything, I just want him to leave us all alone,” Gideon said, resting his head on my shoulder and looking horribly upset.

                My plan came back to me, and now I knew I could do it. I could make Jude leave us all alone, and that would make Gideon happy. I just wanted to make Gideon happy.

                My plan was a little risky, but overall, I had a feeling it could work. It would take care of Jude and his friends.

                “Hey, I’ll be right back. I’m going to help Ethan clean his shirt,” I said, kissing Gideon’s cheek and standing up.

                “You are?” Ethan asked in confusion.

                “Yes, I am,” I said, grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the cafeteria and into the boys’ bathroom. I made sure it was empty before turning to Ethan.

                “Did you drag me in here to have your wicked way with me?” he asked, wetting a paper towel and wiping at his shirt.

                “No. I dragged you in here to ask for your help,” I said.

                “Why yes, I would love to help you practice your kissing,” he said.

                “Ethan!” I rolled my eyes. “I’m serious.”

                “Fine, fine. What do you need my help with?” he asked.

                “What would you say if I told you that I had a plan that would make Jude and his friends leave you alone?” I asked.

                “I would say you’re doing it for Gideon,” he said.

                “No. I’m doing it for you and Gideon,” I said honestly. “I hate seeing Gideon upset, but I also hate seeing you hurt and embarrassed by them.”

                “I don’t really get embarrassed by them. Personally, I love face-planting into my lunch. Nothing says lunchtime like a face full of genetically modified cafeteria food,” he said.

                “Ethan! Can you be serious for five seconds?” I rubbed my temples. God Ethan got on my nerves.

                “Alright, your five seconds are up. But, I guess I’m interested. What’s your plan?” he asked, tossing out the paper towel.

                I quickly ran through my plan with him. When I was done talking, he raised an eyebrow at me, crossing his arms over his chest.

                “Okay, I can see how that could work. But I can also find about one million flaws in that plan that leave the two of us beaten within an inch of our lives,” he said.

                “It’s a gamble, but I really think it will work,” I said seriously.

                He eyed me carefully before nodding. “Fine. I trust you Benji.”

                I smiled at him and slung an arm around his shoulders. “Thanks Ethan. Tomorrow?”

                He sighed and nodded. “Yea, tomorrow we’ll do it. But if I get my ass kicked for this, you’re going to owe me big time,” he said.

                “You’ll be fine. I won’t let anything happen to you,” I promised.

                “Yea, yea, yea. I already told you I trust you. Anyways, let’s get back to the lunch table. Your boyfriend looks like he’s two seconds away from falling into horrible depression. And I do not feel like dealing with some depressed jock,” he said, dragging me out of the bathroom.

                We returned to the lunch table and let Gideon put his head back on my shoulder. He looked so upset over this whole thing with Jude, and it was breaking my heart to see.

                Sonnet’s nose had stopped bleeding, but a nasty bruise was forming on her face. I would have to inform her and Gideon of my plan. It would take some convincing when it came to Gideon, but I knew I could get him to go along with it.

                By the end of the day tomorrow, Jude and his friends would be out of the picture for good. The plan had to work.

                Because if it didn’t, Ethan and I were in for the worst beating of our lives. 

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A.N.- Uhhh yea so this chapter is dedicated to JasminiE  because their comment on the last chapter made me laugh wicked hard XD Anyways, what do you guys think is gonna happen next chapter? :D