It was time for a wild night. It had been a minute since I got drunk out of my mind and I didn't see any reason not to. Nothing was holding me back anymore. I had no more secrets to keep.

Kim was sitting on Jaz's lap. Emma and Will were getting cozy. Dean's eyes were roaming around the room. When they landed on me, my breath hitched in my throat.

I kept my head held high as I approached them. After all, I was in a good mood. I got Ben freaking Stark to be my friend, regardless of my sins. If that was possible, anything was.

I plopped down in the small space between Jaz and Dean, resulting in me being on half of his lap. If I wasn't so happy, I'd be a little embarrassed. With the way his hands automatically went to my waist, I knew he didn't mind either.

"Where were you?" Kim asked, sounding a little more than tipsy.

"Taking care of something," I vaguely responded, opening one of the cans I was cradling. The others reached out and grabbed whatever I had, except Dean. I was kinda used to it. Either he was drunk or I was. It was a good system because using being drunk together wouldn't result in anything good.

"She's mysterious," Kim giggled, then hiccuped.

I smirked into my can as I took a long sip. The tangy taste downed my throat with ease and I found myself releasing the tension in my body. Instinctively, I leaned back into Dean. He kissed the side of my head.

I turned to look up at him. "Would you take advantage of me if I blacked out tonight?" We both knew I didn't mean sex or anything. Dean was too much of a gentleman for that. Just some simples kisses and maybe a hot makeout session if I'm lucky.

His lips curled into his infamous smirk. "Maybe."

"Good." With that, I tilted the can back and finished my first drink. Amusement twinkled in his eyes as he watched my every move.

Dylan came jogging up to us, seeming flustered. He attempted to squeeze between Jaz and me, which made me scooch completely onto Dean's lap. Instead of complaining, I leaned back into his touch.

I know things weren't good yet but I think we both deserved a night of throwing caution to the wind.

"What? No nightly conquest?" I teased Dylan, poking him in his hard chest.

He sheepishly smiled and looked down. "I really don't want a repeat of what happened last year."

My brows furrowed in confusion. At his party last year, I was out. I didn't remember anything that happened. "What're you referring to?"

Panic flashed in his eyes. "I'm telling you for your own good... you don't wanna know." And that, I trusted. So, I left it alone.

"I'm going to get more drinks. Maybe something stronger," I announced, standing up. To my surprise, Dean followed me to the kitchen. Well, I shouldn't have been surprised honestly.

His hands rested on my waist as I went to pour myself a drink. "You seem to be in a good mood," he whispered, dangerously close to my ear.

It gave me butterflies.

Turning in his arms, I faced him. "I am. I really am." Then I wrapped my arms around his torse and hugged him.

I had the right to be happy. It seemed like most of the problems in my life slowly disappeared. The biggest one was in my arms, but that was the least of my worries – at least tonight.

"You look stunning." His voice was husky, sending shivers down my spine. "But then again, you always do."

I cracked a smile as I pulled away, skillfully making sure the drink in my hand didn't spill. "Normally flattery won't get you anywhere but I'll make an exception tonight."

His eyes darkened at my words. "Before you go completely out of it, I want to make sure you won't regret this tomorrow."

"Oh trust me, when I'm done, I won't remember tomorrow," I laughed.

"I want you to," he said seriously. "I don't wanna screw up this time around. That means taking advantage of your drunken state."

Once again, he meant making out. No sex, I promise.

My heart swelled at his words. He was really trying.

"We're not a hundred percent okay, but I'm willing to forget that for a night if you are too."

He raised his brows. A mix of surprise and amusement danced in his eyes. "I'm down."

Then his lips crashed into mine.

After I reveled in the fact that I'd remember this moment tomorrow, I put my drink down and laced my arms around his neck. He smiled into the kiss before pulling me closer. His hot fingertips dug into my skin, feeling pleasurably painful.

I took in the taste of spearmint with the lingering smoke. Not a single drop of alcohol on his tongue.

We both pulled away, panting slightly. Even though we've kissed recently, this beat everything. I was feeling euphoric. He seemed to be too with the way his smile lit up his face.

"We should go back," I distractedly mumbled, keeping my eyes on his swollen lips. They looked so kissable.

"Do we have to?" He pouted, making me even more drawn to the pink pair of lips in front of me.

"Fuck it," I whispered before going in for seconds. I missed him too much to not kiss him.

He felt so good, like our lips were made for each other. They molded perfectly. My soft lips contrasted with his chapped ones but it almost made things better. It reminded me that we came from two different worlds.

And I didn't mind one bit.

"We should go back before Jaz gets ideas," he mumbled on my lips, not wanting to pull away.

Sighing, I pulled back. My eyes shamelessly wandered over his parted lips and excited eyes. I'm sure I looked just as flustered as he did.

I topped off my drink then grabbed a can for later. It didn't hurt to be prepared. Hand in hand, we walked back to my friends.

"Bella, Bella, Bella! We're going to play truth or dare!" Kim squealed. Jaz flinched at her girl's volume but smiled regardless.

"What is this, middle school?" I snorted, still sitting on the floor. Dean didn't hesitate to sit flush next to me and wrap his arm around me. Everyone else moved to the floor and soon enough, we were in a big circle.

Kim covered her eyes with one hand and used the other one to point randomly. Surprise surprise, she landed on her own girlfriend. "Cupcake, truth or dare?"

"Dare," Jaz answered without hesitation.

Kim's eyes mischievously glinted. "I dare you to make out with me for a minute."

Of course.

Dylan's eyes lit up as Kim and Jaz neared each other. The little perv was getting excited. Rolling my eyes, I smacked the back of his head, making him sheepishly smile and look away from him.

Once the minute was up, Jaz grinned lazily. Her eyes looked at everyone in the group until they landed on Dylan.

Thank god.

"Dyl, truth or dare?"

"Dare," he answered smugly.

Jaz pondered for a minute as he tapped her chin with her index finger. "I dare you to use the cheesiest pickup line on" –her finger followed the crowd until they landed on a girl–"her." The girl was with a group of friends. Out of all of them, she looked the most annoyed, as if she didn't wanna be here. The other two seemed more giggly – probably drunk.

"Easy," Dylan smirked before lifting himself and approaching the girl. We watched as he leaned into the girl and whispered something in her ear.

Slap.

"Holy shit," I giggled as he came back, grumbling something under his breath. He rubbed his now red cheek. I pried his hand away from his face and inspected the hand-shaped mark. "My poor baby."

Jasmine was laughing her ass off. I was too, but at least I was trying to be sympathetic.

"What did you say to her?" Will asked, looking amused.

All pain forgotten, Dylan smirked. "Is your phone in your back pocket? Because your ass is calling me." My jaw dropped and I lightly tapped his injured cheek. "Ouch," he hissed in pain.

"You're so gross. No wonder she slapped you."

He rolled his eyes and ignored my comment. "Truth or dare."

I furrowed my brows as I thought about my answer. The safer thing to do was go with truth, but I had no idea what they were going to ask. Then again, there were a lot of things they didn't know about me. I hadn't been very open with them lately.

"Dare," I finally decided. Dylan wouldn't give me a bad dare... right? He loved me enough to not. I think.

Oh fuck, did I screw up?

His sly smile made my stomach flop – and not in a good way. He leaned in so only us two could hear. "I dare you to give Andrew a piece of your mind."

Oh crap. I couldn't do that. I hated confrontation! He knew this!

Sure, I was a little pissed at Andrew but not enough to fight with him over it.

My mouth opened to protest but he covered it with his palm. "You chose dare."

Ugh, he infuriated me.

Scowling, I released his hand. "I hate you." Everyone else was giving us confused looks because they had no idea what was about to go down. I gulped down the rest of my drink, needing the liquid courage, and stood up. Dean gave me a look that silently asked if he should come with but I shook my head.

I was a big girl. I could handle this.

Drew wasn't hard to find. I just had to listen to the obnoxious giggles coming from satan's – I mean Taylor's – mouth. Wherever he was, she followed like a lost puppy.

Then again, I had no right to judge. That used to be me.

But seriously? Out of all people, it had to be her?

He was there, pushing her up against a wall as they kissed. A year and a half ago, this would've made me break down. Actually, it did! But now, it was a little nauseating. Taking a deep breath to gather my courage, I walked straight up to them and tapped Drew's shoulder.

He pulled away and collected his breath before turning to face me. Shock spread over his features and I didn't blame him for it. "Bella?"

"Ugh, what're you doing here? Can't you take the hint–" Taylor sneered, stopping when I held up a hand.

"Sorry to interrupt your slobber sesh but I need to speak to Andrew here," I said, never breaking eye contact with him.

He awkwardly shifted on his feet, sensing the slowly building rage I had inside of me. "Uh, sure."

No, what the hell? I'm not asking for permission. He doesn't have the right to act like this. He was the asshole in this situation, not me. I can't blame myself for everything that happens. Suck it up B, he did you wrong.

I crossed my arms to seem more intimidating. By this point, the fury was raging at an alarming rate. The more I glared at him, the more he cowered down.

"Um, Bella, do you have anything to say?" he asked after a staredown.

This pushed me off. With narrowed eyes, I pushed him in the chest. He stumbled back a little. "Yes, in fact, I do. How dare you, Drew? How dare you make yourself seem like the innocent one?"

"I don't–"

"I wasn't the one who asked you to wait around. I never gave you false hope, nor did I lead you on. I was trying to be a friend."

He rolled his eyes, breaking his nice boy persona once and for all. "You totally led me on. After all, it was me who comforted you when your boyfriend ditched you."

My brows shot up. I knew he was an ass, but not this big. Jasmine and Dylan were right.

"Oh, I'm sorry, you must not have many friends if you think comforting someone is interpreted as romance. News flash, Drew! I was over you the minute you showed your true colors. What, were these past few months an act?"

"Yeah, one that you bought. Just like how you acted all nice until you became a bitch."

My jaw slacked in surprise but I quickly straightened up. "Truly a shame you fell for this bitch, huh? Let's face it Drew, you have too much pride to have been chasing me for months. Yet, you did it anyway. I don't think that was an act. Then again, we don't really know each other, do we?"

His jaw clenched. So much for his nice boy act.

At this point, the words were flowing out. "You made me feel shitty for brushing you off. I didn't owe you a relationship. Hell, I still don't! It's pathetic that you don't understand how friendship works. Then again, you never had friends, did you? If you did, you would've won homecoming king." I innocently bat my lashes at him.

The way his fists clenched made me realize I touched a nerve. "You bitch! You think you're all high and mighty?"

A laugh almost escaped my lips, except for the fact that he was glaring daggers at me. His once kind eyes were now merely a reflection of who he truly was.

Who was Andrew Boyce? I'd never truly know.

Without thinking, I snatched Taylor's cup from her hand and stalking dangerously close to him until we were inches apart. "You think you're all that, Drew, but the truth is, you're just an insecure little boy who needs validation from girls to feel something. I hate to be that bitch, but you're not getting it from me."

Seconds later, he was dripping in whatever the contents of Taylor's cup were.

Ignoring his deathly stare, I leaned forward to his ear. "How's that for being a bitch?" Then, I stepped back to see a very shocked Taylor. "So, how does it feel having my leftovers?" I threw back the words she once said to me.

A loud applause broke me out of my smug daze. Turning around, I saw all my friends standing near, clapping for me. Dylan looked especially proud of me.

"Let's go, baby!" Taylor shrieked, tugging at Andrew's arm. He was too shocked to move.

I would've been too. Who would've expected that?

Grinning like a maniac, I quickly rushed to my friends and ushered them away. As nice as Drew seemed, I wasn't sure he'd let me go unscathed if I stayed. After all, I had just bruised his ego.

As soon as we were far enough, Dylan stopped and pulled me into a hug. "Shit! I didn't know you'd do that!"

"Me either," I laughed, hugging him back. I was quickly attacked from the back, making both me and Dylan stagger back.

"So badass!" Jaz squealed in my ear. "My God, Bella!"

I laughed but soon the air was being knocked out of me. "Can't. Breath." Both released their grips with sheepish smiles. "Thanks, guys. I love you."

Could this night get any better?

~~~

"No, you're cuter."

"No, you are!"

"No, you!"

"Ladies, please, we both know I'm cuter."

Kim and I stopped our bantering for a second to stare wildly at Dylan. Then we burst out laughing, making him self-conscious.

"Jesus, you guys are mean, I'm leaving," Dylan childishly huffed, leaving us.

God knows how many drinks I've consumed but it was clear I was drunk. Kim was too. We both had our arms slung around each other.

Jasmine and Dean looked at us with amusement. They were the sober ones, after all.

Emma and Will were nowhere to be found. We dared them to play seven minutes in heaven (I was very drunk and Will told me to play Cupid so...) and they never returned.

"If I wasn't gay, I'd go for your man. He's kinda hot."

"Kinda? Girl, he's like the sun, but multiplied by a gazillion," I retorted. My brain was screaming at me to stop inflating Dean's ego but I stopped listening to her three drinks ago. "But, you're cuter."

Kim giggled. "Me? Do you wanna turn gay? We can go out!"

"Okay, both of you are insanely drunk. I think it's my cue to take her home," Jaz said, standing up.

I couldn't help but pout, even though I knew she wasn't spending the night here. Apparently, her girlfriend was more important than having a sleepover with the rest of us. "Jaz, nooo! Don't take away my best friend."

She scoffed. "I'm your best friend." She leaned in closer and whispered, "And I'm giving you some alone time with your man."

The words made me blush.

My man. I liked the sound of that. A lot.

Dean sat down in the spot that Kim was in moments ago with a lazy grin. "I'm so proud of you."

"For dumping beer on Andrew?" I asked, looking up at him.

He smiled and shook his head. "For everything."

My heart melted. How could he manage to rope me back in with two words?

We still had so many issues to work out and I knew I wasn't making things easy on him. I felt so lost and confused with everything and I still didn't know how to continue.

Pushing back my fears, I said, "Kiss me, you doof."

His hand went to the back of my neck, holding me in place as his lips met with mine. My eyes fluttered closed as my fists balled up his shirt at his chest. I pulled him closer, if that was even possible.

He pulled away too quickly. Noticing my pout, he laughed and lightly brushed his thumb against my cheek. "I'm getting drunk by just kissing you. How much did you drink?"

I scrunched my face as I thought out it. "Uh... seven?"

He hid his face in the crook of my neck. First I thought he was disappointed in me, but I felt his smile against my skin.

Then his lips began planting kisses. My breath was ragged as he slowly moved up to my ear. I didn't notice we were doing down until my head hit the soft fabric of the couch beneath me. His lips were exploring every bare patch of skin.

And me? I was a hormonal mess.

Pleasure ran through me as he kissed me like no tomorrow. I ached for his lips on mine so I grabbed his face and rather forcefully brought my lips to his.

"You're absolutely amazing, you know that?"

I grinned up at him. "Why–"

A wolf whistle interrupted me. Turning my head slightly, I saw a couple of jocks watching our makeout session.

With flaming cheeks, I hid my face in Dean's chest. He hovered over me in a protective stance and yelled at the guys to fuck off.

So pleasent, my Dean.

I had to stop calling him mine when he wasn't.

"Let's go upstairs, yeah?" he suggested when the guys fucked off. I nodded and let him take my hand.

We both knew Dylan's room was probably off-limits right now. I wasn't sure when or how, but Dean had the keys for one of the locked rooms.

"Where'd you get that?" I asked, looking at the key.

He shut the door of the room with his foot and grinned at me. "Dylan knew you wouldn't be spending the night in his bed."

My brows shot up. "And he's okay with this?"

"After I promised him we weren't going to have sex, yeah."

"Aw, darn," I laughed, feigning disappointment.

He smirked and took a step forward. "Careful Arabella, you're making me think you wanna have sex."

I nervously bit my lip and looked away. I did wanna have sex with Dean, but just not when I was drunk.

He took a step closer. "Hm?"

Feeling bold, I laced my hands behind his neck. "You said you wouldn't take advantage of me."

"No," he drawled, putting his hands on my waist. "I said I would. You're the one who gave me permission."

Huh, I did, didn't I?

One of his hands released my waist. His index finger traced down my face, sending shivers down my face. "You know you kill me, right?"

"It's not my intention," I whispered.

He smiled at me. "I know."

His lips met mine but this time it was a softer kiss. I resisted the urge to deepen it. I knew he was expressing his emotion in a single kiss and I could let him do that. I owed it to him.

"Let's get to bed?" he suggested, breaking away.

I dramatically sighed but agreed. I didn't bother thinking about sleeping in my dress. I'd usually sleep in Dylan's clothes but I didn't want to disturb him.

We both got into bed. My head rested on Dean's chest. I could hear his heart pounding beneath me.

"Why do you try so hard with me?" I whispered, using a finger to trace circles on his stomach.

I could feel his frown but I didn't look up at his face. "Because you're worth it."

Giving in, I looked up at his face to evaluate his expression. He seemed genuine. A frown replaced my smile. "I'm not. All I do is hurt you. God, I'm an idiot. How did I not see your reasons for breaking up with me?"

He took the hand that wasn't wrapped around me and grabbed my hand, entwining them and putting them on his stomach. "It was still wrong. All your actions are justified."

"You're biased," I pouted. "I'm not that special."

He looked at me with a scolding gaze. "Don't say that. It's far from true."

"But you have Skylar. Why would you want someone like me?" The words slipped my mouth and I cursed my inebriated self.

Did I really wanna know the answer to this?

He lifted our hands up and kissed mine before setting them down again. "Skylar's... a little obsessive. I'll talk about this when you can remember, okay?" I nodded into his chest. "Bella, please don't ever compare yourself to anyone."

"I'll try," I mumbled, knowing it was a false promise. "Dean?"

He hummed a response.

"I'm sorry for being difficult."

"Arabella?"

"Yeah?"

"You're worth it."