Notes:

Additional Cast:

Margot Robbie as Susan

Vanessa's POV

I step inside the ΚΕΓ house quite hesitant I must admit. Nathan's birthday party is taking place tonight and Joseph has said that the news have been spread all over campus. I know I've been debating over my head to come or not to come for almost all day but now that I am actually here, I feel a new wave of doubt passing over me. Alice gives me an encouraging smile, probably sensing my tension. She is absolutely one of the best things that happened to me as a freshman. I've found such a wonderful and supporting friend in her, with the ability of listening to me talking way too much and in detail about the same thing over and over again.

"Everything alright over there?" She whispers to me and I give her a nod as an answer.

Joseph proposes to go for a drink but I decline the proposal politely. I don't want to interfere. Not that Alice and Joseph make me feel uncomfortable but it is their first big event as a couple and I want them to enjoy it to the fullest. We drove here together and that really took some of my tension off, now though is the the time to give them some time alone. I am sure Alice will have a ton to tell me tomorrow. I greet them goodbye and I start seeking for the birthday boy.

The frat house is not as crowded as on Halloween. The reason could be that now that is spring, every door and window is wide open so I believe the majority of the guests must be outside. But what do I know about it? I've been to a frat party only once. It seems like ages ago. I have come here a couple times more, back when I had that history project with Nathan. Those were good times. Except the last one, which was after the kiss and despite my biggest efforts I broke down in a really bad way. I ran out of the house, blind from the tears, walking unconsciously until Nathan came after me. Crying in front of him for him was pretty ironic considering he had no clue about it. Yet he was so tender and sweet, staring at me with eyes full of worry. I can't help but smile reliving the moment in my head.

Nathan is so much more than what he lets people think of him. I wish he could just be himself without getting concerned about how others expect or want him to be. This is my conclusion after all this time that I know him. Or starting to know him? I don't know, I guess I've gotten a fair glimpse of him but that still I don't entirely know him. It seems like he doesn't let anybody in. Like he doesn't want anyone in. There is also a possibility that as usual I am overthinking it but that is how I see it.

Anyway, if I wanted to psychoanalyze Nathan with no interruption, I could do it at home in my pizzies , not all dressed up with all this music playing. I hope he likes my outfit. I did my best with my hair as well. I hope he likes it too and I hope he likes me. Or not? Does it matter really? It shouldn't matter. I would want him to like me though.

Anyway, back to the point of my decision to come to Nathan's birthday party. I have to find him first. I've looked in every room in the house. Well, obviously on the ground floor. I've got a feeling that I should not try to look for Nathan at the bedrooms on the first floor. I think I'll have better luck at the garden. There is a chance though that Nathan is busy on the first floor. I shake my head to shake this thought off and step outside. There is definitely more people out here. I think I prefer spring parties. Not that it was too cold on Halloween this year but still in April you can stay outside, breathe fresh air and not get stomped on. There is nothing that indicates this is a birthday party. Alice and I put indeed much more effort and creativity into organizing her party. Every now and then there are tables with tons of bottles and people dancing on them or doing jello shots or drinking from a barrel upside down. There is noticeably much alcohol involved in these activities.

I take a careful look around until I finally find Nathan. He is surrounded by some guys who probably belong to the fraternity I guess and they are all drinking by the same bottle passing it on to each other in a circle. I decide to go over. It is now or never after all.

As I approach them, Nathan notices me but looks away immediately and starts laughing along with the guy next to him at whatever he said. I choose to ignore the fact that he just ignored me and go near him.

"Happy birthday!" I wish him as I pat discreetly his shoulder.

"I don't remember inviting you." He tells me while keeping his eyes on the bottle, that now holds a guy across him. I don't find this kind of game that interesting or the way he greeted me that nice, but I don't focus on neither facts.

"You technically did since um, you know, you sort of sent me this invitation on facebook." Oh my God, bringing up facebook is pretty lame. "You didn't want me to come?" I ask confused.

"Whatever." He says shrugging. "I don't care that you came."

If I said his words didn't hurt, I would be lying. He doesn't seem quite happy to see me. He hasn't given me a single glare so far. Now that he and I have cleared things out, he could at least try to be polite with me. Pff.. I hate frat parties and their drinking games!

"I didn't know I was coming until an hour ago actually." I remark as I watch Nathan drinking from the bottle since it is his turn now.

He is wearing just a white t-shirt and jeans, keeping his style simple like always, but seriously, he doesn't need anything more extravagant. He is dazzling. I like the way he has worn his hair tonight. It is perfectly messy, leaving his forehead free though at the same time. He passes the bottle to a blonde guy next to him, who if I remember correctly must be Steve. I've seen him before at the captain's party while he was searching for a sober driver for Nathan. Alice has gone out with him a couple times so I've seen enough pictures to know that he is the ΚΕΓ president.

"Um, I brought you this." I say pointing at the brown paper bag I am holding. Someone has to break the silence and since Nathan isn't that talkative tonight, I guess that someone will be me.

He looks at me from the corner of his eye and then eyerolls.

"You didn't have to." He says and then pretends to be interested into the game again. What is it so special about this game anyway.

"I wanted to. I mean I couldn't show up empty handed." I tell him smiling, even if he isn't actually looking at me.

"In that case you shouldn't have showed up at all." Is he really gonna be that rude all night?

"If I knew I was unwelcomed, maybe I wouldn't." I might have showed up either way to be honest but this is none of his business since he is acting like the d word.

"Nathan, is that a proper way to treat a lady?" Steve chimes into our conversation chuckling. "I don't think we have been introduced. I am Steve." He stretches his hand for a handshake beaming at me.

"I know who you are. I am Vanessa. Nice to meet you!" I return the handshake and smile at him politely. He knows how to act politely as well so he deserves it. Unlike others. Who happen to have their birthday yesterday and their birthday party today.

"You know me, huh? My reputation precedes me." He whispers to me playfully.

"You are the president of this fraternity so... I guess it makes sense." I shouldn't bring up Alice. She is into a relationship now and I don't wanna risk the possibility of causing any trouble.

"So you know me of my social status!" He lifts his eyebrows at me. "Unfortunately, it's coming to an end soon. But I still try to make the best of it."

Nathan grabs the bottle from the guy who is two rounds before him and hands it over to Steve.

"Later, Steve." He tells him giving him a meaningful look.

It must be either a game rule or a frat thing. I have no idea. Steve chortles and drinks up as Nathan leaves the drinking circle.

"You coming?" He asks me in a kind of irritated tone, turning his body to face me for the first time tonight. What an honor.

"Um, yeah." I finally say after looking back and forth at Nathan and the meaningless game behind me.

I go next to him feeling his eyes burning me as he scans me from head to toe. He puts his head on the side staring for a little more but then shakes it and starts walking. I follow him to the nearest table and watch him fix himself a drink. His chatty mood is gone and I observe him silently, not sure how to handle his cold behavior.

"You want one?" He asks sharply and widens his eyes.

"No,no! I am good. Thanks." I raise my hand up to prevent him from fixing a drink for me too. If that was ever his intention. I don't know what is going on with him tonight. "Weren't you just drinking?" I point at the guys who are still passing around the now nearly empty bottle.

"What's your problem?" He clears his cup right away just to show off and then takes the bottle in his hands.

"I have no problem. I am just saying." I tell him shrugging. I don't intend to make him angry. "You are not acting like yourself when you are drunk."

"And how do you know that?" He asks sarcastically as he pours some vodka into his cup.

"I... I don't. I am just talking in general." I wave my hands in the air. I don't think telling Nathan now what he did on the night he was more than wasted is a good idea. Not to mention it will definitely complicate things.

"It is my damn birthday and I'll drink if I want to." He gives me an ironic smile and raises his cup up.

"I have no objection to that." I simply say and look at the ground.

"Like I need your permission." He doesn't bother to sound less sarcastic. I don't get where this whole attitude comes from. I mean I have a hint but still. "So what do you want?"

"I just wanted to wish you happy birthday." I tuck a curl behind my ear.

"You already did." He gives me an eyeroll and takes a gulp from his drink.

"Yes, I know. Um... This is for you." I stretch my hand towards him holding the paper bag.

"I already told you, you didn't have to." Is he on a mission to repeat to me the same things?

"It's not a big deal." I smile still waiting for him to take the present. He finally does with no sign of excitement. "Um, you're probably gonna find it pretty stupid." I laugh awkwardly. He narrows his eyebrows and opens the bag. "I mean it was totally last minute. I hope I'll get you something better next year. I will be more prepared. For sure. I kinda make a fool out of myself right now but I-"

"You got me marshmallows?" He asks surprised.

"I know, it's stupid. Way too stupid! But I didn't have time and I don't know why but I for a second... I thought you might like it." I admit feeling quite embarrassed.

"I do." He says and I can't believe that I see his mouth turning up at the sides in a gentle smile. "You are the only person in the whole world who could come up with such a present. Considering I just turned 19 and this is a frat party."

"I know, it is pretty lame." I giggle and he looks at me smirking. "So happy birthday!"

"You made your point the last time you said that." He raises his eyebrows and leaves the bag on the table.

"Yeah, um sorry." I smile at him nervously. "Are you having fun? A lot of people showed up."

"Yes, I do and as a matter of fact I intend to have more fun. The night is still young." He states and crosses his arms.

"You should. It is your night after all." I tell him as I begin to play with the edges of my skirt. Why am I so nervous? Maybe because this is actually my first normal conversation with Nathan after what happened on spring break and it didn't start off under the best of terms.

"Yes, that's what I'm gonna do." He turns his gaze to our surroundings again, avoiding mine.

"Um, so has your sister Kate called you to wish you happy birthday?" I ask with enthusiasm to keep the conversation going. Nathan immediately turns his head to face me.

"Don't." His tone is sharp.

"Don't what?" I frown and give him a confused smile.

"Just don't." He cuts me off, piercing me with his eyes.

"Did I do something?" He looks away and exhales heavily.

"The exact opposite. You didn't do a thing." He remarks indifferently.

"Okay..." I struggle to comprehend what is going on here. "Is everything alright?"

"You have the nerve to ask something like that." He laughs ironically.

"The nerve?" I take a step at the side to have a better view at his face since he is staring at nowhere specific but for sure not at me. He doesn't say a thing. "What's wrong?"

"Why do you ask?" He nods his head towards a girl with black hair, the same girl I saw him with after class the other day. She blows him a kiss in return.

"Nathan, come on." I touch his hand that is still crossed in front of his chest but he jerks away. "Why are you acting like this?"

"The question is why are you." He winks at the girl and I want to punch him in the face. I think if I could, I would.

"I don't get it. I don't get you!" I say waving my hands animatedly in the air.

"And I don't get you." He states in the same emotionless tone he's been using all along.

"What is this about? Are you mad at me or something?" I try to find an excuse for his behavior.

"No, I am not." He shrugs and then takes his drink back from the table.

"You sure? Because you seem like you are mad. What's your problem?" This seems like an endless circle really, I hope he tells me what is going on.

"What's my problem..." He repeats and takes a gulp from his cup, taking his time. "Let's see. My problem is that I don't want fucking hypocrites in my life."

"And what does that have to do with me?" I ask sighing.

"You are one of them." He lifts his eyebrows and raises dramatically his cup up once more towards me.

"Am I?" I point at myself frowning.

"Yeap." He answers with an ironic smirk.

"Are you serious right now? What's that supposed to mean?" He can't be serious even if he seems to be. Does he really believe it?

"Pretty serious." He says nodding his head.

"Okay, I am kind of lost here." I laugh awkwardly one more time as I try to figure out what all this attitude hides beneath. "What makes me an hypocrite?"

"I thought you were smart but I'll give you a little help. An hypocrite is a deceitful person, a pretender, a damn phony." He raises a finger in the air for every explanation he gives me.

"How is any of these related to me?" I might regret asking this question but I don't understand a single thing.

"Seriously?" He laughs ironically and I narrow my eyebrows at him unable to find anything funny about it. "You know how to pretend quite well from what I can tell."

"I don't pretend. Pretend about what?" I ask him softly, placing my palm on his arm.

"Pretend like you care." He pulls my palm away with his, unleashing himself from my touch with a cocky smile. "Pretend like you give a damn about my problems. And the worst of it all, pretend like you are willing to listen about them."

"Did something happen back home?" I make this question hesitantly.

"Now you wanna know if something happened back home." He nods his head in a mocking way. "Yes, it did. Shit happened back home. I was trying to tell my dad his damn wife is cheating on him when a fucking lovely bouquet of flowers came for her, sent by her fucking loverboy, and well, my dad is not dump! At least not that dump. He put two plus two together and shit went down. In front of my sister who is still terrified that mommy and daddy breaking up means the whole family is breaking up too. I had to answer questions like that, I had no fucking clue what to tell her!" He runs his fingers through his hair frustrated. "Oh and let's not forget, after the epic fight I sat down with my dad and told him every single thing I had to have revealed to him maybe months ago and he said it was okay and that he understood and he doesn't blame me and he is still damn proud of me. Did you hear that? He is still proud of me while I can't live with myself! I feel disgusted, so fucking disgusted. It makes me fucking sick to think about it! About how big I fucked up as his son."

I need a moment to take it all in. So much stuff has happened. I thought Nathan would talk to me about it. I doubt he has told a soul. This is what his sort of outrage shows me. I can see that now he is trying to pull up his walls again.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I give him a sympathetic look.

"I should have told you, right?" He exclaims. "Maybe I would have, if you had answered your phone or called me back or something. Just saying." He raises his hands up and makes an annoyed grimace.

"That's why you called?" I ask shocked. It was one of the possible scenarios but with the least chances to be true. Nathan doesn't answer. "I didn't know. I am sorry, I-"

"I don't want you to be sorry." He stops me. "So what? You didn't answer and you didn't know and now you do and guess what? I don't need you to feel pity for me. I don't need you to feel anything for me. Go back to your perfect little life and leave me the hell alone. This isn't going anywhere." He points back and forth at me and him.

"What..." I begin to say but leave my sentence unfinished instead. I don't know what to say really.

"You heard me. And now I am bored. I'll go find something fun to do. If you'll excuse me." He leaves his now empty cup on the table and walks away.

"But-"

He is now gone and to be honest I have no idea what I would have told him if he was still here and willing to listen. I don't even know what to tell myself right now.

I stand still where Nathan left me, as I watch him getting back to his party. He greets some people who dance near the dj until Susan shows up and grabs him by the arm. She is wearing shorts and a black lace top with her blonde hair tied up in a bun and yes, she is gorgeous as always. She hugs Nathan tightly and he returns the hug and places his hand just a bit below her waist. She then smiles mischievously and shows him the shot glass she is holding. Nathan tells her something in the ear and then looks at my direction smirking. His next move is to fill the glass with some liquor. He takes a lime wedge from a bowl that is placed on the dj's set. Susan opens her mouth wide open and takes the rind of the lime wedge between her teeth with the flesh pointing outward. Nathan sprinkles some salt on her cleavage and leaves a quick kiss on her neck making her giggle. After giving me another glare and making sure I am watching them, he drinks the shot, licks the salt from Susan's exposed skin and grabs the lime wedge from her mouth. I am sure the show is not over yet but I think I had enough of it. I turn around wishing I could disappear from this party. I have no place here. Why did I even come? I force myself keep a straight face as I try to get out of the frat house. I see Robin near the stairs waving at me and calling me to get close but I just greet her with a nod and go on. If I stay here for another minute, I might explode. I call for a taxi the moment I am out and wait for it to arrive at the side of the road promising myself I won't shed a single tear. At least not until I get home. Damn you Nathan Parker for making me feel all the things I don't want to feel right now!

Joseph's POV

As I guessed, Nathan's birthday is the big event of the month. He's our basketball star after all, so what's more expected than a huge party to celebrate his birth? Although this year, the team didn't get qualified, people still expect from him to lead us to the finals, thus many of them came to the frat house. Too much pressure on his shoulders.

But where the hell is he? I wonder at the frat's yard with Alice, but still no sight of him. He must have been caught in the middle of happy birthday wishes all the time. I haven't seen him in a long time. To be more specific, since the day that I went with him to the coffee shop to meet Alice, when he found out that I am out of the bachelor's club.

Anyway, I am ready for whatever teasing is about to come. I've made a decision to be with Alice and it's the best decision I've ever made. A smile is flashed on my face, as I see her walking beside me, sipping her drink and gazing around.

"Remind me how many times did I tell you today, that you look beautiful? I don't want to be repetitive." I grin, absorbing her stunning sight. Her outfit is casual, but she manages to make it glamorous without being too much and distinguish in a bad way. She chose a high waisted white floral skirt, combined with a white crop top and a jean jacket.

"Only a dozen of times." She smirks. "But I'll never get bored of it."

"Good! Because I don't think I can't stop saying it." She giggles and she pecks my lips, carefully in order not to ruin her lipstick. Her lipsticks have been getting more and more on my nerves.

As our lips part, the corner of my eye catches different girls glaring at Alice (not that she feels intimidated), after they overcome their shock that I am officially off the market. News travel so fast after all. Not that I made an announcement or anything, but since the spring semester began, Alice and I started to make 'public appearances' together as Sophie would state. Vanessa mentioned in the car, that Nathan's birthday, is our big public event as a couple and honestly, I didn't know how to react to this. Do couples have to make a huge appearance at a grand event to make their relationship official? Like seriously? What do they do? Hold hands all the time, even when they go to the restroom? Introduce themselves as a couple to everyone and feed each other on the mouth? Those are shitty stuff and one of the main reasons that I was avoiding to be in a relationship at every cost.

Thank God I happen to date Alice, who doesn't care about this kind of stupid stuff. Honestly, it doesn't feel like I am being suffocated at all. I am with her, like always. Joking, laughing, teasing each other with the advantage that I can be more physical with her. Plus, there isn't the need to be with her all the time at the party. Another thing I had wrong in my mind. Alice has friends and I have mine. She has made pretty clear yesterday, when we were talking about the party, that we are not Siamese twins to go everywhere together and a weight, I didn't realize I had, lifted off of me. I guess there are different kind of couples after all, as they consist of different people. Me and Alice love our independence, thus it makes me reconsider relationships every day.

Suddenly I feel a poke on my arm. "There's Nathan!" I follow Alice's motion and I spot him.

"Hey man! Happy birthday!" I smile to Nathan, patting him on the back, the moment we get to him.

"Happy birthday Nathan!" Alice smiles to him as well.

"Thanks." He says nonchalantly while forcing a smile. And he is not alone. Right behind him follows none other than Susan. Her smile is sure much more convincing than Nathan's.

"Hello Joseph. How are you?" She asks me politely, looking first at me and then at Alice.

"I am fine! Enjoying the party! By the way this is Alice." I put my hand behind Alice's back softly, as my eyes turn to her. "Alice, this is Susan."

"Nice to meet you, Alice. Are you guys having fun?" Susan's smile becomes wider as she rests her head on Nathan's shoulder. Nathan seems a bit off, looking at the crowd every now and then, like he is searching for someone.

"Yes! It's an amazing party. Thanks for the invite, Nathan." Alice beams first at Susan and then at Nathan, whose eyes return to us.

"Yeah, I haven't done a thing for this party but it seems like I have invited the half of the campus." He comments eyerolling.

"People like you. Even if it's not the easiest thing to believe." Susan remarks teasingly, earning another eyeroll from Nathan. She then grabs him by the neck to bring him to her height and whispers something in his ear chuckling, making him smirk.

"Susan is right! It's your birthday! What's up with the frowning?" I remark, hitting him teasingly.

"There is no frowning, I am having the time of my life." Nathan states with sarcasm and hooks his hand around Susan's waist. "You've been here long?"

"One hour less or not. We've been looking everywhere for you, but I should have guessed you would be busy." I take a sip from my drink, smirking and throwing a meaningful glance at Susan.

"Yeah, I've been busy, you could say that." He says playfully and then turns at Susan. "Go ahead and I'll catch you up. I gotta make sure nobody is going to interrupt us."

"I like your way of thinking. Don't be late." He hands her his bedroom key which she takes with a promising grin. "Enjoy the rest of the night, guys. And it was nice to meet you, Alice."

"It was nice meeting you too." Alice forces a smile, and I am sure she's trying to hide her disgusted grimace right now. Susan and Nathan may not have noticed, but I can see her effort trying to keep her face neutral and smiley. "You have a really nice company, Nathan." She points later, at the direction that Susan went. I can discern a bit of irony under that phrase.

"I am glad you approve." He raises an eyebrow at her and smiles cockily.

Alice eyes him for a couple of seconds and then speaks again. "Anyway, I am going to the restroom. That's your chance for some guy talk." She smiles to both of us. "Don't bad-mouth me." She points to Nathan, speaking sarcastically.

"I'll do my best." He says back in the same tone as Alice leaves us too. "Man, it is still hard to process that you're off the market."

"I didn't believe it would ever happen, but it did. Alice made me reconsider my beliefs and I am glad she did." I look at the direction that Alice went, with a wide smile.

"Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable." He shakes his head puffing. "It seems like it is a trend now. Summer is on its way and you're all selling your freedom away."

I can't help, but chuckle at that. "That would be my exact words, two months ago, but let me tell you one thing. All the potential women that I could meet this summer can't even compare to Alice."

"Things are getting from bad to worse." He comments with another eyeroll and it gives me the impression he is talking to himself more than to me. "I guess you have made your mind on this. I hope it doesn't turn back at you. And of course, try not to follow Robin's step. One whipped friend is enough."

"I would hate that! Slap me in the face if I ever turn into a Robin 2.0." I chuckle. "But it's not like that with Alice. We both love having our independence and our peace and quiet moments. However, we can't be off each other right now." I wink at him.

"No offense but this is pure bullshit. I just don't get it. It's not worth it. Once you're in, that's it. Say goodbye to freedom. And for what really? There's nothing for you to win, all you're gonna do is lose. If not now, eventually. And why lose your own self and beliefs for technically nothing worthy?" He wonders waving his hands intensely in the air as he ends his mini monologue which sounded more as a rhetorical dialogue with himself to be honest.

"That was a really intense speech. I know how you're thinking, because I used to think quite the same, but I don't want to play the know-it-all role; even though I am pretty good at it." I wink at him, smiling, trying to calm him down. I don't want to pick a fight or anything. Maybe I should have tried to explain to him, that his way of thinking is wrong, but on the other hand I used to be exactly like that; so whatever I say, it will be in vain. It just takes one girl to turn everything upside down. I just can't wait for that to happen to Nathan.

"Yeah, well I appreciate it. And I hope it works out for you." He simply states with a shrug. "I should probably not let Susan waiting so I'll see you later."

"From what I've seen, she is really impatient. That means you're going to have a good time." I pat his shoulder and he's about to leave, before I speak again. "In case you haven't seen her, Vanessa has come as well. I am sure she's lost in the frat house, trying to find you."

"Yeah, she was really eager to find me! She did. Why the hell you had to mention her now, Joss?" He semi-aks semi-yells at me.

"What's up with this attitude, dude?" I ask, starting to feel really annoyed. I didn't say anything to drive him up the wall. Did I?

"Just do me a damn favour and don't mention her name to me again. Did I make myself clear?"

Something serious has happened and Vanessa is involved. Truth be told I want to know what, but seeing him boiling up, just by the mere mention of her name, it's a sign that this is not a good time.

"Ok man! I got this! There is no reason to throw your darts at me. Go to Susan to blow off some steam. You desperately need it."

"Now that you give me your permission, I certainly will. Anyway, enjoy the rest of the night." And with a nod he leaves, actually directing to the opposite side of his bedroom. That's weird, but everything about him is weird today. What's gotten into him?

"Where is Nathan?" Alice's voice is heard next to me. Her eyes look at me in questioning.

"He just left! He can't wait to receive his birthday present from Susan. It's the only thing that can calm him right now." I take Alice's hand and we start walking aimlessly.

"What do you mean?" I receive a concerned look from her.

"I mentioned that Vanessa is here and he freaked out. He specifically demanded not to say her name again. Something's off here..." I mutter, as Alice takes a guilty expression and avoids eye contact. "And you know exactly what!" I point at her and suddenly I remember our little chat about Vanessa the first time I saw Alice after spring break. I didn't pay much attention to it, since all I wanted to do was to devour her.

"Of course I know! We are good friends slash roommates." Obviously. Girls talk...a lot!

"If I judge, by Nathan's reaction, Vanessa must have blown him off big time." I conclude, combining our talks with Nathan and the last day facts.

"Your friend has to learn to manage rejection. 'No' is also on the table." Alice states firmly, letting a small smirk appear at the end.

"He's just not used to hear it. You can't blame him! When he's got a woman like Susan at his disposal anytime anywhere; how he could imagine that Vanessa would deny?" I state casually, presenting the logic facts. Suddenly Alice lets go of my hand abruptly.

"What do you mean? That Vanessa is not good enough to reject him? That she should have taken up the offer for a night with him, just because he's the basketball superstar? I have news for you! There are women out there, who don't give a damn about that and are decent. Not like Susan, who is the classic bimbo, who doesn't let the chance to merchandise that she's the number one on Nathan's to-fuck list." Alice snaps at me, reminding me the elevator-Alice. I feel it like a deja vu. The first days of college that me and Alice were bickering without a big reason.

"I never said Vanessa is not good enough. I am just presenting how Nathan sees things, no matter if you like it or not. He thought that an inexperienced girl, like Vanessa, would be under his spell in no time, but to his surprise, it didn't turn out this way." I speak calmly, without trying to pick a fight with her. Besides, she just defended her friend; something that I adore about her. However, she gets very passionate and stubborn, without realizing it, due to her intense personality, so I have to calm the spirits, in order to avoid World War III. I much more prefer explosions in bed.

"There's always a first time for anything. Your friend has to get used to it." Alice crosses her arms and she seems to really enjoy this.

"He will get over it eventually. Susan will do her magic tricks and he will be in high spirits for sure." I smirk and Alice makes a grimace.

"Looks like you're talking from experience." Alice huffs, giving me an intense glance. So intense that I think her eyes will dig a hole on me.

Of course I am talking from experience. I used to do the exact same thing. As men, it's easy to get us in good mood, to comfort us with sex. Plain and simple! That's why I applied this method quite often and it worked. Why is Alice suddenly asking me about that? She knows pretty well what I used to do... Is my past that irritating to her, making her grumpy?

"You know who you're going out with." I remark, returning her intense glance to her. Alice stays still, speechless without reacting. She breathes in and out as she avoids eye contact. That's unusual for her.

"I am sorry. You're right! It just slipped... Classic Alice!" She's still avoids eye contact. There is something more. I have come to know Alice's expressions day by day and I am sure something bothers her. I put my palms on Alice's cheeks, rubbing them tenderly.

"Baby, you can tell me anything."

"I know! But this is stupid and meaningless and I don't know why it's bothering me and I feel so lame and Ι should forget it and..."

"Tell me!" I interrupt her. It bothers her and I am not okay with that. I want to take away anything that makes her feel uncomfortable with.

She lets out a big sigh and finally surrenders. "It makes me sick that you have had sex with Susan!" What? Is that it? I can't help it, but let out a small chuckle. "It's not funny!" she makes an angry puppy face and it's adorable.

"That's what bothers the fearless Alice Reynolds?" I beam and she removes my hands from her face, irritated.

"I told you it's lame! I know that the probabilities of meeting a girl you haven't banged are slight to nonexistent; and I am still processing that, but I just can't stand the idea of you and her. It's irrational and I am aware of that, but something doesn't feel right about her. It's just a bad hunch. I can't give you any logic arguments, so you have every right to be angry about that." Alice speaks non-stop, reeling off her thoughts without taking a single breath. I don't know how to react to that. She's so hilariously adorable the way she blames herself and giving me permission to be angry. The sight is rare nevertheless.

"Why do I just believe, you're simply jealous?" I smirk, wanting to see her reactions badly, by pushing it a bit far... Her eyes widen instantly like a cartoon character and I just think the vein on her forehead just obtained consciousness. She's pissed! I just hope she doesn't go for the face.

"What? Me jealous of her? Are you bloody serious? To be jealous of what exactly? This is absurd!" she waves her hands wildly in the air, huffing and puffing, not believing in her ears. I have reached my limits and I cannot hold my laughter. "I am not jealous! I just don't like her! The whole I-am-cool attitude doesn't persuade me! That's all! And the image of you with her? Arghh! Disgusting!" she raves non-stop and my laughter becomes more intense. "And for god's sake stop laughing, otherwise I'll punch your pretty face!" At least she said pretty. "Anyway what's done is done and it's done in the past. I have to blame your stupid hormones, your lack of judgement due to your youth and the fact that you hadn't met me. I will give the sac some kicks and I will remove the disgusting images from my head."

Watching Alice being jealous, even though she doesn't admit it and thinking her in her gym outfit kicking the sac is a really turn on.

"And then we are going to have angry sex." I wink playfully, making Alice smirk and be fond of the idea. "Anyway you don't have to remove any disgusting images from that pretty head of yours, just because there are not any." Alice gives me a what-do-you-mean look. "I'd never had sex with Susan." Her face emits disbelief and her eyes meet mine.

"Joseph, I told you it's cool! You don't have to tell me what I want to hear."

"I am not. I know because of my reputation is hard to believe, but it's true." I run my hand through my hair, giving her a coy smile.

"But we just argued about you and Susan-"

"You just argued by yourself. I never gave you a positive answer towards me and Susan. You just made up your own speculations and got ahead of yourself, like you usually do. I was just sitting front row with popcorns enjoying the sight." I smile mischievously, leaning closer to her, taking mental pictures of her astonished expression.

"Typical me!" she lets out a huge sigh, facepalming herself. "But it was not decent of you to let me carry on like this." She accuses me, frowning like a little child. Like I mentioned I adore puppy-face Alice, like I adore all her other versions.

"You can blame me all you want, but I couldn't miss this performance for anything in the world." I peck her nose, making her wrinkle.

"So what's the story?" she asks, as I take my face away from hers. Does she really want to know what happened? My face must have given my wonder away, since she asks again. "I want to know what happened. It's you we're talking about. I am relieved nothing ever happened, but it's hard to believe."

"I didn't know you were into bachelor Joseph's stories." I scoff, trying to figure out if she really means it.

"I have to admit it's not my favorite topic, but it was a part of you, so I want to know." She answers firmly without hesitation, as her brown eyes lock in mine.

"You're just eaten up by curiosity." I let out a small laughter and she joins me.

"I won't deny that either." A mischievous smile appears on her face. I love all of her smiles, but that is becoming one of my favourites.

"This story is the one that Matt and Grant will never stop mocking me about. Especially Matt." I flash a forced smile, remembering all the things they said to me. I can't blame them really. I'd have done exactly the same. I overreacted a bit back then, but bringing back the memory of the incident now; it's just a drop in the bucket.

Alice waits impatiently for me to keep speaking. I have to find a way to narrate the story without being bold and explicit, like when I talk with the guys. I am not used in sharing stories like that with girls, so I have to be careful. Sophie doesn't want to hear them, but when she lets me, I am a bit bold in purpose, just to tease her. But this is not Sophie. She's not just any girl. She's my girlfriend, so I have to be extra careful. She's cool, but still...

"I was a sophomore and still not full of the college life. I still felt like a freshman..." I point to a bench and invite Alice to sit beside me.

"You still feel like a freshman." She points out.

"True!" I smile to her. "But I was even wilder last year. Anyway, like every typical college story; this one starts with a party as well. I was with Grant and Matt talking, drinking, having fun..."

"And checking out women." Alice adds with a sly glance.

"I should have spotted her somehow." My mouth's edges rise a bit.

"And you obviously did!" Her attitude shows clear disapproval and annoyance, but I have to say I really enjoy it. Her small signs of jealousy, even if it's something in the past, make me exhilarated. I enjoy too much how greedy she is for me(always in rational placements).

"Susan is not someone hard to notice, objectively speaking."

"Whatever..." Alice eyerolls, making my story narration even more amusing, but she nods for me to go on nevertheless.

"I don't think you need all the details of the whole night. You can figure out how it goes." I give her a meaningful look and I can tell she wants that part of the story out as well. There is no need to be too thorough. Actually, I feel kind of uncomfortable. I can't share this kind of stuff with Alice. I don't want to. They don't mean anything anymore. "The only thing you need to know is that on that specific night things didn't progress, because we were interrupted." Alice couldn't hide the big smile from emerging on her face. She nods once again in anticipation to find out her new favourite person aka the cockblocker. "The police barged into, due to angry calls from neighbours, complaining about the loud music. The next thing I remember is a bunch of people scattering away, scared and drunk. The party was far from innocent. Booze and drugs were everywhere, thus the panic. I lost Susan in the crowd."

"Remind me to send a card of gratitude with flowers to the local police station." Alice's mood has gotten a lot better and cheerful. "But I think this is not the actual end. You're not the quiter type." I can't help it, but chuckle lightly at this. Alice has gotten to know me better and better.

"No I am not. I met her again on campus two days later and I tried to pick up from where we left off." I sigh, bringing back to my head that day. Alice's eyes keep watching me intensively in anticipation. "Susan cut it off, saying she doesn't like going out with players. My reputation had preceded me and she had found out about my ons and offs with girls."

Alice eyes widen at once and her jaw drops, after she hears me. I was at the exact same state, when I listened to Susan saying those words back then. This incident was a hurt to my ego, which I got over as I manage to do with the majority of things, but still my pride was hurt nevertheless.

"Did she really say this to you?" Alice exclaims, still her eyes popping out from her head. The moment I nod, she continues talking. "And what exactly is she doing with Nathan? He isn't the example of a monk." She points out, sarcastically without being able to hide her surprise and, what can I discrete, disgust?

"I am not really sure. Grant heard some rumors and said that Susan doesn't want to be the typical one night stand girl. He believes that she wants to be presented like a first lady alike, but go figure. I don't know what's going on in her head and honestly I don't care. I couldn't give her what she wanted and I was not going to change my whole lifestyle because of a woman. A woman, who didn't mean anything to me. I did it now, because it's totally worth it. Because the woman I found now is important to me and I want to do right by her." I raise my head and my eyes find Alice, who has stayed stunned looking at me. Speechless once more. I find myself enjoying the moments that I sweep her off her feet.

"As much I hate cheesy lines, I love hearing them from you." She smiles and she intertwines her fingers with mine.

"I am not cheesy!" My thumb caresses her upper palm.

"Oh yes you are!"

"Then don't tell anyone! Otherwise I have to kill you." I flash a bright beam to her.

"I wanna see you try!" She leans closer to me, until our lips touch and get lost in our kiss. "You know what? This party is kind of a bummer. I feel like going home." A mischievous smile, spreads on her face, full of promises.

Without saying anything more, we are on our feet, on our way to the parking lot.

Nathan's POV

"That was fun." Susan sighs as I get up to find my boxers.

"Yeah, it was." I smirk at her as I put them on. She still lays naked on my bed with her blonde hair all over the pillow. This is absolutely a joy to the eye. "You better get dressed."

"You want me dressed?" She asks biting her bottom lip seductively.

"At the moment, yes." I chuckle and sit on the edge of the bed to put my jeans on.

"We're not going for a second round then?" She sits up on the bed and sticks her naked torso on my bare back. Damn you Susan.

"That's the plan for now." I emphasize on the last word. "I have no problem repeating this with you later."

"Fine." She places her hands on my shoulders and starts squeezing them slightly. "At least, first round helped you shake the tension off."

"Which tension?" I ask as I close my eyes and enjoy the little massage she is giving me.

"Don't play it dumb with me. Let me remind you we have been having sex for a while now so I kinda know when you feel tense, birthday boy." She puts more pressure with her hands and I let my head fall behind and rest on her shoulder.

"You think you know it all, don't you?" I raise an eyebrow at her.

"All? Not even close." She smiles and reaches my lips with hers, soothing her tongue in my mouth with strength. Susan never misses a chance to get the upper hand. "But I know a thing or two." She lifts her eyebrows at me as she breaks the kiss. "You were tense the other day too when you texted me to come over but I had class. Did you get yourself off?" She asks battering her long eyelashes at me reminding me that day.

"No, I found someone else to do it." I tell her grinning.

"Asshole." She chortles and pats me on the head.

"Now get dressed."

Susan, besides being super hot, is super cool with our situation. We hang out, we fuck from time to time with no commitments or any hard feelings. I might fuck with her more than I do with others but we do have insane chemistry in sex. I'd be a fool if I didn't. She is one of the hottest chicks on campus. I assume she fucks with other guys as well, I do not ask though because I do not care. She is not rumored to be a slut, so I guess she is just selective with who she fucks with. As I said, I do not care.

She tosses me my shirt as she puts on her lace top.

"Don't you think you forgot something?" I ask her playfully.

"No, I am gonna leave this here for you. As a present." She picks her bra up from the floor and leaves it on the desk. "What's this?" She asks pointing at the brown paper bag and stretches her hand to reach it.

"Nothing!" I answer raising my voice unintentionally.

"Okay..." She widens her blue eyes in a mocking way. "I'll go fix my hair 'cause you made it look like shit." She announces to me before entering the bathroom.

I grab Vanessa's present and put it in the closet. I never expected to get marshmallows as a gift for my 19th birthday. I also didn't expect to like it. I didn't think she would come here tonight and even though I had this whole plan to act like I didn't give a damn about it, I was beaming like a child when I opened the small paper bag. This girl never stops to surprise me but at the same time she drives me nuts. I am mad at her. I am mad at her all the time and when I see her, I am even madder, if that could be possible.

She shows up with her pink girly skirt and that fucking tight white top that points out her breasts, on which I didn't have the time to get my hands during my one and only chance on spring break, because Alice decided to go for a walk into the house at fucking 6 am! I could have put my hands on them and many other places too but I did not. I thought it would be better to go slow, to make Vanessa feel comfortable with me, to make her feel good, to make her enjoy it, to shake away her doubts or stress or whatever it was inside her mind at the time. I leaned close, so close that my nose was touching hers, and instead of staring at her lips, I was staring into her big green eyes to examine them from a zero distance, before doing anything. She was giggling, which from my experience is basically like giving the green light. But even then, I fought my urge to taste her lips, thinking she might not be ready yet, so I began kissing her neck, a spot that allowed her to easily push me away, using her fucking tempting lips to stop me. But she did not. Then I asked her if she liked it and what was her reaction? She was moaning my name and practically started grinding on me, making it impossible for me to hold myself. I did though, I don't know how but I did. And what I also did was ask her one more time if it felt good, stopping for a second to see if she was really into it. She sighed complaining at the loss of touch and offered me her neck to attack it again. So I did, licking every spot of her skin over there while caressing her bare back to make her relax, 'cause I wanted her to feel relaxed and calm and wanted, because damn it, I wanted her so bad that this whole damn thing was not just a 6am pool session to me as she pejoratively called it! I don't know what it was and I don't want to find out since she doesn't either.

She had prepared that fucking speech and completely humiliated me the other day and now she decided to come to my birthday party and act like nothing has happened? With her cute little outfit and her hair perfectly curled and shit? Why did she put such an effort to look so damn stunning? To fuck with my mind? She seemed to have pure intentions and probably she did indeed, but it fucked up my mind which means that I had to fuck up hers too. I knew I was nothing but polite to her. She uses this word all the time, expecting everyone to act that way so she can keep on living on her damn pink cloud. I am not sorry to disappoint her, this is reality and this is how life works. It's not only rainbows and butterflies. We do rely on people and then they fail us. Like my mom did, like Vanessa did. We let people take a look into what we have inside, hoping they will tell us that we are not as fucked up or damaged as we think we are. This glimpse of hope we let inside is the one to blame for everything. We know who we are, we don't need anybody else to tell us that. We are the only ones who know who we fucking are, as we know that nobody can change it. Even if we know though, we let them try to do that, believing they could have some sort of influence on us. So we let them because we honestly believe they care for us. And then we see they don't and perhaps they never did and then we hit our head against the wall. We knew we shouldn't let anybody in and now that we did, we regret it. We do regret it with every cell of our bodies. We did learn the hard way but we promise ourselves we will never do it again and we pull our walls up higher than ever. Now, no one will tear us apart. We will make sure of not letting anybody have such an effect on us ever again.

"Ready!" Susan comes out of the bathroom, with her hair in an exact similar bun to the one she had before. She takes a glance towards the desk and frowns for a moment, as the brown paper bag she was so eager to open is now gone but she doesn't say a thing.

I open the door and nod at her to step outside of my room. On our way down, we greet some people who wish me happy birthday before finally getting outside to the garden.

I don't see Vanessa anywhere near. Probably she left while I was making out with Susan only steps away from her. I kinda did it on purpose as I noticed Vanessa was watching us, so after I took the body shot, I might have overshowed my attraction towards Susan just for Vanessa to see it. Was it a dick move? Maybe, but she was the one who wished nothing have ever happened between me and her, so it shouldn't mind her a bit. She got her wish come true after all, so I guess both of us can go back to the way our lives were before. Theoretically at least.

"Nathan, where is your mind travelling at?" Susan's words bring me back. It seems like lately I have been overthinking about some stuff and I am not the one to overthink. This stops now. "Or should I say to who?"

"I am thinking about how I am going to avoid Dylan so that we can go back upstairs as soon as possible." I say smirking.

"You're such a good liar." She giggles shaking her head and hooks her hands around my neck.

I thought bringing up Dylan would be believable, since he has been annoying me with this party idea the whole week and the birthday cake all night long.

"Let's go greet Robin." I tell Susan as I point at Robin who is now fixing a drink at the nearest table.

"Um, sure." She gives me an eyeroll. "Such a good liar and such an expert at changing the subject." She adds as she follows me kinda unwittingly.

"Hey gorgeous. Are you having any fun on your own or are you terribly missing your other half? You know, being whipped and all." I raise an eyebrow playfully at Robin who smiles as she sees us.

"Well hello, Champ! Hey Susan, how are you?" She hugs me and then nods at Susan.

"Hello Robin. I am good, how are you?" Susan gives her a half smile.

"Here and there, enjoying the party, nice party by the way, the animals have out done themselves, Nate." Robin jokes mentioning the house and takes a sip from her drink.

"Tell me about it. They did a great job considering I didn't want a party in the first place as I've told you." I tell her shrugging.

"You always search for something to complain about." Susan lifts her eyebrows and links arms with me.

"He is the rock star, he gets to complain." Robin smirks and shakes her head at me.

"He sure is!" Susan comments with sarcasm. "I'll leave you two catch up, I saw some friends over there. It was nice to see you, Robin." She gives her another half smile.

"See you in class, Susan." Robin nods at her and watches her go.

"You two are such lovely classmates." I push Robin slightly with my shoulder.

"It's not that I don't like her, you know... she is just not the right girl for you. There are other more suitable girls for you out there... near... who knows..." She shrugs.

"Who knows?" I start chuckling. "It seems like you have a strong opinion on who the right girl is for me. So go ahead, Miss Matchmaker."

"You know... sometimes people in our lives can see some things better than we do because they are objective. I am merely one of them, and I objectively state that the kind of girl you need is not Susan. You are alike in a way. You, my friend need someone different from you. Someone that will teach you different things." She comments simply and then smiles at me.

"Of course you were going to pull the whole opposites do attract theory on me since it is the focal point of your relationship with Sophie. And what's the deal with you and Susan, really? That's something I'd like to know." This got me a little curious. Yes, there are people that don't like Susan, actually make it 'girls' that don't like Susan. It sort of makes sense since girls don't like girls in general and especially when some girls are way hotter than others. It is typical woman jealousy. But with Robin? That can't be the case.

"I don't have a deal with her, dude, I give her my damn notes, I just don't get the right vibes, you know... sometimes you click instantly with people... plus I am not trying to change your opinion on her, I know her more than you do, I have shaped my idea. You are entitled to yours, but you deserve another girl. And yes, opposites do attract. Life would be boring if people were the same." She winks and then giggles.

"You mean you know her longer, but I am sure I know her more and better." I raise an eyebrow at her. "This is quite an interesting and entertaining conversation, my dear friend Robin. I do deserve another girl." I mimic her voice. "What kind of girl do you think I deserve? 'Cause Susan seems like the ideal girl to me. Hot, available and in tune with my needs."

"Alright, let me ask you one thing so that I can make my point. Looking at me and Sophie... can you tell we are a match? Like is Sophie the kind of girl that you see and say 'oh yes she a good match for Ro'. If you look at us, we scream different. Don't we?"

I can see she is really intrigued by all this. Robin loves to make use of what she learns at college in everyday life and especially at the ones around her that she knows best. I'll play along.

"Yes, when I first saw Sophie I didn't think she would get you all whipped after such a brief amount of time." I tease her with a smirk.

"I'll let that be a discussion for when you are whipped as well, in the near future." She sticks her tongue out and I give her a sharp glance. "Back to my point. Like I said, according to my previous hookups, I should have chosen a model-hot girl, good in bed and just badass, right?" She asks again.

"Right." I tell her grinning, curious to hear her next conclusion.

"Thank you. Now here is the funny thing about love, Nathan. You don't always fall for the obvious choice. I had these girls, but they made me feel nothing. Now... can you honestly tell me, that Susan is the person you can tell things to? The person that makes your heart race, the person that occupies your mind? Is she the girl you tell your fears and dreams to?" She eyes me expectedly.

"Okay, okay." I raise my hand up to stop her. She is diving into dangerous waters. "I thought this whole thing had a point. I never said I was searching for such a girl. Of course Susan is not like that and that's why I like her." I state shrugging.

"I am not saying you shouldn't have fun with her, I am just trying to give you another perspective. Being with someone is not so bad, it can be funny, sweet, warm... a person needs those things sooner or later. Just keep an open mind. Some people know they like someone instantly, some take time. Just be open to it. That's life." She pats my shoulder sweetly.

"Try later with me. I am the last standing single guy and I won't fall down that easily." I comment sarcastically. "It was such a loss for us bachelors to lose Joseph, so my burden is even bigger now."

"See? Even Joss is taken now. So as a very wise young man called Justin Bieber once said : never say never. Smart people are never stubborn, they know things change." She smirks proudly at herself.

"Did you just pull a Justin Bieber's lyric into our conversation? Geez, Ro! Not even Kate does that!" I give her a annoyed grimace.

"Hey, I would say deeper stuff, but I know my audience each time, and this time it would be a waste of time. Bieber is what you get. Be grateful." She laughs at my face smugly.

"Whatever." I roll my eyes at her, since I find nothing worthy in her reasoning. "How is your pretty girlfriend doing tonight? She is such a party freak, she is sure missed." I make a small innocent joke about Sophie's interest in partying.

"Don't remind me. I spent all day doing things to keep me from being anxious. It's showtime, dude... she is coming out." She says and instantly her face gets weird.

"Shut up! Really?"

I did see the girls yesterday. Sophie insisted we met so she could give me my present, since she wouldn't be able to come to my party. I told her she didn't have to, that I wasn't in the mood to party anyway and that she wouldn't miss much, but she was really persistent about the importance of giving me my present, considering I went to her birthday party and got her this fantastic book, which I don't remember actually. I am glad she liked it though, because I did like the nike gym back she got me too. Anyway, I wasn't really in the mood to see anybody either yesterday, but the only thing I remember, except from Robin looking at her girlfriend like a puppy while Sophie kept on talking about the whole point of the gift, is that Sophie went home for her parents' anniversary. How could I forget that one, after all the family shit I am going through right now. I don't recall her telling anything about coming out to her parents.

"Yeah... I am biting my nails, bruh. She texted me and told me the vibes are positive so she is extra hopeful and so I am hopeful too."

"Cool... I guess this is good. For the whole coming out process and all... I am hopeful too, so that makes us three." I say awkwardly as Robin gives me a smile. "I don't really know that process, but I am certain that Sophie can pull this off. She is a tough cookie."

"Hopefully this will go smoothly. Her parents love her, so this is going to be a success. I have a good feeling. So good, that come Monday, I will be throwing a party. We should celebrate her coming out." Her smile reaches her ears.

"I change my mind. You are the party freak no doubt!" I wink at her. Robin seems extra optimistic about this and she knows better, so I guess everything will go just fine. "I'd be waiting for the official invite."

"Well don't expect Susan to get an invite, though." She mocks me and hits my shoulder playfully.

"I might drag her along just to piss you off." I tease her smirking. "Unless you bring me my ideal girl." I say making quotes in the air with my hands.

"Well the way I see it, the person we will end up with is someone we already know before we hit the late 20s, so maybe you have met her." She tilts her head mischievously.

"You think so? So I might have met the woman of my life and I don't even know it. Hmm, interesting." I wide my eyes at her in a mocking way.

"Maybe you are looking at the wrong places. Call me when you need help." She hugs me tightly at that. " I am gonna head back home now. Thanks for the invite, Nate. Happy birthday, I wish all your non-sexy dreams come true."

"What kind of wish is that?" I frown after I hug her back. "Thanks for coming, Ro. Everything will work out with Sophie, don't you worry, man. Have a good night!" I wave at her as I return to my so amusing party after a little break.

It wasn't such a bad night after all. Meaning it ended way better than it started. Way better than it started. Dylan and Bill insisted on bringing out the birthday cake, whose candles of course I did not blow. I throw a piece of it at Dylan's face and a whole cake war begun out of nowhere. And after we were out of cake, we started pouring each other every drink we saw in our way. In a few words, the result was a lot of drunk and wet people covered in cake everywhere. As for me, I ended up trying to get rid of it, while having memorable times with Susan in the shower as the sun came up.

A/N: Hello there! Sorry for the late update! It was a long one though, we hope you liked it! Which was your favourite moment of the night? Tell us all things, what made you mad, what made you excited! Vote and comment. Till next time! xx