CHAPTER SIX

"You kissed Ace Merrill?!" Vern screeched and I flinched, covering my ears.

"No, he kissed me."

"But you kissed him back," Teddy grinned and I rolled my eyes.

"You're worse than a bunch of girls."

"Oh, you love it," Chris laughed and I glared at him slightly before feeling someone staring at me. Turning, I saw Ace talking to Eyeball and Billy Tessio but he kept looking over at me.

"I think they're talking about me," I muttered slowly and when I looked back to my group, Teddy and Chris were smirking, "What?"

"You love him," they teased.

"I barely know him," I laughed but they kept at it regardless. Suddenly, I felt something brush against my arm and jumped up only to see it was a branch. "Jesus."

"You alright, Riyane?" Gordie questioned and I looked at them to see raised eyebrows.

"Yeah," I muttered, sitting again, "Movie freaked me out a little."

"We left halfway through," an amused voice smirked and I turned to see Ace, hands in pockets, at the bottom of the porch, "Hey."

"Hi," I smiled, glancing back to the boys but they were engrossed in their own conversation. Something about Donald and Daisy duck.

"You wanna go for a walk?" he asked and I bit my lip.

"In the dark?"

"I'll protect you," his smirk widened and I rolled my eyes but stood. Hey, I liked the dude. Just cause he was annoying didn't mean I didn't want to spend time with him.

"I think I'd be safer with a wild boar."

"Ouch," he laughed, his arm finding itself draped over my shoulder.

"I really didn't mean to ruin the movie," I muttered, looking to the side but he pulled me to a stop.

"You didn't ruin the movie."

"But-."

"No," he smirked, pecking at my lips, "No more, you didn't ruin the movie, if anything, you made the night better."

"Uh, thanks?" I raised an eyebrow, and he tugged slightly so we'd start walking again.

"You get freaked out easily?"

"Depends," I muttered.

"On?" I paused for a second, thinking about how to answer.

"I have a vivid imagination," I finally told him.

"There's more."

"I don't want to talk bout it now," I stated, "How come you're so different?"

"We've been through this," he smiled, shaking his head, but I bumped into him.

"You didn't tell me though."

"You're conceited."

"No, you are conceited," I stuck out my tongue, "I am curious."

"You're on a roll," he laughed.

"I'm always on a roll," I shrugged, "Tell me."

"Riyane-."

"Please," I whined, pulling him to stop, "Pretty, pretty, pretty please?"

"I don't see why it's such a big deal," he sighed.

"I don't see why you can't tell me," I retorted before his arms wrapped around my waist.

"It was for you," he finally admitted. Despite my smile, I had to ask:

"Why? I mean, you could have a million and one girls and-."

"I chose you," he smiled.

"Yeah, no, really why?"

"I dunno, you're, uh, uniqueness attracted me."

"You mean my ability to punch?" I laughed and he smiled, shaking his head.

"No," he rested his forehead against mine, "You're different."

"So then why'd you change so much?"

"Jeez, you don't take a breath do you?" he teased and I couldn't help but blush, "Truth?"

"No, a lie," I gave him a sarcastic look.

"I heard your conversation with your mom."

"Stalker," I laughed but there was a hint of seriousness in his expression, "I liked you before too you know."

"So the change was for the better."

"I guess," I smiled, "I probably wouldn't have gone out with you though."

"Don't date assholes, huh?"

"Not really," I laughed, "Guess I can make an exception."

"This guy must be pretty fantastic, then."

"I think so," I shrugged but the smile never left my face.

"I wanna meet him," he smirked, "Rough him up a little."

"You're an idiot."

"But I'm your idiot."

"Mine?"

"As long as you want me," he smiled, brushing his lips against mine. A rustling from the bush behind us made me jump closer to him and he chuckled.

"Make me a promise, Ace?"

"Sure."

"No more scary movies." He just laughed.