Hands locked together, Ryder led Unique across the parking lot to Jake's car and held the door for her as she settled into the back seat. Once she was in, he shut the door and rounded the car to climb in himself. As soon as he had his seatbelt fastened, his hand sought hers again, lacing their fingers together. They looked at one another, both smiling shyly.
Their attention was drawn forward as Marley turned around in her seat, the first to break the silence. "This is so great you guys, I'm so happy for you!"
Unique's smile was full blown now, and she glanced back over to Ryder. "Unique is happy too."
Ryder squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips. "So is Ryder."
Marley turned back around and sought Jake's hand with her own. Love was apparently in the air tonight.
Once they reached their destination and all four had exited the vehicle, Unique tugged at Ryder's hand and they fell behind as Jake and Marley entered the restaurant.
Ryder turned to her, one hand still held hers and he took her other one with his free hand. He knew why she was hesitant, and he was feeling much the same way, but he waited for her to speak.
"I just want to make sure you know what you're getting into with me." She studied his face carefully, awaiting his response.
"I do." He smiled.
She frowned slightly. "Do you really, Ryder? Because it's not just our friends who will know. The whole school will. Our families. I'm already used to the bullying, but you? If those jocks see you walking down the hall holding my hand, they're gonna say something, Unique can promise you that."
Ryder listened and knew she was right. He was sure the minute word spread that he and Unique were an item, he'd be target number one. Gay slurs, locker shoves and daily slushy facials were bound to commence. It wasn't a pleasant prospect, and maybe it would be best to rethink this whole thing. But as he took in the sight of her, standing there, biting her lip, worrying about Ryder's reputation, he didn't want to rethink anything. He really liked her. A lot. Maybe even more than a lot. He had for a while, which he now knew was why he had been so confused over everything. He'd be damned if he let a bunch of assholes ruin this for him. He owed it to both of them to give this a shot.
"Unique, I'm not going anywhere. I don't care what happens. I like you. I want to be with you. If some meathead in a Letterman jacket can't handle that, then so what. We'll just deal with things as they come." He let go of her hands and cupped her face gently. "Please don't give up on us before we even start."
She brought her own hands up and covered his. She looked into his eyes for a few moments before smiling. "Ryder Lynn, you know you're crazy, right? Unique is probably just as crazy because she's not going anywhere either." And with that she leaned in and kissed him.
When they broke apart she grabbed his hand. "Now let's go join our friends. Unique is ready to celebrate!"
Ryder chuckled as he followed her inside.