*Avery's POV*

Most people look forward to Friday nights. They get to hang out with their friends or boyfriends/girlfriends, have fun and just enjoy themselves, but not me. My Friday night is gonna be spent with Luke on this "date" just so we can look more like a couple. I know why I'm doing this but sometimes I regret my decision. Am I really that desperate for someone to like me that I'd go through all this trouble? Apparently.

After school, Luke dropped me off at my house.

"I'll be back to pick you up around seven." He said.

"Okay." I nodded. I closed the door and he pulled out of the driveway and drove down the street.

I went inside and headed up to my room.

I threw my bag in the corner and sat in the chair at my desk and checked the time. It was a little after three so that meant I had a little less than four hours to get ready. Since this date wasn't real, I wasn't gonna spend all my time deciding on what to wear and preparing myself like any other girl would. If anything, I'll take a quick shower and put on a new outfit. Luke isn't worth any real effort.

But what about my dad? I've got to make sure his food is ready and that he's got everything he needs before I leave. He already doesn't like me dating, so if he ever figured out what I'm doing with Luke, he'd blow his top for sure.

I'll probably just tell him I'm hanging out with Dylan tonight. Whenever I say that, he really doesn't care, just as long as he knows and that I'm home by a certain time. And he knows I'd never date Dylan anyway, since he's like my brother and the obvious fact that he's gay.

Just as I plugged my earphones into my phone to listen to music, my phone started ringing and I saw Dylan's name flash across the top. I put the ear pieces in and slid to answer.

"Hello?" I greeted.

"Hey, Avery." He said cheerily. Dylan was always happy and he was one of the few reasons I smiled.

"Hey Dylan, what's up?" I asked as I got up to leave my room. I might as well start on dinner now since I'm not doing anything else.

"Nothing, really, you?" He asked.

"Just starting on dinner." I said as I looked for something to make.

"Are you busy later? Wanna hang out? Like maybe catch a movie or go to the roller rink."

"I'd love to but I can't. I'm going on a date with Luke tonight." I could taste the bile rise in my throat.

"Why would you do that?" He asked.

"We are "dating"." I used air-quotes even though I knew he couldn't see me. "And he said we have to keep up the act and make it look as real as possible. Two of his friends are gonna be at the theater so we're gonna have them see us just to keep this going."

He groaned. "You really don't have to do this, Avery. You're better than that."

"This might be the only way Ashton will ever notice me." I said. I decided to make my dad some spaghetti. You can never go wrong with that.

"Maybe he's not worth it. I know I said it was all up to you before but I'm your best friend and I'm just looking out for you." He said.

"I know, Dylan," I sighed, "and I love you for it. But I really like this guy and I made a promise. I can't back out now."

"How long is it gonna take? I don't like you being around that jerk." He said.

I chuckled. "Hopefully not too long. We're trying to subtlety come between two people, Dylan, it's not gonna happen in a day."

"So how exactly are you supposed to get with Ashton?" He asked.

"Well you know how I told you that Luke said Ashton likes any girl that he's with?"

"Yeah."

"Well all I've got to do is be a little extra friendly and flirtatious all at once. I'm not sure exactly how we're gonna get them to break up, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." I said. The pasta was now boiling so I turned off the burner and carried it over to the sink where I already had a colander waiting and poured the hot water and noodles into it so the water would drain.

"So if what Luke says is true, what's gonna stop him from looking at some other girl?" He asked.

I paused for a moment and realized he had a point. I've always noticed him flirting with girls, even if he was with someone. Not that I've bee stalking him or anything, I'm just observant.

"Well I've just got to make sure that doesn't happen." I said.

"How- never-mind. Don't worry about that right now."

I wanted to ask him what he meant but I wanted this topic to be over and done with, so I decided to just leave it.

"I'll talk to you later, then." He said.

"Okay, bye."

"Bye." He hung up.

I ended the call and continued with my task. After a while, I finished and I heard the garage door being opened. Not long after, my dad was walking through the door and I was there to greet him with his plate and beer.

"Hi, dad." I tried to sound like I was happy to see him. I wanted to make sure I was as perfect as I could be before telling him about my plans.

"You can't let me get in the door first? I just got here, let me at least wash my hands." He walked past me and to the kitchen sink to wash up.

"I'm sorry." No matter what I do, I always do it wrong.

He came back over to grab his food and drink and went to take his usual seat in the living room in front of the television. I followed him in, careful to keep my distance.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, sorry, I was, uh, I needed to tell you what I was doing...tonight."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well I'm going to go hang out with Dylan tonight. I wanted to make sure that was okay with you." I played with my fingers the entire time, not really looking him in the eye.

"Dylan...isn't that the faggot?" He asked.

I stopped myself from saying anything that could be seen as disrespectful. I know he said that to get me worked up but I wasn't gonna let it get to me.

"He is gay, yes." I said.

"I don't care." He said. "Just be back by eleven."

"Thank you." I nodded and headed upstairs to get ready.

I took a quick shower and once I finished, went to my room to put on some clothes. I first put on my underwear and bra and stood in front of my closet to search for something to wear. I decided on a pair of ripped black jeans and a black muscle tee with black converse. Very monochromatic, I know, but I don't need to look special for him.

I avoided getting my hair wet in the shower so all I had to do was brush it and I left it straight. I put on a little eyeliner and mascara before going to brush my teeth. I checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing my phone and heading downstairs.

"I'll see you when I get home." I called from the front door. He didn't respond but I didn't expect him to anyway.

I walked out and closed the door behind me, using my key to lock it. I checked my phone to see it was already a quarter to seven so Luke should be getting here soon.

I stood on my porch to wait and when he finally arrived, I walked to his car. I heard him unlock the doors and I opened the passenger side door to get in.

"That's what you're wearing?" He asked, looking me up and down.

"Yeah, what's wrong with it?" I asked.

"You're wearing all black." He said.

"So are you." I pointed out.

"This is supposed to be a date. Why don't you dress up? Like put on a skirt or something."

"Because you're not worth the effort in dressing up. Besides, I don't wear skirts." I said.

"Why not?" He asked.

"Because I don't. Now let it go, because I'm not changing, and let's leave already." He put his car in drive and we left my place.

Of course I can't wear skirts, I don't want to show off my scars. That's why I cut my thighs in the first place. Wrists are a predictable place and I tend to roll my sleeves up a lot. It'd be risky to cut there 'cause I could easily forget, roll up my sleeves and boom, everyone would know my secret and my life would be ten times worse. Not just from the fake pity some may give me, but also they might torment me for being 'weak' and might avoid me altogether because of it.

The point is, I'm not wearing skirts. I haven't in years and I probably won't ever again.

After a long drive with nothing but music filling the car with sound, we arrived. He found a place to park and we got out, meeting up at the front of the car to join hands.

"Are you sure they're here?" I asked. I didn't want to waste my time.

"I told you already, they do this like every Friday night. Unless they have dates, of course." He said.

"A yes or no would've sufficed." I grumbled.

We walked to the box office but stayed towards the back while we decided on what movie to watch.

"Do I at least get to pick?" I asked with a bit of edge in my voice. "I mean, it'd only be fair since you're the reason I'm out."

"I'm sure I'm doing you a favor. It's not like you do anything else. But fine, pick whatever you'd like." He said with the fakest smile I've ever seen.

I looked at the board to see what movies they were showing and their times. I smiled when I made my decision.

"I want to see The Purge: Election Year." I said.

"Oh, that's not too scary for you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up and buy the tickets already."

"I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but you-"

He was cut off my Mike calling out to us. "Luke! Avery!" He smiled as him and Calum walked towards us.

"Hi." I smiled.

"Hey guys." He said cheerfully as if he wasn't just snapping at me five seconds before.

"On a date I see."  Calum raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Yep." Luke nodded. "And it looks like you two couldn't get anyone to spend your Friday night with but each other." Luke chuckled.

"I've got a date tomorrow, thank you." Michael said. "Calum is the lonely one."

"Oh shut up." He nudged him and laughed. "Have you guys already bought your tickets?"

"Not yet." Luke shook his head. "We're about to get some to see The Purge."

"I wanted to see that." Michael said excitedly.

"Do you mind if we watch with you? We wouldn't want to intrude or anything." Calum said.

"Oh it's no problem." I said.

"Yeah, no problem." Luke agreed. I feel like the only reason he sided with me was so he didn't have to sit through a movie with me alone. That's the only reason I said they could join.

"Cool. Just promise to keep the making out to a minimum." Mike chuckled.

"I think we'll manage." I said. Luke gave my hand a squeeze and I know that was only because he couldn't say what he wanted to say in front of them.

"Well, Cal," Mike said, "it's your turn to buy the tickets and popcorn."

"Yeah yeah." He replied.

"I'll go get our tickets, babe." Luke said to me.

"Okay, I'll wait here with Mike." I nodded.

He shot me a smile before walking with Calum to wait in line.

Mike and I had a small conversation while we were waiting for them to return. When they finally did, we headed inside, first having to give our tickets to the guy at the door.

We went to wait in the line at the concession stand. To keep up with the act, he held me in his arms and rested his chin on my head.

"Awe, aren't you two adorable?" Mike cooed.

I chuckled but on the inside, I wanted to punch Luke in the throat.

Once we got our snacks, we made our way to theater seven, where our movie was being shown. We found some seats in the middle of the theater and traveled down the row to sit. I sat in the middle, Luke on my left, and Calum and Michael on my right. The theater was filled with noise as people were talking and coming into the theater. After about ten minutes, the lights finally dimmed and the previews started playing. We sat through them and waited for the movie to start. When the opening credits started playing, I got excited and adjusted myself to be a bit more comfortable.

As the movie progressed, I sipped on my drink and ate some of the popcorn. One time when I reached into the bucket, our fingers grazed each other and I quickly pulled back. I don't know why, I guess just because I was surprised. He put his arm around me and I leaned into him as much as the armrest would allow me to.

I laughed at the appropriate parts and just enjoyed myself. After about two hours, the movie finally ended and the lights came on. We got up to leave along with everyone else.

"That movie was fucking hilarious." Calum laughed.

"I know." I nodded. "I just hate the store owner ended up dying."

"It couldn't be a perfect movie, Avery. One of the main characters had to die." Luke said.

"I know, but still." I shrugged.

He let go of my hand and draped his arm over my shoulders as we were walking down the hall.

"I think it's cute that you care about little things like that." He smiled.

I smiled too. "Yeah, well, I get emotional over books and movies. I really put everything into what I read and watch." Why was I even saying any of this? It's not like he actually cares.

"And that's one of the reasons why I like you. You're so passionate about everything and you have such a big heart."

I knew he didn't mean any of what he was saying, but I still couldn't help but blush.

He continued to hold onto me as we walked out of the movie theater and towards his car. Mike and Calum were still with us.

"Do you guys want to grab a bite together? Or do you want to enjoy your time alone." Calum said.

"We can all get something to eat, it's not a big deal." Luke said.

He leaned against his car and brought me along with him, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Where do you guys want to go?" Calum asked.

"You know me, I'm up for anything." Mike shrugged.

"What are you in the mood for, babe?" Luke asked. He used his fingers to turn my face to face him.

"I don't know." I shrugged. "How about Chinese?"

"Panda Express!" Michael said excitedly.

"Sounds good to me. We'll meet you two there." Cal said.

I never broke eye contact with Luke and he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine softly. Of course I was surprised but I couldn't show it. I kissed him back slowly.

I know I'm not supposed to like it and I hate so much to admit it, but I did. Just this slow, simple action made me feel some type of way. I couldn't really explain what I was feeling, just that I kind of liked it.

Calum cleared his throat and we separated.

"Sorry, mate." Luke chuckled and tucked some of my hair behind my ear. "I couldn't help myself."

I avoided looking at him because I didn't want him to try to read me. I didn't want him to jump to some sort of conclusion over this one little thing because I'm confused by it too. It definitely can't be attraction because c'mon, me attracted to Luke Hemmings? I couldn't imagine anything worse.

"We'll meet you guys there." Calum repeated and him and Mike made their way to his car.

Luke unlocked his car door and we got in, soon pulling out of the parking space and leaving the movie theater parking lot.

I stared out the window as he drove. I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss. It had to be nothing, because if it was something...I'm not even gonna explore that because it was nothing. I was caught off guard, that's all. I haven't kissed anyone in so long that that simple gesture felt nice. And I like Ashton and he likes Brooke. We're in this for one thing and one thing only. Besides, he'd never feel anything for me anyway, we hate each other.

"As much as I hate to say this," he said, breaking the silence, "you did pretty well tonight. You acted as if this was a real date. And you went along with everything like you were supposed to."

"Yeah, well...I had a part to play. I was just doing what was necessary." I nodded.

"Thank you, for all of this. I know I can be a bit rude sometimes but you were nice enough to accept my deal and I'm grateful for that." He said.

I placed my hand over my heart. "Oh my god, is this the Luke Hemmings being...nice?" I laughed.

"Don't make me regret it."

"Okay okay I'm not gonna say anything else."

"Good." He nodded and we soon arrived at the restaurant.

-

After a nice meal, Luke and I said our goodbyes and went to his car so he could drive me home. I guess we were warming up to each other a bit because we actually have a civil conversation for once. Maybe he wasn't as bad as I thought, but that doesn't mean we're immediate friends. I only hate him a little less.

"Here we are." He said as he pulled up to my house.

"Thank you." I said and unbuckled my seatbelt. I checked my phone to see it was dangerously close to eleven.

"See you Monday, then."

"Yeah, okay, bye." I got out and shut the door behind me, jogging up to my front door and unlocking it to head inside.

"Dad?" I asked as I closed the door and locked it behind me. I head the television going and a small light was on, but I got no response. 

I went to the living room and sure enough, he was laid out on the couch, snoring. I grabbed the remote to turn the television off and debated whether or not I should turn off the lamp too. Last time I did something like that, leaving him downstairs in the dark after he had fallen asleep, it wasn't pretty for me. I decided to leave it on and headed upstairs to change into some pajamas and go to bed.

Surprisingly, I had a good time tonight. It didn't start off that well and I know none of the couple stuff was real, but I'd like to believe the fun was.

***

*AN: I wrote this when The Purge had just come out and I didn't feel like changing it. I don't even know if it's still in theaters but it's whatever. I hope you're enjoying this so far.
~Cam