Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lexi was sitting in her room trying to study. She was finding it hard to concentrate as every love song on her playlist reminded her of a certain kind, gorgeous, drug dealer. Her concentration was completely broken however when a gang of laughing girls crashed into her and Cassie’s shared bedroom. Maddie and Kat were loudly teasing Cassie about every boy falling, so easily, in love with her.

“Doesn’t matter who they are, Cassie bats her eyes and they fall for her!” Maddie loudly exclaims while running over to Lexi’s desk.

“Is it her eyes or her double Ds?” Kat giggled. Cassie herself was laughing along with them, climbing onto her bed as she shrugged her shoulders as if to say, what could she possibly do about it?

Maddie hugged Lexi from behind and turned her around on her swivel chair to face the other girls.

“So who is the newest poor boy?” Lexi asked, laughing at her friend's antics.

“You know Fez? The drug dealer?” Kat asked her.

Lexi felt all the air leave her lungs, and the smile fell from her face before she could stop it. No, no, please no, please say anyone else in the world she thought.

“You do know him, Lexi” Kat insisted, mistaking her shocked expression for a blank one. “He’s friends with Rue?”

“Yeah, yeah I know him” Lexi squeaked out, quickly turning her chair around to hide her face from the older girls. Lexi knew everything about him, his dreams, his worries, how he cares for his family. They call most nights and she’s been to his house multiple times since that one fateful new years party. But maybe it hadn’t been so fateful… had he only been interested in Cassie this whole time?

“So we went to get some stuff from him for the party.” Maddie was explaining, as she joined Cassie on the bed. “And I’ve never seen Fez so animated. He jumped up as soon as Cassie entered the shop, gave us a discount on everything we bought -”

“- even threw in these haribos for free!” Kat interrupted, tossing the packet of strawberry flavored candies to Lexi, who caught them in a daze. They were her favorites, Fez would always make sure to get them for their movie nights.

Lexi’s head was filled with self doubt. Did he actually just give candy to any girls who came into the shop? Were they even really her favorites? Or did they just become her favorites after they ate them together?

“And he was asking her so many questions. I’ve never heard him speak that much before.” Maddie continued.

“No, he was just being friendly.” Cassie half heartedly protested.

“You okay, little Howard?” Maddie was looking at Lexi with concern as she sat clutching the haribos and feeling her heart break open in her chest.

She felt so stupid.

“Yeah, yeah of course.” Lexi could feel the tears coming “Of course he likes Cassie”. She grabbed a towel off the bed. “Just going to jump in the shower” and with that she excused herself and ran to the bathroom.

“I mean most of the questions he asked were about Lexi, weren’t they?” Cassie pondered once the door was closed.

Chapter Text

Fez wasn’t sure if Lexi liked him back. She was so open and kind to everyone, obviously everyone who came across her must fall, at least a little bit, in love. She was everything to him and he cherished their friendship more than anything. But he wanted more, he wanted Lexi to be his girl. To be able to kiss her whenever he wanted, and take her on dates, and treat her like the angel she is.

The problem was he wasn’t sure if she was interested in him like that. Maybe she just saw him as a friend, or a brother, like Rue did. He didn’t want to ruin their friendship and make it awkward. He loved having her in his life, listening to her stories, watching films together, even just driving her around town.

The bigger problem was that he clearly wasn’t good enough for her. He was a highschool dropout who sold drugs. He was also self conscious of the unattractive scar that ran along his head, that he got from the accident with the crowbar. He knew this made him look rough and dangerous and not exactly like boyfriend material. When he was dealing this was actually an advantage since it made people not mess with him or Ashtray, but now that he was trying to impress a girl. he hated it. He was also aware that he was slower since the incident. In his own head he was actually quite intelligent, but he struggled with expressing things articulately. This was painfully obvious when talking to Lexi, since she was so smart and he worries his lack of education and slow mannerisms will eventuality frustrate her.

Lexi could do better than him. Any boy from her school would be a better choice than him, some jock or theater kid who could make her happy. He felt like there was so much competition and he hated the idea of other boys trying to woo her. He could see how they looked at Lexi at parties, in her pretty outfits and sometime very short dresses, how they would approach her and try to impress her, while he glared at them from across the room. He had to fight the urge to go over and break another bottle on their heads like he had done with Nate. He had no right to. Lexi wasn't his girl, most people didn't know they knew each other, let alone were friends.

He needed to prove himself if he was going to have a chance with her.

And he was embarrassed how clear he was making this. He was sure he was being incredibly obvious about his crush on the beautiful brunette. He invited her to his house constantly, would get all her favorite snacks, would hold her hand when they watched films, and drive her home as slow as possible afterwards, to delay saying goodbye to her.

He even gave her sister and her friends discounts on their pills, which is something he never did. He really wanted her friends to approve of him, especially Cassie. Although he knew they have a complicated relationship, Fez would need her approval if he was to successfully ask Lexi out.

They would usually talk on the phone every night before bed. Lexi would sneak into the garden so her family wouldn’t overhear their conversations. He looked forward to it every evening, if anything interesting or fun happened during the day, he’d make a mental note of it to tell her all about it. He loved hearing her voice. Telling him all about her day, what books she was reading, and interesting fun facts about history and religion. He was simply fascinated by her.

She didn’t answer that night, when he rang.

This was the first time she didn’t answer. He was immediately a little worried, was she okay? He was planning to ask her if her friends had shared the haribos with her. That was the only reason he’d given them to the group of girls in the first place. He also wanted to see if Cassie mentioned him. He tried to be as friendly as possible to get on her good side.

But that night Lezi didn’t answer the phone.

Chapter Text

Lexi felt so cheated. She was so sure that Fez felt the same way about her. She cried in the shower while the girls continued their conversation in the bedroom. She tried to sob quietly so they wouldn’t overhear her.

She blamed herself. How had she not seen this coming? Why would he be interested in a girl like her?

She wanted to talk to someone about this, because she could feel herself spiraling, and thinking all her worst thoughts about herself. But Cassie wouldn't understand and she couldn't help but kind of hate her at this moment. Rue was also out, she didn’t know about Lexi’s crush on Fez and she didn’t want Rue to blab to Fez about it. She wasn’t the best at keeping secrets.

Fez had become the person in her life who she wanted to talk to most.

He called her that night but she hadn’t answered. She sent a brief text saying she wasn’t free to speak and ignored the rest of his messages.

It would be one thing if he didn’t like her back, Lexi contemplated. But to use her to get closer to her sister was something she could never forgive.

How could he do that? Had their friendship meant nothing to him?

She was so embarrassed. She now saw their relationship in a completely different light, where she was following him about like a lovesick puppy and he was either just humoring her or worse, was using her to get closer to her sister. He probably saw her just as everyone else did, as a kinda annoying, average looking girl, who spoke too much and was a bit of a loser. She had really fooled herself into thinking that he found her pretty, because he told her so, and funny because he had laughed at her jokes.

Two days later and Lexi was still lying in bed, looking at old messages between her and Fez, and the pictures they had taken and sent to each other. One she kept coming back to was a selfie of them drinking milkshakes in his car. She was sucking on a strawberry colored straw, while he had a big smile on his face behind her. She had really loved that day.

She cringed looking at it now.

Lexi hadn’t answered any of his calls or replied to any of his other messages in the last 2 days, asking if she wanted to call, if she was free to hang out and finally if she was okay.

She didn’t know what to say, so decided to say nothing at all. And was growing sadder and missing him more everyday.

She was visibly upset and Cassie was beginning to notice that she hadn’t gotten out of bed in 2 days.

Cassie kept asking her what was wrong but Lexi couldn’t tell her without sounding horribly jealous, which embarrassed her. She also felt like saying it out loud would make it real. Like speaking it into existence. So far it could still be a misunderstanding she tried to reason with herself. Maybe she was being too in her head about it. Maybe he was just being friendly to Cassie and she blew it all out of proportion with her insecurities. Fez wasn't cruel, she knew him. He wouldn't make friends with someone just because he wanted to be with their sister, right?

“That’s funny,” Cassie said, looking puzzled at her phone.

“What?” Lexi asked, carefully closing her and Fez’s text chain before giving Cassie her attention.

“I just got a message from Fez,” Cassie said casually.

“Are you serious? What did he say?” Lexi sat up, her interest immediately piqued.

“Maybe he does like me?” Cassie wondered absentmindedly.

“Why? What did he say?” Lexi couldn’t believe this, and couldn’t hide the desperate sound in her voice as she asked Cassie.

“It says *Yo Cassie*” Cassie read out loud. “I’m gonna ignore it.”

“That's all he said?” Lexi asked. She ran over to look at the message herself.

“Yeah.” Cassie said with a shrug. Putting the phone away before Lexi could see the screen.

“Can I see the message?” Lexi asked, as her heart was simultaneously beating a million miles an hour while also breaking into a million pieces.

“No, why are you being all weird about this? Is it because he’s a drug dealer? Because honestly that’s kind of hot.” Cassie laughed as she got up and started throwing stuff into her handbag.

“I’m not being weird.” Lexi insisted as she got back into her bed and pulled the duvet over her head.

“Okay whatever, I’m going out. Try and cheer up before I get back, because we are partying tonight bitch!” Cassie called over the shoulder as she checked herself in the mirror before applying more lipstick and leaving the room.

Lexi felt the tears fall before Cassie had even closed the door. She cried into her pillow and chastised herself for believing Fez could have ever liked her.

Paradoxically, even though Lexi was also ignoring his messages, she suddenly didn’t like the idea of Fez getting ghosted by the girl he actually liked. Maybe she should tell Cassie to text him back.

She cared about him enough to want to see him happy, even if she would be miserable.

Chapter Text

Fez couldn’t understand what he had done wrong. After one brief message saying she wasn’t free she hadn’t responded to any of his messages or answered his calls.

Now it was Saturday and he wasn’t sure if he should call her again or not. He didn’t want to seem desperate, even if he was desperate to talk to her.

He considered texting Rue to see if she had heard from Lexi, but he knew she would ask a million questions and he wasn’t sure what Lexi had told her about their relationship.

Was it a relationship? Maybe he was reading too much into it. Maybe they were just friends and he was being overbearing? Maybe he had annoyed her with his slow, unintelligent responses to her captivation and thought through questions. She was too smart for him and maybe she had realized he couldn’t keep up.

In the end, he decided to text Cassie to ask if Lexi was okay, maybe they were having a family emergency or something. He already had her number, as they had texted once before about buying drugs for a festival, so he hoped this wouldn’t seem too weird to message her now. He decided to send her a simple “Yo Cassie” before waiting for her reply.

He closed the text chain, staring at his lockscreen photo instead. It was one of their first dates, when he had taken her to get milkshakes. He looked so goofy in the picture, smiling like a loon beside her. She looked so pretty with the straw between her lips, giving him all sorts of thoughts. He always thought of these outings as dates, trying to impress her and treat her properly, but maybe she only ever saw them as friends hanging out.

He remembered when he left her home that evening, he was trying to figure out how she would react if he kissed her. While driving, he looked over at her as she sang along to the radio, some sappy love song, with a big smile on her face as the sun was setting in front of them. She was lit up all golden and her hair was going wild because the window was open. All he could think was how beautiful she was, inside and out. But before he knew it, he was pulling up outside her house and she stepped out of the car, thanked him for the milkshakes and just like that, he’d missed his chance. Too slow again. He really hated himself at that moment.

He decided to text Lexi one more time, because as much self-doubt as he had, he still couldn’t stand the idea of letting her slip away.

*Hi shawty imma not be around tonight, but let's hang tomorrow?*

He was going to a party to sell tonight and didn’t want her to think he was ignoring her. Even though that was what she seemed to be doing to him. A part of him was hoping she would turn up tomorrow like she normally did on Sundays for their weekly movie night.

After hitting send he huffed a big sigh and sunk further into the sofa cushions.

“Quit acting like a little bitch!” Ashtray snapped at him as he walked into the room. “I’m sure Lexi will call back like nothing even happened, it’s only been a few days for fucks sake.”

“Ash, don't be callin’ me a bitch, man.” Fez complained, reaching over to swat at his brother.

“Don’t tell me what to do, bro” Ashtray responded.

Fez’s attention drifted back to his phone, as he waited for a text to come through.

“She’ll be back here tomorrow, telling me all her annoying facts while I’m trying to watch my shows and absolutely getting in the way.” Ashtray said in an uncharacteristically reassuring way.

Fez smiled at his younger brother, a bit surprised by his words. He knew Ashtray liked Lexi, but he hadn’t actually said so.

“Seriously bro, that girl is as hung up on you as you are on her, anyone can see it.” Ashtray said rolling his eyes.

Fez scoffed at his words. “I’m not so sure about that,” he said sadly, checking his phone again for a text.

Chapter Text

Fez wished he could be anywhere else in the world, rather than selling at this highschool party right now.

He had started to really enjoy parties since meeting Lexi. Sometimes she would dance with her friends and he would just watch her across the room, all dressed up, looking beautiful. Occasionally staring down any drunk asshole, who looked like they wanted to try it on with her. He knew it wasn't fair to chase away other guys but she didn't seem interested in them anyway. He was the main boy she would speak to at parties and he couldn't help but feel protective of his Lexi.

They would sit on some couch in a corner of a room and chat about anything and everything. He'd compliment her and fetch drinks for her, and make sure not to mix them strong because she was a bit of a lightweight. She would talk more and more as she drank while he would get quieter the more he smoked and had to concentrate on fighting the urge to hold her hand. She made him actually look forward to parties.

Now he just wished he could be home. Drowning his sorrows that the girl he liked was ghosting him.

Actually if he was already making wishes, he would wish to be with her right now.

He had been at the party for a while before he spotted Cassie in a bright pink dress across the room, and took a deep breath before approaching her. Maybe Lexi wasn’t ghosting him, maybe she was sick, or her phone broke, or she was visiting an old aunt and forgot to tell him.

This seemed unlikely but he would rather believe that than the alternative.

“Hey Fez!” Cassie yelled, throwing her arms around him in greeting. Fez noticed that she was clearly very drunk and seemed to be having the time of her life. “Sorry for not replying. What's up?”

“No biggie, Cassie.” Fez rubbed the back of his neck nervously, god was he going to come across completely desperate. “I was just wondering if Lexi was alright.”

“Why would you be wondering that?” Cassie asked, a big smile plastered on her face.

“She just seems off…” Fez mumbled, suddenly realizing how pathetic he probably looked, as Cassie clearly had no idea what he was talking about. He cleared his throat “You want anything?”

“Sure that would be great! ” Cassie smiled, seemingly completely forgetting what they were just talking about, as he gave her a small bag of molly.

“No problem. Here it's on the house.”

“Aw Fez, that's so sweet!” Cassie squealed, throwing her arms around his neck again and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Fez wasn’t expecting that reaction and had to take a few steps back from the force of her impact. Keeping his hands on Cassie’s waist to steady her.

“Fuck, drink some water Cassie.” He said kindly, instantly regretting giving her the drugs since she clearly didn’t need them.

“Never!” Cassie giggled as she dashed away to the makeshift dance floor in the other room.

He shook his head as he made his way back to the couch in the corner. He felt a tug in his gut as he realized that Lexi was choosing to ghost him. And it was his own fault for feeling this devastated, he should never have raised his hopes this high. His grandma would laugh at him being in such a state, if she still could. He ran his hand through his buzzcut, and along his scar. He could feel a migraine coming on. God why was he surprised, of course he came on too strong. He was so embarrassed.

Fez was so preoccupied by the thoughts racing through his head, that he failed to notice the tear stained girl in the doorway watching him and Cassie interact.

Chapter Text

The girls had insisted that all Lexi needed was a fun night out to cheer her up. If they had considered this for longer than a minute they would have realized that this was the last thing Lexi Howard would ever want.

She hated going to big parties and always felt awkward. Until she met Fezco and now spent most of her time at parties wanting to cuddle with him on sofas.

But this is how Lexi found herself dressed in one of Maddie’s short black dresses, downing drink after drink at Daniel’s house. His parents had left for the weekend and she could see the regret in his eyes as he frantically reminded people to keep it down and chastised teenagers for spilling drinks.

Lexi was standing in the kitchen with Rue downing another vodka cranberry, when Rue asked “Hey, steady on Lex, that’s like your 5th one!” She grabbed Lexi’s hand and leaned in close “Pretend I said something hilarious. Jules is watching us.” Rue then leaned back and burst out in a manic laugh. Lexi did her best to give a watery smile in return.

“What’s up Lex? Why are you in such a mood?” Rue asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

“It's nothing,” Lexi said, looking away. “You shouldn’t try to get Jules to notice you, Rue. Sometimes the people we like just don’t like us back,” she slurred a little sadly as she finished her drink.

“What kind of attitude is that, Lex?” Rue exclaimed. “Wait, is that why you’re sad? Does someone not like you back? Who is it??” Rue was getting loud and excited as she asked question after question. “Wait and they don’t like you back? What a dickhead!”

“Who’s a dickhead?” Maddie asks, suddenly joining the conversation.

“Lexi’s crush doesn’t like her back!” Rue shouted in Maddie’s ear.

“What a cunt! Who is it?” Maddie exclaimed looking enraged.

“I thought he liked me” Lexi tries to explain, while very drunk and trying not to cry. “But he doesn’t even want to be my friend.” She said in a very small voice.

“I hate him!” Rue loudly claims. “Yeah fuck that guy, who the hell wouldn’t like you?” Maddie agreed.

“You’re Lexi fucking Howard!” Her friends loudly tried to hype her up. Which did make her giggle.

“Yeah, I’m Lexi Fucking Howard,” she repeated with noticeably less enthusiasm. “I’ll be fine.”

“Fuck yeah, Lex!” Rue exclaimed.

They kept hyping Lexi up and hating on the boy, who they now all thought didn't like Lexi back. Lexi smiled and started to feel a bit better.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom, I’ll be right back,” she promised.

They let her go without much fuss, offering to come with her, but she insisted she’d be fine.

She was proved immediately wrong as she walked into the living room.

Lexi stopped dead in her tracks when she saw him. Fez was walking across the room wearing his usual party outfit and looked so good it hurt her soul. She was frozen in her tracks watching him. She noticed he actually looked a little nervous, which might not be apparent to others but he seemed a little uncertain as he headed in a straight line towards… Cassie.

Lexi was frozen to the spot. The whole room had stilled and all she could see was the two of them. Cassie hugged him as soon as he approached, and Fez was behaving like a bag of nerves while they spoke, rubbing his neck and blushing. She knew what it felt like to speak to your crush, this was exactly how she acted around Fez.

Her vision blurred as tears interrupted her vision. She wiped her eyes and when she looked back they were hugging again and Cassie was kissing his cheek. Fez had his hands around Cassie and she was smiling up at him from his arms as she laughed, full of joy. They looked so perfect together.

Lexi wanted to be the one who was wrapped up in his arms, the one who kissed him, the one who made him smile.

Lexi wanted to be the one. To be chosen, for once in her life. But all she could do was stand on the side as she watched her sister have it all. Cassie didn't even want it. She didn’t even ask for it. She skipped off as Fez made his way back to the couch in the corner of the room. He walked right past Lexi. Didn’t even spare her a second glance.

Kat’s loud laugh interrupted her tunnel vision as she suddenly appeared at Lexi’s side. “We’ll have free drugs for life at the rate she’s going!” She turned to look at her fully. “Oh my god Lexi, are you okay?” She reached out to pull her into a hug. “I’m fine, I’m fine” Lexi repeated as she sniffled. “Okay you’ve had too much to drink, but it’s okay. We’ve all been there.” She gave Lexi another tight squeeze. “Wait right here, while I get Cassie.”

In all her alcohol filled emotion, she turned on her heels the minute Kat left, grabbed a bottle of wine from a fancy looking cabinet, silently said sorry to Daniel who was going to get in so much trouble with his parents the following day. And headed for the garden.

At the end of the day, she was her mothers daughter. She knew, from years of watching her mum, that while drinking wouldn't make it better, it would make her forget. Which in that moment was all she wanted.

Through all the emotional internal turmoil in both Fez and Lexi neither of them noticed, the 6ft 5 so called playboy follow Lexi into the garden.

Chapter Text

“Hey, there you are!” Rue exclaimed, as she approached Fez, who was in the middle of a deal, with a queue of people forming in front of him.

“’Sup Rue, sorta busy right now” He barely looked up while greeting her in a grumpy tone. He really wanted to finish selling, go home, feel sorry for himself, and for this night to end already. He was contemplating weather or not he should text Lexi when he got home, but was worried he'd come across desperate. He definitely did not have time for Rue and her shenanigans tonight, but instantly started listening to her when she mentioned his girl.

“God everyone is in such a mood tonight.” Rue said. “Lexi was also being no fun.”

“Wait, Lexi’s here?” Fez asked, immediately stopping in the middle of selling weed to Paul, a burnout who Rue had science class with. If Lexi is here why hadn’t he seen her yet, was she avoiding him? First the unanswered messages and now this. He felt anxiety in his stomach as he wondered if he did something to upset her.

“Yeah I came over here to ask if you’d seen her.” Rue said, while looking around a little frantically, to see if she could spot Lexi anywhere.

“Did you lose her?” Fez asked, now completely ignoring Paul, who was standing there awkwardly.

“Yeah she got too drunk and wandered off.” Rue said.

“What? Why didn’t you keep an eye on her, Rue?” Fez sounded much angrier than he had any right to be, but he knew if the roles were reversed, Lexi would have taken care of Rue.

Rue was confused, it was almost like he was worried and protective of Lexi. Rue knew they were hanging out but didn’t realize what good friends they were.

“I was! She got away from us!” Rue suddenly felt the need to defend herself. “She’s slippery when totally wasted.”

“Hey dude, can I -” Paul tried to interrupt.

“- Shut it man” Fez almost shouts at Paul. “Dammit Rue, how bad is she?” Fez asked. It wasn’t like Lexi to drink much, she was usually the sensible friend. Especially because of her parents and their addiction issues. Actually he’s never seen Lexi very drunk before, she usually only has a drink or two, and didn't even like weed much.

“Why do you care?” Rue asked angrily, unhappy to be blamed for Lexi going missing. What was Fezco’s problem tonight? Lexi was probably fine, she never got into trouble like Rue or the other girls did. Why was Fez being so mean to her about it?

“Why is she so drunk?” Fez asked, ignoring the previous question. Why did he care? Maybe because Lexi had become the most important person to him in his life the last few months, she was his best friend, his girl.

“She’s all upset because she asked some guy out and he rejected her.” Rue explained quickly.

Fez felt his heart sink. Not only was Lexi drunk and alone at a party, he had finally found out why she wasn’t responding to his messages. She liked someone else. Through his own heart break he felt something else. Pure rage.

Lexi liked someone else and that asshole had rejected her? What kind of fucking idiot would reject Lexi Howard? Fez thought to himself. He was absolutely fuming. He was filled with worry but his thoughts were interrupted by some kid trying to get his attention.

“Hey, I don’t care about this Lexi girl. Can I score some weed or not?” Paul stupidly said.

Fez turned to look at him with absolute murder in his eyes.

“Dude I’m going to beat the shit out of you, if you don’t fuck off right now.” He roughly shoved Paul. “Actually all of you fuck off” He said as the crowd quickly scampered away, not understanding the sudden change in the air.

“Jesus Fez, chill out. She probably just passed out somewhere.” Unsurprisingly, this did nothing to reassure Fez, who knew exactly what horrific things could happen to unconscious girls at parties. Fez needed to focus. Okay Lexi wasn’t into him. He should have expected that. But she was in danger and lost and probably scared. So he shoved his hurt down and focused all his effort on what he could actually do.

“For fuck sake Rue. Where do you think she’s gone?” He asked.

“I was about to check the garden,” Rue suggested.

They both made their way outside, where there was a pool with some people hanging around. Fez’s intense anger didn't subside as they made their way through party goers. People jumped out of his way when they saw the anger on his face and clenched fists. Fez’s reputation precedes him and no one had forgotten what happened at New Years.

Fez was beyond enraged. A part of him always expected Lexi not to like him back. A smaller part of him thought maybe she’d be better off liking someone else.
But never imagined that she would be rejected by some other boy. Who was he? Fez considered himself a very calm person, never violent without a reason and wasn't controlled by his emotions.

But he had never felt such anger until right now. He wanted to kill this boy, and he didn’t even know him. Did he not know how lucky he was? Why would anyone turn down the chance to be with Lexi? Imagine being offered the very best thing in the world, and to pass it up. Its not only insulting but stupid. He could feel the jealousy fill him up from the inside.

He tried to calm down as he took his phone out to call her and noticed she had finally texted him back. His heart was hammering as he read the incomprehensible messages.

*It’’s finne. I think Cassie will be happy in front*
*No its a good thing end*
*I;m so sorry sorry Fex*

What the hell was she saying, she never sent him drunk messages before. He hoped she was somewhere safe.

He hit the call button, as he and Rue looked around the garden. Music was blaring from the party so they stopped for a moment to listen before hearing the phone ring in the far corner of the garden. Fez started across in that direction, with Rue trailing close behind.

What they came across sent a ripple of fear and anger through Fez. Lexi was slumped on a old sofa with none other than Nate Jacobs.

Chapter Text

Old couches are where they usually found themselves at parties. Sharing a sofa and having playful or insightful conversations. But what Fez was seeing now was all wrong. Instead of Lexi sitting upright and pretty, she was slumped to the side, and instead of Fez sitting next to her, listening to his girl while smoking a joint, there was Nate Jacobs’s large frame looming over Lexi as he attempted to get closer to her.

“Come on, lil’ Howard, your sister would let me hit.” Fez overheard Nate saying. Lexi was pushing Nate away but she was clearly very drunk and her head was rolling to the side while she muttered “Fuck off, Nate” and tried to stand up.

Fez saw red. He ran to the sofa, grabbing Nate by the sweater and pulling him off of Lexi. Nate seemed startled and confused as to why he suddenly found herself held up by the scruff of his sweater. There was a moment of realization when Nate recognised Fez and dread washed over him. Fez wasted no time and punched him clean across the face, in one heavy blow. The snap of Nate’s nose could be heard across the yard. Party goers started to look over and take their phones out to capture the fight that had once again broken out between the two boys.

“Fez, please don’t get in trouble!” Lexi said as she started to cry. She had fallen back against the couch and Rue was now at her side, making sure she was okay.

Fez wanted to continue hitting Nate and finish the job he started on New Years. But something broke in him when he heard Lexi crying. He looked between Nate’s bloody nose and Lexi’s buffy eyes, and made up his mind. He turned and punched Nate one final time, and let go of him. His body hit the floor with a thud, exclaiming “Fuck you, you fucking drug dealing waste of space.” Nate quickly stood up and started backing away from Fez, saying “Those Howard girls aren’t even worth it man.” Seeing the pure hatred in Fez’s eyes, Nate decided it would be better to scurry away and quickly left the garden wiping his bloody nose on the back of his sleeve.

Fez didn’t spare him another look, as he went to check on Lexi.

“Lex? You okay?” he bent in front of her, reaching out to gently brush her hair out of her face. Concern was clearly displayed on his face, and he completely forgot about playing it cool, or that Rue was there. He went from his violent drug dealing persona, to being his honest self, that not many people bore witness to, the him that was gentle, protective and caring.

“Fez” Lexi moaned as tried to sit up straight. She leaned too far forward and Fez had to catch her. “Hey, hey, I got you shorty” he muttered as he pulled her up, putting his hands around her waist and leading her away from all the onlookers to the front of the house.

“Don’t worry Lex, we’ve all been there” Rue said trying to be reassuring.

“Little Howard you okay?!” Maddie had heard that someone had punched Nate and had immediately come to watch, closely followed by Cassie.

Fez was half carrying Lexi, as she tried to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. “Great job again, Fez!” Maddie said to him with a wink. “Every party should end with Nate getting fucked up.”

“Lex are you okay?” Cassie asked, reaching for her and going into big sister mode, even in her own drunk state.

“Damn, that fuckboy has her all fucked up” Kat said, picking up Lexi’s bag. If Fez wasn’t so concerned for Lexi’s safety in that moment, he would have asked Kat who exactly this boy is, so he could go and punch his lights out next. He was shaking with adrenaline from the fight and was trying to focus on making sure Lexi stayed upright.

“I’m fine, I’m fine, don’t need to be looked after” Lexi slurred, falling back against Fez, who held her tighter.

“My cars at the front, let’s move her,” Fez said.

“Thanks Fez” Cassie said, while moving to Lexi’s other side so they could maneuver her together. “And seriously thanks for saving her from Nate.”

“Anytime Cassie'' Fez joked, knowing that he actually meant it. He’d always be there if Lexi needed him.

But as Lexi heard Fez say Cassie’s name she stopped walking and looked up at him with big, tear filled eyes. Something seemed to dawn on her as the tears fell down her face.

“Hey, it's okay.” Fez tried to wipe the tears away with one hand, while the other was holding her up. “What’s wrong girl?” Lexi didn't answer and just kept blubbering.

“Love will fuck you up” Cassie said sadly, as they started moving again.

“Didn’t think it would happen to Lexi though” Rue said, as she suspiciously looked between Fez and Lexi, finally making the connection.

They made it to Fez’s car slowly and he was trying to awkwardly open the door, while keeping a firm hold on Lexi. Cassie let go, as he gently lowered Lexi into the backseat. She was sitting sideways with her feet out of the car, while Fez crouched down in front of her.

“Lexi, I don’t even know this boy but I hate him, such a dickhead.” Maddie said.

“No, he’s the best.” Lexi muttered gazing lovingly at Fez. “He just likes someone else.” Fez frowned at her words, only Lexi would still speak nicely about the boy who broke her heart, and caused her to drink until she almost passed out.

Fez gently lifted her legs into the car, spinning her to face forwards as he did. As he leaned in to put her seat belt on, he quietly said, just for her to hear “He doesn't deserve you, Lex. You’re too good for him.”

“Fez, you’re the best” Lexi said gently as she reached out and cupped his face with her hand while the other held on to his arm.

“You’re definitely drunk, ma” Fez said, shaking his head fondly, taking her hand off his face and holding it in his. God he wished she was sober and not just babbling drunk. He wanted to be the best for her. He definitely wanted to try his best for her.

“I hope she makes you really happy” Lexi said sadly, interrupting his thoughts as she let go of his hands and sat back in her seat, looking at him like he just kicked her in the shins.

“I’m fucking confused ma, you don’t make no sense when you’re drunk” Fez chuckled at the nonsense she was coming out with.

“Cassie!” Lexi tried to explain as she started to cry again.

Fez quickly pulled out of the car and straightened up.

“Yeah, she’s right here Lex, don’t worry we didn’t leave her behind” Fez tried to comfort her. He admired how Lexi was still trying to look after her sister even in her very drunk state.

“No, Cassie is the girl” Lexi muttered trying again to explain as her sister got into the car beside her and Fez shut her door.

“Yeah, I’m THAT girl” Cassie joked, as she wrapped an arm around Lexi.

Fez offered a ride to the other girls but was glad when they declined, wanting to bring Lexi home as quickly as he could. Kat handed him Lexi’s bag and Rue gave him a knowing look. Shit he should have been more subtle, Fez thought to himself.

“Fez, do you happen to know who Lexi’s secret man friend is?” Rue said, in a singsong voice.

“I dunno,” Fez said quickly with a shrug. He felt his cheeks burn at the insinuation. Of course he wasn't Lexi's man, if he was lucky enough to be her man she would never be crying and drunk in the back of someones car. He rushed back to the car now, wanting to get away from Rue as fast as possible. He could not deal with her teasing him about his crush on Lexi right now. It was bad enough that Ashtray knew.

“Hmm you can tell me tomorrow so!” Rue called after him gleefully.

When he got behind the wheel, Lexi was already almost asleep on Cassie’s shoulder.

“So just go left here, and then it’s only 10 minutes…” Cassie started giving Fez directions to their house, not knowing that he had already driven Lexi home many times. He pretended not to know, feeling sad that Lexi obviously hadn’t told Cassie anything about them yet. He constantly spoke to Ash and Faye about Lexi. Maybe their friendship didn't mean as much to her as it did to him.

It was pretty silent in the car, Lexi slept the whole way, with Fez glancing at the mirror constantly to check if she was okay.

When Fez pulled up outside their house, Lexi started waking up. Fez got out of the car to help, but Cassie had already helped Lexi to her feet, and they were making their way towards the house. Lexi looked very groggy and embarrassed. “Thanks, Fez,” she said in a small voice.

“Yeah, no problem,” Fez said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head nervously. “Hope you feel better tomorrow.”

“Come on, let's get you to bed” Cassie said, trying to lead Lexi away from him.

“Bye, Fez,” Lexi said.

“Night, Lex” Fez said, feeling somewhat at a loss of what to say he started to turn away and offhandedly said “Cassie text me, if you need anything.”

He saw Lexi’s face fall. “You’re always texting Cassie,” she said as she walked to the front door, sounding annoyed at him.

Fez turned back in confusion, why was she annoyed? He meant Cassie should text if she needed any more help with Lexi. But he knew how she hated needing help so she was probably just embarrassed, he also figured she was still drunk and not making a lot of sense right now. He waited by his car until the girls got in safe, gave them a wave and then started driving home. He felt exhausted and his knuckle hurt when he clenched the steering wheel. He had a horrible feeling he completely messed things up with Lexi, but had no idea where he went wrong or how to fix it.

Chapter Text

Lexi’s perspective:

Lexi woke the next day feeling like shit. Bits and pieces of last night were coming back to her in flashes. Seeing Cassie and Fez together, crying by herself at the pool and drinking a whole bottle of wine, suddenly not being alone and having to deal with Nate Jacobs. Fez fighting him again, but this time it was because of her. Driving her home. Telling her friends about Fez not liking her back, oh god had she told her friends about them? It was all a little blurry now.

She felt so guilty, Fez was going to get in trouble again either with Cal or the police, and it was all her fault. Why did she behave like that? Because she was jealous that Fez wasn’t in love with her? She was acting so selfish, Fez was her best friend and he deserved to be with the person he loved. She couldn’t stand in his way just because he didn’t like her back.

Lexi knew who she was, she was annoying, spoke too much, wasn’t very pretty, definitely wasn’t hot. She upset people and annoyed others.

But now she was worried she was the worst parts of her sister too, she got drunk and cried about boys not liking her. She embarrassed herself in public. She was pathetic, at least Cassie cried over her boyfriends. She was crying over a boy who didn’t even like her like that.

And now he never would. Now that he had seen her at her worst, drunk, messy, make up smudged all over her face, emotionally crying. If he hadn’t liked her before he definitely wouldn’t now. She had messed everything up.

Lexi tried to pull herself out of bed. She looked over to Cassie’s side of the room where the blonde was still asleep. Last night she must have done her skin care routine because she looked amazing, even when asleep. Lexi had apparently fallen asleep in the same outfit she wore last night, and Cassie had obviously tried to get most of her makeup off, as evidenced by the number of make up remover pads lying beside her bed.

Lexi sighed, she had to make this right. Cassie and Fez deserved each other. They both helped her last night, even though it was her own fault she ended up in that state. They were both good people, and maybe they would make a good couple, and maybe she could even support them some day and not be blinded by jealousy. She needed to put the people she loved first.

She made her way to the shower to wash off all traces of the night before. She could still feel the ghost of Nate's hands touching her. She shuddered as she poured more body wash on her lufa.

While in the shower, she tried to plan what to say to Fez. She would have to be honest, he deserved that at least. She would tell him about her feelings for him, that she understood he didn’t reciprocate and that she would be completely supportive of him pursuing Cassie.

She took a deep breath and got out of the shower looking at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were all swollen, she had multiple zits on her chin, and she looked pale and lifeless. She had been so stupid to think Fez might like her.

He was better off with Cassie. The image of them hugging at the part flashed in her mind, they looked right together. God I fucking hope Cassie doesn’t break his heart, she thought to herself as she prepared to leave the house.

Xxx

Fez’s perspective:

Fez was exhausted. Ashtray had greeted him casually the night before as he came in, but did a double take when he saw his expression.

“Yo, what happened?” Ash said, looking at Fez’s bloody knuckles. He followed Fez to the kitchen as he was looking for some ice in the freezer to nurse his hand.

Fez shrugged, not really wanting to talk about it. “I hit that bitch Nate Jacobs.”

“Jesus Fez, again? You’re getting pretty reckless, man. I thought Lexi was going to chill you out, but apparently not.” Fez didn’t respond. “Why’d you do it?”

“It actually happened because of her…”

“What? What did that punk do?” Ash asked with sudden urgency. The poor boy was as protective of Lexi as Fez was.

“He tried it on with her-” Fez had hardly gotten the words out of his mouth, before Ash had jumped up and was yelling “What? What the fuck, he tried your girl?”

Fez had given up on the ice, instead opened the fridge, got a beer, and was holding it against his hand. “She’s not my girl.” Fez muttered.

Ash rolled his eyes. “I hope you put him in hospital again, bro.”

“Nah,” Fez answered wearily.

“Fuck did you kill him?” He asked suddenly very serious, but also excited.

“Jesus, no Ash, I just hit him a bit, maybe broke his nose. So yeah, actually maybe he will go to hospital I don't know. I don’t really care” Fez muttered with a shrug.

“Why are you being in such a bitch mood then?”

He sounded just like Rue, Fez thought with a chuckle, knowing how much Ash would hate that.

“Lexi was pretty drunk tonight. Had me worried.” Fez said, avoiding Ashtray’s eye contact. “...and it turns out she’s into some other guy.”

“Yo, what the fuck?!” Ashtray yelped, not expecting that at all. “She told you that?” He sounded skeptical.

“Nah man, her friends told me, she's just into some other guy.” Fez said, trying to appear casual.

“Who is this cunt? Want to beat him up?” Ash asked seriously. “It might make you feel better.”

“Nah man, he’s actually not interested in her anyway” Fez scoffs angrily, as he takes a deep gulp of his beer.

“Stupid, doesn’t know a good thing when he sees it then” Ash frowned in thought. “Means you still have a chance, bro,” He said hopefully.

Fez smiled a little at that, feeling very unsure. “Yeah, thanks man. I’m heading to bed.” he said as he made his way out of the room.

“Yeah okay” Ash said and then added “Hey bro I'm sorry, really thought she was into you.”

“S’ok, she’s still my girl” he said with a shrug as he headed towards his bedroom, plopping down on the bed, with his beer can still in hand.

She was still his girl, he thought, even if she only ever wanted to be friends. He shouldn’t risk what they have, by telling her about his feelings. But if he does tell her, he’d have a chance to actually be with her in the way he wanted. He could take her on dates and kiss her at parties. And other dudes would back off, knowing they were together.

He wondered if her friends would approve, and Cassie, would she be supportive? They had all just seen him beat someone up (again), even if it was Nate and he did deserve it. He hoped driving the two sisters home would improve how Cassie sees him at least. He did try and help Lexi, tried to keep her safe.

Fez finished his beer, crumpled the can and angrily threw it in the direction of the bin. God, he was such a fuck up. Of course her friends would never approve. Of course Lexi wouldn't like him back, what was he even thinking? What had Nate called him? A drug dealing waste of space. That's how other people saw him. And it’s exactly what he was. The only thing he was good for was criminal activity, not being someone's boyfriend.

He had allowed himself to become too emotional tonight, he had blindly fought Nate, without thinking of the consequences. He wondered if Lexi would judge him for his violent act? She hadn't before, but seeing it again, seeing what he's capable of. He'd ruined his shot with the girl before they even had a chance.

He lay in bed for hours before falling asleep, thinking these same thoughts over and over.

Chapter Text

Lexi took a deep breath. She had been standing outside of Fez’s apartment for about 10 minutes, trying to gather the courage to knock on the door. She knew Fez would be annoyed with her hanging around outside, he’s always telling her how dangerous this area is, and the unsavoury characters who might come to his door. But it was still early in the morning, so she assumed no one was looking for drugs at this time.

She still felt a little dizzy and weak, her stomach was rolling and she wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or the effects of the hangover. She kept thinking of how stupid she’d acted the night before and was flooded with shame.

She felt her phone buzz, and glanced at the screen expecting another message from Fez. She had left his last one unanswered, dreading what it might say.

But she was surprised to see a text from Ashtray.

*JUST GO IN ALREADY!

Oh my god she had forgotten about the CCTV cameras surrounding their apartment. Her cheeks turned bright red in embarrassment.

*wtf? She texted back, as she looked around for the hidden cameras.

*Relax, Fez doesn’t know you’re outside
*I’m bored in the shop so I’ve been monitoring the cameras
*god juST KNOCK Already!

Lexi rolled her eyes at the flood of texts from Ash, she threw the phone into her tote bag and knocked on the door.

There was no answer so she knocked a second time.

“Fuck off!” She heard Fez shout from inside. She jumped, never having heard him be anything but happy to see her. He probably didn’t get enough sleep last night because of her stupid behaviour at the party, she thought.

She knocked again, “We ain’t got no product today, come back tomorrow,” Fez shouted through the door. She wondered if she was waking him up, and considered just leaving. But she had to see this through, Fez had called her fearless once she had to try. Not to mention, Ashtray would witness her humiliating retreat from the house. She took a deep breath.

“Fez it’s me… Lexi” She said nervously. She heard a thud and stomping, as he seemingly ran to the door.

“Lexi!” he exclaimed as he opened the door, pulling a hoodie over his torso into place. She got a flash of his lower stomach and had to look away with a blush. “Sorry I didn’t know you were coming, did you text?” he asked, fumbling to check his phone. As if he hadn’t been checking it every 3 minutes all morning to see if she’d responded to him.

“No, sorry I didn't text,”’ she said in a small voice.

“Nah shortie, don't be sayin’ sorry. You're always welcome” he tried to feign casualness as he leaned against the door frame.

They stood in silence for a minute, as Lexi looked down at her shoes.

“Can I come in?” She asked shyly.

“Yeah, yeah sorry” he scrambled away from the door, allowing her in.

Oh god, what was she doing here? Fez thought to himself. She’s definitely acting strange. Did Rue tell her about her suspicions? She seemed embarrassed and awkward. They’re usually so comfortable around each other. But now she’s being unusually quiet and he doesn’t know what to say.

In the time it takes for Lexi to walk into the living room, with Fez following her with a worried expression on his face, he comes to the false conclusion that she obviously knows about his crush and doesn’t feel the same way. She’s probably going to try and let him down nicely. She might even be annoyed at him for ruining their friendship.

Fez was having so many horrible thoughts and he failed to notice that he’s left the TV on.

Lexi walked into the sitting room where the film he had put on, to cheer himself up, was still playing.

“Are you watching Mama Mia?” She turned to look at him, eyebrows raised.

“No,” Fez said quickly as they both looked at the screen where a couple were dancing on the beach and singing.

“Don't go wasting your emotion,
Lay all your love on me,
Don't go sharing your devotion,
Lay all your love on me”

Fez panicked, unfroze and reached for the remote. He fumbled with the buttons until finally switching the TV off. How could he be so nimble with a gun but whenever Lexi was in the room, he was a disaster.

Once the TV was off the room plunged into silence as they stared at each other, before Lexi let out a little giggle. Soon they were both laughing so hard their sides hurt and Lexi had tears in her eyes.

The awkward feeling was gone, as they both fell onto the sofa into their usual positions.

“Just, didn’t know you were an Abba fan, that's all,” Lexi teased, wiping her eyes.

“In fairness, even Ash likes this one,” Fex tries to defend himself.

They lapsed into silence again but this time it was more comfortable. For a moment Lexi considered not telling him. She could very easily suggest they finish the film. She could keep on pretending she has no feelings for him. That she doesn’t know about his feelings for Cassie. She could keep having more moments like this with him.

But she would always wonder…

She knew what needed to be done, like ripping off a bandage.

“Fez I wanted -” she tried to start.

“So, how’s your head-” Fez asked at the same time.

“Sorry” they both said, and the silence afterwards was a little awkward again.

“You go first,” Fez said softly.

“How's your hand?” Lexi asked gently, delaying what she really came here to say.

“Oh it’s fine, I've had worse.” He smiled, then winced when he realised what that implied. The comment brought him back down to earth. He was pretending to be a normal teenage boy, but he was dangerous. He was a drug dealer who regularly busted his knuckles. His life had no space for someone as gentle as Lexi.

“How are you feeling?” Fez asked quickly, changing the subject. “After last night” he clarified. He had asked her the same questions this morning via text but she hadn’t responded.

“I’m okay,” she said, looking down bashfully and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well I’ve been better. Thanks for looking after me.”

“No problem, Lex,” Fez said with a shrug. “I’d have driven you home anyway.”

Lexi took a deep breath before saying “I just wanted to say, I’m so sorry about you getting in that fight with Nate. I’m sorry I was so stupid, and got so drunk. I should be able to look after myself properly. I’m such an idiot-”

“Woah, woah” Fez cut her off, hating hearing her speak badly about herself. “Don’t need to be apologising for that, ma, it’s not your fault. And you’re the smartest person I know, so don’t be talking like that”

“No, I’m so sorry Fez, you’re going to get in trouble again-” Lexi continued as tears threatened to escape.

“Hey, it was my decision to hit him, and I'd do it again.” Fez proudly admitted, reaching to hold her hand, wanting to comfort her. “When I saw him with you, I wanted to rip his hands off you, and off his own body…still might to be honest. He had no right to try and …” Fez’s words failed him. “...hurt you”. He finished lamely.

“I shouldn't have been so drunk,” Lexi insisted.

“Come on, ma. I get it, you were upset and drank too much.… it’s no biggie.”

Fez only realised how close they were to each other when she suddenly pulled back asking, “you know why I was upset?”

“Yeah, and I just wanna say, I’m sorry it happened like that.” Fez said, still angry about this unknown fuckboy, who rejected Lexi. He didn’t know how to express how stupid he thought this dick was, without seeming like a jealous ass.

“It’s okay Fez, I didn’t realise you already knew” Lexi said, going bright red. Had she said something last night afterall? Did she already admit her feelings for him?

“Sometimes the people we like aren't into us like that,” Fez said kindly, avoiding eye-contact. “But Lexi there might be someone already in your life who’s just dying for a chance to be with you.” Fez finally looked at her, captivated by her tear filled eyes, he moved closer, reaching for her hand again. He held it gently as she wiped the tears off her cheeks.

“Thanks Fez,” She said in a shaky breath. She looked at him devastated. Of course he would be sweet about rejecting her, and now she finally knew that he didn’t like her back.
Fez leaned in, brushing a strand of her hair back and holding her face up to make eye contact. She must know that he meant himself, that he was the one for her, if she would have him. They were both looking at each other meaningfully, completely misunderstanding the other. Lexi took a deep breath and Fez was close enough to notice the quick rise and fall of her chest.

She closed her eyes, gathered all her courage and said, “I want you to be happy Fez…”

Fez leaned in, not caring that this wasn’t the right moment, that it wasn't perfect, that she was crying and he was sleep deprived. He wanted to express how much she meant to him and words were failing him, as they always did. He needed her to understand. He leaned closer to her, wanting to capture her lips with his own. But instead she suddenly said…

“I think Cassie will make you really happy.”

Fez paused, completely taken out of the moment, “Huh?” he asked, pulling back as Lexi opened her eyes.

“It’s okay that you don't like me back. I just want you to be happy, and of course you like Cassie. She’s beautiful. She’s perfect.” Lexi tried to smile as he pulled away from her. She had done the right thing. She’d broken her own heart.

Fez froze, sitting completely upright, hand still in the air where it had been touching her face. “What are you talking about Lex?”

“I came to tell you that I understand that you don’t like me like that. But you and Cassie have my full support.”

“Support to do what?” Fez said completely at a loss.

“To date” Lexi said, with a furrowed brow.

“To date Cassie?” Fez repeated.

“Yes, Fez.” Lexi said, growing frustrated, she let out a sigh saying “I’ll set you up if you like. I’ll let her know how lucky she is to have you,” she said as she held back a sob, “And that you’re the best guy, I know. Even if you were just acting like my friend to get closer to her-” she tried to finish but let out a sob.

“Why would I want to date Cassie? What are you talking about?” Fez asked, alarmed by what Lexi was insinuating.

Lexi simply looked at him confused. Fez stood up, suddenly catching up with what she had just said. “Wait, you said like you back.”

Lexi looked at him helplessly, and then looked down at her lap as tears continued to fall from her pretty eyes. Fez had backed away from Lexi as he spoke but now he took 3 quick steps towards her, and dropped to his knees in front of her.

Lexi was looking at him completely bewildered. Even on his knees he was taller than her, as she sat on the edge of the sofa gazing up at him.

“You said like you back” he repeated, holding both her hands in his, desperately looking into her eyes, trying to find a hint if he had understood correctly. “You like me?” Fez breathed out, almost like a whisper, like a prayer.

“Of course, Fez,” Lexi whispered softly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

A smile split across Fez’s face and suddenly he was reaching for her. Their lips crashed together as Fez held her face in his hands. He could feel her wet cheeks were against his.
Lexi was caught off guard, but kissed him back passionately, feeling a dam break inside her, filling with relief as she finally got to do what she wanted. She grabbed the front of his hoodie and pulled him even closer. His hands were in her hair and around her waist as he pulled her down to the floor and onto his lap.

Fez deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth as she clutched the back of his head. He felt consumed by her, her weight in his lap, her mouth on his. This was all he’d ever wanted.

Lexi broke the kiss, completely breathless, as Fez continued to pepper kisses down her throat. She felt on fire, all she wanted to do was lose herself in the moment, but a million questions were running through her head.

“What about Cassie?” Lexi asked finally, placing her hands on both of his shoulders, pushing him away from her neck, while still keeping a firm hold on him.

“What about her?” Fez really didn’t understand why they were talking about Lexi’s sister right now, when he had just had the most life changing kiss.

“I thought you liked her?” Lexi asked, searching his face for an answer.

“Nah, ma, I’ve only had one girl on my mind since New Years” he said sweetly, reaching out to stroke her cheek.

“I thought…” Lexi shook her head, “I mean you were being so nice to her…”

“Yeah because she’s your sister,” Fez shrugged, as he tried to explain. “I want her to like me, to approve of me. I know I’m not good enough for you Lexi. My life is too dangerous, and violent…

“That's not true Fez. I understand your life is dangerous, but I know you, the side no one else gets to see. I know how good you are.”

God he wanted to be good for her, if she’d let him.

“I didn’t even finish highschool, and you’re the smartest, kindest, most beautiful-”

“Fez don’t be ridiculous” lexi tried to protest. He was saying the silliest things… and she wanted so desperately to believe him.

“-girl I’ve ever met. You’re my best friend” Fez continued. “You’re so beautiful Lexi” he said it with so much conviction it was difficult not to believe him. “and no you don’t look like Cassie, but you look like you and I like you.”

She kissed him hard before he could finish the sentence. Fez’s eyes widened comically before pulling her into him again. He would never pass up the opportunity to kiss his girl.
“I was so jealous yesterday when I saw you together,” she said when they broke apart.

Fez couldn’t believe that Lexi had thought he was interested in Cassie, with all he’d done the last few months trying to woo Lexi. He couldn’t believe she had offered to set him and Cassie up, he could never be so selfless with her. Even now he knew he didn't deserve her, that he had nothing to offer her. But if by God’s graces she was willing to be with him, he would never turn her away and never stop appreciating how lucky he was.

“I’m so jealous of this fuck boy you liked…” he answered, not able to express everything he was feeling right then.

“Fez, you’re the fuckboy,” she said with a laugh, taking his hand in hers, and settling further into his lap. Fez’s eyes widened as she settled her weight, fully straddling him. Fez tensed up, hoping she wouldn’t notice how excited he was, but Lexi misinterpreted his action, letting go of his hand thinking she had hurt him. “Sorry I forgot about your knuckles,” she said, gently kissing the back of his hand, where the bruises had formed. Fez used his injured hand to pull her face to his, kissing her gently. Ignoring the pain, as long as he got to hold his girl.

“Do you have any idea how jealous I was? Of myself?” he asked, punctuating each question with a kiss, but suddenly his face fell. “Wait, you were crying cos of me last night?” He asked, in disbelief.

Lexi shrugged as she cuddled closer into his arms. “It’s okay” she said, placing a sweet kiss on his cheek.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier,” He said, hugging her tighter.

He had never meant to make her cry, he never intended to hurt her. At a low point the night before, he had made a promise to himself: to break every bone in the stupid boy’s body, who had been foolish enough to reject Lexi Howard.

He wasn’t exactly sure how to keep that promise anymore, so instead he made a new one.

“I promise I’ll never make you cry again, shorty.” he said kissing her again.

After making out on the floor for who knows how long, Fez asked hopefully.

“Can you stay longer?”

“Yeah we have to finish watching Mama Mia” she said with a giggle. Lexi untangled herself from Fez, and sat down on the couch, expecting Fez to sit beside her as they normally did. Instead he sat down and then lifted her onto his lap. She put her arms around his neck, kissing him again.

Fez reached over to the side table and passed her something. “Here I got your favourites” he said, handing her a packet of haribos.

She gazed back at Fez smiling. Of course they were her favourites, and he had got them only for her.

/a few hours later/

Ashtray came home after locking up the shop. He was secretly happy that he hadn’t seen Lexi leave on the cameras. Not that he was keeping an eye out for her, of course.

He had hoped to find his brother and Lexi sitting on the couch, talking loudly as they usually did, watching a film.

Instead the house was completely quiet. He walked into the sitting room just to find them both asleep on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms, while the credits of some film played.

Ash couldn’t help but smile, happy no one was awake to witness it. He couldn’t believe how soft his brother was for that girl. But honestly there aren't many girls like Lexi out there.