[3] Writevember - Date

“Fuck fuck fuck-”

That’s been one of Anes’ many rambles as he paces around Willow’s room. This was not an unusual occurrence. Willow kept watching Anes move around frantically, a clear look of annoyance on their face. They didn’t mind listening to Anes (although, they would never admit that), but they couldn't help but find this tiring. 

What was Anes going on about this time? Well only the same person who’s been plaguing his mind for the past year and a half now. If you’d have asked Willow a few months prior, they wouldn’t have even pretended to listen to him. But now that they didn’t hate his guts, they have to listen to Anes’ gay rambles. 

“Why are you so worried about this? You two started dating like- a week ago. Wouldn’t that make this so much easier?” 

“You don’t understand! This is an actual date! The real thing! Ohhh…” Anes was quick to respond. He was fidgeting with his hands and couldn’t seem to find a comfortable position for either of them. His pace did not slow down, though. Willow was trying to distract themself with the almost rhythmic movements Anes was making, but they knew they couldn’t get away with that. 

They sighed and rubbed their brow. Of course they didn’t understand! Willow never understood why Anes wasted so much effort on a relationship at all. Every time he’d been in one, it had just seemed to hurt him. This wasn’t his first time on a date either, and those other times seemed to go fine. Willow just couldn’t understand, and it was driving them crazy. 

Why did Anes always come to them for dating advice? Sure, they gave good advice, but dating advice from them? They never wanted a relationship, let alone be there to encourage his best friend to make one of the worst decisions he ever could. 

What confused Willow the most was how much happier Anes seemed. Even if Willow couldn't understand, getting with Sterling seemed to make him happier than ever. So why was this getting to him? He’s just going on a date. With his boyfriend. Why is this worth the struggle? Just go on the date! Aghh!

“Willow?” Anes managed to get them out of their thoughts. Willow looked back up at Anes. They didn’t know when they stopped listening to him, but that didn’t matter right now. “Did… did you hear anything I said?”

“Of course I did.”

“Okay. What did I just say?”

“Listen… buddy- good ol’ pal ol’ chum-” Willow had to actually think about what to say here. The horror, “okay so on the off chance I didn’t understand, why is this bothering you so much?” Would Willow rather die than admit they didn’t understand? Of course!

Anes glares at them. He probably explained it, but Willow wouldn’t have known! “As I was saying… What if I mess it up? What if it goes so bad he doesn’t like me anymore?”

As soon as he says that, Willow starts laughing. Anes stops dead in his tracks and looks at them confused. “What? Why is that so funny?”

Willow has to hold back when they see how upset Anes looks. They didn’t mean to make him feel bad, really, they just find this too ridiculous. “That’s gotta be one of the dumbest things you’ve ever said!”

Anes still looks confused but a bit less hurt. He tilts his head, clearly looking less willing to talk now. Willow doesn’t ever stop talking, so this works out in their favor, “come on Anes, this guy likes you. Like in a like-like way. In a way that still surprises me! Seriously… you?” Willow mumbled that last part. He doesn’t care too much if Anes heard it or not. 

Anes looks down and goes back to fidgeting with his hands. Looks like he heard it! He also didn’t take it as Willow hoped he would. Willow was admittedly really surprised that Sterling liked Anes back in the first place. Like… c’mon. They’re not going to think about that too hard. They're probably not the right person to ask about that in the first place. 

They shake their head and pat the seat next to them on their bed. Anes rubs the back of his neck before sighing and sitting next to Willow. Anes keeps their eyes on the ground, but Willow knows he can still feel them smirking. 

“Look, I think you’re overthinking this. I know you always do that, but I think you gotta chill.” They elbow him, but they make sure it’s not too hard. The guy is sensitive, what can they say? “You want my advice? Just have fun with it. What’s the worst you can do? Don’t answer that.”

Anes looks back at Willow and lets out a chuckle. They can still tell he’s not convinced. Willow’s smirk falls as they glance towards the ground. What is he not getting? What is so hard about this for them? Why can’t they help him? 

“Are you scared that being in a relationship again is going to hurt you?” Willow doesn’t look up from where they're looking. Their filter really didn’t kick in for that one. 

Willow can see Anes nod out of the corner of their eye. They sigh before looking at him again. 

“Look, and this is coming from me, I really don’t think you can mess this up. Trust me, I saw first hand Sterling crushing on you. I don’t think you could say anything that’d make him love you less.” They choose not to comment too hard on that. Focus on cheering that bitch up dammit! “C’mon, it’s been over a year. Don’t sweat it, you’re doing good.” They give him a little itty bitty genuine smile. Just a small one. Only for him. 

Anes looks back at Willow and returns the smile. “Well if even you’re saying that, then maybe it is right.” 

“You’ve asked other people before me?” Sweet moment over, Willow couldn’t let anyone see them like that for much longer. Back to bastard antics they go. 

“You’ve been the last person I’ve talked to.” He smirks. 

“Oh, saving the best for last I see?”

“If it helps you sleep at night!” Anes quickly stands up before Willow can protest or continue their bickering. The moment he stood up, all that confidence he just had seemingly vanished. Looks like reality caught up to him again. Seriously, how did Anes manage to score not just Sterling, but two people before. 

Willow stands up and walks over towards Anes. “What are ya waiting for?” They pat his shoulder and nudge him towards the door. “Don’t wanna keep him waiting, right?” 

Anes pries Willows paw off of him and gives them a similarly smug look they’ve been giving him. “Alright alright since you want me gone so bad.” He fixes his collar and walks towards the door. 

Willow stands there with their arms crossed, still smirking. “Yeah, get out of here! I don’t want to see any more gay shit!” 

“You won’t have to, asshole,” Anes shakes his head, and smiles again “Thank you.”

Willow sneaks in one last smile before Anes heads off. And just like that, he’s gone. Willow immediately lays down on their bed and rubs their face. They’re happy to help Anes, really, but thinking about this whole situation makes their head tired. They cannot believe those two idiots are dating. They also cannot believe that Willow is somewhat okay with the two of them dating. What on earth are they getting up to? 

They rolled onto their stomach. What are they getting up to? They don’t like that they don’t know. Those assholes are probably being all gay and stupid together. But can they trust that? They slam their head into their bed. They can’t do this! 

They roll out of their bed and immediately run out the door. They have a date to crash.