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Piece By Piece [Private RP — Closed]

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Sterling’s POV:

As soon as class was over, I looked around for Eden. I’d finally decided to ask her out, after having a crush on her for years.

We’d gone to the same schools since kindergarten, and I’d watched her get prettier and prettier each year. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason I was going to ask her out. I wasn’t that kind of guy.

No, I’d also been drawn to her personality Even if some might find her intimidating, I found her mysterious and intriguing. I wanted to get a glimpse of the girl under the impenetrable mask of boredom, to see what she was like behind her walls.

Finally, I caught sight of her, and I quickly ran a hand through my slightly-messy, brown hair as I made my way closer.

“Eden!” I called once I was only a few feet away, raising a hand so she would see who was talking to her.

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Eden’s POV:

Lucas had given us a surprise. He said he was back, for good. My parents teased him relentlessly, saying he only did it to be closer to Ashley. Anyway, today was his first day of school officially, and unfortunately for me, there was too much hype. Everyone was excited. It was tiring.
Since Lucas was back, I could be on my own more often. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Ashley, but sometimes I desired solitude. I liked sitting in a quiet corner and eat my lunch in peace instead of in the cafeteria. Besides, I doubt I’d be missed too much.
As I was making my way towards my spot, I felt a voice call out to me. It wasn’t Ashley. It wasn’t Lucas, either. I looked back in confusion, my eyebrows raised as I tried to find the source of the voice.
And I did.
He made it easy for me by raising his hand as he got closer. I narrowed my eyes. I didn’t think I knew him, but those hair and eyes seemed familiar to me.
I waited for him to reach me, an eyebrow raised questioningly.

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Sterling’s POV:

“Eden. Hey,” I greeted her with a grin as I caught up to her.

I stuck my hands in my back pockets, the epitome of calm and collected — at least, I hoped… Internally, I was freaking out a bit.

What was she going to think? What if she said no? What if she simply laughed in my face?

Actually, that last one was pretty unlikely, from what I’d noticed of her. She was more likely to just roll her eyes and walk away without a word, which, I must admit, would baffle me.

I mean, I don’t like to brag, but I’m a pretty good-looking guy. Not that she should agree to go on a date with me just for that. Or that she should agree to go on one with me at all.

From the look she gave me, it didn’t even look like she recognized me. I wasn’t sure if I should be upset about that or if it was normal. I mean, we had grown up together, but we were never really in the same social circles. In fact, I was actually in her best friend’s circle more than I was her, being one of the more popular guys in the school and all.

“You… don’t remember me, do you?” I asked, my grin turning to a smaller smile.

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Eden’s POV:

I didn’t say anything at first. I narrowed my eyes, trying to remember. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger. I didn’t know his name. It wasn’t much of a surprise for me; I was absent-minded and barely paid any attention to anyone, or the way they looked. I didn’t even know the names of my classmates, or what they looked like. It wasn’t something new for me. It wasn’t something I cared about, either.
I knew this boy, but I couldn’t remember where I’d seen him. He was familiar. Finally, ceasing my glare, I parted my lips.
“I… don’t remember your name,” I finally replied, my voice soft yet blank. “Is there anything you want from me?”

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Sterling’s POV:

That didn’t surprise me. Not at all. But it would have been cool if she had.

“I’m Sterling. Sterling Ainsley,” I said softly. “I just… had a quick question for you, that’s all.”

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Eden’s POV:

He looked upset at my reply. I frowned. Why? I don’t recall conversing with anyone other than Ashley. Had I helped him before, against bullies? Were we desk-mates in a previous class? I didn’t understand.
“Sterling,” I repeated, testing to see if I’d remember. The name rang no bell in my head, but it was the face that bothered me. “What is it?”

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Sterling’s POV:

Gosh, this was going to be really awkward if she didn’t remember me… But I was determined to ask. And I had to do it now.

“Okay, I know you don’t remember me, so this is probably going to be really strange,” I started with an awkward laugh, scratching at the back of my neck. “But would you like to go out with me?”

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Eden’s POV:

I stared at Sterling, but it wasn’t with a blank expression. I have to be honest—students usually don’t ask me out. Sterling was still rubbing the back of his head, awkwardness present in his movements. I stared at him, trying to uncover what he was planning. He met my gaze head-on.
Finally, I answered. I don’t know why I did. I could have turned my back on him and left. That’s how I did things. If it didn’t prove to be amusing for me, I wouldn’t bother. This wasn’t anything amusing. Yet, I opened my mouth.
“Why?” I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms slowly. I truly didn’t understand this. What was he planning? Did he think I’d truly say yes? I’d say yes, so he could tame me? Why else would he want me to go out with him?

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Sterling’s POV:

It took forever for her to answer, it felt like. And when she finally did, it wasn’t what I was expecting.

“Why?” she asked, crossing her arms and looking as fierce as she always did.

“Because… I find you intriguing. I want to get to know you better,” I answered, for once able to express my thoughts. “You’re interesting. I just want to see what you’re like behind your walls.”

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Eden’s POV:

That was it. That’s what I was looking for.
“And then what?” I tilted my head to the side, a mocking smile on my face. “Once you find out what I am behind these walls, then what? If I’m no longer mysterious and interesting, then what? If I turn out to be an ordinary girl, then what? Will that be the end of your games? Will that satisfy your boredom?”

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Sterling’s POV:

I blinked at her and raised an eyebrow. “You think I just want to use you? Eden, I just want to get to know you. Honestly, I’m not just going to drop you once I learn more about you,” I assured her.

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Eden’s POV:

I smiled bitterly.
“No? Isn’t that what this game’s all about, though?” I’d been in this situation enough times to hate it. What made them think they could come into my life and get to know me? Did they truly think I was that stupid?

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Sterling’s POV:

“This isn’t a game, Eden. I genuinely want to get to know you,” I said softly. I sighed and started to turn around, moving my backpack higher up into my shoulder. "But if you can't see that, then I'm not sure if there's any point in me even trying anymore."

Not that I would stop. No; if anything, I'll just try harder to win her heart.

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Eden’s POV:

I raised an eyebrow as Sterling moved to walk away. He seemed genuine, but that wasn’t enough to make me believe him. Nobody approached me without an ulterior motive. Sterling wasn’t any different.
I suppose there wasn’t any reason to stay. He was done, I was done.
Somehow, I felt disappointed. Maybe a part of me hoped he was being sincere.
Then I laughed at myself. It was silly to assume otherwise. I once believed, and I was crushed. I was far too independent, like he said. Eventually, everyone would get tired. Eventually, they would all move on. That’s all they did, anyway.

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Sterling's POV:

I was far from finished with this. I would do my best to win her heart, and if I couldn't then at least I would know that I tried.

Walking away, I half expected her to stop me. When she didn't, though, I wasn't surprised. Of course she did't stop me; she didn't even trust me.

(Skip? Maybe we could through some LucasxAshley drama/fluff in? Or some more SterlingxEden drama?)

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(We need ship names! 🤣 Cash= Lucas x Ashley? 🤣🤣)

Lucas’s POV:

Ever since Eden got home, she had been distracted. Usually, it wasn’t something to be worried about, but this time, she was more out of it than she normally is. Eden wasn’t the type to tell anyone about her problems. She’d rather fix them on her own. I, on the other hand, talked to her about everything. It made me feel like a pathetic older brother. Not even a little reliable.
“Did Eden tell you anything?” I finally asked Ashley, opening my eyes and looking up at her from her lap. I was tired, and it was comfortable. I loved it when she ran fingers through my hair. It made me feel at peace. “Whatever that’s bothering her?

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(Yes!!! I love that.
Hm… Steed = Sterling and Eden?)

Ashley's POV:

My smile wavered at Lucas' sudden question, and I shook my head in response. I frowned a bit as I twisted a piece of his hair between my fingers, looking down at him softly.

"No, she hasn't. I'm starting to get worried about her," I admitted quietly. "Has she been eating at home?"

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(That sounds cool! So Cash and Steed. Weird names! 🤣)

Lucas’s POV:

I bit my lower lip, sighing.
“No,” I reponded just as quietly, watching as Eden scrolled through her phone, earphones in her ears. I could hear the music blasting from across the room. I kept telling the idiot to stop listening to music with the volume too loud, but it seems she just wants to go deaf. “She hasn’t. I’m worried she’s relapsing. Mom cooked her favorite food yesterday and she barely ate anything. She hasn’t even told anything to mom, and that’s extremely worrying because Eden is such a mama’s girl.”

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Ashley's POV:

I sighed and glanced over at her as well. It was nearing the time where she'd been broken, so I guess it made sense that she was feeling it more than usual. But she still needed to eat.

"I'm getting worried about her," I whispered, closing my eyes as I hung my head. "She's going to get sick if she keep this up."

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Lucas’s POV:

“Let’s take her to the zoo,” I suggested, remembering my sister’s love for animals. Perhaps if she spent time with some, she’d feel better. “She always feels better once she has fun with animals.”
Right when I finished, Eden’s music suddenly turned off.
“Luke,” she addressed me with her eyes narrowed before moving on to my girlfriend. “Lee. Let’s play a game on the PS4.”
Yes, if Eden wants to play a game with me, then there was definitely something to be worried about.

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Ashley's POV:

Opening my eyes, I looked up at Eden, raising my eyebrows. "Um. We were actually thinking of going to the zoo together. You know, just the three of us, like old times," I said hesitantly. In all honesty, I would rather go out than play a game, anyway…

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Lucas’s POV:

Honestly, you couldn’t tell what Eden was feeling unless you knew her better. The easiest emotion to understand was happiness. When Eden was happy, her ears would perk up and there would be a twinkle in her eyes. It made her look adorable.
“The zoo?” She echoed, a small smile on her face. I looked at Ashley and grinned. “They’ve added hedgehogs recently. I’ve been meaning to check them out myself.”
We’ve been to the zoo so many times that we know every inch of that place. When Eden was more fluffy, she’d convince mom and dad to take her there every day. Dad could never refuse her. It was funny, and adorable.

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Ashley's POV:

"Great! Let's go, then!" I exclaimed, trying to wiggle out from under Lucas' head. "Who's car are we taking? Because you both know I'll vote we take mine."

Yeah… I really liked my Jeep. Like, a lot, if you couldn't tell.

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Lucas’s POV:

“I vote for Ash’s, too,” I shrugged, not wanting her to be upset. She loved her Jeep like it was her life. I faintly saw Eden roll her eyes, but I pretended not to notice. I was just glad that she was at least trying to enjoy herself. Going to the zoo would lift her spirits.
Eden didn’t say anything, but she simply walked outside the house and stood in front of Ashley’s Jeep with an expecting look on her face. She looked impatient.
“Let’s go before she kills us,” I joked, grinning at Ashley.

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(I'm just gonna do a bit of a skip…)

Ashley's POV:

I finally pulled up at the zoo and found one of the few parking spaces that was actually close to the entrance. Putting the vehicle into park, I took out the keys and glanced at the twins with a smile. "Let's go, shall we?" I said, my voice holding a bit of laughter as I opened my door and stepped down.

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Eden’s POV:

I didn’t wait for Lucas and Ashley as I quickly went and paid for our visit. I simply couldn’t wait to see the hedgehogs.
There weren’t things that caused me to get excited like this. My mom is a vet, so as a child, she’d occasionally take me with her to spend some time with the animals. I deeply grew attached to them, and I want to follow in mom’s footsteps. Taking care of animals is something I want to do. They deserve it.
I turned back with an annoying expression, irritated at the laziness Lucas and Ashley displayed. They were definitely doing this on purpose, like they always did.

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(She’s so adorable!)

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(Lol. Yes!)

Ashley's POV:

"Calm down, Eden. The hedgehogs will still be there in a few minutes," I laughed.

Lucas and I were walking together, obviously, and our arms were wrapped around each other's waists. It was nice to be able to be with him like this. Especially since we hadn't gotten very far into our relationship the first time before it broke.

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Lucas’s POV

I grinned at Eden who was ahead of us, trying to contain her excitement.
“I swear, this is the only time she acts like she’s the younger twin,” I said to Ashley, wrapping my arm tighter around her. “She’s so adorable when she’s like this, like a little girl. I feel like a dad at this moment.”

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Ashley’s POV:

I couldn’t help but laugh a little at Lucas comparing Eden to a little girl and himself to a dad. That was just a funny picture in my mind. Not the Lucas-being-a-dad part — that part was just cute — but the Eden-acting-like-a-little-girl part.

“Yeah. It’s good to see her happy. This was a good idea, Luca,” I said, looking up to smile at him.