Ashton concluded that he was okay with people being gay and if Benji was one of those people, then that would be okay too.

So, he made his way over to Benji after practice and swung an arm over his shoulder, bringing his sweaty body closer.

"Hey man. Thanks for what you said at lunch..you know about Betsy and all," Ashton said, smiling gratefully at the boy next to him.

He was about to question if he was gay, but in the last second—decided against it. If Benji was, he should do it in his own terms and all Ashton could really do—was make sure Benji trusted him enough to confess.

He returned the smile, patting Ashton on the back, "Don't need to thank me mate. Just speaking my mind, anyway, Mateo's a dick."

Ashton laughed a little, pushing the boy away from him and sending him off to the change rooms with the rest of the team.

Ashton was one of the last to go in, and Mateo was lingering around behind him before halting Ashton mid-step.

"I don't think we should invite Benji to the fair with us," was what Mateo said, scratching the back of his neck.

He seemed uncomfortable to even speak Benji's name after his new revelation and Ashton restrained from rolling his eyes.

"That's not fair to not invite him to the fair. See what I did there?" Ashton attempted at a joke, trying to lift Mateo's distaste but it failed when he sent him a glare.

"I'm serious Ashton. You're like the head of the group so you have to tell him he can't come."

Ashton furrowed his eyebrows, compeletly bewildered by what his friend was saying to him.

"No, I'm not doing that. He's my friend, I cant."

Mateo pulled a face, something in between a scowl and amusement.

"Stop being a pussy Ashton. Tell him he's not invited or I'll be sure to end everything you have with Betsy," Mateo threatened, his green coloured eyes turning a shade darker as his anger grew.

Ashton's eyes widened as he stared at Mateo in shock. He knew Mateo could very well end his thing with Betsy, all he had to do was some shit talking and Betsy would despise him within minutes.

"Why would you do that? Is is that bad that Benji might be into guys?" Ashton asked.

Mateo nodded, "Yes. He'll probably try hold my hand or something.."

"I don't think—"

"—Ashton, shut up. Just fucking tell him or your little red head fling crap is over," Mateo growled and only then, did Ashton realise how engulfed with rage Mateo was.

He stepped back from Mateo and pointed with eyes over to the entrance of the changing rooms.

"Go. I'll tell him."