Raspen Anonymous AU

ch1 || The Proposal

Riley's hands were shaking as he dropped the knife, finger tips debating whether or not to continue latching onto the handle. He'd done it. He'd stabbed his own father.

It seemed like it would be an easy approach when the idea was sprung by his best friend, Aspen, especially after the same incident with his mom dying, but it wasn't. He couldn't help but let a tear fall down his dry face. Maybe it was because his mom killed herself more than Riley killing her, only under the influence. This one just seemed so sudden.

Aspen had been threatening Riley since they were 7 to help him and cover for him during all of his murders. Riley tried to reject the offer, but the options were kill people or be killed. And you know how that goes.

He needed to get out before he drove himself crazy with regret. He immediately drove to his girlfriend of 10 years, Amanda's house.

On the way there, the sky seemed to turn dark and a storm approached. He felt like he was in a movie. Maybe a dream. Maybe he could wake up, and he'd be seven again just hanging out with his now dead little brother, Leon. Maybe Leon wouldn't have died. Instead, he was now a 17 year old orphan battling death and high-school.

As he pulled onto the street, he took a glance in the windows of each house. It was only about 7:00, so many of the happy family's were joyfully eating dinner. It filled him with envy and nostalgia.

"Riley!" Amanda exclaimed once he was parked on the side of the road. "Hi!"

Riley climbed out of his parent's car, happy to greet his girlfriend. "Hey, 'Manda!" He gently kisses her. He thought seeing her would brighten up his night, but something felt weird when he kissed her. Something felt different.

He parted their lips and took a step back. He had practiced in the mirror many times to do this. He could do it.

"So, why'd you wanna come over?"

Riley sighed. Everything tonight felt so sudden, but he just needed to get this over with.

"Well-"

And just as he was about to get down on one knee, he got a call from somebody. He looked at his glowing phone, revealing a photo of Aspen. He always thought his hair looked so good in that specific photo. There was just something about it.

Not in a gay way though.

He answered it, wondering what it could be. Then he remembered. The plan. How it wasn't me who killed him.

"Blah, blah, blah, murder, steve, I'm a police or some shit, I don't know," Aspen rambled as he faked talking on the phone.

Riley reflected this by responding in a serious and upsetting tone. "Dead? How? I just saw him... okay, thank you."

He hung up, looking at Amanda. Something suddenly seemed wrong with her. He couldn't do it. He couldn't propose. Something inside of him screamed about it being wrong.

"Did you say... dead?" She nervously asked

Riley tried to put on a sad expression, but it appeared that it was naturally there. "Steve... h-he's..."

Amanda's eyes widen. "Oh my god. How? Who has it out for your family so badly?"

Riley flinched. He thought of Aspen, even though he was the one who held the knife.

"I'm not sure."

He suddenly needed to see Aspen more than ever. Those blue eyes, dyed hair, just... everything. He needed to see him.

"Amanda, I'm so sorry, but I have to go."

Amanda had a slight look of disappointment on her face, but clearly understood why. "Oh, of course, go do whatever you need to do."

And without one last goodbye kiss, Riley hopped in the car he'd driven there in and took the fastest route to Aspen's.