Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jason Winkler had little patience. He tried not to show it because he knew it was unprofessional to do so. This was extremely difficult when his class wasn’t listening to him. As a young teacher, the youngest in the school, he prided himself on being able to connect with the students in a way the other teachers couldn’t. He was only in his mid twenties and was a teenager not long ago, so had an idea of how it felt to be one and understood them better. He tried to be more relaxing because he understood that no one likes being breathed down the neck to do something, especially a teenager. But by doing so, he feared he sometimes lost the respect as a teacher that he deserved. One of those times being this time.

“Excuse me!” he yelled getting some of the students attention. It embarrassed him that some of the students had to shush the other students and were much more successful doing so. “Could someone please tell me why it has been taking so long for you guys to pay attention in class recently?”

Several hands went up. He thought about calling on Fabian or Mara for a respectful answer, but that also meant a long complicated one. He needed the answer to be brutally honest and blunt so that he could get straight to the issue and fix it. So he called on Jerome, who had no trouble answering. “The class is easy”

“Easy?” Jason repeated.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love easy” Jerome said. “But we’ve all gotten A’s this quarter and last quarter and last year and so on and so forth. It’s not that we don’t love the class, it’s fun. But we don’t feel we learn enough new material and the class feels more like free time at this point”

Jason took in the feedback while looking around the room to make sure everyone agreed with the statement. Well no one else raised their hand, but he could tell the about half of the class disagreed by their facial expressions. The same half that actually pay attention. Anyone that wasn’t from Anubis, who struggled a little more. For the Anubis Residents, acting seemed to be very easy for them. And who could blame them? They had plenty experience acting ignorant to current situations around them in order to keep others safe. Jason needed to figure out what to do. He couldn’t accommodate for one house and change his teaching habits and skills because he knew the other houses wouldn’t be able to keep up. He looked at the time and noticed just five minutes until the school day was over, and an idea struck him.

“Thank you for your input. After class if all of the Anubis residents would stay behind” Jason said ignoring the groans. “As for now, you may talk amongst yourselves, but I expect Monday’s class to be more productive”

As the students began to talk about different things-pranks, gossip, school work-he went into the costume department and got out a top hat. When he came out he tore up a piece of paper and wrote six names on six different pieces. He folded them each and put them in the hat and shook them around a little bit. When the period was over most of the class left, whereas the Anubis House residents stayed behind looking at him expectantly.

“I am sorry that you guys aren’t feeling academically stimulated in this class. But your house seems to be the only one that feels so. I can’t change the class just for you guys” he said. “But I can give you a long term project that will be more up there with your abilities”

“A project?” Joy asked.

“Precisely” Jason continued. “This project is one I give to the Senior class. Instead of doing it next year, I could do it this year”

“If we’re doing a senior project this year, what are we going to do next year when everyone else is doing the project?” Mara asked.

“Well that’s a good question” Jason admitted. “You will be having class like normally whilst everyone else completes their projects”

“How long is it?” Alfie asked.

“It’s a two week project” Jason answered.

“So what is it?” Mick asked.

“Well could everyone split up by gender, girls on the right side, boys on the left” Jason said. They scrambled to get to their spots. “Willow, we have to make it even. You will be on the boys side”

“Me? Why do I have to be on the boys side?” Willow asked.

“Because you were originally supposed to be in Isis house” Jason said and motioned for her to go over there. She sighed and left to stand next to Alfie. Jason took his hat and put it in front of Mara. “Pick a card”

“Just one?” she asked and he nodded. She took it and opened it. “Fabian” she smiled at him and he smiled back, making Nina look at her feet.

“Nope, put it back and pick a different one” Jason said. She sighed and put it back in the hat, choosing the next card.

“Willow” she said. Jason moved to Patricia who rolled her eyes and picked from the group.

“Mick” she said boringly. Jason moved it to Joy.

“Uh... Eddie” she said. She looked at Patricia and shrugged.

“KT, you’re next” he said.

“I got... I got Jerome” she said. He moved to Amber who took out the remaining two papers, juggled them around in her hands like dice. The only two people left were Amber’s ex boyfriend and Nina’s ex boyfriend, so Jason knew who each would get in the end. Amber tossed one of them papers back in and opened the one she had in her hand. She opened it and looked at Fabian.

“I got him” she said pointing at Fabian.

“Which means I have Alfie” Nina sighed taking the paper out of the hat.

“Don’t sound so disappointed” Alfie said.

“All the boys, and Willow, stand by your partner” Jason said. They each went to the person they remembered had their name.

“Will you please tell us what this is about now?” KT asked.

“For the first week” Jason started. “You will be in a couple with your partner for the whole week and you have to convince me that you actually love them. I will be informing Trudy and your other teachers to keep an eye on you”

“Wait” Eddie stopped him. “We have to be in a pretend relationship with the person we got?”

“Correct, but convince me that it’s not pretend” Jason said. “You will come to me during each lunch for fifteen minutes for quick lessons that will help you with the project”

“Wait that’s not fair!” Patricia said. “How are we supposed to act as if we’re a couple if we are already in a relationship with someone?”

“You have to put your relationship on hold” Jason said. “Any flirting, kissing, or hinted infatuation with someone other than your partner is an immediate fifty points subtraction”

“You're kidding!” Eddie said.

“The project starts Monday, have a nice weekend” Jason smiled at them, which made them all more angry. Everyone groaned and went out the door. All of the current couples gravitated to each other, it seemed as if to spend the last two days together as much as they could. Nina and Amber walked together, with KT and Mick in tow.

“I guess this will be easier for us” KT said. “Since none of us are in a relationship”

“True, none of use are in a relationship” Nina somewhat agreed. “But that doesn’t mean there’s not someone we care for in that sense”

“I love Alfie” Amber stated. “When we broke up, we made it clear we could date other people. I didn’t think he actually would. Anyway, I have to spend the entire week pretending like it doesn’t bother me that my best friend is going out with my ex boyfriend and that’s the same feeling for Nina. And Mick still clearly loves Mara”

“That’s true” Mick mumbled.

“But he can’t show it” Amber continued.

“Well it’s fine” Mick said. “My ex girlfriend actually is in a relationship with my best friend. And I pretend like it doesn’t bother me every day”

“So I guess this project is really easy for just you” Amber said to KT. “Since there’s no one in the house who you fancy. Right?”

“Right” KT said, feeling sorry for everyone else.

Dinner that night was awkward. No one was looking forward to the project. They all knew things would be awkward, maybe even put a wedge in some of their friendships. They would sometimes glance at their partners and glance at their partners current boyfriend/girlfriend. The only thing people could hear was the sound of forks hitting the plates. Trudy walked through the front door breaking the silence. She came in with twelve books, all different colors. She placed the pile on the table, taking the pink one and handing it to Amber immediately.

“Jason has asked me to give these two you. Further instructions and rules are on the first page” Trudy said and left. Each person took the color they liked the most. and opened the book to the first page.

Rules

1) At least one kiss a day

2) At least one date during the week

3) Do not flirt with, kiss, or date anyone except you partner

4) No breaks. The project doesn’t end until the end of the week.

You will be writing a journal entry at the end of each day. Two paragraphs. One with you ‘in character’ saying how you feel about your partner and what you guys did that day. And one, the only time you will ‘break character’ to say how you feel about the project so far. No one will read this journal entry but you and I.

Everyone silently closed their books and continued to eat. The silence began to become deafening for Eddie. Things were too awkward. He hated the silence. He decided he needed to say something, to make things a little less... tense. After a year of being the leader, he had began to grow accustomed to taking charge. “Ok” he said capturing everyone’s attention, startling a few people. “It’s obvious none of us want to do this, but we have to. So I suggest we suck it up and do the project”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen” Mara said. “None of us are really comfortable with this, so I don’t see how we’re going to be able to act as if we are”

“Well maybe with a little push” Jerome said.

“What does that mean?” Mick asked.

“It means maybe we need to make things more interesting” Jerome said. “More like a game”

“A game?” Joy asked. Everyone at the table could be quite competitive. Even if they didn’t know it. Sometimes with sports. Sometimes with academics. Sometimes with dates. Either way, they all loved a good game.

“On Monday, the game begins. We’ll tell Trudy and Jason that we’ve turned it into a little... friendly competition” Jerome continued. “The couple that has convinced them the most wins”

“Wins what?” Patricia asked.

“Wins no chores for the next week, and five dollars from each person who lost” Jerome said. Things were getting more interesting already. “Tomorrow is Saturday. Tomorrow we’ll spend the day with our actual partners. Sunday we’ll break up with them. Not permanently of course. We should all be single by noon on Sunday. By the end of the day, we should all have asked the girl out. Trudy will be keeping track and putting points in different areas, like the dates. The kisses. How someone asks someone else out and so on. We’ll learn the winner by the end of the week. Is everyone up for it?”

There were nods of agreement. And just like that there was a different feel of the project. It was a competition. Now, it wasn’t just about grades. They had to win.

Chapter Text

“So” Eddie said sitting next to Patricia. “You’re up early”

“So are you” Patricia retorted.

“Why are you an early bird today?” Eddie asked. “Nervous about the project?”

“Nervous? What have I got to be nervous about?” Patricia asked. “It’s just a dumb project”

“Mmhmm” Eddie said with zero belief.

“Look I’m not nervous” Patricia said. “I’m just not looking forward to you and my best friend hooking up”

“We won’t be ‘hooking up’” Eddie said.

“You know what I mean” Patricia rolled her eyes.

“Well no one’s particularly happy about this” Eddie said. “I’m not happy about you and Mick”

“Mick and I barely talk” Patricia said. “You have nothing to be worried about”

“Let’s get this clear, I am not worried” Eddie said.

“Of course not” Patricia said.

“I swear! I’m not jealous!” Eddie said.

“Oh let’s face the facts Eddie” Patricia said after seeing Trudy come down the stairs out of the corner of her eye. “You’re jealous, I’m jealous. That always seems to be how it is”

“So what are you saying?” Eddie asked.

“I’m saying... what’s a relationship without trust?” Patricia answered with a question. “I think until we learn how to trust each other... we should cool it”

“Cool it?” Eddie repeated. His heart began to beat double time. “Are you breaking up with me?”

There was something in Patricia’s eyes. It wasn’t regret, remorse, guilt, sadness. It was reassurance. And that’s what made Eddie realize, she was doing this all for show. And it was very believable. The speed of his heart slowed down and he had a small sigh of relief, but his look of real fear turned into the best angry one he could munster. He clenched his fists and stood up.

“That’s fine with me” Eddie said and left the room. He immediately took out his phone and texted her.

Just to be sure, this was all pretend for the project... right?- Eddie

Absolutely. That’s a dumb reason to break up anyway- Yacker.

He smiled at the text and began to think up ways to ask Joy out.

“G'day Mate!” Mick said in his Australian voice to Patricia upon seeing her by herself watching TV. She jumped a little at the sound of his voice. “Never thought I’d scare you ”

“You didn’t scare me” she argued. “You surprised me. I don’t like surprises”

“It’s good you’re up” Mick said. “I thought we might talk about this project”

“Are you scared?” Patricia asked.

“Why would I be scared?” Mick asked, genuinely curious.

“You think you could handle dating me for a whole week?” Patricia asked.

“Of course!” Mick said immediately.

“Right, you’re Mick Never-Scared Campbell” Patricia joked. “But seriously, we need to have a leg up on the rest of them. I don’t do well to losing”

“Don’t you remember who you’re talking to? I agree with you a thousand percent” Mick said. “So what are we gonna do? ...We could go all Fabian/Nina with it and be love sick puppies” Mick suggested.

“I don’t think that would gain us points, I think it would lose us points” Patricia responded. “I mean, I’m pretty sure we’re not supposed to change who we are. I think the key point is to think about us as individuals and how we are in relationships”

“And how we would be in a relationship together” Mick added.

“Exactly. If we think about that we really shouldn’t have a problem this week” Patricia said. “So how are you gonna ask me out?”

“That’s a surprise” Mick said getting up.

“What? We talked about surprises!” Patricia said. When he ignored him and headed to her room she called: “I’m not into the whole Cheerleader Mick thing!”

Alfie started to walk up the stairs, but turned back for a muffin Trudy baked. None of them are supposed to have breakfast until it’s time. On Sunday’s it’s nine to ten, and it was going on seven now. He figured they should just have breakfast. Everyone was up. Jerome was sitting in his bed half ready for the day half ready to climb back under the covers. Mick and Patricia were just talking. He saw Eddie not a minute ago. He heard the girls talking. He was sure everyone was awake. Anxious about the ‘break ups’. Alfie was fine after reminding himself every thirty seconds that it wasn’t real.

He made his way up the stairs and to the end of the hall where the attic was. After Nina, Amber, and Mick came back, there were some adjustments. Mick moved in with Fabian and Eddie again, using bunk beds. Nina and Amber got their room back and Willow and KT moved into the attic. He knocked on the second door in the attic after going up all of the stairs. KT opened and motioned for him to come in. She smiled at him and left so he could have time with Willow.

“If you’ve come to break up with me, let me have it!” Willow said with a scream as she opened her arms out.

“Uh... well I wasn’t-” Alfie started.

“It’s ok!” Willow basically screamed. “I’m all ears”

“Will-”

“My body is ready and I’m good to be dumped!” Willow screamed still with the her arms open. Before Alfie could say another word, she began to cry, letting her arms drop beside her.

“Willow!” Alfie was shocked as he ran over to her and put his arms around her. “It’s just a game! Or project or whatever, it’s not real!”

“It was real the first time you dumped me” Willow cried. Alfie didn’t know what to say to make things better. “It’s over Alfie”

“What?!” Alfie exclaimed. “This is for the project right”

“Yes” Willow said quietly as Alfie loudly exhaled. “But if by the end of the project you want it to be permanent, it can be”

“It won’t be” Alfie reassured her. She smiled at him.

“So how are you gonna ask Nina out?” Willow asked.

“I don’t know” Alfie said.

“Well if you want to win, it has to be a big gesture” Willow told him.

“Are you... helping me?” Alfie asked. “You know this is a competition”

“Yeah, but I want everyone to have an even playing field, because I know Mara’s mapping out every possible strategy to win” Willow chuckled. “That’s my girlfriend”

“Yeah how do you feel about being gay or bi or whatever you are?” Alfie asked. WIllow shrugged.

“I’ve always kind of loved the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Queer Community” Willow said.

“You can just say LGBTQ” Alfie told her.

“Sometimes I say the full thing so I don’t forget” Willow said. Alfie smiled at her.

“You really are amazing” Alfie said to her. Alfie left the attic and bumped into Nina.

“Oh!” She exclaimed. “Oh, hi.... future.... boy.. friend”

“Hi uh” he said just as awkwardly. “Future... girlfriend”

“Ok we need to talk” she said pulling him in her room. “This is awkward”

“Yeah” he said.

“But if we wanna win or get the best grade” Nina started. “Or even a good grade. It can’t be”

“Ok” Alfie said.

“We’re gonna have to hold hands and hang out and... kiss... and stuff” Nina said. “So I’m just telling you, when we do this project tomorrow, we need to go all out. No awkwardness”

“Ok”

“Are you actually listening?” Nina asked.

“Yes I’m listening”

“Well all you’re saying is ok” Nina mumbled.

“What else am I supposed to say?”Alfie asked.

“The project doesn’t start until tomorrow and already you’re arguing like an old married couple” Amber said coming in. Nina and Alfie looked at each other, with a look that said ‘progress’.

“Ok Fabian” Mara said not looking up from her notebook as she came into his room. “Let’s get right to the point. We’ve broken up, it was mutual”

“Uh... ok” Fabian said.

“Great” Mara said and left, crossing that off of her to-do list.

“She’s gonna be a tough one to beat” Eddie said.

“Well, if she’s looking at only the logistics” Mick started. “Then she’s gonna forget about the feelings part of it, which is the most important part”

“Uh Mick” Eddie said to him. “Could you do me a favor?”

“I guess” he answered.

“When you kiss Patricia... don’t enjoy it” Eddie said.

“I won’t” Mick rolled his eyes. “But I’ll have to act like it”

“I know” Eddie just said. “Yeah I know”

Joy stomped into the living room and sat on the couch. Jerome followed her in with a look of desperation on his face. They had their ‘break up’ all planned out. Neither of them do things small when there's a competition. Especially when money is involved for Jerome. And Joy is not a fan of losing. At all. So for them, this ‘breakup’ was go hard or go home .

“Just tell me why you’re breaking up with me” Jerome almost pleaded. “This is ridiculous you just drop the bomb what kind of crap is that?”

“Fine!” Joy exclaimed. “There is someone else”

“Who?!” Jerome yelled. She stood up and left the room. “WHO IS IT?”

Trudy, who was watching in the kitchen, was unsure for a moment if it were real or for the project. “These kids really are talented” she chuckled.

Chapter Text

KT walked up the steps to her room when she heard the creak of someone behind her. When she turned, no one was there. She shrugged and continued to walk. She sat on her bed and took out her phone to charge it. When she turned around, she saw something unexpected on the wall above her bed. A sticky note, with a drawing of a cute little cartoon cat holding a 'W'. She was confused and smiled at it. She was headed back downstairs and she saw another post it. This one had a dog holding the letter 'I'. As she walked down the stairs, she collected more post-its. As she began to walk down the stairs, she didn't find any more post it's. So as she walked down the stairs she put the letters together.

W

I

L

L

Y

O

U

G

O

O

U

T

W

I

T

H

M

E

Will you go out with me. She re-read it to make sure what she saw was correct and bumped into someone in the process. She looked up and it was Jerome with a post it on his chest. A monkey holding a question mark.

"I was hoping you wouldn't scramble the letters" he said. "So will you?"

"Yeah" she smiled.

"Did I do well?" he asked. "Worked on those since Friday night"

"You did really well" she said. "These are awesome!"

"Great" he said smiling at her and peeled the post it off of his chest and handed it to her. She gladly took it and he went to his room. She stared at them, losing track of time in the process.

"What's that?" Trudy's voice startled her.

"Oh... Jerome did this..." KT showed them to her. Trudy smiled as she looked over it.

"How romantic" Trudy said and went off. KT smiled and took it upstairs to put it on her wall.

As Trudy went to put the laundry up, she realized there was one room she forgot to get the laundry from, and that was Mara’s, Patricia’s, and Joy’s room. When she went up there she saw Willow sitting Mara down on the bed and looking a little bit nervous. At that point, Trudy could tell that it was for the project and decided to listen.

“I wrote you a poem. I added some science stuff in there to make it more appealing to you” Willow smiled at her.

“Well almost anything you do it appealing to me” Mara said.

“I know that’s not true” Willow said.

“But it is!” Mara said. “I admit, sometimes you are kind of annoying, but most times you’re just adorable”

Willow beamed and cleared her throat to start her poem.

“We are not alike, and that’s a well-known fact

But I learned just for you, that opposites attract

And if you would please just give me a chance

I know that we can make the chemicals react

I know I’m kind of wonky, and sometimes really weird

But I really like you, your heart, mind, and spirit

Tomorrow I want to shout to the world that I did something right

And that would be having you, Mara Jaffray, in my life”

“Aw Willow that was amazing!” Mara smiled.

“Did you see what I said about the chemicals?” Willow asked. “And the ‘opposites attract’ was talking about magnets”

“Yes I heard it, I enjoyed it” Mara hugged her.

“So would you go out with me?” Willow asked.

“Of course I would” Mara smiled.

“Squee!” Willow exclaimed.

“Have you seen Alfie?” Nina asked Amber.

“I haven’t seen him all day” Amber said. “Except early this morning”

“Well I haven’t either, and neither has anyone else, Jerome included” Nina said.

“Well maybe he’s just preparing a way to ask you out” Amber suggested.

“Maybe” Nina said. “All I know is, he’s MIA”

“Well come in here and look at the magazines with me” Amber suggested leading her to the living room. “Everyone else is in here”

“I just wanna know where Alfie is” Nina said.

“Are you getting a head start on the project?” Amber asked.

“No, but he’s supposed to be asking me out right now. It’s the project I’m worried about. Alfie’s great and he’s proven himself tons of times. You know what else he’s proven?” Nina asked Amber. “That he doesn’t do well with school work or projects or anything of the sort. And I have to keep my grades up to keep this scholarship. So he can’t pull me down. What if he hasn’t even thought of a way to ask me out? What if he’s planning a prank instead?”

“Nina, you need to relax” Amber said to her. “If there’s one thing I know about Alfie, is he is never subtle. So whatever he is going to do, I guarantee it’s gonna be a big gesture. He’s especially good with boyfriend stuff, thanks to yours truly. And he knows how important this project it”

“I guess you’re right” Nina said. Amber and her walked into the living room and sat down. “Speak of the devil”

"Ok everyone!" Alfie said coming into the living room and standing in front of Nina. "If you could all follow me please!"

He took Nina's hand and led her outside as everyone else followed. He took them all to the back of Anubis. There, on the wall, took everyone's breath away.

It was a drawing of Nina, as a queen with a pyramid behind her, dawn with kind of paint. It wasn't extremely elaborate, but enough that anyone could see who it was.

“Alfie you drew this?” Eddie asked with disbelief.

“He’s a regular Pablo Picasso” Jerome said.

“Shh!” Alfie said to him. “I’m trying to be romantic!”

“Oh well then by all means” Jerome said with his hands up.

"You are the Queen of Egypt" Alfie said to Nina. "And all I want is to be your King. Or Jester! I just want to be with you. What do you say?"

"Mr. Lewis!" Victor's voice boomed. "What is this?"

"Uh... It's art Victor!" Alfie said. Victor grabbed him by the ear and dragged him in the house and upstairs.

"Wait I didn't even hear her answer!" Alfie said. "Well she has to say yes but you ruined the moment it was all romantic!"

"Clean it up!" Victor Exclaimed. He pulled out a toothbrush and threw it at him. "And toilet duty!"

"Seriously? We have no creative expression here" Alfie said as he walked out of his office. By the time he got back to his 'masterpiece' everyone had gone except Nina. She was sitting on the grass, staring at it.

"I never knew you could draw" Nina said. "You have a real talent for it"

"Thanks" Alfie smiled.

"And just so you know, I would love for you to be my King" she said. He smiled.

"Now this is more couply" Alfie said. "Maybe we have a chance to win this thing after all"

“We better” Nina said. “And you better pull through”

Alfie laughed at her. “Do you see that thing I just made? You better pull through”

Nina rolled her eyes and got up to go to her room.

Fabian knocked on Nina and Amber’s room. it was odd that he was doing so to see Amber, whereas before he would do it to see Nina. Things were so backwards. Nina was the one that opened, which made things a bit awkward for both of them. She didn’t say anything but smiled and motioned for him to go in, leaving in the process. Fabian shook his head to clear out and put his feelings for Nina away as he approached the one he came to see.

“Hey Amber”

“Hey Fabian” Amber smiled at him. He looked at his feet and looked like he was trying to say something. “What’s wrong?”

“I...” Fabian started. He sighed, and left the room. Just as he expected, Amber followed him looking confused. He walked outside, behind the house and further.

“Fabian!” Amber called trying to catch up and keep up with his fast pace. The old summer house began to come into view, something Amber had never seen before. He went around to the back of it where a porch was. That’s where he set up a table for a candlelit dinner in the evening light. When Amber saw it, her jaw dropped.

“I asked Trudy for some of her food and set this up. She knows we’ll be missing dinner” Fabian told her.

“Fabian, this is amazing” Amber said.

“Would you like to eat?” Fabian asked her. She beamed and smiled at him.

“Of course!” Amber said. He pulled her chair out for her and she sat down. Suddenly her smiled dropped.

“What’s wrong?” Fabian said. “Is something not right?”

“Yeah, I’m not dressed for a date!” Amber exclaimed.

“Oh please, you look like a million bucks everyday” Fabian chuckled. Amber smiled.

“That’s true” Amber smiled and Fabian chuckled.

Joy opened her laptop and went on The Jackal. She was about to go to her email to see if anyone sent an article, when something caught her eye. An article she hadn’t seen before. How was that at all possible? All of the articles got sent to her first. She was pissed. She scrolled through it, only just barely catching words like ‘amazing’ ‘beautiful’ and ‘stubborn’. She figured out that it was about a girl, which made her even angrier. There was no need for an article about a love sick boy chasing after a girl. Just when she was about to delete it, something else caught her attention. The words ‘Joy Mercer’. She re-read them, rubbing her eyes, and suddenly very interested in what the article had to say.

There is a girl in Anubis House. She’s kind of amazing. She’s the type of girl who others should aspire to be. She’s strong, independent, beautiful, and great company. Most importantly she has flaws, and she knows what they are. Unlike most girls, she does not try to be perfect or try to view herself as so. And she doesn’t get upset over the fact that she’s not. She’ll even point them out herself sometimes. She doesn’t try to live up to anyone’s expectations except her own. And she does have high expectations for herself, but obtainable ones. And because she knows that she is flawed, she doesn’t judge other people on their flaws. She’s truly incredible, in ways that I couldn’t explain, but have tried. Her name is Joy Mercer.

Joy Mercer, will you be my girlfriend? -Eddie

When she finished reading, she couldn’t believe that Eddie said it. She knew it was for the project, but what he said were unnecessary. Did he really think that? Did he get help from someone? It’s not like they talked often. Only a couple times, and all about Patricia or The Jackal. Where could he have gotten all of that? And when did he become such a person reader? And so deep? He touched on things Joy didn’t discuss with anyone, including herself. Like her high expectations. She’d have to ask him about that later.

“Well?” Eddie’s voice startled her.

“You know I have to say yes” Joy chuckled.

“Because of the project yeah I know” Eddie said.

“No, because who the hell can say no to that ?” Joy asked.

“Well thankfully not you” Eddie laughed.

Patricia looked at the time: Nine forty. Everyone else had been asked out at this point, so what was taking Mick so long? She hadn’t seen him since they talked that morning. He wasn’t with them at dinner because he was training, and from training it seemed like he went straight to his room. All of the rest of the guys-and Willow-did something elaborate and creative. Post it cartoons, poetry, graffiti art, romantic dinners, and even jackal posts. Each thing went well with the person they were asking out, as well as hitting their own strong points. And Trudy had seen all of them She saw the looks the others were giving her, wondering if they were even doing the project. Ten was nearing, when was Mick gonna do it?

“Hey Patricia” Mick said coming into her room.

“Finally” Patricia said.

“Yeah I know I took a while. Here’s the thing. As everyone asked other people out, I thought of how I could ask you out. It had to be right for you. And that’s when I realized something” Mick started. “Making you the center of attention, wouldn’t sit well with you. Doing something elaborate and complicated, would probably end up annoying you. I didn’t need to think of something big, because with you, you’re just simple. Not you as a person, because you’re far from that. You’re complicated and deep like a castle with secret doors and tunnels. But simple with most things you do. You like to keep things blunt and straight to the point. So that’s how this had to be. So here it is, Patricia, will you go out with me?”

Patricia was shocked that he figured her out. He knew what she wanted before she knew what she wanted. She realized she really didn’t want a huge and complicated ask out. She wanted it just the way he did it. “You’ve impressed me Campbell, and I’m not easily impressed” she said. “Yes, I will do  you the honor of allowing you to go out with me”

Mick laughed. “Because you had a choice, right?”

“If you figured all of that out you should know that I have no problem defying someone’s rules and making my own” Patricia said. Mick nodded with a bit of a chuckle.

“Yeah, you’re right” he agreed.

Chapter Text

KT waited at the entrance to Anubis for Jerome. Everyone else had already made their way to the school, all looking very couply. So much so, that she had to remind herself that it was fake. Fabian and Amber were a mixture of shy love and Queen Millington standard perfection. When she was with Alfie, their relationship was pretty much perfect from what she saw. Well from the outside, but that's exactly what Amber was going for. Her relationship didn’t actually have to be perfect, but seem perfect to everyone else. Joy and Eddie were nothing but sarcasm and clever one liners. But they shared a passion for journalism, a passion KT never thought she would see Eddie have.

Nina and Alfie are polar opposites. She had never seen two people so different. Alfie was all about fun and being carefree. Nina was always worried and was all work. KT was interested in how their relationship would turn out. Willow and Mara were just adorable. Mara cared for Willow, and that was apparent. The way KT saw it, their friendship was very big sister protecting little sister. So their relationship should be similar: Mara protecting Willow. Mick and Patricia were fascinating to her in a way. They never talked it seemed, what would they have to talk about? He would talk about sports and she would zone out. But still, ever since they had been paired together they seemed like best friends. So after figuring out everyone elses relationships, what was hers and Jerome’s?

She thought about her conversation that she had with Nina, Mick, and Amber. About how none of them were in relationships. The conversation started with KT thinking that they all had an advantage, because they didn’t have someone they were currently in a relationship with. That would mean no need to hide any feelings for someone else. It ended with her realizing that because she was the only one who wasn’t into anyone in the house, it would only be easier for her. But now that she put more thought into the situation, she thought maybe that would backfire on her. She was the only one who had never been in a relationship. Short dates here and there in America but nothing real . She had no idea how to be a girlfriend. What did she do? Are there shoulds and should nots?

“Hey” Jerome’s voice startled her. “I said I would only be a minute”

“You just... interrupted my thoughts that’s all” KT said.

“Were you thinking about me?” he teased with a smug smile on his face.

“Sort of... well not really” she said. He put a hand over his heart and gave a hurt face as if he were offended.

“Am I not good for for your thoughts?” he asked. She laughed at him.

“You’re ridiculous is what you are” she told him.

“Ok so I was thinking” Jerome said. “And I realized that I know almost nothing about you. I mean, before I almost never saw you because you were running off with Sibuna-”

“You know about Sibuna?” KT stopped short.

“KT, I was in Sibuna”  Jerome scoffed. While you were in America being oblivious My life was being threatened by Rufus , twice” 

“Rufus?” KT asked. Jerome smirked.

“Ah you don’t know about that” he laughed. “He’s the guy who’s in just about everyone’s nightmares. Say his name to the group and just watch their reactions”

“Like how it strained you to even say his name?” KT asked.

“I turned a blind eye to you and your gang this year” Jerome said. “You know for a secret society, you guys aren’t very subtle. And as usual, I knew something was up but I didn’t push because I didn’t want to get kidnapped, again”

“Ok, so you know nothing about me” KT said changing the subject hearing how Jerome’s voice was getting lower and lower. “What now?”

“Well now we’re gonna play twenty questions” Jerome said.

“Ooh fun!” KT smiled.

“Ok, ready?” Jerome asked and she nodded. “Favorite color?”

“Blue”

“Favorite ice cream flavor?”

“Cookies and Cream!”

“Number one on your bucket list?” Jerome asked.

“Ooh uh... going skydiving” KT answered.

“Favorite animal?”

“Monkey for sure”

“Favorite hobby?”

“Singing” she answered without hesitation. Jerome stopped her. “You sing?”

“Yeah, I wasn’t able to do much of it before when I was here but I sing” KT nodded.

“Can you sing for me?” he asked.

“Maybe later” she said. “But now keep going with the game!”

“Oh uh... weirdest dream you ever had?” he asked. She looked at him oddly.

“I had a dream that my stuffed bear came to life and ate me and inside of his stomach was a stuffing version of Narnia” she said.

“When?” Jerome asked.

“Last night” she laughed and he laughed too.

“Ok, if you had to choose between jumping in a big swimming pool of bugs and eating a big bucket of them, which would you choose” he asked.

“Ew neither!” KT exclaimed.

“You have to choose” Jerome said.

“I don’t have to do anything” KT said. “What would you choose?”

“Oh I would dive in headfirst” Jerome said.

“Ok but see, that’s nasty” she said. “I would dive headfirst into a pool filled with Jell-o”

“Jellow?” Jerome asked.

“Yeah Jell-o” KT said. “You know, the jiggly goodness that come in a wonderful selection of colors and tastes?”

“Jelly?” Jerome asked.

“The stuff you put on bread with peanut butter?” KT asked.

“That’s jam” Jerome corrected.

“In America it’s jelly” she said. “And jell-o would be your jelly”

“Weird” Jerome said as they walked through the doors of the school.

“Clash of the nationalities”

“Wait, ok, is it true you call fringes ‘bangs’?” Jerome asked.

“That depends what a fringes is” KT said. “Is it hair that hangs over your eyes?”

“Yeah” Jerome answered.

“Then yes” KT said. Jerome laughed.

“That’s so random, bangs ” he said as they made their way into their first class.

“You’re late” Jason said to them.

“Sorry Mr. Winkler” they mused and took a seat behind Nina and Alfie.

“We were just about to watch a movie on Egypt” he said. “‘The Revelation of the Pyramids’”

“I think we know more about Egyptian culture and history than our own” Jerome said as the lights went off and the movie went on and Jason graded papers on his desk.

Ten minutes into the movie and Alfie thought he would die of boredom. A few people already fell asleep. The only ones interested were Nina, Fabian, and Mara. “This is so boring ” Alfie whispered.

“Oh come on” Nina whispered. “Give it a chance”

“We’re ten minutes into the movie and I’m not asleep yet” Alfie said. “I think that’s giving it a fair chance”

Nina rolled her eyes as Alfie took out some paper and put the Hangman sign on it.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Play with me” he said to her.

“No I wanna watch the movie” Nina said.

“Please?” he asked with a puppy dog face. Amber saw out of the corner of her eye, and knew no girl, weather they liked him or not, could resist Alfie’s puppy dog face. It’s a gift that both Alfie and Fabian have, and they use it to their benefit.

“Fine” Nina sighed. “Uhm... A”

Alfie wrote the letter A on the side and drew a circle for the head of the man.

“E?”

_ _ _ _ _ e _

“Ok, I” she guessed.

_ _ _ _ i e _

“O” she guessed.

_ o o _ i e _

“Wait a second” Nina said taking the pencil from Alfie.

C o o k i e s

“You guessed it” Alfie chuckled.

“That was so easy” Nina sighed. “Come on do a hard one”

“A hard one? Ok” Alfie thought and smiled.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Is that one word ?” Nina asked.

“Yeah” Alfie smiled.

“Ok let’s start with A”

A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a _ _ a _ _ _ _

“Ok” Nina sighed. “E”

A _ _ _ _ _ _ e _ _ a _ _ _ _ _ _ e _ _ a _ _ a _ _ _ _

“How about I” Nina said.

“You’re predictable”

“What? You’re supposed to start with the vowels” Nina said.

A _ _ i _ i _ e _ _ a _ _ i _ _ _ e _ _ a _ i a _ i _ _

“Seriously Alfie, this looks like you just put a bunch of letters together” Nina sighed. “M”

A _ _ i _ i _ e _ _ a _ _ i _ _ m e _ _ a _ i a _ i _ m

Jason cleared his throat, startling the two hangman players. “You should be taking notes, not playing hangman” he said looking at the word. “And the word is antidisestablishmentarianism”

“Seriously?” Nina asked looking at the word and then back at Alfie as Jason walked away..

A n t i d i s e s t a b l i s h m e n t a r i a n i s m

“I would have never guessed that because I didn’t even know the word existed!” Nina said. “What does it mean?”

“I don’t know, I just heard it in an Eminem song” Alfie shrugged. Nina laughed at him and he couldn’t help but laugh back.

“Nina and Alfie no talking ” Jason told them.

“Uh, technically Mr. Winkler... we weren't talking we were laughing” Alfie countered. Jason gave him a ‘you’re pushing it’ look.

“Sorry” they said.

“Nina stop distracting me while I’m watching the movie” Alfie said as if he was really into the movie.

“You’re joking” Nina pushed him lightly.

“ Nina and Alfie ” Jason groaned.

“Sorry Mr. Winkler” they said.

“You will be, you guys have detention after school” he said. They groaned as the class ended. Amber jumped up from her sleep and gathered her stuff. Nina and Alfie were just about to leave together when Amber hooked with her arm. They left Fabian and Alfie to shrug and talk.

“So do you wanna hang out this afternoon?” Amber asked. “After school?”

“Can’t I have detention” Nina said.

“What? You? You have detention?” Amber asked.

“It’s not like I haven’t gotten a detention before” Nina shrugged getting the right books out of her locker for her next class.

“But that was for snoopy stuff!” Amber narrowed her eyes at her. “You’re not doing anything snoopy without me are you?”

“No” Nina rolled her eyes.

“Good. I just can’t believe you got detention the day barely started!” Amber sighed.

“Well we did” Nina said.

“We?” Amber asked. “As in... you and Alfie? geez the project hasn’t even started for a whole day and already he’s rubbing off on you”

“No one is rubbing anything on me” Nina insisted. “We were just talking and Jason got angry and gave us a detention. What’s the big deal just hang out with Fabian”

“You know I’d love to” Amber said.

“But?”

“But... he wants to study” Amber said.

“So?” Nina asked her.

“Well my idea of study dates are probably much different than his” Amber lowered her voice and actually looked scared. “His probably involve actual studying”

“Well maybe that’s a good thing! It couldn’t hurt to bring your grades up” Nina told her.

“Ok well what are your study dates like? You know... when you were with him ” Amber asked, looking uncomfortable when she said ‘with him’ as if it actually hurt to think about. Nina applauded her on her acting.

“Fifty percent study, fifty percent date” Nina smiled.

“Only fifty percent date?” Amber groaned.

“Hey, boyfriends are fun but school is important” Nina told her.

“Yeah, yeah sew it on a pillow” Amber rolled her eyes as they stepped inside their next class.

“And now, the worst class of the day” Joy slumped walking through the doors of the French class.

“Why is it the worst?” Eddie asked.

“Because I speak English ” Joy said. “That’s all I’m able to speak”

“I could help you if you want” Eddie asked. Then his eyebrows rose. “ I’m offering to help someone with school stuff. Why I am offering to spend more of my day doing school work?”

“Maybe because you care about someone and don’t want to see her fail French” Joy smiled at him.

“Who?” Eddie teased. Joy punched his shoulder. “Ow ok I’ll help at a small price”

“Oh gosh what’s your price?” Joy asked.

“You have to eat a meatball hoagie with me” Eddie told her. Ever since he made the ‘boy sandwich’ he’s tried to tell her that she shouldn’t knock it till she tried it.

“Seriously?” Joy asked.

“Seriously” Eddie smirked.

“Fine” Joy smiled. Eddie smiled back.

“You know I would help you either way right?” Eddie asked. Joy nodded. “So really you’re eating the hoagie because you want to”

“No I don’t!” Joy protested.

“Admit it Mercer!” Eddie said. “I know it’s the truth!”

“I’ll eat it for you” Joy rolled her eyes. “Just like you’ll help me with my French for me”

“Ok, that’s a deal” Eddie said. Their new French Teacher, Mrs. Stephens came in. She identified as Madam to the class. She was old and often bitter about everything. She had been at a preppy more famous school teaching French with a higher salary before she got fired and came to their school. So no one really blamed her for being bitter, but that didn’t make her class more enjoyable.

“Sit down!” she barked, thought everyone was already seated. “Pass your homework to the front of the class”

Everyone sent in their homework, passing it from desk to desk until it reached the front. She snatched the papers and slammed them on her desk. She began to write on the board and underlined it.

‘I speak French’

‘She eats lunch’

‘His mum does laundry’

“Translate these phrases in your notebooks” Madam instructed. They quickly wrote the phrases down and translated what they could. Joy was struggling on the first one, which Eddie saw. She knew how to say French, and I, but speak was the word she couldn’t remember.

“Je Parle” Eddie whispered as quietly as possible. Joy looked at him and wrote: ‘Je parle le francais’

“Is it... Il mange le... le...” Joy thought.

“Elle is she, Il is he” he told her.

“Elle mange le... chaussures” she guessed.

“I don’t think she eats shoes” he laughed quietly. She laughed at herself.

“Dejeuner” he told her. She was about to write when Madam slammed her hand on her own desk.

“Times up” she said. “Let me see your books”

They handed her the books and she graded them in record time. Few people, Nina, Mara, Eddie, got A’s. Few people, Fabian, Jerome, KT, Alfie, got Bs. Few people, Mick, Amber, Willow and some others in the class, got Cs. Joy got a D minus for only translating the first phrase.

“Next time” she told Joy. “Try paying attention in class”

When she was out of earshot, Joy whispered: “She hates me”

“She hates us all” Eddie reassured her.

“She hates me the most” Joy groaned and sank in her seat for the rest of the class. After class Patricia went to Mick at his locker.

“Want to do something at lunch?” Patricia asked him.

“ Really want to” Mick said. “I can’t”

“Why?” Patricia asked.

“Training” He said. “I have to train at lunch”

“Why can’t you do that after school?” Patricia asked.

“I can’t I have football practice but as soon as I’m done I’d love to hang out with you” Mick smiled. Patricia smiled back, but as soon as he wasn’t looking it faltered. She decided not to let it bother her.

The rest of the morning classes went on uneventfully and Willow, as always, was happy lunch was finally there. She Put her books in her locker and quickly skipped over to Mara and dragged her away, similar to what she does with Alfie all of the time during this time, excited to do something other than be in a room surrounded with books and making her brain hurt.

“Do you want to eat in the library?” Mara asked. Willow stopped short so fast, Mara ran right into her.

“The library?” Willow asked. “Do you spend your whole day doing school stuff?”

“No” Mara defended herself. “Why what do you wanna do?”

“I don’t know, just have fun” Willow shrugged. “Run around campus with my socks and shoes off so I can feel the grass! Have the wind hit me in the face! Do cartwheels around campus! Have fun and be free!”

“Wouldn’t people stare?” Mara asked.

“Maybe, but who cares? Let them be boring” Willow laughed. “Do cartwheels with me”

“Uh... maybe later” Mara said.

“Why? Don’t you like doing cartwheels?” Willow asked. Mara looked at her feet. “YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO CARTWHEELS HOW DO YOU LIVE?”

“It’s kind of easy if I have air, food, and water...” Mara mumbled.

“I’ll teach you!” Willow smiled. Mara shook her head.

“The ground is way too hard I could hurt myself” Mara refused.

“Please? I really wanna do cartwheels with you” Willow said. “And I’ll spot you so you don’t fall”

“I... ok fine” Mara said taking off her socks and shoes like Willow did and stood by her. Willow  stood behind her.

“Put your arms up and be prepared to catch yourself” Willow instructed in an interestingly commanding voice. Mara followed her instructions and slowly began to get worried.

“I thought you were catching me!” Mara told her.

“I'll catch you if you need it, I’ll be guiding you” Willow said. “Showing you the steps”

“Ok” Mara said still worried. Willow put her arms on Mara’s waist.

“Ok, now, do you know how to do a handstand?” Willow asked.

“Sort of, I mean I can go into it but I can’t stay up” Mara said.

“Well good that’s the important part” Willow smiled. “Act as if you’re going into a headstand but sideways. So push off with your inside foot, this one” she patted Mara’s right leg. Mara nodded. “You’re an expert on momentum right?”

“Yeah” Mara said. “I mean I guess, I know how it works”

“Ok, then when you push off, use the momentum of the push that gets your feet in the air and keep going until you land on your feet” Willow said.

“Ok, I think I got it” Mara said.

“Ready?” Willow asked.

“As I’ll ever be” Mara answered. Mara leaned into a lunge position with her right leg bent. Then she pushed off, sending her in the air. Willow kept her hands on Mara’s waist, adjusting them for the best position to keep both of them safe. Mara let out a weird scared sound when she got to the halfway point.

“I got you, you’re safe” Willow reassured her. Willow guided her to the ground and Mara was very happy to be back on her feet.

“Oh my gosh” Mara said once feeling safe.

“See you did it!” Willow smiled. “Wasn’t it fun?”

“Fun?” Mara asked.

“You know what your problem is?” Willow observed. “You don’t like going out of your comfort zone”

“Nope, I’m perfectly fine in my little box of comfort” Mara agreed.

“But life’s not fun if you stay in a box” Willow said. “Do it again, and try to have fun”

“I can’t have fun because the entire time I’m afraid I’m gonna break my neck” Mara confessed.

“Ah, so we have problem number two” Willow said. “Trust”

“I trust you!” Mara said.

“If you trusted me” Willow started. “You wouldn’t fear that you would fall”

“I-” Mara started, but it was true.

“Trust me” Willow told her. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes” Mara said turning away from her and putting her arms up. Willow pushed her hands down lightly and turned her around. She put her hands on Mara’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

“Do you trust me?” Willow asked. Mara nodded.

“I trust you” Mara nodded. Willow smiled and turned her around. Mara went into the lunge position again with her arms up. Willow held her and squeezed ever so slightly so Mara knew it was ready to push off. Mara pushed off and quickly went in the air, not hesitating like she did the first time. She went through smoothly and landed on her feet without a stumble. When she was done, Mara raised her fists into the air: “Yes!”

“You did it! You really, really did it this time, and it was mostly you!” Willow hugged her as she did a happy dance. Mara stopped dancing and hugged Willow back. Then Willow did something pretty surprising, she cupped Mara’s face and kissed her right on the lips. Mara looked at her surprised. She knew she had to do it for the project but it was unexpected to her.

“Wha- wow um” Mara said not quite over the shock. Willow stepped back.

“Should I have not...” Willow asked. She also had the project in time, and thought it was the right timing. Mara got over the shock and smiled at her.

“No, it just surprised me” Mara said. Willow smiled a little, and Mara felt bad. So she kissed on the cheek and Willow beamed. “C’mon before we’re late to class”

After school, everyone walked back, in pairs, to Anubis. A few people noticed how some of the students seemed to be confused as to how the couples changed so quickly, and in most unexpected ways. They ignored the looks and went on with the project, which so far has become a lot more fun than they expected. Especially for pairs that didn’t really talk much, like Mick and Patricia. Or like Nina and Alfie. Or like KT and Jerome. As they got closer to the house, they saw Mr. Sweet standing there. Eddie wondered what he could be there for, until he notice what was next to him. Eddie’s jaw hit the ground when he saw the shiny new motorcycle.

“Holy-” Eddie breathed out running to it. The others followed closely behind him.

“This a gift, for working hard to get your licence” Mr. Sweet said. He handed him a helmet. “As long as you always wear this”

Eddie laughed and took the helmet. He looked at the bike, extremely happy at the moment. “Thanks”

Mr. Sweet smiled. “Well, go for a ride now!” he said. Eddie took the other helmet that was sitting on the seat and looked at Joy.

“Has room for one more” he said. Alfie jumped up and grabbed the helmet.

“Thanks buddy!” Alfie smiled. Joy walked up and snatched the helmet.

“I think he was talking to me ” Joy rolled her eyes. Eddie hopped on, and Joy climbed on behind him, holding onto him. Eddie looked at Patricia for a moment. Patricia knew what that look was for. Eddie told her a while ago that when he got a bike, that she would be in Joy’s place. But right now, that spot was reserved for her best friend. At least for two weeks. So she smiled as if it didn’t bother her. Eddie knew it bothered her, but neither could say something. All of the adults knew about the project, including Mr. Sweet. Just the look they gave each other could cost them points. So Eddie put on his helmet and started the engine. And took off.

Joy was at first a little scared. She held on to Eddie tightly for her life. Eddie laughed at her. “I can’t drive if I can’t breathe” he joked. She rolled her eyes and let go, but only a little bit. After riding for a little while, it just became exhilarating. They rode all around town and Joy actually put her arms in the air, enjoying the ride. She screamed and shouted and Eddie laughed the entire time.

“This is amazing!” Joy shouted. After driving around for a while, they stopped at a park Eddie parked the bike and he and Joy just took a rest in the grass. It was freshly cut and a little damp but they didn’t mind. She rested her head on his chest and fell asleep that way. They stayed like that, and they didn’t know how long. But when he saw the sun was going to set soon, he thought it would be a better idea to head back. So he woke her up and motioned to the bike.

“Come on” he said getting up.

“Wait!” Joy called.

“What?” Eddie asked. She walked to him, stood on her toes, wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him towards her slowly. He met her halfway until their lips connected. She pulled away, smiled, and ran to the bike.

Amber walked down the steps with her books and to Fabian’s room. He let her in and smiled. She smiled back and sat cross legged next to him. “So what are we starting with?” Amber asked.

“What do you wanna start with?” Fabian asked. Amber thought.

“Art?” she asked. He laughed.

“How about... how about chem?” he asked.

“Ugh” she said. “I hate that subject.

“Ok, language arts” he suggested.

“Hate that too” Amber said.

“History?”

“Hate it”

“French”

“Hate it”

“Maths”

“ Hate ”

“What do you like?” Fabian asked.

“Uh... art” Amber smiled. Fabian couldn’t help but smile back at how adorable hers was.

“Ok how about we do Language arts? I mean, it was an easy assignment” Fabian shrugged. Amber sighed and nodded. “Ok, did you read the last act she assigned of Othello?”

“Othello” Amber asked trying to remember what it was. Fabian rolled his eyes.

“Have you begun to read it?” Fabian asked. Amber looked sheepish. “Ok the assignment is to write a paragraph of what happened in the last scene”

“Ok so what happened in the last scene?” Amber asked.

“Iago got Cassio drunk” Fabian said. “Which ultimately made him lose his position as Othello’s right hand man”

“Why did Iago do that?” Amber asked.

“Because Iago wants Cassio’s job” Fabian explained. Amber nodded. “You can write as Othello”

“Well... how...” Amber was confused and frustrated and the study ‘date’ had only begun. Amber decided it was time to turn it into a ‘study’ date. So she scooted a little closer to him, and he barely noticed because he’s Fabian. And when she laid her head on his shoulder he didn’t flinch. But it made a difference to her. She was suddenly more comfortable and relaxed. And whatever stress the day gave her she was gone when his warmth wrapped around her. And just like that, things became a little more clear, and she could concentrate more. “So... I would be writing how Othiellom feels about Casido?”

“Yes you would be writing about how Othello feels about Cassio ” Fabian chuckled. Amber got out her laptop and started typing, with Fabian’s help.

Nina and Alfie had been sitting in detention for about fifteen minutes. The rules were to not do anything. They just had to sit and be bored. And boy were they. Their detention was monitored by Ms. Muller, the teacher for language arts. There were few people in there, five including Nina and Alfie to be exact. Nina sighed and put her head down.

Alfie noticed this. He was used to detention. Granted Jerome was usually the one sitting next to him. He usually either slept, thought about life, or about the next prank that would land him in that same place. He decided he didn’t want Nina to be bored. So, as subtly as possible, he inched his foot closer to Nina’s, and tapped it before it retreated back to it’s previous spot.

Nina smiled and kept her head down as she moved her foot towards his, but he surprised her by meeting it halfway and tapping it. And just like that they were in an all out footsy war. Their bodies torso up were as perfectly still as can be, not wanting Muller to notice, but their legs and feet were moving around as if it were some were interpretive dance.

When Nina accidentally tickled him, he had to fight to keep his poker face on and bite his tongue so he didn’t laugh. The look on his face because of this was priceless. So Nina kept it up. Alfie held his breath and he had a goofy grin on his face. Alfie felt it was time the he stopped being the victim of the footsie game, and had an idea. He knew that the back of the knee is a big tickle spot on most people. And he reached down with his hand and tickled there. She let out a small yelp, that barely attracted Muller’s attention, and gave Alfie the ‘you win’ look. Alfie looked smug and Nina rolled her eyes. About ten minutes after their game, just as Nina was about to fall asleep, Muller got up.

“Don’t move” she said making her way to the bathroom. As soon as the door closed, low murmurs were heard.

“You cheated” Nina said immediately in a low voice.

“You’re the one that started the tickling thing” Alfie pointed at her. “I just finished it”

“Oh no, this is far from finished” Nina locked eyes with him and smirked.

“Oh really?” Alfie smiled.

“Really” Nina raised her eyebrows in a challenging way. Muller walked through the door and looked at the two.

“Stop flirting!” she barked. Nina and Alfie backed away from each other, unaware that they were quote unquote ‘flirting’. “You can leave now, detention is over”

Everyone happily got up and left the room. Alfie stood at the entrance to the school and looked over at the path to Anubis house and back at Nina.

“Race you?” he asked. She shook her head.

“Nope” she said.

“Chicken?” he asked.

“Not a big fan of running” Nina shrugged.

“C’mon, please?” he asked, using the puppy dog face.

“That face needs to stop!” Nina said. “Fine”

“Ready? One... two...” Alfie counted off. “Three!”

And they were off, with Alfie already in front. But Nina wasn’t far behind him. And then there was something about his running that struck her. The way he constantly looked back to see how far behind she was. The playful look on his face. She couldn’t remember what was so familiar about it, and she had the most annoying deja vu. She racked her brain the whole time trying to figure out what it was. When they made it to the door, Alfie slapped his hand on it breathing heavily with a triumphant smile. He was ready to boast and gloat, playfully of course, until he saw the look on Nina’s face. It looked frustrated and determined.

And then she remembered. One of the first days that she had been in Anubis house, she remembered Alfie stole Jerome’s shoe and was running away from him. She and fabian had been talking and they ran beside them that day. And then it was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, because she finally figured it out.

Maybe it was her own small celebration for getting rid of her head ache. Maybe it was to wipe the worried look off of Alfie’s face. Or maybe she just remembered the requirement. But she smiled and kissed Alfie on the lips, only for a few seconds, and went inside leaving him shocked and confused.

“You know, it’s not fair that you know more about me now, but I don’t know much about you” KT said to Jerome. “I think it’s time for round two of twenty questions”

“Oh really?” Jerome asked. “Ok, go”

“Ok I guess we’ll start with the easys” KT said. “So favorite color?”

“Uhm... blue” KT rose her eyebrows.

“That’s-”

“The same as your, I know” Jerome laughed.

“Ok favorite uh subject at school” KT asked.

“Lunch” he smiled.

“That’s not a subject!” KT exclaimed.

“Says you” he smiled.

“Favorite animal?”

“So now you’re stealing my questions?” Jerome teased.

“These are general questions!” KT reasoned and pushed him lightly. “You don’t own them”

“Fine uh I would... steal your monkey” he smirked.

“No I wouldn’t let you!” KT exclaimed. “Plus, you couldn’t handle a monkey”

“Sure I could, I have an Alfie” Jerome laughed.

“He would jump on your back and mess up you hair” KT said doing just that then whispered in his ear. “Could you handle that?”

“I can handle some messy hair” Jerome said shaking a little to try to get her off of him. “Can you?”

“Every girl’s experienced a bad hair day, trust me” KT said hopping off.

“Continue with the questions or it will be the second round we didn’t finish” Jerome said.

“Ok... Where do you wanna travel to?” KT asked. He thought.

“Don’t get cocky” he started.

“You wanna go to America don’t you!” KT laughed.

“I said don’t get cocky!” Jerome warned. “But I kind of always wanted to go to New York. Just to see what the hubbub about.”

“Join the club” KT said.

“You’ve never been to New York?” Jerome asked.

“Nope. Gas prices, car malfunctions, too many complications” KT shrugged.

“Ah” he sighed. “Well maybe we’ll go together some day” he smiled. She smiled back and nodded.

“Maybe” KT said. “So how many questions is that so far?”

“Four” he laughed.

“Seriously? That’s it?” KT asked in disbelief. “Alright, most surprising gif you’ve ever gotten”

“Surprising? Nothing surprises me” Jerome said.

“I don’t believe you” KT said.

“It’s true, after what I’ve gone through, nothing surprises me” he said honestly feeling that way.

“What have you gone through?” KT asked.

“Well after my best friends abandoned me for the beginning of the scooby gang, I decided to team up with this guy named-” Jerome’s story was cut short by an ironically surprising kiss.

“Did that surprise you?” KT asked. He rolled his eyes.

“Congratulations I bet you feel really accomplished now” KT smirked in answer.

“Very accomplished” she smiled.

As soon as Mick walked through the door, Patricia jumped up to greet him. She had been feeling particularly lonely that day. He smiled at her. “Hey”

,“Hey, wanna watch a movie?” she asked.

“Sure, I’ll just take a shower and-” he started.

“Shower later” she told him.

“But I’m all sweaty” he said.

“I don’t care” Patricia said.

“Really?” Mick asked in disbelief. “Amber thinks sweat is gross and Mara’s all about hygiene so...”

“Do I look like Amber or Mara to you” Patricia asked eyebrow raised.

“You most certainly do not” Mick said.

“Exactly, I just want to spend time with you. So wash your face change your clothes and meet me in my room” Patricia said. Patricia had always made fun of Mara and Amber for being the needy girlfriend that always had an iron grip on Mick’s testicals, bust now she saw why. He was gone most of the day. And it really bothered her. So she was inexplicably excited to finally just sit back and watch a movie with him. And she didn’t care what movie.

“Hey” Mick said coming into her room no more than ten minutes later. “So I brought up my DVDs”

“Ooh” she said looking at them. The second and third Harry Potter, and Skyfall. “You’re collection is huge, how am I going to pick?”

“Well someone’s feeling sarcastic” Mick said.

“Only everyday of my life” Patricia chuckled. “What’s Skyfall about”

“It’s a Double Oh Seven movie” Mick said. Patricia looked confused. “James Bond?”

“Oh... Ok well then let’s watch it” she said.

“Have you ever watched a James Bond movie?” Mick asked putting it into her laptop. She shook her head. “You won’t get a lot of the references then”

“It won’t bother you that you might have to explain them to me will it?” Patricia asked.

“No” he said/

“Good, because you’d just have to suck it up and do it anyway” Patricia said. Mick laughed, the type of laugh you just have to throw your head back for.After twenty minutes into the movie, Mick was exhausted, but stayed up for Patricia. She was laying next to him with her knees to her chest and her head on his shoulder.

“This is the longest intro into a movie ever ” Patricia said. “Are they using the entire song?”

“Yeah they are, it’s cool” Mick said.

“It’s stupid” Patricia said.

“Well it’s just one section of the movie” Mick said.

“A very long section” Patricia complained. It didn’t bother Mick, he just laughed it off. Now completely into the movie, Patricia couldn’t wait for it to be over so she knew everything, but never wanted it to end at the same time. “There’s something going on with Bonds and that girl, his partner”

“Nah, he’s just naturally flirtatious’ Mick said.

“Naturally flirtatious with her. Are they gonna hook up at the end?” Patricia asked.

“Not telling you” Mick said. “Not telling you anything”

“Why not?” Patricia whined.

“Because it ruins the movie!” Mick told her.

“I’ll just look it up on Wikipedia” Patricia took her phone out, but before she could even turn it on Mick snatched it from her. “ Give me my phone!”

“After the movie’s over” Mick said.

“I can’t enjoy the movie without my phone” Patricia said.

“I guess you’re just gonna have to learn” Mick shrugged. Patricia reached for it but Mick held it back. When she was close to getting it he hopped out of bed and ran away. She wasn’t more than two steps behind him.

“Ugh!” Joy yelled at them. “Why are you stomping around the house like a bunch of Gorillas?”

“He stole my phone!” Patricia pointed at Mick. 

“Stop it!” Joy yelled and retreated to her spot in the living room.

“Ok, if you give me my phone, I won’t look anything up on Wikipedia” Patricia reasoned.

“No” Mick smirked.

“Why not!” Patricia exclaimed.

“I like seeing you annoyed” Mick shrugged.

“Why?”

“Because... it’s cute” he admitted. She stopped reaching for her phone and looked at him. Trying to figure out if he was just saying that for points, or if he really believed that. It annoyed and flattered her, because she hates being cute. One of those feelings only one other person could give her. And then he kissed her, and once again she was wondering if it was for the project or for him. She thought that would be one thing about the assignment that would nag at her for a while. What part of it was real, and what part was fake? She felt eyes bearing into the back of her head. She knew whose eyes they were. So she reached for her phone and pulled away from him, sticking her tongue out and racing up the stairs.

Mick watched her retreating figure and turned around to see Eddie. They stared at each other for a while. Not saying a word. Not a single word. Because neither of them had to. Mick just kissed Patricia. Eddie wasn’t sure if she was his girlfriend or ex girlfriend. But Mick kissed her. But that’s not the bad part. Mick knew why Eddie was looking at him like that. It’s because he enjoyed it. And Eddie knew it.

“It is ten o’clock!” Victor’s annual chant called. “You have five minutes, and then I want to hear a pin… drop”

Mick and Eddie both made their way to their room and were surprised to see a sleeping Fabian and Amber surrounded by books and papers. Fabian was laying sideway with his face on his Science homework and Amber was on top of him with the Othello book in her hand. Eddie nudged them with his foot and they both simply let out a muffled groan. So he kicked them a little harder and they woke up.

“What time is it?” Amber’s worn and tired voice asked.

“Ten o’clock” Mick answered. Fabian woke up a little more after hearing the curfew and realizing he wasn’t dressed for bed, and he also didn’t brush his teeth. Amber awoke a little realizing she wasn’t even in her corridor. She rushed up and gathered her papers and books and was about to leave before turned back and gave Fabian a quick kiss before running out and saying ‘good night’ in the process.

The kiss was very casual. As if they did it every day, as if it were nothing. So much so that Fabian barely realized that it happened, also because his brain was a little foggy from being sleepy. Once he finished getting ready for bed, teeth brushed, night clothes on, he remembered there was one last assignment he forgot to do. And because he was a good friend, he wanted to make sure Eddie and Mick hadn’t forgotten as well. He threw a pillow at Eddie, and tapped Mick.

“What?”

“ What ”

“Did you do your journals for theater?” Fabian asked. They shook their head and each reached for their journal. Fabian reached for his, and begun writing.

Chapter Text

Alfie

Ok so Nina is actually amazeballs! She can be a lot of fun to be around. When we were both in Sib- in... in... in our club that she was the leader of, she was kind of high strung. She was like the mum of Sibuna, y’know? And I guess I was the kid. She just seems to be this... I don’t know... really bossy person. And I didn’t actually think she would say yes when I asked her out. But I had a lot of fun with her today. I feel really bad about getting her in detention again, especially when she wasn’t going to do anything bad before me... I hope I made detention bearable.

So... I miss Willow. A lot. When I started the project, and learned that Nina was my partner, I didn’t think it would go well. I mean, when I was with Amber, we had a thing. Me and Amber loved to support each other, that was out thing. No matter what it was, I knew she had my back and she should have known that I had hers. Willow and I, we like to have fun. Whatever it is, no matter how crazy, she would do it. She would pretty much be down for anything. I didn’t think I would be able to have a good relationship like that with Nina, but she was surprisingly pretty chill. Which is what I would describe as the opposite of Nina before...

Amber

Fabian is sooooo cute! Today, he helped me with my homework and for the first time in... in... a long long time I feel like I might get an A! When he explained Algebra, he explained it like shoes and sweets! Which really helped! Like, he said once that x were lollypops and y were jolly ranchers! Mmm! It makes more sense if you see the homework. And I actually read um... crap what’s his name? Ok I read that guy, the one in the book. Y’know the one with the wife and the mean man and... ahh forget it. I’ll remember his name later. Point is, Fabian made everything a lot easier for me, and he’s such a sweetheart! Whenever I got something right he gave me a kiss on the cheek! I know right! So cute!

Ok, so he’s no Mick, that’s a definite. He’s no Alfie, that’s for sure. But he is Fabian. And Fabian is turning out to be a lot more fun to have as a boyfriend than I thought. No he isn’t as funny... he’s not as.. well built. But he’s really sweet. I mean, he treats me in this way that I haven’t been treated. He’s more... gentle. Y’know? Like... like he’s always nervous and he wants to do everything right, which is kind of adorable. I think that’s just Fabian though. That’s how he was with Nina... but it’s interesting to actually be the Nina. Well, the Amber version of Nina.

Eddie

So it turns out, my new girlfriend has a problem with French! And lucky for her, I am kind of bilingual. The thing is, Madam has a thing against her. I don’t know why, but it’s definitely affecting her French learning. She’s rude to Joy more than anyone else. I haven’t told Joy... but I’m kind of planning to do some research on her. And it would be cool if a really chill teacher could tell me what he knows... and didn’t tell anyone about this. I’m good a snooping now... now that I uh.. became in the journalism thing. That’s why...

Today I went on a motorcycle ride with Joy. It was fun, but that was supposed to be Patricia. And I know she was not happy about it. Actually, I think Patricia’s been frustrated with the entire project. I don’t blame her, I mean... she had me as a boyfriend! But seriously... I don’t want her stressed about it. She’s not fun when she’s stressed. I hope Mick can help her out. Mick. Mick’s enjoying the project a little too much to me. I’ll have to keep an eye on him. I don’t know him well enough to trust him. I would have been more comfortable if she got someone like Fabian.

Fabian

I don’t understand why Amber plays this dumb blonde thing to the the max. Sure she has her moments, and lots of them. Sure she’s a little oblivious. But she’s also really smart. She just needs to believe in herself. She’s like a slow HD computer. Sure it takes awhile to get to the page, but once it’s there it’s clear and crisp and beautifully bright. There couldn’t be a better way to describe Amber. She may not grasp the information right away, but once it’s broken down for her, she really gets it.

Amber’s my friend. She had been for a long time. She helped me with Nina all of the time. I never thought I would actually be going out with her, thank you for that Mr. Winkler. Amber is known as the house’s love guru. Always somehow involved in someone’s relationship, pushing people towards whom she thinks they would be best with. She never pushed me and her together in a way that was more than platonic. And I trust her judgement, she’s been pretty much right so far. So, I honestly don’t know what’s going to become of this ‘relationship’. I’m hoping more good than bad, not just for the A. But also because Amber is an important part of my life, and I don’t want to lose her.

Jerome

So my first day going out with KT, and I had a lot of fun. Well that’s because she’s a lot of fun. She’s really bouncy and smiley. I noticed that before today though, she’s full of energy and she has one of those contagious smiles and laughs. Y’know, the one where you can’t help but join her? And she can put you in a good mood really easily because of it. She’s like... like a cute little baby monkey. KT the baby monkey. I wonder... if she read this if she would take that well or not. Knowing her, she would probably retaliate by calling me some kind of animal. She’s also a lot of fun to mess with, because she doesn’t really seem to mind. She’ll just laugh it off and then mess with me a little bit, and she loves to have fun. And that’s great, because that’s the type of guy I am.

I was the one that came up with the game. I know, genius. This project would have gone down the toilet if it weren’t for me. I saw this episode in a show once, where a few couples had to pretend to go out. And surprise those couples ended up going out. And in previous years, I’m sure it’s turned out the same way. So, I think I know how this project is going to end. Joy fake dated me, and then we went out. It’s just inevitable. KT’s cool, pretty too, but I never had any intention to date her. And I’m sure everyone else is feeling similarly. So I have a proposition for you. How about you give extra points to the couples that get back together in the end, seeing as everyone will see that’s a harder promise to keep than they thought. Oh and if you do take my offer, don’t tell them. It would probably change the game- I mean project- for the worse.

Joy

Have you ever been on a motorcycle? If you haven’t, you should know it’s the coolest, most exhilarating thing in the world. It’s like a rollercoaster. It’s like you’re on a speedboat. But it’s even better, if you’re with someone. Especially if they take you to the park to see the sunset. Ok so if you haven’t noticed, I’ve had an amazing day. Like the kind you see in movies but better because I lived it. I felt like I was in a rom-com! I lived a rom-com experience. How was your day?

Ok, that last paragraph was really hard to write because this whole project, I just hate it. It sucks. I feel bad! Of course I had to be paired with, who else? My best friend’s boyfriend. I don’t know it you’ve noticed but she’s head over heels in love with him. I know she’s uncomfortable with this, and I can’t blame her! I just... Patricia’s my best friend. And I really don’t want to hurt her, and Eddie’s had an impact on her that I’ve never seen before him. She’s strong, but she’s also weak. And I don’t want to break her, or do anything where she’ll hate me. I just can’t have that happen, even if it means sacrificing a good grade.

KT

Jerome and I had a good time today. I never knew what it was like to have a boyfriend. I’m a little nervous. The day went well, but I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do tomorrow. We can’t just play word games all day. What do couples usually do? Well... besides each other. I’m... not ready for that. I think I should talk to my friends. They’ve all been in pretty successful relationships. Maybe they can help me out, show me the ropes. Honestly, I’m a rookie at the whole girlfriend business.

Jerome and I haven’t really hung out together. We aren’t exactly besties. In fact, I think he’s kind of a douche bag. A little narcissistic. I mean, I’ve seen his sweet side, but I’ve heard of what he’s done. He’s kind of that typical mystery guy that the girls fall for. I know he used to con people out of their money. I know he’s my housemate, but he just doesn’t seem like a good guy. I don’t know. He really has to prove himself to me. He seems like the type of guy that would hurt a girl. I mean, he hurt Mara, Willow, and Joy in a time period of about two months. I’m nervous that he’ll hurt me, or really the project. The project is a huge part of our grade. I just really need him to take things seriously.

Mara

So... I don’t like learning. Well I like it... Let me start over. I like knowing things. I love knowing things, actually. So when I learn, I think of when I will soon know . If that makes sense. So I don’t like it when it takes a long time to learn. I get frustrated. But I guess that’s the same for everybody, right? I’m just not used to being in the dark about things, if you will. And I don’t take it well when being taught something by one of my peers... usually. But today, I did learn something... I mean. It was something as simple as a cartwheel. I don’t think... it’s different. I’m used to learning things. I had always kind of wanted to be able to do a cartwheel, and somehow... Willow taught me. What I’m trying to say it... Well I don’t exactly know what I’m trying to say. At this point I think I might be droning. But Willow... she did it. :)

I can honestly, and proudly say that I’m not confused a lot.  But I was confused today. I was worried about the assignment because I vowed to myself that I would always get A’s on every test and projects I got. Then you throw me a curveball and make me a lesbian for two weeks, I didn’t know what I was going to do. But it turns out... being gay for a day isn’t very different. I mean, you’re still in a relationship with someone you care about and who cares for you. But what really surprised me today was when Willow, my ‘girlfriend’ kissed me. It wasn’t the kiss itself that surprised me, I knew it was coming. In fact, in my mind, I was calculating the exact right moment when it should happen. What really surprised me was my thoughts afterwards. I remember thinking ‘That wasn’t that bad, I can’t wait to do it again’ before I realized what I was saying in my head. What... does that mean? I couldn’t actually... forget it. It’s nothing...

Mick

Patricia and I didn’t really hang out before. In fact, I could probably count on my fingers how many times we had a convo. Funny how you can live with someone, and still not talk to them. Patricia is just kind of hard to get close to. She’s close with her little group, who everyone calls the ‘Scooby Gang’ because they solve mysteries? I don’t know. And she’s close to Jerome and Joy and Mara too. And I guess she’s pretty close to KT, even though I heard they didn’t have much of a friendship when they first met. And then of course Eddie, they’re nearly attached at the hip. I’m drifting. My point is that even though I never really talked to her, she’s always been kind of interesting to me. She’s secretive, and mysterious. And... intreeging. She’s just... really cool.

I think Eddie’s mad at me. Which is really unfair since I’m just doing the project. One of the parts of the project is to kiss your girlfriend. I’m just... doing what I’m supposed to. I did nothing wrong. Nothing! I don’t get why he has to be mad at me over it. He’s just being unfair. But... why do I feel so bad? I mean, I did just kiss my roomate’s girlfriend... but I shouldn’t feel bad because I just did what you said. Maybe because I kind of... likes it? It’s not my fault she’s a good kisser! A really good kisser.

Nina

Antidisestablishmentarianism. I think that’s how it’s spelled. It has twenty-eight letters, and eleven syllables. It means to be against the disestablishment of a Church in Britain during the nineteenth century. I looked it up for Alfie. It took me twenty times to figure out how to say it smoothly, it gets caught in my tongue. And after breaking it down, I noticed it’s not actually hard to spell it. Anti Dis Establishment Tarian Ism. It’s a bunch of words in one. Alfie is definitely the King of Hangman. Which is funny, because when he asked me out he called me the Queen of Egypt. Interesting how we keep thinking of each other as royalty.

How would I describe Alfie? Well how would you describe Alfie? He’s... well... Alfie . He’s good for Amber and Willow. They have that whole... thing... y’know? No one would put me with him usually. Well except you of course. People just don’t think of us as a good pair. And I would be one of those people to say that, until recently. I don’t know about anyone else, but today I saw him in a different light. He’s really fun . I mean, I already knew that. He’s really sweet too. Ok I already knew all of this. It’s hard to explain, it’s just different when you’re his ‘girlfriend’. Like, I knew he was sweet. I knew he was funny. I knew he was playful. But I see it even more so, and enjoy it even more too. I just like it.

Patricia

So today I spent my day waiting for Mick. I mean, I felt like I only got to see him for ten minutes, and I always used to mock Mara for looking like that needy girlfriend (not to her face of course) but now I get it. Being Mick’s girlfriend is hard. He’s never around, he’s always off practicing or whatever. So when he’s here I just have to take what I can get. And the sad part about it is I really like hanging out with him. Like I had a really good time after all of the practice but it was cut short by stupid Victor and his curfews and whatever. I just wish I could hang out with him more. I refuse to be that needy girlfriend. I refuse .

Everything I said up there was true. I like hanging out with Mick, he’s funny and he’s always gone. I thought the ‘relationship’ was gonna be awkward. I mean, even if it were kind of awkward, I was going to figure it out somehow. I don’t want to lose this bet that Jerome made. But I mean, what are me and Mick gonna talk about? Really. Sports? I’d rather hit my head with a frying pan repeatedly until the conversation were over or until I black out. Whichever came first. But I’ve been having fun with him since we found out we were partners. Though... Eddie looks kind of... tense.

Willow

Guess who taught Mara how to cartwheel? Me! She’s well on her way to becoming a squee screaming cartwheeling fun ball like her girlfriend! But I think I made her uncomfortable. I kind of kissed her today and she looked kind of shocked or mad or... well he expression was unreadable but it wasn’t really a great one. I don’t want to make things weird. I just saw the opportunity and I took it. Is it bad? Should I have warned her or something? I know she doesn’t really like being surprised because she likes knowing things. I’m just a little nervous that’s all...

SQUEE!!!!! I love this project! It’s so much fun because I love acting! Except for that one time last year where I had to play a lot of parts but besides that I had a lot of fun! And with Mara too! We were already friends and now we get to be really friendlier friends and it’s a lot of fun! I’m not that happy about the game thing though. I’m really bad at competitive things. I just want everyone to win! And Mara’s not like that. She’s really competitive, and rigid. Like she actually mapped out the week before I threw out the schedule and told her it’s more realistic to wing it. Eventually she believed me, and I was worried about the week. But I think it will go squeefully now!

Chapter Text

The second day of the project had gone similarly to the first day. Everyone was actually having fun with it, though no one would admit it. They nearly forgot about their daily lunch visit with Mr. Winkler, all excited to hang out at lunch. Mick was prepared to train, and Patricia was prepared to sulk, inside of course. She wouldn’t admit that she actually missed the meat head during lunch. No, she wouldn’t dare, Patricia doesn’t have feelings. At least that’s what she wants people to think. Though she’s pretty sure no one actually thinks that, but she makes an effort.

“Hold on there Mick” Jason called. Mick turned around, training things in arm. “Remember, all of the Anubis kids have to come to the theater and discuss their project.

“How long’s that gonna take?” Mick asked.

“Fifteen minutes, now come on” Jason answered, ignoring the groans. Everyone else was already in the room looking bored and uninterested. “Great, now that everyone’s here-”

“Mr. Winkler, why are we doing this?” Amber asked.

“Yeah, no offence but I think we know how to be in a relationship” Eddie chuckled. There were a few nods of agreement and Jason rolled his eyes.

“I think you should know that all of your scores are practically the same, and they’re all average” Jason said. “Yes, the kissing, hugging, flirting, are all apart of a relationship with your boy or girlfriend. But that’s not all there is. How many people have ever been in an argument with your boyfriend or girlfriend?”

At first thought, most people looked at Patricia or Eddie. Who both rolled their eyes and raised their hand. At second thought, nearly all of them raised their hands. Sure there were the many, many times Patricia and Eddie argued, but there was also the time Mick was keeping things from Mara, or when Amber was keeping things from Mick. There was the time Amber wouldn’t let Alfie break up with her, and the time Willow was upset with Alfie, and Alfie had no idea. There was, of course, the time Jerome cheated with Willow on Mara and the time Mara told Jerome they needed to ‘cool it’. The time Jerome was flirting with the underclassmen and Joy was having none of it. The time Fabian and Joy’s ‘friendship’ became a problem for Nina and Fabian’s relationship. The only one who didn’t raise her hand was KT.

“Exactly. It’s once you get past the honeymoon stage. We’re speeding things up, and the honeymoon stage will end early in the week, or the relationship is unrealistic” Jason said. “But it can’t be random arguments. The arguments needs to be real, or as real as possible. So think about that”

After the fifteen minutes were out, most students cleared out, apart from Amber, who told Fabian to wait for her. Jason hardly noticed her there waiting for him to acknowledge her. When he did look up, he was surprised.

“Hello Mr. Winkler” she smiled.

“Is there something you need Amber?” he asked.

“Uh yeah... I know we’re only supposed to talk about the... project ... when in journals or our lunch sessions...” Amber started.

“It’s ok, go ahead” Jason encouraged.

“Well, it’s just... you want the project to be realistic right?” Amber asked. “As if we’re really going out with said person, right?”

“That was my intention, yes” Jason nodded.

“Well, what’s unrealistic is... hold on” she went in her bag and pulled out her notebook. “Rule number three ‘Do not flirt with, kiss, or date anyone except you partner’”

“Ok I’m listening”

“Well, Jerome is a looker, even when with someone. Y’know, he likes girls. He looks around a lot, but because of what you say he’s like afraid to look anywhere else. KT should get the full experience of dating Jerome. The same thing Joy, Willow and Mara had to go through when they was dating him. And that could even start arguments between them. It’s not just Jerome, all guys like to look at other girl’s asses sometimes” “And girls look at guys, too. Almost no one is as perfect as we’re all being because we’re afraid of losing points. Which means we’re thinking about the project too much”

“You make a good point” Jason nodded.

“And also, no one is talking to their fake ex’s... which sometimes happens, but not all of the time. And you usually have some feelings for your ex. I just think you should erase number three all together. I mean... cheating is bad. Totally awful, but it’s also realistic. You shouldn’t shut those things out. That way we could embody real heart break and maybe that would do better for grades and scores and what not” Amber finished.

“I will consider and come back to you later” Jason smiled and Amber beamed. He has to hand it to her, this was her subject of expertise.

Mick couldn’t understand why, but Patricia looked pretty upset. She payed no attention to him, and just to the teacher, taking notes. Patricia had been upset. But she thought she wasn’t allowed to show it. Now that Jason had told them they were not only allowed to be upset with their partner, but encouraged she was able to show it. And boy did it feel good. Patricia hated showing emotions, all except anger and annoyance that is. She had no problem with those.

“Hey what’s the matter?” Mick nudged her.

“Don’t worry about it” she muttered.

“If something’s bothering you just-” Mick started but Patricia cut him off by demanding that she was going for a water break. Mick looked to Fabian who shrugged, then to Amber who urged him to go after her. He got up and ran out of the room following her. She groaned at him.

“Can’t you just let me be annoyed and alone ?” Patricia groaned.

“Just tell me” Mick urged. She sighed.

“Fine, we’ll talk in private” she said and directed him to the girls bathroom where he stopped short. “What are you waiting for?”

“This is the girl’s bathroom” Mick pointed to the sign.

“I think you’re the only boy from the house who hasn’t been in the girl’s bathroom” Patricia chuckled.

“Why would they go into the girl’s bathroom?” Mick asked.

“Oh to look through the-” Patricia pointed to the wall, but quickly put her hand down realizing that she was giving away one of the secrets of Sibuna. “Nothing, just come in”

Mick raised an eyebrow at her but walked in anyway. After making sure no one was in the bathroom, she turned to him who was looking at her expectantly. She sighed, she was about to become the needy girlfriend.

“I never see you” she said bluntly.

“What are you talking about? You’re looking at me” Mick responded, obviously confused. “If you’re not seeing me what are you seeing?”

Despite being annoyed at the moment, she couldn’t help but chuckle at Mick’s ignorance. “That’s not... really what I meant”

“What do you mean then?” Mick asked.

“I mean... well... I see you in classes and stuff but I’m not seeing you as much as I should” Patricia explained. “Because you’re always training or something”

“Oh, well I know it sucks, but I’ll come hang out with you as soon as I’m finished” Mick assured her. That didn’t make her feel any better, though by the smile on his face, she was sure he thought it did.

“That’s not good enough!” Patricia yelled. Mick’s eyebrows rose in surprises.

“Are you” he started with a whisper, making sure no one heard them. “Are you looking for an argument for the project?”

“No!” Patricia spat, feeling more annoyed. “But if we’re going to bring the project into this, then I should mention that we probably have the lowest grade because we’re never together ”

“What do you want from me?” Mick asked.

“You!” Patricia answered.

“I can’t just change my entire schedule around” Mick countered.

“You can try to change it a little” Patricia muttered.

“I don’t think you understand how important this is” Mick groaned at her, beginning to raise his voice a little as well.

“Ok, I get it, it’s important” Patricia waved it off, ready for the conversation to be over, but Mick wasn’t.

“Amber and Mara had problems with this as well, but I didn’t think I’d have this problem with you. I didn’t think you would even care” Mick admitted.

“Of course I care!” Patricia yelled with exasperation. “And if Mara, Amber and me have all said something don’t you think maybe the problem is you ?”

“Yeah, actually, I did think about it” Mick said to her. “Which is why I didn’t have a girlfriend. Sorry, Patricia, but sports has to come first for me. But maybe you could make more effort”

“You’re kidding me right?”

“Instead of complaining, try working around my schedule” Mick said. “Like now!”

“What are you talking about?” Patricia asked.

“You are here, with me right now” Mick pointed out. “And you’re spending the time arguing”

Patricia, annoyingly and silently, agreed with him.

“I’m here now, you have me all to yourself” Mick told her. “I’m yours at least for the next few minutes, what do you want me to do?”

His words sent chills down her spine. ‘I’m yours’ and ‘you have me all to yourself’ . He was right. He was with her now, but she didn’t know what she wanted. Suddenly, she had a lump in her thought, and she was like a nervous little girl. Timidly staring at her feet. She looked at him again, he was patiently waiting for a response, and she felt he deserved one. And looking at him, she had an urge that seemed to come from the same place that her chills did. And in one swift move, she wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him to her, connecting their lips at once.

Mick was surprised by her sudden action. He definitely wanted it, but he didn’t expect it to actually happen. Though the kiss was a lot different than the one he had imagined prior to the event. At some point, neither knew when, Mick’s tongue sneaked into her mouth. Suddenly, they were against the wall to be able to maintain balance. Only thing that could have stopped them was KT walking into the bathroom to see them, making them break apart at once.

“Uh... I was sent to retrieve you” she said looking between the two, who looked sheepish and out of breath. “But I’ll give you guys more time...”

“That’s... ok.. we can come...” Patricia said hoarsely.

“I would neaten up first” KT giggled leaving the bathroom, where Patricia and Mick looked at each other and rushed to the mirrors to finger comb their hair back into place and wipe smudged lipgloss off of their faces. When they felt they were cleaned up enough, they met up with KT in the hallway and made their way to class, glancing at each other along the way.

“Ok, raise your hand if you did the homework” Ms. Muller glanced up to see everyone’s hands were raised, and up went her eyebrows as well. She didn’t remember the last time everyone did their homework. “All of you?” she glanced at a few students, like Alfie, Jerome, Mick, and Amber. They all smiled proudly at themselves. Fabian had coached Amber through her assignments, Nina convinced Alfie to finish his homework, Jerome had nothing better to do without Alfie, and worked with KT, and Mick and Patricia got up early in the morning to work on what they should have been when they were watching Skyfall. “Well isn’t this pleasant! Would anyone like to come up and share what they wrote? Come on Amber”

Amber smiled and took her paper to the front of the class, straightening her tie in the process, and began.

“It was a hard choice, but one I needed to make. This is what being a leader is. I have to make the tough calls. Cassio isn’t the man for the job after all, maybe Iago will be better” Amber started as she read the words on the page. Fabian noticed the page was shaking ever so slightly. “This was supposed to be a great celebration. No more war, no more death. My marriage to the beautiful Desdemona. And my friend betrayed me. My deputy, my right hand. I had so much trust for him. It’s hard to know who you could trust”

Ms. Muller smiled at the foreshadow for Othello trusting the wrong person. Amber was doing well. Fabian slid down in his seat and etched his foot closer to Amber’s, without anyone noticing. He tapped her toe lightly. She looked away from her paper and he smiled at her. She smiled and looked back to her paper, which was not shaking so much anymore.

“I wasn’t really angry, I don’t like to get angry. I was disappointed. Cassio was out of control, if it weren’t for Iago, things could have gotten really bad. I could see the sadness and regret in Cassio’s eyes when I took his job away, which only made everything harder. But I did what I know I had to”

The class clapped and Amber grinned and did a very small curtsy, that only Fabian noticed. Ms. Muller praised her on her good work, and on actually doing the work and Amber sat down next to Fabian. “Were you nervous” he whispered to her when she sat down, knowing the answer, as he slid his chair closer to hers.

“A little bit” Amber admitted as she leaned her head on his shoulder so that he could hear her clearly as spoke in a soft voice. “Until you nudged me”

“Why were nervous?” Fabian’s curiosity asked for him. He felt Amber shrug as her next words vibrated against his neck.

“I don’t usually do things like that” she said and nuzzled into him.

“It was really good” Fabian told her.

“Because of you”

“No, I only gave you the feather. You can fly all on your own if you work hard enough”Fabian reassured her. She looked up at him confused, and he watched it become clear in her face.

“A Dumbo reference?” she laughed at him and put her head down and found his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. He smiled as he rubbed little circles on her shoulder through her shirt and blazer. “And thanks”

“Ok, who’s next?” Ms. Muller asked and Alfie raised his hand, so she waved him up.

Alfie smiled and pulled out a printed paper and head to the front of the classroom. “Ms. Muller, I’m a performer” Alfie grinned. “So I’ll be reciting a rap in the point of view of Iago for Act II Scene ii”

“A rap?” Ms. Muller repeated. Alfie cleared his throat and began.

“Everybody up in Cyprus gettin tipsy

All my doing’, it’s about to get filthy

I’m a boss and don’t you forget it

Cause I look nice but looks can be deceiving

It’s Iago, IA to the GO

Chillin like a villian up in 1922, yo!

Othello thought he was slick messin with my wife

He had another thing comin, I’m gonna end his life”

Some people were laughing, but not at him. The rap was silly, but they suspected that it was supposed to be. After another second, Mick began to drum on the table with a beat and everyone clapped their hands, edging him on. This all just made Alfie even more excited, as he began to hype himself up.

“Gettin ahead of myself, I need to chill it

Cause everything will fall into place in the end

Right now I’m getting the position I deserve

Cause I planted some seeds, weaved a lie ‘till it was firm

I’m a genius, I already knew it

Thought up a plan, figured ain't nothing but to do it

Everything needs to be the way that it should go

Just have to worry ‘bout that idiot Rodrigo.”

Once he finished he bowed and the class cheered him on. Nina stood up and began to chant ‘A Dog! A Dog!’ and it didn’t take long for everyone to join in. Even Ms. Muller looked amused, until she felt that the cheering went on long enough.

“Can I see this?” Ms. Muller held her hand up for the paper and looked over for a moment, before she smiled. “Well, don’t get any ideas to rap every assignment, but you did follow the assignment, and all of the information is correct. You get an A”

“ A plus ” Jerome coughed. Ms. Muller chuckled and smiled.

“Sure. A plus ” Ms. Muller gave him the paper back and the class cheered him on.

In their next class, KT began to get a raging headache. She didn’t know what from, but she felt like someone hit her in the head with a frying pan. Multiple times. She held her head in her hands groaning softly with her eyes closed. Other people’s words to her were muffled, drowned by the agony. She didn’t know what happened, she was fine just ten minutes ago. There was an awful pressure, like someone was punching her eyes from the inside. When she opened them, everything was blurred from tears. She felt someone pick her up and carry her somewhere but she couldn’t tell where. She felt something cold and wet on her forehead. It helped a little, she knew where she was now. She was in the hallway sitting by the lockers with a wet paper towel on her forehead, and Jerome was staring at her.

“What happened?” she asked

“You were moaning in Sweet’s class about your head, so I asked for permission to help you and I didn’t exactly know what to do so I took you here” Jerome explained. “Do you feel better?”

“A little” KT answered. “My head still hurts”

“Mr. Sweet wants us back as soon as possible” Jerome said. KT nodded softly. “But we don’t have to go back if you don’t want to”

“It’s fine, I can-”

“No seriously, we’re out of the classroom, we can just go back to the house” Jerome said.

“Would Trudy let us?” KT asked.

“Well that depends, on a scale from one to ten how bad do you feel?” Jerome asked.

“Well It was a twelve, but now it’s more of a six” KT took the wet towel and flipped it, so the cold part was on her head.

“Then she would probably give you some aspirin, some water, and tell you to come back so that you’re not behind” Jerome said. “So we’ll have to sneak in”

“No” KT moaned. “I’m too tired to be sneaky”

“Then leave it all to me” Jerome smiled. He bent down with his back towards her and told her to get on. Once she was on he stood up and carried her towards the house. Once there, he opened the doors slowly and quietly and looked around to see Trudy just step into the kitchen without noticing them. He quietly made his way to the stairs and stepped on the first one to hear it creak. He winced, it sounded like a bomb.

“Step on the sides” KT whispered in his ear. “People step on the sides the least, so it should creak less”

He took her advice, and it wasn’t quite as loud. He ducked at Victor’s figure focusing on his papers, slowly opening the doors to the girls corridor and quickly making his way to the attic door. He sped up the stairs to Willow and KT’s room. When they found out Mick, Nina, and Amber were all coming back, no one wanted to leave Anubis, and other places were crowded anyway. The attic was the best option for everyone. Willow had taken the liberty to make it as ‘fabulous as it could possibly be!’ while KT stood back and let her do her magic. She stuck different colored posters all around the room, making the walls look like an old disco floor. And then she hung curtains all over the room. Surprisingly, she chose black, said it was to even it out. Then she dedicated one wall to just pictures of everyone at Anubis. The wall was a work in progress, and everyone was impressed with her finished product. Unlike when Vera moved in, the room no longer looked like the ugly, dusty attic. And Amber was even a little jealous.

Once the doors were closed, KT got down from Jerome’s back and immediately laid on the bed. Jerome sat on the bed next to her, with a water bottle and gave it to her. She refused it at first, claiming she wasn’t thirsty and that she’d have to sit up to drink it. It was the last thing she wanted. But after he insisted she got up and leaned on him and drank the water little by little.

“When I feel like crap” Jerome started. “I blast music. Not dance music, music like...”

“Adele?” KT asked. Jerome nodded. “But if we blast music, then Trudy or Victor will know we’re here”

“Then we’ll share headphones and blast the music in our ears until we go deaf” Jerome said pulling out a pair of tangled earbuds. KT took them and slowly untangled them, the task itself somehow making her feel better. Once fully un-spaghettied, they each took one and put it in their ears. The first song that played was ‘One and Only’ and they laid in the bed, just listening. Jerome’s warmth, though unfamiliar, was extremely pleasant. His hot breath on her bare shoulder sent chills down her spine as she slowly drifted to sleep.

“Hold them up!” Joy instructed Eddie as Ms. Robinson gave the class a few minutes of free time. Eddie sighed and held up his hands facing Joy. “Ok so the next move is like pat-a-cake”

“What the heck is a patty cake?” Eddie asked.

“Don’t act like you don’t know pat-a-cake” Joy rolled her eyes.

“Is it a type of cake?” Eddie asked. Joy cocked an eyebrow and Eddie sighed and clapped his hands together, then clapped Joy’s hands in classic pat-a-cake fashion. Joy snickered at him and he rolled his eyes.

“At what point does this become fun?” Eddie asked.

“Numbers is fun! When you learn it!” Joy insisted. “So shut up and clap your hands together”

“Fine” Eddie groaned, though he was amused.

“Ok, the next move is-”

“Why is it so complicated? At least pat-a-cake is simple” Eddie put his hands down.

“Oh so now you’re an expert on it?” Joy asked. “Even though just a minute ago you didn’t even know what it was?”

“I’m tired and hungry and I want school to be over so I can eat” Eddie complained.

“School’s over in five minutes...”

“Too long without food!” Eddie whined. Joy dug in her bag and pulled out a granola bar. His eyes lit up immediately as she unwrapped it. She looked up at him smiled and took a bite out of it. His jaw dropped and she continued to chew to keep herself from laughing.

“What’s wrong?” Joy asked with her head cocked to the side and a mocking confused look. “Would you like some?”

“ Yes! ”

“Well Trudy has a whole bunch at the house so-” It hadn’t even registered at first that Eddie had stolen her granola bar at first, because he did it so quickly. “Hey!”

“What’s wrong?” Eddie mocked with the same innocence she had given him just a few seconds before. “Would you like some?”

“Not very funny! Give it back!” Joy reached for it, though Eddie held it above her head. “I was gonna give you some!”

“Well now you don’t have to” Eddie wiggled his eyebrows as he took a bite. Joy sat down and pouted. Eddie rolled his eyes and held it out to her, to which she looked away.

“I don’t even want it anymore” she looked away so that her amused smile didn’t show. Eddie chuckled to himself.

“Don’t be like that” Eddie waved it in her face as Ms. Robinson dismissed everyone. Joy sprinted towards Anubis and away from the bleachers. Eddie blinked and ran after her, with all of her stuff and his stuff in hand as he struggled to follow her. With both of their bags, he was beginning to sweat by the time he got to the house. He went up the steps and to her room and opened the door. She smiled at him and took her bag, and the granola bar out of his hands.

“Thanks for carrying my stuff for me!” She grinned and kissed him quickly.

Patricia tapped her foot in aggravation on the couch in the living room. She glanced at the TV every so often, then back at the floor in deep thought. Her lips were twisted with disgust and her head was resting in her left hand. She groaned and caught Mara’s attention. Mara was shocked that Patricia looked so angry. She usually had that face when Jerome or Alfie pranked her. Or when Eddie screwed up again.

“Patricia, what’s the matter?” Mara asked with worry.

“I hate being wrong” Patricia said immediately. Before Mara could question her any more, she got up and ran out of the building.

“Mara!” Trudy called the girl in the corner of the couch with a book in hand, who looked away from where Patricia stood at the sound of her name. “Phone!”

“Ok!” Mara set her book down and hopped up to get the phone. “Hello?”

“Mara baby!” her father’s voice sounded. Mara squealed happily at the sound of his voice.

“Hi daddy!” she smiled. She chuckled at herself, she sounded like Amber. But most of the girls turned into little babies when speaking to their fathers. It’s an interesting phenomenon that Fabian had always noticed.

“How’s school?”

“School is great as always! I’m still getting all A’s” Mara ignored the mocking look Alfie, Eddie and Joy gave her when she said that as they all walked down the steps, they were joking of course.

‘I got all A’s daddy’ she heard Joy mock in the background. Mara turned away from them.

“And how’s Fabian?” he asked. Mara cleared her throat.

“Uh, he’s fine. We’re taking a break right now” Mara said honestly.

“No one new in your life then?” Frankie asked. He always made a huge effort to meet every boy in Mara’s life.

“Well there’s... I mean there’s someone but it’s nothing serious...” Mara told him.

“Nonsense” Frankie said. “Who’s the extremely lucky fella? What’s his name?”

“Uh...” Mara gulped. “Uh his name is... Will. But really nothing is happening right now. I’ll tell you if uh anything changes but right now I have to go”

“Ok well-”

“I love you I miss you but I really have to go!” Mara said urgently.

“Ok baby, love you too” Frankie hung up and Mara did the same. She turned around to see Joy, Alfie, and Eddie were all still there, staring at her in surprise. Mara gulped and looked at them all with pleading eyes.

“Please don’t tell her”

“PATRICIA WILLIAMSON!” Ms. Robinson yelled for the the fifth time. Patricia finally turned her attention away from Mick and to the coach. “This is a closed practice”

“I’m just here to see Mick play” Patricia said.

“You can see him play at the games” Ms. Robinson pointed away from the field.

“You’re pointing towards Isis House” Patricia said. “Anubis is the other way. And I’m just watching Mick practice”

“Do I need to give you a detention” Ms. Robinson asked. Patricia blinked and crossed her legs.

“Just continue practicing, I won’t be a bother” Patricia looked back at Mick, who was looking down to attempt to hide his smile, but it wasn’t working well.

“Mick, would you like to escort Patricia back home, and then return alone ?” Ms. Robinson’s question was far from an offer. Mick quickly went to the bleachers as the whistle sounded off for the other players to continue in Mick’s absence.

“Are you trying to get us both in trouble?” he asked her, though he was still smiling. Patricia smiled back and shrugged.

“I don’t see what the problem is, I’m just here to watch you practice” Patricia answered.

“Why?” Mick questioned.

“Because you were right” Patricia shrugged, with a bit of a wince. “I need to adjust my schedule a little to spend time with you, because your schedule isn’t as flexible”

“So your idea is to get us both detention?” Mick chuckled.

“More time together” Patricia shrugged. Mick shook his head at her, and then laughed. He ran back on the field and Ms. Robinson raised her eyebrows at him,

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I don’t see the problem” He shrugged getting in line. “She’s just here to watch me practice”

Patricia put her head in her lap and laughed loud enough for the rest of the team to hear. Mick cracked a smile and Ms. Robinson pursed her lips, aware that she’s lost, and blew her whistle.

Willow went up the stairs to her room, and was surprised to see KT wasn’t the only one on her bed. She nearly forgot that the couples had changed, and that KT snuggling to Jerome while they slept was normal. Then it became deathly adorable ! She grinned and quietly ran to her desk and found her camera. She walked around the bed, trying to find the perfect angle to take the picture, before deciding that in front of KT where Jerome’s arm was wrapped around her waist and peaking from behind her. She smiled to herself as she counted to three in her head, and clicked.

Unfortunately, the flash was on and both of them woke up immediately.

“Wha...” Jerome slowly opened his eyes.

“Were you taking a picture of us?” KT asked rubbing her eyes.

“Don’t mind me! Go back to the spooning!” Willow backed away from them and out of the door before either of them could say another word.

“Um...” KT said slowly.

“That was... strange” Jerome agreed.

“That was Willow” KT shrugged. Willow came back in the room a second later and grabbed a book before leaving, with the feeling that she was being totally discreet. KT and Jerome laughed lightly at their odd friend and housemate.

“How do you feel?” Jerome asked.

“Much better, thank you doctor” KT grinned.

“So we’re playing doctor?” Jerome growled lightly and KT rolled her eyes and pushed him away. She replayed the sentence in her brain and frowned.

“You know” KT started turning towards him. “We don’t have to act like this when no one is around. You do have a girlfriend and it’s not like anyone will know”

“Yeah, I do have a girlfriend... you” Jerome said. “At least for a little while. And besides... I like being your boyfriend for a little while”

“I just feel kind of bad” KT shrugged. “I mean Joy-”

“Joy is off kissing Eddie and riding his motorcycle” Jerome looked blank for a moment, and then grimaced at the thought of Joy ‘riding Eddie’s motorcycle’. “Obviously I still care for Joy, but that’s not the assignment”

KT didn’t look convinced, and looked like she was about to say something else, so Jerome leaned down, breathing in her air, not quite touching lips yet.

“And...” he said so softly, KT’s breathing seemed louder than his words. “I like being your boyfriend”

“Just for a little while” KT whispered as he leaned his forehead on hers.

“Just for a little while” he repeated,  and she pressed her lips onto his. The mood was interrupted by a flash of light and they turned to see Willow at the door.

“I’ve got to figure out how to turn the flash off!” Willow said to herself.

“ Willow ”

Willow jumped and ran from the room, crashing right into Mara.

“Whoa, where’s the fire” Mara chuckled at her.

“Oh, KT and Jerome got mad at me cause I was taking pictures of them” Willow pointed up the stairs.

“Why?”

“I know right! What’s wrong with pictures?” Willow asked.

“No, why were you taking pictures of them” Mara suppressed a laugh.

“I like to take pictures of things I find cute” Willow shrugged innocently in a way that made Mara smile. Willow smiled back and took a picture of Mara. Mara let the light from the flash go away, and realized what Willow was saying.

“You’re the one that’s cute” Mara rolled her eyes and gave Willow a quick, three second kiss.

Amelia was casually walking towards Anubis, not at all looking for Alfie. She was simply walking past, not watching for him or anything. That would be weird. Amelia’s not weird. She also did not expect to see Alfie sitting right outside of Anubis on the wall that surrounded the property. And she did not want to see him sitting there with Nina .

Nina Martin. Nina and her little American accent. Her long pretty hair and tan American skin. Nina, always the star. Goody two shoes. Ok... so maybe Amelia had her own pair, but she didn’t flaunt them. Why’d she have to come back anyway. Don’t they have boarding schools in America? Amelia huffed, how could she not have noticed Nina as a threat.

Well the relationship had been a bit... sudden. Sure the pair hung out every once and a while, but mostly with about three other students. She tried to look back at the times for some kind of clue. A look. A touch. Anything. But Amelia would have noticed if there were any of the above. There was that one time where most of the Anubis kids were missing, and they sat together at a desk. And they were note passing with Patricia. Alfie got detention for it, serves him right for being so close to Ms. USA.

Nina had been all about Fabian, and Alfie had been all about Amber. When did this sudden attraction happen? Maybe it wasn’t real... like a ruse to make Fabian and Amber jealous. Those two were going out now anyway. But then again, the two looked very comfortable laughing together on the wall with no Fabian or Amber to watch. Amelia’s blood turned icy when Nina kissed Alfie’s cheek, just to watch him turn around and kiss her on the lips. Amelia rolled her eyes and turned on her heel, stomping back to Isis.

“Are you writing a song for me?” Amber joked coming into Fabian’s room where he was strumming away.

“Do you want a song?” he asked without looking up. Amber blinked, surprised. She hadn’t actually expected to get a song.

“Uh... I guess?” Amber said and Fabian looked up at her.

“Why do you sound so unsure” Fabian asked.

“I don’t know, I didn’t think you were actually gonna take the time to write your fake girlfriend and real ex-girlfriend’s best friend a song” Amber shrugged.

“Fake?” Fabian put a hand to his chest with fake hurt. Amber smiled.

“How about I write you a song?” Amber asked sitting next to him. He chuckled.

“Sure” Fabian said and began to strum on his guitar.

“His name is Faaabian!

He likes his graaavey in..

His mashed potatooos!

The next line? I don’t knooow!”

Fabian tried to continue strumming through his laughs, which only made Amber smile bigger.

“He’s kind of neeerdy,

And kind of quiiirky!

It’s kind of cuuute...

Uh... songwriting is haaard! The end!”

“So, I have a new favorite song” Fabian laughed and Amber laughed with him.

“I think you should do the songwriting” Amber giggled. “I’m better at listening”

“Listening is very important” Fabian shrugged. “Should we get started on studying?”

“Yes we probably should ” Amber said. “But I don’t want to. I want to hear you play more”

“How about after we work?” Fabian asked.

“How about before we work. Please?” Amber pouted at him, making her eyes extra big. Fabian rolled his eyes.

“I suppose” he grinned and she put her fists up in victory as he began to play around on the guitar a little more. She didn’t say anything, just listened. The music was soothing, and he did hit a wrong note every once and a while, but she laughed at the thought of herself playing and hitting every note wrong . After about an hour of listening to music, he finally put the guitar away. She was laying on his bed behind him and he reached for his bag.

“Wait, I wanna kiss” she put her arms up like a toddler and made a kissy face. “Kissy!”

“Kissy? Amber?” Fabian asked.

“Kissy!” Amber grabbed his shirt and pulled him down until they were... kissying. When she let go of him she expected him to pull away, but he lingered there for another moment. “Thankies! We can work now!”

Nina

Alfie’s been great so far. He’s really a lot of fun. I haven’t been able to have a lot of fun here. I love being here, I’m just often... busy. Fun doesn’t end up happening much. But fun is second nature to Alfie. And of course, I help him balance it out with the important things. I feel like we’re a really good pair.

Ok, so I definitely thought that this project was not going to work well. Could you blame me? I was paired with Alfie, and he’s amazeballs. Don’t get me wrong, he’s all kinds of awesome. But I didn’t think he’d be able to keep his googily eyes to himself. When he likes somebody... he really likes them. But I guess he’s better at acting that I... Acting. Hmm, I kind of forgot he was acting. That it was all for the project. Is it weird that I’m a little disappointed?

Eddie

Joy’s been cool. All snarky, as usual. We have a lot of fun hanging out together, or at least I have fun with her. And she’s tricky with granola bars and all. She actually got me to carry her stuff for her! Eddie doesn’t do that. Man, I bet I looked totally whipped. Not good for the rep. Not. Good.

Oh God... I’m screwed. Is it wrong to enjoy spending time with your girlfriend’s best friend? I don’t enjoy it more, but I do enjoy it. ...A lot. Oh boy this isn’t good. Patricia would kill me. I would let her. And uh... well the kissing isn’t something I want to talk about. Not even here. I still feel like Patricia would steal this and read it. If you're reading this now, love you!

Chapter Text

"Ow!" Nina exclaimed as she made her way to the door with her bags in hand where Alfie was patiently waiting.

"What's wrong?" he asked her meeting her on the steps.

"I stubbed my toe" Nina frowned. "And it hurts a lot"

"I can tell, you're limping" Alfie said with his arm around her waist so she didn’t fall when she was going down. "Let me help you"

"How?" Nina asked.

"I'll carry you to school" Alfie said. "That way you don't have to walk on it"

"That’s sweet, but I'm fine" Nina limped towards the door. Alfie rolled his eyes and  watched her struggle stubbornly for a moment, before walking to her lifted her up bridal style. The move definitely startled her because she let out a small yelp. "Alfie put me down!"

"Nah, I'll just carry you" Alfie said walking out of the house with her.

"Let go of me!" Nina commanded.

"Ok" Alfie shrugged and pretended to drop her, causing her to wrap her arms around his neck tightly.

"Don't do that!" Nina yelped.

"You're very demanding" Alfie commented.

“Alfie, I have faced Rufus, Senkhara, Robert Frobisher-Smythe’s insane tunnels and many near death situations” Nina listed. “I’ll be damned if I’m brought down by a swollen toe. Put me down I can walk... or I’ll make you”

“Nina, I have faced Rufus, Senkhara, Rob’s crazy tunnels and Robert himself ” Alfie began. “I was locked in a cellar for a night, poisoned, almost crushed to death by a bug infested dirt tunnel, and nearly fell to my death climbing up a chimney. I had my soul taken away and de-aged almost to the point of nonexistence. I will be damned if I’m afraid of The Chosen One’s empty threats. Shut up, I’m carrying you”

“It’s not a competition” Nina sighed.

“If it were I’d win” Alfie smiled, smugly.

Fabian and Amber quickly caught up to them as they walked to school together. Amber missed hanging out with Nina. Since the project started, they hardly spent any time together. It was a little awkward while they were going out with each other ex-boyfriends, and they tried to not let their own feelings affect their relationship. But it wasn’t just them, everyone spent more time with their project partners rather than their friends. And she wasn’t the only one who noticed. Everyone else was starting to notice that too. Amber decided, as she walked into Literature, that she would have to hang out with her girls more.

“Ok, sit, sit!” Ms. Muller instructed.“Today you will be working on a small project. You will start it in class, finish it for homework, and finally present it in class tomorrow” she began. “It is a partner project. You and your partner will be acting out a scene and present it tomorrow and no you can not choose your partners. I will be assigning them by house and name”

Several Anubis kids exchanged glances. This could go very well or very badly. KT spoke up for everyone when she asked: “Last Name or First name?” It was a very important question. The answer could change everything. If Ms. Muller paired them by last name, Mara and Willow, Nina and Alfie, and Joy and Eddie would all still be together. Jerome and Mick would work together, but they could live with that. Patricia would work with Fabian, and Amber would work with KT. But they were never that lucky.

“First name, This means from Mut House, Allison and Aaron, Dustin and Eleanor, Harrison and Kelly, Maya and Owen, and Sue and Vanessa will work together” she answered. This would be awkward. For some people, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But then for some people... “Also, Amber and Alfie, Eddie and Fabian, Jerome and Joy, KT and Mara, Mick and Nina, and Patricia and Willow will be working together”

Amber and Alfie glanced at each other at the same time Joy and Jerome did. Nina looked at Fabian, then Eddie, then KT. Oh boy this will not be good for the project.

“Everyone move to sit with your partner” Ms. Muller said. Nina glanced at Alfie, before standing to sit next to Mick. Moments later Amber came and sat next to him. They didn’t look at each other for a long time. Alfie glanced beside him where Joy and Jerome were sitting in the same awkward silence.

“What are you waiting for?” Ms. Muller came and sat by Amber and Alfie. “You two have the best to work with!”

Once again, they awkwardly looked at each other before looking away again. Ms. Muller turned to Alfie and smiled.

“Othello, the Moor, an African man-” she started nudging him and looked at Amber. “-has fallen for the beautiful Desdemona. You could do any scene between the two! Good Luck”

Oh great. So not only were they paired together, but they had to do a scene as lovers? This could not get more awkward. Amber cleared her throat and brought out her book to one of the last pages. “Perhaps we can do the smothering scene?”

Alfie was caught off guard by her talking, but soon nodded taking out his own book. “We could... say the lines to each other now”

“Ok...” Amber said. “It’s act five, scene two”

“Right” Alfie nodded. “So should we just... read the lines to each other?”

Amber sighed. “Alfie, c’mon. We can be friends, we were friends once before”

“Not really” Alfie said. “Before we started going out I was chasing after you and putting you on an awful pedestal too much to be friends. And after we broke up... the first time...”

“I was too busy chasing after you ” Amber chuckled.

“I don’t think we know how to be friends without one of us wanting to be more than that” Alfie said.

“Well we’ll learn” Amber smiled. “I mean... neither of us want to... right?”

“Right” Alfie said quickly.

“Ok, so... read the lines” Amber said.

“Actually your line’s first” he mumbled.

“Oh...” she turned to the page and cleared her throat to begin. “Will you come to bed, my Lord?”

“Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?” Alfie asked calmly, using a deeper voice he felt Othello would use.

“Ay, my Lord”

“If you bethink yourself of any crime unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace” Alfie began. “Solicit for it straight”

“Shakespeare is like another language” Amber laughed. “What did you just say?”

“I have no idea” he chuckled.

“Ok... Uh Alack, my Lord” Amber began again. “What do you mean by that? ...Desdemona seems confused too”

“Well, do it, and be brief. I will walk by. I would not kill thy unpreparèd spirit. No, heavens forfend, I would not kill thy soul!”

“Talk you of killing?” Amber asked with a hint of fear.

“Ay” Alfie eyed her, embodying Othello. “I do”

“Then heaven have mercy on me!” Amber backed away from Alfie for a moment, who laughed.

“That was really good” He smiled and she smiled back.

Joy and Jerome smiled at each other awkwardly as they turned to the page. Every once and a while, Joy would glance behind her to see KT looking at her, who would try to act like she wasn’t looking. Joy felt a little guilty, until she remembered she had no reason to. Jerome was sort of kind of her boyfriend. Just... not at the moment. Boy things were complicated. Stupid Jason and his stupid project. Stupid Jerome for giving him the inspiration for him to give it to them sooner. Stupid Jerome. Why did dating him have to be so easy and fun?

“Act three scene three right?” Jerome startled her, though he hardly noticed, as he cut through her thoughts.

“Emilia and Iago’s scene, right” she confirmed. “In the scene Emilia finds Desdemona’s handkerchief and knows Iago has been wanting it”

“And they have a conversation about Iago wanting it” Jerome finished.

“Right so...” Joy went and got a tissue and put it on the desk in front of them. “That will be our Handkerchief”

“Cool... Should we begin?” Jerome asked.

That class seemed to be the longest, it was difficult for them to focus on their project with the elephant in the room. Some student wondered if Ms. Muller did that on purpose, maybe she planned that with Mr. Winkler. They knew all of the staff knew of the project, and she usually paired them by last name. As sad as it may have been, most of the Anubis residents were ecstatic to be finished with that class, even though they would have to work after school. Alfie and Jerome figured that they haven’t pranked in a while, and they still wanted to hang out with Nina and KT, so they thought they’d kill two birds with one stone.

“ No Alfie” Nina shook her head as she walked to her locker to get her lunch. “I am not pulling a prank with you and Jerome”

“And KT” he added.

“You guys have fun” Nina walked with very little limp now.

“Please?” Alfie asked from behind her.

“I’m not going to turn and look at you so you can use your puppy dog face at me, so try a different tactic” Nina told him. Alfie sighed. “Give me one good reason”

“It will be fun” he said immediately.

“A better reason”

“You don’t know how to have fun” Alfie rolled his eyes.

“That’s a lie!” Nina turned around. “I absolutely know how to have fun!”

“Honestly I think you forgot, if you ever knew” Alfie shrugged. “Soon as you came here you had to fight for your life and juggle your school work. No time for fun”

“Ok Alfie, fine. Maybe you’re right” Nina surrendered. “I’ll pull this prank with you”

“Great!” Alfie grinned. “C’mon let’s fine KT and Jerome”

“Alright” she said as he turned her back to her.

“You gonna hop on?” he asked. Nina shrugged and climbed on his back, holding on tight as he ran to find his best friend and KT. He found them sitting in front of the House and they smiled and waved at them.

“Ok, you two are rookies, so we’ll do something easy for now” Jerome explained.

“Who are our targets?” KT asked.

Fabian smiled at Amber as she gushed at the picnic basket in the middle of the blanket. It was a huge and terrific surprise and she smiled and hugged him, kissing him in the process. She was giddy and jumped and down for a moment before she was able to sit down. All of the picnics she tries to have always end up getting messed up somehow, so now she felt she might finally get it right and she didn’t even suggest it.

“Oh how sweet” Jerome deadpanned. The two turned around to see Alfie and Jerome smiling sarcastically at them. “Get a room”

“Ugh just go away!” Amber groaned.

“Ooh food!” Alfie smiled walking towards the basket and Amber immediately got up and pushed him away. With their attention on the boys, they didn’t notice KT and Nina switch the baskets behind them and run away as fast as they could. “Ok! Geez, we’ll leave”

“Good” Fabian muttered as the boys ran in the direction the girls went and hid so they could see the catastrophe happen.

“What did you put in the basket?” Nina whispered.

“You’ll see” Jerome smirked as Fabian went to open the basket. He lifted the top and-

BOOM!

Glitter and blue paint exploded all over him. He was so shocked he didn’t know how to respond at first. Nina, KT, Jerome and Alfie were beside themselves laughing. Clutching their stomachs and holding on to each other so they wouldn’t fall. Amber sat with her mouth hung open for a long time before she started giggling too. Fabian was the only one who didn’t seem to find it funny.

“He- He looks like a smurf that a unicorn puked all over” KT said through her laughs. Fabian looked around until he spotted a hint of someone laughing behind a row of bushes and started walking over there, drippin in paint and glitter.

“Oh God!” Alfie saw when he saw Fabian. “Run away! Run away now!”

Though it was hard after laughing so hard, they ran away from their spot and Fabian found it useless running after them.

“Fabian!” Amber called giggling as she ran to him. “It’s ok!”

“No it’s not!” Fabian whined.

“Yeah it really is” Amber smiled. “They left the other basket. We’ll get you a towel... and we’ll continue like nothing even happened”

“And you won’t keep laughing at me?” Fabian asked.

“No” Amber bit her lip to stop the giggles, and Fabian felt better. “C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up”

"You wouldn't find this funny at all if you opened the basket first" Fabian pointed out bitterly.

Mara sat down in the library reading and waiting for Willow. Willow was off talking to her teacher about an assignment. The plan was Willow would find her when she was done. So in the meantime she waited in the library. About five minutes into waiting, a boy who looked to be around her age sat down by her. She didn’t notice of course, she was busy reading Octavia Butler's Kindred . But he sure noticed her.

"Hi" he said, but she didn't hear him. So he nudged her foot a little and she glanced up at the boy. He was kind of cute, tall, dark black hair. Looked like a mix of Fabian and Jerome... who happened to be her last two boyfriends. “Hey, I’m Brice”

“Brice?” Mara asked and he nodded. “I’m Mara”

“I’m new here, just got into Hathor House” He informed her.

“Oh ok, well do you need help finding your way somewhere?” Mara asked kindly.

“No, I’m exactly where I want to be” he smiled smoothly. It only took Mara another moment to realize he was flirting. She sighed and crossed her legs and brought the book closer to her chest. Brice was smart, he knew what the girl’s stance was saying. Closed off . But he wasn’t going to give up that easily.

“Brice, it’s very nice meeting you” Mara smiled politely. “But I’d really like to read in quiet”

“Well what are you reading?” Brice asked. Girls love it when you take an interest in them, for whatever reason.

“Kindred” came her short answer as she dug in her bag for her headphones. Ok so talking definitely wasn’t this girl’s thing. Well that was ok, Brice didn’t like to talk much either. So he slid the chair over closer, which she noticed immediately. “Seriously uh, Brice. I’d like to read alone”

“I won’t be a bother” he insisted.

“You’re already being a bother” she said immediately. “And besides, I’m waiting for someone”

“I can assure you, I would never make you wait” he winked and she scoffed. But she smiled when she saw Willow come in.

“Hey Mara” Willow smiled oblivious to the guy not even a centimeter away.

“Hi baby!” Mara grinned widely and Willow’s eyebrows raised. They hadn’t exactly gotten to pet names yet. Before Willow could question her about it, Mara grabbed her hand and pulled her down to kiss her, but the kiss was different. It wasn’t deep like the ones she had with Alfie and Jerome, but it wasn’t the normal peck on the lips. Willow’s top lip was caught in between Mara’s and it lingered. When they pulled apart, Mara smiled at her.

“Can you do that again?” came a sound from next to them. Willow turned to see a boy she didn’t know looking a little flustered.

“Leave Brice” Mara replied impatiently. He sighed and left, barely hiding the tent in his pants.

“Who was that?” Willow asked taking Brice’s seat.

“His name was Brice and he couldn’t take a hint” Mara told Willow.

“Ok... Baby?” Willow asked and Mara laughed.

“I wanted to do it over the top for him” Mara shrugged.

“Then maybe this Brice guy isn’t that bad” Willow smiled and Mara smiled back.

Fabian couldn’t even be upset at the class when they laughed at him. Amber cleaned him off the best she could in short notice while still being able to have their picnic and get to class on time. His hair was stained blue a bit with small drips going down his face like side burns. His clothes were definitely hard to get the paint out, and he was sparkling like Robert Pattinson. If he saw someone walk in looking like he did, he’d probably laugh too. He knew who he could be mad at, however, as he made his way to Jerome and Alfie sitting in the corner of the desk.

“Hey Fabian, what’s up?” Alfie said casually.

“ Why ” he whined to them, which was not what he was expecting to do when he came over to tell them off.

“Why what?” Jerome asked innocently.

“I know it was you!” Fabian pointed with a finger that had blue under the nail.

“How could we have done it? You were looking right at us” Jerome said smoothly.

“I saw you laughing” Fabian crossed his arms.

“Because it was funny!” Alfie chuckled. “Doesn’t mean we did it”

“I will get you back for this” he narrowed his eyes and took his seat. Jerome and Alfie looked to the desk next to them where Nina and KT were trying their best to hold their laughs in.

“So” Patricia said she walked with Mick to his practice after school. “Think Robinson will be ok with me watching your practice this time?”

“Do you care?” Mick smirked at her.

“Not in the sense that if she says I can’t I’m actually gonna listen ” Mick laughed at her comment. “But I’d rather not go through that every time I want to watch you play”

“I thought it was funny” Mick shrugged.

“It’s not funny after the second time” Patricia said. “Just annoying. I mean, what’s the big deal if I watch or not?”

“I dunno” Mick shrugged. “I also don’t know what you find interesting about me practicing”

Patricia shrugged. “Maybe I just like watching you ”

“Well you wouldn’t be interested in watching me study if I were smart like Fabian. Practicing is the same thing” Mick shrugged and looked at her only to be surprised to find her staring at him intensely. “What?”

“Do you think you’re dumb?” Patricia asked.

“Well I’m not smart” Mick mumbled. “I’ve come to terms with that”

“Don’t think that about yourself” Patricia said seriously. “Maybe you won’t win a Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but you’re not stupid. For one thing you’re brilliant at what you do- which is why I like watching you do it” Patricia started. “And you’re also smart in your own way. I know I call you meathead sometimes but I don’t mean it. And Jerome, he just doesn’t like you. It’s cause you dated Amber when he was sure she was supposed to be with Alfie. Then you dated Mara and he was sure she was supposed to be with him. After a while he forgot how not to hate you. My point is, none of us actually think you’re dumb. You shouldn’t either”

Mick stared at her and smiled. “Thanks”

“Don’t mention it” she smiled. “Seriously, I don’t want people to see me as a psychiatrist” He laughed and kissed her, then they walked the rest of the way with his arm around her waist.

Amber was in the bathroom with Fabian finally cleaning him up totally. They got the paint out of his hair pretty easily with shampoo because it was mostly still wet. The glitter was the hard part.  It was everywhere . In his hair, on his face, in his eyebrows and literally coming out of his ears. Even when he scrubbed enough that his face was beet red, he was sparkling all over. It was especially in his bangs. He groaned.

“I’m gonna get them back” he announced to Amber.

“How” Amber raised an eyebrow. “Think it’ll go well like last time you tried to get them back for a prank”

“Well what am I supposed to do?” Fabian asked. Amber shrugged.

“I usually hit them and then move on” Amber told him. “I mean, it is Jerome and Alfie. There’s no use fighting the pranks”

“Yeah...” Fabian sighed in defeat. Amber frowned at his frown and pushed his cheeks up, which worked in making him chuckle. She smiled and kissed him softly.

“By the way, the picnic was lovely” she whispered in his ear.

Mick and Patricia came back just to see Eddie and Joy park the bike. Each couple smiled at each other, like it wasn’t awkward. Like Patricia didn’t see her best friend and kind of boyfriend kind of not boyfriend kiss. Like it didn’t hurt a little. Like Eddie didn’t see Mick squeeze Patricia’s hand. Like it was all good and just dandy as they walked into the House.

Once Mick, Patricia, Joy, and Eddie came back and ate a late dinner, everyone decided to work with their partners on the project again. More awkward, sexual tension, elephant in the room moments between Othello and Desdemona, and Emilia and Iago. But they worked through it nonetheless. By around nine, everyone felt ready enough for the project for some free time. Alfie and Nina were in Jerome’s room, and Willow and Mara were in KT’s room. Joy and Eddie had the living room to themselves to laugh, talk, kiss, whatever they were doing. So KT and Jerome decided to sit on the steps in front of the house. It was nice out, a little chilly but pretty much a good night.

“We should probably keep track of the time” Jerome said softly. “Victor will get mad if we go in later than nine forty”

“Don’t care” KT said softly.

“We could get detention or toilet duty” Jerome pointed out.

“Don’t care” KT repeated and moved in closer to him. He smiled and chuckled inwardly. She couldn’t hear it, but felt the vibrations. He tilted her head up and she met him halfway, closing the gap, before laying her head back on his chest.

“We should start getting ready for bed now” Nina said to Alfie.

“Sure” he said. “How’s the toe”

“Hardly hurts” she smiled.

“Still want me to carry you up the steps?” Alfie asked.

“Sure” Nina laughed. She jumped on him, chest to chest, and wrapped her legs and arms around him as he held her up. She kissed him, planning just a quick peck like always. She pulled away, but still close enough that they were breathing in each other’s air. Nina tightened her grip around him and leaned in again. He turned them around so her back was on the wall and bit her bottom lip softly. She parted her lips for him and felt his warm tongue, and the taste of the cranberry juice he had a few minutes ago. His hand tangled in her hair and she gripped his shirt until they parted for breath.

They stayed in that position for a while, Alfie’s right hand on the back of her neck, he left gripping her shirt the way her hands were gripping his. They were panting and a little red in the face. Nina laughed for a moment. She remembered a few years back when they were stuck under the Senet game. When they were joking around. It was just good fun back then.

“Ugh I want to get out of here!” Alfie said. He’d been in the cell for a day now, and he was beginning to feel like the walls were closing in.

“It’s not that bad” Nina sighed, though she didn’t even believe herself. “At least they’re bringing us food from breakfast and dinner”

“But it’s cold” Alfie whined and huffed as he sat down. Nina laughed

“You’re just looking for things to complain about” Nina rolled her eyes. “You’re acting like a bab-“

“Don’t say it” Alfie warned. “I don’t want to be that again. Twice is enough, thank you”

“Fair enough”

“Ugh” Alfie frowned, and Nina got an idea.

“Is my company really that bad?” Nina said with a frown.

“Oh no, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad” Alfie said feeling really bad. “I’ll stop complaining. It’s uh not that... bad in here”

Nina smiled. “And they say I’m not a good liar” Alfie laughed.

“Well played” he complimented. Then he frowned. “What if we never get back?”

“C’mon Alfie don’t think like that” Nina told him.

“I’m serious” Alfie frowned.

“They’re playing the game to get us out” Nina said

“How do we know, Robert didn’t tell them after I fell that it’s three strikes and you’re out?” Alfie asked

“But there’s only two of us down here. So if that’s true they still have one more try” Nina said.

“No, I almost fell through the floor once before. First strike is you. Second strike is my close fall. Third strike was my full fall” Alfie said. “So we’re stuck down here with no way to get out”

“Well” Nina said. She was starting to lose faith. “I don’t know”

“At least I’m not alone” Alfie said. “I might drive myself crazy”

“Yeah, that’s how I felt before you came” Nina said. “What would happen if we were just stuck down here?”

“I don’t know” Alfie shrugged. He stood up and began to stretch. Nina joined him in that, as she cracked her back.

“We might fall in looooooovve” Nina joked. Alfie laughed at that.

“Oh Nina I love you! You are my day, my night! I am nothing without you!” Alfie said over dramatically.

“Oh Alfred! I can’t live without you! You are my everything. I love you too!” Nina said matching his over dramatic act. He got on one knee and held her hand.

“I can’t imagine life without you, marry me?” Alfie asked

“Oh of course!” Nina said.

“HALLELUJAH!” Alfie said jumping up and they laughed and talked for the rest of that day, before falling asleep side by side to try to keep warm.

They were just joking around. They considered each other friends and no more than that. Nina decided to get on his back and he walked her up the steps to her room and said good night before retreating to his room. She smiled at him, but frowned at herself. She glanced at Amber, who was busy removing makeup from her eyes and then back where Alfie stood. She twisted her lips and then pressed them tightly together.

“We might fall in looooooovve”

How stupidly ironic.

Fabian

It’s unfair that Jerome and Alfie think it’s just OK to mess with me. I was just trying to do something nice or Amber. At least she still got to enjoy a picnic, even though it was kind of rushed so we wouldn’t be late to class. I don’t know, it just sucks. And Amber says I should let it go, but I don’t want to be a target for them. They hardly prank Patricia and Eddie, and that’s how it should be for me, especially when I’m doing something for Amber. Seriously, I don’t think I’m gonna let it go.

Amber and I are doing really well with the project. Maybe we’ll even be able to win this. I’d love to beat Alfie and Nina, and Mara and Willow. Maybe this sounds selfish, but I really don’t want to see my ex-girlfriend and my... well I don’t really know what Mara is right now. I just don’t want to see them do really well in a relationship with someone other than me. Is that really bad? I mean I think it’s fair enough, and so far they seem to be having a lot of fun with their partners. It just makes me a little uncomfortable that’s all.

Joy

Things are very awkward between Jerome and I when we’re working on the project. Eddie’s great about it. He isn’t getting jealous or anything, that’s good. When he was with Patricia he got jealous all of the time over really stupid little things. Well the both did, that’s why they were perf... well the point is, the project we have to do for Othello is making things weird. And why shouldn’t they? Also things are awkward between Patricia and I, and that’s a given. Like I said, Patricia gets jealous easily. I’m sure she doesn’t want to see me and Eddie together. I wish it were more like Nina and Amber. But I guess it’s different because they’re both dating each other’s ex’s. I, however, feel like a boyfriend stealing bitch.

I don’t know if it was planned that the project partners are what they are, but it’s making things weird. It was a really bad idea for us to be paired that way. Jerome and I used to hang out fine. Even before we were dating we could at least put the differences aside and work together. Now all the time I’m with him I’m just thinking ‘I’m kissing another guy, he’s kissing another girl’ I mean, I can’t even look at him. I just hope when we have to perform tomorrow in front of the class we’re not too awkward. I remember the last time Jerome and I worked together in front of the class. Why is my love life always so complicated?

Chapter Text

“Happy Thursday everyone!” Trudy smiled placing the food on the table. “How are all your Othello projects going?”

It’s hard to be annoyed with Trudy, unless you’re Victor. But they couldn’t help it. The way she was speaking of the project knowing of their ongoing project just made the speculation that it was all planned even more likely to the students. They felt like they were all being laughed at, not to mention the work overload. As glad as they were that they did not have to suffer with the project after the next class, how were they to memorize Shakespeare's words, that they sometimes can’t even understand, in just a day? Especially with some scenes longer than others.

“The project is going great,” KT said for everyone in a dry tone.

“Should I come by and watch?” Trudy asked.

“It’s just reciting some lines for five minutes tops” Jerome rolled his eyes. “It’s not a play.”

“I love seeing you guys act” Trudy said.

“We’re always acting now a days,” Patricia mumbled.

Nina sat down at the table quietly, smiling, but looked deep in thought. It was like she was having some kind of debate internally. It didn't take long for Alfie to notice. He nudged her slightly, tearing her away from her thoughts.

"You ok?" He asked, bits of food flying out of his mouth, which he gave an apologetic look for.

"I'm fine" Nina said. "A friend of mine is staying in London for a week, and is visiting me for a day"

"That's good right?" Alfie glanced at her as he took a sip of water.

"It's great" Nina answered immediately, and went into deep thought again. "I think"

Alfie decided not to question it anymore. If she really wanted him to know, she would tell him eventually.

“Mara! Phone!” Victor boomed. Mara put her fork down and ran to the phone.

“Hello?” she asked.

“Mara baby!” her father’s voice called.

“Hey daddy, is something wrong?” she asked. As much as they loved talking, it was rare that they spoke twice in one week.

“No nothing’s wrong at all. Are you busy? I want to ask you about this Will fella” he told her. Mara’s stomach sunk and she felt like she was going to puke.

“Actually I’m really busy, I have to get to school early” Mara said in a rushed and nervous voice.

“Oh ok” he said. “Well I also wanted to tell you-”

“I love you but I have to go right now” Mara kissed in the air for him to hear and hung up. She put her head in her hands and sighed.

Joy sighed as she walked as slow as possible to her first class, which was French. When she finally got there she stood outside of the door. She was out of the way so people could get and so Madam wouldn’t see her and yell at her for loitering about.

"Hey, you know doors were made to be walked through, right?" Eddie joked, but the amusement quickly left when Joy didn't acknowledge him or his mockery. "You ok?"

"I didn't do the homework" Joy said. Joy had once forgot to do the French homework in the beginning of the year, and by the end of Madam's rant on 'teenagers' and how they were all unworthy of her and her teaching credentials, Joy was afraid Madam would arrange to have her head on a plate. She'd been sure to always do the homework ever since, even if she had to use the translator on her phone to do so.

"How come?" He asked.

"Too hard"

"Why didn't you come to me for help" Eddie asked.

"I thought about it" Joy answered. "Last night I had every intention to complete the assignment, but I got frustrated. And at some point I was going to ask for help, whether it be you or Google. But I was just tired, I closed my book, and said 'who cares?'"

Eddie sighed.

"No really, why is it a big deal if I know French or not?" Joy continued. "Let the French speak French and the rest of us English speakers will speak English!" Joy paused for a moment before lowering her voice. "I really wanted to get that off my chest"

Eddie nodded. "You done?" Joy nodded. "Great. Let's ditch"

That threw her off. She whirled around to him. “What?”

“You didn’t do the homework” Eddie said. “It’s not that big of a deal, but Madam would probably make it seem like one and you probably don’t need the stress. Let’s ditch”

“The whole day?” Joy asked.

“Sure, why not” Eddie shrugged.

“We have that project in Literature... and it’s Thursday” Joy reminded him.

“Yeah...?”

“The project’s important... and Tuesdays and Thursdays are when we have lunch with Jason” Joy reminded him.

“So we’ll come back in time for both of them” Eddie said. “So...?”

“Ok...”

“Ok?

“Ok”

“Ok” Eddie smiled. “Come on before Cruella Devil sees us”

The two ran away from the classroom just in time because Madam turned the corner just seconds after they were out of site. But their absence did not go unnoticed. They are her best and worst students after all.

“Where are Miller and Mercer?” she asked immediately. “Joy especially should be in class”

“Why? So you can treat her like crap?” Patricia spoke up. She had noticed for a while that Madam was awful to Joy. Mick tapped her foot to get her to stop, but she simply tapped his back and continued. “Do you need it like a regular dose of heroin?”

Madam curled her lips into a painfully large frown and continued with class after marking Joy and Eddie as absent in her class. After leaving her class and going to the next three, they all began to wonder where Eddie and Joy were. Patricia asked around but no one had seen them since they all left for school, including the two.

“What are you afraid of?” Mick asked wrapping an arm around Patricia after it was obvious she was getting antsy.

“I’m scared the teachers took her and locked her up until one special day where she would have to do something she was never meant to do” Patricia said immediately, and she was half joking because she knew that wouldn’t happen again. But at this school being gone for an hour could mean being trapped under a senet board for all she knew.

“What?” Mick laughed.

“I just want to know where they are” Patricia mumbled as she got a text.

“What’s is say?” Mick asked.

“It’s from Joy. It says she’s fine stop worrying” Patricia smiled.

“Oh you texted her?” Mick asked.

“No”

Mick blinked. That was weird.

Joy was trying to keep a serious face when looking at Eddie, but she was still laughing. “We can’t!”

“But it would be nice to” Eddie smiled. They were at their spot, the small park they found the first time they went on the motorcycle.

“We’d get expelled” Joy smiled.

“That’s true” Eddie shrugged. He suggested the next article be all about Madam and what a total cow she was, but of course he was joking. Mostly. It made Joy smile, which, despite her name, wasn’t an easy task.

“If we could then I would” Joy said. “But we can’t, so throw some ideas out for The Jackal that doesn’t involve us getting in trouble.

“We could talk about the project” Eddie suggested.

“You mean the couple one?” Eddie nodded. “We’re not supposed to talk about it”

“Well we won’t publish it until it’s over” Eddie suggested. “People know about the project but they don’t know what it’s like to do it until they’re doing it”

Joy knew he was right. Sure at times it was fun, but other times it was stressful. It was emotionally heavy. Joy was dating her best friend’s first love, and her friend was dating her’s. Joy would have fun with Eddie, and then feel bad for it. It wasn’t an easy project. Finally she said “I think that’s a really good idea”

As Amber put her books in her locker, one of her friends on the cheerleading squad approached her. Lecia. “Hey Amber!”

“Hey Lecia” Amber smiled. “I can’t talk now”

“There’s a rumor going around” Lecia stopped her.

“About me?” Amber asked.

“About your entire house” Lecia said. “I heard you guys are doing the senior project”

“What senior project?”

“Don’t play dumb. The senior project” Lecia smiled. Everyone knew there was some project that happened in their senior year that had everyone change couples drastically, out of the blue. But it was kept pretty much secret besides that. Amber looked around and pulled Lecia into an empty room.

“We aren’t supposed to talk about it” she whispered. “But yes! You can’t tell anyone! ”

“I knew it!” Lecia prided herself. “No way you’d date Fabian unless you were forced”

Amber frowned. “What does that mean?”

“You don’t have to take offence or anything” Lecia said. “It’s not like you actually like him”

“Like I said, I can’t talk now” Amber growled and left to get to the theater for Mr. Winkler’s talk on the couples. 

“Ok, today the subject of discussion is-”

“We’re here!” Joy exclaimed running in with Eddie trailing behind her. “Sorry we’re late”

“That’s ok take a seat” Jason motioned to the couch.

“Where were you?” Patricia whispered to her.

“I was just out” Joy responded.

“Back stories” Jason said, bringing them back from their short conversation. “Fabian and Amber, how did you two get together?”

“Well you made us Mr. Winkler” Amber wrinkled her eyebrows as the rest of the class chuckled.

“Well suppose I didn’t. How would you two happen?” Jason asked.

“I don’t think we would” Fabian responded.

“You don’t?” Amber croaked.

“You do?” Fabian rose his eyebrows.

“I...” Amber realized she was being a little bit ridiculous. “Of course not. You’re my best friend’s ex-boyfriend and first love, only someone totally heartless would do that”

“Exactly” Fabian stated.

“Use your imagination” Jason prodded. “That’s your homework assignment for tonight. I want detailed how exactly got with your partner written down. It has to be at least a page and it should be turned in by Tuesday. That’s all, you are released”

“Back stories huh?” Alfie thought aloud as he walked to lunch.

“How would we get together?” Nina asked. They thought for a minute while walking before they both came up with a pretty realistic answer.

“We wouldn’t” they both responded.

“No offence but I never ever even thought of you as anything other than a friend” Nina explained.

“None taken, since I feel the same way about you” Alfie told her. Nina chuckled.

“Aw that’s so romantic” she joked.

“A regular Shakespearian fairy tail” Alfie laughed.

“Nice word” Nina commented.

“It’s a real one?” Alfie asked and Nina laughed.

“Fabian did you know I used to have a crush on you?” Amber told him over lunch. Fabian nearly choked.

“You did?” he asked.

“Mmhmm. It was short lived. You were just... I don’t know... nice” Amber thought. “And sweet and handsome and shy. We were both new. I quickly got over it”

“When Mick came you mean” Fabian chuckled.

Amber giggled. “Yeah I suppose that’s around when it happened”

“Why didn’t you say anything back then?” Fabian asked.

“Like you would have given that walking fashion disaster in desperate need of a good conditioner and contacts the time of day” Amber rolled her eyes.

“I would have if you said something” Fabian said.

“Of course you would have” Amber dismissed.

“I really would have”

“Yeah I know” Amber shook her head.

“Hey” Fabian nudged her with his foot and she looked at him. “I would have.”

Amber blinked at him and then smiled. She cleared her throat. “Class starts soon”

“Right” he said. They finished eating and headed to Lit class. The entire class was spent presenting and everyone did well. A couple people got tongue tied but all in all it was good. Which was great because they all worked hard on it, even if sometimes the rehearsing was awkward.

Last night - Alfie and Amber

“So... are we good?” Alfie asked when they finished the scene.

“Yeah” Amber nodded.

“Ok, well, you can leave when you want to” Alfie said.

“You want me to leave?”

“No! No I was just saying if you want to... I mean nothing’s stopping you right?” Alfie asked.

“Well no not anymore” Amber mumbled.

“...Right...”

“O-Or I could stay?” Amber half asked.

“Of course you can” Alfie said. “You’re hanging around Fabian so much you’re beginning to stutter”

Amber did a half laugh, half scoff sound. “We never really hang out”

“Well it’s kind of awkward with the whole dating our ex’s best friends and what not”

“No I mean even before this project” Amber said.

“Well it’s kind of awkward with the whole... you leaving... and all” Alfie scratched his neck.

“Well it’s not like I had a choice”

“I’m not blaming you”

“We were friends once” Amber said. “Or sorta kind of friends at least. Even if one of us had an awkward near obsession for the other”

“I wasn’t obsessed!”

“It’s ok, I was kind of weird later too” Amber chuckled. “And you and Willow... are cute”

“Yeah...”

“And...”

Alfie waited for the rest of what she was going to say but a few minutes later and it never came. “And...?”

“And...” Amber said again. “You also make a nice pair, you and Nina...”

“Oh...” that took Afie by surprise. “Thanks”

“That is if you were actually dating Nina” Amber clarified.

“Right”

Amber squinted at him for a second. “Nina”

“...What?”

“Nina” Amber said again. “Nina, Nina, Nina!”

“What are you doing?” Alfie asked.

“You like her!” Amber pointed at him. “You like her!”

“What are you talking about”

“Every time I say her name you look at your feet!” Amber said.

“I don’t like her, I mean she’s nice but I don’t like her!” Alfie assured her. “And I could have pointed out how you blushed right after I mentioned Fabian, but I didn’t”

“Because I didn’t blush!”

“Yeah you did! I saw it, your cheeks got all rosy” Alfie accused.

“It’s called acting” Amber flipped her hair.

“Then you should get an oscar” Alfie countered.

“Nina”

“Fabian”

“Nina!”

“Fabian!”

“You’re all topsy turvy over her” Amber said.

“Rutter Lover” Alfie stated simply.

“Right, you’re delusional” Amber said. “Let’s just do one more run through”

Some others weren’t as nice. In fact, they got kind of mean at the end.

Last night - Jerome and Joy

Joy cleared her throat and picked the tissue off of the ground.

“I am glad I have found this napkin,

This was her first remembrance from the Moor.

My wayward husband hath a hundred times

Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token

(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)

That she reserves it evermore about her

To kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work ta'en out

And give ’t Iago. What he will do with it

Heaven knows, not I.

I nothing but to please his fantasy.”

Jerome walked forward.

“How now? What do you here alone?”

“Do not you chide. I have a thing for you”

“A thing for me?” Jerome stood up straighter. “It is a common thing-”

“Ha?”

“-To have a foolish wife” Jerome growled.

“Oh is that all?” Joy crossed her arms. “What will you give me now for the same handkerchief?”

“What handkerchief?” Jerome asked.

“What handkerchief?” Joy repeated. “Why... uh... I forgot the line”

“Ok let’s take a break” Jerome said.

“Ok”

A minute or two of silence passed over them, which was a first. There was sometimes an argument, or just a friendly conversation, but hardly silence between them. Ever. Jerome cleared his throat.

“How’s your... thing... with Eddie?” Jerome asked.

“Fine” Joy answered shortly. “How are you and KT?”

“Good”

“...Why do you ask?” Joy wondered.

“Why did you ask?” Jerome countered.

“I asked because you asked!”

“I was just making conversation!”

“Well choose a different topic!” Joy glared. Jerome narrowed his eyes.

“Fine, we’ll finish this up and then you can go back to your boyfriend” Jerome spat.

“Fine!” Joy groaned.

“Do you think you could get the line this right?” Jerome asked.

“I don’t know, but I do think you should consider taking acting lesson in the future” Joy retaliated sked.

So all things considered. The project went well. They were all glad to be finished with it. The rest of the school day went without a hitch. They all left for home, finished their homework, and ate without any real problems. In fact, Amber suggested they have a movie night

“Hey Mara” Joy said coming in. At the sound of Joy’s voice Mara shut her laptop shut so hard and so fast, she feared the screen might have cracked. Joy cocked an eyebrow at her. “If you’re trying to be inconspicuous, slamming your laptop down defeats the purpose. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing” Mara lied.

“C’mon Mara, you can tell me anything” Joy said sitting on the bed and trying to take the laptop, but Mara had an iron grip. “Mara”

“Just mind your own business” Mara snatched the laptop away. Joy sighed.

“Mara, I just want to help you” Joy said. “I won’t judge you”

Mara stared at her decidingly and Joy slowly took the laptop from her. She lifted it to see Mara was on Google Images and was looking up pictures of “beautiful women”.

“What’s the big deal?” Joy asked scrolling through pictures of models, actresses, singers, and random unknown woman.

“It’s not what I’m looking up...” Mara said quietly. “It’s why”

“Ok... Why are you looking up a bunch of nice looking girls?” Joy asked and gasped. “Look at her eyebrows, perfect. Not too bushy and not too arched. I need to make mine look like that”

“Joy you’re perfect” Mara rolled her eyes.

“I could be with some tweezer tips from Megan Fox” Joy clicked on the picture before remembering why she was there. “So what’s up?”

“I was just... I wanted to confirm a suspicion” Mara admitted.

“What suspension?” Joy asked.

“You have girl crushes right? It’s a normal thing... right?” Mara asked.

“Oh yeah totally” Joy said. “Beyonce, Zoe Saldana, Kate Upton... I always thought Demi Lovato was pretty but with the curves she got after recovery, she could turn me. Why?”

Mara didn’t say anything for a while, just continued to scroll down the women. After a minute or two, she looked up Beyonce and looked at Joy. “You find her attractive?”

“Yeah totally... who doesn’t?” Joy asked.

“But you’re not attracted, attracted to her, right?” Mara asked. It took Joy only  few more seconds before it hit her.

“Are you... Are you sexually confused?” Joy asked. “Do you think you might like girls?”

“Well wait a minute, I like boys” Mara said immediately. “That’s why I’m so... yeah. Confused”

“Do you have a little crush on Willow?” Joy asked. Mara didn’t say anything. “So you’re looking up pretty girls to see if you might like girls?”

“But that’s the thing! I’m not at all attracted to these girls? I mean they’re all obviously beautiful but it’s not like when I look at a hot guy” Mara explained.

“Maybe you just like guys more ” Joy suggested. “But not only guys. Maybe you’re bi-sexual”

“I don’t want to be” Mara frowned.

“It’s not really something you can help” Joy said. “It’s not a bad thing. Hell, maybe it’s even fun. No matter what though, I’m here for you”

“Thanks” Mara smiled and Joy hugged her and kissed her cheek.

“Now question, put on your lesbian glasses and tell me if you think I could benefit from a push up bra” Joy stuck her chest out a little more. Mara rolled her eyes and left the room. “Is that a yes? Mara? ...Well thanks for the help!”

By nine thirty, everyone was in the living room and halfway through Forrest Gump. At least half of the people watched the movie before, but everyone enjoyed it. Seating weren’t at all a problem, despite Joy and Eddie literally taking up the entirety of one of the couches, and allowing no one to sit there with no regrets. With KT and Nina sitting on Jerome and Alfie’s laps it wasn’t much of a problem. And Amber was cuddled so close to Fabian, as well as Mara and Willow practically being on top of each other, that they actually had extra room for one or two others, had there been anyone else to come in. So Mick and Patricia were able to spread out on their corner of the couch.

“I don’t understand” Amber said. “Shouldn’t she want Forrest to protect her?”

“You would think so” Fabian answered.

“You’d protect me” Amber said quietly.

“Of course I would”

“I know. It wasn’t a question” Amber said before she kissed him.

“Ugh!”

“Gross”

“PDA Alert!”

“Get a room you two!”

“As if you all aren’t partial to making out right in front of everyone!” Fabian retaliated. “We’re just doing what’s required of course”

“Of course” Jerome mocked. Mara turned Willow towards her and kissed her.

“Yeah that feels right” Mara smiled softly. Eddie whispered in Joy’s ear and she pulled him down for a kiss. KT wrapped one arm around Jerome’s neck and he leaned over and kissed her. Nina leaned over Alfie pushed him against the back of the couch and kissed him.

“Look at what you two started” Patricia said to Fabian and Amber.

“You’re not going to join in?” Amber asked.

“I’m not much of a follow the leader kind of girl-” Patricia was interrupted by Mick pulling he in for a kiss. When he pulled away she rolled her eyes and lightly shoved him.

“Worth it” he said to himself.

When the movie ended, and just in time for bed, some of them were asleep. Joy, Mara, Willow, Amber, Fabian, Alfie, and Jerome were all fast asleep in their own worlds. The others woke them up as Victor came down to yell at them to get ready for bed. They all cleaned up the popcorn and drinks and hustled for bed. No one wrote their journals that night. Only a few people cared to write in their journals before crashing, they were all really tired.

Mara

For some couples, it all seems great, but then a relationship begins and it all falls apart. People lie, and aren't who you think. It sometimes never works out. I’m happy to say that’s not the case between me and WIllow. We've grown closer than I ever thought we would. Being the good friends that we are, we didn’t ever see this coming. However, I think was most definitely the rght direction.

So... I might like girls? Or perhaps I just have a small crush on Willow. I mean, she’s kind of hard not to love. She’s everything everyone in the world should be. It’s just an observation. And she’s gorgeous of course. Another thing I may have noticed. But I most certainly like boys. that’s not a question. The question is am I beginning to like girls as well? The thought is a scary one, I couldn’t imagine my dad’s reaction to me telling him that. He won’t have to worry, the project’s getting into my head, that’s all.

Amber

Fabian has been great. He is great, an all around good person. If there were an old person walking across any streets, Fabian would help them. That’s how great Fabian is. And because of him my grades have been going up! Do you know it’s been so hard doing that for years? I wish I could have gone to him years ago! Hanging out with Fabian makes me feel like... I’m floating. Like I’m floating in the air with only his scent to lead me. He smells like brown sugar...

Here’s a question. If a girl and another girl agree to switch ex boyfriend, would that be bad? Or cheating on the Girl code? I don’t think so, it’s an agreement. It’s all very complicated. Not that I would want to do that anyway. Not that I was talking about me in the first place. Alfie totally likes Nina... which is kind of weird if I’m being honest. But it’s obvious. He should know I’m the master at these type of things.

Chapter Text

“Okay everyone” Amber called walking into breakfast in sitting in her seat. Her seat, which wasn’t the same seat it was a week ago. Actually all of the seats were different. At the head of the table was Nina, and on her left was Alfie. They preferred to sit there so they can play their footsy battle that they thought no one knew they did. Next to them was Fabian and Amber, and then Eddie and Joy. At the other head was Mick and Patricia. Next to Mick was KT and Jerome and then Willow and Mara. “I’ve taken the liberty to plan a girls night.”

Patricia groaned. “Why?”

“Because,” Amber started with an unhappy expression. She did not like Patricia’s reaction. “We’ve paired away!”

“Yeah, that’s the assignment.” Mara chuckled.

“Being in a couple does not mean not spending time with your friends, and I feel like I’ve hardly seen you guys.”

Nina smiled. “I think it’s a good idea.” Patricia sighed. “Fine I’ll bite, but only if there’s no girly things.”

“But-”

“Sure, we won’t do anything too girly.” Nina agreed and Amber pouted.

“And what are we supposed to do during this?” Jerome asked.

“Have a guy night.” Mara shrugged.

Eddie chuckled. “A guy night?”

“Like a slumber party for boys!” Amber squealed. “You could watch movies, exchange gossip-”

“Do our hair?” Mick laughed.

“Have a pillow fight?” Fabian added.

“Try on all our clothes...” Alfie mocked

“Talk about boys...” Eddie snorted

“Have rom com marathon-” Jerome was cut off by a semi aggravated Amber.

“Ok I get it. Guy-slumber party isn’t manly enough for you.” Amber huffed. “Just eat pizza and play video games geez.”

That was more like the guy’s idea of fun. “Or we can spy on you guys.” Jerome shrugged.

Nina rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you ever seen a tween movie?”

“Nina’s right, the guys who spy on girls sleepovers always get caught and end up leaving with lipstick and fuzzy slippers.” Amber reminded them all. “So I guess you could try it if you want, but I wouldn’t suggest it.”

But Eddie actually wasn’t interested in spending that time with the guys at all. He had other plans. Perhaps the others were taking a break from the project, but there was just something he needed to do for Joy before he did just that.

“I had a really weird dream last night.” Patricia said, making conversation. “I was jumping in a pool-”

“That is weird.” Eddie interrupted. “You hate swimming.”

“-And the water turned into jelly beans but when I was actually was in the pool it felt like jelly.” Patricia finished, ignoring Eddie.

“Sounds cool.” Alfie said. “I had a dream I was fighting in an alien robot war.”

“Did you win?” Nina wondered.

“No.” Alfie frowned.

“I dreamed that Victoria Beckham took me shopping.” Amber squealed, as if everyone at the table didn’t know that she dreamt that twice a week. “What about you boo?”

Out of habit, Alfie looked at Amber as if she were addressing him, but she was looking at Fabian. Amber looked surprised at the nickname, and the rest of the table had similar look of surprise. Everyone knew that ‘boo’ was Amber’s name specifically for the guys she felt were truly her ‘boo’s. Even though Fabian and Amber were fake going out, it was though there were an unspoken agreement to keep that nickname specifically and special for the Micks and Alfies in her life. And everyone was well aware of that.

Jerome cleared his throat, as it had been awkward and quiet for too long. “Falling for your partner wasn’t exactly a part of the game.”

The ‘game’ being that they were supposed to make their pretend couples as realistic as possible, had actually left many of their minds. KT gave Jerome a scornful look. “Maybe she’s just doing well with the project.”

Fabian got up and left the table without putting his plate away or even finishing his food. He didn’t realize that he had made the situation worse for Amber, who felt pink faced and her stomach ached. He got out of the situation for himself. He had hardly heard Amber’s ‘boo’ comment because he was too strung up on the dream he had, that he tried to push out of his brain. Of course this was the time that they decided to talk about dreams.

It was just him and Amber, very simple. They were alone in a warm room and they weren’t talking, just smiling at each other. The worrying part was how happy and blissful he felt, it was something he hadn’t felt since Nina, not that being with Mara hadn’t made him happy. It was just different. And it was nice, until he woke up. When he woke up, all it managed to do was scare him.

They didn’t continue to talk until Trudy interrupted their silence, which she was good at. If anyone could come in and change the awkward, it was Trudy. “So Mr. Sweet has just told me about something you may all find interesting. We’re having an inter house talent show of a sort! Like the sporting one!”

“Why would we be interested in that?” Joy said honestly.

“Because the inter house sports went so well-”

“Trudy it went awful, just with good results.” Mara said. “KT was missing for most of it, Eddie was a control freak, Jerome hit his head, and another team had to get disqualified for us to get lucky enough to win. No thanks.”

“You guys are all such downers.” Willow frowned. “Trudy could you tell us more about it?”

Trudy smiled. “There will be four categories: Music, dancing, theater, and other. You’ll sign up for what you want to audition for. Auditions will be Monday after school in the theater. They’ll have one or two people from each house for each section, so the most people that will come out of each house is eight. Minimum is four. Then each category competes on next Friday.”

“This all seems kind of last minute.” Mick commented.

“It was a last minute decision.” Trudy shrugged. “Who’s up for it?”

Reluctantly, a few people raised their hands. That was satisfying enough for Trudy. “Here’s the signup sheet.” She handed a clipboard to Eddie, who immediately passed it to Joy. Joy passed it on to Mick, who passed it to Patricia, who passed it to KT, who finally signed her name in one of the categories.

“Trudy can we audition for more than one category?” KT asked.

“Oh, yeah sure!” Trudy smiled. KT signed under music and dancing and handed it to Jerome, who gave it to Willow knowing she’d sign up for something. Jerome was right when Willow signed up for everything. Willow passes it to Mara who signed up for music and other and she passed it to Nina, who signed up for music and theater and other. Then she wrote down Alfie’s name for Other. It was time people recognized his talent in art, besides herself, Jerome, and Amber.

Nina reached across Fabian’s empty seat to Amber, whose thoughts were still on Fabian when she signed him up for music and herself up for ‘other’. She gave it to Trudy and excused herself from the table.

Meanwhile, everyone else began to prepare for school. They had to also think about their backstories, which was Mr. Winkler’s assignment for them for Tuesday. Even though they had four days to do it, they thought they should get started. Mara and Willow, unsurprisingly, had already figured theirs out. Mara decided to write the description of their relationship in third person.

Mara and Willow’s friendship was a bit rocky in the beginning. While Mara felt Willow was far too enthusiastic for her own good, Willow was pretty thrown by Mara’s somewhat pessimistic attitude about nearly everything except schoolwork. However, they were roommates. Mara was willing to be civil to keep things peaceful and Willow tried to find Mara’s appealing qualities. It was like looking for buried treasure. Under water. With a spoon for a shovel.

So suffice to say, they had no idea they’d be as close as they were. Just as Mara was thinking about complaining to Victor after a hedgehog incident, Mara found Willow. In her room. On her bed. Crying. It was like watching someone kick a kitten. A person didn’t have to like Willow to always want her happy. Willow’s spirit was even happy. Mara tried her best to comfort her, but she didn’t actually do a very good job. Mara thought she was upset because she had to get rid of the hedgehogs. In actuality, Alfie broke up with her.

Apparently it was really hard on him as well, and he was going through something. Despite that, and despite loving Alfie and knowing him long enough to know he wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose, she became somewhat protective of Willow. She never wanted to see Willow hurt or crying again. This was the turning point in their relationship, and after this they became fast friends.

Over the next time period, figuring out that Willow may have had a crush on Mara didn’t take long. Willow had liked several girls before, despite not ever going out with one or even kissing one. Mara was drop dead gorgeous, and now that she knew her, she felt her personality was as well. She realized one time when she saw Mara laugh, really laugh. She was doubled over and rosy cheeked and she had tears in her eyes. She even snorted a couple times, which she was embarrassed about. It was the best thing Willow had ever heard.

It was a spur of the moment decision, she didn’t think hard on it at all. But she had to. She kissed Mara. Mara was dumbstruck and left quickly. Willow didn’t see her smile again for a very long time. The farther Mara pushed from Willow the more Willow’s spirts went down. It was something everyone could sense, even if no one knew what was happening.

Similarly, Mara was beating herself up about it. She could see that she was hurting Willow, and considering she spent a lot of her time protecting her, it was eating her up. On the other side of the spectrum, she couldn’t get herself to go to her. Willow’s kiss was everything she wanted but she didn’t ask for it. Mara was sure of many things, but feelings were always hard to work out.

But she knew how she felt when she wasn’t with Willow, she felt emotionally detached from everyone when she was separated from Willow. It was cold in their room. One day she couldn’t take it anymore. Mara acted out without analyzing the situation and figuring out if the move she wanted to make was the correct one. She just kissed Willow. Mara could practically feel Willow’s heart grow, and that’s when she knew she made the right choice.

Amber and Fabian hardly looked at each other because of the awkwardness of breakfast. Nina decided to sit next to Amber in class, and Alfie and Fabian sat together. Alfie looked back and saw Mick looking at him. Alfie pointed to Fabian and Mick nodded. They had the same understanding. Fabian usually payed attention in class, but he wasn’t at the moment. And Alfie was always only half listening. So Alfie felt that it was a good time to talk to Fabian.

“Listen, dude.” Alfie began in a low whisper. Fabian came out of his stupor to hear what he was saying. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but as you know that nickname is only for few. However things play out, make sure you don’t hurt her.”

Fabian was completely lost. “What?”

“She cares about you, and you don’t really have any tact when it comes to things like this.” Alfie said. “All I know is, if Amber comes out of this hurting and crying the same way Joy did...”

He trailed off and looked back at Mick again, who was watching them intently. Fabian looked back as well.

“You’re our friend Fabian, but we will hurt you back.” Alfie finished.

Fabian stared at both boys in total shock and feeling like he skipped an entire chapter of a book. “Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rutter, pay attention !”

After school, Amber cornered Fabian to talk. Fabian felt it was necessary, considering Alfie and Mick were watching them like hawks and he still had no idea what was going on. And he was even more lost when she started to apologize, what had Fabian missed?

“...I wasn’t really thinking. It’s not- it wasn’t serious or anything. I suppose I was just getting into the project is all.” Amber blabbered and stuttered over her sentences, which nearly convinced Fabian she was spending way too much time with him. “And anyway, we’re fake dating right? So shouldn’t it not be weird if I call you boo? It doesn’t have to be awkward or any-”

“Amber, what are you tal- you called me boo?” Fabian stopped. He processed what was happening. It was all making sense now.

Amber stared at him as if he had a third eye. “Is your memory going away again?”

“When did you call me boo?” Fabian asked.

“At breakfast when you stared at me as if I were the sinking Titanic and ran into your room!” Amber’s irritation was rising.

“Yeah, because you asked me about my dream.” Fabian told her. “I wasn’t even paying attention, I didn’t know you called me...”

Amber and Fabian stared at each other for a while.

“You don’t have to feel bad about it.” Fabian finally said.

“Why did you run after I asked you about your dream?” Amber asked. Fabian began to turn pink and looked away. “Oh God... Oh God you had a boy dream didn’t you! One of those dreams!”

“No! No not one of those .” Fabian held his hands in front of him shaking his head. “No, I... it was just a dream about us. We were... hanging out and such... It didn’t... mean anything.”

“It was just a misunderstanding then.” Amber said. Fabian nodded. They stared at each other again, the wind hitting their sides and making them shiver. Amber took a deep breath and smiled. She wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug and he hugged her back.

He smelt like cinnamon and she smelt like flowers so together they smelt like cinnamon flowers and Amber couldn’t let go if she tried. But that was okay because it seemed like he wasn’t planning on letting go either. And she was cold but he was warm and they seemed to balance each other in a way. He stroked her back as gently as he did guitar strings. Amber smiled.

“You make me happy.” she whispered into his ear. He pulled back enough to be able to see her face. She traced the outline of his face, resting her hands behind his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Except it wasn’t like the ones he’d usually had. He’d only kissed Nina this way twice, and only kissed Mara this way once. She bit down on his lips, which sent shivers so strong down his spine that he gripped her blouse so hard he thought it would rip. He would have said sorry if he were thinking coherently.

When he pulled away for air, she held on to his bottom lip with her teeth and tugged on it for a little bit before finally letting go. With a deep long breath, she said, “I think we might have to speak to Mara, Nina, and Alfie.”

When they came back hand and hand, Nina looked up and sighed. “There you two are! We were afraid something happened.”

Amber would have been the one to notice the smeared lip gloss and swollen lips, but since no one else seemed to, she wasn’t going to point it out. Joy stood up and stretched. “Are we still doin’ the thing?”

Amber nodded and let go of Fabian’s hand. Amber lead the girls upstairs. Before she left, Patricia gave Mick a long deep kiss. Mick smiled at her. “Don’t miss me too much” he winked.

“If this is how I’m spending my afternoon, I need something to distract me for a little while.” she answered and followed the other girls upstairs. Jerome sighed loudly.

“So what are we doing?” he asked.

“I vote shooting aliens down on the x box.” Alfie said. “Come on Sweetie Jr. That rematch starts now.”

Eddie faked a yawn. “Actually I think I’m going to turn in early. But have fun.”

He started walking, but was grabbed on the shoulder by Mick. He turned around to see four disbelieving faces. “It’s five pm.”

“And you haven’t eaten yet.” Alfie noted. Eddie shrugged Mick’s hand off.

“So, I’m not hungry.” Eddie answered.

Fabian looked between Eddie and Jerome and Alfie. “If you’re planning on getting them back for that time they dyed all of your shirt’s pink-” he paused as Jerome and Alfie broke down laughing and Eddie rolled his eyes. “Make sure I’m not in the crossfire.”

“Yeah me too.” Mick added, his lips turned into a smile he was fighting. But Eddie’s face was pretty funny.

“I’m not. I’d forgotten all about that.” Eddie rolled his eyes. He looked around, making sure no one else could hear. “If you must know, I’m about to dig up some dirt on Madam. I wanna know why she hates Joy so much.”

“Oh.” was the reply that came from Fabian. They all looked at each other and shrugged.

“I think we know how our ‘guy’s night’ is being spent.” Alfie smirked.

The girls had come down from whatever they were doing upstairs long enough to have dinner, but it was obvious they were still in ‘girl’s time’ mode as they hardly glanced at the guys. Even Patricia seemed to be having a good time. When they were all upstairs again, Fabian called out to anyone who was hearing to tell them he and the rest of the boys were going to hang outside.

“Remember the plan?” Eddie asked. They all nodded. Mick and Fabian would distract Madam long enough to leave the classroom. Alfie would be lookout, since he was so good at it from all of his times with Sibuna, and Jerome and Eddie would try to find a clue somewhere.

Mick and Fabian went in first. Jerome, Alfie, and Eddie stayed off to the side. They heard Mick and Fabian tell her that a fight broke out between two girls, and then saw them direct her to the ‘ fight’ .

The other three slipped in after, with Alfie by the door looking for any sign of Madam. Eddie and Jerome looked around, and then Jerome pointed to her laptop she was working on. Eddie went into the email, but she wasn’t signed in.

“What person has to sign into their email on their own laptop?” Jerome whispered in an exasperated tone.

“They were here!” Fabian said as they looked behind the school where nothing was.

“What were their names?” Madam asked. Mick and Fabian looked at each other and shrugged.

“I don’t think they were in our year.” Mick said.

Madam was visibly losing patience. “Then describe them.”

“Um... they were pale.” Fabian started.

“And they had brown hair.” Mick finished. “Both of them.”

They knew that matched the description of 70% of the girls at their school. Madam took a deep breath.

Eddie and Jerome tried every email they could think of, even going as far as ‘IhateJoyMercer’ but they couldn’t find it. Alfie looked back at them at the desk and saw a picture of a girl and Madam. He looked closer at it.

“Jerome, what does Madam always say when we really upset her?” Alfie asked.

“Marien would never.” Jerome answered dismissively.

Alfie nodded. “Keep watch for a minute.”

Jerome looked confused but they switched. Alfie typed four passwords before getting in. Eddie’s jaw dropped. Alfie smiled and switched with Jerome.

“Dude!” Jerome said. “How-”

“I’m pretty sure Marien is her daughter, and parents like her always have passwords with their kid’s names. I just did ‘Marien’ then ‘Marien1’ then ‘MyMarien’ and finally ‘OnlyMarien’ and it came up.”

Eddie began to scroll through the email. “You genius Alfie.”

He went into search and was about to type in ‘Joy’ when Jerome stopped him. “You’ll get a lot of emails like ‘what a joy it was to see you’ or whatever.”

“Who would think it a joy to see Madam?” Eddie scoffed.

Jerome smirked but ignored the comment. “Try Mercer.”

Eddie shrugged and typed in, Mercer, and got a lot of emails from Frederick Mercer. “Joy’s dad?”

Jerome nodded slowly.

Madam pressed two fingers to her eyelids. “What were they wearing?”

Both boys shrugged. “That’s Amber’s area.” Fabian said. Mick nodded. Madam had obviously had enough.

“Well next time, go to Mr. Sweet with this.” she said and headed back into the school. Mick looked at Fabian.

“Hope that got them enough time.” he said.

Alfie heard Madam’s distinctive footsteps and told the boys to hurry up. They logged out of the email and ran from the room. They met up with the others. “Anything?” Fabian asked.

Eddie and Jerome grinned at each other. “Loads.”

Patricia

Amber’s ‘girls night’ actually turned out pretty successful. Well, if I had to choose between doing it again or hanging out with Mick, I’d choose Mick of course. But it wasn’t horrible. We watched movies and talked and really just had a good time together. I don’t know what the boys did, possibly blowing up aliens on a video game. I think Amber was right, as a group we really needed this. I mean, being in a romantic relationship doesn’t mean forgetting about your platonic ones. But don’t let Amber ever see this. EVER.

So Mick’s football game is tomorrow, and I don’t really know how I’m supposed to act. I mean, I usually just read. Or do homework or something. Amber used to be a cheerleader, and she’d cheer the hardest when Mick would score a goal. I’m not doing that. Mara would vocally train him while off on the side. She’d be like SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT? YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT! That’s not really my thing either though, so I don’t see me doing that. I mean, really, what are you supposed to do?

Jerome

This was a mostly uneventful day, apart from helping Eddie out with something that he wanted to do for Joy. The girls had their little night, but the guys bonded in a way as well. We had fun doing things we definitely were not supposed to be doing. And we found out some really interesting things about someone. KT has been great. Some couples argue, but we really haven’t had anything to argue about. She’s somehow like a guy friend to hang out with but in the body of a really hot girl. It’s awesome. I really think I hit the jackpot with her.

KT and I didn’t do much today. We hung out, thought about the backstory Jason... er... you want from us and everything. Well not long. It got boring, but I heard Mara and Willow already did theirs. Typical Mara, showing all of us up. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got the best scores in the class like she always does. I do really like KT though. I think that we could become really close, even if just as friends after this. I plan on going back to Joy after all of this is said and done, but who knows. Eddie did something for Joy that I should have done ages ago. Which makes me think, are we with the right people?

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

“Alfie, focus!” Nina groaned early that morning. “Please. Please focus.”

“We have all weekend and Monday to do this-” Alfie pointed out

“But if we do it now we won’t have to worry about it later.” Nina said. She raised an eyebrow and he mumbled out a fine .

There was a knock on Nina’s door, and she was a bit annoyed because of the interruption, but she let them in anyway. It was Fabian and Amber. “Amber it’s your room too, you don’t have to knock. We do have to focus on writing our backstory so if you want the room we’ll-”

“Oh are you writing your backstory?” came Mara’s voice, her arm wrapped around Willow’s waist. “We’ve already written ours if you want some pointers.”

No one sounded surprised that Mara had already finished the backstory. In fact, they looked at Willow. “Did you get any say in it?”

“Of course I did!” Willow exclaimed. “My creativity has no bounds, this turned out to be fun.”

“Well, I think we could use the help.” Alfie said. “So point us to the pointers!”

Amber and Fabian were aware that they’d just gone invisible to the couple they came to visit while Mara and Willow made their way inside.

Meanwhile, KT and Jerome were in her room again, on her bed. They were just laying down. Willow had gone down stairs a while ago, and Jerome had gone up to get KT up but instead she pulled him down onto his bed.

“I’m not allowed to be up here.” Jerome said after a while of no speaking.

KT spoke with the croak of a voice that had not been used yet, “And you’re such a stickler for the rules.”

Jerome smiled. “If I get the toothbrush you’re helping me.”

“Here’s a better idea,” KT rolled over to look at him. The look she gave him made his stomach swoop. “Don’t get caught.”

“KT, when this is all over...” Jerome began.

“Just the words a girlfriend wants to hear.” KT said.

“I’m serious.” Jerome said. KT gave him her undivided attention. “When this is all over, do you think we can still hang out.”

KT stared at him for a while before sitting up with a sigh.

“That sounds promising.” Jerome muttered.

“Jerome, do you want me to be honest with you?” KT said to him.

“Depends. How much is it going to hurt?” Jerome asked.

KT gave him a sad smile. “Despite us going out and our question games, I still don’t know you very well. But I know from the fact that a lot of people care about you that you’re a good guy. But outside of this project, I can’t ignore the fact that you seem to make a habit of hurting my friends.”

“Not on purpose!” Jerome defended.

“Maybe not.” KT admitted. “But I think you can be a little selfish. And I’m not a fan of selfish people.”

Jerome, who had been incredibly warm before now felt more than a little chilled. “You’re an incredible actor then. Because I didn’t even know you couldn’t stand me.”

“I’m not acting around you, I genuinely enjoy our time together.” KT said. “I just don’t know if we’ll become best friends at the end of all of this.”

“Can I prove my worth to you?” Jerome asked.

“You don’t have to prove anything to me. But if you want to do better, do it for yourself.”

“But I think I have done better!” Jerome insisted.

“Well, maybe you have.” KT said. “I wouldn’t know. I only know what I’ve been told.”

“Why are you judging me on stories?” Jerome asked. “What about who I am now ?”

KT took a minute to respond before saying, “I guess you’re right. As long as you stay on a straight path, we can hang out when the projects finished.”

Jerome gave her a truly genuine smile, and it was infectious because she gave him one back.

As the table filled for breakfast, Eddie held out a seat for Joy but she just sent him a smile and sat on the other side of Patricia. Confused, Eddie looked at anyone who noticed this but most of them shrugged.

Trudy set the table. “Where are Nina and Alfie?”

“They’re attempting to write their backstories.” Mara informed.

“Well someone get them for food.” Trudy said. Amber hopped up at once.

“Fabian and I will.” she said. Fabian took just another second to catch on but nodded. And started going to Amber’s room. Amber knocked on the door and Nina opened, and looked visibly annoyed. “Amber we just went over this. It’s your room, you don’t have to knock.”

“Nina just got me to focus for the second time today, and it was interrupted by you for the second time today! Do you know how hard it is to get me to focus once ?” Alfie asked.

“Of course I do.” Amber muttered. “We came to talk.”

Both of them looked at them expectedly and suddenly both Amber and Fabian were nervous. These two people had so much influence on Fabian and Amber. “This staring match is fun and all,” Alfie said. “But the whole point of talking is-”

“Talking.” Nina finished.

“Aw, that’s what I was gonna say!” Alfie gushed jokingly.

Nina tried to stop herself from smiling but was failing. For Fabian and Amber, it was more than a little strange to see their exes with each other this way. It had been from the start of the project. But seeing it again made them really think about what they were going to say to Nina and Alfie. Fabian had moved on from Nina, but she was still his first love and he would never be able to look at her and think differently. Amber had only just recently come to terms with seeing Alfie with Willow, and it made her even more uneasy when he was with her best friend.

What Fabian and Amber were about to say to Nina and Alfie would be quite the bomb to drop.

“Hey,” they all turned to see Jerome in the doorway. “They shouldn’t have to have someone go get the people who were supposed to be getting other people. Breakfast time?”

“Oh breakfast!” Alfie slapped his forehead. “I completely forgot!”

Alfie took Nina’s hand and they ran downstairs. Jerome watched them with curiosity before turning to Fabian and Amber. “Well, come on.”

He left. Fabian and Amber looked at each other. “Perhaps we should talk to Mara first?” Fabian asked. Amber nodded and they walked to breakfast.

When Trudy saw them she grinned. “There you all are. Good. Okay, are you all going to Mick’s game?”

Jerome’s first response is to groan and shake his head, before KT unknowingly cut him off. “I certainly will be! I’d be happy to support Mick!”

Mick grinned at KT, he couldn’t say much because his mouth was full.

Jerome glanced at KT and quickly said, “Yeah I’m going too!”

There wasn’t a single pair of eyes in the room that didn’t immediately swerve to look at Jerome incredulously.

“I think we should all go. When was the last time we all came together to support our teammate?” Jerome continued.

“If this is a scam, Clarke-” Mick began.

“No scam. I’m just genuinely here to cheer you on.” Jerome said. Joy was staring at him intently, and then at KT.

“Alfie and I were going to work on our homework.” Nina said.

“Oh you have plenty of time to do that.” Trudy said. “I think everyone should go to the game!”

And so everyone walked in pairs to the football field. The most quiet pair was Joy and Eddie. “Hey, why’d you sit so far away this morning?”

“I just wanted to sit next to my best friend.” Joy muttered. “Is that a problem?”

“Well what about spending time with your boyfriend?” Eddie challenged. Joy turned a dark face to Eddie.

“You know I think everyone’s forgetting that when no one is around to watch us we don’t have to act like this.” Joy practically barked at him.

“What’s wrong with you?” Eddie countered. Joy didn’t answer. “Fine, let’s talk about the project then. We’re not gonna gain any points with you being colder than Elsa.”

“Oh who cares. Screw the stupid project, it’s for theater of all things. We’ve gotten enough points that it’s not gonna be a big deal if we stop now.” Joy countered.

“You don’t get to decide our grade!” Eddie yelled. The pair in front of them, Mara and Willow, looked back. “Oh keep walking!”

Eddie held Joy back. “Let go of me, Eddie! You have no sway, I quit the stupid project!”

“You aren’t going to bring down my grades because you’re moody.” Eddie said. “So if you quit, I guess I’ll have to do the project enough for the both of us.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Joy questioned.

“It means,” Eddie said as he took off his jacket and placed it on the ground. “It’s awfully muddy out here. We wouldn’t want you to step in the stuff.”

Joy gave him a fake smile and stomped the jacket deep into the ground. Eddie winced as he picked up his muddy jacket with a grimace.

The football was going well, the ABS team was coming out on top so far with Mick as the best scorer. Only whenever he made a great goal, he would look at the bleachers and see everyone cheering except for Patricia. He knew she wasn’t really into the football thing, but she could at least fake it. She was more attentive during his practices.

“Would you like some chocolate, sweetheart?” Eddie asked offering his candy bar to Joy. She gave him a mean look. “Perhaps I’ll feed it to you.”

“Or perhaps you can chew it and spit it in my mouth?” Joy shot back. “It’s far less disgusting than this performance you’re giving.”

Eddie couldn’t help but glare at her.

“See, that’s much more natural.” Joy smirked.

Eddie smirked too when he said, “Didn’t you and Jerome get together after lots of bickering? Come to think of it... didn’t me and Patricia? Maybe we’re meant to be after all.”

“You are a pig.” Joy retorted. She moved away from him. Eddie was getting seriously worried. What had he done to upset her? Yesterday everything was going fine. Well sure she didn’t talk to him much after the ‘girls night’. Did something happen there?

Jerome sometimes thought he had a sixth sense for trouble making. He could smell a good scheme from far away. This might have been why he turned to see an opposing team member set Mick’s blue opaque water bottle down at the last second. “KT, someone’s done something to Mick’s drink.”

KT turned to Jerome and to the water bottle. “You think?”

“Yeah,” he said getting up. “I’m gonna wash it out.”

“What? No, Mick will never buy you doing something nice for him.” KT said. “ Twice . In one day!”

“Well is he supposed to just drink from it?” Jerome challenged.

“I know you’re trying to prove something to me.” KT said. “Just stop, it’s not truthful and it’s honestly sort of weird.”

Jerome stared at her for a moment but then shook his head. “Well don’t think of it as something good for Mick, think of it as something good for the school. We need more trophies, that shield I won for the school still looks bloody lonely.”

“Well at least let Alfie get it. He’s the second fastest runner in the... where is Alfie?” both looked at where he and Nina had been, only neither of them were there.

Nina and Alfie had snuck off at a time when everyone was distracted. The house was empty as everyone was at Mick’s game, but they opted to stay away from there. There was just more chance of them being interrupted. The instead chose a spot of grass on the side of the school a bit away from the path that one would take if they were going from the school to Anubis House. They had finally gotten somewhere with their backstory.

Meanwhile, Jerome was still trying to avoid a catastrophe. “I’ll be just a minute.”

He ran and grabbed Mick’s bottle. A few people noticed, including Mick. Mick was in more than a grumpy mood now. Patricia wasn’t paying attention and Jerome was trying to sabotage him, he should have known Jerome had been too nice. But he could hardly do something about it now.

Jerome ran full speed to Anubis House. Unseen by Nina and Alfie and the other two were unseen by him. He ran in poured out water that was distinctively brown, gave it the quickest scrub he could while still being thorough, filled it back up and ran back out again.

While all of this was happening, Nina and Alfie were discussing their story. “So we’re agreed to have our backstory work with Mara and Willow’s, right?” Nina asked while adjusting.

“You alright?” Alfie asked.

“Fine,” Nina said. “Just not the most comfortable thing to be leaning on.”

Alfie adjusted as well and smiled. “That’s why you should have a more puffy jacket.”

Nina sighed, unamused. Alfie decided to come up with a solution rather than to tease.

“You can lean on me.” He said. Nina smiled at him, about to decline, “Come on. I’m really comfy.”

He tugged her arm softly and playfully and she finally relented and scooched over. This ended with her leaning against his chest with her laptop on her lap and his legs on either side of her. It was far more comfortable than she imagined it would be.

That’s the sight that made Jerome saw while in his haste to get back to the football field. Nina and Alfie were not easily seen, on the side of the school in the shade a little bit behind a bush. Most people would likely walk past them, especially since they were closer to the front of the school and most people would be walking around the back since they’d be coming from the game. In fact, the only reason Jerome saw them in the first place is because he was in such a hurry, he stumbled into a position where he’d be able to see them. They had not noticed him and he still was on a mission so he quickly got up and kept running. But he was coming up with ideas as well.

Mick was just coming off the field when Jerome got there with his water. Mick wasted no time and grabbed Jerome’s collar. “Get me a different water bottle.”

“I didn’t run all this way for you to not drink this water!” Jerome said trying to push Mick off. KT rushed over quickly.

“I’m not drinking out of that one, what’s in it? Pee?” Mick accused.

“Dirt, actually. Before I cleaned it out.” Jerome said. “Someone from the other team tried to sabotage you.”

“He’s telling the truth.” KT said when she got over there.

“You saw it?” Mick asked.

“Well... no I didn’t see it myself-” KT said and Mick scoffed. “Look there’s nothing wrong with your water bottle. If you don’t trust him trust me.”

“Yeah but you trust him .” Mick said.

“Well someone has to.” KT said hotly. She didn’t miss the significant look Jerome gave her. “Besides, I know for a fact that he would not do that, not right now at least. Right Jerome?”

“Right.” Jerome said immediately, still looking at KT. “More to lose if I did.”

KT looked at Jerome back and they smiled at each other. Mick looked between them, anger leaving. But it only brought his attention back to Patricia, who was currently moving close to Mara.

“Mara,” Patricia said closing her book. “Is that your dad?”

Mara and Willow looked over to where Patricia was looking and Mara froze. “What’s my dad doing here?”

Willow, however, was excited. “Oh how fun! I get to meet your father!”

Mara got up from her seat and Willow made a move to get up as well. “No!”

Willow froze.

“Sorry Willow, uh, you can meet him later.” Mara said and ran away to her father.

“Hello Mara baby!” her father grinned. She gave him a hug.

“What’s wrong?” Mara asked immediately.

“Nothing’s wrong, I had a free day. I was trying to tell you Thursday on the phone but you were in such a hurry, I thought I would just surprise you instead.”

“Right! Surprise! Well I was!” Mara said nervously tugging on her blouse. “When are you leaving?”

Mr. Jaffray was obviously a little hurt by the question but tried to hide it. “Just for dinner, everything okay?”

“Everything’s fantastic!” Mara said, her voice getting higher and higher. “Fantastic, can’t wait! Excuse me, I left something inside of the school!”

She walked towards the building, where she was going to scream. Willow watched her go, seeing that something was obviously distressing Mara and decided to let her do whatever it is she had to do.

“Patricia,” came Mick’s voice. Patricia gave him a small smile but it was short lasting when she saw he was clearly bothered.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Oh I don’t know, maybe the fact that every time I look at you you’re writing in that stupid book!” he gestured to it in his hands. “I’m not asking you to cheerlead for me or- or-”

Mick started fumbling because Patricia was smirking at him. “Are you done? I wanna make sure you say everything you need to before you eat your words.”

Mick was so thrown he said, “Uh... I guess?”

Patricia opened the book for him and Mick saw that she was writing down his stats. With footnotes and stars if there was a move he did that she liked in particular. “I making this for both of us, for me so I can brag and for you so you can see in writing that you're a genius at what you do, like I said before.”

Mick stared at it. “You called it, Why Mick’s Better Than Everyone Else ?”

“It seemed the appropriate name.” Patricia said. Mick couldn’t help but look sheepish but he was grinning too.“Well you look a little pathetic right now, and not just because your foot’s in your mouth. Shouldn’t you... hydrate or something?”

Mick glanced at the water bottle in his hand and hesitated for a second before taking a drink. It was extremely refreshing.

The rest of the game was good. Unlike the first half where Mick would get an almost visible dark cloud above him every time he saw Patricia writing in her book, he now wore a huge smile on his face every time Patricia wrote in her book. When they finished, with ABS winning, people were walking to their houses in large groups. KT held out his hand for Jerome, but Jerome did not take it.

“I’m sorry, I have to do something with Fabian and Amber. I’ll meet you at Anubis.” he said. Fabian and Amber paused as they had no plans with Jerome and had no idea what he was talking about.

“Oh,” KT said looking at the stunned pair and then at Jerome. “Alright then...”

She left with the rest of the group. Jerome turned to Amber and Fabian. “Walk with me.”

“Why?” Fabian asked.

“Because I want to talk.” Jerome said.

“Why?” Amber asked.

“Because,” Jerome said with the air of dropping a second shoe. “You two want to go out when this is all done for, and I think I know the best way to go about it.”

Fabian and Amber suddenly froze for a moment. They hadn’t actually said it aloud, just knew that this was how they both felt. Jerome smiled at their discomfort and began to walk.

“And how would you know that?” Fabian asked running behind him with Amber in tow.

“Oh it’s all over your faces,” Jerome said and added, “ Boo .”

Amber glared at him from behind. “You’re so annoying.”

“Well do you want my help or not?” Jerome asked. Fabian and Amber glanced at each other and Jerome took their non answer as and answer. “Right.”

“Where are we going?” Fabian asked.

“Anubis. We’re just taking the long route around the front of the school. Anyway, you two want to go out, well let’s see what’s standing in your way. There’s Mara, the guy code, and I’m sure there is a girl code.”

“Of course.” Amber said.

“And I’m sure exboyfriends of your friends are off limits.” Jerome continued. Amber went quiet. “ And I’m sure that doesn’t matter if said friend gives you her blessing. And it’s the same with the guy code.”

“What about Mara?” Fabian asked. “She’s expecting that we get back together after this.”

“Get your head out of your ass, Fabian. What you and Mara had was hardly a relationship.” Jerome rolled his eyes. “You just made it official a couple of weeks ago, before that you were just going on dates. Hardly anything to be committed to. And let me tell you, that was never going to last.”

“Oh really?” Fabian asked. “And how come?”

“You’re too similar, you’d realize soon it’s like dating yourself in the opposite gender. Same with Alfie and Willow.” Jerome said. “What you two had with Nina and Alfie was a lot more serious, and the feelings attached to those relationships were more serious as well. That’s why you’re trying to break it to them and you haven’t gone to Mara yet.”

“Do you just know everything, Jerome?” Fabian asked partially genuinely and partially bitterly.

“I’m a person reader. I can pick up on these type of things.” Jerome said. “Now I agree, the right move is to tell Nina and Alfie. Mara you can deal with later, I’m pretty sure she’d get over it quickly. But for you two to date, you need the permission from the exes. Luckily for you, that’s easier than you think.”

“How so?” Fabian asked.

“Because of the situation you’re in. If you play your cards right, Nina and Alfie will be more than accepting, they’d be asking you for permission as well.” Jerome smiled.

Fabian scoffed. “Nina and Alfie? They’d never go out for real.”

Amber wasn’t sure. She knew Alfie liked Nina, but Alfie also liked any pretty girl that was nice to him for long enough. It’s a matter of how much he liked said pretty girl that affects whether or not he pursues them...

“You sure?” Jerome said coming to a stop.

“Why are we stopping?” Amber asked. Jerome turned his head over and then so did Amber and Fabian. That’s when they saw Nina and Alfie asleep on the side of the building fully wrapped up in each other. Amber almost squealed, “That’s so cute!”

Jerome shushed her and pulled them back, basically dragging Fabian who looked a little confused. But Amber didn’t blame him. It was a little weird now that she got past the cuteness.

“Don’t wake them yet.” Jerome said. “But that’s good stuff, Amber.”

“Parden?”

“ Convince them they’d make a good couple foreal .” Jerome said slowly. “Then, they’d be more than happy to give their OK to your relationship because they’d be hoping for an OK as well.”

Amber and Fabian looked at each other. Amber spoke up. “We play matchmaker for Nina and Alfie... so that we can go out?”

“Precisely.” Jerome said. Fabina shook his head.

“Sorry, I still don’t think it could happen.” he said. “I still don’t think they’d actually ever like each other.”

“They look pretty comfortable to me.” Jerome said.

“They have to. That’s the project.” Fabian said.

“Well sure, although the project never said they had to be that close... when no one’s around to award points.” Jerome said. “Come on Amber, you know Alfie and you’re the supposed ‘Love Guru’. Did you really not bat an eye to the fact that Alfie almost missed breakfast this morning for schoolwork?”

Amber realized he was right. Trying to hide the fact that she missed this, Amber said, “Yeah Alfie likes Nina, I already knew that, but does Nina like Alfie?”

“I... don’t know.” Jerome said. “I don’t know enough about her. But Alfie’s lovable, so I think you could make this work.”

Slowly, Fabian turned to Jerome with narrowed eyes. “What’s in it for you?”

“Four happy friends!” Jerome said. Fabian looked unconvinced.

“What’s in it for you?” he asked again.

“I just think... if you two could make this work... it would open up the door for other people as well.” Jerome said.

“What?” Amber asked and then looking over Jerome. “You like KT?”

Jerome said nothing.

“Falling for your partner wasn’t exactly a part of the game.” Amber mimicked his early words.

“I haven’t fallen for KT. Give me some credit, It’s not even been a week.” Jerome said.

“It’s my understanding that it took you one afternoon in the prop closet to fall for Willow.” Amber pointed out.

Jerome ignored her. “And I fully plan on going back to Joy after this.”

“Then what is it?” Fabian asked.

Jerome shrugged. “If Joy and I don’t work out... or if she decides she a better match with someone else...” Jerome looked momentarily glum. “Maybe sometime in the future... KT and I could have something. And it’d be a lot easier for that to happen if she sees other pairs from this assignment happened.”

Amber gave Jerome a small smile. Jerome was now more than a little uncomfortable. “Anyway are you doing it or not?”

Fabian and Amber looked at each other and nodded slowly. “We will.” Fabian said. “Because even if getting them together doesn’t work out, maybe we could make them more comfortable with... us.”

Jerome grinned. “Thanks for playing.”

Jerome winked at them as he continued to walk to the house. Fabian and Amber looked at each other, and then hastily walked to Nina and Alfie. They both tried to wake them up, only for the pair to just stir and Alfie wrap his arms around Nina.

“Nina!” Fabian said moving her more. Suddenly Nina woke with a start, she was always a little on edge. Her sudden movement caused Alfie to wake.

“Sorry to wake you,” Amber said. “We thought you’d like to come inside.”

“Did we finish the backstory?” Alfie groaned. Nina looked at her laptop, which had slid off of her lap onto the grassy ground.

“I think so.” She said. They looked up at Fabian and Amber as if just seeing them. “Oh... did we fall asleep?”

“Looks like it.” Fabian said.

“Who could blame you?” Amber said with a very quick glance at Fabian. “You two looked extremely comfortable together.”

Both of them looked confused and Nina finally unwrapped herself from Alfie. “Uh... we were just keeping warm.”

“Right.” Fabian jumped in. “But you two also fit well together.”

Alfie glanced at Nina, who gave a small shrug. “Thanks.”

“The important thing is we finished our backstory.” Nina smiled at Alfie who smiled back.

Alfie always thought Nina was pretty and cool, but never even considered dating her. It was obvious from the beginning that Fabian liked Nina so she was off limits. But they always liked each other. Nina always found Alfie funny, and with being stressed and pulled in so many different directions, she didn’t get much of a chance to laugh. So Alfie, who could almost always make her laugh, was very special to her.

Things started to change for them after they were... trapped in the same place for a while. They started to open up with each other and share things. They each realized something. They might be total opposites but they didn’t judge each other. No they didn’t understand each other, but they never judged. When Alfie found a laugh in things Nina didn’t think one could, she may be confused but she would never try to stop him. When Alfie thought Nina was too serious or too stressed, he simply tried to reduce the stress not judge.

So they ended up with a friendship that honestly a lot of their other friends didn’t fully understand. But it really didn’t matter what anyone else thought because they were happy with their relationship. So they began to hang out more. Nina needed this more than she wanted to let on. Her two best friends at the school, Fabian and Amber, were now hanging out together almost exclusively, and Nina was beginning to feel left out.

No one else got it. Jerome and Patricia kept asking them what they would even talk about. They didn’t really talk together. Alfie would talk and Nina would listen, and then Nina would talk and Alfie would listen. And Alfie was even funnier when he had no reason to be serious, and Nina was a lot more ‘chill’, as Alfie would say, when she had no reason not to be. It took Nina just a while to realize, she liked him. And not just as a friend, but as more. Alfie, on the other hand, thought he might have started liking Nina ages ago.

But it wasn’t so simple. Alfie was going out with Willow, and Nina was Fabian’s first love. And Alfie was Amber’s. How could they ever even consider... it just could never happen. And Nina was happy just being friends with him, honestly. Only... she wasn’t. And neither was he. Alfie just wanted to be around Nina all the time, to the point where he realized if he wanted to be fair to Willow, he had to break up with her. She deserved someone who wouldn’t split their time.

But even still, they owed it to Fabian and Amber to stay just friends. But Amber the love guru saw right through this. She knew almost as soon as it happened that they’d fallen for each other. Amber explained this to Fabian and both of them gave Nina and Alfie the thumbs up. With their friends’ approval, it didn’t take long at all for Nina and Alfie to make things official. The best thing about it was their relationship was the same, just with more kissing.

“Well?” Nina asked as they approached Anubis House and she finished reading their backstory out loud to Fabian and Amber. “What do you think?”

“Sounds fine to me.” Amber said, not admitting she zoned out once or twice. Not that it wasn’t interesting, it’s just almost every sentence gave her a new idea of how to get Nina and Alfie to get together.

“It’s good.” Fabian said, before having a quick idea. “Great, actually. Really realistic.”

Amber caught on at once and nodded.

“Really?” Nina asked. “Because we wanted it to sound like it could actually happen-”

“Even though it couldn’t.” Alfie finished.

“I think it could!” Amber interjected as Fabian opened the door for his friends to pass through.

“In... those circumstances.” Fabian added.

“Oh yes, it’s really realistic. And Fabian and I would totally give you our permission to date.”

Fabian had to stop himself from laughing. Subtlety was not Amber’s thing. Alfie and Nina stared at her as if she offered to draw mustaches on their faces.

“Really?” they said together.

“Aw Fabes, isn’t that cute! They’re talking at the same time.” Amber gushed. Fabian was going to have to tell her to tone it down.

“Adorable.” Fabian answered.

Alfie looked just about ready to ask what Fabian and Amber had been smoking when Trudy walked in front of them with a kind smile. Alfie and Nina went from platonic to romantic in less than a second, smiling at each other and holding each other’s hand.

“Be ready soon, we’re eating dinner a bit earlier than usual, Mr. Jaffray has joined us but he’ll have to go soon. I hope that’s no bother!” Trudy said.

“Eating sooner than later?” Nina asked. “Somehow I doubt Alfie will mind very much.”

“Somehow everything you say ever feels like you’re judging me.” Alfie said as the pair walked away. Amber went to follow them but Fabian held her back, pulling her to the side.

“Amber, do you want to try maybe being a little more... subtle?” Fabian asked.

“Subtle?” Amber repeated. “With those two? No way, they’d never get it. Alfie needs me to scream things like this at him I swear. And Nina actually thought you liked Patricia in our first year, remember?”

Fabian couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at that one.

“I don’t think we’re being obvious enough.” Amber said.

“Look, we’ll tone it down a bit, and if they still have no clue later, we can amp it up.” Fabian said. Amber huffed. “Trust me?”

Amber smiled. “Of course.”

Amber happily gave Fabian a kiss and they walked into the living room. Joy sat in the corner of the living room, sulking, looking at all the couples. More than anyone she looked at Mick and Patricia and Jerome and KT. Eddie joined her.

“Go away.” Joy mumbled.

Eddie looked at KT and Jerome. “Is this about them? About them being together?”

“It’s not about anything.” Joy said.

“Come on, Joy. Look, you wanna quit? Fine. I don’t mind the bad grade, it wouldn’t be my first. We’ll quit together.” Eddie said. Joy looked at him surprised. “ But , you have to tell me why you’re quitting. That’s my only request.”

Joy sighed. “Fine... I’ll tell you. But not in here.”

Eddie stood and offered his hand. Joy hesitated and finally took it as he lead her to his room. Mick and Fabian had bunk beds, Eddie was lucky enough to have his own. (They drew straws for it). So Joy and Eddie sat on their bed. “Okay, what’s going on?”

Joy bit her lip. “I promised not to say anything, so you have to swear what we say doesn’t leave this room.”

“Swear.” Eddie said at once.

“Well, it was last night.” Joy said. “You know, at the girls night. We’d all come down and relaxed and everyone else fell asleep but Patricia and I. We started talking, it was nice. We hadn’t done it in a while. And then we started talking about... about the project. And I was saying how I was actually having fun...”

“Yeah me too!” Eddie exclaimed.

“Right... but...” Joy wasn’t looking at him. “Well Patricia said she was too, with Mick, but every time she saw me with you it hurt. A lot.”

Eddie felt his shoulders sink. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. But Joy wasn’t done anyway.

“I told her I understood, you know. Jerome and KT, it’s hard to watch. And the worst part is, they’re really good together, those two. I could see something actually happening with them in another reality. So I... you know. I knew how she felt.” Joy said fiddling with the hem of her shirt. “But it’s worse for her. We’re best friends. We’re best friends. I know we haven’t hung out as much as we used to but she’s still like... like family. And she. Well she loves you. And every time I’m with you, it’s like a stab in her heart.”

Joy began to tear up and Eddie moved to put his arm around her, but that seemed like the wrong thing to do.

“And how can I keep doing this knowing that every time, I’m hurting her?”  Joy asked with a sniff.

Eddie handed her some tissues and watched her as she furiously cleaned her eyes. “It’s not your fault.”

“I know it’s not!” Joy snapped. “It’s this stupid project, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

“Don’t be stupid.” Joy and Eddie turned to the doorway to see Patricia.

“You were listening to that!” Joy exclaimed. Patricia smirked.

“You were all mopey and I wanted to know why.” she said. “Anyway, I didn’t tell you what I told you so that you could quit the project and mess up your grade.”

“Why did you tell her?” Eddie asked. “I mean, those are pretty rough words for anyone to hear.”

“I didn’t say all that stab in the heart stuff. Come on Eddie, does that even sound like me? I just said it’s weird to see you two together. It’s weird to see everyone together, really. She embellished. Like a true journalist.”

“Well it’s true, isn’t it?” Joy sniffed. Patricia rolled her eyes.

“It sucks, yeah, but I can take it. Look at Nina and Amber, think about how awkward this is for them? But they’re still doing it.” Patricia shrugged. “Don’t quit the project for me.”

“And anyway, you’re thinking about this all wrong.” Eddie said. Joy turned to him, half annoyed half curious.

“How so?”

“You’ve got to... You can’t think of it as acting.” Eddie said. “You have to think of it as if it’s all real. And then you can really have fun with it.”

“But if it were all real then I really stole your boyfriend.” Joy said.

“Or, maybe I pushed you two together because I saw that you were good together.” Patricia shrugged. “Maybe you should work on those backstories.”

“We’d only be doing that if we were still doing the project.” Eddie said and gave Joy a heavy stare. She sighed with a bit of a laugh.

“Alright I won’t quit!”

“Good.” Eddie said.

Patricia smiled and left the room. Eddie gave Joy a smile and pointed to his lips and Joy indulgently kissed them.

Trudy called them shortly after for dinner and the mood was good. All the pairs were happy, everyone was smiling, only one person seemed to not be having a good time: Mara. She pushed her food around and didn't engage in any conversation. Her father kept giving her looks every so often but didn’t ask why she was so quiet. He wasn’t , however, going to let her go unnoticed. He came to visit her after all.

“So, how are you Mara? Doing your work? Keeping your nose clean?” Mr. Jaffray asked.

“Oh yes,” Mara said immediately. “Of course! Doing well in every class.”

“Good. Good. And socially? How’s that boy you were seeing?” Mr. Jaffray asked. Mara flushed at once and Fabian looked everywhere else in the room.

“Dad please don’t ask that, not at dinner.” Mara said quietly.

“What was the name...” Mr. Jaffray was thinking.

“It’s not important right now.” Mara almost pleaded.

“Will! That’s right, Will!” Mr. Jaffray said. Willow froze with a fork full of pasta that was halfway to her mouth. Everyone looked at her, still frozen, or Mara, who wouldn’t look up, or Mr. Jaffray, who was oblivious. But he saw their reactions and turned to Mara. “Is something wrong? Did you break up?”

Mara didn’t answer, so Alfie did. “They might be going down that road.”

“Alfie, eat.” Nina instructed and proceeded to try and stuff food in his mouth.

Willow slowly lowered her fork and gave Mara a long look that the black hair’d girl was determined not to meet.

“Sorry to hear that.” Mr. Jaffray said. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

“From what I heard there was a big lie involved.” Eddie said and Mara just wanted the earth to swallow her whole. Joy was more sympathetic.

“Do you want me to do that to you?” Joy asked pointing to Nina shoving a large amount of food in Alfie’s mouth when he opened his mouth to say something.

“I’ll behave.” Eddie said when Alfie started to choke.

“Shame. Well if the lie was really big, maybe it was good that it may not work.” Mr. Jaffray said. “Deception is one of the worst things, in my opinion.”

“I agree, sir.” Willow said quietly. Mara’s eyes burned with the threat of tears.

“You don’t understand,” Mara whispered to Willow when Mr. Jaffray started to reach over and pat a choking Alfie on the back.

“That doesn’t make it hurt any less.” Willow answered.

“What do you care anyway, it’s not real.” Mara forcefully whispered. Willow gave Mara a rare look of utter disdain and Mara felt even lower than usual. Because the truth is, even if they were put together by Jason, that didn’t mean this had to be fake. And anyone would be hurt if they were lied about. “I couldn’t tell him the truth.”

“Why not?” Willow asked.

Mara hesitated, before answering, “I’ll show you.”

She watched as Alfie thanked her father and glared at Nina. She ignored it, handing him a napkin to clean his face while she got sauce off of his sleeve.

“Amber, did you know Jessie and Vanessa are dating now?” Mara asked loudly.

Amber was right on cue. “Are they? They’ve been circling around each other for weeks, it was only a matter of time!”

“Mara, is this really the time for gossip?” Mr. Jaffray scolded.

“Sorry, it’s just that Jessie and I are friends. And she’s been telling me about how she’s liked Vanessa for so long, I just...” she trailed off at the dark expression that crossed over her father’s face. Just like she knew it would. She turned to Willow, who was looking at Mr. Jaffray. Willow was quite good at reading emotions, Mara knew. But even those who weren’t knew what was coming from the look on his face.

“Jessie is a girl?” he asked.

“Yes sir.” Mara confirmed.

Mr. Jaffray sighed, unaware that everyone at the table were watching him closely. “How old are they?”

“My age.” Mara said.

“Too young.” he muttered. “It’s not my business, of course, but how can anyone that young...”

He shook his head.

“I don’t have a problem with... you know...” he continued.

“Gay people.” Mara said.

“Yes, but children shouldn’t be subjected to that at such a young age.” Mr. Jaffray said. “It’s wrong, they could get ideas. This Jessie girl, you should rethink your friendship. She’s obviously very confused.”

“What if she’s not confused?” Willow finally asked.

“No one knows what they want that young. You should certainly not be doing anything like that at the age you’re all in.” Mr. Jaffray said.

The rest of dinner was pretty quiet.

Mr. Jaffray didn’t even stay for dessert. He kissed Mara goodbye and was gone not even fifteen minutes later. Willow took Mara’s hand and lead them up to the attic where it was quiet so they could talk.

“I’m sorry I lied.” Mara said in a small voice.

“I’m sorry you lied, too.” Willow answered. “I’m not angry.”

“Of course you’re not. Because you’re Willow, and you’re amazing.” Mara said.

“I’m hurt.” Willow said. “You hurt me, but I understand why you did what you did.”

Mara still wasn’t looking at her.

“I still think you should have told him the truth.” Willow said.

“What? Didn’t you see his reaction?” Mara yelped. “And what is the truth? That I’m in a relationship with you? Because, and I don’t mean this in a bad way, I’m not actually in a relationship with you!”

“I know-” Willow began.

“And if I told him the real truth, that this is all for a project, there’s a very good possibility he will pull me out. Or get Jason fired. Or both!”

“I already told you, I understand why you did what you did.” Willow said honestly. “But not even thinking about you or me, wouldn’t it be good of you to show him he’s wrong?”

Mara stared at her and turned away. “Goodnight, Willow.”

Willow was momentarily stunned. “Goodnight?”

“You just... you wouldn’t understands. It’s not your fault, you’re just better than most people. You’re better than me. And I don’t think I could help you understand, so this conversation would go nowhere. So... goodnight.”

Willow watched her go, unsure of what to do for a moment. She settled on writing in her journal.

Willow

Today I met Mara’s father when we had dinner. This should have been great but it only lead to pain. Mara didn’t tell her dad about us because he is homophobic. And the worse part is, I don’t think he realized he’s homophobic. And Mara is encouraging it by not educating him when he says something that is ignorant. She told me when she left that I wouldn’t understand because I’m better than her . Maybe she’s right because I don’t know what she meant by that. I”m not trying to be better than anybody, I just think when someone has a hurtful opinion, someone should tell them. Especially because his hurtful opinion hurt me, and when Mara said nothing, that hurt me more.

Dinner this afternoon was uncomfortable. But not just because of what I said above, which is all true. I don’t understand what Mara meant and I do think she should have said something. But also because I didn’t know what to do myself. I thought I should tell Mr. Jaffray the truth, not about the project but at least about who ‘Will’ really is. But I also thought that might be overstepping my boundaries. After all, this is really something that has to be worked out between Mara and her father. But if it affects me as well, shouldn’t I be able to speak up? I didn’t know what to do. I think I took Mara’s feelings well into consideration, and yet I’m not sure I got the same treatment.

Alife

Nina fed me today at dinner because I was being... obnoxious. Her word, not mine. I almost died because of it. Nina’s great, but she’s starting to sound like my mother. And I’m afraid she’s gonna start acting like it. In fact, I guess she is already. She fed me and cleaned me off. What’s next? Tucking me into bed? Bathing me? Dressing me? ...Actually all that sounds pretty good. Maybe there’s an upside to this? No but in all seriousness, my dad’s strict and my mum nags. I like to get away from all of that when I come here. If Nina starts acting like my mum, I’ll lose it man.

Fabian and Amber are being weird. They’re being... I’m not sure. Encouraging I guess? They keep giving Nina and I looks and telling us how good we are together. And believe me, I already know Nina and I make a good team. But it almost seems more than that. Maybe they’re just playing their parts but... why does it feel like they’re encouraging us to make this real? Nina’s great, she’s pretty and smart and I like hanging out with her. But I don’t think we would ever work out if we tried in real life. Besides, I really don’t think Nina would ever like me as anything more than a friend.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

“Ouch! One of you kicked me!” Amber yelped at Nina and Alfie. “It’s far too early for this! You want to play your little footsie game, fine, but at least don’t do it in the morning! And have better aim!”

Everyone eating breakfast at the table laughed at Nina and Alfie feeling like their secret games of footsie had been exposed. The truth was, they weren’t very good at hiding it. You could tell when they did it because they tried to act like they weren’t laughing and wouldn’t meet each other’s eyes.

Jerome raised his eyebrows at Amber, and she cleared her throat.

“But I’m glad the two of you have fun together.” Amber finished. Nina quirked an eyebrow, but also smiled at Alfie.

“So, what’s the plan for today? It’s Sunday, should be pretty chill.” Eddie said.

Everyone just shrugged. Something was missing. It was Mara telling them that anyone who hadn’t done their backstories should probably get them done today. But Mara wasn’t at the table. No one had seen her outside of bed. Willow was there, but she only picked at her food.

Luckily, it was on Fabian’s mind. “Amber and I are probably gonna work on Winkler’s assignment. Right?”

Amber pouted and said quietly just to him, “But I want to play matchmaker to Nina and Alfie.”

“C’mon Ambs,” Fabian said, poking her a little. “You get to play matchmaker for us.”

She lit up at that idea and grinned. “Ooh that sounds like fun!”

“What about everyone else?” Jerome asked to the group as a whole. He looked at Nina and Alfie. “You two wanna play another prank with KT and I?” Jerome asked.

“Oh, God, please no.” Fabian mumbled.

“Don’t worry, Fabian,” Alfie chuckled. “I think Nina and I just wanna relax until she eventually makes me do my homework. Yeah?”

Nina giggled a bit but nodded. “Sounds nice. Maybe we can watch a movie. You did talk about rewatching Jurassic Park.”

Jerome focused on Nina like he was reading her. “That doesn’t really seem like your type of movie.”

Nina shrugged. “Not really. But I figured I’d give it a try for Alfie.”

Jerome nodded and looked at Amber with a slightly raised eyebrow. He didn’t have to say anything. Amber knew Nina very well, everything about Jurassic Park would turn Nina away. Not only was she not super into sci fi, she wasn’t into dinosaurs and she wasn’t into horror. If it weren’t for Alfie, she’d never watch it. Amber was starting to think their plan would be easier than she thought. She looked to Fabian, who was squinting at Nina like he couldn’t fully focus on her.

“You’ll want to train, yeah?” Patricia asked Mick. He looked at her and shook his head slowly.

“No... I think I’d like to take it easy today, too,” Mick said. “You’ve put in the effort to be around me, you’ve made training, practice, and my games really great... I think it’s only fair I put in the effort, too.”

Patricia smiled but she said, “Hey, I get it. You’ve got to practice, and you were right about me being the flexible one-”

“I think one day won’t kill me.” Mick said.

Patricia’s grin somehow got wider. Neither she nor Mick seemed to notice Eddie staring at them.

“Well,” Jerome clapped, gaining everyone’s attention back and then turning to KT. “Seems like it’s just the two of us today.”

“Don’t sound so disappointed,” KT said before lifting cereal into her mouth.

Jerome shook his head. “Being around you? Never.”

Joy watched as they smiled at each other. Then she looked at Fabian and Amber, who were talking quietly to each other and giving each other doe eyes. She looked at Nina and Alfie, who were for sure still playing footsie, and then aat Mick and Patricia. Patricia was excitedly saying all the things she might want to do that day while Mick listened intently. Then she looked at Eddie, who was looking at Patricia.

And in that moment Joy realized something. This entire week, the entire project, she had been holding back. Her and Eddie flirt some, hang out, they even had a spot where they would go when they rode his bike. Sure they kissed, as was assigned, but there was nothing about them that yelled ‘couple’. She’s had to sit and watch Jerome and KT make goo goo eyes at each other for days, and the worst part was, she could kind of see them working. But Joy’s been so concerned with how bad she’d feel being in a ‘relationship’ with her best friend’s boyfriend, she hasn’t been able to fully immerse herself in the project the same way the others have. After her talk with Patricia and Eddie yesterday, she felt like it was only fair to herself and to Eddie that she dive all the way in.

Joy took a deep breath, let go of all her feelings of being a bad friend, let go of the idea of Eddie belonging to Patricia, and mentally stamped ‘boyfriend’ on Eddie’s label in her mind. She reached down and slipped her hand in Eddie’s. He jumped a tiny bit, but corrected himself quickly and held her back with only a small note of hesitation. Joy liked holding hands, liked feeling physically close, and she realized she had no idea if Eddie was the same way. It wasn’t like it was something she and Patricia discussed in depth. She couldn’t help but notice the difference. Eddie’s hands were bigger, but Jerome’s fingers were longer, and neither were entirely unpleasant. Eddie, however, did feel a little more tense.

“Everyone’s pairing off,” Joy said to him. “So what do you think you’d like to do today? We could take another ride if you want.”

Eddie grinned, “Now you’re a motorcycle fiend, huh?” Joy snorted and rolled her eyes. “Well, I have to talk to my dad about something today, but other than that, I’m all yours.”

“I should hope so,” Joy said, her thumb rubbing across his knuckles. Goosebumps ran up Eddie’s arm and stayed there even as she let go to get more food from the table. He couldn’t help but to stare for a second. Joy had never been so touchy before, but if that was a new angle to gain points, he wasn’t gonna fight it.

“Done?” Fabian asked as Amber wiped her mouth. She nodded and took his hand as she stood and Fabian said, “We’re gonna work on our backstory, we’ll see you guys later.”

“Way later,” Amber finished with a giggle and practically dragged Fabian away. Alfie couldn’t help but watch them leave. He realized it had been quite a while since he saw Amber smiling that wide. His feelings battled between being happy to see the grin again, and wishing he were the cause of it.

Amber and Fabian had been friendly since they met, but they didn’t really have much in common. The few times Fabian and Amber would talk, he was always so nice, it didn’t take long for Amber to develop a small crush. However, at the time, she was too shy to say anything. Amber was, of course, beautiful, but it was like the more she came out of her shell, the more intimidating she got to Fabian. He wound up staying away, and Amber never pushed, she had plenty of friends and admirers around her anyway.

Everything changed when Nina came to school. Amber gained a new best friend and Fabian gained a crush. To Amber, the bookish, mysterious pair were a match made in heaven. It was only a matter of time before the two made it official. With the burgeoning relationship as well as Nina and Amber not really leaving each other’s side, Amber and Fabian got to know each other in a new way.

No longer was Fabian simply the nerdy, quiet guy who was nice the few times he talked to Amber. Now she knew him to be funny, sarcastic, talented not only academically but musically as well. He was relentless and protective, and Amber always felt safe when he was around. Fabian saw a new side to Amber, the one who was secretly one of the smartest and most logical people he’d met, her logic was just unconventional. He saw a determined, stubborn, fierce girl who would do anything for the people she loved. They grew to admire each other.

Amber could understand why Fabian had the admirers he had, yet she was still surprised when she became one of them. Amber was nothing if not loyal, and Fabian was Nina’s for as long as she’d known her. That didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends. The two would spend time together, and some of Fabian’s favorite moments were looking down and getting a text from Amber that’d be full of emojis and unusual wise cracks. But guilt began to set in as Nina began to make herself scarce. She later would confide in Amber that spending time around Fabian after their failed relationship made her feel awkward and uncomfortable. Amber wanted to be loyal and stay away, but it was like Fabian was a magnet and she always found herself drawn to him. It didn’t help that Fabian didn’t want to stay too far from Amber as well.

The solution came in a way Amber didn’t expect. She was just walking back from school when she saw Nina and Alfie just a few paces ahead. It hadn’t occurred Amber to ask who Nina spent her time with when she was avoiding Fabian. She watched as Alfie said something that nearly had Nina snort with laughter, and Alfie grinned at her reaction. Amber was something of a genius when it came to spotting chemistry. As she paid attention to the pair, she saw that there was something there. She also saw the guilt that clouded over Nina’s face whenever it was clear how much she was enjoying Alfie’s company.

It was when she could see the two purposefully avoiding each other and how miserable it was making the two of them that Amber knew what she had to do. She told Fabian she had the solution to everyone’s problems, and told him to have a conversation with Alfie while she had one with Nina. They were honest about the new feelings that had developed, and decided to stop torturing each other and give the go ahead. When Amber found Fabian later, he kissed her, and the spark that she’d tried to ignore for so long had become a full on flame.

Fabian sat on Amber’s bed and finished reading the completed backstory of his and Amber’s “coupling” and smiled. When he looked to Amber, though, she didn’t look happy. “Hey, what’s wrong.”

Amber pouted a little. “I feel like a bad friend.”

“Why’s that?”

“How could I like you like this knowing you were Nina’s?” Amber whailed. “At least in the fake backstory I knew Nina and Alfie liked each other, now I don’t know how much is them and how much it is just them being good actors. What if I tell Nina how I feel and she hates me?”

“Amber,” Fabian said wrapping an arm around her. “Regardless of what’s going on between Nina and Alfie or what’s not going on between Nina and Alfie, we’ll figure it out. If this,” Fabian gestured between them. “Hurts too many people, we won’t do it. And it’ll be okay. You know why?”

Amber looked at him. “Why?”

“Because even if we’re just friends, I’ll be happy to have you around.” Fabian said. Amber smiled slowly.

“Ditto!” Amber said and Fabian chuckled.

Eddie was walking towards the front door when Joy stopped him. “Hey Eddio, heading to your dad?”

“Yeah, just gotta ask him about something.” Eddie said.

“Okay, well take your time. I’ll be around when you get back. I was thinking later we can make lunch or something?” Joy asked.

Eddie shrugged and nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

Joy grinned and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Later babes.”

Eddie was slightly stunned as he replayed the ‘babes’ in his head. Joy hadn’t called him that at any point in the week. And she had been so much more touchy and affectionate all day. “Wait, Joy!” Joy paused and looked back. “Do you wanna just walk with me? It shouldn’t take long and that way we can just spend more time together.”

Joy smiled. “Sure, I’ll just get my jacket.” Eddie smiled back, but he knew what he really wanted: to get to the bottom of Joy’s new behavior.

Patricia smiled to herself as she all but ran to her room to find something to wear. She rumaged through her closet, pulling out a few possibilities and laying them on her bed when movement caught her eye. She looked at Mara’s bed, where a lump sat beneath the covers. She sighed and walked over, sitting on the bed and nudging the lump.

“Go away.” Mara’s muffled voice carried through the blanket.

“Mara, come on. What’s this about?” Patricia said. “Is it about the awkward dinner from hell yesterday?”

Mara groaned in answer.

“Well you can’t lie in bed all day and avoid the rest of life.” Patricia said.

“I’m not avoiding life .” Mara said, finally emerging from the covers. Her hair was a tangled mess that sat on her head like a too large hat. “I’m avoiding Willow. I screwed up big time.”

“Oh come on, it’s Willow. She’ll get over it.” Patricia said. “She’s probably painting pictures of unicorns and squeeing as we speak.”

Mara sent a slight glare Patricia’s way. “Don’t simplify her like that. Everyone only sees Willow one way, as the hyperactive oddball who says things that you don’t understand. Willow’s actually really insightful and more understanding of human emotion than anyone I’ve ever come across. And she’s not just a one note, excitable person, she has feelings like everyone else.” Mara pouted. “And I think I really hurt them last night.”

Patricia looked at her morose friend and tried to be more understanding. “Okay, I wasn’t being fair. Not to you, or to Willow. But why don’t you talk to her?”

“We tried to talk last night,” Mara said. “We didn’t really come to any understandings. If anything, I feel like I made it worse.”

“Well you won’t exactly be earning any points for the project with the two of you not being in the same room together.” Patricia said. “In fact, how are you certain she’s really hurt. Maybe she’s just playing her role really well, trying to listen to what Winkler said about allowing yourself to be angry at your partner and all that.”

Mara shook her head. “No, she was really upset. I can tell. And I’m the worst girlfriend ever, fake or otherwise. My real relationships fall to pieces and I can’t even keep a fake one going. Clearly it’s me, I’m the problem.”

“You’re not the problem,” Patricia assured her. “But if you really feel bad about all of this, then just find a way to make it right. I may not know Willow the same way you now do, but I get the sense she’s very forgiving.”

“Yeah,” Mara acknowledged. “If the apology comes from the heart.” She took a deep breath and then let it out again. “Thanks, Patricia.”

Patricia nodded and patted her leg. “What are friends for?”

Mara watched as Patricia went back to her bed and inspected the outfits on there. “What’s the occasion?”

“Oh,” Patricia said, looking nervous. “Mick and I are... going on a date.”

“A date?” Mara repeated. “An honest to God date?”

“It was Mick’s idea.” Patricia said. “I thought we could just goof off all day but he suggested it since we’d have a free day and we’re already ‘dating’. I said yeah cause... Honestly when’s the next chance I’ll have to go on a date with Mick and it not be weird. And you know, it should gain us points.”

Mara nodded. “You look nervous.”

“Oh well I... I’ve never been on a date with anyone but Eddie, and most of our dates didn’t go well. I accidentally stood him up when I got locked in the bathroom, then when we did go on a date I couldn’t talk, another one I had to spend the first part of it with him blindfolded...”

“Blindfolded?” Mara repeated.

“It’s a long story. The point is, I don’t have much dating experience, and the experience I do have... could be better.” Patricia said. “I just... I want it to go well.”

“Why?” Mara asked. “Do you like him?”

Patricia sputtered immediately. “Like who? Meathead Mick? Please, I just figure if I’m going to go through with the date, I might as well enjoy it.”

Mara didn’t mention that Patricia had a very similar reaction when anyone used to ask her about Eddie. Mara wouldn’t push it, she imagined if Patricia did ‘like’ Mick in anyway, it would only feel complicated, what with her relationship with Eddie. In fact, Mara imagined many of her housemates were having conflicting and complicated feelings like that, she knew she was. Acknowledging that there might be more than just a project between them when in a week everyone would be at least trying to go back to normal might cause more harm than good.

“Go with that one,” Mara pointed to the blue jacket/black dress combo. “Not too dressy, not too casual, and it doesn’t seem like you’re trying too hard but you’ll still look great.”

Patricia held it up to herself and smiled. “Yeah, I think I like this one, too. Thanks Mara.”

“Sure.” Mara said. “I hope you have a good date.”

Eddie and Joy were about halfway down the path to the school where Eddie knew his dad was when Joy slipped her hand into his again. He almost stumbled with the contact but he caught himself. He figured now was as good a time as any. “Joy?”

“Hmm?”

“You’ve been real um... touchy today.”

White hot embarrassment poured over her and she released Eddie’s hand. “Sorry...”

“No, wait!” Eddie said, stopping. Joy also stopped walking. “It’s not a bad thing, it’s just... we’ve been dating--or well ‘dating’ for about a week and you haven’t really done that. I guess I’m wondering what changed. Are you just trying to get more points? Make up for yesterday?”

Joy shrugged. “Kind of, but it’s not just yesterday I’m making up for. It’s the whole week.” She sighed. “I realized I’ve been holding back because I feel weird about ‘dating’ you because of Patricia. But I shouldn’t have been letting that stop me, I mean no one else is. I’m just trying to get into it, but it probably feels forced.”

Eddie thought about the last week. He thought about how well everyone was acting and how invested in the project they seemed. He then thought about himself and Joy, and felt like they didn’t put on nearly as good a show. He suddenly felt like they had a lot to make up for.

“It’s not just you,” Eddie admitted. “I think I’ve been so consumed with looking at and thinking about Patricia I haven’t put my all into it. But everyone else is really going for it, and more so, no one’s blaming them for it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s also that... earlier in the week we were hanging out and having a lot of fun and I started to feel bad about it.”

“See, I feel the same way!” Joy said. “But it’s like you said yesterday, you’ve just got to throw yourself into it. And if holding hands is too awkward, we don’t have to do it. It’s just that my love language is physical touch.”

“Your... what is what?” Eddie asked.

“Love language?” Joy asked. “You don’t know what that is?”

“Not even slightly.”

Joy chuckled. “Well, your love language is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s how you express your love for someone, and it’s not even necessarily romantic, it’s just people you love. My love language is physical touch, but there’s four other ones.”

“Okay, lay them on me.” Eddie said. They had finally begun to walk again, slowly and taking their time.

“Besides physical touch, there’s words of affirmation, gift giving, acts of services and quality time.” Joy said. “People have different ways of expressing their love and care for people, and just because my thing is physical touch doesn’t mean it’s yours.”

Eddie thought this over, running through the list Joy gave him. “I feel like my love language is insults and punches.”

Joy smiled. “Well it would make sense, being that you’re with Patricia.”

“So... love languages... is it what you like to give or receive?” Eddie asked.

“Kind of both, but I know people who, for example, like giving gifts way more than receiving them.” Joy said.

Eddie frowned slightly. “I really don’t know what my ‘love language’ is.”

Truthfully, as much as he loved his Yacker, and he really did, she wasn’t good with... intimacy. Physically she was getting better, but emotionally she still sometimes kept him an arm’s length away. Eddie knew all about emotional walls, and sometimes he had a hard time not putting his up with her, so he understood and never pushed. But with this conversation about love languages, he wondered if either of them ever showed their language of love. Maybe practicing with Joy would make him more able to express himself with Patricia.

“You mind being my guinea pig?” Eddie asked.

Joy quirked her head. “In what way?”

“I wanna know what my love language is.” Eddie said. “So I wanna try them out, if you’re okay with it. See what feels the best.”

“Sure,” Joy smiled.

Eddie reached down and took Joy’s hand in his own. “Might as well start with something I know you like.”

Joy looked down at their hands. “How’s it feel?”

Eddie made a face. “Weird.” Joy laughed a little. “But not... bad.”

Joy gave him a little squeeze and another smile.

Nina listened patiently, sitting on Alfie’s bed while he explained his plans for the talent show. “And then, I’ll maybe do some audience participation, people really love that in a magic act.”

Nina sighed and nodded. Alfie frowned.

“What is it? Am I boring you?” Alfie asked.

“No, not boring me...” Nina said. “I’m a fan of your magic tricks, you know that, right?”

Alfie shrugged, sitting next to her. “When you’re not afraid of it messing things up for Sibuna, yeah.”

Nina snorted a bit, “Well that was one of your best tricks.”

Alfie gave her a sideways smile and nudged her. “So why the sour face?”

Nina bit her lip. She went in the nightstand next to his bed and pulled out what she knew to be Alfie’s sketchbook. Alfie raised his eyebrows.

“How’d you know that was there?” Alfie asked. “Did you snoop through my stuff?”

“I saw you put it away the other day.” Nina said opening it. “I think this is what you should be showing off for the talent show.”

“My sketchbook?”

“Your art .”

Alfie shrugged. “It’s really just a hobby.”

“But you’re really talented, Alfie.” Nina said. “And it’s like you’re scared to share it with people. Even in art class you seem to hold yourself back. I... I won’t push you but... I think you should show people what you can do.”

Alfie frowned down at his sketches. It wasn’t necessarily that he was scared, it just wasn’t what people expected from him. Magic and excitement, goofy rapping or dancing, that was what people knew him to be. When he sat down and focused on a drawing or painting, it was like he wasn’t putting on a show. And if he wasn’t putting on a show, he was just him. And Alfie wasn’t completely sure who he was without the show.

Maybe he was scared.

“Why’s it matter so much to you?” Alfie asked.

Nina shrugged. “I don’t know... you asked me out with an image of me drawn on the back of the house. Do you know that even though you sprayed it down with the hose you can still kind of see it? Sometimes I go back there and try to make it out. No one’s done anything like that for me before, and it was so detailed. It showed a different side of you, and I liked it.” Nina sighed. “Whenever I think about it, I wish it wasn’t so hidden.”

Alfie looked down. “I just feel like no one’s gonna care about...” the Alfie that paints.

“Hey,” Nina said, taking Alfie’s chin and gently turning his head to her so she was looking him in his eye. “If there’s only one person in the audience cheering, it’ll be me.”

Alfie couldn’t help it, he kissed her, hoping she could feel how that made him feel. Nina felt a tingling in her body. It was crazy, because the first time they kissed, it was perfunctory. Now, she lived for it. It was always a battle within her, it wasn’t meant to be like this. It was just acting, and in a week it would all be over. The best she could do for herself was enjoy it while she could, and try not to feel too guilty about it.

When they pulled apart, Alfie looked down shyly and cleared his throat. Nina wondered if he was thinking similarly, but she didn’t want to bring it up. Alfie said, “I... I think I have an idea then. For the show. But you’d have to help me.”

“Of course,” Nina said.

“Alright, I’m still incorporating my magic.” Alfie said. “Hopefully when you see the tricks behind the illusion, it won’t ruin the magic.”

“C’mon Alfie, your true magic was never about ‘tricks’.” Nina said. Alfie smiled. “Now are we gonna watch Jurassic Park or not?”

Eddie knocked on his dad’s office door, leaving Joy outside for just a minute. Mr. Sweet looked up over his glasses and his eyebrows rose in surprise. “Edison! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m not gonna be long, Joy’s waiting outside.” Eddie said, closing the door.

“Ah, yes, the girlfriend?” Mr. Sweet said, with a fun smile. Eddie laughed a little bit.

“Yeah, my girlfriend.” Eddie said. “Actually, I’m here about her.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” Eddie said. “Do you know that Madam Stephens is way harder on Joy than she is anyone else? It makes it a miserable class for her and I bet she’d be doing better without Madam barking at her all the time.”

“I’ve heard that she can be kind of strict, but I see no reason why she would single out one student. Are you sure it’s not something Joy is doing?” Mr. Sweet asked.

“Joy doesn’t do anything. In fact, she’s so scared of her that she just keeps her head down.” Eddie said. “But it’s more than that, because I have reason to believe she has a vendetta against Joy and it’s got nothing to do with her and everything to do with her father .”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Do you know that Mr. Mercer is on the board for several schools in the district, including this one as well as the school Madam Stephens used to work at? He’s the reason she was fired from there because of ‘insubordination’ and ‘noncompliance with school laws’.” Eddie said. “And then you brought her right here where she could make his daughter miserable.”

“Oh my...” Mr. Sweet muttered. “I had no idea about any of this. I saw she was fired from her last school, something about a general aversion to authority. But her resume was impressive and she spoke French remarkably well-”

“You don’t have to justify yourself,” Eddie said. “I just want her to stop treating Joy like crap. I have no problem going straight to Mr. Mercer myself if it comes to that, or even just telling Madam Stephens that I will. But I think it’ll go better if you just tell her to lay off. And if she tries to deny how she treats Joy, I know all the people in our house will stand behind me.”

“Eddie, Eddie, there’s no need for this, I will talk to her.” Mr. Sweet said. “And you tell me if there are further problems.”

Eddie smiled. “Believe me, I will. Thanks dad.”

Mr. Sweet nodded at him as Eddie left the office. Joy was leaning on the wall, tapping rhythmically on her knee. She looked up at the sound of the door opening. “That was fast.”

“Yeah, just had to tell him something, but it’s handled now.” Eddie said, holding Joy’s hand again. “So what are the other love languages again?”

Patricia glared at Mick, and he only laughed in response. “What?” He said. They had taken a taxi cab out to a town just twenty minutes out. It was a quiet area with lots of little shops and cafes around. The vibe was lowkey, which was nice. But Patricia was still irritated.

“You know I don’t like surprises,” Patricia said. “Why won’t you tell me where we’re going?”

“It’s not surprises you don’t like, it’s not knowing things,” Mick said. “Just trust me, we’ll have a good time. The main thing we’re doing isn’t until around four though.”

Patricia looked at the time. “It’s twelve thirty, what are we gonna be doing in the meantime?”

“Thought we could just hang.” Mick shrugged. “Want ice cream? I know this spot that’s got the best stuff and so many flavors you probably didn’t even know existed.”

“Hmm.” Patricia said. “I have been craving a milkshake... Okay, let’s go.”

Jerome focused intently on his task, his tongue sticking out a little bit. He was in the living room braiding KT’s hair despite the fact that he had absolutely zero experience in the braiding hair department. He really liked KT’s hair, it was soft and it always smelled good.

“Okay, done.” Jerome said. KT got up and looked in the nearest mirror, bursting into immediate giggles.

“What did you do ?” KT asked. She touched her hair. It was in two braids, one stuck straight out the side of her head, the other messily sat on her shoulder. “It’s gonna be so tangled, too. Why did I let you do this?”

“Because I asked nicely and I’m adorable?” Jerome suggested, coming up behind her. She looked at him in the mirror with a face like she was trying not to smile. “Do you want me to help take the braids out?”

“No, I think you’ve done enough,” KT said, struggling to free her hair from the hairband Jerome put on the end. “But if it means anything, I enjoyed when you finger-combed it.”

“I could literally do that all day.” Jerome said. The pair sat back down and even as KT was trying to get her hair okay, Jerome gently had her lean on him. KT let it happen, realizing that leaning against Jerome was one of the most comfortable things she’s done. She recalled rehearsing for the play (that she didn’t actually get an opportunity to be in) and having to lean on him and being uncomfortable. Just like this, it was acting, so what changed?

She realized what changed was that this, at least on her part, was no longer entirely acting.

Panic rammed through her and she shot up, nearly hitting Jerome when she did it. He looked startled. “What is it? Did I do something wrong?”

“No I-” KT shook her head, all but ripping her hair out, untangling her hair from the braids Jerome put in there. “I just... I need a minute.”

“Okay,” Jerome said carefully, watching her. “Is there something I can do? Something I should do?”

KT shook her head, sitting as far from him as possible.

“Come on, KT. Please talk to me.” Jerome asked as gently as he could. KT looked at him hesitantly. “ Please .”

KT looked down at her hands. There were little pieces of her hair that broke off when she was forcibly going through it. “I...” She took a deep breath. “I’ve never had a boyfriend before. I don’t think I’ve... mentioned that yet.”

Jerome shrugged, “You’re doing pretty well for a rookie.”

She rolled her eyes at his slight teasing, somewhat used to it by now. “Yeah, too well.”

Jerome’s eyebrows tried to come together at that. “What do you mean?”

“I... I’ve never been in this position before and I think I’m... enjoying it too much. Everybody else, they’ll know this isn’t real. They won’t be dumb enough to actually...” She sighed. “This is all I’ve ever known in terms of romance or a relationship and I feel like I’m getting too attached or something.”

“To me?” Jerome asked. KT put her head in her hands. “No, don’t-KT come on.” He sat closer to her and pulled her hands from her face. “It’s okay.”

KT narrowed her eyes at him, “Why are you smiling?”

Jerome realized he was, in fact, smiling, but he couldn’t help it. “After what you said yesterday, not being sure you wanted to stay in each other lives and all that, I thought maybe it was just me. I’m honestly kind of relieved to be proven wrong.”

“Just you? What do you mean?”

“KT, it’s got nothing to do with you not having experience or anything. I’ve had plenty of experience, probably too much, and I’m just as susceptible as you are.” Jerome said. KT didn’t look any less confused. “My point is... I might be growing attached, too.”

“To me?” KT asked. Jerome shrugged. “Why?”

“Why?” Jerome repeated. “How could I not? Besides the fact that you’re one of the most fun people to be around and you’re beautiful...” KT felt herself heat up at the compliment. “You’re also just... good. Everything about you. You’re just a good person, and it makes me want to be a good person for you. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you.”

KT only frowned at this. “But it’s not real .”

“Well,” Jerome said, looking down. “It’s not entirely fake either.” KT looked at him for long time. Eventually he met her eyes. “I told you before, I like being your boyfriend.”

KT sighed. “And next week? When this is all over and I have to watch you and Joy be the perfect couple?”

“I...”

“Do you get what I’m saying?” KT asked. “You have someone when all this is over. I’m just gonna be alone with all these new feelings for you that I never asked for.” KT looked down, and took a deep breath. “I’ve never felt anything like this. And unlike most people when they get into relationships, I know this has an expiration date. And I know when it is.”

“KT-”

“And you saying you might feel the same doesn’t make it better, it just makes me feel bad about what I might be doing to Joy... and everything I’ll be missing out on when it’s over.” KT said.

“KT, please,” Jerome all but begged. “I don’t want to talk about the ‘end’ of this.”

“But don’t you think it’s important?”

“No, I think right now and right here is important.” Jerome said. “I can’t pretend that everything’s going to just feel right or what things will look like, or what I’m gonna do when it comes to you or even Joy. All I know is that right now I like being with you. And right now I can with no consequences. And yeah, pretty soon, that’s not gonna be possible anymore, but for the love of God don’t rush us there.”

KT gulped and sniffled a bit. “I just... I’m scared.”

Jerome nodded. “I get it. I... I am too. All I’m asking is that you just let us enjoy this while we can. While there’s no hurt, no guilt. If anyone asks we’re just... we’re doing the project.”

“We are doing the project.” KT mumbled.

“Yeah,” Jerome said, lifting her chin up. “That’s all.”

Except when he kissed her, he knew that was not all .

Minutes later, after the two were sitting together, KT leaning on Jerome’s shoulder only slightly more tense than usual, with the tv playing and neither of them paying attention to it, Jerome heard the door open. He looked over and saw a flash of a smiling Joy and Eddie go by. He realized just as they disappeared, that they were holding hands. He didn’t think he’d seen them do that, but he’d dated Joy long enough to know she could get very physically affectionate--it was something they had in common and an easy adjustment in their relationship.

Briefly, Jerome thought of a scenario where this just stayed. If all the couples that had been decided by the fate of a hat continued past this week. He’d miss Joy, God he would. But as he felt KT’s breathing get slower and more relaxed, likely exhausted from the emotion heavy conversation they’d had, he knew how much he’d miss KT. Jerome was never good at choosing between two things that made him happy, it’s how he managed to hurt Mara and Willow in the first place. That was one of his biggest regrets. He didn’t want to go down that path again, but unlike last time, it seemed like he would have no choice. No matter what, at least one person was going to be hurt, maybe even more than one. He had a feeling he was going to be one of those people.

Mick looked across his sundae at Patricia, who was finishing off her S’mores milkshake. “So it was good?”

Patricia nodded, “Surprisingly not too sweet and I didn’t even get a brain freeze. I’d consider this an ice cream success.” She looked at his dessert. “Despite that your sundae is a toppings mania and looks far too chaotic to be anywhere close to good.”

“Oh no, it’s perfect.” Mick said, lifting a loaded spoonful to his mouth. He smacked his lips and smiled.

“With all those toppings you can’t even really enjoy it, it’s all just... mouth overload at that point.” Patricia said.

“Who said you have to have all the toppings at the same time with every bite?” Mick asked. “See, with it this way, I can get a spoonful with chocolate chips and cookie dough, and my next one can be peanutbutter cups and brownie bits. Two different sundae experiences, one sundae.”

“So you’re saying there’s a method to your madness?” Patricia asked.

Mick nodded, “I like food, so I try to have the best experience with it every time.”

“And why you know all the best places to go, I assume.” Patricia asked. Mick grinned.

“Right-o.”

Patricia leaned back with a milkshake filled stomach. They were sitting outside despite the weather being somewhat chilly and the ice cream only making them colder. The both of them kind of enjoying the cold was a recent thing they realized they had in common.

“Can I ask you something?” Patricia asked. Mick gestured for her to go ahead. “I know you don’t feel like you have much time to give to your relationships... But did you ever do anything like this for Amber or Mara?”

“Yeah, sure.” Mick said. “When I could give them time, I would. It’s just hard to do it on a regular. But it’s not the reason either of those relationships fell apart. With Amber... I don’t know what happened. It’s like one second we were good and then she just got too preoccupied for me. I tried to be understanding because it was usually her on the other side, but she just kept blowing me off. It didn’t take long for me to realize I wasn’t important to her.”

“Well that’s not entirely true.” Patricia said. “You were important to her, you still are honestly.”

“Maybe, but I still wasn’t a priority.” Mick said. “There’s only so much of that I can take.”

Patricia nodded, that was fair.

“With Mara, I guess it was the long distance thing that killed us. By the time I came to visit, she was with Jerome.” Mick frowned, remembering them kiss in front of him and not even having the energy to be angry at either of them. “After I heard that Clarke had broken her heart just how I thought he would, I got this idea in my mind that we could get back to things if I were just closer. I talked with my dad, had it all arranged for me to come back here, and that wasn’t easy. I was gonna surprise everyone, and I just knew Mara and I were gonna be able to make it work. Just as things were finalized for me to return, Fabian asked if it would be okay if he dated Mara.”

Patrica frowned deeply as Mick swirled his spoon around his slowly melting ice cream.

“And you said yes?” Patricia asked. Mick nodded. “Why?”

Mick shrugged. “Fabian and I don’t talk as often as we used to, not like when I was here before. But when we did talk, I could tell how broken up he was about losing Nina. The prospect of dating Mara was the first bit of excitement I had seen in him, and it seemed like he was finally moving on. I didn’t want to stand in the way of that.”

“I don’t think I would have been that...” Patricia searched for the word.

“Selfless?” Mick supplied.

“Sacraficing.” Patricia finished. “You don’t have to push yourself to the background for others. You’re allowed to get what you want every now and again. Kind of feels like you’re determined to be a martyr. Don’t you care?”

“Of course I care,” Mick said. “When Nina and Amber also came back to finish the year with us, I was hoping Fabian would just go back to Nina.”

“I think Nina hoped the same.” Patricia said.

“But he didn’t.” Mick said. “And he and Mara were going pretty strong, you know, before this project.”

“Yeah,” Patricia said. “And what about you?”

“I’ll be fine.” Mick said, having another scoop of ice cream despite that it was more soup than anything.

Patricia leaned back and looked at him. “It’s a shame. For a guy with a lot of fight in you, you give up on yourself far too easily.”

Mick opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Then he looked down. He wanted to say he fought for things that felt worth it, but he thought that’d only make him seem more pathetic.

Patricia suddenly felt kinda bad. She didn’t mean to bring down the mood. In the hopes of avoiding ruining another date, she made an effort to perk up.

“This place really does have good ice cream.” she said. “And the milkshake was perfect, not too milky, not too thick.”

Mick gave a bit of a small smile. “Like I said, I know food.”

Food was a relevant topic for another pair that was just miles away. Eddie and Joy were in the kitchen, all giggles even as they shushed each other so they didn’t disturb the sleeping form of Jerome and KT in the living room. Eddie took the bowl of spaghetti and meatballs out of the microwave and placed it on the counter.

“Now,” Joy said looking at the bowl. “Why is that not good enough for you?”

“Oh it’s good enough,” Eddie said, getting a plate and a bread roll. “But why settle for good enough when you can have the best?”

Joy shook her head, amused, watching as Eddie piled the spaghetti onto the bread. Then he carefully put meatballs on top, cut the sandwich in half, and offered a plate full of ‘boy sandwich’ to Joy. She wrinkled her nose at it.

“Hey, we had a deal,” Eddie said. “And how can you be so judging of something you haven’t tried yet?”

“It’s my superpower,” Joy said. Still, she lifted the hefty sandwich and took her best bite without spilling. Eddie watched as she slowly chewed, an unreadable expression. She slowly put it back on the plate and squinted at it. “Not bad.”

Eddie nearly cheered. Joy held up a finger and went to the counter.

“It could be better though. You know what it’s missing?” Joy asked. She held up a bottle. “Tobasco sauce.”

“Joy, you’re really after my heart now,” Eddie said. “Maybe some parmesan too?”

“Grated or shredded?” Joy asked.

“Good question,” Eddie said. “For this, I say grated.”

He went in the fridge and pulled it out. They decorated their sandwiches and then cheersed with them, each taking a big bite.

“Oh God,” Joy said laughing, even with her mouth full. “Is it all over my face? This doesn’t seem like the kind of thing you can eat neatly.”

“It’s the mess that makes it delicious,” Eddie grinned, taking his thumb and wiping the sauce from her chin. She gasped as he put it to his mouth and licked. “So I’d say we can cross gift giving off the list of love languages to try out.”

“What was the gift?” Joy asked. “The sandwich?”

“ Hoagie and yes, because of me you now understand what a true delicacy is.” Eddie said.

“That does not count as gift giving.” Joy said, licking her fingers. “Maybe you can try acts of service? Do you know it’s my day to set the table?”

“Are you saying you want me to do it?” Eddie asked. Joy grinned.

“Only if you want to do it for me,” she said. “And in return, I’ll clean the mess you made while making this hoagie . I mean, really, how did you get spaghetti on the floor?”

Eddie looked at where she pointed and there was, in fact, spaghetti on the floor. “Huh.” Joy rolled her eyes and got a paper towel. Eddie watched her for a moment. “Okay, I’ll set the table for you. I want to.”

Joy raised an eyebrow. “You want to?”

Eddie shrugged. “Sure, I’m still trying to figure out what my love language is, so I gotta try it all out.”

Joy smiled. “Okay then.”

“There’s one I think I can cross off the list,” Eddie said. “I’d say quality time is definitely one of my love languages.”

Joy grinned wider. “It’s high on my list, too!”

Eddie shrugged. “It’s a good thing spending time with you is quality.”

Joy laughed, “That was so bad. Is that you trying to give me words of affirmation?”

“It wasn’t, but I don’t see why it shouldn’t count.” Eddie shrugged, taking another bite of his hoagie.

Joy shook her head. “No, let me give you an example.” She leaned forward, steadying herself on the counter. “When I first saw you, I thought you were really, really cute.” When Eddie tried to hide a shy smile, she pointed at him with a gasp. “Did I just make you blush?”

“ No ,” Eddie said turning away.

“I think you liked that. Well let me go again,” Joy said, turning him to look at her. “I still think you’re cute.”

There was definitely a distinctive pink tint to his cheeks and it made Joy giggle that she seemed to have an affect on him like that. Eddie looked away again. “Don’t make fun, I told you, with Patricia it was always insults. I’m just not used to it, okay?”

“Well,” Joy shrugged, looking around to make sure no one would hear her ‘break the forth wall’ so to speak. “Maybe when the project is over, you should tell her you like compliments every once and a while.”

“Nah,” Eddie said. “I think it just caught me by surprise.”

Joy narrowed her eyes. “Well prepare for this one,” she said. “You are one of the funniest guys I’ve ever been around. And when you stop acting like you don’t care... it’s really nice to see your passion for things.”

Eddie ducked his head. “Alright, you’ve made your point.”

Joy smiled at his bashful demenor, a side of him she really didn’t see much. She liked it.

Eddie looked up, suddenly mischievous. “My turn.”

Joy snorted. “What could you possibly have to say about me?”

Eddie’s somewhat smug face dropped and he looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Come on,” Joy said. “You’re doing well for the project but I know you don’t like me. Last year you hated me. Not that I blame you.” She looked down. “I hated me.”

Eddie sighed. “I didn’t hate you. I hated the things you were doing and who you were becoming. But I don’t blame you.”

Joy glanced at him warily. “You don’t?”

“Nah,” Eddie said. “I’ve heard about what happened, you know. A couple years back. All that mess with Victor... your dad .” Joy sighed. “You had a lot to be angry about and almost nobody seemed to realize that. Like people thought that by the time you were however many months removed from the situation you should have been over it. But I get it. I know what it’s like to be angry, and there’s no expiration date on hurt.”

Joy smiled softly. “Thanks Eddie.”

Eddie watched her and the way she seemed to close in on herself. So he took a napkin, wiped all remnants of food off of his hands, and took one of hers in his. Eddie knew what he was doing was a little out of his comfort zone, but he barreled forward anyway. She looked down at their hands and he squeezed.

“Joy Mercer,” he said. “I admire you. I think you’re brave and strong. You’re really smart and when you go for something, there’s nothing that can get in your way. And despite what you think, you’re really likable.”

Joy scoffed, “Please...”

“No really,” Eddie said. “You’re easy to get along with and you’re a lot of fun. I’ve really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together. Like I said... it’s quality.”

Joy smiled and then bit her lip. “Well thanks Eddie but-”

“I’m not done.” Eddie said. Now that he’d started, he didn’t want to stop. “You’re also... you’re also really pretty. You’ve got this great smile that lights up your entire face. I never used to see it, but then when I did, it was so eyecatching. A few days ago I realized every time we’re together I try my hardest to make it appear.”

“This is too much,” Joy whispered.

“No,” Eddie said, holding her hand firmly in his. “I’m honored to be your boyfriend, even if it’s just pretend.”

Joy felt fear course through her. It was a familiar feeling for her, she spent most days in deep anxiety since her atrocious year being ‘homeschooled’. She was usually somewhat good at figuring out what scared her, but this time it was hard. It could be Eddie’s cutting words, it could be how much they meant to her. She’d never seen this version of Eddie, and she felt like she wasn’t meant to. But the whole point of today was to not be scared. To let go of all the things that have been holding her back. She got the okay from Patricia, and she did want to do well on this project. She shouldn’t want to run away, and honestly, she was tired of running. So instead of steering clear of all the things she was afraid of, she leaned into it. Into him.

This was the first kiss she shared with Eddie that didn’t start with her own hesitation, falling fully into it, even acknowledging how soft Eddie’s lips were and how surprising that was because everything about him was so rough. He kissed back, one hand holding hers tightly, the other reached for her face like he was figuring out how to pull her in closer. Joy felt her heart beat vibrate her veins and wonder if he could feel it, too.

When he pulled back, they stared at each other for a while. Joy wondered if he was thinking the same thing; did they cross a line? She wanted to say something, maybe laugh it off, but she felt stuck.

It was Eddie that spoke first. “You... taste like... a meatball.”

Joy stared at him incredulously before she let out a surprised and slightly manic giggle. It erupted into a full blown laugh that made her throw her head back. The pair in the livingroom stirred at the sound.

“‘You taste like a meatball’ really?” Joy asked, still giggling. Eddie laughed too.

“Yeah, probably not my best affirmative words.” he smirked. “You’ve only had two bites of your hoagie, you know.”

“Well if I eat more I might spoil dinner.” Joy said. “Not all of us are bottomless pits.”

“I definitely cannot relate,” Eddie said, taking her hoagie and plopping it onto his plate.

“Well how about this, you finish the sandw-hoagie, sorry,” Joy quickly corrected herself at his face. “And I’ll get my laptop. We can go in your room, I don’t think anyone’s in there, and I’ll do all the typing so long as you still contribute.”

“Typing for what?” Eddie asked.

“Our backstory,” Joy grinned. “I’m feeling inspired.”

Mick opened the door for Patricia, who was excited to finally see where they were going. They’d made their way around the town in the time waiting, even finding a little lake towards the edge and skipping rocks, which Mick was very good at and Patricia was ‘piss poor’ at. Now he was taking her to what looked like might be a restaurant?

“Where are we?” Patricia asked.

“It’s called Little Rock,” Mick said, pulling her further inside. The lighting was low, and she realized it wasn’t really a restaurant, not a traditional one at least. There were tables and it certainly served food, and there was a bar on the side and a stage on the back wall. The closer you got to the stage, the seating got more like a lounge with couches and armchairs and even a few beanbags.

On the stage was a group of men, a band by the looks of it, all gearing up to start a set. The place was pretty packed but Mick and Patricia managed to find a seat by the side. When they were seated, she looked at him questionably.

“I’d seen an ad for this place, every Saturday and Sunday they have up and coming musicians play here. I saw this band was playing today, and it has a small following. When I looked it up, it seemed like your kind of music.” Mick shrugged. “I thought it would be fun. They have food and stuff, and I already got permission from Trudy to eat out rather than with everyone at the house. If you don’t like it, though, we can bail.”

Patricia smiled. She looked at the band, the piercings and heavy eyeliner made her feel like Mick was right about the music being her speed. Mick clearly put a lot of thought and research into this. “Mick, this is awesome!”

Mick grinned. He found a menu and shared it with her while the lead of the band came up to the mic to ask ‘how’s everyone doing tonight’. The crowd erupted in cheers and Patricia already liked the energy of the place.

“Well, Mr. Food Expert, have you eaten here? How good is it?” Patricia asked.

“I haven’t actually been here before, the place is pretty new,” Mick said. “Guess we get to experience it together.”

Patricia decided that even if the music sucked and the food was awful, this was for sure a good date.

When Eddie arrived to school with his leather jacket and ‘cool guy’ smirk, he got everyone’s attention. That included Joy’s. He was charming, had an American accent, and his bad boy image seemed to work for him very well. But it didn’t take long to realize that he and Patricia had something going on, and everyone kind of kept their distance, letting the two circle each other until they became whatever they were bound to be.

When they got together, Joy was happy for them, especially happy for her best friend. However, the relationship was not without its hardships. It was clear it was never a lack of chemistry, but moreso figuring out timing and communication. They called it quits, got back together, broke up again, and got back together, it was an exhausting cycle that led to them eventually deciding to just be friends.

Being friends with your ex was no easy feat. Eddie had to try to stow away any of the romantic feelings he had for her and keep things casual, even in the times when it hurt. He was determined though, he cared about Patricia too much for them to be the exes who never spoke.  Patrcia was just as stubborn, even though it could be awkward. They often tried to have a buffer for their times together. Enter Joy.

Joy was perfect. She cut any awkward tension in half with her witty humor, making sure it never got strained. Eddie learned why she and Patricia were best friends, he’d never met two people with sharper tongues. For Eddie, Joy became like his savior, and he came to really appreciate her presence. Coming from a recent breakup with Jerome herself did not cause her to lose her shine, she made sure of it.

If you asked them when things started to change, when they started to yearn for the chance to see each other again, when they started to see each other even without Patricia, they couldn’t tell you. It was like there was just a shift one day. Maybe it was long nights working on The Jackal together, maybe it was just when Eddie realized Joy made his days better and her smile was infectious. Either way, they both began to notice when things between them felt... charged.

Guilt was a number one feeling from the both of them. Joy couldn’t believe she had gotten so low as to have feelings for her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, and Eddie asked the skies why of all the girls, it had to be her. Joy knew for the sake of her friendship, and just to be a decent person, she had to swallow and push down anything she could possibly be feeling, and Patricia never had to know. Except... she already did. She went to both of them and told them it was okay, that she cared about them far too much to stop their happiness. She’d seen it happening from miles away, and the biggest thing she noticed was how wide their smiles got around each other. Though hesitant, with Patricia’s blessing, Eddie and Joy got a second chance within each other.

Joy finished reading it out to Eddie who nodded. “It’s good.”

“Right?” Joy asked. “I was thinking, if we really do an article on The Jackal about the project, we could maybe have a page dedicated to everyone’s backstories. Maybe a journal or two if people feel comfortable sharing them.”

Eddie nodded, “So long as our housemates are willing, it could be cool.”

A knock on the door interrupted them, it was a content looking Mick. “Oh, you guys are back!” Joy said.

“Yeah, just got in actually.” Mick said. “Trudy wants everyone to come out here for something.”

Joy and Eddie shared a look, that was kind of unusual for Trudy. They quickly got up and followed Mick out.

Mara was a coward. Several times that day, she told herself to get up and face Willow, apologize and then try to make things right, but she couldn’t. She felt so ashamed of how she handled things, and of disappointing Willow. She didn’t want to see her hurt face again, so she stayed in her room all day. When she felt someone nudge her as she laid under the covers, her area of safety, she told them to, “Go away. And if you’re Patricia, I’m sorry I’m just in no mood to hear about your date.”

“What if I’m Willow?”

Mara froze and then practically jumped up. Willow was, indeed, in front of her. She looked as kind and soft hearted as always, and despite Mara’s fears, she did not look at Mara with disgust. “Willow?”

“You didn’t come to breakfast, you didn’t come to dinner... Did you eat at all today?” Willow asked. She held out a banana. Mara slowly took it. “You look very sad.”

Mara knew this was her window to apologize for everything and maybe, hopefully, make things right. But she couldn’t seem to get her mouth to work. She only stared at her, and then eventually, stared down at her banana.

“I’m sorry you’re in pain.” Willow said softly.

“It’s my own fault,” Mara whispered. Willow shifted a little closer.

“No matter what happens, you have to remember to take care of yourself. Especially when you’re hurting here,” she reached and hovered a hand over Mara’s heart. “You need all the energy to heal a painful heart.”

Mara sighed, realizing how important a presence Willow had become in her life. Regardless of the project, the way Willow saw the world was so unique, and with her and Willow not talking, it was like a big gaping hole in her day. “I missed you today,” Mara said. When Willow looked down, Mara immediately felt like she did something wrong.

Willow stood and started walking to the door. “Trudy’s called the whole house to the living room, we’ve got to go.”

Mara tried not to feel too rejected and nodded, using all of her energy to stand up and follow Willow out.

She did not expect that when she came into the living room, she would see Mr. Winkler there of all people. He was standing in front of everyone, seemingly waiting for herself and Willow. Everyone looked comfortably paired off, and Mara wondered if she and Willow should put aside everything while the main scorer was here, but it felt too uncomfortable and too forced. There was an evil part of Mara that wanted to try to use the project to force Willow to forgive her, but when she thought of that longer, it only made her more miserable.

It was very strange to see their history teacher in their house so late at night. Teachers didn’t come around the houses often, not unless they were doing something sinister with Victor, but those days were long behind Jason. He gave them all warm smiles. “Hello everyone, I know it’s late and this is a bit out of the norm.”

Many of them met each other’s eyes in agreement and anticipation for the reason their teacher was there.

“I promise not to keep you long, I’m well aware of Victor’s ten o’clock rule. I’m here so late because for the majority of the day, I could not decide if I wanted to say this now or wait until class, but I decided waiting until class tomorrow would give you far less time to prepare.”

Now the looks exchanged around the room were nervous; what would they need to prepare for?

“First, let me say that I have been very impressed with what I’ve seen and heard throughout the week. Believe me, I’m aware that this is no easy project. My goal is always to get you a bit outside of your comfort zones along with understanding that with acting, you have to create relationships between your characters. Most casting directors try to find pairs with an immediate spark, but sometimes you can make a spark, and I’d say I’ve seen that with this group. You guys have been exceptional, and I thank you for really putting your best foot forward.”

Mick was too impatient for this speech, “Sorry, sir, but what’s the point? I mean, it kind of seems like you’re saying all this because you’re about to end the project.”

Jason shook his head. “Not exactly. See, if you’ll recall, I gave you your assignment for the first week of a two week project, and you’ve all done quite well. Now, it’s time for the second week, and things are going to be a little different.”

‘Different’ was too vague, and many of them didn’t want things to change. KT raised her hand, “What do you mean by different?”

“We’ve seen you together, seen how you would act inside of a relationship with someone you might not have considered in that way. Now I want a different relationship dynamic: exes.”

A cold chill seemed to whip through the room, they could even hear Amber audibly gasp.

“Playing the devoted girlfriend or boyfriend has its fair share of challenges, I’m sure you all know this by now. Playing a broken heart, that’s a completely different set of challenges. But don’t be misled, it all comes from the same place, feelings . I want you all to dig deep, just as you have been in the last week. Really play your role, I have complete confidence in all of you.”

KT felt like she’d been cut open. Just today she had made peace with knowing that even though there was an end, it wasn’t for days. Now Mr. Winkler dropped a bomb on her, they were already at the end. Jerome was the one to say something. “It would have been nice to have a heads up.”

Mr. Winkler nodded. “I understand that, but in a way, this is the heads up. See, as you know, our theater class ends the school day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each of your pairs have to be ‘broken up’ by our Wednesday class. If you would like to take your time, maybe prepare some, you have from now until then. This is exactly why I came by tonight rather than wait until tomorrow afternoon. Now, you have quite a bit of creative freedom here. You get to decide how and why you breakup, if it’s messy, if it’s mutual, if there are other people involved, all of it. You also get to decide what kind of exes you’ll be and what your heartbreak looks like. Come Wednesday afternoon, you will present your breakup scenario to me with your partner, and I want to see some emotion. Even if you end on good terms, I need to see something that shows off the acting chops that I know all of you have.”

It seemed Jason did not realize the distress this shift of the assignment caused. Many pairs leaned closer to each other, not fully ready to let go. Jason only smiled, excited to see what his students came up with.

“Remember, you are still ‘on’, so if you decide that tomorrow morning you and your partner are broken up, that’s fine but you should know the reason, what kind of relationship you have now, and why it all happened in the first place so you can begin to act accordingly.” Jason explained. “Or, if you decide that you will stay in your ‘relationship’ until Wednesday, that’s also fine, but don’t put it off and not do anything that would showcase you as a couple before then. And make sure by the end of the school day, you are ready.”

Jason grinned again.

“I think you’ll all continue to impress me, and with that I bid you all goodnight.” Jason said, nodding to them and walking out the door. No one moved, not even at the clear sound of the door opening and closing. Many people wished he’d waited until the next day, just so they wouldn’t go to bed feeling so sick. To learn that the week they thought they had would be at least half filled with the emotional subject of heartbreak felt like something had been taken from them. It felt like a promise they didn’t realize was broken until they looked at it.

Mick

Today was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I love training, I love football, but when I can take it easy and spend more time with the people I care about, it means a lot to me. I think Patricia really enjoyed and appreciated the time we spent together, I know she wasn’t really happy with my packed schedule. She’s been a really great sport about it, which is why I tried to make today something really great. She doesn’t know that I’d been planning it for a couple days, I think she liked the spontaneous feeling it had. I’ve figured out that Patricia doesn’t like the lead up to the surprise, when she’s waiting in anticipation, but she likes being surprised, and I think I did a good job on this one.

Everything I said in the above paragraph is true. I had a really good day with Patricia, and I made a huge effort to make it nice for both of us. When we came back, she was all smiles. At Little Rock, we got to talk to the band, and she said how cool that was. Even when the project is done, I know this will be a good memory for her. I’m grateful we did it today, before we knew we’d be ‘exes’. If we’d known, it might have given the day a different feel, like one last good day before everything... falls apart.

KT

Its funny how worried I was about being Jerome’s girlfriend in the beginning. I had zero experience in that department, and I felt like everything I did Jerome would compare it to all the other girls he dated, many of them my friends. But it turned out nice, we have a lot of fun and he’s one of the main people to make me laugh. He’s a surprisingly great listener, and actually very kind hearted. When he turns his full attention to me, it makes me feel like I’m the only thing that matters. It makes me feel sad for the end. There’s always an end.

I thought there'd be more time.