Swap AU Reader has to do a project for class. The teacher is the one picking teams. They end up with the their last project partner, Karai, and the the kid who she seems to hate and get into fights with every time they are in the same room. Reader doesn't think the teacher thought this through.
"Can't you change it? Maybe separate them?"
"Oh come on! They always get into trouble! I can't let them in my house!"
Karai appears over your shoulder, humming.
"I promise not to destroy your home. That would be dishonorable, and I am respectful of my friends... unlike some people."
"I heard that! And no one outdoes honor like Casey Jones! No one!"
You shoot the teacher a pleading look.
They pointedly ignore it.
Hissing through gritted teeth, you grab your bag and stomp out of the room, nerves frayed and taught as a sparking wire.
The ruckus follows behind you.
"So, are you always this quiet? I swear, you find the strangest little friends, Karai."
"They are refined and trustworthy. Much more than you and your team."
"I bet they like me more~"
"They despise you! As do I! I am their friend! They protected me against your brothers! They are a true ally!"
"Then why do they hide from you, hm~?"
The crack of a fist meeting bone is heard, followed by a ragged curse and pained groan. You cast the two a look, unimpressed.
Blood drips down Karai's fist, dark like syrup, while Casey holds his face, his nose crooked as he glares at the teen.
Grumbling, you tug out a pack of tissues from the side of your backpack, tossing it at the tall boy before shoving one towards Karai.
"No blood on the books; I am not explaining your crap to the teachers again."
The two accept it without much grumbling, instead glaring at each other.
Pulling out your phone, you quickly look for your contact before pressing the call button. It barely rings for a second before it picks up.
"Cub, is everything alright? Do I need to pick you up? I just finished with gardening for the day."
"Hey, TC. I'm fine, but I might need a favor," you say uneasily. Shuffling is heard across the line, followed by a crackle of static.
"A favor? Is something wrong?"
"Um... you could say I have two... guests. And I really, really need some help for this project."
You don't want to know where you live. You don't want them inside your home. You don't want them in Tiger Claw's either, but he's assured you that if you need help with the ninja teens, that he's only a call away.
"I see... and this wouldn't happen to have anything to do with your last project?"
Thank God he understands.
"Yeah, uh, you could say this is a sequel, with twice the fun..."
"Okay, I'm on the way. Stay put."
Your shoulders relaxing, you end the call, feeling a bit better.
Someone leans over your shoulder, cooing.
"Aaawww, someone is scared of wittle ol' me~?"
It takes everything in your power not to punch the teen in the stomach.
Shooting him a deadpan stare, you shove him off. He cackles.
"Seriously, I don't get it. You're just so... so..."
"Boring? Unamusing? Perfectly normal and therefore not worth the trouble?"
Why can't they get the hint?
"You defend those in need and offer assistance to those who are hurt. You are a good person. Much more than this brat."
As the two bicker, you close your eyes and let the warmth of the sun soak into your face. The heat is a soothing balm compared to the cold bite of the wind.
You notice when something sits down next to you on either side of the bench. You can feel twin stares digging into you.
"I think I'm starting to see what you see, Karai. They look kinda cute all relaxed~ I don't think I've ever seen them not be a grump."
"They are a dedicated student and need rest. So shut up."
And for once the loud teen does.
You can't wait for Tiger Claw to get here. Maybe this project can go smoothly...
Maybe these two won't be so bad...
Oh who are you kidding, they'll tear each other apart before you've got dinner in the oven.
heheheh their reaction to tigerclaw will sure as hell be fun lol
also the teacher gotta be an op brah theres no way 😭
