Off The Rails

Addie has thought about the statement every day since the last frat party. The sharp canines glinting in the neon lights, the brilliant purple that illuminated the basement, the glassy look in her friends eyes as they fell into Tyler and he caught them.

And he caught them.

A sturdy chest to rest on as they gathered their feet underneath them, the soft chuckle as the words "I've got you." tumbled from him. Addie thinks about the comparison of his chest against Jeb's, she wonders if they feel the same, if their heartbeats would align or if they would bounce off each other in perfect time.

Addie finds herself staring at his hands as they coach Jeb during their study group, pencil tapping mindlessly against her notebook, concentration on math equations long gone it isn't until Elliott pokes his nose into her bubble a scowl makes its way to her face.

"Can I help you?" a grumble as she turns to look at Elliott and his shit eating grin.

"Just wondering what you're staring at?" He teases. "A specific red head maybe?" A laugh from him and Akari who was pretending to listen but her headphone were definitely muted. Addie rolls her eyes and swipes the plastic cup on the table next him onto his lap.

"Shut up. If you'll excuse me I have to study." She huffs, trying to bury herself back into her book. Elliott says something else stupid that she drowns out and actually tries to work before calling it quits shortly after and deciding to walk back to the dorms with Akari.

It's quiet, and the all too familiar nosey silence lingers between them. "Oh my god, you're just as bad as the rest of us." Addie finally huffs, earning a laugh from her companion. "Spill. What are you thinking?" She demands, looking over at the shorter girl.

"I was wondering what you were thinking." She half sings. "You looked pretty lost in thought and it definitely wasn't about math." Akari shrugs. "Unlike the rest of you I can keep a secret—"

"Even from Elliott?" Addie cuts her off. Akari holds up a purple chrome manicured pinky.

"Even from Elliott."

Addie pauses but sighs and slows her pace to give them more time. "At the last house party... Tyler was doing... Whatever it was he was doing... I dunno it looked fun. Nice even. Rhody would kill me for doing drugs but... Does Tyler count?" Could a person really be a drug? Could power really be a drug? That was probably a slippery slope and a question for a class she hadn't taken yet. Akari's smile grows and an eyebrow quirks up, but she just gives a hum.

"What stopped you from joining in? Other than your brother." It's a genuine, logical question. One Addie hadn't thought too much about until now.

"Well... I dunno... I guess I didn't want to act stupid in front of people I know... In front of Jeb..." Cool isn't something Addie cares much about being, but appearing weak or out of control? She can't have that. She gets a thoughtful nod from her older companion, the fall air blows a breeze and a more comfortable silence falls between them.

"You could probably just ask him in private if you really wanted to try?" She shrugged. "But if you just want to do it because you think you're missing something, it really isn't that special." Akari tries to soothe Addie's curiosities, but it just leads to more questions.

"What does it feel like?"

Akari pauses, trying to find the words to describe Tyler's more practical use of his powers. "It feels like... It feels like a high without the hangover. I mean, all he's doing is giving you a giant burst of energy all at once, it's kind of like... I mean I would liken it to ecstacy. Elliott says it feels more like being on mushrooms. I think everyone responds differently depending on their own brain and experiences." She rambles, the wheels turning in Addie's head but she just nods.

"Gotcha... Maybe I'll just think about it more..." Addie shrugs, eyes lowering to the ground. Or maybe she'd ask Jeb what he thought, but she didn't want to hurt his feelings by not including him either. Not that they were together or anything, but they could be one day and she didn't want any rocks on the path.

But she thought about it. She thought about it at night when she was supposed to be studying, she thought about it during group outings, or when she was hanging out with other friends. And eventually, she thought about it so much Tyler's voice was nothing but an echo in her head as he tried to snap her back into attention.

"Earth to Addie?" He laughed a smile on his face but concern in his eyes as his headphones hung around his neck. "Maybe that's enough studying for today." He was sure she was stressed about a big test coming up, but there was no need to cram. It wouldn't do her any good and they both knew that.

She just smiles but stays quiet, the request bubbling at the tip of her throat as he starts to pack up his things, the quiet library with just them and a few students, they make small talk about classes and the upcoming weekend. He offers to walk her to her dorm since it was late and while they both knew she could take care of herself the protective quality reminded her of her brother. The walk is quiet and she spends most of it with her eyes to the ground not wanting to make a fool of herself.

"Alright, I'll bite," Ty steps ahead of her, stopping her pace and their stride. "What's up with you? Jeb say something? Elliott make some smart ass comment and needs to be put in place?"

Her brows furrow together, cheeks burning as she tries to play it off. "What are you on about?"

"You've been quiet and spacey— more spacey than normal." He tacks on before she can protest, getting an eyeroll in response. "I just want to be sure everything is okay."

Addie goes quiet, clenching her jaw and finally looking at him. Purple eyes and dark hair and everything most girls would fall over she isn't surprised the other girls in the group fawn over him. He's kind. "I want to do it too." Her request doesn't come out the way she hoped, and it even has his cheeks burning for a moment before he laughs and she groans shaking her head. "No, no, not like... Jesus." She sighs and collects herself. "The hand thing, that you did at the party, I... I want to try it. I just don't want to try it around a bunch of people and look like an idiot and I also don't want to do something that has a bunch of consequences and..." She rambles on and on before finally catching her breath. At first he's speechless, head tilted thoughtfully to the side, smile soft as he finally responds.

"Okay."

"Okay? That's it?" It baffles her.

"Yeah. Okay. You just... Say when." He shrugs, hands going to the straps of his backpack.

"That's... Easier than I thought..." She breathes out a sigh of relief, fending off the pit forming in her stomach. They talk a little bit more about it and decide on the weekend since no one has plans. Nate will be out of town and Elliott and Akari will be off on some adventure with her parents. They'd have the apartment to themselves. She replays the conversation in her head over and over as she hovers her knuckles over the apartment door before finally knocking. She waits and Ty finally answers, that same, gentle smile on his face.

"Hey! Come on in." She smiles and steps in as he steps to the side. The apartment is the cleanest she's seen it, no doubt Akari and Noelle's doing. Possibly Lydia. But the plants are alive and well and it smells nice. She drops her backpack to the floor and slips off her shoes.

"Want anything to drink?" He asks, walking past her to the kitchen and pouring himself a glass of water.

"Uhm... Maybe in a bit..." She murmurs. The lighting is soft and fitting for what was about to be a stormy night. She texts Jeb back and gets comfy on the couch, and he joins her a moment later, flopping next to her. Ty figures he'd let Addie lead the night. Addie's debating if she wants to get it over with or if she wants to try at all anymore. Sitting here with him, in the quiet and the glow of the lantern lights no doubt picked out by some girl that was no longer in the picture— she feels safe. She feels comfortable and relaxed.

They talk about school and their friends, she picks his brain about power control and he even takes the time to teach her a few things with her own abilities. Nate would kill them for practicing in the apartment, some bullshit about renters insurance, but he wasn't home so they figured what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. A drink or two, and a few hours later she was feeling better and more confident. It didn't feel like dropping by for an errand anymore, it felt like... Like two friends hanging out. It felt like she did with Lydia and Akari when they were alone.

They're laughing and giggling on the floor after she accidentally swiped his feet and in turn he dragged her down with him. Addie stares into his eyes, his dimples on full display, eyes shining, he reaches up and moves some hair out of her face, checking her forehead for a bruise. "Ahh, can't have that." He mumbles. A flash of purple in his eyes and it's healed. Addie bites her lip, remembering why she came over in the first place. She swallows hard and sits up and he follows leaning back on his hands as she straddles one of his legs.

"Can I try it?" She sounds small, it isn't how she intends to come off, Addie wants to be confident and strong. She wants to be taken seriously but in the moment she feels almost guilty for asking.

Ty just smiles, those canines catching in the light, her cheeks burn red and she presses her lips together as she anticipates an answer.

"Of course. C'mere." His hands cup her face, eyes glow purple. Her fingers find his wrists as warmth courses through her body, a sudden burst of energy every cell in her feels everything all at once. The hair stands up on the back of her neck and her cheeks flush, she sucks in a deep breath and lets out a laugh as she falls into him, goosebumps rising in the wake of his hands gliding from her face, down her back, and resting on her waist as he holds her in place; holding her until she can hold herself again. His heartbeat in her ears, the rain against the window, the crack of thunder, the soft laugh as he soothes her is a song she'd never heard.

Addie's breathing evens out. She's never tried hard drugs but she assumes this is what Akari meant, an all over high, every touch sent shivers, every sound, every breath, she was in tune and in love with it all. In the moment she's so full of joy, every problem has a solution, all of her love is eagerly spilled onto the canvas of her friendships, and she has Ty to thank for that.

"You alright?" His voice is soft and she doesn't realize why he's asking until he's wiping tears from her face.

"Yeah..." She gathers herself, a laugh falling from her again as she wipes at her own face, a shiver running down her spine as she's suddenly cold without his warmth. "Yeah, it's just more intense than I think I was ready for."

Ty nods thoughtfully, letting Addie adjust back to the world. "I think I need to lay down." She mumbles. She tries to stand and ends up being scooped up and placed on the couch. Her head in his lap as his fingers comb through her hair, different touches getting a different response she can tell this is not his first time and probably won't be his last. They talk a little more, Addie finding herself lying on his chest as the storm continues on outside. Her high disappeared and the world cleared up but not yet losing the rosey tone she'd had previously. She's happy here with him. Just the two of them on a comfy old couch, warm and in their own world of two rough kids from rough backgrounds finding what it means to be gentle.

She looks up at him from her spot on his chest after a lull in conversation, his eyebrow shooting up as she does so.

"What's up?"

"Thank you." She bites her lip. "Sorry if I was stupid or rambling or... Whatever."

He laughs and shakes his head. "Nah. You weren't too bad." A tease in his voice. "If it makes you feel better, Noelle was an actual trip. Her and Kai both. They're so wound up all the time the shit that came out of their mouths? I should’ve been paid by the hour." He breathes out and Addie is left on the edge of her seat but Ty true to his nature doesn't spill more than that.

She continues to admire him, and he continues to gaze back at her. She feels his heartbeat speed up underneath her palm as it presses against his chest. She swallows and the air around them gets tense for a second as his eyes fall from her eyes to her lips and back again. He lets out a sigh and clears his throat, checking the time and shaking his head. "I should let you sleep..." He trails off, looking back at Addie again.

She lets out a breath and nods, rubbing at her eyes, not wanting to rest but knowing whatever could happen if they stayed up any longer would be more trouble than they wanted. "You can take my bed." He tosses some oversized clothes onto the comforter for her to change into and she does so in the privacy of the bathroom, splashing water onto her face and brushing her teeth as he steals Nate's bathroom to do the same.

He tells her goodnight and heads down the hall back to the couch. Whether it's still the effects, or newfound bravery, or wanting to take advantage of the moment or all of the above, Addie finds herself tossing and turning before finally peeking into the living room to find him still awake on the couch.

"Hey..." He sits up, setting his phone back off to the side.

"You okay?" At first, he's concerned he might've done too much and she feels sick, but after a quick scan, she seems alright. Just... Nervous?

"Yeah... Yeah, I just..." Addie tugs at the hem of his shirt, the worn fabric soft against her skin, the smell of his cologne, a mix of apples, spices, and something else lingering. It's much larger than how it looks when he wears it, but that becomes part of the appeal. Her lips purse and she finally looks over at him. Boys are stupid and this much she knows from Jeb. She appreciates the chivalry and attentiveness like any girl would, but right now? She wants him to get the hint. "Come lay with me?"

Ty bites his lip, feet jittering for a moment. He opens his mouth to protest but Addie cuts him off.

"Never mind, sorry, stupid request..." She pinches the bridge of her nose, taking in a deep breath before mumbling goodnight again and turning to wandering back down the dark hallway. A hand slips into hers, a gentle tug stopping her in her tracks. His face is illuminated by the backlighting of the living room. It's the contrast of her friends that always surprises her. His hands have done unspeakable things and this much she knows without asking, his eyes give him away but at this moment they tell a different tale.

"Not stupid. I just... I want to. I would love to."

The electricity travels from their palms to her veins and alerts the sleeping butterflies that erupt in her stomach. A nod and a quiet walk back to the bed as he shuts off the remaining living room lights and joins her moments later. At first, they just lay there, gazing at each other in the dark still of the room. His sheets smell like him and she pulls them closer to her face before realizing he’s also right there, not even an arms length away. Tyler shifts onto his back and as if they shared the thought he reaches out to coax her into his side. Happily, Addie scooches closer, head resting on his chest once more, breathing him in. He’s strong and steady, and here in the dark, pressed against him, his heartbeat in her ear, she feels safe. She feels welcomed. Wanted.

His fingers trail up and down her ribs, the sound of the rain picking up and a crack of thunder shooting them both up to look out the window. Tyler laughs, rubbing his face and shaking his head. “Was not expecting that.” He murmurs, looking to Addie who stares out the window a bit longer as the lightning follows before looking to him. “Yeah, I thought the storm had passed but guess it’s back for round two…” Their faces are closer than she realized. She thinks about their moments on the floor, the couch, and all the time they spent studying or at late-night snack runs. All these tiny brushes of passing a pencil, or leaning over to ask a question or assist in a math problem, they’d always been so close but now? Now it isn’t a necessity.

It’s a choice.

He swallows and so does she. Addie scrambles to think of something to say. To ask. But as if on cue his hand slides up, cupping her jaw and pulling her in to close the gap. The tenderness once again takes her by surprise. There’s no rush, no frantic nerves, just soft lips and warm hands. It’s sweet and steady, and he pulls away a moment later, studying her face and her reaction. She can sense the apology on his lips so she halts it with another kiss.

However, when he kisses back this time, it’s not so sweet. It’s desperate. And yearning. And both are exactly what a kiss should be in Addie’s opinion. She wakes up with his arm draped over her waist, the shirt he was wearing long gone, the sweats she was wearing lost somewhere in a dark corner of the room, the numbers on his clock reading 5:36AM so she snuggles in deeper and goes back to sleep.

“Sooo….” Akari catches up with Addie as they head to classes together. “How’d it go? Not a big deal right?” She asks, obviously fiending for information. The group had yet to debrief on their weekends, but she knows what and who Jeb got up to, the fact Lydia had spent the weekend at the hospital, and where Kai and Noelle hid away. All of this she pieced together from texts and Instagram stories. Addie wants to talk about it, but she wanted to tell Lydia first. Tyler and her agreed there was no need to make an announcement, no need to think more about them at the moment. The things they felt were real and true, and okay to be explored, but they had time to do it. 

“Yeah. Not a big deal at all.” She laughs and gets a giggle from Akari. “I’ll tell you about it after class!” The other girl seems satisfied with that answer and they part ways. Addie smiles as she sets her book down and turns to a page of her study notes, a sticky note from Ty.

‘Take a breath, you’ve got this.’

A pause.

"Better question—" that catches his attention. "Do you regret any of it?"

I. 

They say he’s dangerous. You don’t understand how someone so quiet, who gingerly snuggles his red blankie and mumbles an apology when he bumps into you, could ever be dangerous. They don’t know him, it’s said he doesn’t really know himself, but do any of the boys that line the brick walls in tiny beds with too thin of sheets? Chubby hands peel back your cold blankets once the lights are out, your bare feet pad along the floor to his bed, fingers tugging the too small pajama top back over your belly. You had never been good at doing what you’re told, even so young, your curiosity overpowered any sense of fear you should’ve had. At first all you can do is take him in, all the rumors ten year olds concoct not matching up to what was actually before you as he rolls over.

So you say the first thing that comes to mind; your name.

II. 

Baby fat melts into the bodies of teenage boys which turns into the bodies of young men with all this power and all these people telling you what to do with it. They think they know best, and for the sake of Tyler you play along. He’s strong, and more powerful than anyone would’ve predicted including yourself, but he is hellbent on a better world. But so are you. The two of you are so in-sync, so perfectly timed you could practically be each other. You know his next move before it happens, and he can hear you coming from a mile away. They tell Tyler you make him weak. That you are becoming a liability because you refuse to conform. Because you refuse to be beaten into submission. You tell Tyler you don’t think you believe in heroes anymore. You pretend not to notice the color drain from his cheeks, and the quiet that carried on the wind thirty stories above ground.

You didn’t realize this was a crack in your foundation.

III.

You didn’t think you were capable of love, not really. But you find yourself loving him. The proud chest as he dons his gear, the dimples in his smile, the wide eyed purple irises that light up when he looks at you, he is so easygoing, so easy to love. Not like you. The sour thought of what you get up to in the shadows, the things that make you more monster than man when the two of you are apart, is interrupted as Tyler laughs. The smoke billows from your mouth and into the night sky, warmth radiates in your chest, wings folding in on themselves. You are not shy or meek, but you are, for the first time in your life, blushing.

It’s the most human you have ever felt.

IIII. 

Soon, you’re finding each other in dark alleyways after every job you complete, your hands tangling in his dark locks, fingertips staining the white tuft of hair in his bangs red. Your lips pushing into his so hard teeth cut flesh, but you two always come back to the same place; laid out on a rooftop, pants slack, shirts undone or missing altogether, sharing a cigarette and watching the time pass around you. The innocent act of holding hands feels like another crime you continuously commit, though it’s one you’d happily pay the price for. Your head lolls over, feeling those eyes burn into you, the crease between his brows soft as he sucks down a drag, a blush on his cheeks noticeable as he turns his head forward once more. A smile cracks across your lips and you bring his hand up to press a kiss to his bruised knuckles. You tell him you love him. 

He says it back.

V.

They say you’re dangerous. And the truth is, you are. You have little to no remorse for the things you’ve done and continue to do. You have become the talk of the city, the thing that keeps your peers on edge, the boogeyman of your generation. It’s not that you don’t care, that you don’t still love, it’s that while they would die for others, you would kill for them. You would live for them. What Tyler and the others fail to realize is you are fighting for the same things, you just happen to disagree on the methods.

At least, that’s what you tell yourself. 

VI. 

Long gone were the late nights on rooftops now replaced with the crippling reality you two are not the same people you were. Too young and love struck, you didn’t realize the changing times would change you as well. You help train a new group of promising young individuals and you watch as they are also turned into people that don’t recognize themselves, but fit the picture perfect mold. You fight more than you kiss now and this hits you as you start bleeding out. His shaking hands doing their damndest to patch you up, it’s the first time you’ve ever seen him cry in the heat of combat. Tyler had never been good at letting things go, he carries the weight of every consequence on his shoulders and if you die he will continue to do so regardless of who is to blame. He is the last person you ever wanted to hurt, yet you continue to do so and you don’t know why. There is no comfort here so you reach out to wipe the tears and grime from his contorting face. 

You tell him it’ll be okay.

VII. 

You wonder how it ever got to this. He is your best friend—the love of your life. Men and women have changed out your bedhseets but the ghost of bruises Tyler once left along your neck remain. His touch, his laugh, the smile that was crafted just for you, it all comes crashing down in a matter of moments. You had spent so long choking on your pride and now he stands before you, staring at you like a stranger. Like a criminal. You can feel your face softening, vision growing blurry with tears as memories of nights where he was all yours and childhood dreams flash before your eyes. But the dust has settled and it is now you against him. You search deep within yourself to make the call; can you take him out if you have to? A smile twitches to your lips, a loss of words to smooth this situation over. To convince him to go with you. To runaway with you. You speak anyway.

“Don’t make me put you down, Tyler.”

VIII. 

He’s screaming at you for not fighting back, nose snarled resembling that of a wolf but the tears in his eyes and the quiver of his bottom lip gives him away. You would never hurt him intentionally, and you can see he doesn’t understand what just happened. But there, in his arms, brilliant blue wings now shredded to nothing, the blood soaking into your own gear as Tyler cradles you. “I’m sorry, Elliott” Heaves from his chest, fading into your hair as your face rests in the crook of his neck. Despite all you’d done, despite the selfishness, and the loss, and the years of anger, you are dying in the arms of a loved one. You are dying loved.

Music in the background, fingers tangled in her hair as she carefully reads the page over once more. Then twice more, then the next thing she knows she’s been reading the same page for ten minutes and has gathered nothing. She’d learned long ago the best ways for her to make sense of symbols that have no meaning, but tonight despite her best efforts her brain was preoccupied with other things. Like the chill settling in the air, or the game on Friday Lydia wanted her to come to, or the sound of laughter down the hallway, or the rattle of the window as the wind blew by or the tapping on the glass. 

The tapping on the glass. 

The tapping on the glass was new and suddenly zeroed all her thoughts, drowning out the music from her speakers, and the laughter down the hallway, and her blood suddenly ran cold. How long had that been going on? Slowly, she turns around, afraid of what she’s going to see, but when purple eyes stare back at her the muscles in her shoulders relax and she gets up to slide open the window. “What are you doing?” She whispers, sharp canines glistening in the light that spills onto Tyler’s face as he looks back at her. The lax look on his face to match with that stupid smirk to match with those stupid dimples, if it isn’t Elliott it’s Tyler and she is smitten over boys she has no business mixing with. “Just hanging out.” 

A roll of the eyes, she has half a mind to push him but doesn’t. “Can I come in?” He asks, adjusting his grip on the ledge as he balances his feet against the brick wall below him, the tension the only thing keeping him from plummeting back down to the ground.

“Uhm… I mean Lydia’s not here so it’s just me.” Addie murmurs with a shrug. 

“So? You’re just as cool.” 

Her suspicion immediately rises, though she wants to take the compliment at face value. 

“Are you on the run or something?” She quips, eyebrow arching up and getting a gentle laugh in return. He pauses longer than she likes, it pricks up the hair on the back of her neck. “And if I am?” He returns, head tilting a bit as he looks back at, a predator watching its potential prey but Tyler has no intentions of pouncing. Their eyes lock once more, Addie’s cheeks burn before she steps away and motions for him to come in. What kind of friend would she be if she let him get in trouble? Not a good one that’s for sure. Tyler swings his legs through the window and lets himself in, sliding it back down and closing the blinds. The floor creaks under the new weight and Addie takes a second to take him in, finding a perch for herself on the vanity. “What’d you do?” It’s quiet as she swings her legs a bit, trying to figure out what to do now. 

His eyebrow raises, a grin splitting his face once more as he spins her desk chair around and takes a seat. “Do you actually wanna know?” Ignorance is bliss and he won’t ask her to lie on his behalf, but he’s never one to stifle curiosity either. Addie may not always have the easiest time with books and math, but she’s perceptive enough to read his mind and between the lines. Despite her own nature, it’s an easy decision.

“No.” 

“Smart girl.” The phrase oozes from his lips, twisting his cheeks upwards and she’s focused on his dimples for a second before breaking her gaze to look around the room. His eyes find her book, fingers reaching out to flip through the pages gingerly. “McKenna’s class, huh?”

“Yeah… Any tips? She’s really piled on the papers and I have no idea how anyone keeps up.” Addie’s nose wrinkles up at the thought of the future projects she’s already behind on. He goes quiet a moment, mindfully thumbing the pages before going over to the half-filled sheet of scatter brained notes. 

“Eh, English isn’t my best subject—”

“Mine either.” She grumbles, and he lets out a short laugh.

“Don’t bother with notes. They aren’t helpful and when it comes to actually writing the paper, she’s going to give you a handout of what she wants to see. And with the final paper, all the ones you write? They’re your final.” He finally looks up at her, giving a shrug. “Unfortunately it’s just a mandatory English class no one wants to take, but as much work as she gives, she does her best to make sure you pass.” Tyler adds on, spinning around again before standing and moving to explore the room, lifting up a photo frame of Addie and Rhody.

His smile softens, a pang in the bottom of his stomach before he sets the photo down, gaze going to the wall of polaroids hanging on stringlights. “Gonna be a photographer?” He asks, smiling as he sees their friends, some kids he hadn’t met that he assumed were in her dorm, the girls before the game, most of which he remembered being taken. His fingers lift up one of himself that he definitely didn’t remember being snapped. He looks…Happy. A rare genuine smile, cigarette tucked behind his ear, he’s assuming he’s laughing at something Elliott said, but before he can examine any further, Addie’s snapping the photo out of his fingers, floating it into the safety of her own hands. Tyler turns slowly, his gentle demeanor turning to amusement as he faces her. “Not a fan of that one?”

“You shouldn’t be so nosey.” She grumbles, face heated as she walks up to see what other embarrassing shit she’d left out in the open. 

“They’re public property.”

“You’re literally in my room.” She shoots back, scowl on her face now and Tyler notices the slight lift of papers and furniture. He puts his hands up in defense, leaning his shoulder against the wall, while she continues to clearly avoid eye contact. 

“It’s sweet. The way you document things. You don’t need to be embarrassed.” 

She huffs and rolls her eyes, finally looking up at him. “I’m not embarrassed.” Eyes glowing for a moment, he just laughs softly.

“Whatever you say.” They’re so close at this point he could feel her heartbeat even without a special power, but neither of them need to voice that. There’s a beat as they look at each other. “I mean it though,” He continues. “It’s sweet. And it’s admirable how dedicated you are to always capturing a moment.” 

Addie shrugs, eyes falling to the ground for a moment. “You never know when a good thing is gonna end, y’know?” And he does. She can tell by the way he carries himself, by the way he’s so quiet, the way he isn’t just the calm before the storm but the storm itself, a hurricane heading for shore.

“I do.” He confirms, and it’s soft and genuine, and anything she could’ve said as they gazed back at each other one last time was interrupted by Lydia opening the door and quickly closing it. 

“No! Nope! Not happening!” She hisses, motioning for them to separate. Tyler reluctantly rolls away, back flattening against the wall and Addie just rolls her eyes once more. 

“Look, I know I’m only here out of pity or some charity case, so I promise to be on my best behavior.” Addie laughs as Rhody helps her load the small number of items she had into the cart.

“It’s not that… You’re the first to go to college. I know you’ll do well, but it’s a big deal. Just remember school first.” It comes out as more of a scold than concern, making Addie roll her eyes as she shuts the trunk. She knew how much he sacrificed to get her to this point, and she’d give anything for him to join her, but that wasn’t the hand they were dealt.

“With my luck, I’ll be roomed with some nerd who only studies, so I won’t have the crazy adventures.” She quips to try and make light of the situation as they start to push the cart towards the building and into the dorm elevator. It smelled clean. The walls were freshly painted, no chips in the floors. Nothing was sticky or creaking when they walked on it, and there was plenty of light both from the many windows and the light fixtures that looked straight out of HGTV. Both siblings had a chip on their shoulder, but it took a lot to make them feel inferior, however, in this building, the kids with their brand new supplies, and parents that were smiling and well-dressed were pushing that. Addie looked down at her dented suitcase and boxes that they taped together and the patchwork quilt that she absolutely needed to bring and wondered if maybe she should’ve lifted some new items before coming. But she knew whatever strings Rhody pulled to get her covered here would only be jeopardized if she was caught.

She’s grateful when the elevator closes and brings them up to her mostly quiet floor save for the sounds of a few people getting acquainted. “Okay, I’m room 12 with… Lydia Reagan.” She reads off the paper and does quick look around before they follow the numbers down to her room, the door already opening to long red hair humming as she hung up her clothes. Addie knocks and Rhody parks the cart off to the side in the hallway and starts lifting out her suitcase. “Uh, hi, I’m—”

“Addie!” Lydia finishes, a bright smile on her face as she comes over with open arms, wrapping the girl up in a hug. “Oh my gosh, I’m so happy to meet you! It’s my first year being a peer advisor so be easy on me.” She jokes, attention turning to Rhody as he gives a curt nod. “And you are?”

“Rhody, this is my brother.” Addie introduces, Lydia sticking out her hand this time and nodding.

“Well it’s nice to meet you both! I was just finishing putting my clothes up to clear some room out of here, but feel free to move any of my shit around, nothings delicate.” She waves it off with her hand as she collects a few empty boxes. “I’m actually gonna go run these down and stop for a snack, do you need anything?” She asks, squeezing into the hallway, looking between the pair who shake their heads. “Okay! My number is on the whiteboard so if you change your mind just text me. I’ll be back!” And then she’s down the hallway, Rhody gives her another once over before Addie launches a pillow at his head.

“Stop that!” “She’s cute!”

“She’s very... bubbly.” Addie grumbles, levitating the rest of her items out and onto the dorm room floor, starting to open boxes and debate where to put things. Rhody stayed to help for a bit, wandering the campus to get her situated with the buildings before they said their goodbyes and she headed back to the dorm to settle in for a little bit. It was weird, not having her friends or her brother around for the first time. Addie found herself sitting on the floor, at a loss for what to do in the quiet, absently flipping through her textbooks, texting a few of her friends from home to see how they were acclimating to their dorm rooms but not getting any instant responses. And as much as the energy wasn’t her cup of tea, she felt a sort of relief when Lydia came bounding back through their door.

“Hey, girl, hey!” She smiled, slipping off her shoes and joining Addie on the floor. “I know you said you didn’t want anything, but they’re having a back to school deal so I got you some snacks anyway.”

“Oh… Well how much was it I can—”

“Don’t worry about it.” Lydia shakes her head laying out the snacks for them; a couple sodas, some chex mix, fruit paks, and a couple of candies that Addie liked. “I read on your sheet these were your favorite, but I didn’t have time to put together your welcome basket so… Y’know.” She continued to explain, ending with a shrug. “Are you settling in okay? Did you get the chance to wander around campus or do you need a tour?”

“Yeah, my brother and I actually went and found my classes before he left, so I think I’ll be good. This place is huge.” Addie laughs, gingerly reaching out and taking one of the drinks, Lydia having already cracked one of them open.

“Oh good! Last year was my first year and I had a hell of a time trying to find all my buildings.” She chuckles. “I actually once sat through a whole lecture for a class that wasn’t mine because I was lost and too embarrassed to get up and leave once the class had started.”

Addie snorts at that, but smiles anyway. “I hope that doesn’t happen to me.” The two talk a little longer, well, Lydia does the talking, prompting Addie for the short answers she gives, but Addie’s grateful for the company and the fact that Lydia actually seems cool. She doesn’t quite feel like being as open of a book as her roommate, not yet, but the girl is nice enough.

“Lydiaaaaa!” A male voice calls from their doorway, a mop of wavy blonde hair appearing above Addie’s bunk bed. Addie’s eyes widen a bit. He’s tall. Scratch that, he’s fucking massive. Built and tall and oh so cute, she moves her gaze to Lydia for a clue on if this guy was friendly or not.

“Jesus, what do you want?” Lydia sneers, her cheery demeanor falling as she stares at the male, faux hurt on his face as his hand goes to his chest.

“I’m hurt! I’m appalled! You’ve staked me!” The dramatics have Lydia’s stern look breaking, a small smile quirking at the corners of her lips before she laughs.

“You’re such an idiot, where’s Tweedle Dumber at? Flirting with more of his sisters friends?”

“Nah, he’s an RA this year! So he’s doing orientation and stuff and now I’m bored.” His lower lip pouts out, earning an eyeroll from Lydia as she throws a grape at him. The blonde smiles and waves at Addie. “I’m Elliott, by the way.” He introduces himself before tossing the grape into the air and catching it in his mouth.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. Addie, this is Elliott. He’s a peer advisor for the boys floor.”

“Nice to meet you, Lydia’s a wealth of knowledge, but if you want to not be lame and—”

“God you and Nate get more annoying every month. I am not lame!” Lydia chastises.

“It took us the whole first semester to get you to come out! Noelle removed the stick from her ass before you did.”

“That’s because you guys tricked Noelle and I was busy at work.”

Elliott’s mouth opened to protest before he closed it, doing his best to keep a laugh from coming out but failing. “Well she still did, and she had a great time. Speaking of great times, you’re coming to opening night, right?”

“Absolutely not.” Lydia’s quick with the response, but not quick enough to shut down Addie’s curiosity, who after watching the two banter and bicker feels brave and annoyed enough to interject.

“Wait, what’s opening night?”

“Lydia will tell you it's stupid and childish, but don’t listen to her, it’s a super fun welcome back to school party that our soccer and lacross teams hosts…” He pauses, head bobbing back and forth. “Unofficially, of course.”

The idea of her first college party sounded fun, Rhody’s voice in her head saying to put school first fading out into a buzz for a moment. The first week was never anything more than a syllabus and ice breakers activities right? It couldn’t hurt to have fun before buckling down. Lydia’s voice breaks her thoughts, face falling a bit at the remark.

“And it wouldn’t be very peer advisor of me to say we’ll take part in non-campus held activities that could get us all in trouble.” She raises her eyebrows at Elliott and that coy smile playing on his face, and Addie looks at him, hopeful that he can change her mind. The staredown has Addie’s heart racing, but when she notices the small smile on Lydia’s lips forming once more, she knows Elliott’s won the silent showdown. “But I suppose it’s best she goes with someone responsible rather than with someone else… If you want to go of course. You don’t have to, like obviously.” Elliott’s arms shoot up in victory, and Addie does a private victory dance with him.

“It sounds fun!” Addie responds too fast and she knows it, so she quickly covers. “School spirit and all… Plus my brother said I need to make friends.” He didn’t, but they don’t need to know that.

“Oh, we have a great group of friends!” Elliott pipes up, letting himself into the room and hopping on top of the vanity. “Noelle’s going, Nate will be there… I think Rory will be there but he might not actually be on campus until next week.”

“He probably meant friends her age, dumbass.”

Elliott keeps talking, but Addie’s too excited about her first college party to really hear the conversation, besides it’s almost more entertaining listening to him and Lydia fight.

He disappears shortly after and the girls decide to split, Lydia going for her books and Addie deciding to shower and settle in a little more. Their floor was oddly quiet, and she relished in the silence and having the bathroom all to herself for probably one of the last times this semester. Eventually, the two end up back in their room and settle in for the night, getting their backpacks and class schedules ready. Addie actually ended up being grateful to have Lydia, she helped her understand the schools’ BlackBoard and walked her through the easier ways to navigate it. She even gave her tips on a couple of her professors.

The week goes by and she was mostly right; dumb ice breaker activities, an hour and a half spent on a syllabus, though some of her classes actually jumped right into school work. With Lydia being nosey and prying information out of Addie, she helped her younger peer organize her tasks and while she’ll never admit it, it did make the workload seem easier.

She’ll give Lydia this much; the girl knows how to set herself up for success. Addie isn’t sure every trick will work for her, but it definitely worked for the week.

By the time Friday evening rolled around Addie was bouncing off the walls with excitement. She practically sprinted out of the library when her workstudy was over, impatiently waiting for Lydia to get back so they could get ready together. “Alright… I think… I’m ready when you are.” Lydia murmurs, fluffing out her curls a bit and double checking her lipstick.

“I’ve been ready.” Addie smiles and hops off her bed, finding her shoes and sliding them on. They both grab their keys and head out the door, Lydia linking elbows with Addie as she leads her across campus.

“Some people are real assholes here, so don’t feel bad if you have to be stern or mean. Also I’m sure you know but just watch your cup, the school is relatively safe but practice stranger danger, and—”

“Lydia, I grew up in the inner city and in poverty. I know how to keep myself safe.” Addie states, blunt and honest, Lydia’s mouth closing into a thin line as the girls look back at each other. “But thank you.” The red head pauses but nods.

“Sorry… I know I’m doing a lot I’m just… I’m learning how to not.” She laughed, giving a shrug as she looked at the ground for a moment before turning her gaze forward. “It’s just around the corner.” Her voice is softer now, less high strung. Addie wonders if Lydia is that sensitive or if being honest lifted some sense of responsibility off of her, but she doesn’t have too much time to dwell on it.

The music starts to fill her ears, the dim glow of lights illuminates the rest of their walk, and the sight before her has her jaw on the ground.

“They all… They all have powers.” She says quietly, Lydia quirking up an eyebrow before a gentler laugh falls.

“Well, not everyone. We’ve got a few regular people running around, but it’s why they hold this on the soccer field, it’s the one space big enough but also out of sight enough.” She starts, slowing their pace as she looks around, spotting her friends and pulling Addie along. “It kind of gives everyone a chance to stretch out their wings literally and physically before we’re restrained. It’s a no powers on campus policy, so dumb.”

“Yeah, I read that in my orientation email. It doesn’t make a lot of sense.” Her nose wrinkles, but as Lydia’s friends come closer, the redhead lets go of Addie and breaks into run, wrapping her arms around another tall blonde.

“Ayyye! You guys made it! Welcome to the show!” Elliott greets Addie and he’s just as cute as ever, but this time with vibrant blue wings that she takes a moment to gawk at. How did he hide those? Where did he hide those? Lydia stumbles back to Addie to pull her into the group, leaning in to whisper, a grin on her face. “He’ll take you for a spin if you ask.” Addie smiles but averts her eyes from Elliott to the rest of the group.

“Guys, this is Addie! Addie, you know Elliot, and this is Nate and Noelle” She gestures to the boy next to Elliott rolling up a blunt, getting a wave in return from him and a nod from the girl. Noelle is blonde and tall and beautiful, and her resting face sends a chill down Addie’s spine. Nate seems so lost in what he’s doing he barely notices Addie at first. “ That’s Rory, and August should be around here somewhere…” She trails off looking around before Noelle pipes up.

“He’s making a snack run so he’ll be back later. It’s nice to meet you finally!” Noelle greets Addie, a smile on her face which contrasts to her previously cold demeanor.

“It’s nice to meet you guys too… I’ve heard a lot about everyone.” Her hands go into her pockets, nervously shifting the weight on her feet.

“Do you drink? Do you want a drink?” Noelle asks, already linking arms with Lydia so they can go help themselves to what was being offered. “We’ll grab you something, we’ll be right back!” Noelle is already dragging Lydia off before Addie can even say anything, but she just shrugs and takes a seat on the ground with Elliott and the other older boys.

“Don’t mind Noelle, she’s probably off to talk shit about Kai DuBois and his brother.”

“Or Akari.” Rory chimes in taking the blunt from Nate once it passed his way, snapping his fingers and using the small flame on his index finger to light it up.

“Oh, wait, shit, is this cool?” Nate asked before taking a hit, the three boys suddenly looking ashamed for not even asking.

“No, it’s totally fine, you do you. Who are Kai and Akari and his brother?” She leans back on her hands, assuming she’s about to get some juicy gossip that Lydia had yet to tell her about.

“Lydia hasn’t said anything yet?!” Elliott laughs, shaking his head as Nate and Rory pass the blunt between each other. “So, Kai is this dude that Noelle has a huge crush on despite the fact he’s kind of a tool? Like, okay, so he’s friends with one of my buddies, Tyler, and talking to him one on one he’s not that bad but he’s definitely—”

“A total dickhead that thinks he’s better than everyone?” Nate finishes, smoke billowing from his mouth, leaving Elliott stammering for a response. Nate turns his attention to Addie as Rory laughs. “His parents or grandparents or some shit like that help fund the school. Pretty sure he got in simply based on that.”

“No, he still had to go through the app process, I think he just had high recs because of nepotism.” Rory shakes his head, handing the joint to Elliott. “Him and his brother, which is kind of funny because his brother isn’t nearly as powerful.” He pauses before tacking on, “At least, not yet. Everyone’s gotta learn.”

“Everyone’s gotta learn.” Elliott and Nate drone in unison.

“Anyway, his brother is also a freshman, so you’ll probably run into him. Kid seems nice. And Akari is on the cheer team, her and Kai have similar powers, like, almost identical which is rare, so them and a few other rich kids run in the same circle. And they do not like us because, y’know, elitism and classism and all that.” Elliott continues with a shrug.

Addie’s nose wrinkles up at the phrase ‘rich kids’. Images of spoiled brats spending their parents money and belittling people like her conjure in her mind. Then again, Lydia and Elliott and these two could be considered rich kids in her eyes and they seem alright so far. Noelle she was still undecided on, but she figured she shouldn’t assume so much after their brief meeting.

“You’re leaving out that Akari and Kai had a little fling.” Rory drawls out, laughing at some memory Addie doesn’t share.

“Oh god, don’t bring that up again.” Nate whines, eyes squeezing shut as he sighs.

Elliott’s head lolls over to Addie, goofy smile on his face as he leans back on his own hands. “It was a huge deal, in case you can’t tell. Because Noelle, Akari, and Lydia are all on the cheer team, and Akari was actually really close with them until shit went down with Kai. But... Y’know, new year, new leaf, but that’s probably why she dragged Lydia off in such a hurry, there’s probably some new development.”

“Yeah my sister is just being herself, she’ll be miss chatty when she comes back.” Nate jumps in to try and reassure, not that Addie was worried. These three seemed to like her and Lydia definitely liked her. That was good enough.

“Speaking of the Devil.” Rory nods to the entrance of the soccer field where an equally loud group is walking in. Dark hair contrasts with bright red, and she can see Akari’s smile from their spot on the field. Kai stands tall as if he owns the place, and she supposes he technically does. His arm slung around his brother as the two laugh. Though, she recognizes the younger brother, she’s not positive but she’s almost certain he’s in her English class. Then again, this campus seemed to have a lot of fiery redheads running around causing problems so she couldn’t be sure from far away. But Addie can almost feel the change in the air, the markings on the faces of those she presumes cast spells putting others on edge, but she just turns her attention back to Elliott, leaning in a little closer to him. She had her own agenda right now. He ducks his head so she can lower her voice, laughing a bit as she speaks.

“Lydia said you wouldn’t mind taking me for a spin with the wings… Is that true?” She doesn’t need to look at him, she can feel the smug smile on his face.

“Absolutely it is. C’mon.” He stands up, sticking his hand out for her to take and she happily pops up off the ground. Elliott nods to Rory and Nate, letting his hat drop to the ground. “We’re gonna hit the sky.”

“I’ve never actually met someone with wings… It’s kind of cool.” Addie comments, fighting off the blush on her cheeks, but there was no easy way to sneak out of this interaction.

“Oh word?” Rory asks, him and Nate smiling at her. “Elliott here is fast as fuck so hang on tight.”

“Yeah, be safe, do you have goggles for her?” Nate asks, taking another puff.

“Shhh! Shhhh, we can’t,” His own fit of giggles stop the words, lips pressing together to silence himself as the sound echoes off the walls. “We can’t be too loud, people will get angry.” Jeb attempts to whisper as he and Noelle clamber up the stairs, her hand over her mouth to try and stifle the drunken laughter that had been spilling from her lips. She’d tripped and fallen into him, hands pressing against his chest, eyes scanning his face as his head turns to listen to the sound of footsteps on a creaking floor, how they went to the door, stopped then made their way back to somewhere inside the shallow apartment. 

Now standing in the hallway like two teens trying to keep their parents from knowing one had snuck in through the bedroom window, the idea gains appeal, pushing to see what they can get away with tonight. Of course, this isn’t Noelle’s choice, but Jeb didn’t know where else to go, locked out of his place, and hers far off in the outskirts of the city, they figured they’d break into Kai’s apartment while he was away, just long enough to sober up before figuring out next steps. Just long enough to let the haze of the night fade into the clarity of early morning. 

But in the haze she sees a bit of clarity.

From the freckles that adorn his nose to the sharp line of his jaw, to the knives edge crooked grin, if it wasn’t for the deep red roots peeking out from his dyed brunette hair, Noelle wouldn’t have known the difference between the two brothers. His dark eyes now glassy dance in the flickering light of the hallway as his gaze returns back to her, and Noelle gets the appeal, she’ll admit. It makes her miss her boyfriend, makes her wish he wasn’t off on some mission, makes her a little jealous of Addie. 

And in his haze, he gets the point.

Jeb looks back at her and gets why Kai had fallen so hard. Deep blues so contrasting to their own dark, the way a smile plays on her lips coy and subtle, Noelle’s a pain in the ass but her good intentions are always lying under the surface and he can feel it radiating from her palm, to his shirt and into his skin. It’s the goodness that makes her beautiful, it’s her sharp wit and the way she says “They can mind their own business” that sells it. The Hiatt boys had always been sucker for beauty and trouble. The two take the silence to stare at each other longer before Jeb clears his throat and the two power down the hallway, Jeb tripping on the runner rug that was hiding a stain from god knows what or who put it there, almost eliciting another burst of laughter but Noelle holds it back, doing her best to compose herself, head held high, back straight, but her feet still drag. He picks the lock and lets them both in, turning on the heat and quickly making himself at home in his brothers home. 

“Thanks for going with me tonight. I really... Really just needed a good night.” She sighs, grabbing one of the blankets off the couch and wrapping it around her. It makes her feel closer to Kai and it smells like him which eases her more. Jeb has found comfort on the floor, feet propped up on the couch cushions, goofy smile on his face as he looks up at her from the floor. “No problem... We... We never really spend time together just us. It was a nice change.” It’s slurred, but it’s genuine, and she doesn’t know why but she tosses him a couple pillows and joins him on the floor. He tugs the blanket to cover himself a little, rolling onto his side to face her. 

“You’re cool to talk to.” It’s an observation bred from not being able to share real conversation with her outside of the group, outside of duty and school, outside of his brother and Addie, and she scoffs at first but laughs. 

“Thanks. That’s so nice of you to say.” It’s dry, and sarcastic, but it’s followed by another laugh that drowns out the bitterness and lets him know she gets what he’s trying to go for. 

“No, no, like... I mean it. I’m glad we got some one on one time.” He nods, the streetlights flooding the apartment shed light on his still glassy eyes, and he can see her lighting up as a wide smile spreads across her face. 

“Well, me too. We should do this more often.” She nods, propping herself up on her hand, and he follows suit, his own smile growing at the idea.

“We should! Oh my god, it’s so nice not talking about work or having the extra weight of everyone elses baggage around. Not that I don’t love our friends or my girlfriend but—”

“No, I get it. We’re all great but together it’s a lot sometimes. The drama.” She quips, watching him sway as his eyes close for a moment. “You good.” 

“I’m... Great. The room is just... Moving.”

She makes the mistake of looking around and sways with him, giving a hum in response followed by another laugh. “We’re wasted.”

“Incredibly so.” Jeb laughs with her before falling onto his back and laughing more as his head makes a thud against the carpet. Noelle bursts into laughter again, falling forward, resting on his chest as she begins to make fun of him for being more drunk than her. “I am just... A lightweight and I have no shame in it.” He reasons, the laughter dying down as they lay like that for a moment, her head resting and listening to his heartbeat, feeling the calm energy that radiates from him which is probably the biggest difference between him and his brother. Kai grew into anxiety, Jeb grew out of it. The thought starts to kill her buzz but she feels his arm wrapped around her, his thumb slowly grazing back and forth against her jean clad thigh, she listens to his slowing heart and her own body relaxes into his. 

She doesn’t know for how long, but when she’s waking she’s dizzy and disoriented and Jeb is mumbling something about it being time for bed.

"I think we’re passed that time.” She takes in a deep breath as she mumbles back. He hums in response. “I’m... Gonna go find Kai’s room. Just stay here for tonight.” She slurs out, a mix of sleep and alcohol lacing her face and Jeb just nods. “Good idea. Eventually... I’ll move to the couch.”

“Good idea.” A quiet laugh as she gets up the will to actually move. “Okay... Goodnight, Jebediah.” He laughs at the use of his full name, eyes half open as he looks back at her. “Goodnight, Miss Noelle.” A dopey, sleepy smile on his face he leans down and pecks her lips. If asked, he couldn’t tell you why. Habit. It felt right. It felt like a natural next step to end their night. And Noelle couldn’t tell you why, but she laughs and pecks his lips in return. Well, she could, but she doesn’t want to think about it.

And there’s a pause before he closes the space between them again, fingers gently resting on her chin to tilt her face, her hand finding his side as she leans in for a second before both pull away. 

“Oh my god... I’m so sorry.” Jeb immediately apologizes, rubbing his eyes, fully letting Noelle go as she does her best to feel through the dark.

“Let’s just not mention it.” 

“Good idea.” 

“Goodnight, Jeb.”

“Goodnight, Noelle.” 

“So, you’re an artist, what do you plan on doing with that?” 

“Uhhhh….” 

Kai swallows hard, the food on his plate suddenly unappealing as Colette Slater continues to grill him about his choices. 

“Stop it.” Noelle hisses, but Kai just shakes his head, wide eyed and eager to please this family that very clearly was not happy about his presence. 

“No! No, it’s okay,” A forced laugh breaks from his chest as he quickly scrambles for an answer. “I get asked this a lot, but, uhm, I have an internship this semester as a design assistant for one of the tech companies in the area, and then I start interviews for my illustration internships…” Brown eyes move off to the side to picture the calendar in his head. “Next week? Yeah next week.”

“And where will that be at?” Colette is relentless, only breaking to take a sip of wine, completely unbothered by the uncomfortable chewing of her husband next to her, his own eyes trained on Kai as he awaits the answer. Noelle mutters ‘this is so embarrassing’ and he just smiles, trying to offer some reassurance. 

“Uh, one is fo—”

“Quit using filler words, and sounds, it sounds less intelligent.” Her father quickly interjects before falling silent again. Kai’s brain short circuits for a moment, the ‘uh’ forming in his throat, forcing him to clear the noise and start over. 

“Right…” Eyes slide over to Noelle once more, and she’s just as awe-struck as he is, but he continues nonetheless. “One is for Netflix studios, working in their animation department, and the other is with Nickelodeon. And then my safety is a local contracting company.” Now he’s starting to sweat, and he hopes the name dropping is enough to get them off his back, to satiate the wolves. He can feel the next question brewing in Colette but thankfully Nate stops her, using Kai’s internships as a jumping point into Noelle’s own prospects, a seemingly much happier conversation for the table. He shoots Kai a wink when the attention is off him, before turning his attention back to the conversation. Kai finishes his plate in silence, both grateful and wondering how much Nate enjoyed watching him squirm. The rest of the evening goes smoothly, in the sense that the questions lessened and turned more to a cold shoulder, but it was a welcomed reprieve at that point. He waits for Noelle to say her goodbyes, eyes falling to the dying orchid on the foyer table, one of the many plants in the house that needed a little TLC. The browning leaves contrast against the stark white marble floor, and the stark white walls, and the all too sterile home. He can’t help himself, he reaches out to the plant, cupping the delicate petals in his palm, allowing his hands to breathe new life into it. His hand quickly retracts back into his hoodie pocket, the bright purple petals now standing tall once more as Colette and Noelle’s heels click towards him. Nate was busy talking to their father, the hushed voices echoing but garbled amongst the home. 

“Well, thank you for coming back for dinner. Good luck on your interviews.” The goodbye is dismissive, too business professional, but he nods his head and says thank you. Colettes eyes fall onto the orchid, brows furrowing together but Kai is already out the door before she can question him. 

“I am… So sorry about them…” Noelle sighs as they head out of the house, making their way to her car, Kai doing his absolute best to not run to the passenger door. Instead, he shrugs, giving her a smile and reaching out to spin her into him. 

“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad I got to meet them.” He pecks her lips and they notice the shifting of the light on the driveway, Noelle looking up just in time to catch Colette leaving the window. “That’s kinda creepy, though.” He murmurs, gaze going from the same window back to his girlfriends face. She rolls her eyes and tells him to get in the car.

“By the way, what did you do the plant?”

She’s too observant for her own good, but it elicits a genuine laugh and he just shrugs as he buckles up.

“No, listen to me, I knew it from the moment I saw you, and the moment we fought,” Elliott laughed, head lolling over to Kai, that stupid ass razor sharp grin spread across his face, pushing cheeks up as he stared down Kai. “You and Jeb both you just... It doesn’t matter how you get up, it just matters that you get up. You don’t care you just... Keep going.” He shrugged, eyes going forward as his head lifts, now looking to the red head in the corner as he sits quietly with Addie. “It’s admirable.” Elliott nods. “It is. If being a hero is what you’re going for, then you’re off to a good start. Just keep those morals in check.” It’s both a warning and a cautionary tale.

Kai just nods, eyebrows raising as he listens to Elliott genuinely and authentically compliment him and his brother. Jeb he’d expected, everyone loved his baby brother as they should, but he wasn’t expecting it to be directed towards him as well. “You do the same thing though.” He pointed out, Elliott bringing his attention back, head tilting a bit as curiosity piqued. “You get up even when it’s hard... You came back for us when it didn’t benefit you. You got your shit rocked and kept going anyway.” The blonde went quiet, contemplating the statements. They were awfully bold and presumptuous, but he figure Kai was smart enough to know that. 

In which Addie feels the love.

I. You don’t know how it started. Whether it was after a game, a study night in, but you started to notice the way they talk. How their lips shape words, the fullness or the way they stretch when they smile. College is rocky, but you’ve made so many friends. Beautiful friends. You watch them and other couples exchange affections, soft kisses in between classes, the longing kisses after a particularly hard day and you pretend you don’t notice. That your heart doesn’t ache for the same thing because you have other problems. More pressing matters. Like paying tuition or actually understanding your math class or writing that stupid midterm. 

Back hits the glass it takes a few seconds to register the sound of it shattering, the sudden feeling of nothing pushing him back just the open air as he beings to free fall to the pavement below them. He’s so tired, he’s so weak, the fear strikes him to his core as he realizes even if he conjures he doesn’t have enough control to pull himself back to his friends. He can hear Akari scream, the yelling of Tyler and Jeb as the ran to the window, an attempt in vain to try and catch him before they’re electrocuted. It’s weird. In the moments he closes his eyes, he makes peace with it. 

After all, he’d never feared death. He was death.

He just hopes his friends will be okay. 

“Ladies.” Kai nodded as he stepped into the house, having become more comfortable in this setting but he always made sure to not stay longer than welcomed. They just laughed and greeted him before going on their way, Lydia coming down the stairs a moment later.

Laughter. 

It surrounds him in a wave of symphonies, bodies piling into the small living room, bursting the walls at the seams and spilling out onto the porch of the apartment. Soft lighting contrasted by the loud music, skilled eyes find his friends in the wave of the other kids all mixed with drinks in hand, smiles ear to ear and the ever present blush across noses and cheeks. 

@headinthxclouds

In between the training and the late nights, life continued on. Homework kept coming, tests kept happening, the drama of every day normal living didn’t stop after the revelation. Jeb had sort of expected things change, at least a little bit. After all, hadn’t they just stumbled upon a secret society? They were now actively harboring a fugitive and while it certainly bothered Kai, no one else seemed to bat and eye at it. You could say he felt left out. 

“It’s not that simple, Kai. There’s more to it than that.” She sighed, looking up at him, the frustration clear on his face as they marched to Tyler and Nate’s place. The apartment had become their regular hangout, and while she was sure there was going to be tension, at least she wouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone.

“Do Noelle or Lydia know?”

“Beats me. I know for sure Noelle has powers, I’m not sure what but it runs in her family. Lydia I think is our only outlier, as far as I know she’s completely and simply human.”

Simply human. The phrase tastes bitter on her tongue and as she glances at Kai, she knows he tastes it too. “Look. I know this is a lot, you and your brother are the only two in your family right?”

“As far as I know.”

“Then just... Take it easy. Don’t go rushing into anything, you’ll learn soon enough not everything is as it seems.” She soothed, mouth twisting off to the side as they hit the sidewalk. 

“You’re right, but what are we talking about?” Noelle’s voice breaks their conversation, Kai stuttering for a response. Piss poor liar. The blonde picks up her stride to catch up, automatically linking her arm with Kai’s as Akari steps ahead. 

“He’s still on his Elliott can’t be trusted train. I keep telling him the frat dudes are just like that, and he just has to get to know him, but he won’t listen!” She laughs, waving her hand off as if to end the conversation. 

The thing is, Akari is a shitty liar too. Noelle didn’t need her power to know that, their evening on the beach told her that much, but it certainly confirmed her suspicions. She simply quirks up an eyebrow but chooses to go along with it as they finish their trek to her brothers apartment. “He’s definitely an acquired taste. It’s the whole... Macho man facade he puts on. You get used to it.” She gives Kai’s arm a squeeze and looks at him with a grin as they clamber up the stairs and let themselves into the apartment.

Lydia had already beat them there, leg propped up on pillows soft laughter escaped her as Ty made some joke, carefully placing a pressure bandage around her ankle and taping it off. Both look over to the open door, Lydia giving an enthusiastic wave.

“Oh my god, Lyds, what happened?” Noelle asked, dropping her bag and shooing Tyler away.

“Oh, I was practicing tumbling and landed wrong. Tyler was already there so he just helped me back and patched me up. It feels way better now, guess he must have a medicinal touch or something.” She giggled, letting her head fall back, red waves falling over the couch as she looked at Akari. Noelle turned to look at Tyler, flames bursting from her irises but he just leaned in to whisper. “I gave her a piece of our select brownies.” At that, an ‘oh’ formed on Noelle’s mouth and she backed off, double checking the wrap before helping her friend get comfortable and getting herself situated on one of the couches with her books. Akari met Tyler’s eyes from the kitchen and he just shook his head for her to drop it, but Kai could only think about the night he fought Elliott, how Tyler had healed part of his concussion. Did he do the same for Lydia? 

“Anyway, don’t you guys know how to knock? Where are the other two at?” He asked, making his way into the kitchen for his water bottle.

“I mean, we basically live here too. Where’s my brother at?” Noelle asked, absently flipping through her book, more concerned with what and who Lydia was texting at the moment. 

“He’s at his internship, he’ll be back in a bit. Elliott I think is still at the gym so he’ll be here soon too.” Akari found the empty beanbag and dragged it from Nate’s room to the living room and collapsed into it, body sore from her own training, doing her absolute best to find the will to do the rest of her homework. “I’m gonna go get showered, don’t tear the place apart.” Tyler grumbled before disappearing down the hallway, the click of the bathroom door letting them know he was out of earshot for the time being.

The room fell silent as the kids immersed themselves in their books for a moment, Lydia ever so slowly falling asleep on the couch to the hum of the bathroom fan and the sporadic flipping of pages. A few more minutes go by, the click of the door pulling their attention to see who was walking through, Elliott and Nate’s voices breaking the silence but getting an immediate ‘shh’ from Noelle who nodded to Lydia.

“Oh shit, what happened? Is she okay?” Nate asked, Elliott’s face turning stern but he waited for an answer. Noelle nodded, eyes falling back to her book.

“She said she rolled her ankle pretty bad during practice. Ty was already at the gym so he helped her patch up and gave her an edible for what I can only imagine was her overwhelming anxiety.” Both men hum at the answer, fully believing Lydia probably freaked out, not used to being injured and also not used to needing assistance in any form. Much like Noelle, she preferred to do things all on her own every chance she got. 

“Damn, hopefully it heals quickly. It’ll crush her if she can’t compete this winter.” Elliott murmured, sympathy on his face, quietly setting his things down and slipping off his shoes. He liked Lydia. She was spunky. Uncontrollable while still being predictable. A lot like her friends she was a little high strung for his taste, but she was well meaning and that much was evident. 

“Ty in the shower?” Nate asked not bothering to wait for an answer before disappearing down the hallway and into his room to change. 

“What are we doing tonight? Just studying or were there other plans?” Elliott asked, taking a seat on the floor next to Akari and across from Kai and Noelle, wanting to keep the kid in view just in case he popped off. 

“Well I planned on just studying or maybe heading to Gianni’s for some dinner if anyone wants to join?” Akari offered with a shrug, looking to Noelle and Kai on the couch. 

“I’ll probably just hangout here tonight, watch over Lydia. But you guys can go if you want.” She noted.

“We can order to? My treat?” Akari adjusted her offer, wanting to make sure they ate something that wasn’t pizza rolls, plus it had been a minute since they all hung out together, a night of sobriety might be good for them, cool Kai’s fires and show him Elliott really isn’t all that bad. 

“Pasta does sound good...” Kai trailed off, trying to remember the last time he ate something that wasn’t days old from the cafeteria. 

“They have great food too.” Elliott piped up from his spot on the floor now laying down and letting his eyes close for a moment, body exhausted from his recent training with Addie and from keeping up with his own sports and classes. Noelle caught the drift and just rolled her eyes. She didn’t really want to spend more time with Akari, but it couldn’t hurt to try and bond more. 

“Yeah, sure. If they have salads or anything vegan I’m game.” She shrugged, briefly going back to her book before deciding studying wasn’t happen with Nate came back out and him and Elliott started talking. Kai’s jaw tensed the more he listened, reading too much between the lines, wondering just how they all could put up with this guy. “Hey, text your brother and ask if him and Addie want anything.” Akari ordered, pulling out her phone so she could get the dinner order ready, figuring they could just mass order noodles and sauces and a salad and be fine, but she wasn’t opposed to putting in a special order. 

The food was ordered and a while later Lydia was slowly waking up, groggy, ankle throbbing, feet resting in Tyler’s warm hands, and face covered by the blanket, probably having buried herself to block out the light and noise. 

Who all is here? I feel so sluggish. 

Well good morning to you too. Noelle was already laughing, but Lydia’s greeting in her head definitely made her smile light up more. It’s the normal gang, Jeb and Addie just got here and Akari ordered us dinner. You didn’t have make up on so you’ll look fine when you sit up. 

Ugh, God bless you. I was worried. I wasn’t snoring was I? That would so not be cute.

Not even a little bit. Besides, Tyler doted on you regardless so I don’t think he would’ve minded

Shut up, you know I didn’t mean it like that.

Whatever. It’s fine if you did, I don’t mind. Kai and I are getting pretty serious anyway. And, for me, he’s way better.

Gross. I’m going to pretend I’m waking up now.

Lydia slowly pulled down the blanket from her eyes, squiting around her and catching the smiling faces of her friends. “Hey there sleeping beauty. Welcome back.” Elliott laughed, Nate hitting him on the shoulder.

“You were out for quite awhile. You okay?” Nate asked, getting a simple nod. Tyler loosened the grip on her feet so she could slide into a sitting position. 

“My ankle hurts really bad.” Lydia pouted. The pressure wrap was gone, he probably took it off to let her circulation flow. Smart man.

“Yeah it doesn’t look great. You might want to get it looked at tomorrow.” Tyler informed her, her green eyes finding his brown ones, a blush forming on her cheeks as she thought about him carrying her all the way back to his and Nate’s apartment before just nodding.

“Yeah, I will. It hurts like hell.” She groaned, Elliott stretching his hand out to pass his bottle of water and Nate coming over with some Ibuprofen to try and ease the pain.

“On the brightside, we have food!” Akari called, stepping into the apartment with a couple different bags, Nate helping her load them out onto the table, Elliott coming into get dishes down and start whipping up drinks to limit the work. Plus, Ty and Lydia were finally getting some quality time, he wanted his boy to not move for a moment. 

The rest of the night went as normal. They popped on a show that they talked through and helped themselves to the food. There was laughter and jokes, a few moment of Kai and Elliott getting short with each other but Lydia and Noelle assumed it was whatever odd tension Noelle had walked in on earlier. It wasn’t until the kids started leaving the apartment and the energy started winding down that Noelle decided it was time to pry. 

“No, you go ahead, I wanted to talk to Nate and I’ll need to help Lydia back anyway.” Noelle smiled up at her boyfriend as she walked him down the apartment steps. Jeb and Addie had gotten a head start, both of them lost in their own little worlds for the most part. 

“Okay... Text me when you guys get back, yeah? And if it ends up being late just call and I’ll come back that’s fine.” Kai nodded, dipping his head into the crook of her neck for one final hug and kiss goodnight before stepping into the darkness and then rushing to catch up with is brother and Addie, the trio disappearing around the corner. Noelle’s smile fell the moment he disappeared, walking into the apartment and planning her attack on information immediately.

“So,” She started, Elliott, ber brother, Tyler, Lydia and Akari looking up at her. “Who’s going to tell me why those three were being so weird.” She asked, eyebrow arching, arms crossing over her chest. Akari’s smile fell to the floor, looking to the boys for help. Lydia’s head tilted, also looking to the three boys for answers. 

“The jig is up.” Elliott laughed, shaking his head a bit, Nate rolling his eyes and throwing a pillow at the sandy blonde, getting another laugh in response. 

“Kai found out about Elliott and made a whole scene about it. And in turn found out about Akari and Tyler.” Nate cut to the chase, knowing Elliott was finding the situation too funny and Tyler and Akari still weren’t sure where their place was in all of this. Noelle’s eyes widened a bit. It wasn’t the answer she was expecting, but she also was surprised Kai didn’t tell her. “Does he know about the rest of us?” She asked, Akari shaking her head.

“That’s kind of what we were talking about when you walked up to us earlier. I know for sure you have powers, but I don’t know about you.” She nodded to Lydia, who just grinned. 

“And it’ll stay that way.” The red head giggled, Akari just clicking her tongue and coming back to Noelle. 

“He’s really upset about me, though.” Elliott shrugged. “He doesn’t really jive with the movement.” 

Noelle rolled her eyes and finally sat on the couch next to Nate, who was observing her every move, like Tyler, monitoring her emotional state just in case. “I can’t say I blame him... Let me talk to him, if he knows we all know and we’re all in the same boat he should calm down, right?” She suggested, giving a shrug. 

“Maybe... I mean, he knows that we all know for sure and that didn’t help.” Tyler noted, Nate shaking his head. 

“No, but he’s super into Noelle. If you’re fine then he can probably at least calm it down enough to keep his cool. Let us do some training and then really integrate them into our world.” Nate suggested, mostly trying to think of ways to keep the youngest hot head from spilling their secrets in a fit. 

“Okay. I’ll talk to him then. We’ll figure this out and protect each other, and go from there.” Noelle agreed, looking to Lydia who just nodded. They’d talk about it later, but for now Noelle would get to him first. 

Tyler helped Lydia down the stairs, Nate agreeing to drive them home so Lydia didn’t have to hobble and hold onto Noelle. Elliott started walking Akari back to her dorm since she was on his way anyway. 

Noelle flopped onto her bed after getting Lydia into hers, immediately pulling out her phone to text Kai. 

He’s not a bad man, he’s not. Not really, at least. See, you can justify your actions however you want and ultimately that’s what sets Elliott apart from those that would eventually be deemed heroes; at the end of the day bad is bad no matter who commits the act. 

It’s an ideal that drives him, deciding if his bad deed balances out the world then the two cancel out, and he’ll argue that to whatever deity he meets at the end of the road. While Tyler and Akari toed the line of staying in good graces, wanting to create a world that welcomed their kind with open arms, Elliott focused more on just doing what he thought was right. 

“Just, don’t get her killed.” Tyler sighs as he puffs down a cigarette, stubbing it out on the brick behind him before pushing himself off. 

“I would never intentionally put her in danger, not really my style. So be lucky it’s me and not Liam or—”

“Got it. Noted. You’re right, I don’t know why I said that.” Ty sighed, running a hand through his hair, lolling his head over to look at Elliott who was all too amused by this. 

“Habit. I mean shit the way Liam and Slater tossed you to the wolves I don’t blame you for being cautious. But that’s why I’m me and y’know, we’re on opposing sides. Technically.” And that was true, but also Elliott just couldn’t stand being told what to do. Years of fighting for his place in this world he had nothing left to prove and he wasn’t going to waste his breath trying. And while Tyler knew he didn’t owe this world anything, he was more in the camp of ‘leave it better than you found it at any cost.’ 

Total Gryffindor behavior, but that’s also what set them apart. 

“Yeah... I think we have the same goal, we just happen to disagree on how to get there.” Tyler murmured, head turning away when he picked up on Addie’s energy. “Your youngling has arrived.” He grinned, Elliott rolling his eyes but laughing, that stupid smile he always sported widening across his face. 

“That she has. Over here!” He called out as he looked down at the ground below them where Addie was now standing, hopping out of the window and lowering himself down to the ground, Tyler following suit and using his own powers to absorb the impact.

“Be careful, see ya guys tomorrow!” He waved, taking off into the night for his own agenda. Addie’s eyes followed Tyler for a moment, watching him disappear in the rubble. 

“How are you guys friends? Didn’t he knife you the other week?” She asked, looking to Elliott now who was knelt down, digging out some glasses for her to wear so they could get around easier with her on his back.

He just shrugged at her question, handing the glasses over to her and looking off into the direction Ty went. “We’ve got a lot of history...” He paused a moment, smile softening before he turned to Addie. “We’re more like brothers than friends. I don’t agree at all with his stance, and he doesn’t agree with mine but ultimately,” He shrugged once more, kneeling down a bit so she could climb on his back easier, wings adjusting under her as she did so. “We know our end goal is the same. And that’s what matters.”  

The night started pretty normal. He had her pick a couple locks, they worked on fine control so she didn’t send objects absolutely flying or accidentally snap someones neck. She was a fast learner, diligent, she did what he asked and he made sure to only ask what he would normally do himself. After all, their little alliance was formed based on their shared morals and principals, he wasn’t going to push the envelope yet. The night falls quiet as he browses through the files, in search of a specific research document. His tongue clicks as she closes the door, taking a seat on a computer chair and sliding back to search through drawers for a USB or something. “What are you even looking for?” Addie asks, arms crossed over her chest as she looks around the lab, being careful not to touch anything, but wandering farther into the lab to look and read.

“Well, Ryan said it would either be a paper file with a red label, or it would be a USB for a label.” He states, finding a drawer with a lock on it and then starting his search for the key to open it, finding it relatively quickly and resuming. “This company is approving a trial for this filtration system, knowing that it doesn’t work and can put those in the slums in danger by not filtering out their water. Soooo...” He finds what he’s looking for and pockets it, locking everything back up and standing, motioning for her to come back and start following him. “We’re gonna do an expose.” A low chuckle follows as they make their way back to their exit point. 

It isn’t quite what Addie thought. So far no opposing forces, no fighting, just going one mark to the next. She supposed that’s what happens when you keep yourself so secret, there isn’t really anyone to rival you. Their off into the night again before she knows it, the lights shining on the water, tired head resting against Elliott’s back as he cruises them through the air, perching them on the very top of one of the city skyscrapers so they could catch a snack and a break before he dropped her off. His legs swing over the edge, dangling into the vast open spaces as he hands her an energy bar and a water bottle. “Sorry it’s nothing sweet. I try and stay away from excess sugar.” He notes, expanding out a wing to block her from the wind as much as possible, plus it would keep her a little warmer while they were up there. 

“Does it effect your abilities or something?” She asked, biting into the snack and looking over at him, pulling her hoodie a little tighter as a gust of wind washed over her. 

“What? No, that shit is just bad for you. Plus sugar crashes really fuck with my workout game and then I can’t focus in class either.” He stated, Addie pausing for a moment, actually astonished by the answer. At the end of the day, despite everything, he was still a frat boy. She snorts and just shakes her head, Elliott tilting his head a bit but letting it drop as they sit in silence for a moment. “I’m sorry, by the way.” 

“For what?” 

“For being a dick in the cafeteria when we were studying. I didn’t mean to. It was more a stab at Jeb and the way he highlights literally everything on a page, but I can see how it came across.” The apology is genuine, and she can tell he isn’t used to apologizing by the way he won’t look at her until he feels her staring at him.

“It wasn’t super nice. But thanks...” She pauses, a grin crack on her face. “He does highlight everything though. He has a system for why he does it, but it was very stressful seeing it in action.” Addie laughed softly. It puts Elliott as ease and he laughs with her, nodding.

“I bet he does. Kid is really smart, I love him. Super weird dude but super cool. I’m glad you guys are into each other, you’re a good match.” He notes, Addie’s cheeks immediately flushing and looking over at him. “We’re just friends.” She blurts out, defensive and earning a coy smile.

“Mhmmm. Friends.” Elliott repeats, a laugh bubbling out of his chest. “Friends that make each other go,” He starts to mimic moaning noises and that’s when Addie knocks him off the edge. It’s on accident, the shock on her face as she watches him plummet down, skittering away from the edge. It’s deathly quiet up there on the ledge by herself, the whistle of the wind starting to send her heart into overdrive. Did she just kill him? Better question, how was she going to get down from here? The laughter from behind her sends a chill down her spine as she slowly turns to see Elliott, wings flapping gently, forearms rested on the edge of the platform they were sitting.

“That was a strong one! Nice!” He compliments, pretty thrilled with the amount of power she was able to utilize at will. “Did I strike a nerve?” Stupid shit eating grin on his face, Addie’s worry turns to annoyance.

“No, you were being gross in disrespectful.” 

“Mhmmm.” He hums simply lifting himself and coming to stand above her, letting her stand to her own feet. “C’mon, we better start getting home, I still have to drop this.” She grumbles under her breath but climbs onto his back once more so he could take her back to the dorms, dropping her just off campus to avoid cameras and prying eyes. 

“Cool, well thanks for the help. I was talking to Tyler about maybe going out to the boonies one weekend so you and the other kiddies can practice. I’ll keep you posted on that.” 

“That would be great, it would be nice to actually train and not worry about being found.” 

“Yeah, it’ll also be good for you to really see what you’re made of, find the limit before you cross the line.” 

Addie nods, a little disappointed she didn’t get to really get into the gritty tonight, but Jeb told her good things come to those who wait. If she kept proving herself, he’d probably ramp her up faster.

“Have a good night Addie, let me know when you get to your dorm.” 

“Sure. See ya later.” 

And then he’s off again into the night sky, she watches as he disappears into the stars before heading to her dorm, safely tucking herself into bed without waking Emmersyn once more before sending out a couple texts.

Addie to Jeb: Okay. I’ll buy it. Elliott isn’t a total dickhead. Still like 98% dickhead tho.

Addie to Rhody: Tonight went well. Call me in the morning when you get the chance.

“I’m just saying, Elliott seems… Off.”

“Okay, Kai, I get it, you don’t like my Frat, that’s fine, I get th—”

“No! No, I’ve come to terms with your shitty decision, I just… I don’t know. After the cafeteria and the party… Something about the dude just seems weird.” Kai breathed out, hands clasped around his backpack straps as he walked across campus with his brother, cool fall air blowing his hair back. Lips twisted off to the side as he thought, their conversation cutting short as Addie called across the walkway, picking up her pace to meet them.

“No, tell me. Why couldn’t you have been that for me?” It’s the most disheveled he’s seen her since the morning he left her. The ghosts of the past flash before his eyes in the window just above her, eyes slowly coming back to her now glistening ones. She jealousy, the hurt, it was all evident and all he did was show up and care for Addie before he took her home. 

He wants to cup her cheek. He wants to apologize and pull her in close. The last thing Ty ever wanted was for her to hurt, but it’s also the last thing he ever wanted for himself. 

“C’mon Noelle... We both know you never liked me. And if you did, there was no world, no circumstance, no universe in which you ever actually loved me. I don’t need probability to tell me that.” Ty shook his head slowly, swallowing the hard lump in his throat. “I mean did you really think I wouldn’t find out? The least you could’ve done is not told your whole sorority.” The memory of hurt that immediately turned to anger pushes his brows together, the screen burn of a text message conversation practically being cast from his eyes onto her. But her face looks confused. The quivering lip having stiffened as her head tilts in confusion. 

“What are you talking about?”

Ty can read that she’s confused but the interpretation is either she forgot or is mistaking his incident for someone else. “It’s just to piss off my dad?” He started to quote back to her, eyebrow arching up. “He’s just pathetic enough, it’ll be fun for awhile? I mean shit, I would’ve taken hearing it from Lydia or yourself over Lyndi telling me.” After all this time he could still repeat the words verbatim, as much as he hates it, they defined him moving forward. Noelle opens her mouth to protest, memory fuzzy from tonights party favors, but also unsure what the fuck he’s talking about. Sure, she’d been using him at the start, but she liked Tyler. She actually really liked him up until he left her. But she’s to dumbstruck right now and he takes her silence as a message that he’s right and just shakes his head. 

“Look, it’s fine. Just do me a favor? Be good to Kai. I know that you aren’t this... Whatever it is you put off, so just... You drop your act, and I’ll drop mine, yeah?” Ty bows his head and finally turns heel, leaving her standing on the porch in the cold. It takes a few more moments, but she finally heads inside, replaying the night. 

Ty helping her back to her house. 

The embrace that she’d longed for. How warm he was. How he smelled. She leaned back against the front door and looked into the dark house, lip quivering for just a moment until she remembered Lydia was upstairs. She had clinicals tonight so she ended up not going out. That’s right. 

The word association clicks in her brain and the phrase ‘he’s just pathetic enough’ runs through her head followed by Lyndi. She composes herself, face going hard as steel as she walks up the stairs to find Lydia, the redhead perched on her bed with a laptop in front of her, dirty scrubs tossed to the floor, braids loosened, and fingers tapping away at her phone screen.

“What’s up?” She asks, finishing the message before looking to Noelle. “That sounded intense.” Lydia hadn’t made out everything Ty was saying, she respected Noelle enough to give her friend the common courtesy of staying out of it, but she was curious. Her voice is soft as she keeps the history of the two in mind, pushing her laptop out of the way so Noelle could come sit. 

“It’s fine.” The lie comes out smoothly but Lydia has known the blonde long enough to know better. Still she sits on Lydia’s bed, the room going still for a moment before Noelle speaks once more. “Did you ever talk to him? Say anything to him about how I felt at the start of our relationship?” She finally asks, Lydia tilting her head. Lydia’s a piss poor liar, and what’s more Noelle was reading her energy. The confusion was genuine and it put her at ease for a moment. 

“What do you mean? About how he’s the perfect guy because he’s hot and makes your dad angry?” Lydia remembered that conversation very well. It was followed by plans of taking Tyler to the beach house in the Hamptons for summer because he’d never been to the East Coast, and other plans that never came to fruition. Noelle actually lets out a small laugh, but nods. 

“Yeah, that.” 

“No, I never said that to him. Honestly, I never really talked to him until this year when we suddenly let him back into the circle.” Lydia shrugs, having come to terms with the changes in their social dynamic, even though she was still cautious of the newcomers. Noelle nods at that, satisfied with Lydia’s answer before continuing. 

“Do you remember Lyndi?” Lyndi was on her way out as Noelle and Lydia were on their way in. Her energy was far too bitchy and pompous for Noelle’s taste, so they never hung out much. But she remembers the girl because of it. 

“God, don’t remind me of her. She was a monster. She hated Ty with such a passion too. Never really learned why, but I’m assuming it’s because she was, in her own words, old money.” Lydia laughs at the memory as she leans back into her pillows. “What is it she said? I don’t remember if you were there or not, I think you two were on a date,” The sentence was weird to say out loud, but they were here now so she just kept going. “But, fuck, what was it?” Lydia rubs her eyes and thinks before it comes to her. “Oh! Yeah. She called him a pathetic puppy chasing you around like he’d lost his own tail. Said she hopes you drop him soon... How unfortunate, right?” Lydia gave Noelle a look of sympathy. The blonde had never cared much what others had said, but she was aware drudging up the past might sting. But as she looked into Noelle’s eyes, she saw something new.

Rage. 

But Noelle just nodded, mouth twisting off to the side as she took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Lydia carefully monitored her friend for a moment, sitting up straight once more and looking at the clock. Noelle calmed herself quickly, now finding pieces that made more sense as to why he just left her. Of course he’d never just leave her. She was Noelle Slater. Someone had to have said something and that someone turned out to be Lyndi. “It’s very unfortunate...” Is all Noelle says, Lydia taking the moment to observe before speaking.

“But, now you have Kai, who is basically Tyler but an artist instead of an engineer. Who makes time for you, and who is also incredibly hot and will piss off your dad.” Lydia quickly wanted to change the subject, biting on her lip to stifle the giggle, not wanting to laugh before Noelle did. She gets a half chuckle, and takes it as a victory. 

“Did you, Lydia J Reagan, just call a poor boy hot?” Noelle teased, getting an eye roll in return.