The laptop sat on the desk, silent save for the low hum of the cooling fan. The screen was mostly white, save for the black words at the document being stared at by the room’s lone occupant. That was one of the perks of being a star athlete. There was no sharing with anyone if you didn’t want to, and Jade Scott preferred her privacy.

She certainly preferred it this past week. It was impossible to ignore the energy that had been sucked out of the sorority in the last week or so with Lottie’s abrupt departure from the room across from her. She didn’t even say goodbye to anyone. By Monday evening she was gone, off to who knows where? Probably shacking up with that gravy-blooded skate licker. Good riddance, then. Joey deserved better anyway.

Of course, Jade didn’t know what state Joey was in either. They hadn’t really spoken since the incident happened. Jade didn’t want to push the attack on anything, especially since there was a slight possibility that she might be to blame for that fractured relationship. Instead, the Golden Girl focused on her studies. Since the university head honcho still hadn’t rescinded their bogus probation ruling, she figured she might as well actually try for some As while she was here. It’s why she was pouring over her notes from Kinesiology 303 with a bit more concentration than usual.

That is until there was a loud knocking on her door.

Did I remember to lock that before I came in here…

The answer to that question was no, as Joey freaking Hart herself confirmed that no, it was not locked. She burst into the room with a verve that had been missing from the building the entire week. “Jade!!” The pixie plunked herself on Jade’s relatively luxurious queen-sized bed. At least it was by general university standards. Certainly by the tiny twin that Jade slept on as a freshman. “We should go out clubbing tonight!”

Jade turned and raised a Spockian eyebrow. Where did Joey find all this energy all of a sudden? She glanced over at the clock that rested by her bed. Well, I guess it is a Friday. Makes sense that she would be finally letting herself indulge a bit. It’s nice to see her so active again. But clubbing…

As one of Meadow University’s elite athletes and a budding star on the verge of the USWNT, Miss Scott had to be careful when she went out and indulged. There had been a few careers derailed by some select photographs of starlets in various states of inebriation. It’s why Jade was more than happy to let herself go at the bash. No paparazzi. Or at least she thought until that video was shared to the masses. Still though, she liked those chances to let loose. Plus, this entire week sucked. Studying isn’t for this earlier in the term!

She leaned forward and folded her hands, resting her head on top of them. “Clubbing, you say? Well, I think I could be convinced to go out tonight. I mean, I do have practice tomorrow at one, but hell, that will give us more than enough time to do some things, right? Although… I think I’ll probably need to fuel up here before we go out…”

A hyperactive Joey cheered from where she laid on Jade’s bed, widely smiling at the girl. “Perfect!” Her voice cracked slightly, oozing positivity. Like the distraction prone pixie she was, Joey hopped off Jade’s bed and made an immediate beeline for her closet. “We should see what you have to wear,” she said, opening the small closet to see Jade’s selection of apparel. She quickly paused and turned around, glancing at Jade “I mean, we have to look hot, don’t we?” She winked at her, giggling.

As much as Jade recoiled at the thought of someone going through all her stuff, it was nice to see Joey acting more like herself again. Maybe that meant she was turning the corner on the whole Lottie situation. Granted, Jade would have expected it to take a little more than a few days if that was the case. It was hard to tell with Joey where her head was at sometimes.

Maybe that’s what made her so exciting. The inability to anticipate what was going to happen next.

Jade let the neon girl do her thing, but gave her a fair warning. “I haven’t been out shopping in a little bit so I don’t know just how on trend I’ll be, but you know looking hot won’t be a problem for a couple girls like us!”

Joey smiled, giving Jade a quick glance up and down. “Oh you know it, girl!” She grinned, humming thoughtfully. “You know what? Yes, I think this could work.”

She walked forward, grabbing Jade by the wrist. Despite Joey’s smaller frame, she was able to successfully grab a doubtless, temporarily noisy Jade as she tugged at the taller girl’s arm with her across the hall to her room. Immediately after, Joey rushed to her own closet. It was the same size as Jade's but outstandingly different in the variety of what joey had to choose from. She was always experimenting with styles and colors. Different leggings with tops that might reveal too much.

As she frantically tore the closet apart, a pile of clothes gathering on a section of the floor a few feet behind her, Joey was muttering to herself. On a dime, she stopped and turned around, seeing Jade just looking at her. “Do you think you’re more glossy or casual sexy? Or maybe full on Dirty Christina Aguilera?” She mused. Joey’s mind was usually all over the place, but even though it might appear she had gone crazy, fashion was extremely near and dear to her heart and, well, if they truly were going to go clubbing tonight, it was important to Joey that they do it right. It was 2019, after all. Nobody needed to apologize for being a little extra. “Or perhaps short skirts and low cut blouses?”

Jade did indeed object to the rough treatment she received as she was yanked out of her chair, and out of her room. But as she ventured into the formerly-shared room of Joey Hart, she couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer volume of options that were at her disposal for the evening ahead. It made sense, given Joey seemed to live and breathe fashion whereas Jade was more than happy to rock a track suit if the situation wasn’t any classier than homecoming. Joey’s options seemed limitless, whereas Jade would have been stuck with the same two choices: the black dress, or the kinda grey but still black dress.

Joey seemed to have some ideas anyway, and while Jade fondly remembered the music video in question, she doubted that she had the ability to truly embody Miss Aguilera’s all-out, fuck-you mentality when it came to the outfit in that video. “Probably more casual sexy. I don’t know if I can give everything away up front,” she finally answered. “But, if I’m being honest, it’s not like I really had to try to be sexy to attract people. Most people just figure I’m a famous athlete and all and they just try to come right up to me. Which, I mean, given almost all of the people who do that are males, it’s just funny.”

“Funny how?” Joey asked, curious. “I mean, did you have any boyfriends at all?”

Jade shook her head. “Nope. Never had a boyfriend,” she confirmed. “I was always super focused on soccer when I was a kid, so I wasn’t really dating. Even then, my dad would have scared most high-school boys off pretty quick. Then here… I don’t know. Not a lot of guys I’d be interested in. Besides, I learned pretty quickly the company I prefer.”

It was a little bit of a reckoning for herself, but it was true. Jade just didn’t see it happening. There were so many strong women in her life she could look up to, and they seemed very happy in the company of other women. It made sense. Besides, guys couldn’t do what Joey was doing right now. “What about that top?” she asked as she pointed to the red spaghetti-strapped garment still hanging in the closet.

An audible “a-ha” noise left Joey’s lips, redirecting her attention on the closet and the top that Jade suggested. She quickly grabbed the hanger and ran over to Jade, pressing it against the girl’s body to see how it looked. “Yes that’s perfect!” Joey nodded, approving of Jade’s choice in tops. “Low cut enough but not too much. It’ll compliment your natural caramel tone!”

Already the Pixie’s mind began churning ideas for a skirt. She didn’t know if Jade was the type of gal to wear skirts at clubs, but with her legs, it would be a crime to not showcase them. “And for the bottoms...” She handed Jade the red top to hold as she sprinted back to her closet, sliding over a third of the hangers over until she grabbed a clipped hanger with a black, leather skirt.

As she stopped in front of Jade, she smiled, leaning down on her knees and placing it firmly at Jade’s waist, somewhat smirking as the bottom of the leather skirt ended about an inch past her mid-thigh.. “This is too hot not to wear. And with how great your hair will be after I’m done with it, you’re going to be a stunner, Jade!”

Jade looked at the skirt that her sorority sister selected and one, was stunned that Joey would have something like this in her arsenal, and two, thought it was a brilliant choice. There was no doubt that the skirt was made to show off her best feature, which was her legs. Years of training had made them finely sculpted pieces of art, although she never bothered to put them on display quite like this before. But it would work, right? Joey was a trendsetter, the style guru. She had to know this was the right choice.

She took the chosen clothes in hand but did a double take when Joey mentioned the next step. “Hair? What do you want to do to my hair?”

Joey stared up at Jade for a few seconds, smiling. “Oh, nothing big!” She promised, standing up. Jade was a few inches taller than her. She ran her hands through Jade’s silky hair. “Just going to give it a proper wash, spray it, dry it, and style it.” She immediately saw how wary Jade was and again tried to assure her. “Relax, Jadey! Remember, this is my specialty.” She lifted herself up to her tippy toes to give Jade a quick kiss on the cheek. “Leave it to me and I’ll make damn sure we’re smokin’ hot from head to heel!”

It was hard not to trust Joey in this instance. Again, she was well tuned into the modern looks, something Jade didn’t bother with at all. Plus… it was hard not to think it was cute the way she was fawning over her. Just the lift of the toes to run her fingers through Jade’s hair. The little peck on the cheek. That confidence that she only saw fall for that brief moment in time by the lake. It was endearing to be sure. What was Lottie thinking?

Jade flashed that megawatt smile of hers and nodded. “OK. I trust you 100 percent, JoJo. Let’s get ready for the club!”

Whenever she heard anyone call her JoJo, it obviously opened up a fresh wound. Lottie always called Joey her amazing JoJo as though she was an enigmatic act about to wow and astonish a crowd. And, of course, she knew it because Joey herself was always so lively and full of contagious energy. But what clicked in her mind was a moment of sadness, a moment of loneliness that was too fresh for her own liking, but she shut that out. She hurt when called that name but Jade wouldn’t see it. Even if she had to bury it as deep as the Grand Canyon, she would and put on a smile.

At least, once she found something else--or someone else-- to focus on, she knew it wouldn’t be difficult. “Yeah. There’s a lot of work to do for the both of us!”

The first week of classes had gone just as Ramona knew they would. From receiving six different syllabuses across all of her classes, all the way down to trying to figure out new ways to reintroduce herself to a classroom full of familiar faces, Mona had surely grown used to "Syllabus Week" by now. It was nothing new or out of the ordinary. And all throughout this week, Ramona had made sure to keep her signature grin plastered across her face whenever she stepped foot outside of her bedroom, whether it was while striking up conversation with a Sophomore in one of her elective courses or jogging around campus and greeting those who strolled past.

No one would've ever guessed that Mona had been feeling a little more down than usual, ever since the evening following the Great Bash. And of course, she had yet to tell a soul about what was bothering her. Not even Junie, who'd been her closest friend since they were in diapers, knew about it. Even Mona's roommate, who'd been too preoccupied with her work to notice the sudden massive pile of empty ice cream pints and wine coolers in their trash can, hadn't caught on.

It was a mutual decision, she and Leon's breakup. And although the two promised to remain good friends with each other despite no longer being in a romantic relationship, Ramona still couldn't help but feel a bit empty after handing off a bag of things he'd left in her possession... Hence, why she'd been unsuccessfully attempting to fill this emptiness with Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie. In fact, Mona had been spending almost every single day after classes sitting in the exact same spot in her bed, a spoonful of ice cream in one hand and a blunt in the other. She'd laugh to herself while watching old episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and wondering what her friends and family would say or think if she emerged out of her funk ten pounds heavier.

Mona had planned to repeat this same routine on that Friday night until she saw a post on Instagram that caused her to change her mind. Apparently, one of her favorite bars was having an open mic night, and she figured, what better way to lift her spirits than to get all dressed up and go check out the local talent? Well... the prospect of finally being able to drink something a little stronger than Mike's Hard Lemonade also played a pretty big role.

So after finishing off one of her pre-rolled cones and spending about an hour getting herself dolled up, Mona called up the nearest Uber driver and made her way downtown. It was after she began typing out a text to Junie that she remembered her saying something about having a date that night and tucked her phone back into her purse, deciding to wait until the next day to ask her for the details. And when Mona had finally been dropped off in front of Nectar’s, she took a brief moment to readjust her dress before letting out a deep breath strolling inside.

Ramona made a beeline for the bar, not really bothering to search for any familiar faces for the time being. Instead, she waved over the bartender and asked for whiskey on the rocks. And after draining the entire glass in less than a minute, signaled him over again. "Another one, please."

As Nate made his way through the courtyard, he spent some of the time looking down at his phone, sending Millie a few text messages to go ahead and meet him in the parking lot. A few minutes before that, he had ordered a Lyft driver who Nate saw had rave reviews.

In ordinary situations where Nate went into town, he would take the bus or hitch a ride with a friend, but given that tonight wasn’t an ordinary night and Nate wasn’t dressed like he normally would, an out of character decision had to be made. Thankfully, he had a near-perfect credit score, so tonight was going to be one to remember. That and his first Lyft ride of the year was free, so that was the cherry on top of what he had hoped would be a cake-worthy night.

He had soon arrived at the north of the parking lot and it was practically a ghost town. His first thought was how many of his classmates were in town already and just how late was it. He checked his phone. “Barely even 30 after,” he mumbled. As he waited, Nate heard something of a whistle from behind him, catching his curiosity by the ear. As he slowly turned, his jaw nearly dropped when his eyes slowly followed black heels and a tight dress until the familiar round face came into full view.

“Oh wow,” came his response. His gaze lingered for a couple of long moments. “I had no idea you owned something like that,” Nate said. Millie had always been so conservative ever since he met her. She was gorgeous, obviously, but Nate never saw as the type to flaunt herself like that. It was shocking to the least. “I mean, you look great!” Nate finally arrived at what he wanted to say but had struggled to find the words.

"You mean that?" Millie Jean asked nervously, fiddling with the ribbed off-shoulder dress. She had bought the dress months ago online at midnight when she was a bit lonely and couldn't sleep. Instead of saying all that, Millie bashfully toed the ground with her heel and said, "It was an impulse buy…"

Wearing heels wasn't something Millie was intimately acquainted with, but she wore them enough for special occasions that she didn't wobble as she walked towards Nate. Still, Millie Jean stepped daintily to prevent any twisted ankles or missteps.

Part of her wanted to turn around and change into a nice pair of jeans and blouse, feeling particularly insecure in the dress that she kept adjusting nervously. It was a weird decision on her part, to wear the dress and heels, and mostly stemmed from lingering irritation and self-consciousness from her altercation with Cassian Lee. Millie Jean blames her nervous stuttering and Cassian Lee's intimidating figure. So, to make herself feel like less of an ant in an anteater world, Millie Jean dressed up. Fake it till you make it, right?

"Have you already called the lyft?" Millie asks, pulling on the hem of her dress as if it would magically lengthen beyond her thighs.

“Oh definitely, Mills! You always look great but right now you’re a stunner!” Nate gave her a smile and checked his phone. “Also yep, the Lyft should be here soon. At least it should be if they didn’t take the route through main street. Given the week we’ve all had and, well, that it’s Main Street, the busiest portion of Meadow View, it would be wise to take some of the back roads--” Nate knew he was rambling, so he cut himself off. “Anyway…” He scratched the back of his head. “Tonight’s gonna definitely be a good time, alcohol absolutely required!”

Millie smiled at Nate. He really was her best friend and she couldn't help but notice he cleaned up pretty nice too. Millie Jean doesn't think she's ever seen that shirt before. "You look great, too, Nate. Tonight should be fun!"

There was a pause while they waited for the lyft and Millie didn't quite know what to say. She wasn't too pressed about filling the silence, it was Nate, one of her closest friends, but she was getting restless. And, well, she had been avoiding talking about it, feeling in parts guilt and awkward. Now might be the best time to bring it up, though…

"Hey, Nate." Millie's voice came out a bit more nervous than she expected it too. "Um, well, about the text...I'm really sorry about that. No one else has given you trouble for it, right? 'Cause I'll k-kick th-the-their ass if th-they do." Millie pinched her arm sharply to calm herself and stop her stuttering. "I– yeah. That's all I wanted to say."

He shrugged. “It’s my own fault. I should have just told Jasper in person. People could tease or whatever, it doesn’t bother me that much. But really, it’s fine!” He offered her a smile, hoping that would be enough to ease her soul. “I appreciate it, though!” He gently bumped Millie’s shoulder, giving her a chuckling grin.

Moments later, a maroon Ford Focus pulled into the parking lot and stopped in front of them. “And our carriage has arrived!” Nate proclaimed, stepping to the side, both arms pointing to the red car, head bowed, showing exactly how big of a goofball he could be in situations where it wasn’t appropriate.

Millie Jean smiled in relief and giggled at his antics, "And they say chivalry is dead."

“Guess that makes me the White Knight,” he joked, laughing.

She climbed into the car, smoothing her dress to avoid a peep show. The driver checked to make sure they were the right customers and Millie Jean stuttered out a confirmation that they were, indeed, the Nate party. She got on the right side and Nate was fine with the left since there was a high chance his side of the car would face out when they arrived.

As Nate heard the affirming clicking sound, he adjusted his position in his seat. He found it a little difficult getting comfortable because every time he would do a half jump, his head kept hitting the roof. “This car is not tall person-friendly,” he whined, muttering somewhat quietly to himself, though he heard a slight chuckle from the driver. Choosing to ignore him, Nate glanced over at Millie Jean, who seemed to have no problem finding a position that didn’t cause immense discomfort . “No fair!” He exclaimed, giving her a pout. “How can you wear something so skin-tight and not have any trouble getting comfortable?” He asked her.

Millie Jean gave a cheeky smile to Nate and smoothed her dress down when it started to rise slightly up her thighs. “Maybe because I’m not built like the Empire State Building, gigantor. Is your head okay?” Millie Jean reached out to smooth down his hair, frazzled from banging against the ceiling of the car.

Like a mother hen, her hand went from his hair to picking at lint on his shirt. It was in part a distraction from the way her dress clung to her, unaccustomed to the tight fit, and also to give her idle hands something to do. She picked at lint and smoothed wrinkles, all the while wondering over the softness of his shirt. “I can’t believe you’ve never worn this shirt before. It’s so soft.”

Nate immediately blushed when Millie started to clean off his shirt, her fingers picking at each individual pieces of lint and straightening out his shirt. If he didn’t know any better, he could’ve sworn his Aunt Ethel was doing it. “Yeah, it’s not usually my style. I prefer my anime and fandom shirt galore to this sort of style, but Mandy told me to pick my nicest shirt.” He scratched the side of his head closest to the window, half-smiling and anxiously chuckling.

Millie’s hand stilled as a guilty flush overcame her. She didn’t want Nate to feel insecure about his usual clothing style and she could see how her comments might make him feel that way. “I didn’t mean — I just mean — well, you look good no matter what you wear.”

These two really were both peas of the same pod, because, as the air grew thick with guilt, Nate was doing his usual thing of laughing into an apology. “No, I know you didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry if I made you feel like I did, Mills.” His voice was tender and sincere. “Truth is, I don’t always get the chance to dress like this and, well I guess just hearing you compliment me was a little vindicating.” His hand was on her shoulder and he softly smiled at her. “I mean, you know that I don’t usually get called hot or even ‘hey that’s a cute guy’. It’s why I’m a total wreck most of the time.” And why I smoke more than I should but she doesn’t need to know that.

“That’s nonsense.” Millie replied, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Even if they don’t say it, they’re thinking it. You’re attractive and that’s a fact.”

“I’m glad someone thinks so.” He appreciated her compliment, but at the same time, he didn’t agree. Truth was, Nate never saw himself as an attractive guy. He knew he was pretty average and it’s been years since he’s accepted that, but that didn’t diminish the feeling he always felt in his gut he got whenever someone complimented him. It didn’t matter if it was Mandy, Jasper, or Millie Jean, of all people, that twisting, almost-butterflies-in-your-stomach-like-feeling always returned. “I just never saw myself in that way.” He chuckled slowly into silence, finding an unexplained draw to Millie’s comforting gaze, resulting in a small curve of a smile to form on his face.

Millie Jean doesn’t know who initiated it first, all she knows is Nate’s soft lips on hers. Millie Jean hasn’t been kissed in a very long time, not since high school, and it caused butterflies to burst in her stomach.

The kiss also made something very, very apparent. Millie Jean drew away almost immediately, her face pinched and lips twisted. “Uh,” Millie Jean said intelligently. “That was…”

Something.

Bad. Not because of the kiss itself, the kiss was actually nice and if this had been any other situation Millie might have even commented on his technique. No, it has become apparent that she has almost zero feelings for Nate whatsoever and their kiss was akin to kissing a brother. Millie Jean coughed into her hand at the thought and pointedly looked away. She thinks she sees the lyft driver smirking in the rearview mirror.

Everything happened so fast that neither Millie nor Nate had time to really react. When she looked away, the echoes of her coughs going in one ear and out the other, Nate stared blankly at her, eyes repeatedly opening and closing, thoughts frozen as he tried to process what just happened. Did she like him? No, I don’t think… But then again, Nate had always been wrong about this sort of thing before. He didn’t think Mandy had feelings for him and they dated for almost a year until his move to Vermont forced them to break up. And even Jasper, in a weird way, could like him. Jury’s still out on that one.

But Millie...No, she never once told me she liked me. And the way she’s looking away.

“Mills, that was--” FInd your words, Nathaniel. Goddamn it, she’s like a sister to you. Talk to her, you idiot! “--Look at you going for your shots. You’re just full of surprises, Millie Jean!” Nate laughed, grinning at her. “I mean hell, you went in and it was a pretty good kiss, too!” Yeah, not like Nate had a lot of experience.

At first Millie wanted to climb into a hole and die out of embarrassment. She still does, in a way, but really the absurdity of what happened dawned on her. She kissed Nate, of all people. If anything, Millie will chalk it up to a momentary curiosity. Millie smiled and, then, started to laugh.

"You know what they say, shoot your shot." And then, in hopes she could make it clear there was nothing there, she added, "Even if it turns out you put the basketball in the wrong hoop. Or something. I'm not really sure how basketball works, if I'm being honest."

“You know more than I do.”

Nate let his laugh fade into a half-chuckle and he looked at Millie. There was definitely an awkward air that filled the backseat of the car. Nate didn’t know what to say next. He wasn’t sure if silence was the best course of action or if she wanted him to say something. As he thought about it some more, time escaped him and the Lyft driver stopped.

“We’re here!” He announced, looking back at the two.

Nate let his eyes fall at the Nectar Bar and Restaurant building. It was nice as far as bars went and he could tell tonight was a popular night for the business as groups of people were already making their way into it.

After a few moments of absentmindedly gazing upon the groups, Nate felt a sensation emanating from their Lyft driver. It took him an additional moment and he immediately unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car. He rounded around the back of the car and opened Millie’s door, smiling at her as she got out. This was the least he could do to make up for not speaking up when he should’ve. At least, he was hoping this could be the start of things going back to normal.

Millie Jean was careful exiting the car, hands tightly fisting her dress to keep it from rising up. "Thanks, dude." She grinned, emphasizing 'dude' to cover up her awkwardness.

While getting out of the car, she jostled his shoulder with hers playfully in hopes he would understand there were no hard feelings — after all, it was an impulsive situation with no real meaning behind it. She was careful not to linger with physical contact, though, lest he get the wrong idea.

"Let's do this?" Millie said, shaking her limbs to hype herself up. This is the first time she's gone out dressed as such, it's only reasonable she feels nervous.

Nate nodded and shot her his usual cheerful grin. And next thing either of them knew it, they were inside Nectar’s growing crowd. Nate couldn’t help but notice how most of the tables close to the stage had already been claimed, which was perfectly acceptable. Truth be told, he wasn’t keen on the idea of sitting too close to the stage. He wanted to enjoy the show without having to be entertained to deaf. So when he spotted an unclaimed table right dead center in the middle, he knew that would be their spot. And another thing that make it deal was how close it was to the bar.

“Yeah, this’ll work!”

As they were seated, an attractive waitress with brown hair and hazel eyes came by their table and smiled at both of them. “Can I get you two anything?”

Nate nodded. “Yeah, a round of some apps would be great.” Nate had been to Nectar’s before so he already knew what he was going to order for him, Millie, and Dee. “Some chips and salsa. Oh and some chicken wings, too!” Nate hummed for a minute. “And make sure there’s enough for three people. A friend is going to be joining us soon.”

The waitress laughed. “Chips with salsa and wings it is.” She jotted it down on her notepad. “And what about to drink?”

“Just a pitcher of beer will do!”

As the cute waitress left, Nate settled into his seat and sent a text to dee. “Middle table. Can’t miss us. I’m wearing my nice shirt and Millie’s looking hella fine tonight!”

“I have no earthly idea what just happened there.”

And boy was he trying to figure it out or what? Processing the entire scene from Edgar being uncharacteristically vague in notifying him who was on their way to Gamer Girl and Chappy the Rabbit pretty much taking over what he assumed was going to be a semi-gentle back and forth between him and his friends. It didn’t even dawn on him that it would lead to his sister being invited along for the ride. it wasn’t like he had any problems with tha, but Theo just wasn’t exactly prepared for it.

And it showed.

By now, Theo had found a pair of gray shorts to put on so he was at least halfway decent for Connor’s sake. He knew that the blond probably didn’t want to see the implication of Theo’s southern shadow, or at least, he didn’t want to run the risk of mortifying Shiloh again with his above-average body. So he opted to minimally clothe himself.

“I’ll tell you this, Con,” Theo started, walking over to his closet, picking out a pink buttoned-up shirt and a pair of dark slacks. “When I texted you guys, I wasn’t expecting my sister to be home.” He slipped off the shorts and put the jeans on. As he was halfway with putting the shirt on, he continued, “She had flown the coop after the bash for some pageant thing in Madrid.” Theo walked over to his dresser and grabbed a brown leather belt and a wristwatch. “And now that she’s back and Bas is out, I’mma have to babysit her ass.” Theo knew he was venting and he felt guilty for all of three seconds. “But I guess I do owe her. I kind of ditched her at the bash, didn’t I?”

It didn’t occur to him until his eyes met Connor’s that he had been venting his mild frustrations for a solid three minutes straight and a slow laugh escaped through his lips and he smiled. “Sorry. I guess the suddenness of it all still hasn’t clicked,” he admitted, fitting the belt through the loops on his pants.

“It’s alright.” The blond replied nonchalantly. He didn’t mind it at all, in fact, he liked to listen to rants and people’s trouble in general. It was oddly relaxing seeing someone pour out their hearts to him. “Ah, jetlagged huh? Maybe that’s why she looked off.”

Connor had idly sauntered over to a free laptop on Theo’s desk and mindlessly scrolled through a few Instagram posts. Selfies, food photos, group shots, nothing new from university students. He usually sifted through Instagram more to see if anything popped up rather than for fun or pleasure.

“That said, why so mean to your sister, eh?” He continued abruptly as he got up and stretched.

“One of the few benefits of being the oldest,” he admitted proudly, cocking a sly smirk.

“If I was you I’d spoil her, she’s cute as a button.”

“She’s already spoiled. Anymore and it’ll go straight to her watermelon-sized head.” A laugh left his lips, though part of his mind remained curious about Connor’s comment and why he decided to specifically say that.

Connor let out a laugh at his reply. “Well, someone’s gotta lookout for the younger siblings.” The ginger offered nothing but a questionable glance towards his friend as his reply.“Ah, you know Anderson, my programming professor?” He changed the subject as his mind snapped back to his professor’s words. “Said some interesting things about the, ahem, Bash.”

“What’cha mean?” Theo asked, grateful for the swift change in subjects.

“Get this, Anderson thinks it was someone from our year that spilled the beans on the Bash.” Connor gesticulated as he spoke. “No freakin’ way, right?”

“One of us? Impossible!” Theo immediately tossed out believing that ridiculous idea, but then again. “I think Anderson’s been relying too heavily on those whiskey sours. Clearly he’s talking nonsense.” Or maybe Theo was too close-minded. Either way, even considering this had a lot of implications - such as a traitor passing as one of their own. Just thinking about it was filling him with red.

“Said the same thing, but after thinking about it, it very well could happen.” Connor replied. “Our years has been in some nasty stuff these past few years.”

“How well do we really know them?” He said. “But that’s just delving into conspiracy theory bullshit.”

It wasn’t like Theo was trying to dismiss Connor’s theory. If it was a fact, then the implication that would set, that someone from their year leaked the bash, Theo would make use of his ability to throw a punch. If it was actually someone who he shared a class with or might’ve seen at a party or even in the courtyard, a friendly wave wasn’t going to come their way but rather a closed fist aimed for their jaw. But then again, this was all a matter of what he said. There was no proof - just the drunken ramblings of an above average professor that Connor was close with.

Connor frowned, he recognized that face; the ‘punch first ask questions later’ face. ”On the off-chance that it does happen, diplomacy first, T.”

“I’m not sure if it holds any weight yet, but--” Theo smiled at Connor, walking up to him and patting his friend’s shoulder. “--it’s certainly a different angle than anyone I know has considered. For now, though, I’m more worried about keeping Mads out of trouble.” His face filled up with a weary energy he always had whenever he had to look after her.

”Such big bro energy, I like it.” Connor let out a big grin, teasing Theo. He tried his best to stifle a chuckle. ”Well, alright, but you know me. When I get a hint of something like this, I sure as hell will chase it.”

”Enough of that though.” He wore a slight look of concern on his face, Theo’s week must’ve been hell after the news broke out. ”How are you holding up this start of the sem?”

“You mean aside from bitch-ass professors living up to their rep?” He chuckled and then shrugged. “It’s no worse or better than the last two years have been. They’re just doing their job, so I won’t be the problem student by making their lives difficult regardless of recent events.”

”More on the student side of things.” Connor said.
”I noticed you pretty much wiped your social media presence, which, to be honest, is pretty smart.”

Theo grabbed his phone from his bed and pocketed it inside his left jean pocket. “If you were getting as many notifications as I was, you’d deactivate everything too.” When he was near his nightstand, Theo grabbed his keys, too. “The break has been nice but boredom might demand I reactivate soon.” The weakness was real.

”If I was as popular as you, heh, probably.” Connor patted his jeans to check if he still had his essentials; keys, wallet, phone. ”Well if nothing’s new, let’s call the girls and go.”

“Yeah.”

Theo found it wasn’t long after he and Connor had finally left his room and gathered their better halves that they had been waiting for them, which either spoke to how annoyed they were or how much more their patience increased. He could stand there and entertain the idea they were probably gossiping about him and Connor, but he quickly arrived at the conclusion it would result in more headaches than he’d care to have, so that notion was dropped in favor of leaving for Nectar.

In contrast to his usual style and because the backseat of his truck wasn’t equipped for Shiloh and Maddie’s big personalities - if it could barely fit mine, no way it could handle two thirds of triplets and Gamer Girl. So they took the white SUV that was regularly used by Edgar. Seeing as how he had the house to himself, Theo knew the older man would probably listen to some classical music or have a glass of scotch.

As they arrived at Nectar’s, the sight of the crowd lingering around the entrance made Theo visibly grimaced but he sucked it up, lest he get a few comments from the peanut gallery. Time played a factor and eventually they were inside.

Nectar had always been a popular spot. With cheap drinks, cheaper food, and a decent karaoke set, it was the ideal location for a relaxing night out with the squad.

Or for Theo, a relaxing night out to be a babysitter.

Gotta stop doing that to yourself. At least pretend you’re going to have a good time.

“Go find us a table. I’ll grab a pitcher,” Theo told the group, parting ways with them for a few minutes.

He had to struggle his way through the crowd of his rowdy third years that centered around the bar, but eventually with a little luck and having the superior strength, Theo managed to force his way to it. He let out a relieved breath and smiled at the bartender. She was a few years older than he was and radiated with a weary, exhausted expression like someone who didn’t care for whatever one-liner Theo might’ve had brewing, like she heard them all and just wanted to know what he wanted.

That was Ivanka for you. She never took any shit and Theo admired her for that.

“The usual, Ivy. A pitcher of tap and four tall glasses”

She knew Theo well and knew that whenever he arrived, his band of troublemakers weren’t far behind. “Four? So you’ve recruited yet another fool?” She was guessing, making small talk as the sound of beer started to hit the empty pitcher.

Wrong,” he stated as a matter-of-factly, “Maddie is with us. So I’m babysitting.” His tone was anything but enthusiastic.

Ivy curled up a smile. “Seems like all three Bonfamilles are here. What a treat for us.” Her tone was flat and she handed Theo the pitcher and glasses. “That’ll be $8.33.”

He whipped out his debit card. “Just keep this and charge it whenever we come up for more. I’m sure we’re going to be seeing more of each other tonight.”

Both looked at each other as they were equally as unexcited for that.

Either way, Theo returned to the table, spotting the three close to the karaoke set and he set the pitcher down, spreading the four glasses out near where they had sat. As the one who paid for it, Theo did the decent act of pouring them each a tall glass. “Here’s to, uh, I guess having a good time?” Theo raised his glass, clanking it with the others’. He was never the one who did the best toasts. Bastien was always the elegant one. “Yeah, I don’t know.” Theo shrugged and took a sip of the foamy beer. At least something good was near his mouth.

Not more than five minutes after the sizzling hot apps arrived did Nate spot Dee approach their table. At first, he smiled big, waving over to her. It would be difficult for her to spot him since Nate had the benefit of long, lanky arms. That paired with a recognizable forehead and a hairline unique to him and him alone, allowed Dee to follow his gesture.

And, the second Dee had stepped to the side, a smile beaming with confidence and relief soon withdrew itself somewhat into a tight unease smile, yet not as trembling as one might expect. He was on a euphoric high, though granted the awkwardness of the kiss with Millie Jean left a lot to be desired for. Still, nothing could have prepared him for seeing Jasper. It was a surprise and Nate was still trying to figure out if he liked not knowing or if he wished Dee gave him a heads up.

Yeah, she probably didn’t tell me so she could see the look on both of our faces.

Whichever was the case, it’s not like the wound of the video was fresh and Nate promised Mandy that he wouldn’t think about it anymore. He promised her that, despite everything, he’ll have fun tonight.

Yeah, easier said than done.

After the waitress took Jasper’s order, Nate waved at Jasper. “You two look nice.” NIce? No, they look hot. But, of course, there was no way Nate could say that right off the bat, right? Right? “Did you guys find the way here alright?” Nate asked, mentally kicking himself in the groin. “I mean, obviously you did cause you’re here and not stranded somewhere in town.” His nervous laughter awkwardly transitioned into him focusing on the chips and salsa, snacking on a few of them in hopes that what just happened might fade off like a bad dream.