She'll never say. They'll never know. Not Dallas, not Santo, not Lance or Lee. They're the best friends she'll ever have in the world, but everyone's allowed a secret and this is hers: she's somewhere, somewhat inlove with Julian Keller.
She never gets jealous when he calls Sofia beautiful. She's just Cess to him, mixed with headlocks and pokes in the ribs. His arm around her shoulder like she's one of the boys, shared, private jokes about mean things and nice things, and a certain level of confidence when handling secrets that he swears nobody else will ever know.
Santo's kidded her once or twice that it's hero worship in her eyes. But Julian was her first friend -- obnoxious and assuming that he was, rubbing everyone else the wrong way. And somehow, that sticks the way it's stuck with Victor as well. She figures if it's hero worship to feel safe when he's around, to know that he'll be there, watching her back -- always, always -- then that's okay.
They swipe the image inducer from the basement lab. They'll get in trouble for it later, sure, but Julian needs her help in picking out a gift and she can't draw undue attention if they're to walk the mall in peace. It's Sofia's birthday next week, and after the latest argument over the responsibilities (or irresponsibilities) in making decisions that should befit squad leaders (this week's exercise required both their teams to work as a unit), he needs something extra-special to get in her good graces again.
He's thinking a dress, she tells him he's loony. He suggests jewelry and she steers him away, saying he's dreaming wide awake if he thinks he can buy the gorgeous sapphire necklace set in silver. Eventually, he settles for a funny Hallmark card with two blue fish talking under the sea, and an intricate leather and bead bracelet as wide as a ruler.
He agrees the card's got humor and the bracelet's earthier and suits her more. Cess just thinks that if he stops moping then everything will be okay.
They're off the bus and slipping back onto the grounds at about five in the afternoon. And he swings his arm over her shoulder again, pressing what Lee calls a sniffy-kiss against her cheek. "Thanks bes'," he tells her, borrowing Lee's nickname for Tommy and Ellie. "You're the best."
prompt: 02. they'll never know, (Hellions, otherearth626 continuum on LJ); written for the 50 Prompts challenge, pairing/characters Cessily Kincaid & Julian Keller.
The original Lance Alvers (Avalanche) is a character featured in the animated series X-Men: Evolution. He is appropriated and modified for otherearth626 because hell -- IT'S LANCE, but we give credit where it is due. Since we also wanted to keep the original 616 Avalanche, the New Mutants member Rictor has been pulled from the 626 character roster, allowing Lance to become "Richter". This character is used without permission, no money made, just love provided for a character that deserved a second shot at things, really.
Thomas "Tommy" Jones (Alchemy) was originally created by comicbook fan Paul Betsow, and was the winning entry for a contest held by Marvel Comics for fan-created characters. He first appeared in X-Factor vol. 1 #41. He is appropriated and modified for otherearth626 because he was too cool a mutant not to use, credit given where it is due.
Lee Delgado is an original character created for otherearth626. Credit to Beautybedamned/Noelle Pico.
Ellie Ridley is an original character created for otherearth626. Credit to Sleepwalking Dreamer/Kam Martinez.