A/N: Not much to say. Just a college romance fic featuring most of the characters in one-way or another. Mostly Petunia centric but all main characters will have time in the spotlight.
To those whom this matters:
Main couple possibilities: Petunia/Handy, Petunia/?, Giggles/Cuddles, Giggles/Cro-Marnot, Splendid/Flaky/Flippy love triangle(Who will win?)
Hope you enjoy and any feedback is welcome- positive or negative.
Even Greater Expectations By: Amnesty
Petunia opened the door and entered the empty medium sized room with Giggles following close behind her. They eyed the beige room and excitedly, examined the twin sized bare beds on opposite sides of the room. Each bed had an end table to its side with a pamphlet reading Caniopi Dorm Guidelines with an emblem of a moose on the front. Each side also had matching dresser drawers, a small closet. Overall the room was found to be a bit run down but due to their adrenaline of a new chapter in their life the found it to be perfect.
"I claim this one," Giggles happily pronounced as she pulled her large roll away suitcase to the edge of the bed on the left. She fell back on the lumpy mattress and pulled off the large duffle bag she had swung over her shoulder.
Giggles was an attractive young woman with short, bright pink hair with her signature red bow hair clip that framed her heart shaped face making her lighter colored pink eyes pop. Her outfits typically consisted of knit tops and short flowing skirts and flats.
"I guess I'll be taking this one then," Petunia stated as she rolled her suitcase to the other empty bed.
Petunia was a bit more petite then her friend but just as attractive. Her hair was uniquely multi colored with white hair leading from her bangs and down a thick strip on top of her head and a deep indigo color on the bottom half. Her hairstyle was typically pulled back in a high messy bun with a petunia flower clip where her hair ties. Her clothing style typically leaned toward structured shorts and a trendy top. Oddly she almost always had a pine tree air freshener hanging around her neck.
"I can't believe we're finally at college," Giggles began. "We're so lucky we were both able to score this room together!"
"I know. I can't wait 'till classes start. I just wish we would have more classes together," Petunia pouted.
"We have English together at least. I heard the professor is incredibly cute too."
"Yeah, me too. I also heard he's incredibly nice but has a short fuse. Something about him being in the last war or something and it really messed him up."
"That's rough. Well," she said, changing the subject. "Are you ready to decorate our new room?"
"Indeed I am!"
The two girls began to open up their duffle bags and pull out multiple items that pertained to their personalities. Giggles pulled out mostly pink items, stuffed animals, heart shaped objects and other plush things and when she was finished her side of the room resembled more of an eight year old girl than eighteen starting college. Petunia color spread was mostly lavender, white and green. She had a few trendy decorations but her side of the room mostly focused on proper placement and neatness.
The two girls laid on their respected beds and talked about the big plans they had as freshmen at Caniopi College. After about an hour of chatting a soft knock came on their door. Giggles immediately popped up and answered. Waiting on the other side stood a woman of average build and intense long red hair. She wore a modest plaid yellow sundress that came to her knees. She cautiously eyed them with her lighter red eyes.
"Um, hello. I'm Flaky. It's nice to meet you," She offered shyly.
"Hi, I'm Giggles and that's Petunia," she motioned to where Petunia was now sitting on her bed. Petunia offered a 'hello' of her own. "Are you starting here too?"
"Yes… I mean, no. Actually, this is my last year. I'm a senior and Hall Leader of this dorm. I'm just introducing myself to all of the new students."
"Wow, a senior. What's your major?"
"Early Literature."
"Ah, I'm going into the medical field. I'm torn between respiratory therapy and anesthesiology," Giggles said.
"I'm going into business law," piped in Petunia.
"Well, it's nice to meet you both. If either of you need any help with anything just let me know, I'm two doors down. Oh, and tonight all the girls in this hall will be having a meet and greet. We'd like it if you'd come."
A current popular song began to chime from a smart phone on Giggles end table. Giggles excused herself momentarily from Flaky and grabbed her phone. When she saw who was on the other line she moaned and looked at Petunia.
"It's Cuddles," she groaned. "This is the eighth time he's called me today."
"Well, talk to him. You can't avoid him forever," replied Petunia.
"I'm sure I can find away. You'd think he'd pick up the hint."
"The two of you had been dating since elementary school. You broke up with him through a text message on the way here. I think you need to talk to him."
"But I don't want to. I can't. This is my fresh start. Starting new. Will you talk to him for me?"
"No!"
"Please, I'll do all your turn papers until we graduate."
"As tempting as that sounds, I'll pass. You know how he gets when he's upset. This is your problem."
"Petunia, I'm begging you."
"Oh fine," Petunia spat as she rushed forward and ripped the phone from Giggles hands and answered the phone. "Your 'fresh start' is very wussy by the way. Cuddles, it's me, Petunia," she answered as she headed out the door past Flaky. "Cuddles… Cuddles. Breath, I can't understand you."
After Petunia made her way into the commons to attempt to tie things up for Giggles and Cuddles Flaky turned a questioning gaze to Giggles.
"You broke up with him through a text message?"
"Ah, well… If you saw him you'd understand why I couldn't do it face to face."
"Is he scary," Flaky asked with worried eyes.
Giggles laughed and shook her head. "No, too cute. He's like a little bunny. But I didn't want to start college with a boyfriend. I've never dated anyone else and I want to test the seas a bit, you know?"
"I guess I understand. Oh, before I forget. We live in one of the older dorms and the pipes are giving out in the girl's restroom. Sometime later today the maintenance man will be coming in to take a look at them. Just a fore warning."
"Oh, okay."
Flaky pulled out her phone to check the time. "Listen, I have to go to the library for a bit. Do you mind passing that on to Petunia for me."
"Yeah, no problem."
"Thanks, it was nice meeting you," Flaky said as she waved goodbye and headed out.
"You too, bye."
Giggles sat down on her bed and began to idly flip through her textbooks for the semester. After about thirty minutes she decided to peek in to see how Petunia was handling the Cuddles situation. She poked her head out of their room and saw cuddles lying on couch, using the arm rest as a pillow.
"Uh huh… Uh huh. I understand, but once again the best thing you can do is let Giggles do what she thinks she needs to do. If she decides to come back to you, that's great but if not… Cuddles, let me finish. If not you just have to move on. That's all there is to it… I know you have some thinking to do… You'll be fine you just have to adjust… Okay… Okay… I love you too Cuddles, bye." Petunia hung up the phone and sighed. She turned as Giggles came closer and pointed an accusing finger, glaring. "You've just burned two hundred friend points on that one."
"He's taking it that badly."
"Half the call was him just crying!"
"Ugh, am I a horrible person?"
"Yeah, you're a horrible person. I still love you, but jeez you screwed that boy up."
"Breaking up is hard! I've never had to do it before," Giggles lamented, trying to defend herself.
"Yes, but a text message? Maybe if things were going bad but he spent the whole day before helping you pack and get ready."
"I know I know. I really don't want to think about this right now. I'll talk to him and try to clear things up later. I promise."
"I'm not talking to him again for you."
"I know. I wasn't going to make you."
"So, 'changing the subject'. What do you want to do until the dorm get together," Petunia asked.
"We should explore the campus a bit. We haven't been here since the campus visit and I want to see if I can find where the popular places around here are."
Petunia pulled herself from the couch. "Sounds good to me."
The two girls headed out into campus and walked around, seeing what was currently going on. They went by where their classes were going to be and also made their way to the cafeteria. Eventually they made their way to the courtyard where there were multiple booths lined up for people to sign up for multiple clubs.
"Will you sign up for anything," Petunia asked Giggles as she picked up a flyer listing all their clubs and browsed the options.
"I don't know, I wonder if they have any type of environmental club."
Petunia read down the list. "Yep, Caniopi Environmental Conservation Club. C.E.C.C."
"I'll probably check that out. I've always enjoyed doing things for the environment. Want to join with me?"
"Nah, last time I tried going to one of your environmental meetings they tried to get me to through away all my cleaning supplies."
"Yeah… That was funny. Do you see anything that you want to join?"
"I better. It will look good on my resume." Petunia looked over the list and though her eyes went straight to an art club she glided over it and found a club for future lawyers. "This one sounds… appropriate."
After signing up to their respected clubs the girls began to head over to where they saw a group of college kids playing a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Before they left the area where all the booths were located a particular redhead caught their eye. She was sitting at a small booth next to an older attractive man with green hair and lime green eyes wearing an army jacket.
"Hey Flaky," Giggles yelled as she drug Petunia closer.
Flaky smiled as they approached. "Hi Giggles, Petunia. Are you two interested in joining the Literature club?"
"No, we've already picked out other clubs. We just saw you and wanted to say hi," Petunia replied.
"Oh, well. It's nice to see you. How are you enjoying the campus? It's pretty crazy right now."
"We love it so far. After this we're going to try and get into the Frisbee game over there," Giggles said as she motioned to the ongoing game.
"That will be fun. I may not look it but I really enjoy playing sports. Oh! And this is Professor Flippy. He's the English and Literature teacher and sponsors our club as well."
"Nice to meet you ladies," he said with a kind smile. "I hope you enjoy your time here and make the most of it. And if you keep close to this young woman," he said as he motioned to Flaky. "You're sure to do well."
Flaky blushed and smiled in response. "Thank you."
"She seems great. I'm glad we're sharing a dorm with her," said Petunia.
Flippy thought for a moment. "Giggles and Petunia, I think I remember seeing both of your names on one of my class rosters.
"You're right. Both of us are taking your English class Mondays and Wednesdays at eight am."
"Ah, well I can't wait to have both of you in my class."
"Us too," Giggles agreed. "Well, we're going to head off. I'll see you later tonight Flaky." Giggles grabbed Petunia's arm and began to once again head to the game. Petunia waved goodbye as well.
They first joined a group of bystanders who were watching the game. The players were in the middle of a session so they couldn't join in quite yet. It didn't take long before a certain blue-headed boy caught their eyes. Giggles grabbed Petunia's arm in excitement.
"Is that who I think it is," Giggles squealed in delight.
"It is! I know that face anywhere. It's Splendid!"
"Oh my gosh! We're going to school with a movie star! Petunia! We're going to school with Splendid!"
Both started to laugh in delight and bounce up and down enthusiastically. "Oh my gosh! He's just as cute in real life," Petunia commented, elated.
As they watched another key player began to stand out. They didn't know who he was but he was decimating the field. He was tall and well built and had light brown hair.
"I wonder who he is," questioned Giggles. Petunia only shrugged in response.
After the round ended a few players called it quit and went to the sidelines. The player with the light brown hair approached the crowd, barely winded, unlike the other players.
"Would anyone like to fill in? We need four players."
A little less then half the crowd watching raised their hands. Most seemed satisfied just to watch. Both Giggles and Petunia raised their hands clasped together. Signifying that if they did play they would do so together.
"Okay," he looked around at the potential players. "We'll take you and… you," he said while pointing out two fit looking males. The two chosen to play fist pounded the air and ran behind the main Frisbee player. He scanned the crowd a bit longer before he reached Petunia and Giggles as they held their hands up high. He smiled, as he looked them over a bit. "And these two fine ladies."
The girls let out a loud cheer as they ran onto the field with the others. Before starting their team huddled together to form a strategy. It was obvious whoever this player was he was in charge as he laid out the game plan. "And before I forget my name is Cro-Marnot, call me Cro. I hope you all know who this person is."
"Splendid," Giggles yelled before coughing and continuing more softly. "His name is Splendid."
Splendid smiled and gave everyone a quick nod. "Nice to meet you everybody. And what are your lovely ladies names?"
"I'm Giggles, and this is-"
"Petunia," she said for herself.
"Well guys," Cro began as he held out a hand. "Are we ready to do this?"
Everyone placed a hand in and have a cheer at the count of three. Right after the team quickly took their positions and waited for the game to begin. After about thirty minutes of non-stop playing their team was well on its way to victory. Both Cro and Splendid was carrying most of the weight but Giggles and Petunia were holding their own fairly well. Their team finally won the last point, courtesy of Giggles, and the onlookers cheered for their victory. Cro ran up and threw Giggles over his shoulders and began to spin quickly, both laughing. He then placed her near Petunia whom gave her a quick hug.
"Great job Giggles," Petunia happily cheered.
"Hey, you guys did great," Splendid added. "Cro and I are about to get a post game snack. Wanna tag along?"
"That sounds great, right Giggles," Petunia said, turning to Giggles.
"I'd love to!"
The four headed toward the cafeteria and Petunia noticed while passing the club booths Splendid caught sight of Flaky and have her a cool smirk and a wave. Flaky awkwardly waved back while Professor Flippy rolled his eyes.
Once they reached the cafeteria they got their food and fought past the crowd that tried to get Splendid's attention shortly after finding a small table to sit down.
"Wow, does everyone clamoring over you like that ever get tiresome," Petunia asked after Splendid took a few moments to take a photo opt with a few fans.
"Ah, it's not too bad. After a while they'll get used to me running about and it won't be this crazy. I like the attention anyways."
"That's good then," Petunia said as she turned and watch Cro blow his straw in Giggles direction whom giggled flirtatiously before crumpling the straw paper and tossing it across the table.
The four were having a good time as they were discussing their majors and what they wanted to pursue in the future. Not long into the meal Petunia was torn away by a dripping feeling on her head. She curiously looked up and found that she was sitting underneath and air conditioning unit that was beginning to leak. Petunia leapt from her chair and began to breath rashly.
"Oh no," she cried in a panic.
"What's wrong Petunia," Giggles asked concerned.
"The air conditioner leaked water on my hair!"
"No biggy," Cro began. "We can move over so it won't happen again.
Petunia began to breath heavier and was on the verge of hyperventilating.
"Petunia, Sweetie, it's okay. Just breath," Giggles said as she stood by her friend. "Let's go to the bathroom and we can just spot it out."
Petunia violently shook her head. "No, they're all in my hair! I- I have to take a shower. I'm sorry," she hastily said as she began to back away. "I have to go." She then turned and quickly ran out of the cafateria with Giggles calling out behind her.
Petunia threw open the door to her dorm room and grabbed her bathroom set and quickly made her way to the bathrooms. She quickly tore off her clothes and turned on the water full blast, only the water barely trickled out.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," she lamented as she hopped out and went to the next shower stall only to find the same occurrence. "No water pressure. That's just great," she said sarcastically.
She decided that she would just have to make due and took the shower the best she could. It wasn't as gratifying as she was hopping it would be but she felt much cleaner. After patting herself dry she slid on a bra and panties and then turned on her ipod so she could listen to music while she finished getting dressed. She opened the curtain and began to walk over to where she left her clean pair of clothes but due to the loud volume from her ipod she didn't hear the cautionary warning that came from the outside door and as soon as she rounded the corner she almost crashed face first into a young orange haired man walking through the bathroom.
Her eyes widened in mortifying horror and shock and she couldn't stop herself from letting out a wall-shaking scream.