Author's Note: Sorry if the quotes aren't exact! And I'm sorry that most of the first chapter is a recap of the episode. :P But trust me, it'll get better. x)
This takes place during House of Cheats/House of Rumors.

This is the first Jerome/Mara story! :D

Chapter 1:

Fake "I Love You's"

"Alright, everyone," Mr. Winkler said, urging the students to stop talking and pick a partner. "Partner up."

Jerome walked lazily towards the closest person to him, rolling his eyes. This was probably just another pointless drama assignment...

His mood changed suddenly as he smirked at Mara knowingly when he passed her, folding his arms and standing next to her.

Mara rolled her eyes at him, shifting from foot-to-foot. What would Jerome do now that he knew her secret: that she had helped Mick cheat on a test? Whatever it was, she had a feeling she was about to find out.

"I love you," Mr. Winkler said, taking everyone by surprise. "See? It's not what you say, it's how you say it." Mr. Winkler cleared his throat and continued with his explanation. "Now, I want you to have a conversation with your partner using only those three words: I love you."

Mara's eyes widened after Mr. Winkler was done explaining the assignment, afraid to look at Jerome's expression.

Jerome smirked and chuckled, stepping in front of Mara so that his gaze was inevitable. She took a step back, so that his stare wasn't as penetrating and intimidating.

"Not so fast, Cinderella," he said with a smirk, unfolding a small piece of paper that he held in his hand. "Here's your small list of chores."

Mara's face fell as she reached out to take the list from Jerome. She knew that repaying Jerome for keeping her secret wasn't going to be the easiest thing she'd ever done.

"Well," he continued with a chuckle, "it's not so small now, is it?"

She sneered at him and snatched the list from his grasp.

"I love you!" Jerome said sweetly, smiling at her almost teasingly.

"I love you," Mara spat at Jerome, her voice full of malice and venom as she shoved the list in her pocket.

"Great job, Jerome, Mara," Mr. Winkler said as he passed them. "You can almost sense the hate."

After Mr. Winkler walked away, Jerome gave Mara one last "innocent" smile. Mara narrowed her eyes and smiled back sarcastically as they were released from their drama class.

Mara took a deep breath, her shoulders falling as she reached for her bag and left the drama room.

Jerome continued to smirk as he went back to his desk to gather his belongings, smiling at her retreating figure. Mara, Mara, Mara, he thought, shaking his head.

"You ready for Biology?" Alfie asked, walking next to Jerome as they exited the room.

"Is there ever really a right answer to that question?" he said with a sigh, walking towards his locker.