Disclaimer: The Gone series as well as the amazing characters accompanied with it rightful belong to Michael Grant. I, a mere fan, own nothing.

001.
An appalling state of affairs.

"I like Brianna," he told her in a matter-of-fact tone.

Dekka blinked, staring at the fear-inducing face of Drake Merwin. The very same Drake Merwin who had so much authority and created so much fear that he could easily pull a student out of a class without a word to the teacher, and of course, not one comment would come from said teacher.

It sometimes frightened Dekka, but she didn't dare show it. People like Drake probably basked in their ability to scare the crap out of people.

She sighed heavily. She wouldn't allow Drake Merwin of all people to scare her, even though he did a pretty good job of it as it is. "Look, I'm not Brianna in case that wasn't already obvious. Go drag her out of class and declare your adoration for her." And I'm pretty sure I liked her fist.

"You're friends with Brianna," he said, a hint of menace in his voice. "So, you'll make her like me. Or else."

Wow, people still use 'or else' in this day and age? Wow. "We're not the closest of friends, Drake," she replied with just an ounce more of menace.

He jabbed a finger in her shoulder. "Look, Dekka, stop acting all high-and-mighty with me. You don't know what I'm capable of. If you don't help me, things won't end well for you."

That's even lamer than 'or else'. What next? You'll swim with the fishes? "You know, I truly and dearly half-expected you have a gun to the head of a girl whom you like and threaten her that she'd better go out with you or her brains get blown out," she admitted. "This is pretty shocking for a psychopath such as yourself."

When Drake didn't reply, she nearly gasped aloud. Keyword: nearly.

"You..." she trailed. "You did that, didn't you?"

"Shut up," he said threateningly. "If you don't shut up, I swear I'll..." he didn't finish his threat, which sort of surprised Dekka. Drake Merwin always finished his threats. Even if they were lame.

God, the guy must be really desperate.

Dekka pinched the bridge of her nose. "Look, if I say yes will you leave me alone afterwards? Forever?"

"Yes," Drake agreed, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Great," Dekka deadpanned. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to head to class now."

"No, you're not."

"What?"

"You're helping me right now."

"What?"

He stared at her, smirking. This was possibly one of those very rare singular moments in Coates Academy history that Dekka, a.k.a Little Miss Impassiveness, had an outburst.

"Oh, wipe that smirk off your face, Merwin," she snarled. "You're the one asking me of all people to help you get a girl who'll probably never date you in a million years."

His smirk was replaced with a grimace. "You better not hope that, Dekka." He then grabbed her arm and dragged her towards the direction of what she figured his his dorm was situated. "If you know what's best for you."

Well, she thought tiredly as they marched off, too late, Merwin. I already do hope. And pray.

A/N:
And thus ends the first chapter. Please note that this fic is AU, as in Alternative Universe. This means that I'll be taking out the whole 'FAYZ' happening as well as their abilities, and of course, Dekka's sexuality is unknown to her peers here...ah, hope you guys don't mind.

Oh, and I hoped you enjoyed.

-L.D.