Title: When Everything Falls Apart [1/?]
Author: alakewood
Warnings: General spoilers for Season One. AU.
Rating: PG
Word Count: 500+
Summary: Junior year just started and nothing was going how it was supposed to. But change might not be a bad thing.
Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing.

oxoxo

The first day of junior year didn't quite begin how Tim Riggins had pictured it. Of course, nothing in the past year had gone according to plan, so why should this day be any different?

It was strange to not have Jason beside him. Strange to have Lyla take one glance at him and rush off in the opposite direction. Strange to see Tyra roll her eyes at him and look away instead of giving him that coy half-smile he was used to seeing on her face.

Nothing was how it was supposed to be.

The only thing going right, it seemed, was practice and the team and that was enough. It would have to be enough.

Smash and Saracen were standing beside Matt's locker and he nodded a 'hello' in their direction as he headed towards them. A group of girls blocked the hallway, but parted like the Red Sea before Moses as they recognized him.

"Hi, Tim."

"Hey, Tim."

"Riggins. Hey."

Some stared, eyed him like he was the most glorious thing they'd seen; others were more ambitious, offering favors or just themselves. His rally girl was among the group. "Tim!" she called, just as he made his way past the throng of girls. "Do you think you can get me a copy of your schedule, or a list or something?"

"Uh, yeah. Sure thing…" He trailed off, unsure of her name.

"Amber."

"Sure thing, Amber." He started backing away, holding her gaze – she was pretty cute. He backed right into another student.

"Excuse me," she said, taking a step in reverse.

"Sorry. I didn't see you there."

"Obviously."

"Sorry."

"You already said that." She sighed, shoving her overgrown bangs away from her face. "Can you tell me where the guidance office is?"

He gave her a once-over, taking in the baggy sweatpants and an A&M sweatshirt. "Uh, yeah. It's down the hall, on the right. There's a, uh," he made a vague gesture with his hands, "sign, above the door."

"Thanks."

"Again, I'm sorry."

She just waved a hand dismissively as she turned around and started in the direction he'd pointed her.

Tim shared a glance with Smash and Saracen. Eyebrows raised, Smash nodded in the direction of the girl. "Uh, hey!" A light jog had him at her side in only a few moments. "You're new, right?"

An eyebrow raised, she cast him a sidelong glance. "Have you seen me around here before?"

"No?"

"Well, there you go."

He stopped, grabbing her arm. "Hey. Did I do something to offend you?"

She fixed her sleeve, biting at her lip as she looked away from him. "Look, I'm gonna be late meeting the counselor…"

"What are you doing Friday night?"

Another pointed look. "I don't know you."

"Tim Riggins."

"That's nice. I'm gonna be late." She turned to leave.

Not used to being rejected, he continued his pursuit. "What's your name?"

She paused. "Dylan."

Tim rolled his eyes. "Seriously."

"Seriously. Dylan."

"I'll see you around?"

Another dismissive wave, then she disappeared into the crowd of students in the hallway. Tim stared after her and smiled to himself.

Maybe change wasn't so bad.