Jane squared her shoulders, and plastered her welcoming smile, the one that made her look like a model, or an actress, or both. They had no chance. They would succumb. No one ever resisted Jane.
Darcy knew they wouldn't pay any attention to her, which had some advantages; she often tried to convince Jane to try pickpocketing, just for the laugh, since she was convinced no one would notice anything as long as Jane was talking and smiling. Jane countered with something about ethics and rules. Party pooper.
Anyway, being sure she could observe without being caught, she took her time in taking in everything she could about the strangers.
First of all, she couldn't guess which ones of them were related, since they didn't look the same at all. The first she noticed was a tall blond man, whose shoulders were so wide Darcy wondered if he would be able to pass through the doors. His hair was mid long, reaching his shin and he had this aura of, of superiousness, of arrogance around him. Like he knew he was physically perfect down to his sky blue eyes, that he was probably stronger than anyone else in the school, and a very good athlete by the look of it, and was expecting everyone to worship him for it. But all in all, he didn't look like the brightest bulb around. Darcy felt she could finally use all her blond jokes with this guy around...
Beside Dumb Blond was another tall guy, with red hair and a beard. Well, as much of a beard that a seventeen years old boy could muster. But it was still impressing. He had a gentler face than Blondy, more open and caring. And judging by his belly, he was one to enjoy food. Darcy felt she could relate with that guy. Jane was always focused on keeping a healthy weight, so having food trip with her was impossible. But that guy looked like he could handle a ribs'n'fried chicken marathon. Darcy had been craving for it.
Next to Possible Eating Buddy, stood an Asian looking dude. He had one hell of a poker face, because Darcy couldn't guess anything about him. Except the fact he was probably not one to annoy. But he did remember her of mister Miyagi. Great, now she wanted to see him catch a fly with his chopstick...
Dumb Blond moved a bit to the left, revealing another guy, medium height, blond, who was presently looking in the very distinct direction of his neighbor neckline. He wasn't exactly ugly, nor was he really good looking, but he looked like a ladies man. Darcy guessed some girl would fall for his cute smile. And his fancy manners. She could picture him very easily serenading under a woman's window. A red rose and some heart shaped chocolate box. Bow to women and kissing their hands. At his height, it would give him a perfect angle for boobs watching.
The woman who was presently being checked up by Casanova was also medium height, but square and strong. Not gym addicted strong, with muscles all-over the place that looks like a cheap Halloween costume. Strong like a hunter, slim and tense, ready to bolt at any sign. She was serious, and oblivious to her neighbor. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Darcy put her in the Not To Cross category, with Miyagi. Too bad the way she shot looks every now and then to Dumb Blond indicated that messing with him would be messing with her. Darcy really wanted to discover just how dumb Blondy was. But the girl seemed like someone she could get along with just fine, if she loosened up a bit. Well, if the girl, who looked intelligent, like Blondy, maybe he wasn't that bad. Otherwise, she had been paid.
Darcy turned her gaze to the last member of the small group, who was standing a bit apart from the others. She nearly blushed when she realized he was already looking at her. Not at Jane. At her.
He was tall, as tall as Blondy, but much slimmer. He wasn't working out as the others seemed to. Even Casanova had some muscles to show off, which he did with his tight t-shirt. But the last boy was wearing a long sleeved dark green shirt and black jeans. His arms were crossed, and his demeanor clearly indicated he would rather be anywhere but here.
Darcy noticed all this in the back of her mind, but most of it was much more focused on his face, since he was pinning her with his gaze. She was pretty sure she was blushing by that point. His skin was pale, which was an oddity in New Mexico. His cheeks were hollow, giving a hungry look. He had black hair which had been slicked back on his neck. Finally, he had green eyes. Green fucking eyes. Not bluish or grayish. He looked like his irises were made of emeralds. At the moment they were as cold and as hard as jewels would be, judging, weighting her. She asked herself if he was merely paying attention to her because he had already figured Jane out. Which wasn't that hard. Jane was the school Wonder girl, and it was pretty evident. Darcy knew that she, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult to rationalize. In fact, she was pretty sure there was no logic to her presence at the moment. And he knew it.
He was still staring at her like he was trying to force the truth out of her mind, and it was making her uncomfortable. Like she was a mouse being scrutinized by a lion who was pondering whether or not she was worth eating. So she decided she would analyze him as much as he seemed to be analyzing her.
When all the others had complexion which indicated a lot of outside activities, sports and everything, he had more of an intellectual look. He was clearly not often seeing the light of day, and physical activities were not his forte. Not that she looked it in this way, his gaze was not one of contempt, but merely one of a logic individual who was trying to make sense of the world around him.
Apparently she didn't make sense.
It wouldn't be the first time.
Also, he was a bit of an outsider. All of the others seemed to revolve around Blondy, but he wasn't. Darcy guessed he must have been the genius little brother Fury told them about sooner. She couldn't decide who he was related to though. If he wasn't Asian, she would have said Miyagi, since he seemed the cold, logical, collected type as well. However, for obvious reasons, that wasn't possible.
Fury called them forward, which obligated her to break the eye contact. From the corner of her eye, she saw him turn toward the Principal.
-Now let me introduce you to two of our students, Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis.
He pointed out, and Darcy was grateful he didn't use a tone which would have made obvious she was only a sidekick.
Jane and her nodded. Fury talked again, now addressing the two girls.
-I'll leave them to you.
And he walked away. Darcy stared at him. He wasn't going to tell them their names? That was so unfair! If they got the opportunity to tell them false name, they should also have gotten it. She always wanted to be called Arwen! Yes, she was a Lord of the Rings fan. And she wanted to snog Viggo Mortensen... Hmmmmm...
She dozed out a bit, until Jane elbowed her again. Nice start. Now they thought she was retarded. Way to go girl.
It was the other girl who spoke first, apparently the only one catching up they didn't knew their names.
-Hello, it's really nice to meet you. My name is Sif.
It was a bit formal, but Darcy could feel a tentative warmness behind it. Yep, she definitely liked this girl. Maybe she would give her some tips to ward off Casanova, who had turned his eyes to her chest, which Darcy found dorky, if a bit flattering. Her boobs were her only physical advantage on Jane.
Jane smiled, clearly catching the tone as well.
-It's a pleasure too, Sif. I hope you'll like Puente Antiguo.
Sif answering smile was smaller than Jane, but there nonetheless, which was more than Darcy expected on the first day. Jane was really a miracle maker. Maybe they should start a business. The Incredible Jane! Able to make everyone comfortable and to go along with every situation. Darcy would be the scantily clad assistant, to provide some enjoyment for the eyes.
Sif turned to the rest of her group, and pointed to Casanova first, since he was the closest. Oh, coincidence.
-This is Fandral.
Not bad, but she preferred Casanova. Suited him better. Though he would have to refine his flirting techniques. Sif pointed to Miyagi.
-He's Hogun.
Now that she believed. Hogun bowed to them. After all. He was too young to be mister Miyagi.
Sif pointed to Possible Eating Buddy.
-He's Volstagg.
Great stout name. Sounded kinda German. Now he was also a Possible Drinking Buddy.
Next was Blondy.
-That's Thor.
Thor. Weird name. Not that any of them had normal names, but this was the worst in her opinion. It would be a nice name for a caveman. Though Blondy had yet to prove to her that he wasn't.
Thor smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. He was only looking at Jane, so Darcy wasn't too blinded by reflected light. Jane didn't seem to think he looked idiot though. And she said Darcy had strange taste. The girl almost huffed.
Finally, Sif looked briefly at the last boy.
-And that's Loki.
It was clear by her tone that her relationship with Loki was complicated. While her tone when she presented the others went from fond to friendly, the look she gave to the dark haired boy was more of a warning. Like she was telling him not to cause trouble. Weird. If she had to pick a trouble maker, she would hesitate between Blondy and Casanova. But then, she had known them for five minutes, Sif had lived with them since infancy. She probably knew better.
Jane talked again, gaining back Sif's attention. Loki, who had been busy giving an innocent look to Sif, put his poker face back on and turned to Darcy once more. Apparently, she was still a mystery to him. Which was a good thing, since she didn't have a clue what to do with him. If she was to be in the dark, she would rather not to be there alone. Being two always warded off ghosts.
-Well, it's a pleasure to meet you all. Like Principal Fury said, I'm Jane Foster. I'm the student body president, and if there is any problem, at any time, you can come to see me.
Casanova moved forward, putting on what he probably thought to be a seductive look.
-It would be my pleasure, miss. Be sure that thus invitation works both ways. I'll make myself an obligation to satisfy your every request.
Darcy couldn't keep herself from snorting. Could this dude be any more obvious? He had come so near to Jane that the poor girl had to back off a few steps.
Thor spoke next, sending a warning glance to his friend. Who backed off quickly. Hm, she was right on both counts. Thor was the boss, and he had put a claim on Jane. He still would have to work on that one. Jane might appreciate his good looks, but she wouldn't fall for an airhead. She had rejected enough jocks for that to be clear. Darcy only hoped Sif wasn't to smitten with the boy. Darcy wouldn't want to lose a potential friend because of one of Jane's love story.
-Thank you, Jane. We appreciate all the efforts you put on welcoming us. I hope you will find us worthy of them.
Jane smiled a bit wider. Darcy had to admit, he spoke well. One points him.
-It was nothing really.
Darcy felt she should speak as well. She was supposed to be a hostess as well.
-Yeah, don't worry about it. It was worth it just to see everyone panicking about new students. I'm pretty sure our French teacher was running around like a chicken without head. And she made us compose a poem to welcome you. I'm not sure I'm going to forgive you for that one though. The poem is horrible. And I suck in French.
Jane elbowed her once more, before Darcy could really ramble. It was starting to seriously hurt. But it was kinda necessary. Darcy was a pro at rambling.
Her intervention had some benefits though. Sif was trying not to smile too widely, Volstagg wasn't even trying and Casanova looked a bit weirded out. Yes buddy. You want to see my boobs? You have to endure my rambling. It was her secret weapon. On the other hand, Loki seemed to be even more puzzled than before, and looked like he was getting irritated. He mustn't be the kind of guy that was confused often. His stare was really beginning to intimidate Darcy.
-Now, how you like meeting the other seniors? They should be in the cafeteria right now.
Oops, she hadn't noticed Jane was speaking again.
Volstagg answered, in a booming voice that fitted him perfectly.
-It would be great, I'm starving.
Casanova whispered something that sounded a lot like, as usual. The others rolled their eyes.
Darcy popped in, once again. If she led them, she wouldn't have to endure Loki's stare.
-Right this way everyone.
She turned quickly on her heels. From what she heard, Jane stayed behind. Suddenly, there were footsteps next to her. She hoped it wasn't him. It turned out to be Sif.
-Darcy, is it?
Her gaze was open, and genuinely interested.
-Yep. The one and only.
Sif smiled.
-I just wanted to apologize for Fandral's behavior.
Oh, so she had notice! Great, Darcy didn't know how to broach the subject.
-Oh, it's nothing. But I wasn't sure how to handle it.
Sif chuckled.
-There are two options. Or you ignore him, or you hope one of the guys will take a fancy on you and tell him to leave you alone.
-Hmm. Option one will probably work better in the near future. Your friends seem to think I'm weird.
Not that they are wrong or anything.
-No, not at all. We're just a bit nervous. It's the first time we move, and everything.
-Well, it's the first time anyone young ever moved here, so everyone is pretty nervous.
-You seem pretty relax.
-Well, you're not very frightening. You're six, were two hundred. Now if you were E.T.s preparing an invasion, or zombies trying to infect everyone... Then I would be worried. Especially zombies. They freak me out, you have no idea. Who in their right mind would eat brains? That's gross. I'd prefer dying then eating brains. And imagine, if all the guys would turn into zombies, no more yummy things to look at. Their all green, wormy and decomposed...
Darcy noticed Sif's very amused look and trailed off. She knew she was putting too much thought into this, but zombies were freaking her out.
They reached the cafeteria, and Sif joined Jane and the guys to meet everyone. Darcy retreated in a corner to think about the new kids, deciding that Casanova was a dork, Sif was nice, and that she really needed to get to know Volstagg. Hogun and Thor were still on probation. Loki, on the other hand...
Suddenly, a deep smooth voice resonated just behind her.
-Brains are favored meals in a lot of countries, you shouldn't judge zombies too harshly.
AN: Yeah, I know, I said I was going to post only once a week, but I wrote a couple more chapters in the last few days, so I can definitely post twice a week. So, they finally meet, I promise they'll speak in the next chapter. Reviews are always appreciated, no matter way they go. So next one will come on Sunday! See you then!
