A/N: I knew this chapter would have more substance compared to the last one. I wanted to keep try to canon Lacy which is hard as she's more of a quiet character. The premise is a little cliche but shrug. Enjoy and review please!
Lacy
Hey cutie. - E Lacy read over the text message again, unable to stop the smile from spreading on her lips. Her index finger twirled a curl of her blond hair, wondering how exactly to reply. Someone plopped beside Lacy, intentionally bumping their shoulder with hers. "Ooh, what are you grinning about?" Julie teased as she pinched Lacy's side. Julie's brown eyes scanned the text when Lacy tilted her phone towards her. "E? Who's E?"
"I'm hoping…" Lacy trailed off as she looked across the rec room. Brooklyn Academy of the Gifted treated their students well. Aside from furnished dorms, they had a full staff kitchen, various art and music practice rooms and well-equipped recreational room. It had large leather couches, a projector for movies and a pool table. Three boys hanged around the table, laughing as they played with the balls. She quickly typed out a message and watched. Who's this?
"Eric?" Julie whispered as they both watched a the blond of the group pat his pocket like he felt the vibration from Lacy's text. Her eyes widen as she clenched Lacy's arm. "Eric Johnson, president of the hottie club?" Lacy shushed her friend but bit her lower lip as Eric slid his phone out of his pocket. "You are having a fantastic week."
"I don't know what you mean." Lacy replied as she scrolled through her social media but still keeping tabs on the boys. Ryan, a handsome African-American boy, half leaned on a bar stool as he passively watched his friends and read at the same time. Beside him, Sam impatiently tapped his foot waiting for his turn as he watched Eric circle the table. They nagged Eric ruthlessly but the blond was unfazed, lining up his shots. He bended down, almost parallel to the table with the cue stick held easily in his long arms. Like he could feel Lacy's gaze, his hazel eyes lifted up to meet hers. A corner of his lips curled up before he winked and hit the cue ball with a sharp crack. Ryan and Sam both groaned as the solid ball landed into the pocket.
"You're done admiring the view?" Julie teased as Lacy flushed, dragging her eyes away from the boys. It's not like the other girls weren't watching them either. "And you know exactly what I mean." She held up one of her long piano player fingers. "Ryan, Mr. Tall, dark and brooding, held a whole conversation with you in chemistry. He doesn't talk. Period." Lacy shrugged her shoulders, they were partners for an experiment. They had to communicate.
"Sam, in his lovable clumsy fashion, nearly knocked you down in the lunch line today but did a very suave move and caught you, avoiding a disaster." Lacy rubbed her shoulder, remembering the feel of his strong arm around her. It wasn't too bad. "And now, Eric is texting you." Julie squinted at Lacy. "Did you get your braces off?"
Lacy quickly covered her mouth and glared at Julie who laughed in response. "Maybe." She whispered before brushing a strand of her hair out of her forehead. Maybe my powers are just acting up. She wondered, touching the bead bracelet she wore. Lacy tries her hardest to taper off her demigod powers especially in the mortal world. "Maybe it's just a coincidence." Julie gave Lacy either a concern or confused look before pulling out her laptop. Lacy's phone vibrated and the girl smiled as she recognize the sender. Before she could read it, someone swiped the phone out of her hand. "Hey!" Lacy turned around on the couch before her voice trailed off. "Drew…"
The tall Asian girl stood there in sinfully short black shorts and a white v-neck t-shirt. Her dark hair dripped from her shower as she toweled it off casually with one hand. Her brown eyes scanned the text message with an unreadable expression. Lacy physically shrunk back when she saw Drew. "Hmm, interesting." Drew murmured as she looked over to the boys before tossing Lacy's phone back. "That one is a little out of your league."
Lacy lowered her gaze, clenching her fingers. "Hey Tanaka," Julie shouted as she sat up, quickly rushing in. "It's not like she's chasing him. All those boys noticed Lacy. You're not the only pretty girl the hottie club taken an interest in." Drew's movements slowed as she gather her hair over one shoulder, drying the ends. She processed Julie's words silently, unfazed. "Not everyone wants you, Drew."
A dark smile spread across Drew's lips. "Oh, you want to bet?" Drew said as she draped her towel over a chair. Her gaze slowly slid over to the boys as she plucked a pen from the table and artfully twisted her long hair into a bun. Lacy, and nearly everyone in the room, turned as Drew confidently strolled over to the boys. Even Ryan lifted his gaze from his book as Drew passed by. Daughter of Aphrodite for sure. Eric paused mid-shot as he noticed Drew beside him. "Hey."
"Bombshell Tanaka," Eric addressed as he stood up, not moving away from Drew. She invaded his space, taking the first step. Drew's well manicured fingers tapped the table, inches away from his hand. Lacy watched in dread as her older sister worked her magic. "Any reason why you've graced us with your presence?" Deliberately, Drew reached up, wrapped her hand firmly around his cue stick. Eric's Adam's apple bobbed as he held her gaze.
"Wanna give me a lesson?" She asked in a sultry voice, possibly hinting towards more. A smirk curled around Eric's lips as he took a step closer. Unable to watch, Lacy grabbed her things and rushed out of the room.
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Lacy didn't speak to Drew for a week. It wasn't difficult. The two girls rarely shared any classes. They were in two different divisions of BAG's art program. Lacy threw herself into her art, spending hours with her canvas and paints. She's known for her bright colors and vibrant pieces that jumped off the pages. Lately Lacy picked up charcoal. The rough feel of the medium in her fingers, staining them for hours. The contrast of the ugly black against the pure white pages before something emerged from the paper. Art is about discovery for Lacy. She never knew what would be created until the very end.
"Lace," Julie started as she set her breakfast beside the sketching girl. Lacy hummed as she moved her pencil across her pad, shading the wings of a crow taking off. "Please, we're at breakfast. Can you eat?" Lacy nodded her head as she added the finishing touches before pulling away. The bottom of her hand marked with gray from the pencil and black from the charcoal she must have missed. "Charcoal? You know you only use that when you're frustrated."
"I…" Lacy tried to deny it but lowered her gaze, accepting the napkin Julie passed as she wiped her hands. "I don't want to paint when I'm angry."
"It's Drew, isn't it?" Julie asked as she looked over. Drew sat alone beside the window in her dancing leggings, tank top and loose light purple hoodie. Her dark hair braided over her shoulder as she stirred her coffee. The latest Vogue magazine held in her hand as she read an article. Lacy shrugged her shoulders.
Like a firework, Drew effortlessly drew all the boys attention away from Lacy. She played many parts with all the guys. With Ryan, Drew was the scholar, talking about classics books and movies. With Sam, she was the cheerleader, attending sports events she normally wouldn't. All the students noticed as Drew got closer to the boys. Lacy stirred her cereal, trying to process her own feelings.
"I think I know Drew." Lacy answered carefully, selecting her words. "She's a dancer. The way she stands. The words she say. Every little movement. It's deliberate. It's an action to pull you in, drawing your eyes towards her. She won't hesitate to give her opinion. Pushy in a way that feels almost disrespectful. She takes and takes and takes and then smiles when you have nothing else to give."
"That's - "
"TANAKA!" Lacy and Julie jumped at the booming voice, spinning in their plastic chairs. Eric stomped through the cafeteria, hazel eyes glaring at the Japanese girl. Drew idly sipped her coffee, unbothered as the tall boy approached her. Eric slapped his hand down on her magazine, knocking it out of her hand. The utensils raddled at the violent impact. "What do you think you're doing?"
Drew sighed, placing her hands daintily in her lap, and looked up. "I believe I was reading, Johnson. We're not on first name basis anymore? Such a shame." Eric growled and grabbed Drew's hand, physically dragging her out of her seat. Lacy gasped as she stood up. The two teens glared at each other. Drew's fingers curled into a fist. "Let go." She ordered in a calm tone. Maybe it was the anger or fury, but Eric's grip tightened around Drew's wrist, not feeling the charmspeak.
"What do you think you're doing, bitch?" Eric hissed, inches away from Drew's face. With her free hand, Drew reached into the pocket of her hoodie, pulling out a sleek smartphone. Eric noticed the motion. His grip loosened as he saw the device.
"Good boy," Drew taunted as she pulled her arm out of his slack grip. "And watch your language. That's now how you address a lady. Wouldn't want the college board to know about your little game?" Lacy pushed herself through the crowd of students. Drew hid a smile behind her phone as she stared Eric down. "Thanks for the extra pic. Not what I expected but no one has to know. It'll be our little secret." Drew looked over Eric's shoulder, noticing Lacy. She placed a well manicured hand on his shoulder and said in his ear. "Know your place and don't mess with my girls."
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News travel fast in a small school. Lacy heard it all throughout the day. Eric insulted Drew. Drew broke up with Eric. Drew cheated on Eric with one of the boys. There were so many theories but when anyone tried to ask Eric, the boy shut down, keeping his mouth closed. No one dared to approach Drew about it. Well, almost no one.
Lacy opened the door that lead to the halls of the dance studios. It was eerily quiet because of the soundproof walls. Unlike the art hallway, the walls were stark white with bulletin boards of announcements and posters of competitions. Thin windows of the doors revealed the occupants. A pair of ballroom dancers going through familiar steps. A dance group practicing new choreography. Lacy paused when she recognized the slender figure with her arms held up like she was facing a partner.
Drew's expression was so serious Lacy almost didn't recognize her sister. Her hair pulled back tightly in a high ponytail. She moved fluently taking long confident steps. She turned and spun with grace, looking nearly effortlessly. Her back and arms created elegant lines. Drew stopped suddenly and turned towards the door. Lacy nearly jumped back in shock. Drew's expression softened and she waved her sister in.
"You're acknowledging my presence?" Drew asked as she walked over to her bag, fishing out a towel. Lacy opened her mouth to deny it but stopped. Three distinct bruises lined Drew's wrist. The exact spot Eric grabbed her. "Proof." Drew started, pulling Lacy's gaze away. "That I stood up to the big bad Eric."
"What was that about?" Lacy asked, squeezing her messenger bag strap. Drew turned away. "No, you don't get to say nothing." Her voice quivered but she held her ground. Drew looked at Lacy with a mixed expression. "I'm not a child, Drew. You can't always protect me."
"I can try." Drew whispered so softly Lacy almost missed it. Drew reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. "The boys had a bet going on. A little fun game to keep the school year interesting. I've heard rumors about it from the upperclassmen. Which one can sleep with the girl the fastest." Drew held her phone out, unlocked with a screenshot of text messages. Lacy took it as she set her bags down beside Drew's. "I charmspoke Sam into sending me this as evidence. Eric is the clear ring leader. You were next target."
"That's…" Lacy breathed as she read the messages. Little quiet. - R The quiet ones are always a little wild. - E Lacy's hands shook as she read more and more. Bile bubbled in her throat, disgusted with these boys. She could feel Drew's eyes on her face. Lacy closed her eyes as she handed the device back. "That's why you flirted with the guys."
"I'm a good distraction." Drew replied as she tossed the phone into her bag. Lacy leaned against the wall before sliding down to the floor, unable to stand. She felt manipulated like a toy for those boys. Tears welled at the corner of her eyes. "I have ammo on those boys now. They don't call me Bombshell Tanaka for no reason." Lacy chuckled as she rubbed her eyes. Drew crouched down and gently brushed a stray out of her face. "I'm sorry, Lace."
"At least you're using your mean girl power for good rather than evil." Lacy commented as she gave Drew a half-smile. Drew groaned, rolling her eyes, as she sat down.
"Don't tell Piper. She's already a pain to deal with." Lacy and Drew laughed, settling in a comfortable quiet. Drew went through her stretches as Lacy watched. "I know," Drew said after a moment. Lacy tilted her head, confused as Drew leaned forward. "You don't need protection but…"
"You're here." Lacy caught up, finishing her sister's sentence. Drew turned her head and their eyes meet, both thinking about their big sister who wasn't here. "And…" Lacy continued, "you will do everything in your power to protect me. You're a good big sister." Drew nodded her head with a ghost of a smile against her lips as she returned to her leg stretches. "You're just crap at showing it."
"Hey…" Drew warned with a laugh. Lacy giggled as Drew reached out and patted her leg. "You're not a bad little sister either."