A/N: Here it is: Walsh and Killian's back story. It's another Emma-less chapter, but I think you all won't mind too much – especially since it is about 6500 words.

For those who don't know, varsity is the best team a high schooler could make for a sport, JV (junior varsity) is the next level down, and then I made a third freshman-sophomore team.

Also, high school grading is based on a 4-point system. 4.0 is the highest you can get (unless you're in one of those schools that does that weighted 5.0 system – don't get me started) and to keep the 4.0, you need to get all solid A's. As soon as you get one A- (3.667), or B+ (3.333), etc., your 4.0 goes away and you can't ever get it back (you could be at a 3.999, but still won't ever get back to the 4.0 - that's why it's such an accomplishment for students like Killian who have kept it all four years).

Finally, I know that this isn't how swim team tryouts really happen, but it's needed for the story.

Thanks again to my betas: Emma, Caro, and Kat!

3 years ago…

"Killian, this is your peer ambassador, Walsh Ozland." Mr. Spencer introduced the boy next to him by holding out his hand. He was a scrawny boy with messy brown hair, sporting a Storybrooke High School green and white hoodie. "He's going to help you figure out your way around the school this week."

Killian looked at Walsh with scared eyes. He just moved to America a week ago, and he was still getting adjusted to the new culture shock. Walsh held out his hand, offering it to Killian to take. "Nice to meet you, Killian," he said.

Killian took the boy's hand and shook it three times before dropping it. "You too, Walsh." Killian tried to hide his accent the best he could, but he could tell in Walsh's eyes that he had noticed.

"Walsh is one of our brightest and most talented ninth graders here at Storybrooke," Mr. Spencer said, giving a proud smile and tapping Walsh's shoulder. "You're in good hands with him as your ambassador."

Walsh beamed with pride. "You're too kind, Mr. Spencer."

"Well, why don't you show Killian around the school before his first day here tomorrow?" Mr. Spencer suggested, pushing Walsh towards Killian. "It was nice to meet you, Killian. I'll see you tomorrow in math class."

Mr. Spencer went behind his desk and started rummaging through a drawer, allowing Killian and Walsh to slip out of the room.

"Where are you from?" Walsh asked in polite conversation.

"Ireland. Just moved here last Wednesday." Killian was looking up and down the hallways, noticing brick walls filled with posters and awards. "The American school system sounds confusing."

Walsh chuckled. "It's easy to figure out once you live it for a couple days. Are you liking it here so far?"

"I don't know many people," Killian admitted. "And I'm really missing some of my friends from back home. But, my dad got a job offer here he couldn't refuse, so my brother and I packed our stuff and hopped on over here."

"Well, Storybrooke High is pretty good school. You'll fit in here just fine. The other freshman have only been here for a little over a month, anyway, so you're not too far behind." Walsh guided him into a large room with lots of tables set out. "This is the cafeteria for lunch. You can either bring something from home or get something from the kitchen. We have 25 minutes to eat before we have to go back to class." Killian nodded in understanding as he followed Walsh to the next location. "So, what do you like to do in your spare time?"

"I played guitar in band and sang in choir, and I was on the swim team back home."

"Really? I'm a swimmer, too!" Walsh said, smiling at Killian. "In fact, swim team tryouts are tomorrow after school. You should come along and try out for the team with me! Freshman don't ever make varsity, we usually make the freshman-sophomore team, but we could be on JV if we're really good and work our way up."

"Okay, sure," Killian replied. "What's varsity?"

Walsh smiled as he took him into another hallway, explaining high school sports in the United States. "It will be a great way for you to meet people." Walsh turned the pair down a new hallway and began explaining where all the science rooms were located.

"Are you ready?" Walsh asked. They were both in the pool, waiting for tryouts to begin.

Killian raised and lowered his shoulders while shifting from foot to foot. "I'm not sure… I haven't been in a pool since moving here and don't want to make a fool of myself on my first day."

"Don't worry," Walsh encouraged. "Everyone makes a team. This is basically just a formality to show Coach Eric – that guy over there with the clipboard – who we are and where we stand compared to others. We'll probably make the freshman-sophomore team, anyway."

"But you said that even though we're freshman, we could still be on JV?"

Walsh nodded. "I mean, it depends on how well we swim today, but it's definitely a possibility."

A whistle blew from the man Walsh just pointed to, Coach Eric. "Freshman, come on over to the diving platforms!"

Walsh turned towards Killian. "That's us. Are you ready?"

Killian made sure his swim cap was on tight and put his goggles on his face. "I guess I have to be." Killian and Walsh went over to the diving boards.

"We're starting with the 100 meter freestyle. Just swim your best, guys and don't worry about the other racers," Coach Eric said. "Just go on the whistle"

Coach Eric's whistle blew, and Killian dived into the water. He began moving his arms in the motion that his coach taught him back in Ireland, not caring about anyone around him. He flipped underwater before coming back, making his laps around until his hand hit the side of the pool.

He leveled out, pulling his goggles off and putting them on his neck. He looked to his left and right. No one was around him, and for a moment, he thought that he was so slow that everyone around him was already out of the pool. It wasn't until he noticed some of the older kids' mouths open when he turned behind him to see most of his classmates were still paddling back about halfway across the pool.

An older boy reached his hand out to him to help Killian out of the pool. "Wow," he said as he clapped him on the back. "You're really fast. What's your name?"

"Killian," he mumbled as he gave a tiny smile. He walked over to the bench where his towel was, drying himself off a bit before he watched the other freshman finish their laps. Walsh was the next one to make it to a side.

When they got out, Walsh walked over to him. "Did you stop halfway through?" he asked, but Killian shook his head.

"I finished about 15 seconds ago…" he said, quietly.

Walsh's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Geez, what kind of training did you have in Ireland?" Killian gave a noncommittal shrug as the two went to sit on the bench.

The freshman waited as the sophomores, juniors, and seniors did their 100-meter freestyle before they were called again to do their backstroke. Again, Killian finished way before the other students, and the pattern continued throughout the tryouts.

"The teams will be posted tomorrow," Coach Eric said to all the high schoolers waiting around him. "They'll be outside the locker room. Come by after school to see what team you've made."

With that, Killian and Walsh left the pool, separating for the night before school the next day.

"Killian, could you come up here?" Mr. Spencer asked as the bell rang. His heart began to pound, wondering if he did already something wrong.

"Yes, sir?" Killian felt small. All he wanted to do was get through the day without being noticed, and already on the third day, he was in trouble.

"I've noticed that you don't seem challenged with the material. Have you already learned it?"

"Oh, um…" Killian looked anywhere but his teacher. "In Ireland, I was put in harder classes than everyone, so I learned this about three years ago."

"I wish your father would have said something when he signed you up for classes," Mr. Spencer replied. "I've been talking to your other teachers and it seems you are quite intelligent for your age. I want to do some testing to see if you'll qualify for our honors and AP programs."

Killian looked up at his teacher. "I'm sorry, I don't know what that means…"

Mr. Spencer chuckled at his comment. "It means that I haven't seen a student as smart as you in all my years of teaching, and I want to put you in classes more suited to your abilities."

Killian nodded in understanding. "Okay, well, what do I have to do?"

"Instead of taking my class for the rest of the week, I'm going to give you some exams to take to see where you should be placed. How does that sound?" Mr. Spencer gave him an encouraging smile.

"Uh, sure…"

"Go on now, boy. I doubt you want to stay in my classroom after school's over."

"Thank you, Mr. Spencer." Killian grabbed his backpack and left the classroom. He found Walsh waiting for him across the hallway, watching the other students leave.

"What was that about?" Walsh asked as the two walked together in the hallway.

"Oh, Mr. Spencer wants to move me up to harder classes, whatever that really means… He kind of explained, but I was a little nervous and wasn't really listening."

"After three days, he already wants to move you?" Walsh looked surprised just as they were coming to the boys' locker rooms. "Wow, you've got to be really smart or something."

"Yeah, or something…" Killian replied as they stood in front of the paper.

"Oh my gosh! I made JV!" Walsh exclaimed, smiling, nearly jumping up and down. He looked like he was about to burst with pride when he turned to Killian. "What team did you make?"

He looked at the freshman-sophomore list, then the JV team. Killian frowned when he didn't see his name on either list. "It looks like I didn't make the swim team…" he said, defeated. "I thought you said everyone made a team…"

"They do…" Walsh said, confused. Walsh looked over both lists again for Killian's name. "I don't see…" Suddenly, Walsh pointed to a third list. "Killian, you made varsity."

"I… What?" Killian looked over at the varsity team list. "I thought you said freshman don't make varsity."

"They usually don't," Walsh said, in a quiet voice. "Uh, well, congratulations, Killian. You must be really good to be on varsity already."

Killian thought Walsh's voice was off, but ignored it as he said, "Thanks, mate."

"Thanks for coming today, Mr. Jones," Mr. Spencer said to Killian's father. He had requested a meeting between the three of them, and the next Monday, they all sat down.

"Is everything alright with Killian?" Mr. Jones asked, looking at his son. "I'm sorry if he's caused you any trouble… How is he fitting in with the others?"

"He's quite a delight, actually!" Mr. Spencer interrupted.

Killian sat in silence as he waited for whatever Mr. Spencer had to say.

"I saw Killian's potential during the first week of classes, and I had him to some testing. His scores are off the charts!" Mr. Spencer started explaining. "I haven't seen such high scores in my time at Storybrooke High."

His dad turned and smiled at Killian. "Killian's always had an aptitude for learning. My late wife and I had to sign him up for special programs to make sure he was challenged." There was a gleam of water that pooled in his father's eyes as he spoke of Killian's mother, but quickly blinked it away when he turned back to Mr. Spencer. "I'm quite proud of him."

Mr. Spencer gave his best smile. "Well, it seems like Killian is well beyond his years. With your permission, I'd like him to try our accelerated program. I think it will give him the challenge he needs."

"Of course!" Killian's dad replied. "I didn't know America had some sort of system for him."

"I also think he should try our senior AP Trigonometry class so that he can take a College in the Classroom math course next year."

"What does that mean?" Killian didn't understand what all these classes were, but he was becoming more and more eager to prove himself with each new opportunity.

Mr. Spencer turned to look at Killian. "Well, you would attend college for one of your classes instead of high school. I think it would be a much better match for him than any math we could offer him here." He looked back at his father. "Unfortunately, the program doesn't start until gifted students are in tenth grade, which is why I'm suggesting our toughest math class right now."

"Are you sure he's not too young for something like that? Killian's only 14 and will be with taking classes with 18-year-olds, and then he'll go to college when he's 15?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Jones. There are very few students in the AP Trig class, and the College in the Classroom program is set for bright students like Killian. It is for a select few across the state, so it is a big accomplishment that your son has such high standards. There is one drawback. I've noticed that Killian is in band and choir with Ms. Tink. Unfortunately, if he wishes to pursue these academic endeavors, he'll have these harder classes during his elective courses. He would have to discontinue them."

"Killian loves playing his guitar and singing. I don't know if we can take that away from him…" His father turned to Killian. "Before we decide anything, I think Killian and I should have a little chat at home…"

Killian shook his head. "No, I think this is good. Mr. Spencer is right when he says I'm bored in classes. It's just like back in Ireland, and I'd really like to try."

"But about music…"

"I should focus on other things, instead. Besides, since I made varsity swimming, I will have a much more vigorous swimming schedule. Maybe a break from music is what I need." Killian looked at his dad with pleading eyes.

"Well, it's settled," Mr. Spencer said, before his father could object. "I'll talk to his counselor tomorrow, and we'll set up a new schedule for him starting Wednesday." He held out a hand for his father. "Good to meet you, Mr. Jones. Congratulations, Killian."

Killian walked into Mrs. Darling's AP biology class. He scanned the room before his eyes fell on Walsh talking to two girls. He walked over to him. "Hey Walsh."

Walsh turned slowly. "Oh, hey Killian. What are you doing here?"

"I've been switched to all these honors and AP classes. I think we'll have a lot of classes together now, thank goodness. I didn't know anyone in my other classes…"

Walsh nodded before turning to the two girls he was talking to. "This is Dorothy and this is Zelena." Both girls nodded. "This is Killian. He just moved here from Ireland."

"Nice to meet you both," he said as Mrs. Darling cleared her throat. Killian turned to look at the tall woman with dark brown hair, taking slow steps until he was next to her. "Mr. Spencer told you I was switching to this class, right?"

"Yes, yes. Let's see, Killian, is it?" Mrs. Darling looked at a seating chart before finding what she was looking for. "I have you sitting behind Victor and beside Phillip in that empty seat at the back. See it?" Killian followed her hand as she yelled, "Victor, raise your hand."

A blonde-haired boy followed her directions, and Killian nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Darling." Killian walked the long rows until he was sitting behind Victor.

"Hi, I'm Victor!" he said, pointing to the kid beside Killian. "And that's Phillip."

"I'm Killian," he said as he sat down and took out a notebook.

"Hey, you're that really good swimmer!" Phillip noted as Killian looked over. "I remember you from tryouts. Did you make JV?"

"Varsity, actually." Killian said, leaning his head down. Last time he told a freshman he made varsity, his only friend started acting differently towards him.

"Wow, you must be really good," Victor complimented just as Mrs. Darling started the lesson for the day. Victor turned around, along with Phillip and Killian, to face their teacher at the front of the room.

"Yesterday we talked about the topic of mitosis vs. meiosis. Who can tell me the difference between the two?" Mrs. Darling started. The whole class seemed to turn their heads in Walsh's direction, and he put a smug smile on his face as he began to raise his hand.

Without hesitation, Killian also raised his hand, waiting to be called on. Mrs. Darling seemed surprised a different student offered to answer her question, and immediately jumped on the chance to have someone new explain. "Yes, Killian?"

"Well, mitosis occurs when a cell divides and results with two identical cells. These cells have pairs of every gene. Meiosis is a division for gametes with a two-step process. It results in four cells, half of each normal cell, and will result in a new organization of DNA from both cells." Killian looked around the room at his shocked classmates, his face suddenly turning red. "I think…" he added.

"That's correct, Killian." Mrs. Darling smiled before turning to the whiteboard behind her, opening up a whiteboard marker and beginning the lesson.

Phillip looked over at Killian and whispered, "How did you know that? You weren't even in our class yesterday!"

Killian slumped down in his chair, slightly embarrassed. "Well, I was bored in science class, so my professor back in Ireland gave me some harder material to learn outside of class. It was actually really interesting."

"You did extra work?" Phillip asked.

"Phillip, please pay attention!" Mrs. Darling said in a slightly louder voice. Phillip snapped back into position, looking at the whiteboard and taking notes.

When the bell rang for lunch, Victor turned around. "Do you want to sit by Phil and me during lunch today?" he asked.

Killian's eyes darted over to Walsh, currently talking to Zelena and Dorothy, before making his decision. "Sure, that sounds great."

The three boys stood up from their desks and started walking out of the room. Killian stopped on his way out the door to speak to Walsh. "Hey, so Phillip and Victor asked me if I wanted to sit by them at lunch today. Is that cool with you?"

Killian couldn't quite decipher the look in Walsh's eyes, but his friend quickly responded, "Oh, yeah. No problem."

"Thanks," Killian said, walking out of the room and catching up with his two new friends.

2 years ago…

Killian was assigned a group project with Walsh, Kathryn, and Phillip. Over the past year, he had drifted further and further away from Walsh. He had his group of friends that he enjoyed being around, and Walsh had found his own crew. They really just didn't run in the same circle anymore, other than taking honors and AP classes together.

"Okay, so we're supposed to split into teams and each take a side of the debate. How should we split up?" Kathryn asked, rather shy. She had a few classes with Killian, but he didn't know her too well.

Before Killian or Phillip could just claim the other as their partner, Walsh suggested, "Why don't we choose randomly?"

"Uh, I guess that works…" Killian acknowledged. "I'll write our names on four pieces of paper and then you can distribute them into two groups. How does that sound?"

Killian wrote each of their names on a piece of paper, folded them, and threw them into the middle of their circle. Walsh pushed two at random towards the left side and two towards the right.

Phillip began opening up the two closest to him and laying them out. "Well, it looks like you and me are together, Kathryn."

Killian gave a sideways glance at his old friend. "I suppose that means you and I are together, Walsh." He gave a halfhearted smile before continuing. "Do you want to be for or against school uniforms?"

Kathryn and Phillip looked at each other before shrugging. "I guess we could be against?" Phillip offered.

"Then we'll be pro. Ms. French said we should just work with our respective partner from now on and then come together in a week to discuss how we'll present?" Killian suggested, and the rest of the group grunted in agreement.

"Alright, class, it's time to wrap up. Schedule some outside time to work on this because we'll only have two more in-class days." Ms. French lectured.

Killian turned towards Walsh. "So, when did you want to get together?"

Walsh gave little acknowledgement to Killian's question. "Whenever."

"Well, we have swimming after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays… Did you want to work after school on Wednesday or Friday?" Killian asked, taking out his planner. "This Wednesday, my brother and I have to help rake our neighbor's lawn, so would Friday work?"

"Sure. I'll see you then."

The bell rang and the entire school left for the day.

Killian and Walsh sat at the library, an open computer in between the two of them. Walsh had his feet on the table while looking anywhere but their project while Killian diligently looked for research to back up their points.

"Do you have any other ideas?" Killian asked Walsh, his eyebrows furrowed while he clicked on another link about the pros of wearing school uniforms. A list of reasons came up, and Killian scanned the list, trying to find new and interesting reasons to support their case.

"Not really," Walsh replied, noncommittally. He twirled his thumbs as he looked around the room, watching the air as if there was something important in it.

Killian was starting to get very irritated. Mustering all the confidence he had, he turned to Walsh. "I feel like I'm doing most of the work for our side, Walsh. Do you think you could come up with something, too?"

"I think you're doing just fine there, Jones."

Killian was taken aback by the use of his last name. Walsh had always addressed him as "Killian", so hearing him referred as "Jones" was a surprising turn of events. "Uh, what's that supposed to mean?"

Walsh sighed as he lifted his feet to the ground, whirling around to face Killian. "It means that you've never needed my help before, so why do you suddenly need it now?"

"What are you—"

Walsh rolled his eyes and went back to his previous position. "Whatever."

Killian closed the computer and walked around the room until he was face-to-face with his partner. "No, I need you to explain why you are being such an ass about this project."

"Because I'm wasting my time here! You're never going to take anything I say seriously, Mr. Perfect. You've never let anyone do anything for you, and you never will. So, I'm just going to stay out of it and present whatever points you say are important."

"I keep asking for your input! If I wasn't serious in having you help out, why the hell would I be checking in with you every few minutes?" Killian sank into the chair opposite of Walsh, crossing his hands and frowning.

Walsh waved his arms. "Believe me: there's nothing the great and powerful Killian Jones can't do by himself. So, take it away, buddy."

Killian's jaw dropped. "What the hell? You're being such a prick about this!"

"Well, you're always a prick and a know-it-all. No one else can answer a damn question because your hand is always in the air!"

Killian couldn't help but notice how quickly this had escalated. "Oh, please. It's not like I've ever seen you try to answer a question."

"Maybe if you weren't too busy trying to be a show off…"

"Walsh, I think you're being a little overdramatic."

Walsh stood up, nearly knocking over his chair in the process. "Tell me what I need to say in the debate, Jones, and I'll do it." He turned around and walked out, grabbing his backpack on the way out. There was the last name again. It was as if Walsh wasn't even acknowledging he had a first name, like Killian didn't deserve it.

Killian sat there, a mixture of emotions clouding his brain. Everything from frustration to pity rolled around as he walked back to his original spot, starting the project on his own.

Killian threw his arms in the air. "Thanks a lot, Walsh! We got a fricken B on our project!" Ms. French passed back their debate results and Walsh and Killian had gotten a less-than-perfect grade.

"If I remember, you were the one who came up with all the points and wrote the whole damn thing. How is this my fault?" Walsh countered.

"You didn't help at all! You didn't even try to help! I had to do the work of two people because you were too stubborn to do any of the work."

Walsh leaned his head back, closing his eyes and putting his fingers up to his temple. "Jones, you are so annoying! Do you ever shut up?"

Killian was about to make a come back when the bell rang. Walsh bolted out of the room while Killian took his time to pack up. After the rest of the class left, Killian wandered up to his teacher's desk. "Ms. French, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Ms. French looked up from her book and set it down, taking off her glasses and looking up at him. "Sure, Killian. What can I help you with today?"

"Well, I was hoping to discuss the B that Walsh and I received on our debate."

Ms. French drew her cheek to the side, giving a tiny nod of understanding. "I know it's disappointing, Killian, but your project was just not up to either of your usual caliber."

"That's the thing, Ms. French. It would have been if Walsh had tried at all. I had to do the work for both of us because he wasn't willing to help… It would have been better if he had put some effort into it."

Ms. French leaned back, studying Killian. "I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound like Walsh. He's a good student, so I have a hard time believing that he would make you do everything by yourself."

Killian groaned as frustration began to seep in. "It's true! I promise that he didn't pull his half of the weight in the project. You could even ask him."

"Okay, I'll talk to him tomorrow after school if that would make you feel better."

"Is there any possible extra credit I could do for you to make up for it?" Killian gave a sideways grin, hoping to charm his way into getting a higher grade.

"I'm going to talk to Walsh and, if your story holds up, I'll give you an extra credit opportunity. How does that sound?"

Killian let out a breath. All that was left was for Walsh to make an ass of himself in front of their teacher, and he would be able to get his grade up. "Thank you, Ms. French. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Killian."

"WHAT THE HELL?" Walsh yelled, storming down the hallway until he reached Killian's locker. When Killian gave him a confused look, Walsh continued. "Ms. French just lowered my project grade, saying that I didn't pull my weight. What the hell did you say to her?"

"I was merely asking for some extra credit to bring my grade up, since you almost ruined my 4.0."

"Yeah? Well now I'm losing my 4.0!" Walsh scoffed. "There's no way I'm going to get my grade back up higher than a B now!"

"Maybe you should have thought of that before you acted like a jerk and didn't do anything."

Walsh let out a large groan. "God, Jones, do you think of anyone other than yourself?"

"Well, Ozland, I tried to think of you, but you wouldn't let me."

Walsh slammed Killian's locker shut. "Thanks a lot." Walsh turned around and stomped out of the school.

End of Sophomore Year

Mr. Spencer stood in the middle of the auditorium at the last pep fest of the year with a microphone, telling students what was about to happen. "This award is given to the student we as teachers think is gifted, talented, and above all, hard working. We see it in everyday experiences; anything from the way the student works in group activities to the manner they present themselves. From the time this school has opened, this honor has been awarded to a much deserving junior or senior, but this year, only one student came to mind. We thought that this student even deserved it last year as a freshman, but held it off for a year to make sure it was a good choice. In a unanimous decision, the faculty has chosen sophomore Killian Jones for Storybrooke's 2013 student of the year. Killian, come on down." Mr. Spencer looked up in the bleachers where the freshman were sitting, trying to find Killian in the crowd.

Killian turned to Victor, Kathryn, and Phillip, a confused look on his face. "Congrats!" Victor said, patting his back. Phillip pushed him up until he was standing, encouraging him to go down and get the award.

It seemed the whole school was in awe of this feat – neither the upperclassmen nor lowerclassmen angered by his accomplishment. As Killian reached Mr. Spencer and shook his hand, he took the certificate and beamed at the crowd. "Thank you very much!" Killian said into the microphone and, being the cocky bastard that his teachers and peers grew to know and love, he gave a deep bow. The students in the bleachers started laughing as Killian came up, and he looked out at the schoolmates he had met throughout the year.

His eyes settled on one student in particular, his first friend at Storybrooke. Walsh's arms were crossed above his chest, a slight dip on each side of his cheek as he watched Killian receive his award.

Killian and Walsh had clearly grown apart. Killian found that he clicked much better with Phillip and Victor and Kathryn, who had joined their little gang after that group project earlier in the year. Phillip had once told Killian that Walsh was the big man on campus before Killian came – that Walsh was known as the smartest, most athletic, and creative guy when they were all in middle school, and this continued on through the first couple months in high school. Killian had tried to explain he wasn't trying to interfere with Walsh's status, but it seemed that he had somehow pushed him to a lower pedestal in the process of becoming the Killian Jones everyone knew.

Killian walked back to his spot when Mr. Jefferson came to the microphone and brought out the varsity dance team to perform their kick line routine for the school. The song came on as they watched the girls perform. Victor nudged Killian in the side and gestured his head towards Phillip, who seemed entranced by a brunette at the end of the line. Killian and Victor silently laughed at their friend throughout the rest of the pep fest.

1 year ago…

Killian walked into Mr. Marco's history class with Victor by his side. It was the first day of school his junior year, and he was all ready to meet his newest teachers and classmates.

When he walked in, he sat down next to Phillip in the front row, Victor sitting on his other side.

He couldn't help but overhear Walsh, Zelena, and Dorothy in the background. "Yeah, and I met this really cute girl named Emma, and we've been hanging out a lot this summer."

"What's she like?"

"She's a little shorter than me, blonde hair, hot bod, if you know what I mean…" he said, elbowing Dorothy and winking.

Killian rolled his eyes. "What a jackass," Killian whispered to Phillip. "How would Aurora feel if she knew you were talking about her like that behind her back?"

"She would be so upset!" Phillip agreed. "I feel sorry for whoever this Emma girl is."

"And she's really into me. It took me a while, but now she can't get enough of me!" Walsh said in the background.

"Can you believe him?" Victor asked, glaring at the kids next to him.

"No, I really can't…"

Coach Eric looked at Walsh's form in the pool. "Walsh, you're still not doing it right!" he yelled. "I tell you every practice that you need to move your arms up and out before going back in the water."

Walsh stopped in the water, bobbing up and down to look over at the sidelines. "I'm sorry, Coach."

Coach Eric turned his head to the left. "Killian, get in row three," he yelled him on the bench. Killian stood up and walked over to the water, jumping into the third row. "Okay, Walsh, watch Killian carefully. He has perfect form, and this is how you need to look when you do the stroke."

Killian glided across the water, following Coach Eric's directions. Once he reached the other side of the pool, he heard his coach saying to Walsh, "See? Whenever you can do the butterfly like that, you can be on varsity. Until then, you have to stay on JV, got it?"

"Yes, sir," Walsh said, his voice wavering.

"Did you hear?" Phillip said to Killian as soon as they met up at school.

"Hear what?" Killian asked, confused at Phillip's eagerness.

He leaned in close, as if it was a secret. "Walsh quit the swim team!"

Killian drew in a breath. "Why would he quit? State races are coming up next week!"

Phillip shrugged at Killian. "James told me that Walsh told him that he was fed up with the politics of the team, whatever that means."

"Politics? This makes no sense. He was just at practice yesterday."

"I know! But I'm not going to lie, I won't miss him snickering whenever he beats me in a race… And now I'm second best on the team, after you, of course."

Killian waved his hand, disregarding the statement. "I still wish he wouldn't have quit. Do you think we should talk to him? Try to get him to rejoin?"

"Like he'd ever have a civil conversation with us," Phillip replied. "I think his mind is made up, anyway. From what James was saying, it seems like Walsh has wanted to quit for a while now. Something must have happened at yesterday's practice that became his tipping point."

Killian and Phillip reached Mr. Marco's classroom. "I guess so…"

2 Months Ago, Beginning of Senior Year

Killian and Victor saw Walsh walking down the hallway with all the senior lockers, passing out fliers. "What do you think that is about?" he asked, closing his locker and turning to Victor.

"I'm not sure…" Victor seemed disinterested, but Killian couldn't help his curiosity.

Walsh was just passing a flier to Felix before he came up to Killian and Victor. He looked them both up and down before turning his head away and walking further down to pass one to some girl named Mulan.

Killian rolled his eyes before walking over to Mulan. She was in a bunch of his AP classes after she transferred here their junior year, although they didn't talk too much. "Hey, Mulan! What's that flier about?" Killian asked, standing on his tip toe to look over her shoulder.

"It looks like Walsh is running for student council president," Mulan replied, looking up at Killian. "Are you?"

Killian hadn't really thought about it. Of course, he had coveted the position since his freshman year, but he was already the NHS president and swim team captain. Did he really want another thing to do?

Hell yeah, he did.

"Yeah, I am," he said, a positivity in his voice that no one would ever know he was just deciding this now. "I'm actually going to be hanging up my posters tomorrow before school."

"Cool," Mulan said, just as the first period bell rang. "See you in class," she said, closing her own locker and turning away from him to catch up with her friends, John and Will.

Killian swiveled until he was facing Victor, a knowing grin on his friend's face. "So, you're running for student council president now? Since when?"

Killian gave him his own cocky smirk. "Since about two minutes ago."

Killian was tapping his pencil on his desk as he watched the school-produced tv show with the morning announcements. It was a biweekly, five-minute show that Killian had wanted to join, but it conflicted with swimming.

A close up of Dorothy came on the screen. "And now, the results for our student council executive board," she said, looking down at a piece of paper set in front of her. Killian's face shot up at the TV, sitting up straight at his desk and waiting anxiously to find out if he got the position.

"Student council secretary is… Phillip Knightly."

Killian turned to face his best friend with a huge grin on his face. "Phil! Congrats, man!" He held out his hand for Phillip to clap, which he did while listening to Ashley Boyd become the treasurer and Aurora becoming Vice-President.

"And our 2014-2015 student council president is…" Killian crossed his fingers as he looked at the screen. "Killian Jones!"

Killian brought his fist down in victory. "YESSSS!" he hissed as Phillip congratulated him and gave him a clap right back.

Killian was so busy celebrating with his friends that he barely noticed Walsh looking at him with jealous eyes. His fists tightened and opened, the frown on his face morphing into a nonchalant grin as he turned to his friend Zelena. "Eh, I didn't really care about the council, anyway. My parents wanted me to do it…" Walsh's voice seemed cool, but it was off. There was a tinge of sadness behind it, and Killian could tell he was genuinely upset he didn't win.

Killian almost felt bad for the bastard.

Almost.

The sympathy seemed to come and go with the snap of a finger because, before he knew what was happening, Aurora had pulled him up into a big hug.

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