Whew, I was honestly a little worried that I wouldn't get this one finished in time to post it before work. I will apologize in advance for any typos though. I did a rush proof-read/edit, but I will come back and do a better one as soon as I can.

The title for this chapter has more than one meaning, really. It could be the layers of a plan, or the layers of a person. Or perhaps both. I guess I will leave it for you to figure out as you read it ;)

CB73: Scott really is living in his delusions, no matter what Tyler tries to say. Though, I imagine your right that Tyler is having WAY too much fun trying to bring him back around into reality again. The rumour mill is going to have so much to process with all of this crazy! Good thing Hayden is used to being a hot topic by now. Rumours he can handle. The poor boy just doesn't know how to handle Astrid. He just thinks he does...lol

Now Account: I actually love writing Scott's perspective. He seems so simple, but he's actually quite a complicated character. People like to think of him as the loveable idiot that we know from the movies, but they seem to forget that Snot was NOT that guy before Hiccup. Tyler (Tuffnut) has always been awesome though. Love that guy! And yes, he totally did say that! :P I'm guessing Scott hasn't seen Astrid's new 'tattoo' yet, or he'd be asking some serious questions. Not that he'd recognize his cousins style, but it might make him a little suspicious of what she was up to while 'camping' last weekend. Lol. You make a valid point about Halloween too. Saints everywhere will probably have to pray for Hayden. That boy is in some serious trouble... ;)

Rory-Bluff: Haha, well, he did have a girlfriend. I doubt he actually had to read it to be able to understand quite blunt references to it and spout some well-known things in return. I doubt he knows any of the finer points, but even my husband (who has never read 50 Shades and never wants to) knows that it has kink, a red sex room, and a dysfunctional relationship between two unlikely people with emotional issues. One rich, and one less so. My hubby even knows about the silver tie, because he was dumb enough to ask about the cover picture. My poor man has never been the same since :P lol

ooOOoo

When Rachel gave her the news, all Astrid could feel was storming mad. She knew that she shouldn't be. After all, her and Hayden were nothing other than friends. A good friend would be happy for him that he had found someone nice after Victoria. Miss Cope was awesome, and she looked like the type of woman that Hayden would typically be seen with. Slender, elegant, and absolutely perfect. It only made sense for the two beautiful teachers to get together. Not to mention the fact that Hayden actually could be with Cope.

There were so, so many reasons that Astrid and Hayden couldn't be together. It was about more than simple scandal. It was Astrid's future at stake here. Hayden himself had been the one to remind her of that. It was just hard to care about any of that when she was with him. He was everything she wanted. Why would he have left his mark on her by way of the subtle design on her shoulder if he didn't want her too? At least a little bit.

All weekend it had felt so easy. So surreal. The casual jokes and blatant flirting. The sexual tension that undercut every one of their moments together, to the point that their friends felt the need to push the boundaries of what was ethical and right. Hayden's beautiful words to her on the dock on Saturday night had warmed her right to the cockles of her heart. He had made her feel as if the forbidden desire was at least mutual.

Hearing that Hayden was currently out on a date with another woman just 3 days later was like a slap to the face. Astrid just couldn't help feeling cheated. Betrayed. Mostly though, she was just angry at herself. Was she so stupid and weak that she had allowed herself to fall for yet another asshole? And here she had been so sure that Hayden was different.

When Tyler had called, the three girls had all been sitting around the living room of their apartment. Dressed in their comfiest 'give-up clothes' as Rachel called the combination of cotton sleep shorts and oversized sweaters, and attempting to make a dent in their homework. Astrid was currently kneeling on a pillow in front of the wrought iron coffee table. The gas fireplace softly flickering behind her. The gentle heat radiating over her back. Her school bag lying beside her on the plush cream, brown, and gold carpet.

Heather was propped against the arm of the dark brown leather sofa instead. Her face buried in her biology textbook. Rachel perched cross-legged in the matching recliner with a notebook balanced on her lap. Astrid's homework was spread out across the glass tabletop, but her eyes kept straying to the phone resting beside it now instead.

"I still don't believe it," Heather grumbled after a long stretch of loaded silence. Slamming her book shut and tossing it noisily aside. Making Rachel glance over at her in mild interest at the outburst. Astrid twisting around now to look up from her spot on the floor. "I don't care what Sabrina and Stacy say. Hayden just wouldn't do something like this," Heather added fervently. "Stacy was probably just exaggerating."

"Do something like what? Go on a date? He is at perfect liberty to date whomever he wants," Astrid replied blandly. Rolling her eyes for good measure. "Stacy has no reason to lie about Hayden and Cope. Aside from fantasizing about him with the other girls, she's not actually invested in his life. Well, maybe just for the gossip it might provide," she added thoughtfully.

"Astrid's got a point," Ruff chimed in. "Hayden is a gorgeous and rich single man. He can date whoever he wants. Besides, we don't actually know Hayden that well Heather. Just because he's your brother's friend doesn't really mean anything," she drawled. Turning back to her homework as she started to chew on her pen.

"Well, maybe not," Heather assented as she picked up her book again too. "I just... I refuse to believe that he would flirt with Astrid all weekend only to turn around and go out with someone else. He's just not that kind of guy," she mumbled as she rifled back to the right page again.

"Maybe he just flirts with everyone like that," Astrid muttered quietly. "I always knew that it was only a fling guys, and I'm totally okay with that." Heather and Rachel both shot her slightly disbelieving looks before turning back to their homework. Of course her friends could easily seeing right through her forced bravado. Reaching for her phone now while they weren't looking, Astrid tapped out a rather snarky text to Hayden. Just wanting to know for sure.

As she set her phone back on the table, she couldn't help wondering how long it would take him to reply. If he even did at all, that is. If the devil used his silver tongue to tempt Miss Cope home with him, he would be far too busy to check his phone. If that was the case, then Cope would be hooked. She'd never want to let him go, and why should she? There was nothing keeping the two of them from spending every night together, after all.

In an unbelievably short amount of time though, Astrid's phone was buzzing. The screen lighting up to show the incoming text, and Heather and Rachel both glanced up interestedly. Astrid tilted it up so that she could see the screen better, and then promptly dropped it back to the table top. "Oh my god, it's him," she squeaked.

"You seriously texted him while he's on a date," Heather exclaimed in shock. "Astrid..."

"I didn't think he'd answer right away," Astrid countered in her own defence. "What type of guy answers a text from another girl while he's on a date?!" Her voice cracking in her nervousness, and she cringed inwardly. Dear god, how much more obvious could she possibly be?! Seriously, it's just a crush! Get a grip girl, she scolded herself sternly. Trying to ignore the knowing looks she was getting from both her friends now.

"A dirtbag. Or a guy that isn't really on a date," Rachel replied casually. Astrid forced out a chuckle of agreement to that, while secretly desperately hoping that it was the latter. Convincing her hands to grab the phone again, Astrid could feel her fingers trembling slightly as she swiped in the passcode. Every part of her fully expecting some sort of 'don't message me again' reply.

What she found instead was a typically sarcastic jibe. Asking in his own Hayden-ish way how she had heard the news. Astrid quickly typed out her reply and hit send before she even read out the first message to her friends. "Well, he's got a point," Heather shrugged. "I mean, wouldn't you hate it if you went out with someone, and an hour later everybody knew about it." Rolling her green eyes as she dragged out the word for dramatic effect.

Astrid found she had to agree with that. It would be highly irritating, she thought. Glancing back at her phone just as a new message popped up. Then she was scowling at her phone instead as she read his words. There was no way to miss the fact that he was deliberately trying to rile her up now. 'Oh shut up, Smartass!' she shot back. Probably giving herself away in the process, and likely scaring him off for good.

There were a million things she wanted to ask him now, but nothing that wouldn't sound desperate or clingy. A good friend would inquire as to how the date was going. She should do that. How do you ask the guy you like about his date with another woman though? Especially when you know his answer is going to cut you like a knife.

Just as if he could sense her feelings, his next text pulled her right back from the edge. 'It wasn't a date, Astrid...' She couldn't help reading those words over a few times. Just to reassure herself that they were really there, and she wasn't just imagining them. Clinging to them like a lifeline, and feeling incredibly guilty at the exact same time. She shouldn't be feeling this way at all! He was her teacher!

Looking for some way to distract her traitorous thoughts, Astrid glanced up at Rachel. "Where's Hunter's Cove?"

"That's the place down on 10th with the shabby-chic decor and the strong stoner vibes. It's the one where Tyler made us sit through his stupid poetry reading last year," Rachel replied without even looking away from her paper.

"The one where he performed 'Ode to Chicken' by Tyler Lavern Thorston," Heather asked as Astrid snorted a laugh. "God, that awful poem was like 20 minutes long and used the term 'nefarious loins' at least twice."

"My brother, the artist," Rachel agreed dryly. Then she suddenly glanced up with a look of shocked humour on her face. "Dear god, is that where Stacy works?! I thought it would be some fancy boutique place that sold 50 dollar cups of espresso! Not a Stoner's Haven. I honestly never would've called that."

"Me neither," Astrid shrugged. Her mind instantly recalling the memory of the little cafe with the stage in the back corner. Yellow walls enclosing a haphazard assortment of thrift shop couches and chairs around scratched old wooden end tables. White inset LED's providing most of the light as birds nest chandeliers holding multicoloured bulbs threw odd patterns over the 'local artist' paintings on the walls. Shabby-chic pretty much summed that place up, alright. It certainly wasn't romantic, but the coffee and dessert bars were amazing.

Still, Astrid couldn't help remembering what Tyler had said about Hayden and Cope holding hands and flirting. What did it matter if the place wasn't romantic? Hayden was more than charming enough to make it work for him anyways, and she texted him as much. He was probably just trying to make Astrid feel better. Stringing her along just to let her down later if everything went well with Cope tonight. Well, he might as well just get it over with now.

When the selfie of him and Toothless in the park filled her screen though, Astrid could feel the embarrassed blush in her cheeks creeping the rest of the way up her face. Along with a wave a warmth that flooded her chest. The fact that he was willing to take a pic of himself just to prove that he wasn't lying had to mean that he cared for her too. At least a little. Otherwise, why would he bother? His following comment about deleting it before his friends could find out even had her laughing out loud now.

Recognizing an opportunity when she saw one, Astrid decided to pounce. When her and the girls had started tossing around the idea of Halloween bar hopping with the boys, they hadn't been overly serious. Halloween was still a month and a half away. Still, when Heather brought it up to Dagur, he was on board right away. Of course he was. Dagur loved any chance to dress up and act like an idiot in public. Even suggesting that they rent a limo for the night, so that no one had to stay sober.

After a bit of coercing, Dagur had managed to get Eret on board too. The only tough part was going to be Hayden. According to both Dagur and Eret, Hayden did not love dressing up, wasn't much of a drinker, and tried to stay away from nightclubs. Dagur had teasingly suggested that Astrid try to ask him, but never had she actually imagined that Hayden would cave to her quite so easily. Especially after how snarky she had been with him over what had turned out to be nothing.

"Hayden says he's not dating Cope, and he's in for Halloween," Astrid stated brightly. A smug grin plastered on her face as she looked around at her friends.

Heather flopped her book down again in surprise. "Are you serious," she asked. When Astrid nodded happily, Heather just shook her head with a laugh. "I don't believe it. You start out by interrupting him on a possible date like some sort of stalker, and end the thing by convincing him to let us dress him up and parade him around for Halloween."

"Yep. That boy's got it bad," Rachel quipped. Closing her textbook around her pen and placing it and her binder on the carpet beside the chair.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Astrid replied flippantly. Even as her heart warmed again at the idea that Hayden might just like her back. As taboo as that was, since he was her teacher. Still, the forbidden fruit does often seem to be the most tempting one. It certainly was for Astrid.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Rachel grinned. "He's going to absolutely die when he sees you dressed up in your skimpy little costume," she added evilly. Stretching her back out as she pushed to her feet.

"Where are you going," Astrid asked with a chuckle. Even as her cheeks heated with another blush at the thought of what Rachel and Heather were probably going to make her wear for Halloween. "You can't possibly be done the biology essay yet."

"I'm going to make some hot chocolate," Rachel answered with a shrug. Making her way around the small centre island and heading towards the counter by the stove. Opening up the cupboard above the kettle, she glanced back over her shoulder as she reached for her favourite green and yellow mug with the cartoon zippleback on it. "I can't focus on homework anymore anyways. You guys want some?"

"Yes please," both of the girls chorused. Giving up on her own work for the night, Astrid stuffed her books back in her bag. Setting it next to the sofa table by the front door before going to help Rachel. Really, the essay wasn't due until Friday anyways, and she was nearly done it already. She could just finish it during free period tomorrow.

Heather set her books in a stack on one of the end tables beside the couch instead. Then she went to the dual-purpose book/DVD case to pick out a movie. Assignments forgotten as they settled in together on the couch for the rest of the evening. Pulling a blanket over themselves as they sipped at their hot drinks. A slightly smug smile still plastered on Astrid's face as she crawled into bed that night.

The next day at school, she and the girls spent their entire free period in the library. A place where Astrid knew for a fact she would never run into Scott. By now she had heard the rumours about Sabrina dating Scott. Most of them spread by Sabrina herself. The way she ranted about it, you would think she had been hoping to break up the 'dream couple' all along.

Who knows? Maybe she was, Astrid thought to herself. Instigating a relationship meltdown just to land the quarterback seemed like the sort of thing that bitch would do. Sabrina had set her sights on Scott back in junior year, but Astrid hadn't been overly worried about it. Scott was a lot of things, but he was a good guy at his core. Though he might say dumb things sometimes, he would never have cheated on her. Honestly, their relationship had never really been perfect, but it wasn't all bad either.

Leaving the library just before lunch, Astrid strutted through the school with her head high. Ignoring all the pitying looks that some girls sent her way, as well as all the snide looks from the cheerleaders and their followers. Heather walking primly beside her and ignoring everyone too. Rachel grinning and waving her fingers at them cheekily instead.

It wasn't like Astrid was jealous. Far from it. If Sabrina wanted Scott, she could have him. Sure, it sucked a little to see your ex being happy with someone else. Especially since Astrid couldn't be with the man that she wanted. Seeing Astrid and Hayden together would definitely make it clear to Scott that she was over him. Then he would stop stringing Sabrina along while he played his dumb games. If she didn't hate the girl so much, Astrid might actually feel a little bad for her.

Astrid knew exactly why Scott was spending time with Sabrina and encouraging all the rumours. Of course, Tyler had already dished all the goods to Rachel about Scott's 'genius' plan. Scott wanted Astrid to come crawling back. That was never going to happen though. Even without Hayden coming along and rocking her world. It was just a lot easier after Hayden. The fact that Astrid now had a secret crush on her hot physics teacher was just more proof that she was over Scott.

Their relationship had never been made to last. Some part of Astrid had always known that, but she had blinded herself to it. The fact that her and Scott were completely opposite people had never been a good sign. People always say that opposites attract. Well, that may be true, but they eventually drive each other crazy too. How do you build a lasting relationship on a lack of common interests and a constant string of minor spats?

Not that Scott would understand any of that. Astrid had already tried to tell him to get lost. In front of half of the school, at that. Still, it somehow didn't seem to penetrate that thick skull of his. The boy could be so delusional sometimes! She used to find it mildly endearing. Now it was just irritating. God, she just couldn't wait until the day she could finally tell Scott about Hayden. If only Scott could see how truly happy Hayden made her without even trying. That would definitely make him see the light...

Although, on second thought, that might just blow up in her face. Scott would be absolutely furious. What would he do to Hayden? At best, the news would create an awkward divide in a family that already struggled to get along. At worst, Scott might try to get Hayden arrested. Claiming that he had used his position of authority to lure Astrid in. Astrid would never forgive herself if she got Hayden thrown in jail.

Still, Astrid couldn't shake the feeling that Sabrina might have her own reasons for schmoozing up to Scott. Everyone in the school knew that Sabrina was a user and a gold digger. Astrid certainly didn't want Scott back now, but she didn't want to see him used either. Hopefully Scott tossed Sabrina like day old yak dung once he realized that his plan wouldn't work. Long before the conniving bitch found a way to actually sink her overly manicured claws into the poor, witless boy.

"What are you thinking about," Heather suddenly asked as they made their way across the lawn. Making Astrid suddenly realize that she had been silently mulling over her own thoughts for a full 5 minutes. Something which her friends clearly hadn't failed to notice.

"I'm just trying to figure out what Sabrina is up to," Astrid answered with a shrug. "I mean, we know what Scott's plan is, but what is Sabrina's angle. What's in this for her?"

"Maybe she legitimately likes Scott," Rachel offered blandly. Both Astrid and Heather arching disbelieving brows at her. "Yeah, never mind. I almost forgot who we were talking about for a moment there," she back-pedalled with a grimace.

"Sabrina doesn't have feelings," Heather reminded Rachel. "Remember when she pretended to date that Michael guy in freshman year because his dad was a film producer. Then she dumped him in front of the entire school when she found out that he was actually an independent film producer and didn't make any real money."

"Yep, she's a user bitch for sure," Rachel agreed. "So what are you suggesting Astrid? I thought you were over Scott?"

"I am," Astrid replied flippantly. "I'm just also sure that Sabrina was instrumental in breaking us up in the first place. Why would she do that? Who just steals someone else's boyfriend without an ulterior motive? I plan to keep an eye on her. There's no way she's smart enough to keep her plans hidden forever. Besides, if anyone is going to hurt Scott, it's going to be me," she offered with a grin.

"Ooh, me likey," Rachel grinned back. "I mean, I don't understand what instrumental means, but I think you're trying to say that she was the reason Scott dumped you. Which actually turned out to be a good thing. Maybe you should be thanking her instead..."

"Ruff, your Thorston is showing," Heather cut across her. Making Astrid snort a laugh of agreement.

"Ugh, thanks Heather," Rachel grimaced. Shaking her head dramatically as her artfully messy braids flapped around her face. "I just about went full Ruffnut there, didn't I? Gross. I haven't done that since middle school. Anyways, count me in. I do love me some revenge plans, and I hate me some Sabrina."

"Count me in too," Heather added. "You think Tyler will be in," she asked Rachel.

"Tuff hates Sabrina too," Rachel offered as an answer. Rolling her eyes as if that should have already been obvious to the other two.

"Excellent," Astrid smirked. "And so it begins."

"Wait," Rachel suddenly spouted. Holding her hands out and stopping in her tracks. Making Astrid and Heather stop too as they looked around in confusion. Wondering what they could possibly have missed. "We need a code name! All good spy operations have code names," Rachel stated firmly in response to their startled expressions.

"Are you being serious right now," Astrid asked with a laugh. "You know, I thought you were supposed to be the smart twin."

"Only school smart," Heather countered with a chuckle.

"Not my fault that you guys don't know the first thing about being criminal masterminds," Rachel replied with a shrug. "Tuff and I dedicated a good two years to learning the art back in middle school." Astrid and Heather both stared at her for a long moment before they both broke down into a fit of hysterical laughter.

"What?! We were going to be super villains when we grew up," Rachel informed her friends. As if this was the most reasonable answer in the world. "Whatever. Laugh all you want. I'll come up with a code name then. You guys just focus on finding a way to infiltrate Sabrina's inner circle."

"Deal," Astrid and Heather chorused together in between chuckles. The three girls fist bumping each other before they started walking again. Their own dastardly plans now set firmly into motion. Now the major question was, do they involve Hayden and the guys? Astrid quickly decided against this though. Hayden and Eret may be sort-of friends with them, and Dagur was Heather's brother, but this was not their fight. It wasn't a good idea for teachers to get involved in student rivalries anyways. This time, Astrid and the girls would take care of things on their own.

*

Scott had started to put his devious plan to work right away. Spending every free movement with Sabrina. Bolstering the rumours that they might be dating, though he was careful not to verbally confirm them. Unfortunately, though Sabrina was with him wherever he went around school, Scott never did see Astrid. By lunchtime on Friday he had completely given up for the week. Then all weekend was tied up with practice.

As was typical of Archipelia weather, it had rained all goddamn weekend too. The dreary skies and soggy field just adding to Scott's progressively more irritable mood. A point that Tyler made sure to comment on multiple times. Just like his dad, Scott tended to take out his feelings on those around him rather than face them. He wasn't overly proud of it, but that was just the way he was raised.

Practice on Sunday wasn't too bad though. They ran drills of course, but Eret and Gobber didn't push them nearly as hard this time. Though the sight of Eret standing there in his perfectly faded boot cut jeans, light brown Timberland boots, and tight grey t-shirt set Scott's teeth on edge. The way his huge arms bulged out of the sleeves as the curled night fury logo on the front strained over his chiseled pecs. Night Fury Racing was who Hayden drove for, and everyone knew that!

There was no way that Eret hadn't worn that damn shirt on purpose. The smug smirk plastered on his chiseled face every time he met Scott's furious gaze just seeming to confirm this fact. Despite his rising anger, Scott still made sure to put in extra effort at practice. Going above and beyond the typical, and loudly encouraging everyone to do the same. Of course it was partly because he really wanted the team to win their first game against the Meadhead U Marauders next month. Mostly it was because Gobber had yet to name anyone as Captain.

Scott was sure that it was going to be him. Sure he wasn't always the best sport and he sometimes struggled to be a team player, but he never alienated his boys either. No matter what else he was though, Scott knew he was a good quarterback. He showed up to every practice, and he was the star of the show. Coach Gobber would be crazy not to put the highly coveted 'C' on Scott's jersey. Especially since everyone else agreed that he should have it.

Of course Scott knew that he wasn't the best student. He'd never been smart like his cousin Hayden. Unfortunately, you needed passing grades in order to stay on the team, no matter how skilled you were. For the last two years, Scott had been paying a nerdy kid to tutor him on the sly so that his buddies wouldn't find out about it. Not wanting to be made fun of for needing help.

Astrid had asked Scott before why he even wanted to be friends with people that would make fun of him for that. She didn't understand though. Astrid had always been popular without even trying. Smart without struggling for it. Gifted with both looks and brains from a very young age. Confident enough that she was completely comfortable with simply being herself, and with awesome parents that supported her in whatever she wanted to do.

There wasn't a boy in all of Archipelia that didn't want the chance to get with Astrid, and there wasn't a girl that didn't secretly want to be included in her circle. Rising straight to the top of the high school pecking order as if she belonged there. Not even having to stoop to petty rivalries or underhanded backstabbing to get it. Everyone simply recognized a queen bee when they saw one. Admittedly she had become slightly less popular when she became a science nerd, but that didn't really stop the guys from wanting her even now.

Scott had been included in the cool crowd through his family ties and moderate wealth. Everyone knew that the Jorgensons were related to the Haddocks through marriage, and Uncle Stoick had given Scott's dad a decently well paying job at Haddock Enterprises. They were nowhere near as rich as the Haddocks of course, but the Jorgensons were still more than well off. Having wealth and a spot on the football team weren't quite enough though. Not for Scott, not for Astrid, and certainly not for Steven Jorgenson. Steven expected his son to be top dog, and as head cheerleader, Astrid only deserved the best.

Unlike Astrid, Scott had eventually risen to status of leader of the cool gang through grunt work and sheer force of will. Practicing on the field until his bones ached, and then working out in his home gym until he spewed. If he was going to land his dream girl, he needed to earn it. Scott had crushed on Astrid since middle school, even though she had openly despised him back then. In high school, Scott had been determined to change that.

Finally, he had convinced her to give him the time of day in 10th grade, and he had let her see his softer side. The side that no one else ever got to see. They had been a thing ever since. Until this year that is. God, how could he have been so stupid! He had worked so goddamn hard to win her, only to toss her aside because he was bored of the same old thing?! He was a world class idiot. Still he had won her over once before. He could do it again.

And there he went thinking about Astrid again... Scott gave himself a mental shake, before glancing over at Tyler. The dreadlocked twin was currently sitting on the kitchen counter with his phone held close to his face. The comical sounds of some ridiculous game pumping out of the phone's speaker as his thumbs swiped over the screen. A dirty fry pan still sitting on the stove beside him from his gourmet dinner of cheeseburger macaroni Hamburger Helper. The leftover cheese and sauce slowly solidifying to the pan, and to the plate that had been carelessly dropped into the sink.

Their apartment wasn't nearly as big as the one the girls shared. Having only two tiny bedrooms, one bathroom, and with combined kitchen and living room. It was bigger than a college dorm, but not by much. It certainly looked nice though. All dark furniture, light pine coloured laminate flooring, stainless appliances, and warm beige walls. The colour scheme giving the small space the feel of a cozy yet upscale country chalet instead of a midtown apartment.

Tyler had an unexpected knack for interior design, and he wasn't ashamed to flaunt it. Sometimes Scott actually wondered if Rachel wasn't actually the guy twin. Although, Tyler's sever lack of personal style kind of made up for his other oddly girly traits. That and Scott had seen Tyler in the showers after practice. Once you'd seen Tyler naked, it was hard to deny that he was definitely a guy. An unexpectedly muscular one, despite how lanky he looked.

Tyler also happened to be the best wide receiver they had on the team. The boy might be nuts, but he could catch almost any pass and he was faster than he looked. It almost made up for how much he grated on Scott's nerves the rest of the time. "I thought you said you were going to do the dishes right after you finished eating," Scott drawled. Glaring at the pan accusingly.

"I will as soon as I finish this level," Tyler muttered back. Not even looking away from the screen. "It's not like the dishes are gonna get up and walk away in the meantime."

"Ugh... Guess I'll just do it," Scott grumbled quietly. Pushing up from his spot at the kitchen table, Scott grabbed his water bottle and went to refill it. Flicking on the kitchen tap on his way past. Scott may not be able to cook to save his life, but his mom had at least taught him to keep the house tidy. She had also taught him how to sew, but he would take that particular secret to the grave.

After refilling his bottle from the pitcher in the fridge, Scott checked that the water was hot. Then he started scrubbing the pan and plate. "Thanks man," Tyler grinned. Closing out of his game the moment Scott's hands were wet. "I love the fact that if I wait long enough, you'll always do it for me."

"I'm going to hit you with this fry pan," Scott growled back. "And get your ass off the counter! That's where we make food!"

"Pfft, yeah right. We haven't used the counter to make food since we moved in here," Tyler pointed out with an eye roll. "You're just lucky I don't tell the guys what a neat freak you are. They would tease you worse than I do," Tyler joked. Hopping down from the counter and pocketing his phone before slapping Scott on the back. Scott just grumbled under his breath as he flicked soapy water at his friend. Knowing that Tyler was right, and hating it.

Their other buddies acted as if being a slob was like a right of passage for a man. It honestly drove Scott crazy whenever the guys were over. He would drink more just to keep from freaking out and yelling at them for making a mess. As soon as they were gone, he would go on a cleaning frenzy. All while Tyler sat on the black leather couch with his feet on the dark oak coffee table and laughed at him. Sometimes Tyler would spend hours deliberately skewing the remotes on the coffee table, just to watch Scott fix them back into an orderly line over and over again. Until it dissolved into a brawl that is.

"So, Martha Stewart, how is your dastardly plan working out? Astrid begging you to take her back yet," Tyler asked. Chuckling at Scott's scowl as he danced out of range of the towel that now came whipping towards him.

"Very funny," Scott growled. Folding the towel up and carefully hanging it back on the rack. "She clearly just hasn't heard the rumours yet is all. It probably takes longer for word to reach the science nerds, since they are too busy with their heads buried in their books. When she sees Sabrina and I together on Monday though, that'll be it. She'll be texting me before the end of practice."

"Would you like to borrow a life jacket," Tyler inquired brightly.

"What the hell are you talking about," Scott asked blandly. Tilting his head as he gaped at his friend. Tyler had a habit of saying weird shit that made absolutely no sense though, and Scott honestly wondered why he still kept trying to understand his buddy.

"Well, you seem to be drowning in denial," Tyler replied flippantly. "Just thought you might want to secure a flotation device before you go completely under."

"I'm not drowning in denial," Scott glowered back.

"Whatever man. It's your business I guess," Tyler shrugged. "Just don't say I didn't warn you when it all comes crashing down in your face. I'm just not sure how you can manage to hang out with Sabrina so much. Listening to that girl for more than 10 minutes can kill brain cells, and I can't really afford to lose anymore of those," he added with a chuckle and pulled out his phone again.

"You're one to talk," Scott chuckled as he flipped Tyler the bird. "I haven't been able to tie my own shoelaces since I had to listen to your damn poetry reading last year."

"Ode to Chicken was a literary masterpiece," Tyler stated simply. "It's not my fault the lot of you aren't cultured enough to recognize that."

"Why are we friends," Scott asked. Shaking his head in confusion at he gaped at the guy that had been his best buddy since elementary school.

"Beats the hell out of me," Tyler grinned. "Probably because deep down you're just as weird as I am."

"Yeah right. I'm way cooler than you," Scott snorted with an eye roll before checking his watch. "Oh shit! I gotta get started on my essay," he added. Shocked by how late it already was.

"You haven't even started it yet," Tyler asked incredulously. "Dude, it's like 7:00! What have you been doing with your week?!"

"Between practice and Sabrina, I just didn't have time," Scott grouched as he picked up his school bag.

"Why didn't you tell Sabrina that you were busy," Tyler asked. Folding his arms across his chest and arching a suspicious brow. "I thought you were just using her to get back at Astrid. Surely failing your classes before the year even really starts isn't part of your master plan too..."

"Of course it's not," Scott growled back. "Sabrina is just very... Needy. Now shut up and stop nagging me. I need something to hand in to Cope or she's gonna flip."

"You could always ask your cousin Hayden to put in a good word with Cope for you," Tyler offered cheekily. "Maybe he could offer her sexual favours in return for an extension on your assignment. Rumour is he's pretty good between the sheets..."

"One more word and I'm going to hit you," Scott threatened. Flipping his middle finger up at Tyler as he flopped back down at the kitchen table. Pulling his books and laptop out with a huff. He was still grumbling to himself as he slumped his way to his bedroom later. Feeling a pounding headache setting in at the massive list of compounding problems that he refused to believe were all his fault.

ooOOoo

I personally feel that the title relates more to people than to plots, though it does work for both. I know everyone thought Scott was just a dumb jock, but there is always more to everyone that first appears. Yes, he is trying very hard to be cool and he is kind of an ass, but this is pre-Hayden (Hiccup) influence Snot. He is still hiding his true colours behind a facade of false bravado as he tries to be the person he thinks he needs to be, but that is not all he is. It never was, and it's nice to add a hefty amount of depth to our favourite and lovably adorable idiot.

As for Astrid and the girls, what do you think of their plan? The plot thickens... What is Sabrina really up to? Is Astrid right? Or is she just seeing the worst in someone simply because she doesn't like them?

BTW: I'm calling out to my readers now. I need a name for this spy operation! A name worthy of the mind of Ruffnut! Please help!