AN: Yeah, I know I said this would be out last week, sorry. Real life has been beating the ever loving bejeezus out of me and this story, again, got away from me in length.

Anywho:

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Chapter 5

It's Therapeutic, Honest

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This was so stupid. This was so stupid. This was so stupid.

It didn't seem to matter how many times I repeated that fraise, I was still sitting here in my p.j.s at three in the morning trying to figure out what one writes in an apology card.

Attempts one through seven, nine, thirteen, or whatever of verbal apology had failed…spectacularly. So I decided to try and write a letter, only…that had sort of blown up in my face too. Literally this time…I owed Auntie a new printer. It's not my fault the darn thing was so ancient it couldn't handle five print requests at once! I kept writing and rewriting the letter for hours and finally I got fed up and sent several versions to the printer thinking that maybe if I got them on paper I'd be able to pick one. But the thing started coughing and wheezing and then…

Anyways, I moved on to an apology card. It was a good thing that Auntie stored all her crafting stuff in the apartment bedroom, because that meant I had no worries about waking her as I had gone through design after design for an appropriate card.

At least, I thought I was being quiet.

There was a knock on the door that made me jump and then a groggy Auntie was in the doorway, "Sweetie…what are you doing?"

I fidgeted. "I'm…I'm aaa…let me just start by saying that this doesn't mean I'm moving into the room!" I blurted, going for the easy conversation topic. I'd hoped that the never ending argument we'd been having on who should move into the apartments only bedroom might distract her. It was a frail hope, and just like every other time I tried to turn the conversation around, Auntie refused to be distracted.

"Noted," she said, "now what are you doing?"

I looked down at the bits of paper and ribbon scattered on the floor all around me. "I'm…trying to apologize," I said, speaking to the floor.

Auntie was quiet, and I didn't want to look up and see her face. She probably thought I was being silly, heck I thought I was being silly; sitting here all alone, in the bedroom I refused to accept, at three in the morning, and on a school night too.

Auntie suddenly sat down on the floor right next to me, "you want to go with something simple, I'd recommend crème colored off-white paper" she said.

A half an hour later I was stunned. With Aunties help, I managed to make a beautifully refined and sophisticated looking card that even Madam Langster couldn't turn her nose up at. Yet it was simple and creative, with its pretty border and the wording:

Apology: \e*pol'a*je\ n.

1. A regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure.

2. An explanation or excuse

I owe you an apology too. Sorry.

-Malory

I'd scrawled out the last bit, Auntie had said it would be better that way, and at this point I pretty much considered her word to be that of the goddess of card making.

She never asked who it was for, or why I was so worked up over this. I'm glad she didn't because I wouldn't have had an answer for her.

It was weird, that Nathaniel of all people, was the reason I was behaving this way.

When I first moved here, I told myself that this time it would be different, that this time I'd actually try, but on my first day of school I just…couldn't. All my old feelings of resentment and bitterness came up and as I walked into the halls of Sweet Amoris I was absolutely certain that this new 'fresh start' would be like all the rest and that in a month or two it'd all be over, my things would be packed, the car door would slam shut, and I'd be right back where I'd started.

But then I had bumped into Nathaniel, or maybe he bumped into me, neither of us had been looking where we were going. We both fell to the floor as a flurry of paperwork flew over our heads. I was still in a bad mood, and on the defensive, and I had lashed out without thinking, "watch it asshole!"

And then I caught sight of those bright golden eyes for the first time. They'd been surprised, and then annoyed. I'd been sneered at plenty of times in my life but this was different. There was no frown of disapproval, no brow scrunch of resentment, just a small tightening of the eyes. It was weird, and I hadn't known how to react to it. People didn't look at me that way. And then to throw me off even more, he had stood and offered me a hand up. And people most definitely didn't treat me that way.

Of course I smacked his hand away.

"I don't need your help" I'd grumbled under my breath, hoisting myself to my feet on my own. I hunched my shoulders, crossed my arms, and looked away.

He just gave me another tightening of the eyes, and speaking much clearer than I did, he said, "my apologies," then he collected his things and walked away without another glance.

I stuck my tongue out at his back.

And with my luck, it figured really that we ended up having almost all the same classes.

I guess in hindsight you could say the beginning of our rivalry was mostly my fault, or well, all my fault. But from there on out it had been a dual effort. It just seemed like it was more me because, no matter what he said, I was the one who won the most.

But…as odd as it sounds, I think that he might be a big part of the reason I was still here. Nathaniel and our never ending competitions gave me a place to direct all my manic energy. Gods know it was never a good idea to let that go unchecked, as many previous experiences could tell.

And with Nathaniel and I constantly at each other's throats, it just, I don't know, it was like I suddenly didn't have time to be all defensive and angsty like I usually was at a new place. I needed to win! And for that I had to actually engage with the class and my peers. People got to know me, yeah it was the heavily censored version of me, but still! Now there were teachers that tolerated me and Mr. Faraize even liked me. Even weirder there were students that liked me. I mean at this rate if I keep playing my cards right I might even make a few friends, real ones!

Iris is always smiling at me, sure she does that for everyone, but still it's something.

And Violette almost always walks to school with me. Mostly because we always run into each other on the sidewalk, but she's not ignoring me, so I haven't screwed that up yet.

And Castiel jokes with me, and Kim teases me, and Lysander is really patient with me, and okay yeah nobody really treats me that different than they do anybody else but that was a good sign right? Right?...

Except Nathaniel, he treated me different. Now the question is do I of think that as a good or bad thing?

Ugh, I don't know. What I do know is that I don't like where we're at right now. Having him legitimately angry, not just annoyed or mildly pissed off with me, I didn't like it.

So several hours later, I was once again trudging my way to school on way too little sleep. Today I wasn't even going to talk to Nathaniel, I wasn't even going to look at him if I could help it. I absolutely refused to take the chance of me screwing this up. So I decided to eliminate all those potentially hazardous variables that came with me opening my mouth.

Heck I was even brisk walking because I didn't want to run into Violette or anybody else. I planned to get in, stuff the card in the door jamb of his locker, and get out. I'd be gone by the time he showed up. And we only had two classes together today, neither of which we sat anywhere near each other so I wouldn't even need to talk to him. We'd have the whole weekend to forget about everything and then on Monday we could go right back to the way things where between us. With him treating me…different.

I'd decided that I liked it that way…

I made it to the courtyard over half an hour before first bell. Nathaniels locker was in the second hallway, and I was certain that not a soul took notice as I quickly secured the card to his locker, before making my escape back towards the courtyard.

Unfortunately I didn't notice the little gremlin hiding behind the corner.


"But Rosa, I don't even know what I did wrong!" Leigh said, trailing along behind me as I walked towards the school.

I think it actually hurt more to hear him say that. I was glad he was behind me so he couldn't see the tears in the corners of my eyes. With my chin held high, and my steps made with confidence, I was certain that from behind I looked more like a righteous Valkyrie of legend than the sniffling little girl I felt like.

"It's not a centralized one thing Leigh" I said, keeping my eyes forward, and somehow managing to keep my voice level. "You've been ignoring me a lot lately, and I'm not so certain if it's me you like, or just having a girlfriend that you like".

He'd been ignoring me a whole heap of a lot more than just 'a lot' though. We'd barely said two words to each other this entire week, and that was with me being at his shop nearly every day to help him prepare all the dress orders he had for an upcoming gala. Sometimes I even wondered if he maybe only kept me around because of my usefulness for his career, but that idea scared me so much I couldn't even voice it out loud, terrified of it being confirmed even a little.

I understood that his business was booming. And frankly the fact that he quit high school and moved out to this city all so that he could pursue his dream was something that I would forever admire about him. But it used to be that even when the boutique was packed to the brim with customers, with a line leading all the way out the door, when I walked in, no matter what, he would still take a moment to give me a quick hug and a kiss to the forehead.

This morning when I came in and called a hello, we were practically empty, and without even looking up from his clipboard the only thing Leigh said to me was, "oh good you're here, the fabric shipment finally came in last night, and it needs to be unpacked".

I didn't even get a third of the way through unpacking it all because by the time I'd reached the satin I was sobbing so hard that I had to sit down on a box, knowing that I'd ruin the fabric if I got any tears on it. Even then I was worried about troubling Leigh.

I love him so much. And I used to be certain that he felt the same way, but I'm not so sure of that anymore.

It was as Leigh drove Lysander and I to school that I finally burst. It was Lysander not Leigh who noticed that I wasn't as talkative as usual, it was Lysander not Leigh who noticed that my eyes were puffy, and it was Lysander not Leigh that asked me if I was alright.

Leigh had answered before I could, glancing at his brother in the back seat and saying "why wouldn't she be?"

"Probably, because she's not!" I screeched at him, getting right in his face as I leaned across the center console. I got a brief moment to see his wide eyes and completely stunned features before I turned and threw the door open, storming out in a huff as Leigh slammed on the breaks. We were already pretty much there, so we hadn't been moving even five miles an hour but still it felt good to make him worry, even if it was silly.

After a moment the air was filled with the sounds of honking cars and I suddenly felt Leighs hand on my shoulder. He tried to turn me around but I shrugged him off and kept walking.

I did glance out the corner of my eye at the street though, and I could see Lysander hurriedly climbing into the driver's seat of Leigh's car that was sitting idle directly at the front of a building line of cars. It actually made me feel a bit better to know that Leigh was fine with creating a scene and angering a bunch of people just so that he could come after me, but I think part of that was just because I wanted it to make me feel better.

Leigh followed me all the way into the courtyard and up to the front steps, but I didn't want to hear it. He tried to grab my hand as I opened the front door but I yanked it back and tersely told him he wasn't allowed inside. I intended to walk in like a brave confidant assured woman slamming the door behind me as I went but just as I grabbed the handle the door suddenly flew open and a fast walking Rory came busting out.

Her eyes widened at the sight of me and with both of us still in forward momentum we just barely managed to keep our balance as we bounced off each other. We grabbed each other's forearms out of instinct, and spinning, we switched places like we were playing ring around the rosy or something.

"Sor-" I started to say, then suddenly I realized that I was now facing Leigh, and that he had a full view of my tear stained puffy face. My eyes darted to him and I saw that he was just staring at me, frozen mid step, his eyes wide and his hand held aloft like he had intended to catch me when I'd run into Rory.

I felt even more tears coming so I quickly turned and ran into the school.

I could just barely hear Rory's voice as the door swung shut behind me, "geeze man, the hell did you do?"


What the hell had I done? I really screwed up big time. That Malory girl was right. How could I not have noticed that Rosa was so upset? I felt like the worst man in the world right now.

With a sense of dread I realized that I couldn't even remember what I'd said to her this morning, or yesterday afternoon, or the day before that, or the day before that, or the day before that and so on! So I had absolutely no idea what I'd done that was so wrong!

I really screwed up big time.

The Malory girl had gone to speak with Rosa and make sure she was okay, and I realized that she must have been a friend of Rosa's, yet I'd never heard of her. Was I really so bad that I didn't even know some of the most basic things about my own girlfriend?

I paced the courtyard fretfully, getting odd looks from student and staff as I did. My little brother came by just before the bell rang. He looked a little shaky (at least in my eyes) from having to drive the car but he didn't appear to be broken so at least he hadn't crashed it…probably. Either way he seemed well enough that I could worry about him later. Right now my mind was on Rosa.

Lysander approached me on his way in just as the bell rang. We didn't say anything, we never needed to between the two of us. Lysander just crossed his arms and sighed, then clapped me briefly on the shoulder and went in. the message was clear; you screwed up, but you can still fix it.

And I intended to.

The Malory girl came back, five minutes after classes had started, so she must be skipping or something. I wondered if Rosa was so depressed that she was doing the same.

"Alright yeah, she's mad, and sad, and um…kay, just so you know I'm really not good at this kind of stuff but, I think she's really, really hurt."

I sighed, felling absolutely awful, "yes, I gathered us much. Did she tell you anything specific?"

"Um, well," Malory rubbed the back of her head, "she thinks you're too distant, she wants you to share your feelings more. You need to make the first step…I think."

I sighed again, "I'm not good with this kind of thing either, but I truly do like her." I looked away, but I wasn't focused on anything. I had no idea where to even start. Expressing emotions had always been a challenge for me thanks to the constant suppressing of them I'd gone through in childhood. While my parents were loving and accepting of Lysander's and I's eccentricities, our home town was most certainly not. There was a reason I moved away and got Lysander out of there as soon as I could.

But when I moved here, there had actually been many girls vying for my attention. But it wasn't until Rosa had barged her way into my life that I'd even considered a relationship. It was hard not to feel emotions when that girl was around, she made you think about your feelings and she made you deal with them, sometimes with the force and grace of a cannon. It was one of the most blessed beautiful things I'd ever encountered in another person.

Malory fidgeted in front of me as I thought, "I could uh, ask around, for an ideas…I guess".

I hesitated. The last girl that had offered to 'help' me with my relationship had been one of my recurring customers back when Rosa and I first started dating. She was some third duchess's niece or something, and while I love court intrigue, I had never cared much for this particular girl so I hadn't payed much attention. That is until she offered to help me with my inability at relationships as I struggled to figure out how to be a boyfriend when Rosa and I were only a week into our courtship.

We'd almost broken up. But Lysander's friend Castiel managed to overhear a conversation the girl had been having on her phone. Thank goodness he enjoys hanging out on roofs or we may have never known that she was intentionally sabotaging Rosa.

And two years later, girls still contended for my affection, even those that knew I was with Rosa. There had been other attempts to break us up... suffice to say I was wary of this girls offer to help.

"I…I appreciate that" I said cautiously, "bu-".

Malory rolled her eyes and scoffed, cutting me off as she crossed her arms and took a defensive pose, "Listen I'm not doing this for you" she said, "Rosa's my friend so I'm gonna help her, but that doesn't mean I'm any less pissed, got it?" She gave me a stern look that clearly indicated her distaste for me.

I blinked. That…had not been what I expected. I nodded to her, both acknowledging her statement and her dislike.

"Thankyou" I said, giving her a formal bow to show that I meant it.

For some reason this got another scoff out of her. She threw up her hands, and rolled her eyes, "argh, don't do that! Look, just stay put, I'm gonna see if anybody has any ideas".


"Hey Lys" Castiel said, approaching me just as class ended. "What was with you this morning, you were totally out of it."

"I drove" I said.

Castiel just stared at me.

"As in…a car?" he said, a hint of worry seeping into his voice.

I nodded.

"A four wheeled, motorized car?"

Again, a nod.

"…Well, you're still breathing. So…success?"

I shook my head.

Castiel sighed, "alright lets go check the parking lot during break, what all did you hit?"

"Nothing alive this time."

"That's good. Its progress."

"Unless you count the tree."

"Less good."

"…and your motorcycle."

"WHA-!?"

The door opened and Malory suddenly burst in and placed herself right between Castiel and I "Lysander! I need your help!" she said.

"J-Jenny" Castiel was spluttering, "You hit Jenny."

"Who's Jenny?" Malory asked, "You know what, never mind, Lysander you know Rosa pretty well, her boyfriend and her are fighting and she's really upset. Do you have any ideas on what her guy can do to make it up to her?"

I nodded, ignoring Castiel still lamenting his bike, "I have an idea" I said.


I still felt miserable and I knew that my face showed it so I ended up skipping first period. Instead I sat curled up in one of the little nooks created by the stairwell. Nobody noticed me and that's the way I wanted it.

"Rosa!"

Well, almost nobody noticed me.

Malory came dashing down the hall and skidded to a halt right in front of me. "Your dating Lysander's brother!" was the first thing out of her mouth.

She looked so flabbergasted and I couldn't help but smile a little at her choice of topic. "Rory, what does that have to do with anything?" I said kindly.

"Oh, um, well nothing I guess. I just thought I would have picked up on something like that by now," she said, suddenly awkward.

My smile still wasn't reaching my eyes but it stayed. Something about Malory always put me in a good mood. She was so bad at expressing herself, but to anybody who bothered to look, it was obvious that she still felt her emotions very strongly. And even though she screwed up a lot, I thought it was incredibly endearing that she tried.

"Right, uh, anyways!" Malory brightened, and held a scrap of paper up, "that's not why I came to talk to you. I've got a poem-"

The paper was suddenly snatched from her hand. We both looked up at the simpering face of Capucine who was leaning over the staircase railing and holding the piece of paper up just out of reach.

"He-he" she chuckled, "another love letter? My, my Malory, what will Amber say when she finds out your crushing on her brother so much?" She airily waved another, much fancier looking piece of paper about.

"You like Nathaniel?" I said, so surprised for a moment that I forgot my sorrow.

"NO!" Rory shouted her face turning beat red in an instant. "CAPUCINE! You half-pint midget troll! Get back here!"

Capucine ran up the stairs, and Rory immediately took off after her, but the smaller girl had a very big head start as Malory had to skirt around to the front of the staircase.

Wondering if I should be doing something, I started to get up. But then Malorys head and torso popped over the side directly above me and she pointed a stern finger at me shouting, "don't move!", before she disappeared and I heard the pounding of feet going up the stairs and across the second floor hallway.

There was a crash sound. And then some yelling. I briefly heard Capucines tittering little laugh which immediately morphed into her squealing. Then it was quite for a moment.

The stomping picked up again but it was much slower and only that of one person. Malory came clomping down the stairs her hands balled into fists at her side. I started to get up again, but again she yelled, "Stay there! I'm gonna fix this I just need a minute!"

I stayed put.

I could hear Capucine struggling with something upstairs, and five minutes later when she finally came down I had to hold back a laugh when I caught sight of her. Her hair looked like it had been used as a birds nest. There were actually twigs and leaves in it!


"You…shoved a branch in her hair?"

"More like, I shoved her hair in a branch."

I blinked at the girl standing in front of me. When she came back to the courtyard looking angry I knew that it was going to be bad news, and it was, because Rosa never got the poem my brother wrote. Yet, I hadn't expected it to be…absurd news as well.

"I mean, it's kind of her own fault" Malory was saying, waving her arms about in wild gesticulations, "well, actually, its entirely her own fault for ripping up the notes, but the branch part is also her fault because she was the one who decided to throw the scraps out the window that had the tree right next to it. I was just acting on spur of the moment revenge, so I grabbed her hair and shoved it into a wad of sap. It's not my fault she's so stupid that she got herself even more tangled." Malory crossed her arms defensively, and I just starred at her. What kind of odd girl was this? Actually maybe I shouldn't be surprised that she and Rosa were close.

"Anyway" I sighed, "what do we do now? I don't supposed you can get Lysander to write another one?"

Malory scuffed her foot on the ground, "I could, if I could find him. I haven't seen him or Castiel since this morning. But…maybe somebody else has an idea. Don't worry, ill figure something out"

She didn't sound too assured, and my melancholy only got worse. "I hope so" I said, and I really, really did.


I couldn't help but stare out the student council window at the parking lot. The parking lot in which Castiel and Lysander where currently trying to dislodge a mundane black car from a tree. For reasons I couldn't fathom, Lysander was the one in the driver's seat and he quiet clearly didn't know what he was doing. A part of me felt that I should go out there and help them, but considering Castiels animosity towards me that might just make the situation worse. Granted, with how good those two were doing on their own it looked like we might have to replace that tree.

"Last one Nathaniel" Melody said cheerfully, pulling my attention away from Castiel getting knocked over again, as she set another packet on top of the already impressive stack.

Since when did putting up posters require so much paperwork?

I glared at the stack in front of me, briefly contemplating the aerodynamics of paper airplanes, and how these ridiculous forms would serve a much better use in a physics class than this.

"Thank you Melody" I said as sincerely as I could.

I must have hid my annoyance just fine because she smiled pleasantly at me before returning to her filing.

Looking around at the rest of the student council, I saw that they were all happily and pleasantly doing their own work. It made me think about the 'it's a small world' ride at Disney land. And look at that, Danny is starting to whistle, of course.

Unfortunately, their cheerfulness, was only darkening the cloud over my head. My day had started off bad and gone downhill from there. Father was still displeased at me, and he let me know it this morning over breakfast. All I'd wanted was a bowl of cereal. Not a lecture reminding me of my failings.

Father had been…temperamental, last night, and considering that he was still angry at me for getting Amber in trouble a lot of his frustration had been directed at me. Granted it wasn't as bad as the night before last night, which had been, well, awful. But I still had to endure all his belittling comments and offhand remarks about my many inadequacies.

It didn't help that he had a talent for pointing out things that I already felt awful about. Yes, I knew I was a terrible older brother, yes, I knew my morals could be really twisted up in my own selfishness sometimes, and yes I know how egotistical and self-important I can be.

Usually I can console myself by constantly reminding myself to do better, and be better. But when Father spoke, I felt like my flaws were the only thing that I was made up of. Like there was nothing else in me that was even remotely worthwhile.

This morning hadn't been any better as, without Amber, Father had driven me, and me alone to school. Suffice to say, I was still trying to remember what it was that I liked about myself.

Morning classes had been tedious and mind numbing to say the least. I actually found myself wishing Malory was there if for no other reason than to distract me from the monotony. For the first time in months, hell, in years I was wishing for the bell to ring already. I didn't understand it, I used to be fine cycling through the drollness of days, it never bothered me. But after only three months of dealing with the most annoying girl on the planet, I now found myself in the odd state of being bored. Which only allowed my thoughts to run rampant.

I knew I needed to talk to her, and let her know that I didn't blame her for the paint incident yesterday. Also I should probably warn her about Amber on Monday.

But I hadn't seen Malory all morning. And considering how she'd been avoiding me yesterday afternoon I wouldn't be surprised if she had skipped today to avoid me. The thought made my stomach twist unpleasantly.

To make matters worse my back is still killing me. I'd woken up to a sharp pain snapping across my left shoulder blade this morning, and all day I'd had to control my breathing as I worked to keep my muscles from screaming. It all made it incredibly hard to focus on anything during classes. Frankly, I really could have used Malory as a distraction this morning.

And now I was stuck in the student council room for our twenty minute break, and everyone was being incredibly cheery, and it was pissing me off, and this damn ridgeback chair certainly wasn't helping anything.

I stood up.

I gave Melody the quick excuse of needing a change of scenery, so I offered to take the rest of the posters from yesterday and finish hanging them up before break was over.

"Oh, I'll come with you!" she said brightly, grabbing a stack.

So much for being alone. "Thanks" I said, keeping my voice just as pleasant and welcoming as always without any trace of the groaning frustration that I really felt.

We left the student council room, Daniel shooting me a wink as we did. I wanted to roll my eyes. Yes, I knew that Melody liked me. Thank you for pointing out the obvious.

As we walked side by side, she smiled pleasantly at me, like she always does, asked me how my morning was going, fine, I answered, just like I always did. I asked her about her morning, like always, and she proceeded to tell me about it, like always. And like always our conversation was very pleasant. So yeah, rude as it was, I tuned her out a bit, listening with only half an ear.

I did like Melody, she was sweet, and knew how to carry herself respectfully, but sometimes she could be, well, kind of boring. And with my mood this morning I really didn't feel like being 'pleasant', but to not do so would be incredibly discourteous.

"But mom go the pumpernickel," Melody said, letting out her tinkling laugh and smiling up at me and I immediately felt like a jerk. Here she was just being nice and I was pretty much treating that kindness like it was a tedious chore. Gods my Father had a point when he said I was so ill-mannered. Maybe this was why I pissed off people like Malory so much.

I smiled back at Melody, still not at all sure what it was we we're talking about, but she seemed reassured enough and went on with her story.

"So then I decided to use the honey mustard rather than the Dijon" she said. "But, onions can be so finicky" Melody continued as we neared the end of the hallway, "so I decided to put the lettuce on the top, instead of-"

"GIVE THOSE BACK YOU ONION EYED MEASLES!"

What the?!

I looked up just in time to see Capucine and Li come racing around the corner. Li would have run into me if I hadn't quickly sidestepped her. Capucine however, clipped Melody in the shoulder sending the brunette and her paperwork flying. On instinct, I dropped my own posters and stepped forward, catching Melody around the waist so that she fell into me and getting a grip on the back of Capucines coat before she face planted into the floor.

"Are you two alright?" I asked, my eyes bouncing between the both of them.

Capucine was mostly flopped along the ground, with her upper torso hanging, being supported at her armpits by her jacket. Melody was looking up at me wide eyed and stuttering.

And then Malory came rushing around the corner too.

I dropped Capucine and shoved Melody aside to keep Malory from running into either of them. Instead she ran headlong into me. Even with my aching body, years of Kendo kept my feet rooted, Malory however bounced right off me. Reflexes still kicking in, I managed to catch her shoulders and keep her from falling to the floor as well.

"Wha- Nathaniel!" she said, immediately realizing just who it was supporting her. "I, you, how…Hi," she said.

I barely refrained my eye roll. "Hi" I said, "Just what exactly are you doing?"

I hardly noticed Capucine scrabbling to her feet right next me, but I definitely noticed when she threw a wad of what looked like confetti up in the air.

"He-he" she laughed, sticking her tongue out at Malory and running again after Li, still throwing more 'confetti' about as she did.

Malorys whole face turned red, "STOP THAT YOU BEETLE HEADED GIGLET!" she yelled, breaking out of my hold and taking off after the girls again.

I could only stare after her in bewilderment.

"Um" Melody mumbled, her hand came up and brushed some of the 'confetti' off my shoulder. When I looked closer I could see that it was actually various shredded flower petals. Suffice to say I was only more confused.

With a sigh I turned to Melody, "You'll have to excuse me" I said, "I need to go halt the impending chaos".

And with that I took off down the hall after the three girls.

I wasn't sure if I could completely stop the total bedlam that was sure to occur, Malory was involved after all, but at the very least if I could keep the pandemonium to a minimum it would be less paperwork for me. Also, I sort of, still felt like I owed Malory. So perhaps if I could keep her out of detention we'd be even. Even for what, I wasn't sure, but at least my stomach would stop twisting at the thought of talking to her.

With my longer legs and the lack of students in the halls to dodge around I caught up to Malory in no time who had in turn caught up to Capucine. They were both stumbling up the staircase, and Malory at least had the sense not to try and grab Capucine on such precarious footing. I saw a wide eyed Rosa stick her head out from behind some lockers, and it briefly crossed my mind to wonder what she was doing here.

Malory stopped in her chase for just a moment to look over the banister and yell, "STAY THERE!" at Rosa, before continuing her mad dash.

Rosa did as she said, but her eyes widened a second time when they saw me go rushing past and up the stairs as well.

I reached the second floor, and just as I did, I saw Capucine trip. Malory, apparently noticing her chance was getting ready to leap at Capucine. Luckily I wasn't far behind. Quickly I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Malory's middle, catching her mid-flight.

She makes and 'oof' noise as everything but her gut continues in forward momentum. Her feet come down and she regains her footing just as Capucine rolls onto her back and looks up at us. There is brief moment of stillness as we all just stare at each other.

I let out a relieved sigh, thinking that now sense has reasserted itself and we can begin to ascertain what happened rationally.

I thought wrong.

"GAH! You fashion illiterate little cockroach! You're worse than a puddle of iguana piss!" Malory began squirming in earnest and I had to tighten my hold on her to keep her from pouncing on Capucine.

"Humph!" Capucine said, crossing her arms and turning her head in a prissy manner, "it's your own fault you know, if you hadn't been such a confrontational gorilla."

Not helping Capucine.

"I was just trying to help someone!" Malory shouted, "you asinine muddled little-"

"Malory!" I said. She didn't hear me.

"Bootlicking-"

"Malory!"

"Maggot breathed-"

"MALORY!"

"SHE RUINED THE HYDRANGEAS!" Malory shouted up at me, pointing an accusing finger at Capucine.

"…what?"

"Jade wouldn't let me have any other flowers, but that bush was already ruined so it was fine, but then Li and Capucine took them, and Li doesn't have any other ideas, and now Rosa will never be happy again!"

"…Li has no ideas, so she took flowers from you that she wanted to give to Rosa?" I asked, trying to puzzle out the babbling.

"Not lipstick Li, boyfriend Leigh!" Malory said.

"…again, what?"

"He just wants to make things better!" Malory said insistently, waving her arms around to iterate her point "but he's bad at this stuff, because this stuff is hard. And it makes no sense, because people make no sense. And it's all just a big messed up ball of-of hard!"

She hung her head and stopped flailing about, as she literally drooped in my arms. I looked to Capucine hoping for some kind of explanation but all I got was another head turn and prudish 'humph'.

Malory suddenly stiffened and whipped her head around to blink up at me as if she suddenly remembered I was there.

"Nathaniel!" she said, actually sounding surprised.

"Yes?"

"Uh…nothing." She began to squirm again in earnest only this time it was obviously to get away from me. I let her go, but made sure to stay between her and Capucine. But I needn't have bothered as Malory quickly stepped back, keeping her eyes on the floor and edging towards the staircase.

"Um, I need to, I should go!" she quickly said, and before I could get a word out, she did.

"Humph" Capucine said, standing up, "no good shrew."

I rolled my eyes. Capucine certainly didn't have a flair for insults like Malory did.

I looked at the destroyed flowers scattered across the linoleum floor, still not entirely certain of what exactly was going on. But it seemed that Malory had good intentions of some kind. And while it certainly wasn't right of her to chase other students down the halls, I was definitely getting the feeling that she didn't start this mess. And I knew that she wasn't at fault for the paint mess yesterday.

"Actually Capucine" I said before she could walk away, "I've been meaning to have a word with you."


"Where the hell did he go?!" I shouted, while scanning the courtyard.

I'd come out to report to Leigh the disastrous flower failure and the jack wagon had up and disappeared. Oh Rosa was way too good for him. I don't care if he is Lysanders brother, obviously thoughtfulness doesn't run in the family. Not that Lysander was incredibly thoughtful I guess, but he's just forgetful, it's not cause he's mean. Unlike his brother!

I turned with a huff and stomped back towards the school. This day sucks, why'd I even bother coming to school today. Nathaniel never got my apology card that I had stayed up forever making, and then to make things worse I just got done making a complete fool of myself in front of him. Who gets that worked up over flowers! Children that's who, which is exactly what I was behaving like.

You know what, screw it. I'm ditching. I'm grabbing Rosa, and we're gonna ditch and run off to the mall, and drown our misery in ice cream!

"Miss Malory wait!" A voice sounded behind me just as I was pushing open the entrance doors. It was Leigh. He was running up to me, his hand gripping a giant sleek looking shopping bag.

I turned and crossed my arms, really not in the mood. Rosa was still crying because of him.

"I *huff* have something *huff* for Rosa! *huff*" he said, trying to catch his breath.

I blinked, surprised. He'd gone out and bought her something? Okay, well, maybe he was a little thoughtful.

"What *huff* do you think *huff*?" he asked, pulling out the bags contents and showing me.

I blinked again and my eyes grew to saucers. I was certain my mouth was hanging open but I didn't care. I was too stunned by the absolutely gorgeous dress he was holding. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I know jack diddly squat about fashion, but even a philistine like me could see that this dress was amazing.

It was a relatively simple cut, something that wouldn't be cumbersome to wear. A deep violet, collared bodice, attached to a flowy ruffled white skirt that would come just beneath the knees, with matching violet colored underskirts. There was golden thread inlaid into the bodice that spiraled out in an intricate design, which somehow managed to create beautiful roses despite the swirls seeming random. On the hip sat a pair of matching golden flowers with ribbon flowing around beneath them. And all of it held together with the same ribbon crisscrossing along the bodice.

This dress was perfect for Rosa. The colors all matched her hair and eyes. The style was exactly the kind of thing she ran around in. The damn thing had roses in it for gods sake!

"I have matching shoes" Leigh said, looking at me anxiously, "do you think she'll like it?"

"Where…did you find this?" I couldn't believe it. This was too perfect, it had to be the work of a fairy godmother or something. Was Auntie right every time she told me magic does exist?

"I made it" Leigh said, "So do you think she'll like it?"

"You made that?!" Okay fine, he was super thoughtful. "Why didn't you mention this earlier?! This is perfect."

He blinked at me. "I…I've just been working on it on the side. It's nothing special. I've actually been meaning to give it to her for a few days now. But I kept forgetting."

"You've, just been doing this?...because…just because."

He shrugged "Yes. I like making things for her."

I literally face palmed. Okay fine, he was the most thoughtful boyfriend ever. He was just also incredibly like his brother. At least Lysander was mostly just forgetful, not completely oblivious as well.

"Alright ruffles, stuff it back in the bag, I'll take it to Rosa. And trust me, she's going to love it" I said.

Leigh looked relieved, and he carefully folded the dress and placed it back in the bag that I now could see read; 'Custom Clothier Shop' with a beautiful monogram of an L above the wording.

Leigh handed me the bag and I gave him a two fingered salute before heading inside.

Finally things were looking up. Rosa was going to love this, and then she and Leigh would be better, and I'll have finally done something right today.

I peeked inside the bag, wanting to get a look at the shoes. The were dark pumps with gold roses on the heals. There was also what looked like a matching bracelet huddled up in the bags corner.

"He-he, oooh what's that?"

I froze.

I looked up and standing right in the middle of the hallway was Li, Charlotte, and Capucine.

"I just got a lecture because of you" Capucine said putting on a pout.

Li crossed her arms as if she cared, "Yeah. So what are you going to do to make it up to her?"

Charlotte didn't say anything, but all three began advancing on me.

Crap.


I was beginning to feel a little better finally. At least enough that I'd stopped crying.

I checked my face one more time with my compact mirror, and taking a deep breath, I held my chin up high and made my way back into the hallways. I just needed to keep calm, and hold it together. And I was certain I could do that, so long as the day didn't throw anything else to disastrous at me.

"ROSA!"

I looked up at the sound of my name. Malory was racing down the hallway towards me, Li, Charlotte and Capucine hot on her heals.

"Malory what are you-WHAAA!" Malory grabbed my wrist, not breaking stride, and suddenly I was being dragged along behind her, racing through the halls and students, with three harpies screeching after us.

"Run!" Malory said, "Don't worry Rosa, they're not ruining this one! I won't let them!"

"Ruin what?!" I shouted back.

But Malory didn't seem to hear me, "I have a plan!" she yelled. We reached the staircase and then we were up the staircase. I looked over my shoulder, and while we we're losing Capucine, Li was keeping pace, and Charlottes long legs were gaining on us. Malory suddenly skidded to a stop and I nearly crashed into her.

"In here!" Malory said, shoving me into one of the classrooms. She came in right behind me and slammed the door shut. "Help me block the door!" she demanded.

"Malory what is going on!" I asked, while we shoved chairs into the door. Unfortunately we we're in the chem lab, so there were no desks, only work tables, and those we're bolted to the floor.

"Okay look" Malory said, pausing in her manic running amok to grab my arm. She started dragging me towards the windows while she talked, "therapists are always going on and on, and bla bla bla about how happiness starts with open communication. Now I'll be the first to admit, that most of those dipshits are just elitist blowhards."

We reached the same window that Mr. Humbleburg had jumped out of a few days ago, and Malory unlatched it, "but in this situation I think they might have a point. So-" she positioned me right in front of the open window, giving me a perfect view of the courtyard.

And a perfect view of a very surprised Leigh standing in that courtyard.

"Communicate!" Malory shouted, so that we both heard her. And then she ran off to shove more chairs at the door.

I looked at Leigh. He looked at me. Several students gathered in the courtyard looked at both of us.

What the heck am I supposed to say? Actually, no, I'm not going to say anything. It's him who needs to make the first step.

There was a bang on the classroom door. Three agitated voices could be heard squabbling on the other side. And there was another bang as they tried to shove it open again.

"Crap!" Malory said, she'd gotten most of the chairs piled up and the door was still budging forward with every shove. Malory started throwing all manner or random things at the door, like boxes, lab coats, the fire extinguisher.

Alright Leigh, if ever there was a time to prove yourself this is it, because I don't think you're going to have the chance in a few minutes. I crossed my arms and looked down at him, schooling my expression into a clear, 'I'm waiting' look.

A small crowd of onlookers had now gathered, and they were all giving Leigh their own glances as well.

Leigh blinked up at me a few times, then took a deep breath to regain his composure.

"Rosa" he said, "I…I know you're angry, and…well, you have every right to be."

I was a lot more than angry Leigh. I was hurt, and scared, and all around miserable. And I wasn't sure if you even cared!

Despite my efforts, something must have shown on my face, because Leigh took a step back, eyes wide. Damnit, damn him and Lysander for their perceptiveness. I was trying to look strong and confidant here.

"Rosa…" Leigh said, his voice had a pleading edge to it. "Please, tell me what's wrong. I know I haven't been treating you right but I," he gulped, "I'm sorry, but I haven't been paying enough attention and I don't understand. Is it because of that red head that keeps visiting the shop?"

"Why do you say that!" I seethed, "Is something going on?!"

"What? No! I-" he took a breath, "look, I've been really busy with the shop lately, and I'm sorry but I just don't know what I did to upset you!"

"Thats the POINT!" I nearly screamed, tears gathering at the edges of my eyes.

"What?" Leigh said, looking even more confused.

"Rosa!" Malory yelled, as she ran by me with a toolbox under one arm and a bundle of safety goggles in the other. "Open communication! Some people are really, really bad at reading others. You need to explain to him why you're upset!"

"Why should I?" I yelled back at her, fully aware of how impetuous I sounded, "He's the one who's at fault here.

"Yes I know but," she started sifting through the massive pile of junk she'd created, "sometimes someone simply needs to take the first step so that a bridge of communication and trust can be formed. And then from there we can begin to establish strategies to take further steps towards mutual beneficial goals!", she said popping out from under a stool, fire extinguisher in her hands.

"Are you regurgitating psych books at me?!"

"More like relaying what's been regurgitated at me" she said, fiddling with the nozzle, "look, the point is, I know it sucks. And I know you're hurt, and that you feel like you're being walked all over and you want some kind of validation for that. You want him to make it up to you. But the fact is, people are flawed. They screw up, and I can't imagine what it must be like to be the one who always has to fix things, but look at him. He is trying!"

I looked again at Leigh, who was still looking up at me imploringly. Malory…had a point I guess. He was out there, making a fool of himself as the crowd of curious onlookers continued to grow, as he attempted to fix things. I bit my lip, and took a deep breath.

"You never seem to have time for me anymore" I said.

There was another bang, and the classroom door budged another inch.

"And I know you're busy, but it's like" I took a steadying breath, "it's like everything is more important than me in your eyes."

Another bang. "Crap, crap, crap" Malory was mumbling.

"And-and I just worry" I could feel the crying coming now, my voice was beginning to waver.

Bang. "He-he, we're coming!" Capucines voice sing songed.

"Because I really do care about you, so, so much", the tears were about to overflow.

BANG.

"But, I'm scared that you don't care about me anymore" I finally sobbed. And now I was crying. I'd finally said it, my worst fear. And based on his answer, I'd just handed Leigh the power to shred me up in the worst way possible. I covered my face in fear and shame.

BANG. "Dammit Leigh!" I heard Malory yell, "Communicate. How does that make you feel?!"

"Awful" Leigh said, and the complete wretchedness of his voice made me gasp slightly, and look at him through my tears. I'm not sure if I've ever heard that much emotion in his tone before.

"And, horrid, and despicable, and terrible, and…Gods Rosa you should never have had reason to feel that way". He looked up at me pleadingly, "I am sorry, I am so, so sorry" he said. "Rosa I…I love you, and somehow I guess I just figured that because of that we we're good and I just went through the days without even thinking about showing that to you" he looked at the ground, sounding disgusted with himself. "I'm not going to ask you to forgive me, you shouldn't. But Rosa, I'm going to make this up to you. I'm going to make sure that you know that I do care about you, more than you can ever imagine. If…you'll let me."

He actually looked scared, waiting for my answer.

"L-Leigh" I babbled, there wasn't much I could get out through my hitching voice.

BANG!

Rory was suddenly next to me, patting me on the back, trying to be consoling but there was a frantic edge to it. "Okay sessions almost over, here this is for you" she shoved a black bag into my arms.

"Wait!" Leigh yelled up, "I want to give it to her!"

And then he was running towards the wall right beneath the window, and, climbing the wall!

"Seriously!" Malory yelled, before rushing off.

I couldn't afford to see what she was doing, "Leigh stop that! You're going to hurt yourself!" I yelled down, suddenly panicked. Yes he was tall, and therefor he could probably reach all the potential handholds, but Leigh was not the most athletic.

"I don't care!" he yelled back.

"Hold this!" Malory said, suddenly next to me again. She handed me the sleeve of a lab coat, and she took the other. We dangled the tail end of it out the window so that Leigh could grab hold and with the three of us we had him in the window within seconds.

And then suddenly I was wrapped up in Leigh's arms.

There was a roar of cheering from our audience in the courtyard, but I couldn't be bothered to care right now.

"Rosa" Leighs voice was muffled as he buried his face into my hair. He might have meant to say something more but instead his arms tightened further around me and he began swaying us a little. "Please" he mumbled.

I was crying again. I dipped my head, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

He pulled back, and wrapped both his hands around my face tilting it up as he bent and hunched his shoulders bringing his eyes nearly level with mine. "Please let me fix this" he said, his eyes looking at me pleadingly.

I couldn't say anything. So I nodded through my hiccups. Leigh smiled sadly, and pulled me to him to kiss my forehead, before wrapping me up in his arms again. "-m, sorry" he mumbled.

I wrapped my own arms around him and let out a weak little laugh. I felt drained, but I also felt better. And despite everything that led up to this moment, I was completely content to just remain in the moment, being held by him.

BANG! SCREEEE-CRASH!

Leigh and I jumped, turning our heads towards the now open door.

"HA! Now give us the stupid bag!" Li shouted, as she Charlotte and Capucine came pouring in.

"Yeah!" Capucine said, "Whatever's in it is-EEEEII!"

SPISSSHH!

All three girls shrieked and jumped back as Rory, who was now standing on the table nearest the door, let out a blast of white foam from the fire extinguisher.

"Stay back you heathens!" Rory shouted, "I'm armed!"

There was moment of tense silence as nobody moved.

Charlotte squinted her eyes, "She's bluffing," the ponytailed brunette said.

Li took a cautious step forward.

"RAAAAAAGH!" Malory roared, jumping off the table.

"AAAAAHHH!" the three girls screeched, and turned tail and fled. Malory chased after them, also still yelling, and letting off occasional sprits of the fire extinguisher.

"Should we….?" Leigh asked, leaving the question hanging.

"In a minute" I answered, burying me head back into his chest.


CRASH!

"AAAAH!"

SPISSSSHH!

"EEEEEIII!"

"Mwha ha ha ha! Flee inferior mortals!"

"You crazy bitch!"

"Exactly. Fear Me!"

SPISSSSHH!

"AAAHH!"

If ever there was a time to use the age old campy fraise, 'I sense a disturbance in the force', this was it.

I pinched my nose, trying to hold off a headache that had been building for the past hour. My back still ached all over, and the pain had worked its way up to my neck, which in turn had worked its way into my temples.

Second period had started about ten minutes ago, but there had been a large congregation of students still out in the courtyard for some reason, so Melody and I had gone to investigate and usher them all back to class. But they were already dispersing by the time we got there.

Just as we came back inside, pandemonium struck. And I had a pretty good idea who was at the center of it.

"I'll meet you back at class Melody" I said to the brunette.

Melody's face took on a pinched look as she said, "You don't have to handle every problem she causes you know."

There was another loud SPISSSHH noise from the down the hall, accompanied with another shriek.

"I know," I sighed, before heading in the direction of the noise.

When I came around the corner I immediately swiveled on my heel, narrowly avoiding an uncharacteristically frantic Charlotte.

A side step to avoid Li, a jump back to make way for Capucine, and then I bent down and threw an arm out to wrap around Malory's middle as she nearly rushed by. My other hand grabbed the fire extinguisher that she was apparently toting around as a weapon of mass destruction.

For the third time today I had a hold on a rampaging Malory. And for the third time today, the second she registered it was me holding her, she panicked.

"Nathaniel!" she squeaked.

She quickly jumped back from me, and I let her now that I had a hold on the fire extinguisher. She was looking up at me wide eyed, with a hint of fear.

I sighed. Things were obviously still very uncomfortable between us, and it showed in those big round eyes.

I closed my own eyes and rubbed my forehead, still trying to get rid of that headache. This conversation probably wasn't going to help the migraine but it was high time that she and I cleared the air.

"Malory, I have no idea what you're doing right now, but either way, we need to talk" I said, before opening my eyes and looking at her.

…she was gone.

I looked back around the corner just in time to see a fast walking Malory disappear through a classroom door.

Seriously.


"Anyways, that's the real reason I'm late to class" I whispered to an awe struck Violette. It was welding class, and we we're supposed to be paying attention to the safety video playing on the projector, but instead I was quietly recounting my day to the artist next to me. This was one of my favorite classes, because, well, blow torch! And I already knew pretty much everything the video was covering thanks to Auntie. Sweet innocent little Violette also knew everything she needed to know, because surprising as it was, she was one of the best welders in the entire school. She made the most beautiful decorative horseshoe last week. I partially loved this class simply because she was in it. And right now i was loving the fact that Nathaniel wasn't in it.

"That's…unique" Violette said. "Did you really chase them with a fire extinguisher?"

I smiled to myself, "yeah, it was awesome. And even better Rosa and Leigh are back together."

Violette smiled. "That is good" she said, "and what about Nathaniel. Did you tell him about the card getting wrecked?"

"Um," I fidgeted in my seat, "sort of…no."

Violette sighed, "Rory."

"I know I know, but I'm bad at this, and it's not like I can just go up to him and say, 'I'm sorry', believe me I've tried". I glared down at my desk. "Plus, I'm pretty sure i ws annoying him today with all the crazy i caused. And I'm sure he's still mad at me for the paint cans yesterday. So...I don't think he wants anything to do with me right now."

"Rory, you don't know that."

I shook my head, "actually i kind of do. We don't like each other remember? Besides, he's seemed a little off today, like he's in a bad mood."

Violette cocked her head, "Nathaniel? I don't Rory he seemed like he was in a nice mood to me. Just like he always does."

I shrugged. "I know it sounds weird, especially considering how he usually is around me, but every time we ran into each other today he just seemed kind of downtrodden."

Violette bit her lip, "Maybe…you could try something else. What kind of things does he like?"

"Huh?" I said, ever so eloquently.

Violette shrugged, "you know, what is he into? Get him something simple that he likes then you can apologize and cheer him up at the same time."

"That, could actually work," I said, the gears in my head already turning.

Leigh had given Rosa her new dress, at least I assume he's given it to her by now. But that dress was perfect for her, it was something that she would really like. I could easily do the same for Nathaniel. After all if an oblivious boyfriend like Leigh could do it than I totally could as well.

Plus if it's a gift thing then I can just give it to Nathaniel, I don't actually have to hang around for a conversation. I'll just tie a scrap of paper on it with the words 'I'm sorry'. It won't matter that it's not a nice pretty card because there will be a nice pretty gift instead. This could work!

I turned to Violette with a grin, "this is perfect! Okay, what kind of things does he like?"

Violettes eyes widened, surprised by my sudden eagerness, "I don't know" she said, "paperwork?"

"Um, you don't think he actually likes all that paperwork do you?" I was actually curious, I mean he was always doing it. "…should I get him a pen?"

Violette shook her head, "No, you're right, I don't think he really likes it. I'm actually not really sure what he would like. Now that I think about it Nathaniel keeps to himself a lot."

"Yeah" I said crossing my arms. We both sat in silence for a moment, thinking. She was right. Prim-press didn't really share much. I knew he was on the student council, and that he did kendo, and he was second in all the classes (because of course I was first, and midterms would prove it!) but those were all just things he did, not things he liked.

I groaned, thumping my head against the desk. "This is hard" I mumbled into the wood.

"Come on Rory, your smart right?" Violette said, "You notice things. Haven't you noticed anything about him?"

I briefly contemplated pointing out that having a good memory didn't automatically mean that you were hyper aware of everything going on around you all the time. Especially when noticing things meant making connections about people and their preferences. Because in that regard I was almost always in the dark.

"I don't know" I mumbled, still talking to the desk, "he likes detective novels, he said so, but I don't know which ones he's already read. I don't want to get him one he already owns". Not to mention books were expensive. And the ones I saw Nathaniel with were always brand spankin new, the best I could get with my current pocket change was a second hand disaster rampant with doggy eared pages and a missing cover.

I rested my chin on my arms and screwed my eyes shut as I tried to tick off what I could remember, "I guess I've noticed he wares blue ties the most, so I think that's his favorite color. He rolls his eyes every time he sees a girl with a butt ton of makeup caked on. I've never seen him with an Ipod or Mp3 but he keeps earbuds in one of the mesh pockets of his book bag. He has red wine more often the white at lunch, but every single Friday he has cider. Sometimes in the mornings he'll stream the news on his phone. He almost always stays a few minutes late after cultural studies to help clean up. He uses the Cornell method for most of his note taking, except for Latin, where he uses the mapping method. He has a pollen allergy but he'll sit near the windows when they're open. He grimaces a little whenever somebody lights a candle, the only thing he gets out of the vending machines is tea, and his shoulders relax fractionally whenever it rains. But other than that I don't think I've noticed anything."

Violette was just staring at me.

"Oh, and he's ambidextrous."

"Um, okay, well I think we can go from there" Violette said. "Let's see, if he has cider every Friday than he probably really likes it, but neither of us have any noble heritage so we're not allowed to buy alcohol. But maybe you could get him a box of tea?"

I shook my head, "No. I only ever see him getting that one brand, and its eight dollars a can. I can't imagine what a whole box would be. Oh I forgot, he also likes cats!...I think. Well I caught him feeding a bunch of strays once so I think he likes them."

"You're not getting him a cat Rory."

"No, I meant, maybe like a cat thing? Like a sticker or a toy or something."

"I don't think a sticker would be something he'd like, and a toy will probably be just as expensive as a box of tea."

I groaned, plopping my head down yet again.

"Maybe…" Violette started to say, "maybe we could make him one though. You said Leigh made Rosa her dress and that, that made it even more special. I do know how to sew."

I perked back up. "Really?"

Violette shrugged, "it's not that hard. We just need the materials."

"I'll get them during lunch!" I said, excited to finally have a direction to move forward in, "Agatha makes all her own costumes so she keeps a whole bunch of supplies in the spare room."

Violette cocked her head, "Agatha?" she asked curiously.

Immediately my enthusiasm drained. Shit I thought. I hadn't meant to blurt that out. I never meant to blurt anything out but this was seriously something I didn't need my big mouth getting away from me on.

I quickly waved my hand in an 'it doesn't matter' fashion, "um, yeah. She's my…mom." I said, trying to sound casual.

"You call your mom by her first name?"

"Sometimes. Anyways I'll get those supplies and the fabric and then we can put it together after lunch, and I can give it to Nathaniel in our final period Latin Class, and then everything will be back to normal!"

Violette smiled, "if you say so Rory".


Nathaniel hadn't been in Latin! Apparantly there was some crisis in the cafeteria that our screeching principal couldn't handle on her own and she came bustling in just as class started and whisked Nathaniel and Melody away, yelling the whole time about pastries and garbage disposals. Dammit! Why did this have to be so difficult?

I paced the front courtyard nervously, with the macabre cat doll tucked under one arm. Violette had let me do most of the work, which may not have been the best idea if you ask me. It looked more like a pair of squished together lopsided potatoes with five bean sprouts dangling off it that were supposed to be four legs and a tail. I'd even messed up the ear placement, and it turned out we didn't have any matching buttons so the eyes were all wonky looking.

I stopped walking and sighed. It would be fine. I just needed to give him the stupid doll and get it over with. Everything would be fine.

"Hey Rory!"

"Gah!" I yelled, jumping in surprise. But it was only Rosa. She walked up to me smiling and looking stunning in her new dress.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you" she said, "but I'm going over to Leighs right now for tea and an afternoon snack, and I was wondering if you'd like to come?"

I blinked at her. "Really?" I asked, a little dumbstruck. Was I being invited over somewhere? Like as in, a friendly invite?

Rosa shrugged, "well yeah. You helped us out a lot today, it'd be the least we can do. Please come, Leigh has some great imported earl grey, and I made butternut scones yesterday!"

"Um, yeah, of course" I said, feeling the beginnings of a smile. I was being invited somewhere! And not just because she wanted me to do her homework for her, but because she actually wanted me there.

"Great!" Rosa said, "We have to hurry and catch the bus though. Leigh's car got a little messed up today and he just left with the tow truck. But he'll meet us there. Come on Lysander's saving us a seat."

"Ah, wait but, I-"

"Don't worry I'll pay for your ticket," Rosa said brightly.

"That's not it, its just-" I looked down at the sewing disaster still in my hands. "I…was supposed to give this to Nathaniel," I admitted.

Rosa raised an elegant eyebrow, and a smile began to creep onto her lips. "Oh yeah, Violette told me about the little sewing project. I thought you said you didn't like Nathaniel?"

"I don't! It's just, we've been really weird lately, and I hate it. And I don't know what to do. I tried words, and then a letter and then a card, and just, this is going to make it all better!" I thrust the monstrosity up to her eye level as if that would somehow make it more obvious.

Rosa tilted her head to see me around the fuzz ball mess. "Okay, well we can wait just a minute for him to come out-"

The bus horn honked.

"Uh, actually no we can't" Rosa said. "Wait, there he is!" she pointed at the schools front doors. Nathaniel emerged from them, partially covered in baking flour and trying to shake some of the white substance out of his hair. "Quick. Go talk to him!" Rosa said, giving me a push in his direction.

I gulped.

Okay I can do this. Just give him the stupid doll, and run. It was that easy.

Knees stop shaking.

Geeze I really had no experience with apologizing, maybe I should have listened to all those councilors over the years who told me I needed to make the effort.

I was getting closer. He still hadn't noticed me, I could back out still and he would be none the wiser-no, no I was going to this!

He'd gotten most of the flour out of his hair, so he stopped shaking it out, and raised his head and his eyes landed on-

Not me, because I was walking away…maybe more like running.

"Rory!" Rosa said accusingly as I approached.

I just grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her onto the bus.

"You need to talk to him!" Rosa said.

Lysander was about midway back in the seats, and he looked up at us with a slightly concerned frown. I shoved Rosa into his seat and then plopped my butt down next to her.

"What's going on?" Lysander asked.

"Malory this is obviously important, you need to say something!" Rosa said.

"NO!" I said, "It's not that important!"

"Okay, I know your bad at this stuff. But you took the time to make him a stuffed animal. That is pretty telling of your feelings!"

"My feelings? What do you- I don't like him!"

"You like someone?" Lysander asked.

"No!"

"YES!" Rosa shouted over me. "It's Nathaniel".

"I don't!"

"He's on the curb" Lysander said.

"He's right there Malory! It's time to confess your feelings!"

"There are no feelings! I just want to apologize!"

"Fine then apologize!"

"FINE!"

I scrambled over a vehement Rosa and a surprised Lysander just as the bus started moving. I yanked the window down, readying the cat toy for launch.

"NATHANIEL!" I yelled.

Nathaniel looked up just as I threw.

The lopsided plushie smacked him in the face.

I heard the sound of Castiels laughter from somewhere as the bus pulled away.

I sat back down. Rosa and Lysander stared at me. I stared at the seat rest in front of me.

"I don't think I did that right" I finally say.

Rosa sighed, and banged her head against the seat rest.

Lysander just started chuckling.


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AN: Perhaps it should be noted that my favorite shoujo is Toradora, my favorite female character in Avatar (both Last Airbender and Legend of Korra) is Toph, and that my very first OTP was Helga and Arnold. Yeah, I have a thing for girls that aren't, shall we say, the norm.

A lot of Malory is based off of these characters, and others like them. Like during the whole, 'fear me, I am your doom' rant she was giving off while running around with the fire extinguisher, I was totally channeling Toph, who was in turn channeling melon lord.

Also, a few things that I should probably make mention of, and that I honestly should have already. First off, if the class schedule in confusing anyone, I'm using the basic French/most-of-Europe model for class structure. So every day is a little different. Think Harry Potter. You know how Rons always complaining about double potions on Mondays? Yeah, it's like that.

There also can be much longer breaks in between classes with this system, although honestly I'm writing them a bit more frequently and longer than would be strictly normal, but it's the only explanation I can come up with for why, in-game, these kids never seem to actually go to class.

Other thing to note, I'm basing the hallway system and school architecture loosely off of in-game structure. But the fact is no high school ever would have only three hallways and three classrooms…also a chem lab would never be on the second floor because of gas lines, but we're just going to ignore that. Basically it's significantly bigger than in game, imagine your own school and go from there. I'm writing it fairly big, like hoity toity private school big, with lots of extra space and fancy equipment in each classroom. And while there's a decently large student population, they're nowhere near overcrowded.

It's a public school, which means they have to allow students in, based on living location, but that doesn't stop them from simply shrinking their zone and finding ways to bus in exemplary students. Or from taking large 'donations' from parents that want their children to get the best education possible. Basically it's all one big excuse for me to make Sweet Amoris a fancy private school catering to the nobility and the elite, while still having some of us normal people riff raff thrown into the mix.

As for the nobility thing, I'm not going to explain it in the authors notes, because I'd much rather you all figure it out for yourselves as we go. But you should have picked up by now that politics run a little differently in this story. Though, if anybody has any theories please feel free to comment on them, it might give me some plot bunny ideas.

One last thing: Leigh and Rosa's apology moment. Good, bad, meh, super corny? It was kind of nice to be able to write for an actual relationship, especially seeing as Rosa has a somewhat better grasp on her emotions than muddled up pigheaded Malory does. But do you think I did the characters justice?

Okay, actually, one more thing. Speaking of relationships, thank you to everyone who's being so patient with Nathaniels and Malorys silliness. I think one reason that I worry about the chapters being too long is because I'm just like, I wanna get to the good stuff already! But maybe that's just because I actually know where we're going, and what that good stuff is going to be. I'm going to do everything I can to make the wait worth it, promise.

But so long as I keep the story from getting too far away from me, these two should start to form a connection next chapter.

They're still going to be at each other's throats, with an absolute determination to win, but at least there will also be a level of tolerance underneath it all.

Thankyou for your time and have great day!