Disclaimer: Me? Own this -fill in own happy adjective? –bursts out in hysterical laughter-

Locker twenty-six. This is it.

The thought had crossed his mind a total of twelve times, like a horribly cracked CD. Unable to stop the voice in his head, he gave up and simply listened.

Where are they?

What if they'd forgotten? What if they ditched out? This could all be some stupid jock prank, a test to see how long he'd stand here, taking the stares the little freshmen were sending his way.

What the hell am I doing here? I have to get out of the open…

"Erik!"

Christine was pushing her way bodily through the crowd, tugging Madame Giry's daughter along by the hand. A very surly-looking Raoul trailed behind them, shooting nasty looks any sniggering teammates he could find.

"Hi," Christine breathed, reaching him and letting go of Meg's hand in favor of his own. He smiled nervously.

"Hey. How was French?"

"Hell," she answered cheerfully. "How are you?"

"Do you want the truth or the carefully constructed lie?"

She laughed. "Oh, it isn't that bad."

"Not if sports equipment is kept in the gym, it isn't." Time for pleasantries was over. It was time for business. He stared with hard eyes at Raoul, who stared right back.

"Do you want to start some—I mean…" He gritted his teeth. "I'm sorry for throwing that football at you."

Christine kicked his ankle. "And…"

"And for being an all-around ass," he ground out thickly.

"I'm sorry too," Meg jumped in, sounding much more sincere. "I was a bit drunk and got swept away. You totally didn't deserve it."

Erik nodded at her. "Thanks. I appreciate the…sympathy."

"What about me?" Raoul demanded. "Does my sympathy count for nothing?"

"Yes," Erik answered simply. Christine dug her elbow into his side, a practice that she'd been using a lot lately on just about everyone.

"He appreciates it," she assured the enraged-Raoul, ignoring Erik's kicked-puppy pout.

"Does he?" Raoul's fists balled; he visibly forced himself to relax. "Look, man, to prove my true sincerity, how about doing something?"

Erik frowned. "Like what?"

"Like dinner. Tonight."

Erik's lips curled in a smirk. "I don't swing that way, laddie. Nice try."

Raoul's features contorted as he battled with himself. Finally, he gave a forced-looking smile. "I meant the four of us. My treat. Do you like Chinese?"

"Sure." Erik's smirk softened slightly. Christine squeezed his hand.

"All right, we'll be by around six," Raoul told him grudgingly. "Be ready, will you? I've got homework."

"Oh, right," Erik muttered. "Wouldn't want that precious GPA to drop on my account…"

"Do you need a ride home?" Raoul asked the girls, ignoring Erik's comment.

Meg nodded, but Christine said, "No, I think I'm okay."

He shrugged. "Okay. I'll see you tonight."

As soon as the two were out of sight, Erik seemed to deflate. He collapsed against the lockers, closing his eyes and letting out his breath slowly.

"I don't like this," he told Christine. "It's…Raoul's not the forgive-forget type. He's going to plan something."

"There's no time for him to plan anything," she assured him. "Don't be so paranoid. Besides, I'll be there and so will Meg. We'll make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

"If he wants to try something, you two won't be able to stop him," he muttered wearily. She smiled.

"Erik, relax. The world is not out to get you. Hey, who knows? Maybe you two will become friends and you'll laugh about this at reunions and stuff."

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, both of them were laughing.

A/N: Even shorter! Wow, I'm getting good at tiny updates.

Review Replies:

Awoman- Um…wow. That's kinda creepy, the connection. I don't think I've ever met this boy. As for not wanting a cookie...aww…I didn't poison them.

Aki T-blinks- I did? Woah, how did I manage that? –hugs you- So sorry, I really didn't mean to! And I'm sorry for the shortness, that's how I am. Short chapters to draw out the story and drive everyone absolutely crazy. The real plot hasn't even started yet, how scary is that?