AN: Sorry about the wait.. I'm busy with school XD
I'm sorry if this chapter sucks --' I wrote it in class mostly LOL
It was well known that Mrs. Mariah Jagen, one of the three music teachers for Cleveland High School, was a bit of a hard ass. Most also knew, that while she was tough, she was also very friendly and fair… to those who deserved it anyway.
Thus it was also known that if you were lazy and didn't try and/or care about whatever class you were taking from her, she would know and treat you accordingly. She was uncannily familiar with most students by the time they reached junior and senior level, and thus knew who was known for being lazy. And so it was completely shocking to her to see a relatively good student (a girl one of her sons was best friends with, and a girl that she thought had a lot more potential than she gave herself credit for) walking into her Junior Choir (filled with mostly sophomores and juniors who had taken sophomore choir, occasionally a few seniors would enroll to fill grad requirements) with those she knew were of the aforementioned lazy asses.
Mariah didn't like to categorize students, but the group known as the slackers around school were, in her experience, slackers – Shane Aston being the exception as he had been in her Sophomore Choir the year before and she had quite liked him. However, what annoyed her the most about the laid back boys was the fact that there was quite a bit of potential in all of them. All of them were smart, if only they would put some effort into it.
She watched as the four boys slipped past the students that had already arrived (the bell was about to go after all), pushing the blushing pale haired girl in their wake. They all but forced her to sit with them – placing her right in the middle – Dusk Kinomiya and Shane Aston chatting up a storm, trying to bring the shy girl out of her shell. She looked a bit dazed, but was smiling, even giggling a bit at something the boys said to her.
Mariah's lips twitched as she smiled to herself, turning away to hide her smile. Maybe she'll be good for them. After all, they knew that they wouldn't get away with their lazy crap in her class. Not even if choir was seen as a bird course. Ha. Bird course indeed.
"…so then Coach Chang nudged him in the side and he sprang awake asking sleepily: "Is it breakfast time mom?"" Dusk snickered, earning a laugh out of Shane. "I think Coach Chang nearly had a coronary."
Nadya giggled, one hand covering her mouth as her eyes darted towards the orange haired boy sitting on the other side of Shane, who was scowling darkly and looking away. She didn't notice, but his cheeks were tinged with pink. "I-is that true…?" She asked softly, directing the question at Benji. "Did you really fall asleep in gym class?"
Benji's cheeks darkened slightly and he was looking more and more annoyed (read: embarrassed) by the second. He leaned back until he was laying down, his hands behind his head and his eyes glued to the ceiling. He didn't look at her. "Yeah…"
"Benji has technically failed junior gym twice… if he doesn't pass senior gym this year he won't graduate." Shane put in, nodding very manner of factly.
Lavender eyes blinked, a sad expression crossing through her eyes. "I know how that feels," she said quietly, her shoes suddenly becoming extremely interesting. "Gym was always my worst subject…and my mom is making me take senior gym."
Her tone finally drew Benji's gaze, his eyes softening a bit. She was too cute for her own good.
He didn't get annoyed with his friends very often – he actually didn't get annoyed at all very often – but damn it… who needs enemies when you have friends that reveal all your most embarrassing moments? And in front of the girl you liked no less. Of course, he couldn't figure out why he cared – he hadn't ever before – generally he didn't blink when someone laughed or made fun of him, but some how the thought of her knowing bugged him.
He wondered whether she had senior gym last block, the same block as he did. Senior gym was a co-ed class, and that would make three classes he had with her. I might actually have to make an effort to go to class, he thought idly, turning his eyes back up to the ceiling. He was dreading the rest of the day… first gym then Italian. Why had he listened to his mom? Oh yeah… he needed the class to make up a failed credit. Right.
The awkward silence that followed her timid confession made Nadya squirm. She had already used up her entertainment value. They'd get bored and leave her alone now. Why can't I be more exciting like Fayina? Why must I always be boring mousy me?
"Why the long face?" Dusk asked all of a sudden, his eye narrowing playfully as he leaned towards her and poked her cheek.
Color blossomed from the point of impact and Nadya blinked rapidly, snapping her head in the opposite direction. "Ah..ah…" she stumbled, eyes darting nervously away around.
Dusk chuckled, reaching out and patting her on the head. Shane slapped his hand away and glared at the older boy. "Don't treat her like she's a dog Kinomiya," Shane scolded, quite defensively. "And stop antagonizing her."
"Yes mommy," Dusk cooed mockingly, making a face at the sophomore.
Nadya remained in the middle looking lost and embarrassed. It wasn't often that people fought over or defended her (unless it was Kale, Blaise or Fayina!), and the fact that guys that she hadn't even ever talked to before today were doing it confused her. Why hadn't they gone away like everyone else that didn't know her? The only reason she was friends with the popular crowd was because she was friends with Fayina. If she had not been Fayina's best friend before they came to Cleveland High three years before, she honestly didn't think that any of those popular/jock boys (except Kale who had been her friend since early childhood) would have given her the time of day.
But here were these boys: outcast from the rest of the school population because of some stupid stereotypes, yet so willing to adopt a plain, shy, quiet girl into their mix as if she had always been one of them. It made her stomach flutter and her heart warm to think about it.
"Don't mind them," a gruff voice said over the argument. "They're morons."
Nadya glanced over at Gou who was sitting on the other side of Benji. His lips were tilted upwards and his eyebrow was quirked. His auburn eyes shone with amusement and an almost all knowing glint. It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, though he didn't say it.
She smiled back, her embarrassment fading slowly. "The-they're sweet." She giggled
Both boys stopped instantly, freezing, blinking then staring at the shy girl. Shane's cheeks brushed red while Dusk grinned brightly and a bit lecherously. He shot forward then, his arms circling Nadya's shoulders and pulled her against him, cradling her head against his chest.
"Aww, I've never been called sweet before!" He cried, his eye flashing, looking directly at Benji. "Can I keep her?"
Benji didn't move, though his eyes shifted to the side and narrowed on Dusk and Nadya. Nadya's eyes were like saucers and her face was like a tomato. His eyebrow twitched. I don't care Dusk. Stop trying.
"Alright, let's get started!" Mrs. Jagen called from the front of the room, her gaze shifting over the body of students. It stopped on the group at the very back of the room, her eyebrow quirking upwards. "Mr. Kinomiya, what a pleasant surprise. If you would please cease embarrassing Miss Kyznetsov, we can actually start class." Her mouth tilted a little wickedly. "Although I must say I'm impressed, you actually showed up for my first class – see that it continues."
Dusk just shot the teacher a grin and released Nadya, who by them wasn't sure whether to faint, start crying, or laugh hysterically. For one, the only boys that ever showed such affection to her were Kale, Blaise and her little brother Sasha. She had never been hugged by a boy she barely knew before, and she didn't know how to react to it. She had known Dusk Kinomiya (known of anyway) for three years, but she could count on one had the amount of occasions that she had actually spoken to him. What a strange group… first Benjamin Kingston, and now Dusk Kinomiya… she suddenly couldn't understand why Makoto talked so doggedly about his cousin, or why her circle of friends (and the rest of the school for that matter) loathed them so much. They were really sweet and very nice.
"Anyway, moving on," the teacher started again, her gaze finally traveling from the group at the back over to the rest of the class. "Welcome to JuniorChoir. This is a fairly small class," she paused as if counting, "Twenty five, and five are boys. Good." She smiled at them all. "The grading is as follows: you will be given 30 for class participation, 10 of which will be for attendance alone – easy marks, all you have to do is show up. As an added bonus for showing up, you are allowed a maximum of two unexcused absences, any more and you automatically fail."
There was some groaning at this, particular from Dusk. Benji remained quiet, his eyes closed and his mind elsewhere. Nadya remained alert, hoping that Mrs. Jagen wouldn't bring any undue attention to her. After all, just because she had spent lot of time at the teacher's house, and she was best friend with her mother, didn't mean that she wanted any special treatment. In fact she'd rather no treatment at all.
"If your sick, injured or have a valid," Mariah centered her gaze on the group at the back, "Reason for missing class, have one of your parents call me or the office and confirm. Next you will be graded 25 on the two performances we will be giving this semester: Halloween and Christmas. 20 will be theory from theory books you will be asked to buy, 10 for a project you will have to do which I will be outlining in October sometime and lastly 7.5 for your midterm and 7.5 for your final, both of which will be a combination of theory and voice tests. Any questions?"
Only one hand went up and that was Shane's. Mariah nodded at him, her eyebrows raised a bit. "Yes Shane?"
"If we were in Sophmore choir are we continuing where we left off in the books we already have?"
"Yes, those who took Sophomore choir – which I think is actually just you this semester Shane – can continue on in your theory. There will probably be two different groups, beginners, which will be most of the class, and advanced," her lips pursed, "Is there anyone here that has had theory training?"
Only two hands besides Shane's went up, a blond girl in the front row and Nadya, whose hand was practically shaking. Mariah, who knew Nadya played the piano – though not how well exacly – turned to the blond girl in the front row first. "What's your name?" She asked with a smile, being unfamiliar with the girl.
"Jessica Martins." The girl replied somewhat confidently.
"And what level theory have you done?"
"Not that much, I did the first half of Alfred's I think it was, at my old school."
Mariah nodded to herself. "Alright then, you're still quite a ways behind Shane then, I'm sure you wont mind doing that half over again," she winked then turned her attention to Nadya, who shrunk from the attention. "I know you play the piano, so you must have some level of theory, what level are you at Nadya?"
Nadya fidget, all too aware that all eyes were now turned on her. Her face heated up again. Blushing was much like a disease for her. "Um…actually…" she mumbled, avoiding all eye contact with anyone. "Um… well… I have my teacher's ARCT… so-so I ha-have my gra-grade 5 Royal American Conservatory theory…."
Even Mariah was surprised at the timid confession. Most of the students didn't really have a clue what the shy girl was talking about, but the few that did were gaping. Who would have thought that shyest girl in the world would have the highest-level piano certificate from the Royal American Conservatory? She was so young too.
Shane exhaled – he had been doing theory for a while, but never RAC, mostly just the theory his guitar teachers had made him do. Grade 5 RAC theory was as high as you could go beyond university.
"Well… then I suppose there isn't much point in making you do theory is there?" Mariah laughed, "Considering you are probably at a higher level than even I am." She smiled at the red girl. "But it hardly seems fair to everyone else if I just give you 20. We'll work this out later ok?"
"O-ok."
"Moving on, I'd like to start with a vocal range assessment for those of you I haven't had before so that I can know where to put you." Mariah turned and made her way over to the piano that sat almost in the middle of the music room – in front of the risers. "Those who have never been in a choir class please line up. If you know what vocal range you are then just tell me and we'll begin there."
Nadya paled, knowing where this was going. She knew she should have just taken the piano test to get the credits! Now she was going to have to sing by herself where people could potentially hear her! Sure she didn't mind singing in front of Mariah – she had known the woman most of her life – but the rest of the class could hear her. The horror!
"Common Nadie – I can call you that rights? – we have to get in line." Dusk urged, pulling her to her feet, oblivious to the fact that she was obviously terrified.
Nadya was pulled out of her world of abject horror when they started to more. She noticed that even Benji had gotten up, though he was traveling slower and behind her. His presence was slightly reassuring for reasons unknown. Maybe it was the quiet confidence he exuded combined with his lazy indifference. She had neither things. She cared far too much what other people thought – hense her social phobia – and she was anything but confidence. Not that Dusk Kinomiya seemed to care as he chatted away at her. She found it funny that the boy could be so like his cousin, but so unlike him at the same time.
"I never would have thought in a million years you'd be in this class Nadie, are you getting braver on us?"
She blinked, turning her head to greet the new voice and froze when she realized who exactly it was that had spoken.
"K-Ky-Kyan!" She stuttered, her eyes wide and mortified. She had been sure she was the only one from their group in the class.
Now she was in trouble. Not only was Kyan in her circle of friends, but it was well known that Kyan Parker was very talented in music… he'd laugh at her for sure!
The blond playboy laughed, his aqua eyes sparkling. "Apparently not. Oh well, Nadie wouldn't be Nadie if she didn't squeak." He winked.
Nadya fidgeted, her face pink. "Ah… I never thought y-you'd be in this class either…."
Kyan shrugged. "Easy A for me," he then turned his attention to the three boys around her. Dusk had turned conspicuously silent and had a suspicious look on his face. "Hey," Kyan greeted in a casual tone that bore no hostility whatsoever.
Kyan wasn't really the type to hold grudges or dislike people – unless of course they pissed him off in some way. The skater/slacker group had never done anything to him, and really, what the fuck did he care if they wanted to get stoned, skip classes and just be all around lazy? He had a little brother that was suspiciously like them.
However, what did surprise him was the fact that they seemed so close with the painfully shy girl. It was almost like they had been hanging out for a while and were good friends. To his knowledge she never really talked with them… of course she never really talked with anyone. Still, it struck him as odd that someone as shy as Nadya would be so friendly with a group that her own group shunned so badly.
"Uh… hey," Dusk finally answered, clearly a little leery. Gou nodded at the blond boy and Benji eyed him with an air of boredom and tilted his head.
Nadya fidgeted. The silence was awkward, and she was truly afraid some sort of fight was going to break out. Kyan was a jock/popular, and it was a rule that jock/populars did not associate with slacker/skaters. In fact most jock/populars were rather rude… though she couldn't ever remember a time when the slacker/skaters had been rude, mean or really anything towards the jock/populars. She wondered silently just what had started the feud.
Kyan sighed impatiently, raking a hand through his hair. "Ok look, this is absurd. If we are going to be the only seniors in this class, not to mention the only guys – not that I'm complaining – it's going to get really fucking irritating to be standing around in awkward silence, particularly since I'm sure Mrs. Jagen will group us together. I have no problem with any of you," he shrugged to emphasize his point, "And I really couldn't give a rat's ass what you do in you're spare time… or about whatever it is that the rest of my group has decided to dislike you about. Besides, anyone Nadie seems to like can't be all bad." He smiled at Nadya.
The three skater/slackers shared a look while Nadya stood uncomfortably between them and the popular boy. Almost as one they shrugged. Benji's hands returned to their common place in his pockets, Gou's arms crossed over his chest and Dusk shoved one hand in his pocket.
"We never really had a problem with you anyway," Dusk muttered with a smirk. "Minus you're over enthusiastic attention towards the opposite sex, which is annoying more than anything."
"What can I say?" Kyan just smiled easily, spreading his hands, "Women love me."
Dusk rolled his eye, scoffing. "Please…"
"Jealous Kinomiya? If you want I could hook you up…"
"Mr. Parker, you're next."
Kyan jumped a bit and whirled around, jogging over to where the line had disappeared. Dusk let out an exaggerated sigh, a hand running down the exposed side of his face, his visible eye closing. Nadya smiled nervously, rather happy that Kyan had made some attempt to mend bridges.
"H-he's really not that bad… he means well…" She said, her eyes flickering upwards at the three boys.
"He's Parker," Gou replied with a smirk, before Dusk had a chance. "Everyone knows what Parker is like; one can't take him at face value."
"It looks like you're next…Nadya," Benji finally spoke, his voice low and his eyes lidded.
Nadya stiffened, the terror rushing back all at once. She struggled to regulate her breathing so she didn't hyperventilate as she nodded and turned towards where Mariah was playing various notes for Kyan to sing. She didn't want to do this… she didn't want to sing…Why did I sign up for this class!
As Kyan finished he swiveled on his heel and began to march back to where the rest of the class was, giving her a thumbs up and a wink. This of course only made her feel worse, and nothing – not even Mariah's kind smile – could erase the feeling of panic and suffocation that was coming over her at that moment.
"Come on Nadie, I'm not going to bite. It's not a difficult assessment, just sing the notes I play on the piano ok?" Mariah tried to console as Nadya shuffled closer, her hands wringing nervously.
Nadya jerked her head in a nod, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was watching. She was acutely aware of the boys behind her, wishing they were on the other side of the planet.
Middle C sounded on the piano and Nadya hesitated. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She knew exactly what middle C on a piano sounded like, and could mimic it perfectly, but her vocal chords had frozen up.
"Nadie, are you sure this is the class for you?" Mariah asked kindly with a sympathetic smile, folding her hands on her lap.
"O-oh… yes! I c-can do it… I-I ha-have to!" Nadya squeaked in reply, she took a deep breath, stiffening herself, bound determined to make at least some sound escape her throat. She just prayed it was in tune.
Mariah shook her head and let out an inaudible sigh. She just hoped the poor girl wasn't going to burst out crying and run from the room. "Okay, try again." She once more played the note.
It was quiet, and wispy, but it was there, and it was in perfect pitch and tune. Mariah smiled broadly, encouragingly and played the note beside it. Nadya moved her voice one note higher automatically, adding a slight quiver to it.
She had talent, of that Mariah could be sure. If only she would get the confidence in herself she would have an amazing voice. "That's it! Can you put a bit more power into it and make your voice louder?"
Nadya faltered, her voice cracking slightly. Louder? But that would make it so that everyone would hear her!
The note moved up one more to E and Nadya's shy and wispy voice followed it, shaking more and more as time went on. Then all of a suddenly it wasn't alone, a strong tenor voice joined hers an octave lower.
Nadya felt a soft touch on the small of her back and her head snapped sideways, her eyes meeting with lazy looking green. They almost seemed to smirk at her, but at the same time seemed to encourage her, filling her with a bravery that she wasn't used to. Again she marveled at the boy's power to make her feel stronger. Where had he been the past four years?
Benji's voice pushed hers higher and louder, supporting it so that she could get louder without the fear of standing out. Mariah arched an eyebrow at the boy but he merely returned her questioning look with a knowing half-smirk. The pink-haired music teacher felt her lips twitch. She would let him be, if only because the only students left were those in his group and because whatever his plan had been it appeared to be working. Nadya's voice was gaining confidence and was beginning to show definite signs of power.
Their voices continued upwards, and as they got too high for Benji, he merely adjusted so that he was singing harmony rather than the same note. Neither faltered either when Mariah moved back to middle C and began descending. It was on pure impulse that she did, something inside her told her that the girl was capable of a much lower range than middle C.
The lower and lower they got, the more Mariah became rather amazed with both of them. Benji had made it extremely high for a guy, and now both were making it extremely low for what it seemed their voices would do. She was impressed, and excited. With talent like these two – combined with the other few notable talents she had in this class, Shane Aston, Kyan Parker and a couple of the Junior girls – this was shaping up to be one of her best choir classes yet. Maybe this class would be up to the arduous task of inter-state choral championships. She almost danced on the piano bench.
She finally released the last note and beamed at the two seniors. "That was brilliant you two!" She praised, earning a bright blush out of Nadya. "Nadya you have an amazing voice," she leveled her with a look, "When you forget people are watching. Don't worry, you'll get better at losing your shyness." Mariah then turned her eyes to Benji. "And Benjamin Kingston, I must say I'm rather impressed with you, on more than one level. You have a remarkable range, I hope I can count on you."
Benji shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Gou's a baritone-bass and Dusk is a tenor-baritone."
Once again Mariah's eyebrows rose. "Thank you. You two can sit down now."
Nadya couldn't get away faster, particularly after she realized she had been singing almost at the top of her voice. She made sure she didn't make eye contact with anyone as she scurried back across the classroom to where her backpack sat. Her face, was of course, red, and even as she sat down beside Shane she huddled into herself, terrified that someone had heard her.
Though she had to admit that it had been very nice of Benji Kingston to come and sing with her so that she wouldn't have to do it all alone. She hadn't expected him too, and just knowing that she wasn't alone had helped her forget that she had an audience outside of Mariah. She really was pathetic…
She stiffened slightly as she felt someone sit beside her, his thigh brushing her own as stretched out on the riser beside her, one of his arms laying out on the carpeted surface on the step behind her. Her eyes flickered towards him, already knowing who it was. I should really thank him, she thought nervously, wringing hands.
"Um…Th-thank you…"
A single green eye cracked open, a smile sliding upon pale lips. Benji chose to say nothing however, and his eye closed again.
Why didn't he say anything! Nadya agonized in silent. Maybe he resents having to come to my rescue? I'm so pathetic…
Benji flinched when fingers pinched his own. Opening his eyes, he caught Shane's incredulous gaze as well as the subtle head movement towards the girl between them.
…She's agonizing again, he thought with a sigh, wondering if she really was worth all the effort it seemed to be taking to get her attention. "You're welcome," he said after a time, his amusement returning as she quickly looked at him, then away, her ears and cheeks pinking again. He couldn't help but add, "She was right you know, you do have an amazing voice."
Nadya's eyes widened and her eyes darted back to Benji to gage his serious. However, when she found him smiling that smile that she rarely saw on his face, she couldn't help but smile, a small, shy smile back.
Shane sat back and watched smugly as one of his good friends shared a small moment with the girl he liked. Benji just needed a push was all. Anyone who cared enough to look could see that the two seniors were made for each other.
It was in that moment that Shane decided that it was his mission to get them together… no matter how long it took.
Xxxxxx
"Oh my God! So you'll never guess who I saw walking practically arm and arm with those scrubby skaters!"
Normally he didn't pay any attention to what air headed cheerleaders had to say, but at the mention of the skaters he was alert in an instant. He should have turned off into the classroom to the left, but instead he continued to follow the two junior girls that were giggling in front of him. Information was the key to victory.
"Who?"
"Nadya Kyznetsov! Do you believe it?"
His eyebrow arched, struggling not knock their heads together. High school was so inane.
"What was someone like her doing with those losers?"
A valid question. Not that she isn't a pathetic loser as well.
"I don't know, but I know what I saw! Dusk Kinomiya was like, all over her! That sophomore – Shane Aston? – was right beside them too. But the most interesting part about it all was the expression on Benjamin Kingston's face. It was almost like he was… jealous."
"Really! That can't be, rumor has it that Benji Kingston is apathetic about everything."
"I know! I know the rumors, like how he doesn't even like girls, if you know what I mean. But it really looked like he was annoyed about Dusk, Nadya and Shane. Though, I suppose it could have been my imagination. It's so hard to tell with him half the time!"
There was a wistful sigh at which he had to roll his eyes. He could almost hear their next words.
"It's too bad they're such scrubby losers -- they'd all be so hot if they cleaned up a little."
It was at that moment he shut them out. He had no time to listen to teenage girl blather about cute boys and crushes. He was helped by the fact that the two turned off into a Home Ec. classroom to the right.
However, just as he was about to turn around and head back to his own class – he had decided that they were all going to go to last period, mostly because he had Drama and Boris Amery – the Drama teacher – was the one teacher in Cleveland High that actually earned respect from him. That and he rather liked the 'cruel' teacher – when he caught sight of a familiar lavender head exiting the choir room. Yet what was most interesting about it was the fact that it was flanked by a familiar orange head.
He darted to the side, leaning against a nearby set of lockers, crossing his arms over his chest and watching. He ignored the other three boys that trailed behind them, particularly since they departed in the opposite direction as soon as they exited the classroom.
She was talking to him, shyly, but still talking and she seemed heedless to the fact that other people might actually see her talking to a skater. Apparently she didn't pay much attention to the social hierarchy… either that or had temporarily forgot.
Oh he knew of her crush on him… it was hard not to know. But she was so pathetic and weak – she cried at everything. In truth she disgusted him, but it was increasingly looking as if she might serve some use to him.
This thought particularly solidified itself in his mind as he studied the orange haired boy. He was smiling – not that that is so different, he thought with revulsion. But it was how he was smiling, how his half-lidded eyes were trained on her, and his attention was focused so acutely. To anyone that knew Benjamin Kingston, and know him he did, all the signs were pointed at interest. Though why anyone would be interested in Nadya Kyznetsov was beyond him.
"Hey Alexei! I thought you were going to class?"
Alexei nearly punched Booker for his interruption, especially when Benji looked up and straight at him, his expression becoming dark and un-Benji-like. He said something to Nadya and hurried her down the hall, causing Alexei to quickly lose sight of them.
"I am." Alexei snapped, finally fulfilling his desire and punching his auburn haired friend. "And you have approximately two seconds to get to yours before I do something you will regret."
Knowing that tone of voice a muttering Booker disappeared down the hall, rubbing his head. Why did everyone pick on him?
Xxxxx
"Well, if it isn't two of my least favorite students in opposite forms." Dark eyes bore down on the two teens as they strode into the gym side by side, both now dressed in shorts and t-shirts. "Kingston and Kyznetsov, I think my luck just turned."
Nadya cowered, shrinking beside Benji who looked completely non-pulsed, his hands shoved in his pockets.
"Coach Chang," Benji greeted with a nod and a slow smile. "Looking forward to another fun filled semester."
Coach Chang let out a sarcastic snort, his arms crossing over his chest. "Oh yes, fun. All I have to say to you is that you better be here everyday and you better try or I'm going to fluck your ass so damn fast your head will spin." Almost black eyes then shifted to the squirming girl. "And you, what the hell are you doing in my class Kyznetsov!"
"I-I-I'm so-so-sorry!" nadya murmured, wringing her hands. "My-my mo-mom made me take it…"
Another snort. "Figures, your mother is the pushiest woman I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Whatever," he paused as more students came into the gym, "Jagen! You are now responsible for Kyznetsov, if she fails, you fail."
Nadya gaped, her wide eyes turning to the dark pink haired boy who came bounding up behind her. His arm flopped around her shoulders, squeezing her to his side.
"You got it Coach C! I'll whip her into shape." Kale exclaimed, his tone slightly protective and defensive.
Coach Chang's eyebrow arched and a smirk crossed his face. "Good, God knows I've failed in every attempt."
"But-"
"Can it Kyznetsov, Jagan made his choice. Now go sit down."
"Come on Niddy!" Kale tugged at Nadya, leading her towards where the rest of the class was sitting.
Nadya, suddenly realizing she had just left her new pseudo-friend, looked anxiously over her shoulder, trying to catch Benji's eye. Somehow the situation seemed familiar.
It wasn't her fault her friend's had a horrible habit of over looking those of lower hierarchical standing. She wanted to say something to Kale, to invite Benji to sit with them, but a part of her held back, afraid of what people would think… afraid that her best friend would hate her.
Benji had moved and was no longer looking at her. In fact he didn't even seem as if he had noticed that she had been pushed away. He was walking towards the wall, his head down and hands still in his pickets.
She nibbled her bottom lip. She just hoped he wouldn't hate her.
xxxxxxx
Jealousy was a foreign concept to Benjamin Kingston. Grenerally, unless it concerned his family, he didn't really care enough to have strong feelings like jealousy and envy. Nothing and no one had ever caught his attention long enough to make a difference.
Thus the surge of foreign emotion caught him by surprise. He had known how close she was with Kale Jagen, and even Blaise Valerio, and so he hadn't really expected to feel so hostile when the pink haired boy had slung himself over Nadya. But the feelings that surged within him were definitely hostile, though he couldn't name them exactly.
Annoyance was there, that much he could tell and… sudden and irrational hatred? Hmm… odd, it wasn't anything like the hatred he felt for Alexei Nikolaev, the explosive kind of hatred that made him want to get violent. It was… almost passive, like he could glare at the soccer star and he would go away – thus leaving her complete attention on him. He had to admit, he liked it that way.
It was a bit different than when they were with his friends. For one, Dusk was an idiot who just wanted to annoy him, two Shane was a genuinely nice guy who could see that the girlw as hopelessly shy. Gou – thankfully! – remained neutral and on his side. Yusuke and Fern didn't count since they were barely around. Though he was sure that if they had been around they would have been obnoxious as well.
This is retarded, Benji grumbled inwardly, tearing his eyes away from Nadya and turning them towards the floor. She doesn't even notice me, why the hell should I care?
Because she's shy, she doesn't stand up for herself, you know that. Even if she did like you or want you to sit with her – Jagen be damned – she wouldn't say anything. She's probably afraid that her friends would hate her.
Benji frowned, slowly acknowledging what the little voice was telling him. He sighed.
She was so…
"First day and already you're asleep. You're pathetic Kingston!"
Benji rolled his eyes and looked up to the dark haired Chinese teacher who was standing over him, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed.
Giggles and snickers surrounded him though he couldn't care less. He blinked lazily at Coach Chang, a smile forming on his lips. "I figured I'd just keep things normal."
"Smartass," Coach Chang smirked. He then nudged the orange haired boy with his foot. "Get up, you're a captain."
The lazy boy shrugged, slowly bringing himself to his feet. It was at that moment that he realized everyone else was standing and the other captain was standing just behind Coach Chang – Shae Hiwatari.
"And what are we playing?"
A twitch developed in Coach Chang's eyebrow. "You are two seconds from my foot in your ass Kingston. Just pick your team." With that the teacher stomped away, a clipboard under his arm.
"Was it something I said?" Benji asked innocently, a hand running through his hair as his gaze moved to where Nadya stood, Kale at her side. She was giggling, her hand covering her mouth.
"We're playing basketball Kingston," Shae Hiwatari commented dryly, an eyebrow quirking. "Pick first."
"Oh, okay then," Benji turned fully towards the rest of the class. "Hmm… I pick Nadya."
The chock on her face – and the rest of the class for that matter – was priceless. Her eyes went wide, and spreading over her cheeks.
Shae looked surprised – and confused – as well, but his face turned neutral quickly. "Whatever, your loss," he shook a few strands of his long slate bangs out of his eyes, "I'll take Darren."
A brown haired, slightly tanned boy stepped out from the group, his hands in his pickets. He nodded at Shae and came to stand behind him.
"Go Kingston."
"Don't rush me, I'm building a master team here," Benji smirked easily, raising his eyebrows at Shae whose lip curled derisively. "No, I can't rightly choose another member if my vice captain doesn't come over here."
Nadya jumped, scurrying across the gyp floor to come and stand beside Benji. She was blushing, which wasn't surprising really.
She didn't know what to make of it. She had never been chosen first before… ever. Generally she was last. After all, who wanted a klutzy girl who was bad at everything on their team?
"So what do you think?" Benji prompted, nudging Nadya gently. "I suck at this game, and we can't rely solely on your mad skills." He stroked his chin thoughtfully, looking at Nadya. "Who do you think is worthy of our gifted team?"
Nadya bluinked, her mouth opening and closing. He wasn't serious was he? Did he actually want her opinion? And what was with him assuming she was good at basketball! "Um… I'm not very good…" She trailed off, glancing shyly at him.
"Shh!" Benji held up a hand, winking subtly at her. "They'll think you're just being modest – you'll inadvertently give away our brilliance."
"Today Kingston!"
"You're in an awful hurry to lose Hiwatari," Benji replied snarkily, shooting a smirk at the taller dual hair colored boy. "Well hobbit?"
Nadya shifted, startled at the new nick name. "K-Kale is pretty good," she whispered.
"Hm?" Benji bent down slightly, his ear turned towards her.
"K-Kale is pretty good," she repeated, shifting from foot to foot.
He quelled down his annoyance. He had to wonder though, whether she was choosing Jagen simply because they were close, or because he was actually good. He was a soccer player, not a basketball player. But then, he did seem like the type to be good at any sport he tried.
"Hmm, alright, we'll go with your judgment on this," he replied finally, "But if he doesn't hold his own I'm blaming you." He winked with raised eyebrows.
"Kingston…" Shae growled, looking more and more irritated as minutes passed.
Benji waved him off, "The decision is made. Jagen."
Kale bounced up, his expression slightly suspicious, but also happy that he was on the same team as his best friend. True, he wasn't the biggest fan of Benjamin Kingston, but he seemed like he genuinely liked Nadya, and was nicer to her than most people were. He'd have to actually start paying attention to him. Maybe they weren't as stupid and lazy as everyone had labeled them as.
Benji met Kale's eyes and the two stared hard for a few seconds, challenging each other, before the spell was broken.
What was that? Nadya questioned silently, looking apprehensively between the two.
Oh dear…xxxxx
"We have to stop meeting like this," a male voice quipped lazily as its owner slid into the seat beside her.
Nadya looked up surprised, blinking as familiar lidded green eyes met hers. She blushed instantly. "B-B-Benjamin!" She stuttered
Benji leaned back, smiling at the blushing girl. "You know, I think this makes four out of six classes together."
She didn't know what to say so she just nodded jerkily. She hadn't realized before, but he was right. Homeroom, Choir, PE, and now Intro Italian, that was the majority of her day!
Was it possible to become friends with a boy you have essentially ignored for three years? Sure, he wasn't as bad as she had been told he was (same went for his group) but he was still a skater/slacker. In fact, from he new knowledge about his group, she was sure he was the leader of the said 'burnout' (another term used to describe them) clique. How could she be friends with them? Or better yet, why would they want to be friends with her? It was her group that was practically responsible for their low social status (well, the preps helped too!). Who would want to be friends with a member of a group that had made your high school life horrible?
Sometimes she wished she had 'belonged' to different group. She truly hated being mean to people, and there were those in her group that didn't seem to mind it at all. She had hope for Kale at least… he wasn't mean to anyone.
"D-d-do you hate me?"
As soon as the verbal vomit left her lips she cringed and huddled, berating herself for asking such a stupid question. Why did she ask that?
Benji's eyes widened, taking in her tormented expression and fidgeting hands. His smile turned soft and he couldn't help but find her incredibly amusing. Where the hell would she get an idea like that? Hate her?
Silly girl.
"Why would I hate you?" He replied instead, deciding that she would probably start to cry if he actually voiced his true thoughts.
"Well…" she avoided his gaze, drawing patterns on the table. "My friends have done nothing but make fun of you and your friends for three years. Why sh-shouldn't you hate me? Then there was the disaster in PE today…"
He actually chuckled, his eyebrow arching. "Are you your friends?" He was half turned towards her, his arm slung over the back of his chair, his head tilted to the side.
"N-n-no…."
"Well then, what's the problem?"
"But I-"
"Look," he shifted then, leaning forward, "I couldn't give a rat's ass about your friends. Their little social class system means jack shit to me or my friends. I don't care what they say, besides I have my own views on them." He paused, taking a breath, and running a hand through his bangs. "But you are not them, never have been. And as for PE today…" he chuckled again, his eyes sliding back to their half-lidded state, "I thought we did pretty good."
Her eyebrows furrowed. "We lost 160 to 20… and I scored on us twice."
He out and out laughed at that, once again running his hands through his hair. "It's not like I helped… I think I actually caught the ball a whole three times."
A small smile began to peak out from under her nibbling teeth. "T-that's cause you refused to run…"
"I can't help it if I'm exercise challenged." He sighed dramatically. "My body just refuses to move that fast. Though in retrospect, I think maybe I should have tried a little harder… I think Jagen's head nearly exploded when I missed that bounce pass."
This incited a fit of giggles from the girl that was getting less and less nervous as the moments passed. "K-Kale was so mad at you…"
"Buon pomeriggio e benvenuto ad introduzione ad italiano!"
The two straightened up as the teacher called the class to order, but not before Nadya snuck in one last tiny smile flashed in his direction.