Disclaimer: I do not own Hollyoaks or any of its characters. If I did, I'd take better care of them.

Author's Note: Do you ever just feel randomly inspired when watching Hollyoaks? No? Well, I do. And this is the result. Have fun. Lauren's thoughts will be in italics.

Lauren carefully studied the back of Newt's head, memorising every strand of hair. She already knew it off by heart; so many English lessons had been spent staring at it, then pretending not to be looking when he turned around to grin at her.

'Lauren?' She looked up, startled, and noticed her teacher watching her expectantly. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Newt turning in his seat to look at her. Her heart beat a little faster, and she had trouble keeping her eyes on the teacher.

'Um…'

'Lauren, you weren't talking, so you must have some idea what's going on,' he raised his eyebrows, challenging her.

'I was thinking, sir,' she supplied quickly.

'About what exactly?'

'Macbeth's feelings on death, and whether this turned him into the rabid sociopath portrayed in this inaccurate, frivolous record of history written purely to please someone who imposed his religious views upon others. Sir.'

'I see. Try to concentrate more fully in future, Lauren, or we will be discussing that in detention.'

'Yes, sir.' Lauren flicked her eyes to the right, and could see Newt shaking with silent laughter in his chair. She smiled, and returned to studying the back of his head.

*

The bell gave its shrill scream, making Lauren jump. She scrambled to collect her books, as a shadow appeared upon them. She smiled up into the eyes of the boy she loved, happy that he at least liked her, even if he didn't love her the way she loved him. Of course, she had no idea, as she had never exactly asked him.

He grinned at her. 'Good one.'

'What?' She asked, distracted by the many facets of his eyes.

'Your total rinsing of Macbeth in a public place,' he informed her slowly, as if she were very dim. She didn't care what he thought she was, as long as he talked to her.

'Oh, yeah. Thanks…'

'Are you ok?'

'Yes. Why wouldn't I be?' Was something wrong with her face? She reached a hand self-consciously.

'You just seem a little…distant, that's all.'

'Oh.' Because I'm staring at you, you idiot, can't you see? 'No, I'm fine.' He looked at her, sceptically.

'If you say so.'

'I do.'

'So you're marrying me now, are you?' He grinned mischievously.

'Not yet, that would seem too keen.' Lauren winked and started to walk off, but she felt Newt grab her arm. She turned her head to look at him, and was shocked to find his face covered with hurt.

'Where are you going?' He asked, sounding upset.

'Home, where are you going?' She was now extremely confused. It was as if he didn't want her to go. And he was still holding onto her arm, which didn't help at all with the light-headed feeling she was getting looking at his face.

'Oh, ok.' He still sounded wounded.

'What's wrong?'

'Nothing. I just thought you were coming home with me, that's all.'

'Well, sure, if you want me to.' Lauren was completely bewildered. Did he really want her to come home with him that badly? Or did he just want –

'Of course I want you to, you're my…friend. And Frankie's out, so she won't be pestering us all the time.'

Friend. Friend. Yeah, because friends hold hands, and kiss, and want to Do It so desperately that they spin a convoluted web of lies which then blow up in their faces to get what they want. So, yeah, she was just his 'friend'.

Newt must have seen a tiny piece of the anger that nearly ripped Lauren in two, but she buried deep within herself so quickly that he thought he imagined it.

'So are you coming?' He asked.

'I…I can't. You know I'm grounded.'

'Since when have you ever listened to your dad when he says you're grounded?'

'Since today. He really means it this time; that card really upset him.' Not as much as you upset me.

'Oh, come on, Lauren. You've got to be joking. You? Following orders like Daddy's Good Little Girl?' He taunted.

'Oh, shut up, Newt!' Lauren turned and ran from the classroom and through the now deserted hallways, ignoring the sounds of Newt calling her name. She had to get out of there before he saw her cry.

Oooooh, what are they going to do. If you need a bit of cheer, just try thinking of this in Chester accents. It is guaranteed to make you laugh. PLEASE tell me what you think!!!