THE ACADEMY CHRONICLES - A series of Oneshots containing the origin stories of Team Awesome and other events leading up to Episode Six

The Sweetest Love

By Anna Morris. Used with permission.

Team Awesome's Hideout

"Hey! Give that back, it's the last one!"

14 year old Susie tried to grab the chocolate from Tobias' outstretched hand, but he kept it just out of reach, laughing at her outrage.

"Finders keepers shorty!" He undid the wrapper while fending her off, before shoving the gooey mass into his mouth. "Mmmm, good!" he mumbled around the chocolate.

They'd been playing this game for months, and it generally ended with Susie running off in a huff, and Tobias buying her another box to make amends. Then the game would begin anew. This time however, Susie had had enough.

She glared at him for a moment, before a strange light entered her eyes. Before he could move, she grabbed his face in her hands and covered his mouth with her own. He was so surprised that he couldn't react fast enough, and when Susie stepped away from him she held the now melted mass in her own mouth. She hurriedly chewed and swallowed the delicious mouthful, all the while giving him a look of triumph, then turned and began walking away, saying over her shoulder:

"You snooze, You lose dumbass!"

She was pulled up short however, by Tobias' grip on her upper arms. He dragged her backwards until her back was pressed against his chest, then he lowered his head and growled into her ear.

"You spoiled our game, my girl. So now be prepared to accept the consequences!"

Susie struggled against his hold, a strange warmth flooding her stomach at the strange tone in his voice. He suddenly sounded like a completely different person.

"Stop it Toby!" she said breathlessly, still trying unsuccessfully to escape his grasp. "just because you lost, doesn't mean you have to bruise me!"

"Oh, bruising is the last thing I have in mind, believe me" he answered, turning her round and wrapping one arm about her waist. His other hand wrapped itself in her hair, keeping her head stationary as he searched her eyes for any hint of rejection.

"You've grown up on me Susie girl" He mused almost to himself. "I was planning on being patient for at least another year, but I've changed my mind. I do believe it's time I staked my claim before any of those younger lads get it into their heads that you're up for grabs."

So saying, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, gently and for just a moment. "You're mine Susie" he said softly, but determinedly as he looked at her again. "And when you're old enough I plan on making it official. But until then, I'm going to do this" and he kissed her again "as often as I can get away with it, and most definitely in public, until that day comes. "

He let her go and stepped away from her, keeping eye contact. "This is your one and only chance to tell me if you don't want me. Not that I intend to listen to you, but you can try and convince me." He waited.

Susie raised her fingers to her lips in wonder, and then with a cry of pure joy she launched herself into his arms, hugging him in a death grip.

"Damn but you take your time Toby!" She squealed excitedly. "I decided you were mine the first day we met! Now shutup and kiss me again!"

"My pleasure" He replied, and he did.

Zephyrus wandered into the loungeroom a half hour later, but stopped short when he found Tobias and Susie sqeezed together in the armchair, locked in a passionate embrace. He watched them for a few moments before backing out and taking the long way to his room. His mouth moved into a smirk as he climbed the stairs.

"It's about time those two idiots figured it out!" He said to himself. "but I hope they find somewhere else to carry on like that!"