Afternoon
After FP stormed out of the classroom, everyone was quiet remaining in their seats. I was quick to follow him, collecting my things in a hurry.
"Ms.Smith, class isn't o-"
"Fuck off, old man." I spat, bumping Mr.Davidson's shoulder as I passed by. What the hell was that all about. Losers say awful things to me every now and again, and FP never reacted that way before. Something was up with him, and I'm guessing it's not stress from tonight's meeting at the Wyrm. When I left the room I immediately saw FP standing In the hallway.
"What the hell was all that FP?" I asked grabbing his arm so he would face me. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Because Alice, he pissed me off. People can't just go around saying that kind of shit to you. Not anymore." FP said as he began to pace as he spoke out. The last part threw me off entirely.
"Not anymore? Those jerks would always say something. What's so different now FP?" I asked wrapping my arms around my chest as I waited for him to answer. He stopped and looked at me, almost shocked.
"Everything is different now Alice, can't you see that?" He said just as Mr.Davidson opened up his classroom door.
"I'll explain everything to you later." He said turning on his heel and walking away from me. I just blankly stood there watching him. Was he on drugs or something?
"What are you waiting for Ms.Smith. It's to the office with you too." Mr.Davidson sternly said, pointing his finger down the hallway. I rolled my eyes at him and walked away.
Later
After detention I walked to the Whyte Wyrm and sat at our usual booth in the far back corner. I didn't bother waiting for him to come to start with the project. I really just wanted to be finished with the stupid thing already. It wasn't for another thirty minutes later when FP finally showed up to help.
"Sorry I needed a smoke after dealing with being chewed out by the principal again." He said sitting down from across of me.
"A smoke? By the looks of you it had to more than just one." I joked passing him a book to start looking at.
"Possibly a couple. What's our topic again?" FP asked honestly. Taking the book from my hand and acting interested.
"If you actually listened in class, you would know that we're doing our project on the planets." I said looking back at my book, hoping he isn't staring at my red face. The time seemed to fly by from all the light flirting and laughs. And surprisingly we got the paper done without a hitch, FP was actually helpful, So helpful that If I put a bet on him for this, I know I would be out of money.
"Alice," He started. "About earlier."
"Save it for later FP? We have company." I said pointing over to the rest of the group who just walked into the bar. I met FP's glance, his was almost relieved looking. What the hell did he have to tell me ?
"There's Alice, and FP." Mustang said, as he and the others approached our table. "FP! Heard ya really knocked out Jefferson's lights today." Mustang threw out mock punches into the air as he excitedly explained. We all joked and laughed over the incident as we waited for the older members to arrive. When they did, we all gathered closely.
"There has been lots of buzz going around about what's going down tonight. First and foremost. It's initiation season, kiddies." FP's dad said loudly, everyone began to cheer. "So get yourselves ready newbies, it starts tonight."
My dad stepped up beside FP's and pointed our way. "And to honour our leader here, we thought it'd be rude not to challenge our little Serpent Prince with the first task." He belted out, and pointing at FP. Who lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Moving on. The Ghoulies are starting to pop up again. So keep your eyes out, other than that, see you here tomorrow night to officially begin initiation season for the rest of you unlucky bastards." Mr.Jones finished. "FP, your task is in my office." He called out over the noises of the gang dispatching before disappearing off of the main stage and into the group.
"Well, hop to it Jonsie." I said shooing him along. Eager to see his first task, with a grin he headed to the office. As I waited at the booth for FP, I gathered up our belongings and watched as the bar cleared out almost completely. Only a few stragglers filled the Wrym, and the cracking of the jukebox speakers playing old country songs by Johnny Cash. I loved this place growing up. Generations of serpent families walked these floors, and went through this process. I couldn't wait to become a serpent myself, but I was definitely nervous for the grand finale. By Serpent traditions, Males must complete a set number of tasks, while the females have to complete the 'Serpent Dance'.
I thought about it a lot this past summer, worried that FP would think I looked like an idiot. But I also couldn't help but think about what If he couldn't take his eyes off of me? I've heard from a lot of other Serpent women that during your dance, sometimes you are able to charm yourself a man. But that's only if your performance keeps his eyes locked on you the entire time. Something about being the snake charmer.
"Ready to go?" I heard FP say, snapping me out of my thoughts. When I looked over to him I couldn't help but notice the four-legged friend he had with him. I immediately walked over and greeted the dog.
"Hot-Dog what are you doing here with this smelly guy huh?" I said, petting his head. Hot dog stuck his tongue out happy to receive some attention.
"This is my first task, babysitting Hog Dog for the next couple of days." FP said as he ran a hand through his dark hair. "You ready to go? Early day tomorrow." He said with a smile.
"Sure thing, let's get going." As we left the Whyte Wyrm neither of us said a word for at least fifteen minutes. It was a nice comfortable silence, the sound of the gravel under my boots, and Hot Dog panting and sniffing around. I had a million and one things on my mind, but couldn't find the courage to even say one out loud.
"Allie, can we be serious for like a second?" FP said breaking up the quietness of our walk. Looking over at him his face was red and flustered, so many emotions flashed in his eyes. Was he scared of something? FP Jones doesn't get scared so this must be something serious.
"Of course." I replied.
"Earlier at school when I said things were different between us, did you understand what I meant?" He asked looking straight ahead of him. Minimum eye contact.
"Not entirely." I said honestly.
"This summer we spent a lot of time together haven't we? So I just assumed…" That much was true. He has every Wednesday and Sunday off over the break, and I couldn't think of one of those days we weren't together. And even now that it's November we have spent almost all of our free time side by side still. "Well I don't know Alice, I'm not good with this kind of shit, you know that."
"FP Jones what on earth are you going on about?" I asked confused, stopping in my tracks waiting for him to realize I was no longer following him and Hot Dog.
"For fuck sakes Alice, I care about you." he almost yelled, and I almost fell over and died on the ground. He finally said it, after all this time he had finally said something about whatever we have going on. We stood there for a moment and he began to look nervous. "Well?" He asked locking his eyes on me.
"Well what, FP? Stop standing there like an idiot and kiss me already." I said almost regretting it immediately, until FP smirked. He stepped closer to me, looking down into my eyes. With one large hand he cupped my face, before leaning down smashing his lips against mine. The kiss was heated from the start, years of waiting for this moment behind it. His lips were warm, and his skin felt hot. And all too soon, FP broke the kiss and pulled away from me.
I wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. "I care about you too, FP." I whispered into his chest. I couldn't see him smile, but I've known FP long enough to know he was smiling too.
A/N
And that's chapter two folks! I hope you enjoyed. (we don't own the characters in this story)- L