Chapter 14

Layla sighed seeing her best friend watching her from across the hall. He didn't seem upset, which was a good thing, right? In fact, he even looked pretty calm by Will's standards when it came to Warren Peace, and for that she was thankful.

She decided to make the first move, seeing how it was safe to approach. Not that she would run away or anything, but sitting through another "he's bad for you" lecture wasn't high on her to do list today.

She walked over slowly, winding her way between the chatting students. He gave her a small smile as she approached, and she returned it with a hesitant one of her own.

"Hey," she said nervously, readjusting her bag so it sat better on her shoulder.

"Long weekend?" he questioned, referring to her recent incarceration.

"Something like that," she smirked, watching as he fingered a loose thread on the hem of his shirt. He seemed content on the outside, but by the way he was avoiding eye contact made her a bit suspicious. She knew he was on the brink of letting something spill, what that was exactly, Layla wasn't exactly sure she wanted to hear it.

"So you guys are officially together then?" Will asked, cutting to the chase. He glanced up almost shyly, his eyes inquiring. Layla studied his features for a moment, looking for any signs of anger or resentment. Finding none, she decided to answer his question honestly.

"Yeah, I guess so." Layla replied, her voice mostly confident. She watched his face closely, waiting for the moment when he was going to blow up at her for not following his advice.

He only nodded in acceptance, to her surprise, looking down once again only this time to study his shoes. She knew enough of him by now to know that he was in deep thought.

"You know I don't like him," he said, more of a statement to himself rather than the girl standing in front of him, but Layla answered him anyway.

"I know," she replied, feeling a bit awkward just standing there while he avoided her gaze. She shifted her weight onto her other foot, readjusting her bag again when it slipped from the movement.

"He seems to like you too," he said, his words a bit stilted, as if he was holding back… or afraid to say the words. Layla could sense that he truly meant the words he was saying, but his tone suggested that he didn't really want to mean them.

"Are you giving me permission?" Layla teased, trying to break the tension.

"Yeah, I guess so," he joked back, mocking her earlier statement.

"Not that I need it," she continued smiling despite the warning tone in her voice. It was nice that he wanted to look out for her, but she was a big girl and could take care of herself… it was about time Will realized that too.

"Yeah," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I just care about you, that's all."

Layla felt her throat close up and went to hug the boy standing in front of her but he moved back suddenly, holding one hand up.

"Um, no. If I get hit with a giant fireball for touching you then the deal's off."

Layla rolled her eyes and went for the hug anyway.

"You have my permission to throw him through the wall again."

Will grinned and Layla laughed at his gleeful expression.

"It's about time you two made up!"

The two teenagers exchanged greetings at their friends.

"We missed you man!" Zach stated, reaching his hand out and doing that complicated hand shake that only guys seem to know how to do.

Magenta rolled her eyes at the display. "Men…" she muttered.

"So what's with you? Girly finally dump the Peace?" the blonde questioned.

"Not exactly," Layla stated, giving Magenta the 'I'll tell you later' look at her friend's inquiring glance.

"They were practically making out in the hall five minutes ago," Will said, rolling his eyes.

"We were not!" Layla exclaimed, pushing her friend. Will teetered only slightly, a smirk fixed on his face.

"Nice!" Zach said, holding up a hand for the redhead to slap.

Both girls looked at the teen disbelievingly, causing him to lower his hand slowly in embarrassment.

"Me Warren. You Layla. I make fire!" Will teased in a caveman voice. The boys laughed as Layla let out a shriek in response, slapping her best friend on the arm.

A/N: Again, sorry for the lack of updates. This story should be over soon, but I don't know. We'll see where it takes me. If you have any ideas, let me know. Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to review :)