Once again, the torch has been passed on to me. If you guys read the last chapter, you'd know that we're doing an arc called Gotham Academy featuring our heroes as teenagers in high school. Here's the next chapter, hope y'all enjoy.

Excuse any typos.

Surface Tension: The Potts Edition (GA Part 2)

Fourth period gym can be a bit of a nightmare. If you're lucky, Coach al Ghul will be in a lazy mood and let you play dodge ball for the whole time. However, if you're not so lucky, he'll make you run laps. Over and over, rain or shine. Today, Bruce Wayne wasn't so lucky.

It was an extravagantly dull day in Gotham. The wind was biting a bit more than normal as Bruce zipped up his GA windbreaker. This was his fifth lap and Coach didn't seem so keen on giving him a break. The young millionaire turned to his right as Oswald Cobblepot hobbled to keep up. He heaved deep breaths and rubbed his forehead breaking into a sweat despite the weather. To his left, Victor Fries seemed to be enjoying the cold as he opted to jog in a grey tank top.

Bruce couldn't help but notice that someone was missing. He looked around, JJ was dashing in front of him cocky as always, Lawrence Crock was two laps ahead of the blue eyed boy, and the gorgeous Pamela Isley with her fiery hair pulled back in a bun, lightly jogged her way around the track. That was just about everyone, but then a sickingly annoying voice battled against the strong winds.

"Once more around the track peasants!" Tony Stark screamed from the bleachers. He was sitting out yet again with his feet up like a pampered prince and occasionally flirting with Harleen Quinzel who actually had a reason for sitting out. She sprained her ankle during cheer leading practice. She gagged out loud and pushed him away and Tony pouted his lip.

JJ didn't find it all that funny and turned towards the scene as he jogged backwards. "Keep your paws off my woman, Stark!" Tony made the dramatic action of placing his hands in the air and backing away from Harley, who shot daggers of her own to the green haired boy.

"I'm not your woman anymore!" she yelled stomping her good foot on the ground. JJ sighed and did a 180 back to the track running faster than before. Bruce rolled his eyes at the two of them. They break up and get back together so often that they might as well be compared to those God awful songs that are constantly playing on the radio. Still, the Gothamite was wondering why Tony wasn't participating. He knows that Coach is only going to bite his head off.

"Stark! What do you think you're doing?" Coach yelled. Speak of the Devil. Bruce thought to himself. "Get up and run with the rest of the class!"

Despite barely ever participating, Tony was decked out in his GA jacket and gym pants. He ran a hand through his dark hair and tried to put on the Stark charm. "Coach, I can't run today. I have heart problems!" He replied making an expressive gesture towards his chest. Bruce grunted. Tony knew damn well that he was in perfect health, the idiot just wants to get out of doing work.

Coach al Ghul sighed and pointed at Tony. "You can sit out today, Stark. However I expect you to do double the laps next time." Tony gave a big cheesy smile and nodded. Double laps weren't so bad. In fact, it'll give the ladies something to look at. Then again, the ladies are open to check Stark out anytime.

Anyways, the real reason Tony was sitting out today, was because he needed time to think and didn't want to be bothered by anyone on the track; people like JJ tend to take a jolly in tripping people. He was thinking about Ginnie.

How dare she treat him like that. It was like she had some personal vendetta against him. The question is, why? He didn't remember her from any recent date, so that couldn't have been it; in case you haven't noticed, Tony Stark is a bit of a flirt. In fact, the day under the tree was the first time Tony met her.

She's a cute girl. He'll give her that. To be honest, Tony was a bit glad when he found out that Brucie wasn't dating her. Just a bit. A cute face will get you so far and that big mouth of her's poses as a challenge. Then again, there's no challenge Tony Stark can't overcome.

Growing a bit bored of watching his peers race around the track, the young millionaire left Harley on the bleachers and ventured off to the school's main building. He decided that he'd change back to his regular uniform when the bell rang. Peeking his head in the grand library, Tony found a familiar face typing away at her computer.

Nellie Majors brushed short strands of brunette out of her face as her emerald eyes were fixed on the small screen. "All work and no play makes Nellie a dull girl." Tony whispered as he took the seat across from her.

"Save the smooth words for someone who'll listen." She clips cooly. Tony rolled icy eyes and closed Nellie's laptop, much to her chagrin. "May I help you?"

A smile inched its way on Tony's face. "Indeed you can, Nel." Licking his bottom lip, Stark looked up at the girl. If he could find out anything about anything it was through her. Nellie was in charge of the school newspaper, but she got kicked off because it was more of a tabloid ring than actual current events. However, Tony was damn sure that she still had the scoop on everyone. Even if the person was as elusive as Bruce.

"Well, I was just wondering if you knew anything about Ginnie and Bruce?" His voice was low so nobody within earshot could hear him.

Nellie sighed and reopened her laptop. "That's what this is about? Please, Tony. Bruce and Virginia are as boring as they come." A feeling of relief overcame Stark. He's totally sure that Nellie would've dug deep to find any dirt and if she says there's nothing going on between them, then she must be right.

It's not like Tony's gonna try anything with Ginnie, but it's nice to have some info on her. "Wait. Virginia? As in, Virginia Potts?"

"Yeah. Is that a problem or something?" Nellie asked a bit confused.

The name sounded familiar, but Tony couldn't pinpoint for the life of him where he'd heard it before. Since he's been at the academy, Ginnie's only been referred to as just that. Who exactly is this girl? "No, it's fine. Thank's Nel."

"Before you go." The girl said grabbing Tony's wrist as he was heading back to the gym. "If it's gossip you want, I've got a zinger about the Vanderguilt twins."

x-x-x

At long last, gym had ended and Bruce found himself in the locker room. It felt incredible to rid himself of his sweat drenched clothes. He sauntered over to the showers and washed away the grime. The cold water hit his skin and suddenly, it was like Bruce was the only person in the world. He liked moments like this where nobody bothered him.

Bruce was a teacher's dream. A child prodigy, if you will. Scholar awards for his exemplary work, AP classes fill up his schedule, Universities fighting each other to get him on their campuses. The young millionaire had grown tired of it all and needed a place where he didn't have to think. A place where he didn't have to be Bruce Wayne.

Although he'd never admit it out loud, Bruce was sort of happy that Tony was going to the Academy. Yeah, he's pompous, flamboyant, and annoying, but Bruce always felt that he could be real around him. Tony never expects the star student when he's with Bruce. He just wants to hang out with his friend and that means a lot to him. Come to think of it, the Gothamite felt the same way about Ginnie. It's a bit of a shame that the red head can barely stand Stark. Then again, Bruce can't blame her.

Shutting the water off, Bruce dried himself up and put on a fresh set of underclothes. He ran the towel over his head to get the excess water out of his dark locks. That was when the Devil walked in.

"I see London, I see France. I see Brucie's white boy stomach." Stark said giving a friendly slap to his peer's abdomen.

Bruce rolled his eyes and put some deodorant on. "That didn't even rhyme." Tony shrugged his shoulder and started stripping off his gym clothes. "Where were you anyways?"

Opening his locker, to find a neatly folded button-up, Tony sighed. "Just went over to the library. Nellie Majors was there."

"She means well, but Nellie has trouble when it comes to telling the truth," Bruce warned, "you can't always believe her."

Tony placed his tie on and stared at the ground. Obviously she was telling the truth about Bruce and Ginnie. If they were going out, the Gothamite would've told him. Why is this such a big deal to him? God, if Stark wants to put this ordeal to rest, he's gotta get more information.

"I'll see you at lunch." Tony said. He finished before Bruce since the latter actually participated. His peer gave him a confused wave as Stark ventured off into the crowd of students.

x-x-x

Alfred always made the best food. Tony was in culinary heaven as he took a spoonful of delectable tenerumi soup. It was his favorite and the aging butler did it justice. To his left, Bruce was enjoying a toasted egg white sandwich and fresh celery. The teen millionaires were outside despite the mildly cold weather taking refuge under the old oak tree.

Soon enough, there she was; fiery tendrils tangled in a side braid, rose tinted cheeks littered with freckles, and her skirt blowing tastefully in the wind. Virginia Potts was a sight to be seen. However, once her forest eyes met Tony's crystal ones, a look of disgust and slight annoyance creeped onto her face. Defeated, she plopped down next to Bruce and shot a glare at Stark to make sure he felt unwelcomed.

"Hey, Gin." Bruce greeted, breaking up the tension. The girl gave a small wave and opened up her little brown bag.

Why can't he just make other friends? Ginnie thought to herself. Maybe it was a bit childish that she was holding this grudge after all these years. To be fair, however, it was completely rude that Tony didn't even remember her!

Warm fingers lightly graze Ginnie's elbow. She looks up and notices a scolding look on Bruce's face. With the two of them being so close, the red head could read him like a book. Maybe you could tone down the hostility? His sapphire eyes bored into her very being she hated giving up so quickly, but Bruce Wayne rarely loses.

"So, Tony!" Ginnie piped up. Stark's eyes widened at the sudden shift in her attitude. "How're you liking it here at the academy?" A smile was etched across her face and Tony couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.

With an uneasy grin, the millionaire replied, "It's pretty great. Thanks for asking." He turned slightly to Bruce who shrugged his shoulders. Didn't this girl just glare at him ferociously not five minutes ago? If looks could kill...

"I'm really happy to hear that. So glad that you're adjusting." she said. Tony laughed awkwardly and returned to his soup. Bruce nudged Ginnie again and gave her the look. She sighed waiting for his in audible response.

Don't you think that was a little harsh? He asked with his eyes nibbling on his sandwich. Once again, Bruce Wayne rarely loses.

Not at all. However, Ginnie doesn't give up that easily.

Jesus, you could cut the tension with a knife. Tony swallowed down the rest of his soup in record time and quietly excused himself. He's never felt that uncomfortable in a long time. Racing over to his locker, Tony packed his bag and decided that he'd take a mini vacation. Using charm to his advantage, he'll totally get an excuse to leave school early. This Ginnie situation isn't going to get better until he learns more.

And he's determined like hell to learn about her.

x-x-x

To clear things up, Anthony Edward Stark does not condone spying on your friends. Unless it's necessary.

This just happens to be one of those moments.

After getting the okay to get out of school, Tony asked Alfred to drive him back to Wayne Manor. As soon as he entered the premises, Stark made a beeline towards Bruce's room hoping that the butler would be none the wiser. He sifted through piles of books, papers, and even got on his computer.

Hacking into it was a breeze, but he still couldn't find any concrete evidence on the flame haired demon. He typed furiously away on his peer's computer but got squat. Stubborn as always, Tony wouldn't admit defeat, but this endeavor proved to be futile. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

There stood Alfred J. Pennyworth with a sly grin. He was perfectly straight the definition of calm, cool, and collected. "Looking for something, Tony?"

"Alfred! I was just using Brucie's computer because mine was acting up." Tony lied. He was always good at that. It's in the Stark nature.

"I believe what you're looking for is in the bottom left drawer. There's a false bottom." After realizing what Alfred had said, Tony raced over to Bruce's desk and sure enough, there was a small compartment in his drawer that he didn't notice before. How could he not see this? He must be off his game today.

It's all because of her.

"Thanks, old sport." Tony said winking to his accomplice. Alfred rolled his eyes and waved the boy away muttering something about dinner being ready in a couple of hours.

Inside Bruce's secret compartment, there was a thick photo album. It was floral designed and had beautiful cursive hand writing on the inside cover. Tony suddenly recognized it and felt a twinge a pain rattle its way in his heart. This was Martha's, but what does this have to do with Ginnie. The old guy must be off his rocker.

Despite the doubt, Tony turned the laminated pages. Guilt riddled his being as he looked over at pictures of a baby Bruce. His frigid eyes clashed against rosy cheeks while he was cradled in Martha's arms. Oh, that woman. Tony missed her dearly. She was a kind soul who didn't deserved to leave the world the way she did. He felt awful snooping through her things, but there's got to be something that'll help him out here.

There was one particular picture that made Tony smile. It was of him and Bruce with the bottom labeled as, "Bruce's Seventh Birthday!" The Gothamite had an annoyed look on his face as Tony, flamboyant as always, had a cheeky grin on his face. Suddenly, the millionaire noticed someone else in the photo. How could that be? He's seen this picture at least a thousand times and never caught sight of this girl before.

The girl in question had on a party dress that showed off her knobby knees. She was standing on the far right of Bruce with a blank look on her face. She seemed a bit sad. Good God. Tony remembered her! That's Raggedy Ann! Oh, Tony taunted that poor girl all the time. He didn't mean it to be a bully, it was only all in good fun. Besides, he was only a seven year old kid. However, the freckles looked a bit familiar. So did the emerald eyes and that crimson hair.

And then, Tony knew.

It was Ginnie.

Sorry it took so long for this chapter to get up! School's almost over so I've been extra busy.

(Melissa came up with the chapter title. It's a Pretty Little Liars reference.)

Melissa's next chapter won't be about GA. We've decided that after every two miscellaneous chapters, we'll write two GA chapters. Hope that works out with everyone! We really appreciate reviews and any feedback you guys have, it really helps us write better chapters. Thanks for the support, we really love you guys!

Until next time!

~Cheyenne~