A/N: Chapter three is up! Just some lighthearted fun featuring John and Nic! The next chapter will, most likely either retell the events of the week and take place on Friday or it will skip right to Saturday where our favorite Lugnut comes in! Review and let me know what you think I should do with chapter 4!

Chapter Three: Cutting with Nic

That day, they had cut out of school and stopped by her house to pick up her bike. She had sneakily managed to get in and out of the garage and they had soon taken to the storm drains. There, they each tried to do as many tricks as they dared without being injured. After all, they didn't want to end up in the hospital in the middle of the day caught cutting.

Nic had been surprised, to say the least. She hadn't realized how much fun John was and how great it could be to have- well, she didn't know just what to call John. She hadn't known him nearly long enough to call a friend yet, what else could he be? He was the closest thing she had to that and so, she decided, she would call him just that- a friend.

John had been surprised as well. She was a girl and yet she seemed a natural as she hopped the edges of the ramps, doing tricks of ramps they created from cardboard and wood. Even more surprising was how nice and calm she seemed. She wasn't very much trouble at all, at least so he thought. And so, he had decided to ask this very question.

"It's because of a lot of things, you see. I'm not your typical girl as so they think I'm trouble. I go hunting and stuff with my dad," she told him as they sat on the ledge overlooking the storm drain. Their legs dangled over the side as they leaned back against their bikes, watching the traffic fly by on the street opposite. "They think I'm a nutter 'cause I know how to point, shoot, and kill with a gun and bow," she added, looking sadly at John before redirecting her attention to the cars. "They think I'm crazy for who I am..." She trailed off.

"Why do I have the feeling there's more to it than that?" John asked patiently, squinting in the bright noon light. It was getting late and they should go get some lunch soon. It could wait until after this conversation though, he figured.

"Everyone has their secrets, don't they John? Why do I have a feeling there's a story behind why you're in a foster home?" She asked, making John's heart twinge. Oh yes, she had hit a weak spot of his, but he supposed he must've hit one too. Whatever else she was hiding must've been just as bad as his, if not worse. For some reason though, anger began to boil within him and he had the sudden urge to tell her exactly why he was stuck in this god forsaken hell hole.

"Not much of a secret, I suppose," John replied, scoffing. He turned and glared at the cars going by. "Mine, I mean. My mom's a nutter. Lets go," he told her before getting up and brushing off his jeans. He pulled her up and they got on their bikes in silence. "Let's go get lunch," he told her as he took off, glad to see she was following. He had only told her as much as he dared. He had wanted to spill everything to her but- if his mom had taught him one thing, it was to be cautious. Being cautious in the right situations could save your life.

They soon pulled up to the mall and parked their bikes, heading on in. They made their way to the food court where they ordered lunch and John paid. They sat down, trays of food in tow, and began to eat. They were silent for a few minutes, each mulling over the awkward conversation in their head. Finally, Nic pushed her tray away, causing John to look up and meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry John. I really am. You're right- there is more to my story just like I know there's more to your story. It's just tough to think about and it's a sore subject- kinda like your mom. I'm sorry," she told him. He nodded and gave her a wry smile, understanding what she was saying. If it was that tender and hurtful of a subject for her to remember, he could wait.

"It's fine. I understand. We've only known each other a day. I don't expect you to tell me now. I'll wait," he told her as they continued to eat. She smiled and gave him a look of thanks, the silence descending once more. They ate in peace until John decided to speak up again.

"Nic?"

"Yeah?"

"I was just thinking- wanna chill after school with me and my buddy Tim from now on?" He asked, giving her his crooked smile. She returned it, beaming.

"Sure. That sounds great," she replied and he full out grinned at this.

"Alright! Give me five," he said as they high-fived. "I think Tim and I are coming here to the arcade o. Saturday too. You should come with if you've got nothing else..." He added, trailing off.

"We'll see. I don't know if my dad had anything planned just yet. I'll check and let you know by Friday," she replied and he grinned. He noticed a security guard then, watching them suspiciously.

"Party pooper at nine o'clock," John told her, causing her to look at the guard. "Let's roll!" He shouted as they leapt up, dashing away from the security guard in pursuit. Laughing, they faked out the guard and ducked into a store.

"That was close- almost busted," Nic told him, laughing. He grinned, poking his head out of the store.

"Coast is clear- let's go," he replied and they ran back to the garage, laughing the whole way.

"Race ya back?" Nic asked as she jumped on her bike, revving the engine.

"Long as you're prepared to lose!" John shouted, darting out of the garage.

"You wish Connor!" She shouted as she pulled up next to him and they cut through traffic, skidding into the storm drains, and rode off in the setting sun.