Merrill left in a rush leaving me alone with the girls: Lydia and her girlfriend, Katie. It was a little awkward. The girls kept staring at me like I was standing there naked. Okay, I'm kind of all-natural with my belts, sash, sword, and mask. I rubbed my arm nervously. I'm meeting two humans other than April and Merrill without disguise. This was new to me.
"Um, hi..." I waved, "I'm Leo."
"We know", the pink-haired girl commented.
"Be nice", the peppy girl hissed.
"I'm not the one who fainted."
"Don't be rude!"
"Look", I interrupted, "I could just leave. I'm already an inconvenience to Merrill. So, I'll bounce before things get hectic." I head for the window, but Katie stopped me by grabbing my arm.
"Oh, sweetie, no. You're not an inconvenience. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have fainted. It was rude of me." Lydia's sincere apology was wholesome like receiving an apology from an angel. Her apology made me want to apologize.
"No, no. Don't be. It's a natural reaction. I would faint if I saw myself, but mostly due to how good-looking I am."
"He wasn't kidding about your one-liners", Katie said as she thrust the clothes and shoes into my arms, "get change. We don't have time until the bell rings. We'll give you some space." The punk chick left the bathroom.
"I'm so sorry about her. Katie's not always like this", Lydia followed her girlfriend.
I went into the stall and locked it. The clothes Katie gave me were a plain gray tank top, a blue and black pleated mini skirt, a black cat hoodie with floppy cat ears, black stockings, a light blue scarf, and knee-high buckled combat boots. I tried them all. Besides the cat hoodie and skirt, everything else fits well, even the boots. I got out and checked my reflection. I don't look half bad. I could barely recognize myself. I pulled my hood up, and my scarf over my beak; my sword strapped to my back. Would they mind if I bring a sword to school? I head for the door, however, I stopped. My hand hovered the handle. I was going through an unknown territory without my brothers. I glanced at my exit. I could escape and leave the girls. I shook my head. That would be rude. Alright, Leon, you got yourself here, time to see through it. I opened the door a creak. I saw the girls in front of it. Katie noticed me.
"You good, Blue?" she asked in concern.
I finally got out. I kept pulling the skirt down, feeling a little uncomfortable. "I'm not feeling the skirt", I muttered. I looked at the girls who were staring in disbelief. Did I wear the outfit wrong? "Do I look bad?" I asked, nervously.
"What? No, you look fantastic!" Lydia encouraged.
"If you were a female, I'd totally tap that ass... or shell", Katie agreed.
"So, you wanted to date Leo, huh?" Lydia scowled.
"I said if he's a female, I'd tap that!" Katie discouraged, making her girlfriend huff. I chuckled. Their conversation eased a bit of my uneasiness. Then, the bell rang making me jump and grabbed my sword.
Lydia placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry. Stick with us. You'll be fine." Katie nodded and they led me to the rendezvous. Everyone paid no mind to us. Wow. So far, so good.
We made it to the library. All we need to do was wait for Merrill. My phone pinged. I took it out and a text from Merrill saying he was on his way.
"So, what's your relationship like?" Katie asked, drawing my attention off my phone.
"Relationship?" I asked, "Me and Merrill are friends."
"With benefits?"
"Katie!" Lydia scolded as I hid my face in the scarf. I knew my face was turning red. "What they do in their spare time is none of our business."
"Seriously, though, there's nothing going on between us. We're just friends", I told her. Deep down, my insides were unsettling. Did I like Merrill as a friend? I gotta stop letting Mikey's words nag me. I don't have a crush on Goth Boy!
"I'm just saying, Merrill looks at Leo like how I look at you, Lyds", Katie told her girlfriend.
"Really?" I gaped. I didn't know what to say. When did he look at me? What was his expression like? Why am I concerned about that? I don't care! I'm sure he looks at everyone with a stare instead my mouth decided to run its course. "I shouldn't be surprised. I'm a great catch. He did have a nosebleed when I wore a maid uniform." I grinned remembering my success in getting Merrill flustered. That was my victory.
"Yo, dead ass!" Katie grinned more sinisterly, "Goth Boy got a crossdressing kink. That explains why he was asking me for my clothes. He wants to see punk rock style on you."
"Merrill does love cosplay", Lydia informed us.
"Oolala. He wants to see you strut your legs in that skirt!"
Maybe coming to Merrill's school was a bad idea. I didn't know what was worse: having Merrill embarrass me or Katie jabbing me with her jokes.
"Don't you guys have classes soon?" I asked, really wanting to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"The next class bell rings in ten minutes", Lydia told me, "Hopefully Merrill makes it on time. We don't know what to do with you while we go to class."
"I'll watch over him", Katie volunteered, "if anyone can make the Sexy Lucifer flustered, they're good in my book. I can just tell people he's my cousin visiting and he's experiencing his first interaction with young peers." The pink-haired girl turned to me. "You okay with that?"
"You don't mind?" I asked. I was surprised the two girls have gotten over their shock.
"Sure, as long as you give me your deets."
"My deets?"
"Yeah, your number. I still got a few clothes I'm giving away. I even got myself a goth Lolita dress you can wear to humiliate your boyfriend", Katie grinned, mischievously. I grinned as well. I could use more ammo for my arsenal.
"You two are impossible", Lydia shook her head in dismay. We heard shoes running our way. We turned to see the man we were speaking of trying to get through the hall full of students.
"Sorry, I'm late. Had a talk with teach..." Merrill stared at me until his nose bled and passed out. Katie burst out laughing! Lydia went to Merrill with a handkerchief out and ready. "...I hate my life..." the emo grumbled. Students were looking at us.
"Yo, I thought Leo was joking about the nosebleed but who would've thought the Sexy Lucifer has a sensitive weakness?" Katie continued to laugh while wrapping her arm around my shoulders. "It's official, Leo's my new bestie!" I was trying to appear small even though I'm taller than Katie. Merrill flipped Katie off. "Don't blame me! You were the one who wanted Leo to wear my clothes!"
"I'm starting to regret it..."
"Merrill Damian Ramirez. Your clothes aren't suited for these dirty school floors." We looked at the tall guy making his way over. His long blonde hair was tied in a ponytail. His brown eyes looked golden underneath the school lights. He strutted with finesse and confidence. "Hello, sluts."
"Why does everyone keep calling us that?" Lydia whispered.
The new student helped Merrill up. The emo's nose stopped bleeding. "Dearie, the fact that you and your other half are in a complete mess and looked like you're both just got out of Cloud 9. Need I say more?" he finally noticed me. "Oh, a new student? Au chante." He let me shake his hand. "My name is Alex and I prefer to be known as they/them."
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know that!" I quickly retract my hands and slid them into my pockets.
"No worries, my friend, which I must say you have a unique skin tone." The girls and Merrill immediately went in front of me. "What? Was it something I said?"
"You're not turning Leo into the authorities!" Katie proclaimed.
"Why would I?"
"Because he's different?" Lydia said turning it into a question.
"Because he's a mutant", Merrill said. Me, Lydia, and Katie glared at him. "What? They're not stupid. Besides they won't turn him in."
"Are you sure?" I asked, uncertain.
"The reason I'm standing between you and them is that they get a little excited about a new project."
"How dare you!" Alex was offended. "I could go for new inspiration. You act as if I go psycho mode whenever I get inspired."
"No, you just go into people's personal space and ask random or uncomfortable questions."
"Alex disappeared and reappeared behind me. "No, I don't." I quickly turned around in time to see them examining my arm with the sleeve up. My goodness. Love the light green color with yellow marks." He already pulled my hood down. "And red marks around the eyes! You are truly a gem, my dear friend!" I pulled away as I swiftly covered my face.
Merrill was already in front of Alex. "What did I say about personal space?"
They shrugged. "What? I didn't say any disturbing questions?" the bell rang.
"Shit! We gotta bounce!" Katie grabbed Lydia's wrist and ran. Alex disappeared among the crowd. They were weird.
"Let's bounce." I followed Merrill to his next class.
I was surprised, once again, that no one bothered to question me. The teachers were chilled – too chilled. I stayed next to Merrill the whole time. The morning turned to afternoon and the next thing I knew it was Lunchtime. We found a spot in the cafeteria in the far back. It was just us until Katie and Lydia came along. Alex came soon after. I was caught in a conversation between Katie and Alex. Katie wanted to know what I do in my spare time; Alex kept asking for my clothes size. Overall, I like it. Merrill kept glancing my way in way in case I get too overwhelmed, but I kept track of the conversations.
Before we knew it, Lunch was over. Katie dragged me to her afternoon classes. She was eager to tell everyone I'm her out-of-town cousin. One of her classes happen to be Spanish and I was happy to help her. The day had gone by so fast school was already over. We rendezvous with Lydia and once again, Alex met up with us. Merrill was the last person left. We were waiting outside the school doors and while waiting we exchanged numbers. Candid I turned my phone off in case Raph was going to call during the day, even though I told Merrill I would tell my brother I was off sightseeing.
"I have made my decision!" Alex yelled after we exchange numbers, "I am going to design all our outfits for the homecoming dance! You are going, too, right Leonardo? Is Leonardo your true name? Or is it short for Leonard?"
"No, no, it's Leonardo, and you don't have to do that", I told Alex, "I don't even think I'm going to the homecoming dance. I'm not even a student here."
"I don't think it matters", Lydia said, "after all you're still here."
"And who cares if you're not a student", Katie encouraged, "there are a few people in school who brings people from other schools or out-of-distance partners. I'm taking Lydia to the dance. Alex is going to be there to fashion criticize or dry hump some poor soul."
"What Little Miss KitKat said is 92% accurate", Alex admitted, "unless there's a need for my criticism which is obviously. As for the dry humping, darling, there's not many tasty souls worth eating."
"I rest my asshole."
"Guys", I said, "I don't think I'm going regardless as for the main reason I don't have a date."
"Leanie Beanie, listen, the whole gossip is Merrill is going to the dance with a hot date", the blonde told me, "The hottest thing he encountered by far is you."
"...really? Merrill is taking me...?" I was stupefied. Merrill is taking me to the homecoming dance? Wait, no, it's gossip. It's not true. Besides, he didn't ask me.
"Even if Merrill didn't ask you, it would be fun for us to go together as friends", Lydia mentioned, "you are good company."
"Not to mention, I am dying to craft new outfits for you! Let me have this!" Alex dramatically wailed. "You became my new muse!"
"And I want to be there to witness Goth Boy's defeat IRL", Katie said.
"I'll think about it, guys", I told them. Even if I did say yes, it would be more sneaking out to see them. It's not just me and Merrill; it became a small group of us.
"Ahem!" our small group turned around to see three students wearing a trademark purple jackets. Two boys and one girl. The girl was standing in the center; she must be the leader. "Who's this?" the violet-haired ringleader looked at me in disdain.
Katie wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "Kendra, this is Lee, my cousin. He's from out of town. Came to visit for the time being."
Kendra looked up and down, obviously, at the clothes I'm wearing. "He seems to like wearing girl clothes." I shifted a little. I slightly moved my hand to the back edging to pull the skirt down. I didn't like how she was judging me through eye contact.
Katie dismissively waved her hand. "Whatever makes him happy. We don't judge, especially Merrill."
The violet-haired girl perked up at hearing my friend's name. "Merrill? He knows your cousin?"
"Oh, yeah. Lee here is his new squeeze if you know what I mean." Katie wiggled her eyebrows while my face got heated. Lydia covered her face and looked away.
"Really?" Kendra asked, her voice sounding rejected, "he sure moved fast."
"You know Merrill. He keeps moving forward. He never gets desperate or clings on to his exes like a certain bitch he used to date."
Kendra growled. "I wonder if Lydia told her parents that her girlfriend is an atheist."
Lydia got in front of Kendra. "Don't you dare, bitch!" I was shocked to hear a sweet girl like Lydia curse. Katie looked proud of her girlfriend.
"What a potty mouth for a Christian," Kendra smirked before turning to me. "Word of advice, from one relationship to another: enjoy your fun while it lasts because Merrill doesn't do attachments. As soon as he turns eighteen, he's going to disappear."
"Disappear?" I asked raising an eye ridge. Merrill never mentioned disappearing.
"Sweetheart, don't listen to this Trashta. She's just trying to create discord", Alex comforted me.
"Stay out of this, fashion wannabe queen. Just because you're a senior and one of his exes doesn't mean you get the full privilege to talk to me like you're better than me."
"As a matter of fact, I do, darling. Starting with the fashion statement you're sporting. Satin purple jacket with a red beret? Clearly, you haven't had a fashion sense in your tiny body."
"Whatever. As I was saying, don't get attached, Lee. Merrill will either dump you like an outdated jacket or vanish without a word or a text." Kendra turned away while snapping her fingers. Her two followers went with her.
"Bye, Felicia!" Alex yelled.
"Ignore her, Lee", Katie said, giving me a good squeeze. "She ain't worth your time."
"Kitty's right", Lydia agreed, "Kendra's just jealous."
"Who was that?" I asked, watching the three-person group walk out of the schoolyard.
"That was Kendra: President and Leader of the Tech Club, the Purple Dragons."
"Not to mention, Merrill's first ex", Katie added. So, that girl was Merrill's first relationship? It didn't look like it ended well. Also, she looked like she hasn't gotten over the breakup, either. "Don't worry about her!" the punk rocker tapped my back. "You're the Sexy Lucifer's new boyfriend!"
"Exactly", Alex followed, "If you want to tap that vampire ass, then, squeeze those cheeks and never let go!"
I smiled, even though my face felt like an overbaked oven. Maybe I should've mentioned that we're not dating. "Thanks, guys." Merrill came out of the building with his bag and helmet.
"Did I miss anything?" Merrill came behind us with a confused expression. He could something wasn't right.
"Nothing to worry about, darling", the fashion guru said, "we were dismissing trash. I got to run. Sketches I need to draw. Got a deadline coming up and I got four outfits I need to complete. Oh, what fun!" Alex danced with glee and left.
"Yeah, me and Lyds gotta bounce. Takin' my girl home safely", Katie said, her arm around Lydia's waist.
"Are you two going to be alright?" Lydia asked.
"We'll be fine", Merrill concurred, "Leo and I are heading to my place and chill."
Lydia nodded. "Okay. It was nice meeting you, Leo. If you ever want to hang out or talk, give me a call."
"Or he's too busy wearing cosplay for Goth Boy", Katie joked. My face got heated again.
"Go suck a cock, bitch. Wait, the wrong phrase. Go kiss a taco", Merrill said.
"Oh, I'm so scared. Peace, y'all." The two girls left leaving me alone with Merrill.
"Come on, I'll drive you to my place", Merrill pulled me to his bike as he handed me his helmet. "Safety first." I put it on. We got on his bike and drove. I wrapped my arms around his waist. My head lay on its back. He was careful and precise on the road. Even though it the short, it was pleasant. Soon enough, we made it to Merrill's mansion. I didn't want this day to end. I had fun. "I'm glad you had a good day."
"Yeah... visiting you is always fun..." I spoke, taking off the helmet. It was already midafternoon. I shut my phone in case Raph decided to blow it up with calls. We got off the bike and I took out my phone. As soon as I turned it on, sure enough, I had forty-two missed calls from Raphael. Maybe I should call him before my brothers go on a hunting spree. I bumped into a broad back. I looked up to see Merrill standing there. Something whirling in his mind. Something about a dance?
"What are you doing Friday?" Merrill asked as stood in front of his door.
I tilted my head. "Nothing that I can think of instead of training and well... sneaking out to see you." that last part I muttered. I know my face looked like it was a muddy color, so I lifted the scarf over my beak.
The emo turned around. His cheeks had a soft pink glow. Why was he getting flustered?! "Do you want to come with me to the dance?"
"Dance?" like those school dances like in one where Lou Jitsu disguises himself as a substitute teacher and chaperones a high school dance while investigating a secret trade between a faculty member and a crime boss. Was this a date? Was Merrill asking me out on a date?
"Lou Jitsu? Never mind. You don't have to come along. Thought it would be fun to go with someone more tolerable than the rest of those motherfuckers. I could just stay home and watch some movies. I think I should do a Disney movie marathon this time –"
"I'd love to", I answered. It made Merrill stop his rambling and stared at me with wide eyes. "I never go to a dance or any dance in general. I bet it would be fun going with you."
Merrill blinked out of his stupor. "Heh, you never cease to amaze me. Alright, so do I pick you up, or are you coming to my place like us'?" Merrill doesn't know where I live and there's no way I'm letting my family bombard him with questions. Oh no! Dad hasn't met him! He'll be so against me dating him! Wait, I said yes! Does this consider a date? I hung out with Merrill for a week. Are we still friends? "Slow your roll, Bluey. You're giving yourself a brain fart. I can smell the smoke brewing. We're still friends. I do take things slow. It's just a dance, not like we're walking down the aisle."
"Right", I breathed. Nothing is going to change. We'll be friends before the dance, and we'll be friends after. What could go wrong? "I'll come over since Alex said they'll be making my outfit."
"Knowing them it's going to be either fantastic or another way to get me embarrassed; possibly both." I can't believe I made three more humans. Sure, there were weird, but I'm a mutant turtle in their circle.
I got a call from Raph. I hit ignore, but he called again. I rolled my eyes. "You don't mind if I ditch these clothes here?"
"Sure. I'll keep them safe in my room until the next time you come over." We head inside, ignoring some of the housekeepers and I bolted to the bathroom on the third floor across from Merrill's room. I slid down after I shut the door. Merrill asked me out... he asked me out! Goth Boy asked me out! I couldn't stop feeling giddy.
I sent a quick text to Alex stating I'm going to the dance with Merrill.
Alex:
Yaaaaaasssss Queen! Slay that Vampire A$$!
Ill make youre out so Gucci Merrill will die of blood loss!
Youll be da Turtle Cinderella!
Turtlerella!
Im so excited!
Their reply made me smile as I got undressed and returned to Merrill's bedroom. He was unpacking his bag when I got there. I dropped the clothes on his bed.
"I got to go. Don't want my family worrying about me", I said.
"Alright", he replied with a shrug, "meet at my place around 3 pm. I'll text Alex and the Sluts to meet up here, too."
I nodded. "Right. Can't wait for the dance. I bet you'll look great – I mean it hasn't stopped you before! I haven't seen you in anything else other than black clothing." I knew I'm blushing at this point.
"Want to see me in my birthday suit so bad?" Merrill smirked. I threw a pillow at him and he started to laugh. I hate him sometimes. "I'm kidding. Believe it or not. I don't only have black clothes. I happen to have a few lighter shades. I can show you a few, but that requires me getting naked."
I scoffed. "I need to leave if this becomes a strip show." I unsheathed my odachi.
"Don't act like you don't want a peek!" I slashed open a portal and threw myself in. I can't stop being giddy! I have a date! I'm going to my first homecoming dance! And not by myself, with a date and a group of friends!
This is the best day ever!
"Leonardo Hamato, where have you been!" as I got out of the portal, I encountered my big brother, Raphael, and my rat father staring me down.
I gulped. I might've jinxed myself.