Title: It's Complicated

Summary: Chrissy is the new girl at Seaford High. A boy catches her eye, but Chrissy has some detective work to do to figure out if he's actually single. It's more complicated than it looks. (Jack and Kim are not dating in this one)

Also, I did indeed write this one per a review request. I actually loved the idea but it actually takes me forever to get around to writing things. I've been thinking about this idea on and off since I saw the review and I'm just now posting it so take this as an exclusive look inside my writing process :)

Being the new girl wasn't something anybody liked, but Chrissy was glad at least her family moved over the summer. Coming into the school after summer made it easy for her to slip in unnoticed while she got to know the district better.

Chrissy had a few blossoming friendships by the end of the third week, but nothing super strong. She hadn't meant to seek out a boyfriend, but she was a teenage girl and she couldn't help it if she developed a crush. The only problem was, she wasn't sure if he was available.

Something about being the new girl gave Chrissy confidence to be bolder than she ever would have been at her old school. She was ready to actually do something with her crush. But at the same time, Chrissy was not a mean girl. She was not a boyfriend stealer. If she thought she was taking someone else's man or interfering with a complicated relationship, she would back down. But the issue was, Chrissy honestly could not tell. And she couldn't back down if there was a chance she could actually go on a date with him.

Chrissy didn't know either the boy or girl that well, so instead she just watched. Another day or two of sleuthing and she was sure she would have her answer.

Chrissy arrived at school bright and early to catch any good evidence that might happen before school. Most couples met up before school to make out or talk about their next date, this could be perfect.

Chrissy positioned herself on a bench outside the front and pulled out her laptop, pretending to be doing some homework. In reality, she had a blank document open to write down her findings. She had the perfect view of all the students on their way in, as well as the groups that congregated outside.

After waiting for about 10 minutes, Jack's car pulled into his parking spot.

Chrissy's heart raced as she realized it was go-time. Being caught would not only be embarrassing but also expose her, so that was not an option.

Jack stepped out of the car right as the other door opened.

Chrissy frowned as she added the first bullet point to her list:

J & K ride to school together

That certainly seemed like exactly the thing a couple would do. How romantic that Jack picked her up every day.

But then they grabbed their bags and walked to another car. Two more guys stepped out. One of them Chrissy recognized as Milton. He was basically a genius. The other one she had heard a few girls talking about when he walked by. Apparently, he hit on just about every girl he came in contact with. She was pretty sure his name was Jerry.

As Jack and Kim approached the others, they all greeted each other and formed a circle by the cars. The group blended immediately, and Chrissy paused to wonder if she was looking into things too much. Friends rode together all the time.

Maybe they were just a group of friends and they always carpooled? Jack and Kim probably just lived closer together and Jerry and Milton lived closer together. Chrissy added a note accordingly.

*but all their friends carpool to school

Chrissy was too far to hear what they were talking about, but watching their body language was good enough for her.

Not long after they started talking, Chrissy noticed Jack subtly scoot closer to Kim until their arms were brushed up against each other. She wondered if it was possibly just an accident or if Jack was about to move back, but instead, Kim leaned in as well. Definitely on purpose.

J & K standing really close while talking in a group.

As Chrissy looked back up, she saw Jack say something that made Kim laugh, and then Jerry made a comment that added to the joke, and soon everyone was laughing. Kim gripped Jack's shoulder for balance as she doubled over, slapping a hand on her knee while she tried to recover.

K holding onto J's shoulder.

Chrissy continued to watch, disheartened as the evidence seemed to be leaning more towards taken than single. A couple of minutes later, the group decided to migrate inside.

Jerry snatched a notebook out of Kim's bag, taunting her as he held it up too high for her to reach. Kim tried to snatch it but Jerry moved back before she could. Kim smirked as she lifted her foot, ready to kick him.

Jerry dodged it and started laughing as he ran off, still dangling the book as bait. Kim chased after him with a smile on her face, leaving the other two guys in the dust.

Chrissy was confused now. Was Kim with Jerry?

K playing around with Je. Je teasing K. K smiles at Je.

Chrissy sighed as she saw the time and realized she needed to be getting inside as well.

So much for getting to school early, she thought. She was nowhere near closer to finding out if Jack was really single or not.

"Hey, Chrissy. You've been busy today and yesterday, are you working on a project?" Beth asked when she spotted Chrissy in the hall after lunch. Beth was in two of Chrissy's classes and had befriended Chrissy.

"Uh, yeah," Chrissy said, deciding whether or not to share what she was actually doing.

"Cool, what class is it for?"

Chrissy hesitated, remembering Beth was in her math and science class and she had the same Spanish teacher. "Psychology," Chrissy answered, mentally patting her back when she remembered Beth wasn't taking Psychology this semester. "It's actually not due for a while, I just thought I'd get a head start on it while I wasn't busy with anything else," Chrissy lied.

"Well, good luck with that," Beth said as she nodded towards her next class. "I'll see you in Chem later!"

"Yeah, bye!" Chrissy waved.

She let out a relieved exhale as she arrived at her study hall.

She found a secluded corner and pulled her laptop back out. She worked on what little homework she actually had before opening up the document she had been adding to since yesterday. She glanced over the items, recalling each event that came with them:

K hugging M.

Kim and Milton had been talking in the hall by Kim's locker. She had an assignment in science that she was struggling with but really needed to get done. If it was wrong, she would have to do it over again and she did not have time for that.

She had asked Milton to help explain it to her before class so she could be sure she was going to get it right the first time and catch up with everyone else.

"So all you have to do is look at the periodic table, find the number in the corner, and do the same multiplications for all the elements you're using," Milton finished explaining. "And if you want to check your work, they should be in order from lowest to highest. That's why the periodic table was organized that way in the first place. It's because the properties all go in the same order. Atomic mass, number of protons, activation energy, density, melting temperatures-"

"Okay, okay, I get it," Kim interrupted, holding her hand in front of Milton so she could focus on the calculations.

Milton peered over her shoulder carefully as he watched her work, nodding and humming along as she wrote down her numbers. When she finished, Kim lifted her chin to look up at Milton with a question in her eyes.

"Did I do it?" she asked, biting her lip.

Milton smiled as he nodded. "Yup, it's all correct."

"Really?" Kim squealed.

Milton chuckled. "Yeah, really."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Kim said as she jumped up and wrapped her arms around Milton. "You're the best!"

J put his arm around K's shoulders

Kim opened her own locker, switching out a few folders when Jack walked up from behind and scared Kim.

Kim rolled her eyes as she turned around.

"Nice try," she said, giving Jack a pat on the arm. "Maybe next time."

"I really didn't scare you?" Jack asked again.

"Nope," Kim answered, only very slightly apologetic. "I told you before, Jack, you can't sca-"

"-are me because I have excellent situational awareness?"

Kim screamed and jumped away from the deep voice less than three inches away.

Jerry chuckled as he gave Jack a fist bump. Jerry gave Kim another laugh as he continued on his way to his locker.

"Can't be scared?" Jack teased as Kim put a hand on her racing heart. He had orchestrated the whole scare in the thirty seconds him and Jerry were together on their walk to the lockers and was beyond pleased with the results.

"That," Kim pointed between breaths, "was mean."

Still laughing at his own prank, Jack tugged Kim into his side, picked up her bag, and led her away to class.

K leaning into Je

Most kids at school were at least vaguely aware of the feud between the Black Dragons and Wasabi Warriors. Even those who didn't know either group was involved with karate, at least knew the cliques didn't exactly get along. And Jerry was known to have a few tricks up his sleeves as well.

After one of the Black Dragons had targeted Kim, Jerry was the first to offer up a plan for revenge.

Kim normally wasn't one for getting involved with Jerry's pranks, but she also wasn't one for letting anyone get away with crap. She readily agreed and gave Jerry full reign.

It was totally worth it as three Black Dragons exited the locker room, unknowingly wearing three large brown spots on their shorts. The poop stains weren't pointed out until they were halfway down the hall and half the students had already seen and taken pictures of them.

Jerry had recorded the moment and promptly called Kim over once they were safely tucked away in the corner of another hallway where the blame couldn't be pinned on them.

"Did you see Sheila Evens?" Kim asked as she followed Jerry to the wall. "She was actually gagging. I can't imagine her and Ryan are going to last much longer after this. No girl wants a boyfriend who's infamous for having a poop stain," she laughed.

Jerry agreed as he whipped out his phone. He stood behind Kim and held the phone out in front of her as he peered down at the video over her head.

Kim snorted as they rewatched the ordeal, basking in Jerry's genius. She was laughing so hard she started to lose her balance and leaned back into Jerry's chest for stability.

Jerry put a hand on her shoulder to steady her as he sent out the video to a few people. Within an hour or two he expected every student in the district to have a copy.

J giving K a massage.

After gym, Kim had been complaining to Jack about her neck. She had been stuck watching a documentary at an odd angle in one if her classes and combined with cheer from the day before and karate, she was very uncomfortable.

"Have you looked up any stretches?" Jack asked, knowing Kim liked to stretch whenever she had a problem.

"Yeah, but none of them helped," Kim whined, pulling her head to the side for mild relief. "I need a chiropractor," she groaned.

Jack watched for a second before standing up and rounding on Kim.

"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to turn around.

"Shh," he shushed. "You'll thank me later, trust me."

Before Kim could question him anymore she felt his hands on her neck and shoulders, gently squeezing and moving as he massaged the muscles.

Kim couldn't help the relaxed sigh she let out as she leaned back.

Jack chuckled as he continued, glad he was able to provide Kim some relief.

Kim's eyes fluttered close as Jack continued with the massage. Even when Jerry and Milton joined the pair, she didn't open her eyes.

"Uh, hey guys," Milton greeted.

"Hey," Jack said, lifting a hand to give them a small wave. As soon as Kim felt Jack's hand lift up, she reached back and placed it back on her shoulder.

"Don't stop," Kim begged, finally starting to feel better. "You're the best masseuse ever," Kim moaned.

*But then everyone gave everyone a massage

"Now hold on," Jerry started.

"He can be good, sure," Milton added. "But the best?"

Kim started to nod, but stopped herself as she smiled a little. "We can make this a competition," Kim offered.

"Yeah!" Jerry agreed wholeheartedly. "Step aside, Jackardson."

"His name is Jackson," Milton replied, exasperated.

"Oh. Really?" Jerry asked, glancing between Kim, Milton, and Jack.

Everyone nodded while Jerry just shrugged and stepped into Jack's spot. He kneaded Kim's shoulders expertly, offering Kim a wide range of techniques as he worked to be better than Jack was.

When Kim had started to hum approvingly, Milton stepped in, claiming neither Jerry nor Jack knew the right pressure points and acupuncture techniques that Milton had studied.

Although Milton's massages was a little less relaxing, Kim had to admit the competition had been one of her best ideas yet.

"So Kim, who was the winner?" Jerry asked when Milton had finished.

"I don't know," Kim answered dreamily, still in another world as she relished in the peace.

"You were supposed to be our judge!" Jerry scoffed. "Milton, sit down, you're the new judge."

"You be the judge!" Milton retorted. "I have to show I'm better than Jack."

"Well I have to show that I am better than Jack," Jerry replied.

"How about we all are the judges?" Jack suggested.

"Fine," Jerry frowned. "Sit down, Jack."

Jerry went first, followed by Milton, and they even roped Kim into joining. It was a little chaotic, the way everyone switched up who was massaging and who was being massaged, and by the end of it, they had forgotten about the compeition entirely and were all on a carefree, relaxation high.

Chrissy frowned at the list. Each of her observations seemed to contradict the next. This was getting her nowhere. Maybe she would have to ask somebody after all.

She pulled out her phone, looking through her contacts for somebody that would know both Jack and Kim well enough to be able to answer the question.

When Chrissy's eyes landed on Lindsey, the gossipy girl from her anatomy class, she grinned. Girls like Lindsey loved drama and loved to stick their nose in everyone's business. If Chrissy wanted answers, this was the perfect girl to ask.

Hey, Lindsey, this is Chrissy from Anatomy! I saw Jack Brewer flirting with somebody today, is she his girlfriend? The vibes just seemed weird…

Nodding at her text, Chrissy hit send. She had hoped it wasn't obvious that she was actually asking for her own benefit, rather just looking for some good gossip. Luckily, Lindsey was quick to oblige.

Hey girlie! OMG, again? No, she is not his girlfriend. Kim has always been a wannabe but Jack completely ignores her. You didn't hear it from me, but Kim once tried to sabotage Jack's date at homecoming. She ruined the other girl's dress and convinced Jack to leave the dance so they could go hiking or something gross like that. But Jack is totally single. He doesn't date anyone.

Chrissy frowned at the response. It was exactly what she was looking for and not at the same time. For one, it was a clear answer, Jack and Kim were not together. But the response did seem odd. From what Chrissy knew, Kim wasn't malicious. And Jack certainly did not ignore Kim. They hung out together all the time. The problem was just Chrissy couldn't tell if that was how Kim was with everyone or not.

Deciding she needed a second source, Chrissy went back to her contacts.

She stopped on the name Grace. Lindsey was a little too biased against Kim. She needed somebody who was less interest in creating needless drama. And Grace seemed to be friends with Kim. She would know.

hi grace! this is chrissy, from ceramics! i saw kim today and i was just wondering if she was single? her and this guy seemed to have some good chemistry. his name was devon, i was thinking of being devon's wingman if kim was available?

Again, Chrissy applauded her own mind. Grace was somehow even faster at responding.

NO! kim is NOT single! her and jack have been together for ages! devon is cool, but he's totally all wrong for kim. jack and kim are basically soulmates, they're like the cutest couple in school. major pda, if you know what i mean.

Again, it was almost too helpful. Except that it was exactly opposition what Lindsey had said. Either they definitely were together, or definitely weren't. That was right where Chrissy started.

"This is hopeless," Chrissy groaned, banding her head on the desk.

Taking a deep breath, Chrissy pulled up her document again, quickly scanning the list.

J & K ride to school together

*but all their friends carpool to school together

J & K standing really close while talking in a group.

K holding onto J's shoulder.

K playing around with Je. Je teasing K. K smiles at Je.

K hugging M.

J put his arm around K's shoulders

K leaning back into Je

J giving K a massage.

*But then everyone gave everyone a massage

J & K holding hands

Je & K doing secret handshake

J kicking K's butt playfully

K holding onto M's arm

J protecting K from curly haired guy

*but then K gets mad at J

K passing notes to J

K giggling at Je's texts during class

Chrissy slammed her laptop shut, frustrated that she was completely unable to tell what was going on. She tried observing, she tried asking people, she tried looking at all the facts, and it got her no-freaking-where.

There was only one option left.

Chrissy waited after school in the spot she knew Jack always was.

Before she could overthink things or realize how bad of an idea this was, she walked up to Jack, eyeing Jerry who wasn't far behind.

"Hey, you're Jack, right?" she asked.

Jack stopped and nodded, offering Chrissy a nice smile. Chrissy tried not to sigh right then. He was so cute.

"Yeah. You're new this year, aren't you?" Jack asked.

Chrissy nodded. "Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Well, it's not that big of school, plus I was the new kid once too. I'd recognize one of my own," he joked.

Chrissy laughed, although not finding the joke to be that funny.

"So… this is kind of awkward…"

"Jack's the King of awkward," Jerry interrupted, stopping next to Jack as he smiled down at Chrissy. "Me, on the other hand…"

Chrissy chuckled at Jerry's comment, amused that Jerry was bold enough to just insert himself into a conversation like that.

"Ignore him," Jack said. "What do you need?"

"Well… I was just wondering… are you and Kim together?" she spit out.

"Together?" Jack asked, looking around. "Well, I think she's still on her way. She has to walk from the other end of the school-"

"No," Chrissy interrupted, a little embarrassed and confused. "Not together physically. Like together romantically. Like, are you dating?"

"Dating?" Jack asked. "Why would… Why do you ask?" Jack asked, genuinely confused and not actually answering Chrissy's question–something Chrissy noted with an annoyed sigh.

"Well, I've just been… observing. You're always together, but so are Jerry and Milton," Chrissy started, nodding towards Jerry. "You get really physical sometimes, but then Kim hugs the others and you don't seem to mind. She's touchy with everyone in different ways, but it's only with you three. But you just look at each other a certain way and... I'm just… confused."

Jack took Chrissy's words, carefully considering them. Chrissy was a little surprised at the way Jack reacted. She was expecting a yes or no answer, but maybe after all her research she should have known it wouldn't be that simple.

"So… Are you together?"

"Totally," Jerry answered.

"Well, no," Jack said at the same time.

Chrissy had an emphiphny just then as if suddenly she had snapped out of the little crush she had on Jack. Crushes were great, they were fun and good, but talking with Jack now, she coldn't deal with the indecision. She was a facts kind of gal. She liked working in concrete, she liked to get things done. Kind of like Jerry…

Chrissy sighed. "Look, it's been a long day for me, and I think my perspective has changed," Chrissy started. "I sort of had a crush on you," Chrissy admitted, not feeling an ounce of embarrassment.

Jerry snickered as he hit Jack's shoulder.

"But, I couldn't tell if you and Kim were together. Jack… I think you're an idiot," Chrissy finaly spat out.

Jack blinked. "Excuse me?"

Jerry laughed even harder now. He liked this girl.

"You're an idiot," Chrissy repeated confidently.

"Well, uh- I would like to think I do pretty well in school."

"Not like that," Chrissy said rolling her eyes. "You and Kim. You like each other."

"What?" Jack asked, suddenly feeling his heart beating faster at the mention of Kim.

"You and Kim like each other. It's almost too obvious, Jack."

Still a little defensive, Jack sputtered, not hearing what Chrissy was saying. "So why does that make me an idiot?"

"You both are idiots," Chrissy corrected.

"Don't talk about Kim that way!" Jack defended.

Chrissy rolled her eyes and almost laughed. How blind was this boy?

"You like her! She likes you! If you don't ask her out, Jack, I swear-"

"Hey, Jack. Hey, Jerry. Hi, Chrissy right?" Kim said brightly, greeting the group.

"Yeah," Chrissy answered, pleasantly surprised that Kim knew her name. She was glad now that she had a change of heart. She would never forgive herself if she got in the way of Kim's future with Jack. Kim deserved it. They both did.

"So…" Kim said, noting the awkward silence. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

"Nope!" Chrissy answered happily. "Actually Jerry and I were just talking about this weekend. Jack was talking about you."

Jack and Kim both turned their heads to Chrissy, her brazenness unfamiliar to the pair. Jerry just covered his mouth and snorted.

"Uh… you were?" Kim asked Jack finally, hating that she was blushing. Jack talked about her?

"I was?" Jack said, all confidence gone as he started scratching his head.

"Yes," Chrissy sighed. "Jack, say it now," Chrissy hissed, giving Jack the strongest, meanest glare she could. Her eyes were practically bulging out of her head.

"Oh, uh, yeah, okay," Jack said, scared at the expression Chrissy had somehow contorted her face into. "Kim, do you wanna go out with me?" Jack asked before fully looking away from Chrissy. Man, she was scary.

"What?" Kim asked, feeling the air leave her lungs. Was this happening? Now? Finally?

"Um," Jack swallowed, looking at Kim. The second they locked eyes he took a breath and smiled. He was the biggest idiot on the planet. He should have done this ages ago. "Kim, will you please go out with me? Finally?"

"Yes!" Kim scoffed. "Finally!" She teased, stepping forward as she wrapped her arms right around Jack.

"I'm sorry it took so long," Jack apologized.

"You got around to it eventually," Kim defended, giving Jack a pat on the back. "Besides, it's not like I mustered up the courage to ask you out, either."

Chrissy felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders st the sight of the two lovebirds finally getting together.

"Man, where did you come from?" Jerry whistled as he stood next to Chrissy, watching the scene with her. "We've been trying to get them together for years and you did it in five minutes."

"Indiana?" Chrissy offered with a shrug.

Author's Note

Yeah, I had Chrissy, Wake Up stuck in my head when I started writing this. No, I haven't seen Stranger Things but guys it's a catchy song.

Omg stop the way the headache just disappeared three seconds ago as I started scrolling to hit the save button. Lol funny I think I need a shower and a big bowl of ice cream wait yes with hot fugde mmmmmm bye guys i have a dessert to make

I kind of have a headache so maybe I didn't give this the best edit I could have but I don't have the brain capacity to do much right now. But I was also bored and wanted to post this. So here it is, edited with like 73% of my normal power. You're welcome