Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Monday was weird as fuck, and Shauna had absolutely no idea why.

The day had started completely normal. She woke up late, nearly burned her toast because she got distracted arguing with her little brother, and then drove to school with shitty music blasting through her speakers.
Everything was normal. The weirdness started the second she parked at school.

As soon as she got out of her car and started walking toward the building, she could feel people staring at her. Some whispered to each other the moment she passed and others looked away too fast when she caught them watching.

Shauna frowned immediately.
What the fuck?

At first she genuinely thought there was something on her face.
She checked her reflection on one of the car windows while walking. Her hoodie was fine. Her hair looked the same it always did. So what the hell was everyone looking at?

It only got worse inside the school.
People kept glancing at her during class and conversations stopped when she walked past groups in the hallway. At one point two freshmen looked at her, whispered something to each other, and immediately started giggling.
Shauna was getting dangerously close to committing violence before first period had even ended.

Then she spotted Melissa across the hallway.
The blonde froze the second their eyes met, her expression immediately hardening into something close to disbelief. Like somehow Shauna had personally wronged her, a little bit ironic if you asked her.

Melissa scoffed loudly before turning around and walking away with Gen following after her.

Shauna stared after them in complete confusion.
What the fuck was wrong with her?

Apparently everyone had some problem with her because the entire day continued like that.

At lunch, Nat and Lottie spent the whole time side-eyeing her over their food like they knew something she didn’t, which immediately made Shauna suspicious.

“So,” Nat said casually while stealing fries from Lottie’s tray, “what did you do after Mari’s party?”

Shauna frowned. “Drove home?”

Lottie hummed. “Directly home?”

“Yes?”

“Interesting,” 

“What is interesting?”

“Nothing.”

Shauna pointed at them aggressively. “You’re both being extremely weird.”

“We’re really not,” Lottie said in the exact tone people used when they were absolutely being weird.

By the time school ended, Shauna was officially irritated, confused, and starting to suspect that maybe she had blacked out at some point during the party and done something deeply embarrassing.
She reached her boiling point at practice.

She was the last one to arrive and by the time she walked into the pitch where everyone else was stretching, the entire team went quiet. Every single one of her teammates was staring at her.

Shauna narrowed her eyes as she started stretching. “Okay, I’m done. What the hell is going on?”

“What do you mean?” Akilah asked, her voice rising an octave.

Shauna stared at her flatly. “I mean everyone has spent the entire day staring at me and whispering every time I walk by. So either someone started a rumor against me or something happened and nobody told me.”

Mari immediately started moving toward her. “Well—”

Nat grabbed her arm so fast it almost made the brunette lose balance. “Don’t.”

Mari gasped. “Nat, please. I need to ask her. I’m literally shaking.”

“This is for your own good,” Nat hissed. “She’s going to kill you”

“You know what? At this point I don’t even care, I need to know if it’s true” 

“Hello?” Shauna interrupted. “I can literally hear both of you.”

They ignored her completely. Mari leaned closer to Nat instead. “Do you not want to know?”

Nat hesitated, glancing sideways at Shauna like she was trying to determine how violently this situation was about to get.
Which honestly felt a little offensive.

Shauna turned toward Mari instead. “Wow. I cannot believe I’m saying this, but Mari, please tell me what you know.”

Nat immediately opened her mouth. “Shauna—”

“I swear I won’t get mad,” Shauna interrupted. Then after a beat “…I think.”

Shauna should’ve known she was about to get asked the most insane question in existence the second the entire team started inching closer toward her looking way too eager.

Mari was practically vibrating. “Are you fucking Jackie Taylor?”

WHAT?
What the actual fuck?
She was what?

Shauna opened her mouth in complete disbelief but nothing came out because honestly her brain had stopped functioning the second those words left Mari’s mouth.
Apparently the girls completely misread her horrified expression because loud gasps immediately erupted around the room.

“Oh my God,” Mari gasped, eyes widening. “You ARE.”

“No—”

“Now everything makes sense!”

“Wait” Lottie interrupted Mari, looking confused for a second before her expression suddenly changed. “Oh my God. You are?”

She was so stunned she genuinely didn’t know what to say, everyone started speaking at once.

“I KNEW there was something weird there—”

“The tension was actually insane—”

“Wait, hold on,” Shauna interrupted loudly. “No, absolutely not. I am not fucking Jackie Taylor, where the hell did you even get that idea from?” She frowned suddenly. “And what do you mean now everything makes sense?”

“I mean Jackie’s a lesbian,” one of the girls said like that explained everything.

“Yeah,” several girls agreed immediately.

Shauna looked around the room like she’d entered an alternate universe.
“What the fuck,” she whispered.

“I always thought you two had weird sexual tension,” Lottie admitted with a shrug. “Honestly this finally explains it.”

“Since when?” another girl asked immediately.

“Since like… forever? You didn’t see it?” 

“Can’t believe you’re sleeping with the enemy,” Mari said, clutching her chest. “Our own captain committed treason.” 

“Okay, guys, we need to give Shauna a break,” Nat finally said.

Shauna pointed at her immediately. “Thank you.”

Nat nodded seriously. “So she can calmly tell us whether they’re doing it or not.”Shauna blinked at her in pure betrayal.
“Don’t look at me like that man, it’s a little suspicious.”

“It’s NOT suspicious!” Shauna shouted. “I am not sleeping with her. What the hell is wrong with all of you?”

“You’re not?” 

“NO,” Shauna nearly choked. “Why are all of you acting surprised by that?”

Mari shrugged. “I don’t know, man. I just feel like if anyone was gonna hatefuck Jackie Taylor, it would probably be you.”

Shauna stared at her in complete disbelief.
“Wha— no. I…” She actually stuttered from how ridiculous this conversation was. “I am NOT.”

“You sure?” Nat asked. “Because like… she’s annoying as hell, but we wouldn’t blame you.”

“She’s objectively hot.” Several girls agreed immediately.

“Unfortunately,” Lottie sighed.

Shauna looked ready to kill every single person in the room. “I am not sleeping with her,” she said slowly, like she was talking to a group of deeply stupid children. “Seriously, where did you even get that idea?”

“Well,” Mari said, completely unbothered by the murderous look directed at her, “someone saw you two together after my party.”

Shauna paled.

Oh shit.
For one horrifying second her brain immediately jumped to the car.
Did someone see them destroying Jeff’s car?

How the hell was that possible? They’d been alone. Nobody chased after them except whoever almost caught them. Surely if someone saw that, they’d be getting arrested right now.

“I…” Shauna started carefully.

“Someone saw your car outside her house,” Mari explained. “For like… a long time.”

Oh.

Oh thank God.

“I just took her home,” she muttered. “That’s literally it. We talked for a while.”

“That’s all?” Nat asked suspiciously.

“Yes.”

“You took Jackie Taylor home?” Lottie repeated.

“I mean…” Shauna shrugged awkwardly. “I felt kinda bad after what happened.”

The room quieted slightly at that.
“Yeah,” Akilah admitted. “That part was shitty.”

“But honestly nobody’s talking about that anymore,” 

“They’re not?”

“No,” Mari shook her head. “It’s way more fun to talk about the possibility of you two fingering each other.” 

Shauna covered her face briefly with both hands. “So THAT’S why everyone’s been staring at me all day.”

“Probably.”

Mari tilted her head. “So you’re definitely not?”

Shauna stared at her in disbelief. “How many times do I have to say it? I am not doing that.”

The loud whistle from their coach cut through the room before anyone could ask another insane question, and honestly Shauna had never felt more relieved in her life.

Coach barely looked up from his phone. “Shipman, you’re running practice.”

Of course she was.
That man couldn’t care less about the team. Honestly, they should pay her for doing his job. 

Shauna clapped her hands together as she stood up. “Alright, twenty laps around the pitch.”

A chorus of groans immediately erupted.
“What? Why?”

“That’s evil.”

Shauna grabbed a hockey stick. “Because I fucking feel like it. Move.”

“That’s not fair,” Nat complained while standing up. “You’re fast.”

“I don’t care. Start running.”

The team slowly started dragging themselves toward the field, still grumbling under their breath while Shauna followed behind them.

Then she heard Mari whisper loudly to Akilah, “She’s doing this on purpose because of the Jackie thing.”

Of course she was doing it on purpose, she was petty. 
“Make it thirty laps.”

“NO!”

“WAIT, SHIPMAN—”

Shauna pointed at Mari without turning around. “Blame her. Tell her to learn how to shut the fuck up.”

“SHUT UP, IBARRA!” 

By Thursday, Shauna had mostly gotten used to it.
At this point, all the whispering had turned into background noise. It was still annoying and constant, but she could deal with it.
What she couldn’t deal with was Jackie.  more specifically, the complete lack of Jackie.

They had been ignoring each other all week, which should’ve been perfect, except it wasn’t. Because for some reason, she kept wondering what Jackie thought about all of this. There was no way she was okay with everyone thinking they were… involved, but at the same time, Shauna hadn’t heard a single thing from her. 

If anything, Jackie had gone out of her way to avoid her. She had even stopped showing up to practice at the same time as the Wasps, which, sure, was nice in theory, but also felt… weird. 
Still, as curious as Shauna was, it wasn’t like she could just walk up to her and say, hey, what do you think about everyone saying we’re sleeping together?

Yeah. Absolutely not.
So she ignored her too. Problem solved.

Shauna was halfway down the hallway toward her locker, already reaching into her bag for her books, when she stopped in front of it and opened it. She barely had time to notice the sound of footsteps behind her before she was shoved hard into the lockers.
Shauna turned around immediately, already pissed off.

Jeff Sadecki stood there, looking down at her like he’d been waiting for that exact reaction.

“Oh,” he said, not even trying to fake it. “Sorry, Shipman. Didn’t see you.”

Shauna let out a short laugh. “Oh yeah? Are you blind?”

Jeff shrugged, leaning against the locker next to hers like nothing had happened. “Easy mistake. You’re kind of forgettable.”

“Funny,” Shauna shot back, stepping closer. “I was just thinking the same thing about you. Must be why Jackie finally dumped your ass.”

His jaw tightened just enough to notice.
“Careful, that’s not any of your business.”

“Oh, I think you made it everyone’s business when you decided to run your mouth.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know you’re a dick,” she shrugged. “Everything else is just details.”

He scoffed. “You think you’re funny?”

“I think you’re pathetic,”

Jeff stepped closer, getting into her space. “Watch it.”

Shauna didn’t move. Instead she smiled and shoved him. Jeff stumbled back a step, clearly not expecting it.

She tilted her head, mocking. “Oops, sorry. Didn’t see you.”

Jeff’s face darkened immediately.
“Real funny,” he muttered, stepping forward again.

Yeah, now he was actually pissed.
Good.

Shauna stayed right where she was, lifting her chin slightly as he got closer, like she was daring him to try something.
“Go ahead, let’s see how that works out for you.”

Jeff looked like he might actually do it. His hand twitched at his side, and then suddenly someone grabbed Shauna by the arm and pulled her back.

“Are you serious right now?”

Shauna turned her head sharply.
Jackie.
Of course it was Jackie.

Her grip was tight around Shauna’s arm, as she moved between them, disbelief written all over her face when she looked at them.

Jeff scoffed. “Wow, look who decided to show up.”

Jackie didn’t even look at him. “Don’t.”

Shauna stared at her, thrown off for a second.

Jackie let go of her but didn’t step away, still standing slightly in front of her.
“You seriously can’t go five minutes without starting something?” 

Shauna frowned. “He shoved me.”

“I didn’t—” Jeff started.

Jackie cut him off immediately. “I wasn’t talking to you.”

Jeff laughed under his breath. “What, are you defending her now?”

Jackie turned her head slightly, finally looking at him, her expression going cold.
“I have nothing to say to you” 

Jeff shook his head, then glanced at Shauna with disdain. “Unbelievable. Can’t believe you’re even talking to her.”

Shauna smiled at him sharply. “Funny, didn’t seem to bother you before.”

Jackie looked at her, confused for a second, before Jeff scoffed at her response.

“Just leave, Jeff,” Jackie said.

There was a pause. Jeff looked between them, something unreadable passing over his face before he rolled his eyes.
“This isn’t over,”  He turned and walked off, bumping someone else’s shoulder on the way just because he could.

Shauna let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, then looked at Jackie.
“I had that handled.”

Jackie turned to face her fully now, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, I’m sure that would’ve ended great.”

Shauna crossed her arms. “Better than you jumping in like my bodyguard.”

“Please, I was saving you from getting suspended.”

“Aw, I know you’d miss me.”

Jackie stared at her. “You’re such a fucking asshole.”

“I wouldn’t have gotten suspended.”

“You literally shoved him into a locker.”

“He deserved it.”

“Probably,” Jackie admitted, then added, a little quieter, “but nothing would’ve happened to him. It would’ve all been on you and it’s not fair.” 

Shauna paused. That… wasn’t the response she expected.
Jackie seemed to realize it too because she immediately looked away, clearing her throat.
There was a moment of silence, and then Shauna noticed people were staring again. She sighed, shut her locker a little harder than necessary, and started walking away.
A second later, she heard footsteps behind her.

“You know, Taylor,” Shauna said without turning around, “you following me around isn’t helping the rumors.”

“Oh, so you heard about that too?” 

“Kind of impossible not to.” Shauna stopped and turned once they reached a quieter part of the hallway where no one was around.

Jackie shifted her weight, trying to play it off. “So… how much do you hate everyone thinking we’re sleeping together?”

“…I was hoping you’d never ask that.”

“Trust me, I don’t like it any more than you do, It’s a nightmare.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything?”

Jackie frowned slightly. “What do you want me to say? You’re the one who said I could handle people talking, so that’s what I’m doing.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t mean it when it involved me,” Shauna hissed.

“Well, bad luck.”

She started to turn away, but Shauna grabbed her arm.
“You’re the most popular girl in school, if you say something, people will stop.”

“You’re overestimating me.”

“I’m really not.”

Jackie hesitated for a second, then shrugged again. “Honestly, I didn’t say anything because it’s not worth it.”

“What do you mean?”

“No one actually believes it, Shipman. It’s ridiculous.”

Shauna immediately thought about her team and grimaced. She definitely wasn’t going to say anything to Jackie, she didn’t want the girl to have a mental breakdown in front of her. 

Jackie kept going. “I figured I’d just ignore it until it eventually went away.”

“That’s how you deal with everything?”

“Basically.”

Shauna shook her head. “You could try actually facing the problem.”

“Yeah, no thanks.” Jackie clapped her on the shoulder. “Great talk, let’s never do it again.”

“Fuck you.”

Jackie smirked. “You wish.”

Maybe she was the one about to have a mental breakdown, Shauna really, truly fucking hated her.

“I really don’t feel like going to a party.”

“Has anyone ever told you how fucking boring you are?” Nat said over the phone, sounding distracted. Shauna could practically hear her rummaging through makeup.

Shauna scoffed, flopping back on her bed with her phone pressed to her ear. “I’m not boring. I just don’t enjoy being stuck in a house with thirty drunk idiots.”

“First of all, it’s not thirty, it’s at least fifty.”

“That’s worse.”

“And second,” Nat continued, “you’re usually one of those drunk idiots.”

“Debatable.”

“Not even a little,” Nat shot back. “Look, I’m doing this for you, dude. Someone has to force you to have a life.”

“I have a life.”

“Name one fun thing you’ve done this week, hockey doesn’t count.” 

Shauna opened her mouth, then paused, frowning. “…That’s not the point.”

“Exactly.”

Shauna rolled her eyes even though Nat couldn’t see her. “Also, half the school is gonna be there.”

“Congratulations, you just described the entire point of a party.”

“I don’t like half the school.”

“You don’t like anyone.”

“I like you.”

Nat gasped dramatically. “Oh my God. I’m honored.”

“I take it back.”

“Too late,” Nat said. “Besides, you have to come, It’s Lottie’s birthday party.”

Shauna frowned. “Lottie’s birthday is in three weeks.”

“Well, she’s celebrating now.”

“Did she say that?”

“Shauna,” Nat said, her tone suddenly sharp, “if you don’t come, I’m going to tell everyone how extremely boring you are, so just shut the fuck up, get dressed, and come to the party. Thank you.”

“Nat—”

The call ended. Shauna pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it.

Fuck her life. Now she had to go, she was not boring, and she could absolutely have fun at a party full of people she didn’t even like.

Great night. 

“Shot, shot, shot, shot—”

The chant got louder with every second, people crowding around the table.
Shauna didn’t even remember how she got dragged into it. One second she’d walked in, already regretting coming, and the next she had a plastic cup in her hand with Nat behind her yelling, “Don’t be a pussy, drink it, Shipman.”

“Shut up,” She muttered, already lifting the cup.

“Shot, shot, shot—”

She threw it back.

The burn hit immediately, and she winced, setting the cup down with the others while people cheered around her.

Another cup was pushed into her hand. By the third one, everything felt warmer, and the noise didn’t bother her as much.
Okay.
Maybe the party wasn’t that bad. Still full of idiots, but at least now she could tolerate them. She had to admit, Lottie knew how to throw a party, people always showed up.

Shauna pushed her way out of the crowd, leaning against a wall to steady herself for a second before straightening. She needed to find her friends, mostly because she wanted to get drunk with them.

It took a few minutes of pushing through people and dodging couples making out in corners before she ended up in the kitchen, because of course that’s where everyone always ended up.

“There you are,” Nat said as soon as she saw her. “I thought you died.”

“Unfortunately not,” Shauna replied, leaning against the counter. “You owe me for those shots, by the way.”

“I never told you to take three. That’s on you.”

Shauna rolled her eyes before her gaze shifted and landed on Jackie. That’s when she noticed the rest of them, Tai, Van, and Jackie all standing with Nat and Lottie like it was normal.
Since when was that a thing?

“Shipman.” Tai gave her a short nod.

“Turner, Palmer,” Shauna greeted, then looked at Jackie and only glared.

“Wow,” The girl said, folding her arms. “What a warm welcome.”

“Always my best for you,” Shauna fired back. She was still pissed that people thought they were sleeping together, sue her. As if she had that bad taste.

“The best for me would be you moving to another country,” Jackie said, fixing her hair. “But I guess I’m not that lucky.”

Van let out a loud laugh. “Oh my God, do you two ever stop?”

“No,” both of them said at the same time. They paused glaring at each other.

“Stop copying me,” Jackie snapped.

“You said it at the same time as me,” 

“Okay,” Tai cut in, already annoyed. “Can we not do this right now?”

“No,” they both said again.

Jackie rolled her eyes. “It’s not my fault she’s obsessed with me.”

Shauna let out a sharp scoff while Nat groaned. “Jesus Christ, this is exhausting.”

Lottie just watched them with an amused expression. “It’s kind of impressive, actually.”

“Don’t encourage them,” Tai muttered.

“I’m getting another drink,” Shauna said, pushing off the counter.

“Now that’s a good idea,” Van said.

Shauna grabbed an empty cup and moved to the cabinets. “Okay,” she muttered, opening one, then another. “Where the hell is it…”

“What are you even looking for?” Nat asked, watching her.

“Guess”

“Are you seriously going to make that horrible thing?”

“It’s an elixir, Natalie.”

Lottie smiled. “There’s milk in the fridge for you.”

Shauna pointed at her. “Love you, Lot.”

“Wait,” Van said, frowning. “Milk for what?”

“She mixes it with Malibu,” Nat said, already pouring herself another drink. “Don’t ask.”

“That’s disgusting,” Tai said flatly.

“It’s actually not,” Shauna argued, already making the drink like she’d done that a hundred times.

“Yeah, no, I’m with Tai on this one,” Van said.

Before anyone could keep arguing, someone in the living room yelled, “Oh my God, I love this song!”

Lottie’s face lit up immediately. “Come on,” she said, grabbing Nat’s hand and pulling her out of the kitchen.

“Hey…my drink” Nat complained, but she was already being dragged away.

Van snorted and followed. “We’re not missing this.” Tai rolled her eyes, but went after them anyway.

That left Shauna alone at the kitchen. Well almost. She didn’t have to turn around to know Jackie was still there.

Shauna kept mixing her drink, focused on it, even though she could feel those eyes on her. 

“How can you even drink that?” Jackie said finally.

Shauna smirked faintly, sliding the glass toward her without even looking up. “Don’t knock it until you try it.”

Jackie eyed it like it might actually kill her. “Are you trying to poison me?”

“Maybe, you wanna find out?”

Jackie hesitated, then took a small sip.
Immediately, her face twisted. “That is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted.”

Shauna shrugged, taking the glass back. “Suit yourself.” She took a sip, then glanced at Jackie’s cup. “Let me guess, cherry vodka and orange juice?”

Jackie quickly moved it out of sight. “No.”
Shauna raised an eyebrow. “…It’s with Diet Coke,” she said, a little defensive. “For your information.”

Shauna blinked. “Somehow that’s even worse.”

Jackie rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.
There was a beat, and then Shauna spoke again. “Haven’t seen you at training this week.”

Jackie smirked. “Is that your way of saying you miss me?”

“Believe me, Taylor,” Shauna said, taking another sip, “seeing your face is the lowest point of my day.”

“It’s a pretty face, though.”

It is. 
“…No, it’s not.”

Jackie smiled like she’d just proved a point. “We’ve been doing gym this week instead. Seemed like a better idea, considering…” She trailed off.

Shauna raised an eyebrow. “The rumors?”

Jackie gave a small shrug. “Yeah. But don’t worry, you won’t have to miss me next week.”

Shauna rolled her eyes, already about to respond when Jackie cut her off. 

“I wanted to ask you something.”

Shauna looked up, immediately suspicious. “That already sounds bad.”

Jackie ignored that. “Yesterday, when you and Jeff were fighting… you said something weird.”

Shauna grimaced without meaning to.
Jackie caught it instantly, narrowing her eyes. “What was that?”

“What was what?”

“That,” She pointed at her face. “Whatever that was.”

“This is just my face.”

“No, it’s fucking not. What’s the deal between you and Jeff?”

“There is no deal.”

Jackie crossed her arms. “You said he didn’t mind talking to you before when he was complaining about me defending you.”

Shauna sighed, dragging a hand through her hair. “I mean…”

“He never gave a shit about you and then one day, for no reason, he just started hating you. Why?” 

Shauna hesitated for a second. “He tried to hook up with me once.”

Jackie blinked. “What?”

“Yeah,” Shauna said, taking a sip like it wasn’t a big deal. “When you two were broken up. I rejected him.”

“WHAT?” Jackie repeated, louder this time.

“It was awkward,” She went on. “He got a little pushy, I got annoyed, and I may have said some things in front of his friends.”

“What kind of things?”

Shauna shrugged. “That he had a small brain, and somehow it was still bigger than his dick.”

Jackie snorted before she could stop herself, covering her mouth. “Okay—” she shook her head, trying not to laugh, “you’re not wrong though.”

“Thank you,” 

“And that’s why he hates you?”

“Pretty much.”

Jackie let out a breath, still half-laughing. “That makes so much sense. God, he’s such an idiot. I can’t believe he tried to get with you.”

“Yeah,” Shauna said dryly. “Me neither.”

“I mean, did he seriously think he had a chance? You were obviously not going to like him.”

Shauna frowned slightly. “Wait… what do you mean ‘obviously’?”

“I mean…” the girl paused and looked her up and down briefly, “He’s clearly not your type.”

Shauna blinked. “I don’t really have a type in men.”

“Wait. What?”

“What?”

“You like men?” Jackie asked, genuinely confused.

“Yes?” Shauna said slowly. “Wait… did you think I didn’t?”

“Yeah, what the fuck?” Jackie said without hesitation. “I don’t know what’s more shocking, the fact that Jeff tried to fuck you, or that you’re actually into men.”

“I’m not a lesbian, Taylor,” 

“You’re not?”

“I’m bisexual,” Shauna replied, crossing her arms. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Huh. Good for you…” Jackie tilted her head, studying her. “But, like, are you sure?”

“Yes, Taylor. I’m pretty sure I’d know.”

“Well, damn,”

“Why are you so surprised?” Shauna asked, narrowing her eyes.

“I mean, look at you.” Jackie gestured vaguely at Shauna’s outfit. “I’ve never seen you in anything but flannels, and I’m pretty sure you own like three carabiners.”

“They’re useful,” Shauna defended.

“They’re also extremely lesbian,” Jackie shot back.

“You don’t wear any of that and you’re a lesbian.”

“Yeah, but it’s different.”

“How is it different?”

“It just is.”

Shauna rolled her eyes. “You know it’s probably bad for the community to keep pushing stereotypes like that.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit, Shipman.” Jackie rolled her eyes. “Stereotypes exist for a reason. Wanna know why? Because most people fit them.”

“That’s such bullshit.”

“And yet—” 

The kitchen door swung open, and just like that, the conversation died. Both of them turned as Melissa walked in, Gen right behind her. They stopped short when they saw them and for a second, no one said a word.

Gen broke it first, nodding toward Jackie. “Cap.”

She completely ignored Shauna. The audacity of that bitch. She was the one who got cheated on, and somehow Gen still tried to paint her as the villain.

“Gen,” Jackie nodded back, then glanced at Melissa. “Hat.”

Shauna had to cough to cover her laugh when she saw Melissa’s expression tighten.

Melissa’s eyes snapped to her instead. “What are you doing here?”

Shauna blinked. “Here? You mean at my best friend’s house?” she said, tilting her head. “I think the real question is what are you doing here.”

“I meant—” Melissa started as she turned to her captain.

Jackie, who had been watching the whole thing with raised eyebrows, suddenly pushed herself off the counter.
“We were hanging out,” she said casually.

Shauna turned to her, confused but Jackie didn’t look at her. She was watching Melissa.

Melissa’s expression shifted almost immediately, something like annoyance flashing across her face before she could hide it, and Shauna caught it. For a second she didn’t even care what Jackie was doing because that look alone made something settle in her chest. Satisfaction. 

Gen noticed it too, glancing between them. “You were… hanging out?” she asked, a little unsure.

“Yeah,” she said simply, like it was obvious.

Shauna turned her head slowly to look at her. What the hell was she doing?

Melissa let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Since when?”

“Since we felt like it.”

“That’s funny,” Melissa said, crossing her arms, “considering you two hate each other.”

“Do we?” Jackie tilted her head with a small smirk. 

Gen shifted awkwardly. “Okay… this is weird.”

Jackie sighed softly, like she was already tired of the conversation, but she didn’t move away, if anything she stepped a little closer to Shauna, just enough to be noticeable.

Melissa’s eyes flicked between them again.
“Come on,” Gen murmured, touching her girlfriend’s arm lightly.

The blonde hesitated, then exhaled through her nose. “Okey, whatever.”

She looked at Shauna one last time, something unreadable on her face, before turning and walking out.

Shauna let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “What the hell was that?”

Jackie kept her eyes on the door for a second longer before turning back, looking way too pleased with herself. “What?”

“We were hanging out?” Shauna repeated, incredulous. 

Jackie leaned back against the counter like nothing happened. “Relax. It worked, didn’t it?”

She frowned. “What worked?”

Jackie gave her a look like it was obvious. “Did you see her face?”

“See what?”

“She was jealous.”

Shauna scoffed immediately. “No, she wasn’t.”

“Shipman.”

“She wasn’t,” She repeated, but it sounded weaker this time.

“Yes, she was,” Jackie said, stepping a little closer. “You know what I noticed this week? Melissa’s been weird about me. Like, actually annoyed. I didn’t get why at first, but now I do, I was just testing my theory.”

“Your theory?” Shauna blinked. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“She has a girlfriend,” Jackie went on, ignoring her, “and she still got bothered the second she thought you and I were hanging out. That’s not normal.”

Shauna opened her mouth to argue and then stopped. Because… yeah.

She replayed it for a second, the look on Melissa’s face, the way her tone had shifted, the way she kept looking between them like she didn’t like what she was seeing. 
And something about that felt extremely good. Shauna looked down at her drink, hiding her satisfaction behind another sip, like that would cover anything up. Jackie caught it anyway.

“You liked that,” she said, almost amused.

Shauna rolled her eyes, but there was no real bite to it. “Maybe.” She exhaled, then muttered, “Is it bad that I kind of want to make her jealous?”

“No, I think that’s pretty normal, considering your situation,” There was a short pause, then Jackie’s lips curved again. “Besides, Jeff didn’t look too happy either. So, honestly, I think we’re both winning.”

“Winning what?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“…What does that even mean?”

Before Jackie could answer, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and her expression dropped immediately.

Shauna noticed. “What happened?”

Jackie stared at the screen for a second before speaking. “Jeff just posted on Instagram. He’s running for prom king with Allie fucking Stevens.”

“And?”

“Do you see this shit?” Jackie said, shoving the phone in her face.

Shauna squinted. “I can’t see anything, you’re shoving it in my face.”

“It already has hundreds of likes,” Jackie muttered. “I’m fucked.”

“Who cares?” 

“I care, being prom queen was always my thing, and Jeff knows that. He’s doing this on purpose, he never cared about that.” 

Shauna tilted her head. “Really? Being prom queen is your big dream?”

“Fuck you, Shipman, you don’t get it,” Jackie snapped. “Now he found another way to mess with me. Who’s gonna vote for the lesbian, right?”

Shauna opened her mouth, then hesitated. “Hey, I—”

Jackie looked away, jaw tight. “I bet he’s here somewhere, laughing about it.”

And yeah, he probably was. She was pretty sure she’d seen him earlier. There was a moment of silence before Shauna spoke again.

“Do you want to get drunk?”

“What?”

“I don’t really know what to say to you,” Shauna admitted with a small shrug, grabbing a vodka bottle from the counter and giving it a small shake. “But I think we both need to get shitfaced.”

Jackie just stared at her for a second. 

“Give that to me.”

Shauna wasn’t really sure how it happened after that. She remembered handing Jackie a bottle, then they were outside in Lottie’s backyard, and now she was drunk with Jackie fucking Taylor.

Somehow… she was having fun.

“Okay, okay last cup,” Jackie said, pointing at the table like it was a serious matter. “You miss this, you lose.”

Shauna scoffed, swaying slightly as she grabbed the ball. “I’m not missing.”

“You’ve missed the last three.”

“Those were practice shots.”

“You can just admit you’re bad at beer pong, Shipman.”

“Watch me.” Shauna threw the ball and to her dismay, missed.

Jackie didn’t even try to hide her grin. “Wow. Impressive.”

“Shut up,”

Jackie picked up the ball, spinning it between her fingers for show before tossing it cleanly into the cup. She threw her hands up. “And that’s how you do it.”

“You’re insufferable,” Shauna said, grabbing one of the cups and drinking it.

“You’re just mad you lost.”

“I let you win.”

Jackie laughed loudly. “You fucking loser, no you didn’t.”

“I did,” Shauna insisted. “I felt bad for you.”

“Yeah? That’s why you couldn’t land a single shot?” Jackie bumped her shoulder as they started heading back inside, both a little unsteady. “Just admit it. I’m better.”

“Fuck you.”

They pushed through the back door into the house, immediately hit with heat, noise, and way too many people packed into one space.

Shauna wrinkled her nose. “This is… a lot.”

“It really is,” Jackie said, looking around. Then she glanced at Shauna. “Gotta admit you’re not that terrible.”

Shauna snorted. “Wow, high praise.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

“Seems like I just needed to get drunk to tolerate you.”

Jackie scoffed and shoved her back lightly, but her balance was off. She stumbled, almost going down, and Shauna reacted without thinking, grabbing her by the waist and steadying her.

They both froze for a second as Shauna’s arm was still around her and Jackie’s hands were gripping her shirt.

“Are you okay?” Shauna asked.

“Uh… yeah,” Jackie said quickly, a little breathless. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Shauna let go then, stepping back just enough to put space between them. And that’s when she saw him.

Jeff.

Standing across the room, watching them.
Shauna’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Interesting” 

“What?” 

“Jeff’s watching,” Shauna said, not taking her eyes off him. “And he doesn’t look too happy about us hanging out.”

“Really?” Jackie smirked, already starting to turn. 

Shauna grabbed her arm and pulled her closer without thinking. “Don’t make it obvious.”

“Jeez, sorry, Shipman,” Jackie muttered. Then her gaze slipped past her shoulder. “Well, don’t look now, but your little girlfriend’s watching too.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Shauna grumbled.

“Right, your cheating ex,” Jackie said, and at Shauna’s glare she smirked. “Too soon?”
Shauna didn’t answer.

“Anyway,” Jackie went on, “she doesn’t look too happy either.”

Shauna didn’t turn, but she could feel it.
Jackie’s expression shifted suddenly, like she had an idea. “Okay, new plan.”

“What—”

“Let’s dance.”

Before Shauna could react, Jackie grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the middle of the living room, weaving through people until they reached the small space that had turned into a dance floor.

“What? No,” She protested, stumbling after the other girl. “I don’t dance.”

“Well, you’re dancing now.”

The music was loud and the bass heavy enough to feel in her chest. Jackie moved completely at ease, confident in a way that made it look effortless. Shauna, in comparison, looked completely out of place. She couldn’t help but feel a little envious. 

She stood there for a second, shoulders tense, movements stiff and unsure, like she didn’t know what to do with her hands or where to look.

“Oh my God,” Jackie laughed, staring at her. “Relax.”

“I am relaxed.”

“You look like someone forced you at gunpoint.”

“Because you basically did.”

Jackie rolled her eyes and stepped closer, lowering her voice just enough. “Loosen up, Shipman, just follow me.” 

She stepped closer, reaching for Shauna’s wrists and guiding them, not giving her much choice, pulling her into the movement instead of letting her think about it. Eventually, Shauna’s body started to follow.

“There you go,” Jackie said, a small grin pulling at her lips. “See? Not that hard.”

Jackie spun her suddenly. Shauna barely had time to react before she was turned around, the room shifting for a second and then her eyes landed straight on Melissa.

Oh.

Jackie wasn’t exaggerating. Melissa looked pissed.
Shauna held her gaze for a second longer than necessary, something twisting in her chest. Then Jackie pulled her back in, turning her again until her back was pressed lightly against Shauna’s chest.

Shauna sucked in a breath when Jackie reached for her hands and guided them to her waist. The space between them disappeared completely, every small shift of Jackie’s hips mirrored by Shauna without her even realizing it.

“See what I mean?” Jackie murmured turning her face, close enough that Shauna could feel her breath. “She’s furious.”

Shauna glanced up and found that Jeff was watching too. His eyes fixed on them in a way that made it obvious he wasn’t enjoying the show. “So is Jeff,” She said quietly.

Jackie pulled away just enough to turn back around, facing her again. Then she reached up, fingers brushing lightly against the collar of Shauna’s shirt.

“What are you doing?” Shauna whispered.

“I’m fixing your clothes,” Jackie murmured, fingers still at her collar, smoothing it down like she actually cared. “Melissa’s watching. You wanted to make her jealous, right?”

“Maybe,” Shauna said, just as low.

“Well I want Jeff to think I’m doing better than ever.” Jackie’s mouth twitched slightly. “And… I have an idea on how to make them furious.”

“How?” Shauna asked, but it came out unsure this time, like she already knew this was a bad idea.

Jackie didn’t answer right away. Instead, she closed the distance completely, one hand sliding up to the back of Shauna’s neck, fingers warm against her skin, steadying her there. She tilted her head just enough to make Shauna look at her.

Around them, people were watching.
She could feel it. The looks, the attention, the whispers that would definitely come later. But then Jackie said the most insane thing she’d ever heard.

“Kiss me.”

So Shauna did.

She pressed her lips to hers in a soft, hesitant kiss, like she was testing it.
For a second, Shauna froze in disbelief. Their lips moved lightly against each other, just a hint of pressure.
Shauna pulled back slightly, Jackie’s thumb came up to her cheek, brushing over her skin as she looked at her mouth. Their breaths were uneven.

Shauna didn’t let her say anything. She leaned in again, kissing her with more intention this time. Her hand touched Jackie’s jaw to hold her in place while her other arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer, leaving no space between them.
Jackie reacted immediately, tilting her head slightly and deepening the kiss.
Her arms wrapped around Shauna’s neck, fingers tangling in her hair as she pulled her in just as tightly.

They stayed like that, the kiss lingering until someone shoved Shauna hard from the side. She stumbled back into a group of people, breaking the kiss completely.
When she looked up, Jeff was standing there, staring at them, furious.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, Sadecki?” Shauna snapped as she steadied herself.

The music didn’t stop, but the energy shifted. People nearby turned, conversations cutting off as attention locked onto them. A small circle started forming without anyone realizing.
Jackie stood frozen for a second, eyes wide, looking between them.

“What is this?” Jeff demanded, then turned to Jackie with a disbelieving laugh. “Really? Her?”

“Jeff, stop,” Jackie said quickly, stepping forward.

“Just go, man,” Shauna cut in, already annoyed.

Jeff ignored her. “What were you doing, Shipman?”

“Well, you know Jeff, when two lips pucker…” she tapped her lips, smirking. “This happens”

His expression darkened immediately and he shoved her. Shauna barely stumbled this time. “Seriously? Again?” She shoved him back just as hard. “Let it go. She’s not your girlfriend anymore.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

“It’s not my fault you’re not even her type,” Shauna shot back, knowing she should probably stop but not really caring. It was kinda fun seeing Jeff like this. He really couldn’t understand the fact that Jackie was never getting back with him. 

Jeff stepped forward again, jaw tight, but Jackie moved between them before he could do anything.

“Okay, enough,” she snapped. “Just leave us alone.”

Jeff let out a harsh laugh. “You can’t be serious.” 

“I’m telling you to stop,”

“Yeah? Or what?”

“Or nothing,” Shauna cut in, stepping slightly to the side to meet his gaze again. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”

There was a beat of silence, tension thick.
Jackie reached back, grabbing lightly at Shauna’s arm. “Let’s just go,” she said under her breath.

Shauna was about to listen. She really was.

“Yeah, just go,” Jeff muttered loudly. “Fucking slut.”

A couple of his friends laughed while Jackie stopped walking.
It was small, but Shauna saw it, the way her posture shifted, the way she tried to brush it off and keep moving anyway.

Shauna didn’t. “Wait a second.” She turned around and walked straight back to Jeff.

“What is it, Ship—”

Her fist connected with his face before he could finish his sentence. The sound cut through the noise, loud enough to make people gasp. A few voices immediately picked up, shouting, “Fight! Fight!”

Jeff stumbled back, clutching his nose and swearing.
“You fucking psycho—”

She stepped forward and hit him again.

This time he went down, one hand pressed to his face. “You’re insane,” he spat, blood starting to show between his fingers.

Shauna crouched slightly, leaning down just enough so only he could really hear her.
“Don’t ever call her that again,” 

Then she straightened, like nothing had happened. Jackie hadn’t moved. She was still standing there, looking at Shauna like she couldn’t quite process what just happened, her mouth slightly open.

Shauna walked toward her, placing a hand lightly on her back.

“Let’s go, Taylor.”

Shauna kept flexing her hand in the backseat of the Uber, turning it under the dim light to check the damage. Her knuckles were already turning red, and she could feel the dull ache settling in. It was definitely going to bruise by morning.

Worth it.

She pressed her lips together, watching her fingers move, thinking that at least she’d have something to look at later and remember exactly where it came from.

The car was quiet, maybe too quiet. Jackie sat next to her, close enough that Shauna was aware of it, but not saying anything. The driver had the radio on low, some random song neither of them was paying attention to.

Shauna wasn’t sure what the silence was about. Was it because she punched someone or because they kissed? Probably both. 
She shifted slightly in her seat, jaw tightening as the memory hit her again.
What the fuck had she been thinking?

At the time, it had made sense. It had felt like the perfect way to piss both Jeff and Melissa off, but she regretted it. What the fuck was she doing kissing the person she hated most?

Now she had to live with it.

With the fact that she knew what it felt like to kiss Jackie Taylor. How close they had gotten, how she tasted, how tightly she had held onto her, the way her fingers had slid into her hair—

Yeah. No.
Not going there.

She exhaled slowly, forcing her thoughts somewhere else.

“Weird night,” Jackie muttered beside her.

Shauna let out a quiet huff. “Tell me about it.”

Jackie glanced at her hand. “You shouldn’t have done that, but… thanks” she said. Her eyes lingered on the swelling knuckles. “You okay?”

Shauna shrugged. “Yeah, it’s nothing.” Then, after a second, she lied, “And I didn’t do it for you. I just wanted an excuse to punch him.”

“Once a hockey player, always a hockey player,” Jackie said, but there was no real bite to it.

“It’s part of my charm.”

Jackie smiled a little at that, a little softer than usual, before looking away again.
The silence came back, not as uncomfortable this time, but still there.

“So I…” Shauna started, then stopped, realizing she had no idea how to finish that sentence.

Jackie saved her from it.

“It worked.”

Shauna frowned slightly. “What?”

“What we did,” Jackie said, not looking at her. She didn’t say kiss, but it hung there anyway. “They were both so pissed. It was the perfect way to fuck with their heads.”

She went quiet for a second, her expression turning more thoughtful. “I’ve never seen Jeff lose it like that. He seriously can’t handle the idea of me being a lesbian.”

Shauna huffed. “He probably thinks you’re lying.”

“Knowing him? He’s probably more embarrassed than anything.”

“Good.”

“Yeah,” 

“Anyway,” Shauna added, a little too quickly, “never doing that again.”

Jackie turned her head so fast it was almost impressive. “Excuse me?”

Shauna raised an eyebrow. “No offense, Taylor, but you’re a terrible kisser.”

“I’m sorry… what?”

“You heard me.”

“No, I didn’t, actually, because that was bullshit.”

“It was terrible, someone had to tell you the truth” 

“Oh my God,” Jackie said, offended now. “That is not true. You’re the problem.”

“Me?” Shauna laughed. “Please.”

“Yes, you,” Jackie shot back. “Too much saliva. It was actually kind of gross.”

They both rolled their eyes, but the tension had shifted into something familiar.
Jackie shook her head slightly. “I cannot believe this is the second party I leave with you. This is getting weird.”

Shauna smirked faintly. “It was better when we were breaking Jeff’s car.”

The driver’s eyes flicked up to the mirror.

Jackie let out a quick, fake laugh. “Ha. Ha. She’s joking,” she said, a little too fast, glancing toward the front. “We like to… speak in code.”

Then she turned back to Shauna under her breath. “Shut the fuck up.”

“Relax.”

A few minutes later, the car slowed to a stop in front of Jackie’s house.
“Alright,” she said, reaching for the door. “Thanks, I guess—”

“Wait.”

Jackie paused, hand still on the handle, and looked back at her. Shauna hesitated for a second before continuing. “Everyone saw… you know,” she said. “We should probably say something on Monday. Don’t you think?”

Jackie frowned slightly. “Like what?”

“I don’t know,” Shauna said, gesturing vaguely. “Anything. I don’t need people thinking we’re, like, dating or something.”

Jackie let out a short breath. “Yeah obviously. That would be insane.”

“Exactly.”

“Can you imagine?” Jackie added, almost amused. “People would lose their minds.”

Shauna made a face. “Yeah. No thanks.”

Jackie went quiet for a second, her expression shifting into something more thoughtful. “Right,” she said after a moment.    

“So,” Shauna continued, leaning back slightly, “maybe use your whole queen bee thing and shut it down?”

Jackie looked at her for a second and then she smirked.

“Sure.”