Chapter Text
Oh, what a crazy period of time high school is. Well, for some people it's boring, but in the span of a few weeks Ceto had experienced a weird mini heartbreak involving a dude they thought was a cute girl, befriending a person who ambitiously claimed they were a necromancer and accidentally stealing a girlfriend of the most popular guy in the school,- Acelin. The least they could say was that the year had started in quite a different yet interesting way.
They knew they hurt Martha's boyfriend. An ex, to he an exact, since the girl made it official shortly after their angry encounter when Acelin spotted the two of them kissing. Though something was still bugging them, and they didn't understand what it was. Guilt? Not quite.. it had to be done. Ceto just wished Acelin had found out in a way that wouldn't be catching his girlfriend with someone else with no explanation whatsoever,- he didn't even wait! The guy stormed out and proceeded to ignore Martha's texts expressing sadness, anger and sending apologies. What they were happy about was the fact that it didn't really affect their relationship, only made their bond stronger and gave Martha more opportunities to explore what she wanted, not what others asked from her. The peer pressure that was holding her in place and practically forcing her to stay with Acelin in order to make others happy was fading. Yes, the iconic couple of the school was gone and destroyed; thousands of rumors were being spread (some of them even claiming Acelin had feelings for a boy...) and Martha didn't enjoy the attention that brought so much negativity and misconceptions but she was learning to deal with it because it wasn’t like she could suddenly change the opinion of a whole ass school. Ceto gave her space. They were there for her when they felt like she needed emotional support. Other than that, Martha had the chance to initiate anything whenever she wanted to. There was no pushing, no pulling, they were free. To avoid getting stuck in even more drama, Ceto tried their best not to stand out or answer too many questions of some curious younger students bugging everyone to find out what exactly had happened. They liked their privacy; and they only hoped Acelin wouldn't explode and keep quiet until things would work themselves out.
And Acelin did. Probably for the first time that year he skipped a few classes without warning the teachers, went MIA on social media as well and didn't leave the room at all. At least Ceto didn't see him for the entire week and they hadn't missed a single period. Martha seemed worried and they didn't like the attitude the boy had pulled either, so what Ceto decided after the fourth day of no Acelin, was perhaps the most courageous yet stupid thing that had ever crossed their mind.
“Ceto...”
“He can't be THAT mad. Not when I go to check up on him and ask him how he's doing. It's a friendly gesture and a nice way to ask him why he's been acting like a slug. Isn't that what you kind people do?”
Martha let herself chuckle. “I know, I just don't want you two to fight again. The last time you and Acelin interacted wasn't exactly full of positivity and friendship as far as I remember"
Ceto sighed, approaching the girl sitting on their bed. “Hey" they leaned down, maintaining eye contact, “I'll be fine. We'll be fine. I hate the tension arisen from this mess and I want to be on good terms. Normally I wouldn't give a fuck and probably shit on his mood even more” they snorted, chuckling, “but this is Acelin" Ceto looked down mentioning his name, “he was your lover.. I feel like what I'm doing right now is the only logical step to fix this mess.”
Martha looked like she was trying her absolute best not to tear up right then and there. For the first time since the incident there was a tiny but genuine smile creeping up on her lips. She nodded. “Alright. Do you want me to come with you?”
“I think I'll handle it by myself.” Ceto assured, “I'll be back soon if i make it out alive and maybe we can go for some coffee or whatever.”
They could do this. Ceto kept convincing themself on their way to Acelin's dorm. Why were they doing this? Probably for their own and Martha's sake. A voice in their head was still trying to prove it was a mistake and Ceto was about to practically sacrifice themself but they shook their head, focused on the way not to get lost and firmly remained their decision. After a two minute walk they saw the room that was supposed to be Acelin's. They approached it, almost reconsidering and being frozen on the spot for a good few minutes. Ceto weirdly felt like the door would fly open at any second and they would be seen standing like a total creep at the entrance. They knocked. Seconds after their hand had connected with the door, Ceto heard shuffling and noises of something, or someone falling off. There was cursing, muttering, steps getting closer to the door and then it opened. There he was, Acelin, wrapped in white sheets, greeting Ceto possibly half naked, and they thought they were dreaming. Fortunately or unfortunately (Ceto hadn't decided yet) the dishevelled hair, rosy cheeks and Acelin's furrowed eyebrows were very real, and he definitely wasn't alone. Ceto quickly managed to spot a light purple head behind him, followed by someone's squeaky voice. „It's not the best time for guests Acelin, you know that babe"
Ceto hadn't known him for long but he could recognise that voice everywhere. Being stuck wherever they were standing, their eyes widened, brain searching for any possibly correct answers.
„Wait...you're into Niko?“ was what they managed to exclaim, immediately regretting afterwards. Just as Ceto was praying they could rewind time while Acelin was getting ready to get very cross, Niko rushed in between them, trying to neutralize the tense, awkward tension. „Why hello Ceto, how are you doing? Sorry for the mess, we were a bit busy but you know you're always welcome to join us" he winked. Niko he,- he WINKED.
Ceto was about to lose their mind. „Oh uh, no thanks, i'll pass. Sorry for disturbing you, i guess“, biting their lip, they turned around, ready to face failure and run without looking back. Nice one, Ceto.
Acelin weirdly looked at Niko as if he was checking whether everything was fine.. Niko nodded.
„What do you want" they heard Acelin say clearly, with a tone that sounded colder than ever. Him with his classic asshole moves. Ceto took a deep breath, turning around on their heels and forcing themself to face Acelin, who was still stood wrapped in the sheets, looking very unimpressed.
„I hate the way our relationship started and i despise how it developed even more. I wanted to, ahem. Apologize for the incident with Martha even though i didn't know she was your girlfriend, and hope to get the same back, since you haven’t been treating me with much respect since the minute we met" Ceto crossed their hands, finishing the sentence quickly. They felt their heart beating incredibly fast and impatiently waited for Acelin to give an answer back. Acelin coughed, clearing his throat.
“I should leave" Niko said quietly, sneaking into the room before anyone could stop him.
“I suppose you have a point" Acelin sighed. “I didn't exactly hate you, I was just not particularly excited about your existence" Ceto rolled their eyes, “but you're correct. We should stop acting immature and sort this out.”
“thank god" Ceto thought, feeling something heavy lift off of their chest. “That was easier than i'd expected. So?”
“In conclusion, apologies for making you feel uncomfortable. I guess"
“I feel like you're writing an essay even during speaking" Ceto chuckled.
“What can I say, I’m quite keen on ‘speaking like a lector' as some like to put it".
“That's pretty great, but I’d like to ask, in mother language this time, are we cool?”
“positive.” Acelin responded.
Ceto nodded. “Now I allow you to continue fucki-"
“Can you be any louder?” Acelin scolded them, looking around suspiciously. "This situation is already embarrassing and I would NOT tolerate it if i wasn't in the middle of something and if you, Ceto, hadn't just apologized."
“Okay, Okay. Not telling anyone. Got it" Ceto smirked, winking just to piss him off and left with a salute. They could almost feel Acelin rolling his eyes but in that particular moment, everything was fine.
“Hey!” Ceto heard, just as they were existing the dorm, “Wait a minute!”
They know this wasn't planned, Acelin looked quite startled as well. But Niko (Now in an oversized shirt that was probably Acelin's) approached them, hesitating for a second but lifting his chin right after, the same old smile on the lips. “I was wondering,” Niko started “Would you like to join us for a small sleepover this evening? You can bring friends"
“A sleepover?!” Ceto heard Acelin before they could respond. “Niko, for what?” he muttered from the distance. Ceto pulled an evil smirk. “I would love that, thank you.” And turned around, trying not to laugh at Acelin's offended scoffs. He did need to relax after all, but most importantly it would be absolutely hilarious to have a,- fucking sleepover! With Acelin. Why did they get themself into this? Ceto wasn't exactly sure, but they knew after all there was still that burning feeling of wanting to get revenge on him...Just not in a harmful way since they had managed to come down to some type of agreement on things. So that's why they said yes. Partly to get the sweet revenge, partly to see what has not been seen before,- Acelin having fun.
„Great!“ Niko got excited, „Be here at around eight, then?“
„Gotcha" Ceto tried to hide their smirk and swiftly turned around.
.......................
„So in conclusion, it went pretty well?“ Martha warmly smiled after hearing Ceto's dramatic way of telling the story.
„BETTER than well, Mar. I might see drunk Acelin and hopefully manage to get some sweet shots of him doing stupid shi-"
„Ceto" Martha crossed her arms, trying hard to seem serious, which was in that moment, quite a challenge. Ceto found it endearing, though.
„Okay, okay. Joking" they lifted their hands up as a sign of giving up, „but you can't deny that it would be pretty sick!“ Martha just gave them a tiny smile. There was a pause, and then Ceto realized something. „You probably.. wouldn't like to come?“ they asked hesistantly, not daring to look into her eyes. Another pause. The silence lasted for a good few seconds.
„You know what.“
„Hm?“
„If they're okay with you bringing friends along, i'd love to attend the party.“
„Are you sure?“ Ceto asked.
Martha let out a sigh. She looked like she was searching for words to out her answer together, „yes.“ Martha said strictly, her voice softening after that. „Acelin... he has been one of my dearest friends Ceto, and I never wanted to ruin that. Yes, we dated but he always knew the whole relationship was just a big dream others had made up. We were forced to satisfy others’ needs and be together which turned our healthy friendship into him pretending like he had feelings for me and me accidentally cheating on him, if this could even be considered as cheating since deep down, we both knew there was nothing between us other than mutual respect and platonic love.“ She exhaled. „It's messed up. And I admire you for having the courage to go up to him and sort things out,“ she took Ceto's hands in hers, „I want to do the same.“
The feeling when your heart flutters and melts was incredibly new to Ceto, but with Martha around, they were slowly yet surely getting used to it. Her words,- they did things to their heart and after so many years, made them feel joy again. It was so unusual. Ceto knew they would have to put tons of effort into getting used to it and not freaking the fuck out every time she'd decide to sugarcoat them in compliments, it was something Martha loved to do anyways.
„So this isn't only a sleepover.. but also a mission to fix everything?“
Martha gave a nod.
„Martha... What are we doing?“ Ceto nervously chuckled.
„Finishing a chapter. Fixing relationships. For once, handling this the mature way.“ She said confidently. Hearing her voice that now had no hesitant undertones, Ceto found themself immediately agreeing.
Martha was right.
She had to be right.
They didn't spend too much time preparing. It wasn't too hard for Martha to look cute anyways, and Ceto didn't give a shit, so a few minutes early they headed to the destination. Martha looked nervous. She had tried her best to hide it but Ceto could spot slight anxiety creeping up on her. They reached for her palm from behind. Martha looked back at the touch, only to be greeted by Ceto's reassuring smile.
„It's going to be fine" they whispered. Martha visibly relaxed a bit and tried to smile.
It didn't take too long to get to Acelin's room even though the five minute walk felt like actual centuries for both of them. They were both silent, not knowing what to say. Fortunately before the long pause could get awkward, they reached the place and Martha instantly knocked on the door.
Thankfully Niko opened, dressed in immensely extra but stunning clothes. Martha and Ceto both stood speechless in the doorway, observing the gorgeous pink dress that was probably too tight for Niko to be able to properly walk. It perfectly suited the curves and made the feminine features stand out more. Ceto coughed, looking up.
„We're here".
„Martha, hi!“ Niko pulled a genuine smile, giving both of them quick but tight hugs. „I'm glad you decided to come along" Niko said more quietly, „something gives me the feeling that you exactlt understood what the intention of this sleepover was.“ Niko winked.
„W-what?“ Ceto stuttered, confused. Before either of them could answer, Niko invited them in.
„Hey how does my hair look?-" Acelin’s sentence suddenly got cut off as he looked up and stopped mid sentence.
„Since when did you start caring about your hair?“ Ceto asked honestly.
„Since when did you learn to ask such idiotic questions?“
„YOU GUYS" Niko raised his voice, „why don't we DRINK"
Everyone agreed and it was no surprise. Ceto was there to have fun and Martha certainly needed something to get her to speak. She reached out and surprisingly grabbed a whole bottle of beer, ambitiously gulping it. Ceto tried not to seem to astonished and sipped from their glass.
All of them felt tipsy after about four glasses of beer. Martha suddenly wasn't afraid to speak, Ceto was cracking jokes, Niko was flirting with all of them at the same exact time and Acelin found himself agreeing to playing truth or dare.
They formed a small circle, not hesitating to sit right on the floor. All awkwardness, the tension was gone and for once it felt good. Hanging out together felt good. Ceto's heart was happy and their stomach was squirming from joy. It was definitely unusual and weird, but in a good way for sure.
“truth!” Martha said and waited for Acelin to ask her a question.
There was a pause. Acelin inhaled, closing his eyes for a second.
“Have you ever thought our relationship was real?” the first serious question.
“Acelin" Martha pulled a sad smile, “we both know what our relationship was"
“We did.” He answered, “but I would very much like to hear it from you so that I’m aware I didn't hurt anyone for no reason.” He sighed, “I loved you… as a friend. And this game happened to be a perfect opportunity to confirm my statement. Well?”
“I loved you as a friend, too. Still do. But the relationship was super awkward and honestly felt wrong and forced. I think things between us are going to work out more easily now that we've decided not to let anyone pressure us.”
Acelin smiled. And it was genuine, raw.
“I'm about to cry" they heard Niko sniffling, “I'm an emotional drunk, okay?!”
Martha giggled, feeling something heavy getting lifted off of her chest. This time Ceto spun the bottle. It stopped towards Niko.
“oh, uhm. Truth" Niko said.
“Did you know I wasn't aware of the fact that you were a boy the first time we met?” Ceto chuckled at the memory. Niko however, didn't. There was no answer; and the pause was getting too long for their comfort. Niko sat, looking visibly uncomfortable and sort of confused. “Niko?” Ceto asked. They saw Acelin talking Niko's hand in his, instantly forgetting Ceto and Martha for a few seconds. “hey, look at me.” Acelin softly tilted Niko's chin. “you can tell them. It's okay.” Niko just responded with a nod, still hesitating. “It's okay, love.” Acelin reassured once again, a but more quietly this time.
Niko turned around to face them again.
“I'm.” A cough, “Notaboyandivealwaysbeenagirlitsjustifoundoutrecently"
Ceto sat for a good few seconds with their mouth open. “Despite the fact that it seems like it was immensely difficult for you to get that out, I think you have to repeat one more time.” Martha said warmly, smiling at Niko.
“I'm transgender.” Niko dropped the bomb.
“Oh my god,” Ceto started giggling, “that's what this is all about? You scared me!” they shook their head, “I thought you were about to tell me something actually shocking.”
“Was it that apparent?” Niko asked, feelimg relieved.
“I've had my suspicions but I didn't want to pressure you into changing just in case you identified as a male. But now that I know, I'll be sure to treat you as a proper lady"
Niko rolled their eyes, smiling.
“You really have nothing to worry about.” Martha softly caressed her hand, making Niko tear up once again.
“You guys,” she wiped her eyes, “thank you.” Niko felt like her shaky voice would be too apparent if she continued speaking, so she gave both of them hugs and plastered a huge, happy grin on her face. Acelin leaned closer, planting a kiss on her cheek and making her giggle like a child.
“You guys are cute" Martha said honestly.
“Says who!” Niko answered, “You two are a beautiful pair as well.”
“Okay no. We certainly aren't doing double dates.” Acelin tried to hold back a giggle, getting up.
“But that is what this has been this entire time?” Niko shrugged her shoulders and continued befriending Martha.
“we’ve come a long way" Ceto muttered, taking a drag of their cigarette on the balcony, staring out in the distance.
“Agreed. It has been only a few weeks, yet it feels like centuries. But then again, much has changed in such short period of time.”
“poetic" Ceto rolled their eyes.
“A good orator” Acelin corrected.
“Hey uh. I know we never properly talked about this but i'm sorry you had to break up with Martha in the way that It happened.”
Acelin looked at them. “I felt nothing.” Acelin said without a doubt. “the only reason I was angry was myself" he sighed. “I don't tend to reveal my vulnerability to acquaintances so simply, but I think you deserve an explanation after all.”
“an acquaintance? Did you just call me,- wow. Wow I feel betrayed" Ceto exaggerated, slapping their palm against their forehead.
Acelin chuckled. “There's a lot I do not know about you, Ceto. Just like you don't know me. Though I’m hoping to form some sort of friendship that will consist of more than you being painfully annoying and snatching my partners" he said, chuckling at his own joke.
“Only if you quit acting like being a teacher's pet makes you cool.” Ceto bit back, feeling proud of themself but also laughing at their witty banter that for once, didn't feel like straight up bullying.
“We should head back.” Acelin said.
"We should."