Chapter Text
Drama always spread like wildfire across the school. It only took a private conversation and some prodding for the information to get around, much to the normie’s dismay. At least even his usual harassers seemed to pity him, he’d gone a full day without being stuck in a locker or tripped.
After many months of waiting, Frankie seemed to move on from the two of them. Not that they were ever really together, but Jackson still held hope that one day he and Holt might figure something out and finally have the relationship they wanted with her. Or, at the very least, Holt would find another ghoul beyond a fling and Jackson could have Frankie for himself.
But they hadn't worked fast enough. The mint ghoul had found someone else, much kinder and more whole than the two of them, and before she made anything official, she wanted to make it clear to the both of them they would only remain as friends.
So that was it then. No more study dates, no more notes or intertwining of fingers while he walked her to class, no more subtle jokes, and attempts to flirt whenever she was near. He respected her choice, but his heart only shattered more seeing Frankie with someone else.
Jackson hadn't heard back from Holt about the situation. Maybe he was fine knowing he’d just find another fling to keep him occupied. He still forced a smile and stayed positive around her, though the change in his mood was easily recognizable. He kept his nose in his notes, barely looking up at the board except to try to find out the words their creature was saying through a thick Transylvanian accent. His emotions didn’t leave him until he got home and his tears fogged his glasses and stained his shirt. He let himself have that, away from anyone who could call him weak for crying or give him empty words to comfort him. He knew Holt would comment after figuring out why his eyes were so puffy, but the fire elemental’s words didn’t bother him anymore. Jackson tried his best to wipe his eyes and let the swelling go down before letting Holt have the rest of the night.
Holt didn’t blame him. Even if he was less upset about the situation, he felt the other man’s sadness. He’d just stay in until his eyes cleared up for themselves, but not before leaving Jackson a note in sharpie on his arm,
“This sucks, but we got this. There’s a ghoul out there for us.”
It was easier to get through the next few days. Though quiet and reflective Jackson was able to carry himself through.
It just made him an easy target.
At least, that was how Toralei saw it. A walking treasure trove of secrets about the preppy group just dying to be unlocked. Abandoned and hurt by the ghoul he trusted, why would he not share a few secrets?
“Look at him, I don’t think he’s spoken up once.” Toralei finally spoke up. She watched the normie as he poked away at his lunch. His friends sat around him, full of jokes and laughter. They gave each other teasing shoves, and Toralei scoffed at the practice.
Meowlody raised an eyebrow, “I just worry he won’t speak up at all. Then you’ll waste your time with a normie for nothing. Jackson of all normies…”
“I know what I’m doing.” Toralei hissed, “All boys are the same. I’ll just show him a little bit of interest and he’ll be like putty in my claws. We’ll get everything we need to know about Frankie and her freak squad.” She rested her chin in her hand and looked the normie up and down, “I wonder if he even knows we’ve been staring at him. Maybe he’s just too depressed to look up. It’s enough to almost make me feel bad for using him. Almost.”
The werecats giggled at her comment, then Purrsephone spoke, “He could have done better than a living doll anyways. Maybe it will be a good wake up call for him.”
Toralei smirked and stood, pushing her tray to her ghouls so they could take care of it.
“Where are you going?”
“Jackson always gets to class before everyone else. This will go a lot smoother with fewer eyes on us. So, I’ll meet him there. Wish me luck, not that I’ll need it.” The tabby pushed off the table and made her way to their classroom. This was the one class they shared, and she wasn't about to mess this up.
She was already sitting upright on her desk when Jackson came in. He didn’t pay her much attention if any at all. He settled into his seat and started unpacking his bag. With his notebook out he leaned his temple into his hand and started flipping through the meticulously written and highlighted notes on the page with a heavy sigh.
Toralei scoffed, he hadn't even looked at her once. She slid off her desk and walked in front of him, only gaining his attention when she placed a hand over her notes. Jackson leaned back and looked up at her with a confused look.
“I heard you have one of the highest grades in this class. You know that’s not easy to pull off.”
Jackson shrugged and tried to pull his notebook back, but she stayed steadfast.
“I also heard you offer to tutor to any sweet ghoul that asked.”
“No, I don't offer tutoring. Not right now, at least.”
Toralei frowned and let him pull his notebook away from her, taking advantage of the space on the desk to jump up and sit in front of him. “Why not? I’ve seen you offer it to other ghouls in the past, is something wrong with me?”
“No, I’m just not helping anyone right now.”
“What a shame. I was really looking forward to getting advice from the top student in our class.” She leaned down towards him, placing her face in front of his. “Honestly, I’m a little bit afraid I’ll fail. I just can’t seem to find the help I need. You really were my last hope, Jackson.”
He scooted his chair backward, “Fine. I’ll help you out one time. How’s lunch tomorrow?”
“How’s tonight? I always focus better in a new environment, mind taking me home with you? I rather do sooner than later. One more pop-quiz will screw me over.”
“Okay, but just for a couple of hours. We have things we need to do.”
Toralei let out a small laugh and leaned forward to ruffle his hair, “I’ll meet you in the parking lot. I’m assuming your car is the one with all the scratches? Don’t worry, I know those aren’t from you. See you then.”
She slid off his desk and walked back to her own, content with her plan. By now he should be desperate for attention, it shouldn't take her long to make him crack.