Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Ah.” Principal Covington gave Julie, Alex and Reggie a perfunctory smile as they came into his office. “Thank you for coming.”

“As if we had a choice,” Alex muttered, and Julie would’ve giggled except she was completely distracted by the other boy in the room. He was cute. Like, really cute, like give-Reggie-a-run-for-his-money cute, with shaggy brown hair under an orange beanie, and eyes that gleamed in the sunlight streaming into the room. His eyes were really pretty, and Julie took a moment to decide if she liked the dark forest-green of his eyes as much as the bright, bottle green of Reggie’s.

Her eyes flicked to Reggie as she thought of him, hoping that maybe, finally her best friend and crush of the last two years was noticing her in that way.

He was not.

Reggie was staring at the muscular arms of the new boy, readily on display thanks to his T-shirt’s distinct lack of sleeves. Julie couldn’t blame him, though. The guy was spectacular. Julie had to forcefully yank her eyes away from his body to focus back on his face. His handsome face, that was smiling right at her. He winked, and her face heated.

Her gaze shot to Reggie again to see if he’d noticed. Tragically, he hadn’t and she sighed. Not that she wanted to make Reggie jealous, or anything…

“Salut!” the boy said with a broad grin, “Je m’appelle Luc.”

“Hi,” Reggie waggled his fingers at him, his cheeks dusted with a faint pink. He turned to Alex. “I think he’s German.”

“I don’t think that’s Germ—“ Alex started.

“He’s French. From Canada,” the Principal said, his mouth thin enough to show his displeasure with French, or maybe Canada. Julie wasn’t really sure. “Doesn’t speak a lick of English.”

Julie looked at Luc again. He was still grinning broadly, like he didn’t have a care in the world. “He doesn’t speak English?”

“He’s from a very small French village in some place called New Brunswick.” Covington’s nose twitched like New Brunswick smelled bad. “His family just moved here this week. He’s going to be joining us here at Los Feliz.”

“Nouveau Brunswick! C’est ma Province,” Luc said, apparently confirming Covington’s words.

“Yes, New Brunswick,” Covington said to him. He made intense eye contact and enunciated very clearly. He smiled like it was causing him pain and Luc beamed back. Covington picked up a folder from his desk and showed it to them. “Apparently he was in some kind of intensive music program back in Canada, but all his files are in French, so I have no idea.” He handed the file to Alex.

Alex took it, confused. “What do you want me to—"

“I need you to teach him English. Both of you.”

Julie’s head bobbed back. “Me? But I don’t speak French!”

“You speak Spanish, and Alex speaks German. They’re all European languages, so close enough.” Covington waved his hand. “And Reggie, you’re here because you’re the Spirit Captain for Junior year. Your job is to make Luke feel welcome.”

“Luc,” Luc said. He grinned.

“Yes, Luke.” Covington’s smile was more of a grimace.

“Make him feel welcome? I can do that!” Reggie said, displaying the kindness and enthusiasm Julie had found attractive since Freshman year. “I’ll find out what Canadian cultural practises we should follow to make him feel right at home!” He pulled out his phone.

Alex cleared his throat and handed Covington back the folder. “Um. German’s really different from French. Like, really different. I’m not sure I can help?”

Covington took the folder and dropped it dismissively on his desk. “Then learn some French. The Pattersons are very important people and they want their son to 'integrate' into the school.” He made air quotes around the word.

“Did they tell you that in English?” Julie asked, suddenly confused. “Because if his parents speak English—"

Covington glared at her and she shut up. “Here’s his class schedule.” Covington handed them each a copy of Luc’s timetable, including Luc, who took it, then frowned. “As you’ll see, he’s in class with at least one of you for every period.”

Luc was holding his schedule upside down. Julie took it from him gently and turned it the right way around. He smiled at her and she felt it all the way down to her toes.

Covington was still talking. “Luke is the now the responsibility of you three—” and here he pointed at each of them. “—So make him feel at home and don’t mess it up.”

“Oh we’ll totally make him feel at home!” Reggie said, still briming with enthusiasm. “I’ve already downloaded Duolingo on my phone! Bonjour, Luc,” he said to the new boy. “Aimez-vous manger des oranges?”

“Was that French?” Julie asked Reggie. She had no idea what he’d been trying to say, but seeing Reggie wanting to help the new boy made her fall in love with him all over again. Ugh. This crush was going to kill her.

“Yes,” Reggie told her. “At least that’s what Duolingo says it is.”

Luc looked at Reggie, eyes narrowed slightly as if he was trying to figure out what Reggie said. “Oui, j’aime manger des oranges," he said finally.

Reggie beamed. “That’s fantastic!”

“What did you ask him?” Julie asked.

“Pretty sure I asked if he ate oranges,” Reggie said.

“See?” Covington said, you’re all off to a great start. Now get the hell out of my office.”

Alex, Julie and Reggie headed towards the door. Luc stayed standing where he’d been, surveying the room like he’d never been in a principal’s office before, still grinning like an idiot. Reggie took his wrist. “C’mon Luc,” he said. “We’re going now.”

“Bien sûr.” Luc followed them out of the office and they all stopped in the hallway. It was still in the middle of first period so the corridors were empty. Luc rocked on his heels, grinning at them.

Julie smiled back. He was really cute. “Hi,” she said to him. “My name’s Julie.”

“Oh, I’m Alex.” Alex put his hand flat on his chest.

“Reggie.” Reggie gave a small wave.

“Reggie.” Luc pointed at Reggie. “Alex.” He pointed at Alex. “Julie,” he said, his mouth making an appealing motion that Julie really wouldn’t’ve mind kissing. She immediately felt bad, like her thoughts about kissing Luc were betraying her thoughts about kissing Reggie. She blushed. Luc noticed, if the sultry smile he gave her was any indication.

“T’es vraiment mignon… et belle,” he said.

“Mignon?” Reggie repeated. “Like, filet mignon? Is he hungry?” He turned to Luc, speaking very slowly and very loudly with a motion like he was spooning something into his mouth. “Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?”

Alex gave Reggie a little push. “You don’t need to shout at him! He’s French, not deaf!”

“You don’t need to shout at me.” Reggie pouted.

Luc was staring at them. He tilted his head. “Hun-gry?” he repeated. He didn’t say the ‘H’.

Reggie looked delighted. “Aww! He’s learning English!”

Julie tilted her head. Luc looked more confused than anything. “I’m not sure he knows what he’s saying. And it’s not even close to lunch.”

“But he said he wanted a steak!” Reggie protested. “We can’t just let our baby bird go hungry!”

“He’s not a baby bird! Oh my God.” Alex slapped his forehead. “Look. He and I have English now. Let me take him to class and we’ll all meet up at Julie’s locker for second period so she can take him to History.”

“And then it will be lunch and you can eat then, okay baby bird?” Reggie patted Luc on the shoulder.

“He’s not a baby bird!” Alex shouted.

“Don’t shout at me!” Reggie shouted back.

“Both of you, quit shouting!” Julie shouted at the boys. “Do you want to scare him?”

Their eyes all went straight to Luc, who actually looked like he was trying not to laugh. “Bébé bird,” he said.

Reggie’s eyes widened. “Did he say baby bird? I think he said baby bird!”

“Oh my God,” Alex said.

Luc slept all the way through history.

He didn’t even try to learn. He just came in, put his head on his desk and went to sleep.

Julie waited for the teacher to blow up at him the way she did with any other kid who slept in class, but she was strangely sympathetic. “He’s learning in his second language. That’s really tiring,” she said to Julie as she passed by Luc’s sleeping form.

Julie wanted to ask how he was learning anything if he wasn’t even awake, but she let it go. Luc had just moved countries after all, and he didn’t know any English. Both of those things would have to be exhausting.

He woke up as soon as the bell rang and wiped a smear of drool off his bottom lip. Somehow, he even made that look sexy. “Bébé bird.” He grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help her smirk. “Come on,” she said to him. “Time for lunch.”

Alex and Reggie were waiting at her locker. “Is our boy okay?” Reggie asked anxiously. He searched Luc with his eyes for injuries, like Luc had been in a war zone and not world history.

“He’s fine!” Julie glared at Reggie, a little upset he’d think she couldn’t take care of Luc. “He’s probably better than I am. He slept all the way through class.”

“He’s probably hungry, poor baby,” Reggie crooned to him. “It’s hard to stay awake with an empty stomach.” Julie’s mouth twisted unhappily. How long had she waited for Reggie to croon to her like that?

But then again, Luc was hot. She couldn’t fault Reggie for noticing.

“He just listened to music and drew pictures in English,” Alex said.

“It’s his first day!” Reggie defended him. “And he’s having to adjust from the wilds of Canada to civilization. He’s been through so much.”

“I don’t think Canada is that wild—” Alex started.

“You don’t know. You weren’t born in North America,” Reggie said. “I’ve been doing research.”

They all fell in step as they headed towards the cafeteria. Luc ended up beside her, so close Julie could feel the heat emanating from his bare skin. Her pulse kicked up a notch and she jammed her hands into her pockets to stop herself from just… taking his hand in her own.

When she glanced at him, the look he was giving her was all flirt. “Bébé bird,” he said.

“Yes, baby bird,” Julie repeated. He smiled, like they’d had a real connection.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to feed you, baby bird!” Reggie patted his back. His eyes were sparkling, like he’d found and rescued this "baby bird" himself.

Alex sighed. “We’re definitely going to have to teach him more English.”

“Here you are, Luc!” Reggie said proudly as he put the tray down in front of the French boy. “French fries and an orange!”

“You got him fries for lunch?” Alex looked aghast.

“They’re French. Like his home,” Reggie said, affronted. He was working really hard to make Luc feel comfortable. “And I also got him an orange. He said he ate them.”

“French fries aren’t actually French,” Julie said.

“I know,” Reggie said, though he wasn’t really listening. He watched as Luc took the paper ramekin of katsup and poured it all over his fries in a practised move. Luc was so fit his biceps tightened with the movement. Reggie swallowed, then glanced at Julie, wondering if she’d noticed.

She hadn’t. Just like she hadn’t ever noticed Reggie in that way. They’d been friends since Freshman year and he’d been crushing on her the whole time, but he doubted she ever given him a second glance.

Luc picked up his fork and took a bite, then seemed to notice that Alex, Reggie and Julie were all watching him. “Bon appétit?”

“Oh!” Reggie snapped his fingers. “I know that one. They said it in Ratatouille! Bon appétit.” Luc grinned at him and Reggie beamed back. Luc was so good-looking. His cheeks pinked and he dove into his school bag to find his lunch.

“Oui, bon appétit,” Luc said before shoveling in another bite.

Julie took a bite of her sandwich, and Reggie took a moment to admire the graceful way her hands clasped the bread. “So, what is he doing this afternoon?”

“Math with me,” Reggie said.

“And then gym with me,” Alex said. “Although he doesn’t really look like he needs it.”

Reggie absolutely agreed. Then a concerning thought struck him. “Hey, do you think his parents are coming to get him after school?”

Julie and Alex’s faces reflected his concern. “Does anyone know where he lives?” Julie asked.

“Does he know where he lives?” Reggie was now worried. “Maybe he just thinks he still lives in Canada and will head right back there if we let him out of our sight? Like The Incredible Journey.”

“For fuck sakes, Reggie! He’s not an animal!” Alex snapped.

“I know that!” Reggie said, stung. He was trying to take care of Luc! Couldn’t Alex see that? “He’s Canadian! They get lost easily. You should read about the Franklin Expedition.”

Luc made a choking sound and Reggie looked over, alarmed and ready to jump up to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre, but Luc was just chewing furiously. He smiled around a mouthful of fries, and Reggie grinned back.

“So, I’m guessing we don’t know where he lives?” Julie said. “So… what are we going to do?”

“His parents have to be coming for him,” Alex said. “How else did he get here?”

Alex made a lot of sense as usual, and Reggie relaxed. He hadn’t liked the idea of him being lost and alone in LA. He’d felt lost and alone too much to want anyone else to go through it. His eyes met Luc’s.

“Bébé bird,” Luc said, with a flirty smile. Reggie blushed. Luc then turned it on Julie, and her cheeks darkened. Reggie’s mood dimmed a bit seeing it. It’d be nice if Julie noticed him like that. Or even Luc, really. He sighed.

“He really likes saying that, doesn’t he?” Alex murmured.

“It’s because Canada’s closer to nature,” Reggie explained. “So he feels more comfortable with animals.”

Alex stared at him. “Where are you getting this stuff?”

“The internet. You should try it sometime,” Reggie said. He’d done a lot of research on Canada. He’d used government websites and everything.

Luc finished his fries and started peeling his orange. Reggie couldn’t help but watch him as he dexterously made short work of it. He certainly used his hands like he was a musician, and Reggie wondered what it would feel like for those calloused fingertips to slide down his back. He shivered.

Julie was watching Luc, too. “What instrument do you think he plays?”

“Drums, with those arms,” Alex said.

“His arms are really pretty, aren’t they?” Julie sighed. “He’s just really pretty.”

“Oh yeah, he’s gorgeous,” Reggie agreed with the same type of sigh. “But all Canadians are.”

Luc glanced up at her and then him, and for a horrible second Reggie’s heart clenched, thinking Luc might’ve understood what they’d said. But then Luc’s eyes dropped back to his orange. He doesn’t speak English, Reggie reminded himself, chest easing.

“I call bullshit,” Alex said. “Reggie, you’re not allowed to do any more research on Canada.”

“Um, excuse me?” Reggie glared at him, miffed Alex was questioning his meticulous internet searching. “Ryan Gosling? Ryan Reynolds? Cobie Smulders? Evangeline Lilly? Keanu Reeves? Drake?”

Alex paused. “Okay, yes. Point.”

Luc finished peeling his fruit. “Orange!” he said, making it sound like or-AUNGE. He held it up to his beanie. “Orange!” He laughed.

Reggie pressed his hand to his chest, his heart aching with how cute Luc was. “Aww! He made a joke!” He gave Luc a soft smile, so proud that he was trying to communicate even though everything must have been so strange.

Luc saw Reggie looking at him and held out a section. “T’en veux?”

Reggie took it, and their fingers brushed. Luc’s eyes grew warm. “Thank you,” Reggie stammered.

“Bien venue.”Luc smirked, his eyes held Reggie’s and he bit his bottom lip. Reggie’s heart thudded. Was Luc flirting with him? But then Luc repeated the action with Julie, who also blushed. Reggie sighed internally. Yes, Luc was flirting, but he was flirting with everyone. Clearly, he was just a giant, French flirt. It didn’t mean anything.

Unless Luc was falling for Julie, and Reggie was just… there?

He glanced over at Julie, and their eyes met before she looked away to stare at Luc. Again.

It was just Reggie’s luck to have a crush on two people who only had eyes for each other. Reggie sighed.

Luc looked at him. “Fuck, t’es beau.” Then he grinned at Julie. “Et toi, t’es jolie.” He popped in the last bite of his orange, eyes sparkling.

“What did he say?” Julie asked. “Did he swear?”

“I really need to learn French,” Reggie said.

Alex sat on the gym floor beside Luc, stretching.

Luc seemed to really like gym. Maybe it was because their teacher wasn’t a big talker, and everything was just… sports and shit. But Luc was laughing and grinning like this was the best thing ever.

Alex bent over to touch his toes and Luc followed suit. Alex grunted, his fingertips barely skimming the tips of his toes. He looked up, grimacing.

His eyes met Willie’s, and his face flamed. He dropped his gaze.

Somehow, Luc noticed. He pointed his chin in Willie’s direction. “Qui est ce garçon?”

Alex concentrated. He wasn’t exactly sure, but he thought maybe Luc was asking about Willie? “He’s my crush,” Alex said honestly. His blush deepened even though he knew Luc couldn’t understand a single word.

“My crush?” Luc repeated in severely broken English. “C'est quoi ça?”

“If you’re asking what a crush is… A crush is a crush,” Alex said. “You know, someone you like, but doesn’t like you back?”

Luc looked at him blankly and Alex sighed. They shifted into a different stretching position. “I Just really like Willie,” Alex said softly. It felt weird saying it out loud. He’d never even told Reggie or Julie his feelings for Willie. But then again, Luc had no idea what he was saying. It was kind of freeing. “I’ve been crushing on him for months. But I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like me back.”

“C'est stupide. Il serait chanceux de sortir avec toi.”

Alex stared at Luc. “Did you just call me stupid?”

Luc stared back. “Bébé bird?”

Alex rolled his eyes, then let his gaze go back to Willie. Willie was looking at him, a sexy smile curving his lips. Alex’s face burned. Would he ever be able to look at Willie without blushing?

Luc nudged him, eyebrows waggling. “Bébé bird, eh?”

“I don’t think that word means what you think it means,” Alex said.

Luc frowned at him. “Il t'aime!” he said, loud enough that a few people looked towards them. Including Willie, which was exactly what Alex didn’t want.

“Hör auf damit!” Alex hissed at him, hoping telling him to quit it in German would be more effective than trying in English.

Luc looked offended, but he stopped talking.

Alex sighed in relief, then peeked through his bangs at Willie.

Willie wasn’t looking at him anymore, which was good, Alex told himself. “I just really like him,” he said again. “But there’s no way he’d like me back.”

Luc looked at him quizzically, which made sense, because Luc didn’t understand anything Alex was saying.

“He wouldn’t like me back because I’m anxious, and a total nerd, and Willie’s the coolest guy in school,” Alex explained anyway. “He’s just… way out of my league.”

“C'est stupide,” Luc said again.

Alex frowned at him. “Are you calling me stupid?”

“Bébé bird,” Luc said.

Luc did indeed get picked up by a parent after school. He’d given Alex, Reggie and Julie a kiss on both cheeks before rushing off to get into what looked like a very expensive red sports car.

Reggie was still feeling Luc’s kiss on his cheek the next day when he met his friends by Julie’s locker.

“Bonjour!” Luc cried happily and pulled Reggie in to kiss him on each cheek again.

Reggie blushed immediately. “Should we be kissing him back?” He hadn’t read that Canadians kissed on the cheek like Europeans, but then again, he hadn’t looked specifically at New Brunswick culture.

“I’ll kiss him back,” Julie muttered. “Should we kiss you back?” she asked Luc, making a complicated gesture towards his face.

He looked confused. “Kiss?”

“You know, kiss.” Julie pursed her lips.

Luc swooped in and kissed her. Reggie’s chest seized. It was like his worst nightmare right in front of his eyes. Both his crushes, kissing, but not him.

“Looks like he’s learning English,” Alex said wryly.

Julie staggered as Luc gently disengaged their lips, her eyes wide. “Do all Canadians kiss like that?”

“Kiss!” Luc said, clearly delighted to have learned the word. He turned to Reggie. “Kiss?”

“You… want to kiss me?” Reggie squeaked.

Luc put his hand on Reggie’s cheek, sliding his fingers under the left earflap of his hat. “Kiss,” he said softly, then leaned in and kissed him. Julie was right. Luc was a very fine kisser. Reggie’s eyes fluttered shut, getting lost in the sensation of Luc’s mouth on his. Luc pulled back and Reggie leaned forward, blinking owlishly at the loss.

“Whoa,” Reggie breathed.

“I didn’t know Canadians were that friendly,” Alex mused.

Luc beamed at him. “Kiss?”

“Um. No?” Alex took a step back.

“Je comprends. T’es en amour,” Luc said with a wink. “Willie.”

Alex blushed immediately.

“What did he say, Alex?” Julie asked.

“No idea,” Alex mumbled. He shot Luc a censoring look. “But we’re not talking about that.”

Luc raised his hands. “Bébé bird.”

“He really has no clue what that means,” Alex said. Then he noticed what Reggie was wearing. “Why are you wearing a hat? It’s September!”

“It’s an earflap hat!” Reggie said proudly. He held out the bottom of his shirt. “And I’m wearing flannel, too! It’s red, which is traditional for Canada.”

“But it’s like, eighty degrees out,” Alex said.

Reggie frowned at him. “This is traditional Canadian garb. I’m doing this so Luke feels more at home.”

Alex burst out laughing. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

Julie smiled warmly in obvious delight. “Where did you find this?”

“I’ve had the flannel for a while,” Reggie said, annoyed Alex was laughing at him. “And I got the hat from that military supply store.”

“You look really cute,” Julie said, smiling into his eyes. “And it’s really nice of you to have gone to the trouble.”

Luc was bouncing excitedly on his toes. “C'est crissement que t'es cute!”

“Did he just call me cute?” Reggie asked.

“Probably,” Julie said with an overly casual shrug. “Because you are.”

Reggie’s heart thumped so loudly he was sure Julie could hear it. “You think I’m cute?”

“In that hat!” she said quickly. “Just in the hat! I mean, I don’t really think your cute!” She tittered.

Reggie’s heart immediately crashed to his stomach. He forced himself to smile. “Thanks.”

Luc wasn’t wearing his orange beanie. He took the hat off Reggie’s head and put it on his own. “Cute!”

He really did look adorable with the earflaps, his bright smile and his sleeveless shirt. “You’re very cute,” Reggie agreed.

“Gorgeous, actually,” Julie said on a sigh.

“Yep.” Reggie sighed as well. Luc was gorgeous, as well as sweet and really brave. He was a perfect match for Julie. He wished them all the happiness.

Luc poked Reggie in the chest. “Cute.” He then poked Julie on her shoulder. “Cute.” He grinned.

Reggie blinked. “Did… he just call us cute again?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “He probably doesn’t know what it means. And come on. It’s time for class.”

Julie linked her arm through Luc’s, and Reggie wasn’t sure who he was more jealous of. “We’re off to dance,” she said. “Let’s see if Luc stays awake this time.”

“Meet me at my locker so I can take him to biology, after!” Reggie called. He watched them head down the corridor. God, they really did look great together.

“And now you’re crushing on both of them,” Alex said. “Because one broken heart isn’t enough?”

“Shut up,” Reggie said without heat. “Maybe I like my heart being broken.” He must, because he sure wasn’t protecting it. “Do you think Luc really thinks I’m cute?”

“Baby bird,” Alex said.

The dance teacher paired Luc and Julie together.

“You and Luc have a communication that goes beyond language,” Ms. Lovegood said when she directed Julie to teach Luc the choreography to the partnered dance they were learning. “Take him to the practise room and get him caught up, hm?”

Julie had given Ms. Lovegood a perfunctory smile and taken Luc by the hand to the empty practise room down the hall. It was normally used for music, but there was enough floorspace for two people to dance in if they were careful. She had no clue how she was meant to teach him the moves without being able to, well, teach him. But still, spending more time with Luc wouldn’t be a hardship.

Luc took off the earflap hat and put it on a chair, then picked up one of the three guitars on stands against the wall, and slung the strap over his neck. He then rattled off something in French that, combined with his excitement, made Julie assume he was very happy to have found it.

“You like guitars, huh?” Julie sat on the floor with her legs stretched out, leaning back on her hands.

He grinned at her, then started playing. Her eyes went wide. The boy was good. Whatever it said in his file had to have been accurate. Luc could shred on the guitar.

“Tu l'aimes bien?” Luc said with a wink. He played a bit more, then put the guitar back before plonking himself down on the floor beside her. He smiled, looking deep into her eyes. He tilted his head towards the instruments. “Joue pour moi?”

His meaning was unmistakeable. Her chest constricted. “You… want me to play for you?”

“Oui!” He grinned madly, then pointed to his ear. “Je veux t'entendre jouer!”

Julie licked her lips, then pressed her bottom lip between her teeth. “I… I can’t.”

Luc’s green eyes narrowed in confusion. He titled his head in an obvious question.

Julie took a breath, debating if she should tell him. Luc couldn’t understand what she’d say, but that made it easier, somehow: knowing he’d listen but be unable to judge. “It’s just really hard for me to play right now. It took me months to play or sing after my mom died,” she said softly. “I know it’s weird, considering I’m in a specialized music program. But mom taught me music. She was my music. And ever since she died… it’s like my music left too. It’s been really hard getting it back.” Tears welled and she dropped her gaze.

He opened his arms and gently tugged her into his embrace. They sat on the floor together as she cried against his chest. He murmured soothingly to her in French, his hand running up and down her back.

“I’m sorry,” she blubbered as she raised her head. “I’m getting your T-shirt all wet.”

His smile was so tender it took her breath away. He wiped her tears with his thumb, his palm soft against her cheek. Her eyes were held by his gaze, and her breath caught.

“I wish I could ask you to kiss me,” She whispered.

“Kiss,” he whispered in return, and bent his head to kiss her.

Julie closed her eyes, her arms going around his neck. His mouth was soft and insistent and her lips parted when he gently touched them with his tongue. He deepened the kiss and she returned it enthusiastically. She’d thought kissing Nick was pretty good, but kissing Luc was a whole new experience. Maybe she’d have to move to Canada if this is what they were like.

Luc drew back, eyes twinkling. “L'as-tu aimé?”

“If you’re asking if I liked it, then yeah,” Julie said. “You’re a really good kisser.”

“Merci.” He grinned, and she grinned back. But guilt was gnawing at her and she frowned.

He frowned in response. “Julie?”

“It’s not you.” She stroked his shoulder so he’d understand her meaning if not her words. “It’s just… I’ve had a crush on Reggie for forever, and I like you. Like, I really like you. But I still like him? It’s just really confusing.”

Luc nodded like he’d understood. “Reggie. Bébé bird.”

Julie laughed. Alex was right. He really had no clue what those words meant. “Yeah, Reggie’s my baby bird. But I think you are, too?”

“Reggie et moi, bébé birds,” Luc said. “Et toi et Reggie, bébé birds pour moi.” He stroked her cheek again.

Julie stared into his beautiful eyes. “I really have no idea what you’re saying.”

Luc smiled. “Kiss?”

“Now that, I understand,” Julie said, and kissed him again.

That afternoon, Reggie volunteered to wait with Luc for his parents to show up.

Alex had track practise, and Julie had a thing with Flynn, so Reggie was the natural choice to make sure Luc got home okay. They stood together on the sidewalk by the pick-up/drop-off area by the front of the school, close enough that their shoulders brushed. Every time it happened, Luc would grin at Reggie like touching him was the best thing in the world.

Which, as far as Reggie was concerned, was pretty accurate.

Luc was still wearing the earflap hat Reggie had given him. It looked a little ridiculous considering Luc was also wearing a sleeveless T-shirt, but somehow he managed to pull it off. It made Reggie feel warm inside, seeing Luc enjoying the gift so much. He really wanted Luc to feel at home.

“Tu n'as pas besoin d'attendre avec moi,” Luc said.

Reggie had been learning French on Duolingo since first meeting Luc the day before, and he’d already reached level thirty-seven. But the stuff Luc said didn’t match up with what he was learning. His eyebrows drew down as he tried to figure out what Luc has said. “Quoi?” he asked finally, admitting defeat.

“Tu—” Luc repeated, pointing at Reggie, “n’as pas—” And here he shook his head in a very clear ‘no.’ “Besoin d'attendre—” He pointed emphatically towards the ground. “Avec moi.” He made a circular gesture encompassing both of them. He smiled.

Reggie blinked. “I don’t have to sit on the ground with you?”

Luc stared at him. “Oui?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll stay standing, buddy.” Reggie clapped him on the shoulder. “Besides, I like spending time with you. It’s nice.” His face heated, even though Luc couldn’t understand anything he was saying.

“Time with you,” Luc repeated. The "with" sounded like "wit". He knocked their shoulders together.

“Yeah! You’re getting it!” Reggie beamed at him. “And… and I like knowing you’re going to get home safe, too.”

“Safe,” Luc repeated, expression serious.

Reggie nodded. “Yeah, safe. Because… because you matter to me. Which is probably weird, considering I literally met you yesterday. But Alex says I always fall in love too fast? Anyway. I think I’ve fallen in love with you. Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his face hotter than it was before.

He saw the Adam’s apple bob in Luc’s throat. “Je suis ton bébé bird?”

“Yeah. Baby bird,” Reggie repeated with a smile. It was so cute how Luc tried to speak English. “But you know what’s really weird? I’m still in love with Julie. I fell in love with her two years ago, and my heart just… won’t let it go. Don’t tell her?” Reggie laughed and shook his head. “I don’t know why I’m worried. It’s not like you understand what I’m saying.”

Luc was smiling at him, soft and warm like what Reggie said had meant something to him. “Moi et Julie,” he said. “Nous sommes tes bébé birds. Et t’es mon bébé bird, et Julie aussi.” He rested his palm against Reggie’s face, his green eyes focused on Reggie’s own.

Reggie swallowed. “I don’t think baby bird means what you think it means.”

“Kiss?” Luc whispered, his mouth nearly touching Reggie’s.

“That’d be good,” Reggie whispered back.

Luc kissed him, and Reggie forgot everything but the feel of Luc’s mouth against his. His hands went around Luc’s back, holding him close. He explored Luc’s mouth with his tongue, enjoying the sensation and the taste.

He drew back, stunned. “You taste like maple syrup!”

Luc laughed, like he actually got what Reggie said. He kissed Reggie again, just as sweet and even more intoxicating. Reggie’s heart was pounding wildly, so excited and so fucking happy.

He was in love with Luc, and Luc might even like him back. It was the best day of Reggie’s life. If he could only somehow figure out if Luc was actually in love with him. And also figure out how to fall out of love with Julie, everything would actually be perfect.

He must have stiffened thinking of her, because Luc pulled back. “Reggie?”

“I’m just thinking of Julie,” Reggie said. “I wish she could be part of this, you know?”

Luc nodded sagely. “Julie. Oui.” He stroked Reggie’s face again, his gaze heavy.

“Still,” Reggie said faintly, losing himself in the deep green of Luc’s eyes, “she’s not here, is she?”

“Non,” Luc agreed with a smile. He kissed Reggie again.

“Julie, Alex and Reggie. I’m going to add Luc to your group for this project,” Mrs. Harrison said.

Julie and Reggie high-fived each other, and then high-fived Luc, who was smiling at Julie and Reggie like they hung the moon. Which, okay, was exactly the way his two friends were looking at the Canadian.

That’s interesting, Alex thought. He’d seen Luc kiss both of them earlier in the week, but he’d just assumed that was Luc taking advantage of his foreign status and just fucking around. But maybe it’d meant more than he’d suspected?

And what would it mean if his two best friends were suddenly dating the new guy? Would he suddenly be the fifth wheel among four people? Was that even possible? Would he suddenly lose his only friends at Los Feliz High and have to find a new friend group of grade nines? His anxiety went straight from zero to sixty and he started drumming on his thighs, the blood rushing through his ears.

Luc gently covered his hand with his own, his expression very serious for someone wearing a hat with earflaps. He gestured to the other side of the class with his chin. “Bébé bird.”

Alex followed his gaze. Willie was there, looking nauseous and out-of-place in a way he’d never associated with the pulled together skateboarder. He had a case on his lap that looked suspiciously like it contained a violin.

“Now that we’ve welcomed one of our new students,” Mrs. Harrison continued, smiling at Luc, I’d like to welcome the other. Willie Ross will be joining us with his violin. She beamed at Willie, who returned a smile that was much more constrained. He looked only slightly less like he was going to throw up.

“Salut, Willie!” Luc called to him.

Willie waved back, his shoulders relaxing as Luc made a bigger spectacle of himself than Willie could just sitting there. Alex eyed Luc who was looking very proud of himself. Had he done that on purpose?

“So, class,” Mrs. Harrison addressed everyone. “Willie needs to join a group for this project. Is there any group that would like—”

Luc’s hand shot into the air. “Nous! On le veux!” He smacked Alex on the shoulder and winked, making him blush.

Mrs. Harrison looked a bit taken aback by Luc’s enthusiasm. “Oh. Well. Of course. Willie, would you like to go join them?”

Willie was across the room in the next instant. Luc had moved chairs so Willie had to sit beside Alex. Willie sat down, grinning with relief. Willie’s eyes warmed when they looked at him. “Hey, Alex.”

“Hi, Willie,” Alex said, his blush deepening. At this rate Willie was going to think Alex had some horrible disease that made his skin permanently red. He glared at Luc for setting him up like that. He’d wanted to keep his crush on Willie a secret. Luc’s antics really weren’t helping.

“Willie!” Reggie leaned over Alex to high-five him. “Welcome to music!”

“I thought you were in art?” Julie asked him, leaning over Reggie. Reggie put up his hands so he wouldn’t touch her accidentally, but he didn’t look like he minded being that close.

“I’m doing both,” Willie said, leaning across Alex to talk to Julie, his forearms resting on Alex’s thigh. Alex was desperately sure he was going to die from their proximity. His face was absolutely flaming.

Luc nudged him again. “Kiss.”

Alex’s head bobbed back in shock. What if Willie thought he really wanted to kiss him? Which he did, but he didn’t want Willie to think that! “What? That’s not… What?”

“Bébé bird. Kiss.” Luc winked again.

“Baby bird does not mean that!” Alex hissed at him. “And I’m not just going to kiss him!”

Willie sat back up. His brown eyes landed on Alex’s, a small smile dancing at the corners of his mouth. “Kiss who?”

Alex’s brain powered down at Willie’s flirty look. “Uh.”

“You,” Luc said helpfully. “T’es bébé bird.”

Willie blinked. “Did he call me a baby bird?”

“It’s a thing he does,” Reggie explained. “We don’t actually know what he thinks that means.”

“Willie. Alex. Bébé bird,” Luc said. “Kiss.”

“Oh my God,” Alex moaned. He was going to literally burn to death if Luc didn’t stop. “Halt die Klappe!” he snapped at him, embarrassment and anger making his German really harsh, which was saying a lot for a language that always sounded like you were talking about murder. Luc literally pouted, but at least he actually shut up.

Willie looked confused, but also a bit… hopeful? “Is he telling us to kiss?”

“Yes!” Luc said, not actually shutting up at all.

“No!” Alex screeched, horrified.

“Oh,” Willie said, and now he seemed disappointed, which Alex didn’t get.

“He’s really into kissing,” Reggie said. “It’s a Canadian thing.”

“And they’re really good at it,” Julie added, then looked at Reggie, then blushed.

“Kiss!” Luc said again. “Alex, he… “ Luc’s face screwed up as he thought. “Bébé bird,” he finished with a shrug.

Mrs. Harrison was looking at all of them. “Enough talk of birds, people. It’s time to get to work.”

They all moved their chairs into more of a circle. Alex thought about just picking up his chair and sitting in between Reggie and Julie, where he might’ve been slightly safer from Luc and his matchmaking. But then he thought that might make it look like he was avoiding Willie because he didn’t want Willie to think he liked him, which would pretty much prove he liked him. He stayed where he was.

“What are we doing?” Willie asked.

“Kiss,” Luc said. His eyes were dancing.

“We’re not kissing right now,” Reggie said with way more patience than Alex was feeling. “We’re doing our group project, which is taking a song and putting our own twist on it. I think today we’re picking the song.”

“That’s cool!” Willie said excitedly. “Do you guys have a song in mind?”

Julie wrinkled her nose. “Not yet? Me, Alex and Reggie are kind of in a band together? But we’ve been writing our own songs, so we haven’t picked anything.”

“We need a lead guitar,” Reggie said on a sigh. “Because I really miss playing bass.”

Julie snapped her fingers. “Luke plays guitar! He could be our lead!”

Luc had been balancing on the back two legs of his chair. He looked over and let the chair land on all fours as he heard his name. “Guitare?”

“Yeah! You play guitar!” Julie’s eyes were shining.

Reggie’s eyes widened at the information. His hand had shot into the air. “Mrs. Harrison!” he called, “can we go to the practise room?”

Amazingly enough, she gave them permission. The five of them took off like a shot to the practise room next door. Luc recognized it immediately. “Kiss!” he shouted gleefully, and smacked Julie on the lips. She giggled and Alex rolled his eyes. The boy was totally incorrigible.

Luc then kissed Reggie, because that was apparently a thing he did. “It’s just because he’s Canadian,” Reggie mumbled, but he was still blushing.

Luc took one of the guitars off a stand, spent a minute tuning it, then started playing like he was born to it. He was incredible. Alex looked at Julie and Reggie, mouth open in surprise.

“He’s pretty good, huh?” she said smugly, like she’d discovered him herself.

“He’s awesome!” Willie said. “He should be your lead for sure!”

“For sure,” Alex agreed. All his annoyance with Luc for trying to manipulate him and Willie into kissing eased in the face of Luc’s talent. He was a wrecking ball who was definitely going to bring their band to the next level.

And then Luc started to sing.

“Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you. That is how I know you go on… “

“Wait,” Alex said. “Is that Céline Dion?”

“Yes! Ohmygod! He’s singing “My Heart Will Go On”!” Julie jumped up and down in excitement.

Reggie put his hand on his chest, looking like he was going to cry or pass out or both. “Do you know how big a deal this is? He’s singing Céline Dion!”

“It’s a great song. Total classic,” Willie agreed. “But I thought she was just a singer?”

The look Reggie shot him could’ve shattered glass. “Céline Dion is the Queen of Canada! This is a culturally significant moment!”

Willie blinked. “I had no idea.”

“Because it’s not true.” Alex gave Reggie a small shove. “You really need to stop researching!”

Reggie frowned at him. “My research is immaculate.”

Luc grinned widely at them from where he was still playing. He’d sped up the song and added a more rock and roll vibe, which actually wasn’t bad. “My heart will go on!” he sang, looking right at Julie, or Reggie, or maybe both. Alex couldn’t really tell.

“Julie! Chante avec moi!”

Fear flashed through Julie’s eyes. She looked at Reggie. “Um.”

“You can do it.” Reggie’s eyes were soft when he looked at her.

Julie looked back at Luc, who was beaming at her. Her spine straightened. “Yeah. Okay.” She went over to the keyboard and turned it on, then launched into the third verse.

“She’s back,” Reggie said reverently then: “She’s back!” He threw his fists in the air.

“Damn, Julie and Luc are great together,” Willie said.

“Oh yeah.” Reggie’s eyes were glued to both Luc and Julie. “God, they’re amazing, aren’t they?”

Alex’s eyes narrowed. Luc was singing the song in English. “How can he do that?”

“Do what?” Willie asked.

“Sing in English,” Alex said. “I’m fluent in German, and I don’t think I could sing a German song that well.”

“You’ve never practised,” Reggie said. “If you’d practised it, I bet you could.”

“But why would he be practising an English song if he only speaks French? He wouldn’t even know what he’s singing!” Alex said, confused.

“Céline Dion sings in English,” Reggie said.

“Yes, but she also speaks English,” Alex told her. “I’ve seen her interviewed.”

“She speaks English because she’s royalty. How else would she be able to speak to the President?” Reggie said.

“Really don’t think Céline Dion’s their Queen,” Alex muttered.

Reggie glared at him. “She’s his Queen. And they probably have to learn all her songs in both official languages.”

That reminded Alex. “But… isn’t Canada totally bilingual? Like, don’t all Canadians speak both English and French?”

Reggie’s glare sharpened. “Clearly not.”

“Hey, maybe we should do this song?” Willie asked before Alex could think of a good retort. “It looks like Luc’s already figured out the arrangement.”

“We could perform Queen Dion,” Reggie said reverently.

“Oh my God,” Alex said.

Alex was fucking pissed.

After showing off with his playing, Luc spent the rest of music trying to get him and Willie to kiss, or hold hands, or… dance with each other? Alex had no idea what the last thing had been. All he knew was that he’d blushed so much it was amazing he could still stand up, considering there wasn’t any blood left anywhere below his neck.

He was really upset that Luc had done that. Sure, Luc probably hadn’t understood a word he’d said in gym class, but he’d wanted to keep his feelings for Willie a secret. Luc’s wrecking ball approach to getting them together was going to end up totally flattening Alex’s heart.

And even worse was, Luc had done that stupid double kiss-on-the-cheek thing at the end of the day to Willie. And Willie had actually liked it.

At this rate, Willie would fall in love with Luc, too, and Alex would be left with nothing.

“Fucking Canadian,” Alex swore softly. He was sitting at his desk in his room, far too late at night. All the lights were off, and he’d rolled a T-shirt and stuck it below the door so his parents wouldn’t see the glow from his screen, think he was watching gay porn, and come in.

But there was no way he could sleep before he figured this shit out.

“Why was he singing in English?” Alex asked himself. Yeah, he knew people could learn to sing in other languages. Opera singers were a great example of that. But usually, they actually picked up some of the language they were singing. Somehow Luc had learned all of “My Heart Will Go On,” and didn’t know any English other than “yes,” “no,” and “baby bird.”

Alex pulled up the official website of the Government of New Brunswick and started reading. His eyes widened, then narrowed in anger.

New Brunswick was Canada’s only officially bilingual province. Everyone who lived there spoke both French and English. Luc was from New Brunswick. He was a lying liar who lied.

“Baby bird my ass,” Alex spat. “I’m going to fucking kill him.” Angrily, he clicked on a link about the history of the province. He wanted as much information as possible when he confronted Luc on his lies on Monday.

The governmental website didn’t have a lot of information, so he did another search on Acadia. He found an article from the Canadian section of the Encyclopedia Britannica and started scrolling down the page.

What he read was… unsettling. “Oh wow,” he breathed. He did another search on “Acadian Deportation” and came across something called a “heritage minute” from Historica Canada. He watched it, hand over his mouth.

All the anger he’d been feeling towards Luc dissipated in an instant. His eyes welled with tears.

It made total sense that Luc sang Céline Dion songs in English, but didn’t speak any himself. His commitment to the French language was as pure an act of rebellion as Alex having a Pride flag on his school bag. The history of Luc’s people was absolutely heartbreaking.

“I need to be a better ally,” Alex whispered.

He took out his phone and downloaded Duolingo.

“Hey, Reggie, thanks for coming.” Julie kissed each of Reggie’s cheeks in an imitation of the traditional Canadian greeting.

“Thanks for inviting me,” Reggie said brightly. Inside, his heart was pounding. Julie had only ever invited him over to her studio when they were doing band stuff, and Alex had been there, too. He couldn’t imagine how her wanting to talk to him by himself could mean anything good.

Reggie took off his leather jacket and hung it over the back of one of the chairs, then did a double-take. “Luc’s here?”

Luc waved from his seat on the couch. He was wearing jeans and yet another sleeveless T-shirt. The earflap hat was on his head. Reggie’s chest warmed seeing him still wearing it. “Salut!”

“Salut to you, too.” Reggie gave him finger guns, wishing he had the courage to just go over and kiss him senseless.

Julie titled her head. “Didn’t you invite him?”

“No,” Reggie said slowly. He looked at Luc again. “Didn’t you?”

“I thought you had,” Julie said. “How does he know where I live?”

“Luc was there when you gave your address to Willie?” Reggie reminded her.

“But that was in English?”

Reggie looked over at Luc. “Maybe he was just really motivated?”

“Vous êtes mes Bébé birds,” Luc said with a sweet smile, and Reggie’s stomach flipped. How could he be so gone for this boy already?

Especially when Julie was standing right there, and she still, and would always, hold his heart.

“Still, it’s probably a good thing he’s here,” Julie continued. “Because now that I think about it, what I have to say involves both of you.”

Oh shit. This definitely wasn’t good. Reggie sagged down on one of the chairs, already feeling sick. He wracked his brains for anything he’d said or done that might’ve made Julie so mad she’d want to end their friendship, but he came up painfully blank. “Oh yeah?” he smiled at her, praying he didn’t look as nauseous as he felt.

“Yeah.” Julie wrung her hands, looking terribly nervous, and all Reggie wanted to do was comfort her. She bit her lip. “I’m just going to come out and say this, okay?”

“Sure,” Reggie said with a nod.

“Bien sûr.” Luc was sitting forward on the couch, forearms on his knees and his beautiful eyes pinned to Julie, clearly sensing her discomfort.

“Okay.” She took another deep breath, before opening and closing her mouth and breathing again. She also looked like she was really close to puking.

Whatever she was going to say would probably rip open Reggie’s heart, but first and foremost she was his best friend. He’d always be there for her. “You know you can tell me anything,” he said. Luc nodded, like he'd understood and agreed.

A small amount of tension left her frame. She took yet another breath. “Okay. I’m just going to say it. I think Luc’s in love with you and I think you should go for it. There.” She smiled, although it didn’t nearly reach her eyes.

Reggie blinked. Out of all the possible things Julie could’ve said, that wasn’t even top ten. “He’s not in love with me!” Reggie exclaimed. “He’s in love with you! Anyone can see it.”

Julie was shaking her head before he’d finished. “No. No. I mean, yeah, he’s kissed me a few times, but that’s what Canadians do. Anyone with eyes can see he’s crazy about you.”

Reggie opened his mouth to protest, when his brain finally processed what she was really saying. His heart sunk. “You like him.”

“Yes,” Julie said with heartbreaking honesty. “But I know you like him, too.” She put up her hand to stop Reggie’s automatic denial. “Reggie, I’ve known you too long to not know what you look like when you’re crushing on someone. You like Luc. And he likes you. The two of you should be together.” Her face crumpled like she was trying really hard not to cry.

Luc sat up. “ Julie, que fais-tu?”

Reggie and Julie ignored him. Clearly, she had no clue what he looked like when he was crushing on someone, because she hadn’t noticed in the last two years, but Reggie let that go. He stood and went to Julie, taking her hands, his chest was aching from the pain he could see in her face. “What you’re saying is really flattering, but it’s not true. He likes you, Julie. I mean, you’re beautiful, and sweet, and smart, and really kind. There’s no way he’d choose me when he could have you.”

“But I could say the exact same about you!” Julie objected. “You’re beautiful, and sweet and smart and really kind! Luc’s not going to choose me when he could have you!”

“Mais je veux vous deux!” Luke said. “Pas un, mais tous les deux!”

Reggie wasn’t even paying attention to Luc anymore. He loved hearing Julie say those nice things about him, but he was realistic enough to know it wasn’t exactly true. Julie and Luc were perfect for each other. And he was super happy for them. Or he would be once he got over his broken heart. “You’re a really good friend, but we both know you and Luc were made for each other,” Reggie said, hoping his voice didn’t sound as wistful as he felt.

“No! You and Luc are perfect for each other!” Julie said, echoing Reggie’s thoughts but in completely the wrong way. “I’m going to stand back and—”

“Guys,” Luc said.

“You should be with him!” Reggie cut her off. “The two of you—”

“Guys!” Luc shouted.

Reggie’s mouth snapped shut in surprise. Both his and Julie’s eyes whipped to Luc, who was now standing in front of the couch. “I’m actually in love with both of you,” Luc said in perfect, unaccented English. “You’re both beautiful and sweet and smart and really kind. And you’ve both completely captured my heart.”

Julie’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “What?” she said, sounding a bit like she was being strangled.

Reggie’s brain bluescreened. He speaks English? ricocheted around his head like a ball from a pinball machine. “You speak English?” he said, amazed he sounded even close to coherent.

Luc rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, yeah? Everyone in New Brunswick does.”

“You speak English,” Julie repeated, like her brain was still trying to process. She dropped Reggie’s hands.

Luc nodded and grinned at them. “Surprise?”

Julie lunged for him. “I’m going to fucking kill you!”

Luke let out a high-pitched yelp and landed on his back on the couch, 115 pounds of angry Julie kneeling over him. “You speak English, you fucking bastard!” she screamed at him. She started raining open-handed smacks on his upper chest.

It was probably weird that he was so turned on by it. But then again, Luke’s sexuality had always been anything but typical.

“Don’t kill him!” Reggie said, but really didn’t make any move to pull Julie off him. He was standing back, arms crossed, looking both terribly hurt and horribly ashamed, and Luke would’ve died right there from Reggie’s expression if he wasn’t so terrified of Julie actually killing him.

“Ow!” Luke cried, trying to fend Julie off. “Julie!”

“Don’t—” slap “you—” slap “'Julie'—” slap “Me—!” slap “You lying liar!” Julie bellowed.

"I’m sorry!” Luke said desperately. He covered his head with his arms, hoping his muscular build would protect him from the worst of Julie’s onslaught. “I never meant to hurt you guys! I love you!”

“You lied to us!” Julie smacked his shoulder. “We were trying to help you, and you lied!”

“I know! I know! And I’m really sorry! Will you let me explain? Please?”

The smacking stopped and Julie’s weight lifted off him. Luke tentatively lowered his arms. Julie was standing beside Reggie, glaring at him like she could set him on fire with her mind. Reggie had his arm around her shoulders, looking like he’d just seen his best friend purposely stab his puppy. Luke swallowed, guilt and shame rushing through him. He stood and took a step towards them, stopping when Julie snarled. He put up his hands. “I’m so sorry,” he said again. “I never, ever meant to hurt you guys like this.”

“Why?” Reggie asked, his beautiful green eyes beseeching. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I wasn’t thinking about what it would do to you guys! At least not at first. I just wanted to get out of having to do schoolwork. But then you guys were being so nice! Like you—” he pointed at Julie, “Made sure I felt comfortable even though I didn’t understand. And you--!” he pointed at Reggie. “You wore flannel! And gave me an earflap hat! Just to make me feel more at home. And… and then I fell in love with both of you. And then I couldn’t tell you I spoke English. Because that would ruin everything.” He jammed his hands in his pockets, unable to look them in the eyes.

“You… fell in love with both of us?” Julie asked.

Luke nodded miserably. “Didn’t you hear when I said it before? I’m in love with you guys. You’re both so decent, and kind and sweet, and like, really good looking. I mean, how could I not?”

“But how would you speaking English ruin that? Being able to talk with you, it makes everything better.” Reggie said.

“Because I’d ruin it,” Luke said, eyes still on the ground. “I’m awkward, and totally uncool and pretty much make a fool out of myself every time I open my mouth. But if I didn’t speak English… “ He shrugged, hoping he wasn’t going to start crying.

“So, you pretended not to speak English so we’d think you were cool?” Julie asked.

“Not cool,” Luke corrected her. “I’m never cool. But at least when French me wasn’t cool, it was because I didn’t understand anything. But now, it’s just me. Uncool, awkward me.” He still couldn’t meet her eyes.

No one said anything. Luke peered at Reggie and Julie through his lashes. Julie looked thoughtful, and Reggie looked a little less hurt. The sharp pain eased in Luke’s chest. He really hadn’t wanted to hurt them.

“I get it,” Julie said when the silence had extended almost too long. “I don’t like it, but I get it. You just wanted us to like you.”

“Yeah,” Luke said. “I fell in love with you guys so fast, I couldn’t tell you and risk everything. So I didn’t.”

“You really mean it, don’t you?” Reggie said. “You really do love us? Both of us?”

“Oh yeah. Absolutely,” Luke said ardently.

“Is that what the whole baby bird thing was about?” Reggie said, “because honestly? It just seemed like you had no idea what a baby bird was.”

Luke chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “It was a good way of calling you guys baby without you figuring out I knew English?”

“Like a code word!” Reggie’s eyes brightened. “That’s so cool!”

“I should never have lied to you though,” Luke said mournfully. “It was stupid and wrong and I never should’ve done it. You guys are so important to me and I’m really sorry.”

Julie put her hands on her hips. “Did you mean it? When you comforted me after I told you about my mom? Did you mean what… what I felt?”

“Every bit,” Luke said. “I meant all of it. I just wanted to be there for you. I meant it.”

“And the kiss? In the parking lot?” Reggie asked.

“So much yes,” Luke said. “Reggie, you have no idea what that kiss meant to me.”

Reggie nodded. He licked his lips, and Luke couldn’t help but track the movement. Damn, the boy was attractive. “Okay,” he said. “Yeah. Okay. I think I can forgive you.”

“I can, too,” Julie said. “But don’t ever lie to me—to us—again.”

“Never. I will never lie to you again. I swear.” Luke crossed his heart.

“Swear on Queen Dion’s life,” Reggie ordered.

Luke swallowed down the rush of hysterical laughter. “I swear on Queen Dion’s life I won’t lie to you again. And to prove it, I have to let you know she’s actually not our Queen.”

Reggie’s eyes grew round. “What? Does that mean the metric system’s fake, too?”

“Um. No? The metric system is what we use—”

“Luke, Reggie,” Julie interrupted him. She went over and took one of Luke’s hands, holding out her other for Reggie to take. Reggie took Julie’s hand, and then took Luke’s when he offered. They ended up standing in a circle, hands linked, and Luke’s heartrate slowed. Julie and Reggie had forgiven him. Things might even be okay.

“I think, if we’re all being honest now, I need to tell you both something.”

And just like that, his heartrate was back in the stratosphere. Had she forgiven him only to kick him to the curb? He swallowed. “Julie?”

“I’m in love with you, Luke,” she said, “like I told you in the music room. But,” she continued on a rush before Luke’s smile could get too wide. “I’m also in love with Reggie.” She turned so she was looking at him. “Reggie, I love you. I hope that’s okay?”

Reggie’s beautiful green eyes were wide with shock and delight. “You love me?”

Julie nodded. “Uh huh.”

“Oh my God, Julie! I love you, too! I’ve been in love with you since Freshman year! And Luke! I love you! And you both love me? This is the best day ever!”

Luke pulled them both into a hug, feeling like his heart was bursting from happiness. Julie and Reggie both loved him! And they’d finally admitted they loved each other. Reggie was right. This really was the best day ever.

“Can I kiss you?” Reggie asked Julie. She responded by throwing her arms around his neck and locking her lips with his. Luke’s mouth went dry. They were both so fucking beautiful.

“Wow,” Julie said softly when she pulled back. Her pupils were blown wide. She turned to Luke. “Can I kiss you?”

“Please,” Luke moaned, and wrapped his arms around her. Kissing her was just as sweet as he remembered, sweeter even, because now there was only truth between them. He broke off, panting, and ended up with Reggie’s mouth against his in the next moment.

Oh yeah, he was going to really like being their boyfriend.

“Je vous aime,” he whispered to them.

“Love you,” Reggie murmured. “Both of you.”

Julie giggled. “Love you, too. Baby birds.”

“Guys, guys!” Alex ran up to Reggie, Julie and Luc at Julie’s locker on Monday, phone already in his hand. “I have something really important to tell you!”

Reggie, Julie and Luc all exchanged a speaking look. “So do we,” Julie said.

“Yeah, sure, fine,” Alex said. He’d worry about how close the three of them appeared, and what that might mean for their friendship, later. Right now, he had to tell them what he discovered. “Watch this!” He showed them his phone, the Historica Canada Heritage Minute on the expulsions of the Acadians already playing.

Julie took the phone out of his hand, eyes fixed on the screen. “What’s this?”

“Watch it,” Alex instructed them. “And then we need to talk.”

Luc looked at him quizzically, and Alex smiled at him, hoping it’d convey his deep sadness for what Luc’s people had endured. He put his hand on Luc’s shoulder, squeezing gently.

Both Reggie and Julie were quiet for a moment when the short video finished. “So… the French people were forced out by the British?” Reggie asked.

“The French people in Atlantic Canada,” Alex said. “Where Luc comes from. These were his people! It’s terrible!”

“But… didn’t it happen over three hundred years ago?” Julie said. “I mean, it’s still awful but—”

“Fifty percent of the Acadians forced from their homes died!” Alex waved his hands in emphasis. “Fifty percent!”

Julie looked at Luc. “That’s really horrible.”

“And we don’t learn about this in history!” Alex was still ranting. “And yet, here’re our teachers, expecting Luc to learn English, when those English bastards were the ones who killed his people—”

“Maudit Anglais,” Luc said.

“Yeah! That!” Alex pointed at Luc. “So, we’re not going to do it!”

“Do what?” Reggie asked.

“Yeah, Alex, what aren’t we doing?” Julie asked.

“Teach Luc to speak English!” Alex stamped his foot. “If the school wants to teach him, they can learn French! But the three of us—” he circled all of them with his hand. “Are not going to participate in his oppression! His people have been oppressed enough!”

“I don’t think Canadians are oppressed,” Reggie said.

“He’s Acadian! The only reason he’s even in New Brunswick is because they were kicked out of Nova Scotia! Jeez, Reggie, didn’t you read any actual Canadian history when you were doing research on 'Queen Dion'?” He made air quotes around the word.

“Apparently she’s not their queen,” Reggie mumbled.

Julie shot Luc another look. “I don’t think Luke knowing English is going make him oppressed.”

Alex glared at her. “Didn’t you hear a word I said? English is totally the language of his oppressors! And his name’s Luc, not Luke. That’s the English version. Look—” He pulled two clipboards out from his school bag and gave one each to Julie and Reggie. “I’ve started an online petition to get the school to hire teachers who speak French for Luc, but we also should get people to sign before class and at lunch, and after school. I’ve made a schedule of who’s going to be getting signatures when—”

“Alex,” Luc said, hand on his shoulder. “I speak English already. You don’t need to do this.”

Alex’s eyes grew large with horror. He dropped his bag and grabbed Luc by the collar. “What evil oppressor did this to you?”

Luc’s hands were up by his ears. “My parents?”

Alex’s grip loosened. “Your parents? Were they British?”

“My dad’s American,” Luc said. “I don’t even think he learned French until he met my mom.”

Alex let go of Luc entirely, brow creasing with confusion. “You speak English?”

“He does. Reggie and I just found out,” Julie said.

“I do,” Luc confirmed. “And I’m really sorry I didn’t tell you before.”

Alex stared, then shook his head. “No. No. You can’t speak English. You spent a whole week only speaking French! You used baby bird as a verb! English is not something you speak.”

“I speak both English and French fluently,” Luc said. “And the baby bird thing was kind of a joke?”

“A joke?” Alex’s confusion changed to anger like a spark becoming a flame. “You lying to us—to all of us—about not knowing English was a joke?”

“No!” Luc said desperately. “No, I wasn’t making fun of you guys at all!”

“He really wasn’t.” Of course Reggie jumped to his defense. “He didn’t think he was cool enough to speak English.”

Luc looked at Reggie. “That’s not really what I sai—”

“You know what’s not cool?” Alex demanded, then glared at Reggie when he started to answer the question. “What’s not cool is letting people think you’re not speaking English as an act of rebellion! For fuck sakes, I wore my Pride T-shirt to show solidarity!” He gestured at his black T-shirt with the words “Love is Love” printed in the Pride flag colours.

“Wow,” Luc said softly. “That’s really nice of you.”

“I thought we were the same!” Alex shouted at Luc. “I thought you were fighting society’s oppression the same way I was! But you’re not. You’re not!” He put his head in his hands.

“Hey.” Luc tugged gently on Alex’s wrist. Alex fought for a moment, then gave up and looked at Luc. “Alex, I’m really, really sorry I didn’t tell you I spoke English. I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I was just trying to get out of doing schoolwork and I let it go on way too long. But this?” He gestured towards the clipboards Reggie and Julie were still holding. “This is honestly the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. You’re a really good friend, Alex. Better than I deserve. And I’m really, really sorry.”

“And you guys are actually fighting the same oppression! Because Luke’s bisexual!” Reggie said.

“Pansexual and polyamorous, actually.” Luc rubbed the back of his neck. “So, yeah.”

“I could’ve guessed the polyamorous part, what with the way you keep kissing my friends,” Alex grumbled.

“We’re together now,” Julie said, taking Luc’s hand with the one not holding the clipboard. “And we were really angry at Luke when he first told us, too. But he really is sorry.”

“I really am,” Luc said, “and I’ll never lie to you again.”

“Okay, fine. Apology accepted.” Alex jammed his hands in his pockets, feeling letdown and miserable, the residual anger from Luc’s deception tumbling with the despair of his friend group hooking up together. For sure they’d forget him. It looked like he was going to be the fifth wheel after all.

The bell rang. “We should probably get to class?” Reggie said. No one moved.

“Hey, Alex!” Willie ambled by. He stopped and gave Alex’s shirt a second look. “Nice shirt!”

Alex immediately blushed. “You like it?”

“LGBTQA+ represent!” Willie fist-bumped Alex. “It’s always nice to meet another member of the alphabet mafia.” He grinned.

Luc rocked back on his heels. “He’s gay, and single, and thinks you’re really cute. Just saying.”

“You’re English has gotten really good,” Willie said admiringly. Then he blinked and stared at Alex. “You think I’m cute?”

“Yes,” Alex said, resigned. He probably looked like a tomato had taken the place of his head. “I think you’re gorgeous, actually. But Luc—” and here he glared daggers at the Canadian, “was meant to keep that a secret.”

“Glad he didn’t!” Willie said happily, “because I’ve been crushing on you for forever, but I thought you and Reggie were together.”

“Me?” Reggie gasped.

Alex’s laugh sounded a little crazy. “Oh my God! We’re definitely not together!”

“That’s good.” Willie bit his bottom lip in a move so flirtatious Alex nearly burst into flames. “Meet you at your locker after school? Because I think I need your number.” So saying, he sauntered off.

“Holy shit,” Alex breathed. “Did that just happen?”

“I think it just happened!” Julie squealed in delight before pulling Alex into a hug. “Alex!”

“Well done!” Reggie clapped Alex on the shoulder. “Willie is, like, the hottest boy in school!”

“Hey! I’m right here!” Luc pouted.

“I know,” Reggie said.

"So, who is the Queen of Canada if it’s not Céline Dion?” Reggie asked around a mouthful of his sandwich.

“Queen Elizabeth.” Luke speared another forkful of French fries. The cafeteria really did a good job with them. “Canada’s part of the Commonwealth.”

Reggie paused mid-chew. “So, you guys all share your money?”

“No.” Luke laughed, then paused. “Maybe? I know we pay to help keep the monarchy running… “

“Ew.” Julie made a face. “Who wants to help that colonialist?”

“Right?” Alex agreed. “Fucking British.” It was obvious Alex was still angry about the Acadian expulsion that had happened back in 1755. Luke smiled at his friend, touched by his concern.

“Yeah, the monarchy does suck,” Luke agreed. “But for now, she’s what we got.” He shrugged.

“I think Céline Dion should be your queen,” Reggie said. “She’s really nice, and so talented! She’d make a much better ruler.”

“At least we’re going to perform her song for our group project,” Julie said, gazing at Luke. “Your arrangement of “My Heart Will Go On” was totally fire.”

Luke lost himself in her gorgeous brown eyes. “What?”

Julie giggled. “We’re performing 'My Heart Will Go On'?”

“Right!” Luke grinned at her. “Your singing was amazing, by the way. Thanks so much for letting me hear it.”

Julie’s cheeks darkened. Her eyes met Luke’s, then Reggie’s. “Thanks for encouraging me. Both of you.”

“Anything for you,” Reggie said, and Luke’s heart swelled with the love he could see in Reggie’s eyes for Julie. He knew the same look was reflected in his own.

Alex swallowed. “Hey, guys? You’re not going to, you know, fifth wheel me now that you’re together?” His smile looked pained, like this was something he was actually worried about.

Julie and Reggie looked equally shocked. “What?” Julie said. “Alex, you and Flynn are my best friends!”

“You’re my only best friend. Nothing’s going to change that.” Reggie said.

“And besides, you have Willie now. “Maybe you’ll fifth wheel us.” Luke winked. It was a joke, but a small part of him was concerned Alex would ghost them now that he had Willie. He didn’t want to lose his new friend.

Alex laughed. “Thanks. And no, I won’t fifth wheel you guys.” His smile turned soft. “Willie’s pretty cool, isn’t he?”

“The coolest! And his violin is going to sound so good! Hey, maybe we should ask him to join the band?” Reggie asked.

“I’m cool with that,” Alex said with a shrug, but the way his cheeks pinked let Luke know exactly how much he liked that idea.

“And Luke too,” Julie took Luke’s hand. “He needs to join.”

“Definitely.” Reggie took Luke’s other hand, which meant Luke couldn't eat his lunch, but somehow he couldn’t bring himself to care. He stroked his thumbs over his partners’ hands, loving being able to touch them like this.

“I’d love to,” Luke said. He’d love to spend every second with Julie and Reggie, and being able to play music with them, Alex and Willie, sounded like a dream come true.

“Well, that’s settled.” Alex stole a French fry from Luke’s plate. “Are these actually Canadian?”

“They’re from Belgium, actually,” Reggie said. “American soldiers named them French Fries. I looked it up.”

Julie laughed. “So not really French at all. Like Luke.”

Luke made a face at her. “Mean! I am too.”

“You’re a bilingual Canadian with dual citizenship, so no, not French.” Alex pointed the end of his fry at Luke.

“So mean. Dissing my French heritage.” Luke would’ve crossed his arms for effect, but Julie and Reggie were still holding his hands and he didn’t want to change that.

“Aw, don’t pout. You know we love you.” Julie leaned over to give him a kiss, which meant Luke had to then give one to Reggie, obviously.

Alex made a face. “You guys are so lovey-dovey. It’s gross.” Julie, Luke and Reggie all laughed at his expression.

“Get your own baby bird,” Reggie said.

END