Chapter Text
Ah, Physics.
The best part of class, which is the last part of the class, to be exact. Sure, the break in between classes was a close second,, and were able to walk free around Roosevelt University, which was a perfect photo op in your opinion; being in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. Your desk, closest to the window and air vent, a win-win situation made a good view for both the instructor and events happening outside. You could glance outside and watch athletes run the track, or you could glance to the middle and watch the empty football field be chalked for the foul lines, the crease for lacrosse, or the goal line for soccer. You could also watch the large jumbo tron present the weather, time and school mascot (which was a Tiger) all at once that was rimmed with the red and white colors of the school. If you were bored enough, looking to the right would show the boundary dividing campus and the city life. You could watch people call taxis, run frantically to their jobs in order to clock in on time and, if you were lucky, watch a crime get busted by the police. The opportunities to get distracted in Physics were infinite. Quite possibly, your seat placement was the leading cause of your grade being in the low 90s and not the highs like it is for every other class, except Calculus, which was in the mid 80s.
To you, physics was a breeze. To most, it was hell, and whoever created the course and made it a required class should jump in the Atlantic Ocean. However, when it came to the exams and pop quizzes, you maybe once or twice glanced at your desk neighbor and good friend Teddy, only to "compare" answers.
You listened absentmindedly to the best Physics professor to exist in your opinion, Mrs. Scott. You felt bad for students who were less fortunate and did not have Scott, and had Mr. White or Mr. Lesser- Lord knows those two can't teach if their life depended on it. If only Scott taught Calculus, then you'd be set for life.
"Now the million dollar question...." Mrs. Scott erased the lesson learned today on the whiteboard- she was old school, and technology wasn't exactly her best friend, so the Smart Board Screen was forever a blank black abyss that reflected the students in the front row desks like a mirror. You finally gave your full attention to the words being written on the board, and for a moment glanced at the clock.
'In T minus 4 minutes, I'll be free!' you cheered, feeling a sudden wave of energy to answer the last question of the day, and of the week before the next one on Monday. You looked down at your Physics textbook, and your sky blue spiral notebook knowing what was to come. Usually, before the class ended on Fridays, Mrs. Scott would write a question pertaining to the weeks lesson that you had to answer, and whoever could explain it in full detail got extra credit. This was a perfect opportunity to change that low 90 into possibly a mid 90.
"Why do boomerangs come back?"
Score! An easy question if you paid close attention during the partner lab on Wednesday. You structured your answer in your head, and raised your hand in anticipation and restlessness.
"And no Google!" Numerous groans and sighs filled the room, as many kids put their phones and laptops away, already quitting.
Mrs. Scott looked around the room, only for her eyes to land on yours.
"(Name)?" Considering nobody else knew why a boomerang came back, your pride was soaring.
"Boomerangs work on the same principles of aerodynamics as any other flying object; the key to how a boomerang works is the airfoil. An airfoil is flat on one side but curved on the other with one edge thicker than the other - this subjects the boomerang to lift, keeping it in the air. The lift is generated because the air flowing up over the curve of the wing has further to travel than the air flowing past the flat side. The air moving over the curve travels faster in order to reach the other side of the wing, creating lift. A boomerang has two airfoils, each facing in a different direction. This makes the aerodynamic forces acting on a thrown boomerang uneven. The section of the boomerang moving in the same direction as the direction of forward motion moves faster than the section moving in the opposite direction. Just like tank tracks moving at different speeds, this causes the boomerang to turn in the air and return to the thrower." Once you finished, the hour and 30 minutes of physics was complete, and the day was done. In just a matter of seconds, all students were out the door.
"Nerd alert." Teddy snickered as he got up from his seat. You noticed he possessed his signature wine red football jersey that had the colleges “Roosevelt” logo on the upper chest area, with the bone white “#54” on the front, back and sleeve, his last name owning the same pure white color on the back. Whenever Teddy or any player wore their jersey, it meant there was a game tonight.
———
Teddy Wilds. While almost all jocks were assholes, Teddy was an exception. Shaggy chocolate brown hair, army green eyes, pale skin and a structured face, he was every girls teenage dream. Except yours. The first time you both met was last semester in chemistry, and the trend of having Teddy in your science classes continued into the next one. When he isn't being harassed by girls in physics, he's talking to you or placing bids on Ebay for the newest piece of tech or even a signed football.
———
"Oh whatever!" you replied, lightly pushing him away as he placed his hand on the back of his neck.
"Home or away tonight?" You asked out of curiosity, it wasn't like you were going to go, but it was nice to know; and hey, maybe you'd change your mind.
"Home at 7, though, it'd feel more like home if you came." Teddy replied flirtatiously. His voice was a bit deep, but it still reminded you of someone going through puberty even though Teddy was already 20, as he still had little voice cracks here and there.
Teddy was a total weirdo, but he never failed to make you laugh at least once a day.
"Where'd you find that one on the internet?" You ask while putting your bag on your desk, firstly putting the heavy textbook in, then the other items. Once done, you slung your backpack on your back. It is a bit miraculous how you have no back problems due to all the weight you put on your back.
"Like I would reveal," The brown haired boy scoffed. "But you should come, s'not like you have assignments due today."
“I'll ask Jade if she wants to go. See ya 'round, Teddy. If I’m a no-show, text me how it went." You saluted as you finally walked out the lab room, hearing a “Gotcha!” From Teddy.
Now, you were ready to start your weekend. In all honesty, you didn't really participate or show "school spirit" per say; hell, you didn't even know the Boys Basketball Team won sections last weekend against another rival college until yesterday.
Once you went from the fourth floor to the science building entrance, you immediately felt the chilly November winds hit your face. You were more than lucky you decided to throw on some sweats than your blue skinny jeans, as they warmed your legs up a bit. Your eyes scanned the scene in front of you: the many conversations occurring, the laughs of some and the arguments among others, groups of friends leaving together in one direction, and others in the opposite. Some cars flying out the parking lot in a rush to get home, and other students getting on the bus to take them home. Finally off of campus grounds, you sighed in relief. The weekend officially started, and you had nothing but time to waste. Now on the streets on New York City, you put your earbuds in to block out the noise, and fishing your phone out of your pocket to pick a song.
You passed through Central Park, then past the many shops and stores after leaving, knowing the exact way to your tiny apartment. You strolled and glanced at the many people who passed you by, only seeing their faces for less than a second, only to never see them again. It seems every hour is rush hour in NYC, but at 3pm in particular, it seemed the most crowded and busy, which always delayed traffic and a longer time to get home for you.
You thought to yourself as you continued to walk home if you should go to the game or not, and texted your friend Jade to hear her thoughts on it.
3:20: (Name)
Wanna go to the FB game today? I'm indifferent tbh :(
3:22: Jade
Hmm, idk 0-0, I'm not doing anything, but seeing our school lose(when do we not, we're only good at lacrosse- and basketball) is gonna hurt the small school spirit I have left :(
3:22: Jade
What do you say about coming over later? You can’t say no to a sleepover! *O* let's rage gurl!
3:23: (Name)
I'll bring the fun stuff :) and we’re pretty decent at football when we wanna be.
3:24: Jade
That sounds highly illegal.
You’re not wrong, but exactly! ‘When we wanna be’ tisk. tisk.
Bring Stella!
3:26: (Name)
You know what I mean, dummy. And you know Stella won’t leave her bed if I didn’t bribe her with food.
3:27: (Name)
Coming by around 7! (don't forget like last time -_-)
3:27: Jade
It was one time!
Well, you were definitely getting an earful of Teddy next class on Monday, but hey, you can't compare a college event to best friend bonding. You then thought of what to put in your overnight bag later, and made a note to bring a few movies and CD's to play at Jade's place.
———
Jade Santos. Lacrosse player, and a true artist. One of your closest friends.
When your parents found a Uni that only accepted few, and you were lucky enough to get accepted. You were craving the city life, and a different atmosphere. The only thing that came with this move was there was no way your parents were quitting their jobs to work in the city, so with the help of your weekend and summer job and your parents, they're able to pay rent for your tiny apartment that you were happy enough to call your own. Jade was the third person you befriended after she asked you to take a photo of her on your camera for her to keep- and any photo opportunity you were there for the taking. Not long after, she returned the favor by painting you a beautiful landscape on a canvas that screamed 'Bob Ross.' Once you got to know her, you loved being around her. Ever since, you've been conjoined to the hip, and good friends.
Sleepovers with Jade were definitely nights to remember; as they consisted of snacks, pizza, dancing like idiots on her bed to whatever song that played on the radio or CD, talking about the latest gossip going around campus, new music, and taking photos on one of your disposable cameras that you developed in the nearby Walgreens the next morning. After doing so, it was Y/n and Jade Sleepover Tradition that you would go to James’ Diner- which was the one you waited tables at for a job- a few blocks away to eat breakfast together.
———
After half an hour of walking home from class, you finally made it into your apartment complex. It was a bit more secluded, yet it was still a bit dangerous. A notorious gang called the Purple Dragons resided in your area sometimes- (they often moved around)- and caused nothing but mischief, only to be stopped by the police or- if they're having an unlucky day- the Nightwatcher.
The first time you heard of the infamous Nightwatcher was on the news, then he- it was newly known as a male rather than a female--shown up in newspapers. For the most part, it seems most of the crime activity stopped by him happens around your area, quite possibly because of the Purple Dragons, and even some good for nothing criminals. You didn't think much of it, though you did a bit of research here and there, only to realize nothing but conspiracies and old news articles came up in the search results.
Taking your ear buds out from your ears, the music stopped, and the city's sounds were your new tunes. Before you walked into the entrance to your apartment building, you felt someone push by you harshly- nearly knocking you over.
"Watch it." A gruff voice said angrily. Turning around, you saw a pale slim guy with a black short sleeved sweater that showed his slightly muscular arms. He looked a bit sketchy, but your typical New York jerk at a glance.
You flipped him off and replied with a simple "Screw you, don't be rude, dude!" the man looked down at you, his tattooed face and gloomy burnt umber eyes staring you down in anger. With the hoodie shielding his identity from you, you had no idea what his face looked like. Rolling your eyes, you walked up the steps to the apartment building entrance and slammed the door shut, watching him fume with anger and hear his muffled voice as he banged on the door, yelling how ‘he’d remember this’ and 'he'll see you soon,’ until stomping off to a nearby alleyway, never to be seen again like most of the people in New York. You figured he was all talk and no action.
If only you would've seen the tattoo on the back of his neck, it possibly could've saved you from being in any type of danger tonight
~
Once you got to the 8th floor and unlocked your apartment door, you let out yet another sigh of relief -in pure bliss- as you were finally home, and you could relax for a few before you were off to Jades. You locked the door and made way to your bedroom, sensing your cat following behind you.
"I see you Stella, even though I'm not looking at you, I still see you." You stated not turning your head- and got nothing back, but you could still feel her eyes not leaving your body as you slumped your bag on the bed and she hopped on it in suite- curling up into a small ball of shedding fur. You grabbed your camera from your bag and placed on the corner shelf with your other ones.
You quickly took a shower- sad that you couldn’t take a long, relaxing steamy one like you usually do- and put on a pair of black leggings, black and white Vans, a plain T-shirt- which would be your pajamas for the night. You brushed out your hair, taking out all the knots as you went- and soon deciding to leave your hair out since you didn’t feel like fighting with it to get a hairstyle you desired. After, you opened your closet and took your overnight bag out and placed it on your bed, careful not to startle the Balinese. You went into the bathroom and took your comb and brush, the travel bottle of shampoo, conditioner and unopened box of bar soap to place inside your bag. Then, you looked around your room of any other things you should take until your eyes laid on your Polaroid.
---
Call Y/n obsessed, but that vintage polaroid was her favorite.
She had gotten it as a “Good luck out there gift” from both her parents the day she finally moved in- without her knowledge, her mom placed it on her new bed, as it blended in with the rest of the clutter she had yet to unpack. Later on in the day, she received a text from her dad to “take pretty photos of NYC” knowing she loved to go sightseeing. New York City was the best place to do it! Aside from going to Roosevelt, it was also her reasoning for picking the beautiful city to start college . So, that she did. She took photos of whatever she could, even if it was a pigeon on a park bench- she took it. Then, Y/n had gotten more vintage cameras from a nearby Goodwill at a great price, starting her camera collection. This white Poloroid with a rainbow stripe running down the middle however, would always be her favorite.
---
After a little reminiscing about the camera your parents gave you, you also put it in your bag to take. You went back into your closet and took your work attire out for tomorrow to also put in it. You retreated back to the living room and turned on the television. It was Channel 5, the news, and you took a seat on the couch in front of the TV.
"NIGHTWATCHER STRIKES AGAIN. NYC CRIME RATE DECLINING FAST. IS PLAYING VIGILANTE OKAY?" You read the headline at the bottom, and then watched as an amateur camera-man got a shaky and blurry shot of the Nightwatcher, it was difficult to see, but you could still make out his figure atop the roof of an apartment building in the night if you squint hard enough. You thought in your head about the headline. Is a vigilante really okay? I mean, going topside and busting criminals faster than the police can is not a bad thing, but most New Yorkers would say to leave the crime to the NYPD. But, the crime rate has gone down a bit from where it was last after the Nightwatcher showed up. So...maybe it's not so bad to have him around. You couldn’t imagine doing a better job than the authorities and NOT receiving any type of reward- specifically money- for the hard work you put in for keeping the city safe, and this dude did it for free. FREE.
After tuning in to the latest news story, it was now 6:11. You turned off the TV and headed toward the kitchen to feed Stella dinner and put cold water in her bowl to drink, hearing a loud THUMP when she jumped off the bed and light footsteps scurrying to the kitchen to eat the second you opened a can of cat food. After, you patted her head and left her alone with a goodbye and plead.
“See you tomorrow night, please don’t break anything.” You stated, only to have Stella completely immersed in her meal, and not paying any attention to you- it wasn’t like Stella could understand you, anyway.
With that, you grabbed the spare key to your apartment and opened your door, locking it behind you. Knowing Stella would need to be fed in the morning, you walked down the hall to the all-too familiar sunset yellow apartment door: 8-H. You knocked on the door, knowing the doorbell wasn't working.
After a few moments and some shuffling coming from the inside, an all too familiar male voice finally answered-
"Um, one second!" You heard two hushed voices on the other side of the door, one being a voice that wasn't April's and you haven't heard before, and you were now a bit curious. About a minute or so later, you saw the lock of the door turn and open, revealing one out of the two who resided in 8-H. A jet black haired, hair gel free Casey Jones.
"Y-Y/n! What's up kid?" A stuttering Casey asked, it was as if he was almost nervous. He placed his hand on the door frame and the other on the door, making it impossible to see the inside of his apartment's living space.
"I wish you'd stop calling me that, we're literally 2 years apart." You both shared a laugh.
"But I'm not in College anymore--thanks to Google and April, I graduated" You rolled your eyes at the smiling idiot in response. You remembered the time you were in their apartment the same week you met them 2 years back, chatting it up with the couple and soon getting into the topic of school for the very first time.
---
“I just...I feel like everyday it just gets worse.” April handed Y/n a cup of hot green tea with just the right amount of honey. Casey paused the movie he was watching- ‘Miracle’ was it?
“College is the worst aside from the parties. Not a day went by when I had a shitty day come to think of it. I’m surprised I balanced college and hockey without wanting to drop out and become a rapper.” Casey replied laughing to himself, April took a seat on the couch next to Y/n, taking a sip of her own cup of tea.
“As dramatic as he makes it, he’s right. I knew a friend who did a sport every season- tennis in the fall, swimming in the winter, and softball in the spring. She had a 3.8 GPA, even. Once Junior year came around, she couldn’t handle academics and athletics together and her grades started to decline. So, she didn’t swim or play softball that year. I didn’t do a sport, but I still struggled. I can’t imagine how stressed others were. School is meant to kick your ass, but you have to kick it harder.” April placed a comforting hand on Y/n’s shoulder, as she smiled in response.
“But, when you really need help, you should ask for it. I remember Sophomore year, the exact day I met Casey- who came to me begging for help in Geometry, and wouldn’t stop bothering me about it, until I agreed minutes later.” The red-haired girl stared at the ceiling, basking in its plainness, remembering her own school experience and how quick it all went by.
“I can’t believe you remember that! Then Y/n, I asked her to come watch my game, then homecoming, then I asked her out on a date, and then prom and then-” ''Slow down, Jones!” “Am I rambling again?” April laughed at her boyfriend, seeing how excited he was to talk about their history together.
“I know we just met on Monday but...I feel like I’ve known you for longer. You’d make a good therapist.” Y/n complimented.
---
"Is April around?"
You hoped she was. Lord knows Casey can't take care of himself, let alone a simple task of checking up on a cat and feeding it. He most likely would oversleep and forget.
"She's not, actually. She left for South America two days ago on like a big business trip or something for some artifacts." Casey replied. Great.
———
Casey Jones and April O' Neil. You were close with both of them, as they were the first two whom you met, and greeted you when you moved in down the hall from them. When you got to know them well, you would often visit and drop by sometimes just to talk. A bit more with Casey since he was around more than April. You ranted about class, and he ranted about work and trying to be perfect for April. You thought they were relationship goals, they were so in love and happy and you were happy for them. It made you want to be in a relationship and experience the same feelings. They were both extremely humble and fun young adults to be around. You liked to spend time shopping with April or spilling the latest gossip on anyone on campus (even though she finished college, gossip always keeps it interesting) and you liked to talk about how much you disliked a lot of people in your classes with Casey, or watch a football, lacrosse or hockey game with him since he loved the company, (especially hockey, since it reminds him of his ‘school days.’)
"Wow that's far. But, I'm actually not gonna be home until tomorrow evening, I’m spending the night with Jade, then I have to work from 8am to 5pm and I won’t have time to stop by here-I sort of need someone to feed Stella and see how she's doing in the morning, and April is always happy to see her…" You looked down at the floor, playing with the white earbuds in your hands. You did notice Casey tapping his foot at a fast pace, almost impatiently.
"That she is. I'd be more than happy to feed her for ya, Y/n. Responsible Jones at your service!" You looked up and saw Casey shooting you a toothy grin that made you snort. Who knew responsible was in his vocabulary?
"Aren't you allergic? I can ask Mel downstairs, but I trust you and April more…" Casey shook his head, "That's what Zyrtec and Claritin are for, duh!" He exclaimed.
"If you insist, Jones. I usually feed her around 7 to 8:30 in the morning,” You took a breath before you continued onto the rules part of feeding Stella. “Make sure to give her COLD water, not room temperature, she'll look at you like you're crazy- and yes, she’s silently judging you- and won’t drink it. It HAS to be filtered water, or she won't drink it. You can put one ice cube in her bowl, not two, or she won't drink it. Her food is under the kitchen cabinet--give her half the canned food and put the other half in a small container on the top cabinet and I'll feed her that one in the evening. Thanks!" Casey looked absolutely lost.
"Picky cat- and I thought I was bad" He finally said in shock. Yep, Stella was one peculiar cat.
"You are!" A voice beyond the door shouted. Well, it was definitely a male, who possessed a gruff and deep even, but not too deep voice. One thing’s for sure, it definitely wasn’t Aprils.
'Oh' you thought. You didn't know Casey had company over. Hell, you didn't even know Casey had FRIENDS other than you. Then again, he and April were somewhat secretive when it came to their social lives. Casey whipped his head back at the source of the voice, raising his slender middle finger. He looked back at you and saw the look of curiosity in your eyes.
"Did I uh...interrupt something? You seem off right now." You stepped a bit closer to Casey, and he stepped back, clearing his throat.
"Nah! Not at all! I just...didn't expect you this late ya know?" He laughed awkwardly.
You checked your phone, "It's 6 in the night, you're far from late." you sighed adjusting the strap from your duffle bag.
"6:20 actually." Jones stated matter-of-factly looking at the analog clock against the wall.
"Alright smart-ass, 6:20. So, here's the spare key, do NOT lose it. There WILL be consequences if you do." You handed the silver key paired with your lucky sea turtle Keychain over to your friend--who twirled it around his index finger.
“And if I do?” The “all-natural” haired male challenged.
“I’ll get rid of all your Zyrtec and Claritan and swipe it for laxatives. Don’t play me.” Casey gasped, wincing at the thought.
“Evil!”
“Well,” You started, “Don’t lose it.”
Casey saluted to you. "Yes sir! I mean…ma'am." To which you rolled your eyes slowly in response.
"Thank you, seriously. I'll text you in the morning to remind you even." You suddenly heard the same voice clear their throat in the background, and Casey gripped the door knob.
"Welp, I gotta go! See you…tomorrow I mean, Y/n- have a safe walk-BYE!" Casey stumbled over his words, getting more quieter and muffled after every second due to the door closing more after each pause.
“Bye, let’s talk-…” With that, the door closed, and you were face to face with the deep yellow door after it cut you off.
“...later.” You finished your sentence to the door.
"That was…odd." You say to yourself. There was definitely something going on, but you had no time to do some FBI secret agent super sleuthing. However, this encounter was nothing new you’ve seen. Casey or April taking longer to answer the door, shuffling and other voices behind the door becoming silent once he opened it. The times you actually entered the house, you felt as if they were hiding something during your short stay. You never saw anyone else in the house except for April and Casey- but you had enough knowledge that they knew other people. You never asked them directly, but the time would come eventually. You put your earbuds back in your ears and chose a new song to listen to, walking towards the elevator and out the building entrance door once you reached the 1st floor, beginning your walk to Jade’s.
What Y/n didn’t know, however, was that the person who she was curious about would come face to face with her soon enough