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Chapter Text

Nene's POV

--

The first last day.  The beginning of the end.  Senior year!

Thank fucking GOD.

It's not like I hate school, but I don't enjoy it.  

My alarm rang on and on, and after snoozing twice, I finally peeled myself out of bed.  It's hard to get out of bed some days, especially when you have to wake up at six in the morning.  

Who decided to make shit this early?  Fucking early birds...

My mom gently knocked on the door as I grabbed the outfit picked out for today, a white dress with pink and red hearts all over it, with white knee-high socks and heart earrings.  Slaying, as per usual.  

I gotta be pretty if I'm leaving the house.  If not, there's just no point.  

She asked while gently pushing the door open, “Hey, are you awake?”

“Yeah mom, I'm alive.”

After clothes came all the other stuff.  Hair, mouth, face, and staring in the mirror for a few minutes.  It's just difficult to move, and leaving the house sucks, especially for school.  

Why leave the house when you could sleep forever?

“By the way, check the kitchen counter.”

I glanced over at my mom, in the middle of doing my white eyeliner.  Focusing back on the mirror, I thanked her as she disappeared from my sight.  It stuck out extra with the pink lip gloss, sparkly eyeshadow, and deep blush, although it doesn't exactly do my teeth justice.  That's what happens when you don't brush them as often as you should, though.  

When society puts emphasis on your looks, naturally, you do too.

Despite that, it only took 10 minutes to finish it up, spraying a little more rose perfume than needed.  It's one of my favorites, and a day like this is fitting to use it.  

It's not every day you can start counting down until you're done with school forever.  

Going out to the kitchen after grabbing my shoes, a pair of boots with a heart-shaped heel to top everything off, I looked around the counter for what Mom was talking about.

Oh, sweet, 20 dollars!

My mom leaned on the doorway and said, “I figured you forgot to save some lunch money.  Now get on out of here, I don't want you to be late.  Especially not for your last first day.”

“Alright Mom, bye,” I said while grabbing my backpack, which felt extra heavy after not using it for so long.

“Wait!”  

Stepping outside, she raced behind me, saying, “Wait, I wanna get some photos of you!”

I sighed a little, even though I like pictures, I was gonna swing through a drive-thru and get a coffee.  

“Pose like a dignified person, please,” She asked after I flipped off the camera once.  

The shutter went off a few times, her face peeking out with a slight smile.  “Now have fun at school, Nene.”  

“God, that'll be easy , especially with AP Chemistry first period. ”  

She rolled her eyes, noting, “You'll survive.  Who knows, maybe you'll meet another cute guy like Jordan in math or something.”

Ugh, I hope not.  He was an asshole.  

Getting in my car, I realized something that I really don't want to acknowledge.  

It's going to be a long ass year. 

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

--

As my aunt called out a short goodbye, Cassandra honked the horn on her shitty van.

The window rolled down, Cyril flashing a smile while commanding, “Come on Bluey, hop in the back.  I called dibs.”  

That smug bastard.  

“Oh shut the hell up Cyclops,” I remarked while opening the backseat door and plopping down next to Hanzo.  

“I'm gonna pop you in your mouth like the dad you never had, you freak lab accident!”

That's my absolute best friend right there, he's had my back since I moved here.

Cassandra rolled her eyes and said, “Break it up you two, you're both pretty.”  

While the car started going a bit too fast for a neighborhood street, Hanzo squeezed my hand for a second.  “Can you believe it?  Senior year!”

I shrugged.  It's just a year.  Just a part of life.  I get it, it's a big deal to some, but there's going to be bigger and better stages of life.  It's just straight ahead from here on the road of life.  Not a big deal.  

Plus, school sucks ass.

Giko, I guess, had the same idea because he stayed quiet.  Shocking for a nerd like him, although I have no room to talk.    

“Dude, I am so ready to be over with this,” Cassandra said as she stopped a little too hard at a sign.  

Because I forgot to put my seatbelt on, I got a faceful of car headrest and Cyril's mohawk.  

Hanzo and Giko, the only two to see it, tried to keep their laughter in.

She failed.  

“Oh for fuck's sake, come onnnnn!”  Even if it isn’t noticeable, just about half of my forehead is bruised from one of my cousins throwing a metal water bottle at me.  And when your forehead slams into other stuff, shit hurts.  

Hanzo, apparently, just doesn't feel the human emotion of sympathy.

“Fuck you, this is why you got hit by a car!”

“At least it didn't bruise.”

“Your ribs were literally bruised,” Giko pointed out, as Hanzo had shown us the medical records after the accident.  

She glanced side to side, and then flipped Giko off.

Appropriate answer.  

Cyril suddenly asked, “Do you guys think we'll get bullied less this year?”

Cassandra laughed at him, providing no words for an answer.

Giko, in a rare show of humor, said, “I'm 80 percent sure you are the only one that is bullied out of any of us.  Lay off the hair dye and Brandy and maybe people will see you as somewhat normal.”

Everyone lost it, other than Cyril, who pinched the bridge of his nose.  “That's a wild take coming from you.”

“At least his is natural and from a lab accident, yours is no accident,” Hanzo pointed out while attempting to tussle his hair.  

Cassandra pulled into the parking lot, which was brimming with a bunch of annoying people, talking way too loud and screaming to friends.  Summer was only like three months, for fuck's sake!

“Alright gang, beginning of the end.  Let's go,” Cassandra said as she hopped out of the car.  Scooby-Doo ass tagline...

Cyril punched my arm as we got out, adding as a little side comment, “And let's hope you don't run into any prissy, popular, girly bitches, don't need you developing an immediate crush to obsess over for the year."

"We know you have a tyyyy-yyyype!”  Hanzo giggled while poking me in the ribs.

“Shut the hell up you two.”

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

--

Well, here I am.  At the high school, I'm sitting in my mom's old red Honda Accord (Lord only remembers the year), just about to get out of the car.

If I could, that is.

It's a familiar feeling, really.  My legs feel like lead, like when I wake up.  It's hard to move, because my brain doesn't see a reason.  Why go sit in various classrooms for eight hours for a diploma I won't even use?

Take that any way you want to.  

I hate getting out of bed, let alone getting out of my room, out of the house, into the car, to the school, out of the car, and into the school.  It's so much work!  So much work just to be bored out of my mind.

I know, I know, but senior year is supposed to be super fun!  It's supposed to make you happy and be the year you look forward to!  

Prom queen, which I'm a shoe-in for.

Homecoming court, with the school provided dresses, walking around with the sash and tiara during the dance…  I can't wait!  I'm running with Pico.  

Senior privilege, leaving early and decision day and all the fun sorts of things that we get.  

Fun classes, I'm taking fashion design, theater, and Japanese for the easy GPA boost.  

College applications, the excitement of every letter, announcement, and seeing everyone in their sweaters and shirts.   

All the hot parties, especially Cassandra's ragers.  I'm gonna party hard every weekend, and not like some fucking pharma princess.  As soon as I get a bump of something, I'm taking it.  

I say that every year, but realistically I'll just work and go home.  

The recognition, everyone knowing who you are and what you're about.  

The memories…  

It's all supposed to be something that I'm happy about.  

But I'm not.  What about it?

I might actually snap throughout this school year.  Sitting in that goddamn building, with dumbass teachers, and a bunch of people I either openly can't stand or have to act as if I do.  All of it is so mind-numbing, and the monotony of everyday makes it even harder.  Wake up, school, either work or home, sleep, ad nauseam.  

But hey, that's the way life goes.  

Just about the only reason I can muster enough energy to come to school is my friends.  Pico and Darnell have always been my rocks in a sea of uselessness.  I'm looking forward to classes with them, at least.  

Speaking of, I saw the two of them talking to Vern Barkley and Ron McGee, probably talking about football.  I don't understand the positions, but I know Pico and Vern play the same one on different sides of the field.  Darnell doesn't play, but he goes to just about every game.  We've all joked that he could be an unofficial cheerleader at this point.  

He's even danced with them.  

I stepped out of the car, finally, and made a few strides in their direction.  The crowd of students had cleared a bit, but I still had to weave through a few people.  

Hey, maybe this year won't be s-

CRASH!

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

—

“God.  Fucking.  Damnit."

This is not how I thought my day would start.

My shit is spilled just about everywhere, my aunt has my car, I fell ass-first on the concrete, I have an absolute headache, not happy with my schedule, my cousins took way too long and I barely made it here, and I left my water bottle at home, which I didn't realize until we got here.  

“Sorry!”

After collecting my stuff, I looked over to see who was brushing themself off.  

“Oh, uhm, hey Nene.”

She smiled a little, looking up as I said her name.  “Oh, Alucard!  I barely noticed you barrelling into me!”  She snickered a little at her joke, and much to my chagrin, I did too.  

“Just stop being so short then.”

“Maybe stop wearing boots, you're tall enough,” she said with her hands on her hips.  She moved her arms, crossing them in front of her.  It's a very… Unfortunate angle for me, as I am a lot taller than her, and she wears clothing that shows off her…  Well, everything.  

Staring straight ahead because if not I'm staring at her rack, I attempted to move away and end the conversation, but she asked, “What do you have first period?”

Shit, what do I have….  Not math, not English, uh…

“Oh, AP Chem.  Why?”

Nene gasped a little as her eyes lit up.  “What a coincidence!  Same!  Mr. Hamler, right?”

“Wait, you have AP chemistry?”

Nene's look turned into a bit of a glare as I clarified, “Wait, that's not what I meant, it's just…  Surprising that you want a course like that for senior year.  It's the year of fun, right?”

She cocked an eyebrow while correcting, “No, you just don't think I'm capable.  I'm aware of my reputation, Alucard.  Didn't think you were one to believe rumors, though.”

It kinda stunned me into silence, but she took the time to ask, “Do you want to walk to class together?  I mean, we'll be in the same spot no matter what.”

I motioned to the group I came with, who were a ways away, laughing in the background.  “Sorry, I got people waiting.”

“Then don't let me keep you any longer, Mr. Popular,” She joked while flashing the smile that got her so popular.  It's no secret, guys like her for her looks.

Well, most.  

As I made it over to the group, who waited to go inside, Cyril clapped me on the shoulder.  “Well what did I tell you?  Had to go against my advice, huh?”

The only reaction he got out of me was a slightly uncomfortable grimace.  

“He's shocked into silence after she graced him with her presence!”  Hanzo placed a hand on her chest and sighed dreamily, as a mockery of me.  

“Oh my god, I do NOT act like that around her.  There would be no reason for me to act like that,” I pointed out.

All four of them stared at me.  

Cassandra was the first to crack, laughing and saying, “You're so pathetic, just admit it.”

“Admit what?”

Giko cleared his throat a little and pointed out as we walked down the hallway, “She's referring to your obvious and long-lasting crush o-”

I snapped and pointed at him, saying, “I do not have a goddamn crush on her.”

A chorus of goodbyes followed Hanzo and Cassandra entering the art wing, and soon enough, Giko went off to the computer lab, leaving Cyril and I alone.  

“I hope you know, you're not fooling anyone.”

I looked over at him, although I knew what he meant.  

Not like I wanted to, though. 

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

“And then this kid comes out of nowhere, and runs into me!  I don’t know if he didn’t see me, or just ignored me, but it sucked.  Although he’s not really just ‘this kid,’ it was Alucard.  He's oh-so observant yet can't see jackshit in front of him.”  

Galatea scoffed, and jokingly asked, “Nerdy name, is he at least hot?”

Brandy had to think for a second, while I rubbed my arm again.  I skinned my arm and knees when Alucard ran into me, and it kinda stings.  Who knew concrete would hurt?

Apparently not him.  

“I don't really think he's hot, ‘cause I'm into short white guys,” Brandy said, “But he does have some pros.  Tall, pretty thin if you're into that, like skeletal emo boy thin, and nice eyes, if you ever get to see them.  But a big drawback is…  How do I say it?”  

“No need to say it.”

I motioned toward the door with my head, and the two of them looked over.

“Wait, what the fuck?”  Galatea had nothing else to say, looking back over to us two.  “I'm kind of excited to see what options I have, honestly.  My old school really didn't have any good picks.”

I smiled and waved a little, hoping he didn't feel bad about what happened earlier.

Who am I kidding?  I know he doesn't feel bad.  He's always been cold, ignored me as much as he can, and despite me trying to be kind to him, my reputation molds me into what I am seen as.  Y'know, as reputations work.  

His reputation, a tough, intelligent, nerdy loner, but it's an open secret that if you get past his shell, he's a sweetheart.  

Mine, a stone-cold, stupid violent and depraved, psycho slut with a bleeding heart.  

Not too far off.

Brandy shrugged while saying, “There's someone for everyone here.  A big school, naturally, has many options.”  

He walked over to an empty desk, and glanced back at me with my friends.  

And I swear, I saw a bit of a smile.

Maybe I'm reaching, or maybe it was for one of the other two, but I swear to God I saw one.  

Galatea glanced over at me, asking, “So, do you have anyone?  Or are you single?”

Brandy drew a breath between her teeth.  

I began to explain, “Well, I did, but…  Last spring, right before prom, I kinda-”

Mr. Hamler started class, greeting us all with a simple, “Good morning everyone.”  

Already in the spirit, many kids echoed soullessly back.  Some stayed silent, and others started doing other stuff.  

He talked on and on for a bit, about the syllabus, class expectations, rules, himself, and so on and so forth.  

Then, attendance.  There were some familiar names, like Scarlett and Charlotte Moore, Mandy Ulrich, Lilian Olvera on the news team, Salvador Boren from theater, and some people I didn't know whatsoever.  

Alucard stared forward, with the dull, kinda over-this-shit look he always sports.  It's not even like he's brooding, he's just really tired and somewhat annoyed.  He is, all the time.  

“Gal…  Okay, help me out here, West?”

Galatea gave Brandy a pointed look as she giggled, and helped him out by pronouncing her name.  “Gal-ah-tay-ah.”  

The teacher decided to prolong her apparent suffering, almost causing her eye to twitch when he asked, “Interesting name, is there a reason your parents stuck you with that one?”

“I don't know.”  She may be confident and like talking to people, but even a conversation like this would make any extrovert want to bang their head against a wall.  In fact, that's what it looked like Galatea would do.  

“Did you ever think to ask them?”

Galatea blinked a few times, laying her slight Greek accent on as thick as she could while saying, “Considering they're in a graveyard, countries away, not exactly sure I can.”  

Mr Hamler looked up from his lesson plans, Brandy and I started laughing from next to her, and other kids reacted in shock.  

“Oh, well, that's…  Not great.”  He awkwardly shuffled his papers, announcing, “It's time to move on to lab partners.”

And suddenly, everyone's heads snapped forward.  Everyone's focus was finally on the teacher.  

This is what we were all waiting for!

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

“Now, as I say your names, move to be next to your partner.  Scarlett and Alex, Gareth and Bryan…”  

I focused on him for maybe three seconds.  I really don't want to be in this class, but I need the extra science credit for the honor's diploma.  And by the looks of it, this class is going to be way too eventful for my tastes.  With characters like this Galatea girl and Nene, not to mention that Giko used to have this class.  Sure, he's one of my friends, but I fucking hate when he acts like he's better than people for taking AP and honors classes.  It's not just because he's one of the few people in a lot of the same advanced courses as me so he talks about it a lot, it's because he's so snobbish about it.

Like cool, no one's going to ride your dick for being in all AP and honors classes.  And he certainly isn’t getting action with that type of activity.  

Not like I have anywhere to speak.  I'm not inexperienced with dating and girls and shit, I just haven't done much.  Other than my little thing with Mandy Ulrich in sophomore year, and Bianca Acuña in eighth grade, although that doesn’t count because we're still pretty close, and Tanisha Fulkner… I just haven't really focused on romance.  Plus, as much as I hate to admit it, I kind of do have a type.  The chances for me, someone who rolls with the “gothpunks” as we've been dubbed, to be around a popular girl enough to actually form a relationship is about as plausible as my mom coming back to life.  

In less words, no fucking way.  

“Galatea and Brandy, and…  Alucard and Nene.  Now, everyone, go find your partners.”

At least, that's what I imagine Mr. Hamler said, because I was dragged out of my thoughts with a tap on the desk next to me.  

“Hey, mind moving your stuff?”

I looked over to see Nene, in all her heart-decked glory like an Asian Aphrodite, pointing at my bookbag.  I moved it wordlessly, seeing her right arm out of the corner of my eye, resting on the desk once she sat down.  

“Oh, wow, I didn't expect that much damage.”  

Nene chuckled a little, rolling her eyes.  “It's not too bad, at least I didn't fall on my ass.  Your back is gonna hurt for days.”

Wait, Nene and I are going to be lab partners?

It just hit me, for some reason.  Every day this year, we're going to sit next to each other and have to work together?

Y'know what, I'm not upset by that.  Kind of the opposite, actually…  That's not odd at all.  

“So, will I see you in drama class this year, Quack?”  Nene looked up at me with a certain look in her eye, not exactly mischievous but definitely looking to know something.  

Also, I get it, I'm blue, but Quack?   He's almost indigo!  

Oh, right.  “Yeah knock-off Aphrodite, Cassandra signed me up for it.  I assume you're taking it?”

She playfully rolled her eyes while saying, “No, I'm not, because I totally haven't been in the shows you've done crew for and a lot more.  You literally went to see Theory of Relativity at the playhouse because Cassandra was in it, dork.”

“Well I wasn't there to see you, dumbass.”  

I would never take that disrespect from anyone, but for some reason, on the rare chance that Nene teases me, it's okay, and often ends in joking bickering.  

Unfortunately, the bell cut it short today.  

“See you in drama class,” Nene said before walking off with her friends from the beginning of class.  

This year's going to be different.  Definitely…  Different. 

Chapter Text

Pico's POV

---

“Nene, over here!”  

As she walked in, she turned toward the sound of my voice, and essentially ran over.  

Despite the fact that we literally saw each other last week, she grabbed me into a hug.  And for some reason, she's really strong for her size.  

As she crushed my ribs, she asked me, “What's up loser?”

There she is.  

I attempted to pry her off me as Darnell laughed.  “Okay jackass, want to help?”

“Nah, I'm good, thanks though.”  

She let go while laughing, gaining chuckles from two unfamiliar kids.  

Now, as someone on the football team, in theater (although it wasn't my choice), and just generally well-known in school, I'd like to think I know just about everyone in the class of whatever year it'll be.  But these two…  I have never seen them before.  

“Alright class,” Ms. Reddish started, “We're gonna do this like elementary school kids.  Sit in a circle in the front!”  

We all sat down on the floor after a collective moment of hesitation, but everyone here knows that she's a bit out there, and we're going to do some interesting stuff this year.  

“Now, I want everyone to go in a circle and introduce yourselves.  Normally, everyone knows everyone else, but this year we have two students from Michigan joining us, and a junior.  So, I'll go first.”  

She adjusted herself a little, crossing her legs in front of her.  “As you guys know, my name is Morgan Reddish.  And if you didn't know, hi, nice to meet you.  I moved from Wyoming when I was 14 to live with my grandparents here, which I still actually do.  I'm now 30, and I've been teaching for a while now.  I also do journalism and public speaking, and creative writing, which is where I know a few of you from.  I was in band during high school, and it helped me pay my way through college.  Now, to the right of me.”  She pointed her thumb and looked over to Giko.  

He cleared his throat after an awkward second.  “Uh, hello everybody.  My name is Giko Jackson, and I’m a senior here.  I’ve always found theater to be an interesting combination of career paths, and would have loved to do it all throughout high school.  Unfortunately, I had a lab accident in 10th grade, which made me miss school for a few weeks, and auditions.  Also, it turned my hair purple.  I'm also in the orchestra, first chair viola, and choir.  That's pretty much it.”  

Hanzo, who sat next to him, had a puzzled look on her face.  “Oh!  Hi, my name is Hanzo and I have a question.  Brandy, you're 16, right?”  

“Yep.”  

Hanzo looked over to Ms. Reddish and asked, “So let me get this straight, you had Brandy at 14?”  

“Three days before my 15th birthday.  She was a little early, actually.”  Ms. Reddish took the question casually, a small smile on her face.  

Wait, holy shit.  How did this woman become a teacher with a kid?  Let alone graduate high school?!  I always knew she was a force to reckon with, but I didn't know she was that determined of a person.  Props to her, I'd die if I got pregnant.  

“Well…  Interesting.”  Hanzo blinked a few times before continuing, “As I said, my name's Hanzo, I'm simply just a trans girl trying to live life.  Many of you knew my obsession with ninjas in the past, and it was simply an easy way to cover myself up and not deal with looking like a dude.  I like sewing, gardening, and cooking.  I've done theater since middle school, and, uhm, yeah.”  

Cassie took off where she left.  “Hi.  My name's Cassie, Cassandra, whatever.  I moved here with a lot of hate in my heart, but theater kind of helped me realize the world isn't as sh…  crappy as I thought it was.  I play piano for the choir, and help run the diversity club.  Pretty much it.”  

She punched Cyril's shoulder, which got him talking.  “Ow, hey!”  He smiled- well, smirked like a cocky bastard and introduced himself, saying, “What's up everyone, I'm Cyril, as many of you know.  I didn't actually expect to end up in this class, but here I am.  I'm kind of ready to get out of this city and high school.  I'm not proud of it, but I'm in the e-sports club with Hanzo and Cassandra.  I do percussion in the band and can play the drums.  That's me.”  He, much like Cassie, elbowed Alucard.  

Alucard glared at Cyril and mumbled something that made the two next to him snicker.  “My name's Alucard.  Cassandra signed me up for the class so here I am.  I was the crew president for two years in a row, but now I'm stepping up to the stage.  Yay…  I guess.  I'm the first-chair violinist for our school orchestra.  And before anyone asks for the millionth time, yes, my skin is actually blue, it's not makeup.  As most know, my dad experimented on me as a kid.  Cons: I'm blue and I'm really tired, but pros: this.”  

As many of us have seen before, the two new kids’ arms started raising with apparently no actions of the host.  

The one next to Alucard, a sickly-pale girl in blue, obviously tried fighting it.  “What in the ever-loving fu-”

“Fudgesicle is this…?”  Unlike whoever the hell that is, the one with thick locs calmly let it happen.  

As soon as their arms dropped, the white chick spoke up.  “Well, I guess it's my turn.  My name is Galatea, but feel free to call me ‘Tea.  I'm a senior, originally from Greece, but I moved to Michigan with my adoptive family, and then here.  I was going to be in my old school's theater class, but here I am.  I work at the craft store with Nene.  Outside of school or practice, I'm often painting, outside, or annoying Blaire by playing the harp.”  

Her slight accent caught me off guard, but I could not stop looking.  Her hair is somehow so messy but obviously styled, and the shades paired with her annoyed attitude make her seem cool.  Her skin isn't really sickly, more like porcelain or a skull.  

But also, who the fuck is Blaire?

The person next to Galatea said, “‘Sup, I'm Blaire, and I'm also a senior.”

Well.

“I'm honestly kind of boring,” He said with a laugh.  “I joined the class because 'Tea said it'd be fun.  Often I'm playing Pokémon or playing ukulele and annoying her right back.  I'm a big homebody and I like it that way.  I like doing special effects, costuming, and most of the behind-the-scenes stuff when it comes to musicals, but being on stage is okay.  That's it.”  

Blaire glanced over to the next person with kind of a curious look, who happened to be Darnell.  “Hey guys, my name's Darnell.  There are three important things to know about me: I am a pyromaniac, I love tacky color combos, and I play guitar.  When I'm not doing cross-country or track, I am always at the skate park starting fires in trash cans with Pico.”  He flashed me a smile, and I couldn't stop myself from full-on grinning.  

Ms. Reddish sighed and simply said, “Next?”

That's me!

“Hey everyone, I'm Pico.  Most of you know me, because I'm on the football team, I play basketball, and I do theater.  I'm well-traveled because my parents are both in the army, that's actually how they met and adopted me, and we'll often take a small vacation when one is deployed.  I'm from Spain, but I was only there for like three years, and I didn't start talking til four years old, haven't stopped since.  I have two mice named Ash and Tray.  Nene has said she will kill me and dump my body in the river behind the school if I stop doing theater.”

“I will,” She said with her iconic smile.  “And in fact, for those of you who don't know, hi.  My name is Nene.  I'm a woman of many hobbies, from modeling, to taekwondo, to theater, amongst others.  I also work at the local craft store, and often sell my own work there.  I do so much to distract myself from the emptiness of life and the crushing void of insignificance in this universe.  Yippee!”  

Nene looked at Brandy, who was attempting to hold back laughter.  “Okay, hi guys.  I'm Brandy, the only junior here.  I'm in the choir and play the xylophone for the orchestra.  I'm kind of a nerd, I love reading and gaming.  I also ice skate, and am on my way to becoming a professional.  I'm going to cry so much when y’all graduate, but that's alright.  Uh, yeah.  Back to you, Reddish.”  

Ms. Reddish clapped her hands, happy with her group of weird-ass kids.  “Alright students, the rest of the period is yours to mingle and get to know one another.  If you have any questions, let me know.”  

Everyone got up and went different ways.  

Nene stayed on the floor with Darnell, who was introducing himself to Blaire, the latter awkwardly staring at him, a bit of interest in his eyes.  Giko examined something on the wall, with Hanzo next to him.  Alucard, Cyril, and Cassandra were arguing about something pointless.  As per usual.  Always something with the weird kids.  

What was I doing?  Going to bother the new girl, who Brandy just got done talking to.  

Galatea flicked through her phone, looking bored.  Maybe she has lunch next?  That'd be cool.  I have lunch, and I think Nene does too.  If they're friends, I can invite her under the guise of hanging with Nene.  The I in Pico stands for Genius.  

I walked over, leaning on the desk a little.  “Your daddy must be a drug dealer, because you're dope.”  

“My dad is dead.”

The goth kids stopped arguing and looked over at us, making it feel oddly quiet, other than their attempts to not laugh.  Well, really just Cassandra and Cyril.  Alucard kinda just stared with an impressed expression.  

She didn't even hesitate, so I felt stupid having to think for a second before saying, “I have two, wanna share?”  

While Cassie laughed at me in the background and Alucard cringed from probably secondhand embarrassment, Galatea looked up at me.  She sighed a little before saying, “Alright pretty boy, you wanna play this game?”

I shrugged with a small smile, and she laughed.  “You really must have faith in yourself.”  

I do, she's right!

She stood up and said, “I have lunch after this.  What are you doing?”

“I have lunch too,” I quickly pointed out.  “And hey, my backseat's open anytime.”  

“I fucking hate you already,” Galatea said with a bent-up smile.  

As Cyril pinched the bridge of his nose in the background, and Cassie leaned on him for support from her prolonged laughing fit, I said, “Join the club, doll.”  

Chapter Text

Galatea's POV

---

The bell rang, finally.  Pico extended his hand and asked, in what I hope is a joking manner, “Would you care to have lunch with me?"

But unfortunately for him, “I have plans.”  

“With who?”  

Nene smiled at me as she walked over, punching Pico in the back.  “Alright you horny bitch, get lost.”  

“Actually, I'm joining you two,” he said with so much utter confidence and audacity.  Damn, I wish I had the level he did.  

“Do you really want to sit in the back with Alucard?” 

Huh?  

Isn’t that the blue guy that ran into her earlier?  Like, the one that she got partnered with in chemistry?

Alucard loomed behind her, awkwardly shuffling his feet a little.  “So…  What are we even doing?  For lunch, I mean.”  There's just something about him that feels tense, an unspoken feeling.  Odd, but okay.  

She looked at me, and I looked at her with the same raised eyebrow and smile.  

“Alright everyone, to my car!”

—

While old, this car's stereo really packs a punch.  

Pico unsuccessfully convinced me to sit in the back with him, and I'm glad I declined.  

Him and Nene were obviously having a great time, cruising down the street and belting out some goofy ass songs.  

“I'M HIGH AS A KIIITE, I JUST MIIIGHT STOP TO CHECK YOU OU-”

Pico was suddenly silenced by hitting the headrest because the car was almost jerking to slow down.  Nene apologized, “Sorry, this car is an old piece of shit.  Now what do you guys want?” 

“For Pico to not be such a dumbass,” I said with a slight eye roll while handing her the cash for my food.  “And a Cuban wrap, with a Pepsi.”  

Pico's hair gently poked the back of my neck, and although soft, I instinctively moved away.  I hate when shit touches the back of my neck without warning.  

He moved away from my seat and said, “A chicken ciabatta sandwich, and you still owe me 12 dollars sooo...”  

Nene sighed with a groan.  “It was literally two years ago, and you said it was okay.”  

“No no, this is for over the summer when you stabbed me.”

Moving on, she asked, “And what about you, Alucard?”

“Just a Caesar salad, here.”  Admittedly, I kept looking at him through the mirror, because he was just about staring at Nene this entire time.  But then when she finally spoke to him, he looked away, more down at the ground by the car door.  He seemed almost bashful, which is odd considering how stoic he's acted.  

She grabbed the money he held out, and said, “Thank you, this is a good way to apologize.”  

“Yeah, no offense but why is Stitch here?”  Alucard gave Pico a disgusted side eye for that one as I chuckled.  

Nene reached behind her and hit his knee.  “Well Peter Pan, he offered to buy me lunch as a way to apologize for knocking me over earlier.  I'll make you walk back to school if you don't knock it off!”

She pulled up to order, and when she was done, Alucard asked, “Are you going to get more than just a small smoothie?  They're tiny here.”

“Why?”

Alucard gave her a deadpan look.  Just a simple, deadpan, tired stare.  “Because you have always had the fear of gaining weight since middle school and at this point I'm convinced you only eat about once a week due to that and that's not good for you.  If you pass out while driving I'm suing you.”  

Nene stayed silent and pulled forward, which made Alucard quietly scoff, gently kicking the back of her seat.  

I can't tell whether they're friends or not, honestly.  

He acts quiet and reserved, but decided to go to lunch with her, and talked with her all through chemistry, and then he was staring at her and concerned about her, plus he took the time to figure out some issues, and I really don't know.

Teenagers are fucking weird. 

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

Once again, here I am, sitting in the old Honda in the school parking lot.  

School has settled into its natural rhythm, days passing and most people's will to live with it.  My feet feel glued to the floor, as if all I can do is hit the brake or the gas, maybe ram the car into a tree.  If I get fast enough, maybe I'll get lucky?

Not in this old hunk of shit.  

It's hard to get out when I know there's no point.  I'm not going to use my diploma much, if at all.  It'll essentially just be a rite of passage, a reminder that I wasted all that time just to get a piece of paper that people say holds meaning.  To get a job, sure, but I already have one.  I'll inherit the dojo and won't need to worry about finding one.  

Students, teachers, and people who I couldn't tell what they were, all blurry while passing by the car window, as the days have passed.  I hope the days will at the very least speed up, so it doesn't feel like I'm here for eight hours a day.  

The only thing that made me move was a strong tapping on my window, that made me jump in my seat.  What if it's a security guard and I get a ticket for staying in my car?  I seriously can't do that right now.  

“Earth to Nene?”  

No, it was Darnell.  

Pico opened the car door, pointing to the school.  “Out, now, come on.”

I did as he demanded, finally stepping out of the car after grabbing my stuff from the passenger seat.  I wore a short skirt today, but these two are way too used to accidentally seeing something ride up, so they really couldn't give a shit that I had to lean over.  

We started wordlessly walking to and into the school after I closed and locked the car door, simply hearing the sounds of the halls, but not particularly listening.  

“You good Nene?”

All the boys got in response was a laugh as they left to go to the gym.  

No shit!  But they know that.

We all know that. 

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

After a week had passed, we already started on procedures and lab work.  Giko had given me his worksheets and notes for the class, in one big manila folder, so Nene and I had it pretty easy.  

After filling out the papers Mr. Hamler had assigned, Nene had her head down on the desk, looking absolutely burnt out already. Concealer couldn't hide the puffiness of her eyes, or the redness of them, and a smile can't hide feelings, sometimes.  

It's only been a week, goddamn.  

Looking at her, it reminded me of something that happened in middle school.  Despite never considering a friend she sure had an impact on me.  

—

Gym class was always rough for Alucard.  Because of his powers, it sapped his energy constantly, and left him just about none for running around and playing like everyone else.  

Soccer was a repeat offender for leaving him only a faint notion of life even though it was one of the few he liked, and that day, it took about everything from him.  He walked over to the side after passing the ball to someone he didn't know, and promptly passed out on the floor.  

Most kids just kept playing.  It was just some weird emo kid passed out, not like he was being helpful anyways.  Pico elbowed one of his teammates who was lost in thought and demanded, “Come on Nene, we're about to win!”

“Uh, I'll be right back.”

She walked over to the side of the gym, where Alucard had unceremoniously dumped himself.  She decided to plop down right next to him, knowing it's not fun waking up alone, as if no one had even noticed.  She even slipped her sweater under his head despite fresh cuts on her arms she didn't want to show, because the floor is absolutely disgusting.  

A few minutes passed and he slowly sat up.  He looked around, surprised to see her sitting next to him.

“Hey, are you feeling alright?  That was quite a fall,” she asked and gently touched his shoulder.  Nene smiled a little at her own well-meaning joke, head tilted a little bit.  

Alucard rubbed the back of his head a little and shrugged.  “Why'd you come over here though?  I don't need watched over.  I'm not a kid.”

“....  Dude yes you are, we're 12.”  

Nene simply shrugged, mimicking his response.  “Now come on, everyone else is in the locker rooms.”  

She got up and bounded away, leaving him confused but a little touched that she thought to check in on him.  

—

I guess it's time to repay her for that act of kindness.  

I reached over and slightly touched her shoulder, asking, “Hey, are you alright?”

Nene just about shot up in her seat, looking confused and a little panicked.  

“Hey, hey, it's alright, you're alright.  Uhm, are…  You?”  

Well, actually, I can't say that with 100 percent certainty.  

To keep it simple, Nene looked rough.  Her eyes were somewhat bloodshot, with eyebags under them, no makeup on, her hair was frizzy and undone, she only wore a large sweater and leggings despite always putting effort into her clothes and looks, and her nails looked chewed up.  

In other words, she looked stressed, freaked out, and tired.  

I think she looks fine, but with her standards, this isn't normal.  

“I have no clue what you're talking about,” Nene said while looking away.  

She left immediately as the bell rang, leaving me no time to ask anything else. 

Chapter Text

Cyril's POV

---

Alucard was being a little goofy today.  That's the best way to put it.  He's been looking over at Nene the entire time Ms. Reddish has been lecturing us, with a confused look on his face.

Or he's glaring at her.

As soon as the teacher stopped talking, Alucard quietly asked our little desk group, “Did anyone notice Nene's mood this morning?”  

“Of course you're noticing stuff about Nene,” Cassie said with an eyeroll, kicking her feet up on the desk.  

Hanzo looked at Giko, who looked back at her and shrugged.  

The class somewhat divided itself in two, as there's two groups of desks in the middle, so we could have these conversations with no worries.  

Giko, Alucard, Cassie, Hanzo and I all sat at one, while the others sat on the other side.  

“I swear, she looked rough this morning.  Her makeup wasn't done, she had a sweater and leggings on, her hair wasn't done, and her eyes were bloodshot, her eyebags were fucking wicked, and I don't know, it was weird.”  

Giko raised an eyebrow and told him, “Look behind you.”

Alucard and I both turned around, seeing her in all her normal-ness, with her hair and makeup done, in a short blue dress, getting in Pico's face and making fun of him for being ginger.  They were awfully close, her just about in his lap to get that close.  

He turned back around with an annoyed sigh, which made me and Cassie share a look.  

“Aw, is someone jealous?”  Cassie had a malicious grin on as she asked, causing Hanzo to laugh and join in.

She teased him by asking, “Wish you were Pico?  Hm?”  

“I would never want to be ginger,” Alucard pointed out, but avoiding the question.  

Giko added, “You didn't answer the question asked, and inadvertently answered the question.  You're jealous because you have a c-”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU AUTISTIC ASSHOLE,” Alucard whisper-shouted at him.  Giko has given us full permission to use the insult towards him, and we're probably too happy to call him that. 

But it's funny so we don't care.  

Brandy suddenly popped over, at the unoccupied end of the table.  “Who's the autistic asshole?”

Giko raised his hand a little and she smiled, holding her hand out, and he gave her a small high five.  “Gang gang, anyways, I got some papers to hand out for homework, but it'll take less than 10 minutes.”

She handed out a few sheets, one for each person, all about our voices and music interests.  

Now, it's no secret between us all, but Brandy is an absolute hottie.  At least I think so.  Her hair is nice and her body is my exact type, chubby hourglass.  Plus, her freckles are adorable, and I guess she makes my brain scatter a little, or whatever.  Also, I like chicks that are taller than me.  

A lot of them are.

“Hey Brandy, I got a question for you,” I said while motioning her over to my side of the table.  

Hanzo and Giko sat across from Alucard and I, and Cassandra sat at the head of the table, although she moved over so Brandy could stand next to me.

She sighed as she walked past Alucard, saying as she landed next to me, “What is it, pink panther?”

“What's your vocal part?”

She glared down at me, raising an eyebrow as she asked, “Why do you need to know?”

I stood up as the bell rang, sliding an arm around her and walking her to the door.  She was already going red in the face, probably sick of my shit.  

“I bet you can hit soprano notes in bed, wanna test it sometime?”

She groaned, but was smiling, probably involuntarily.  “I don't think your thumbtack could make me even flinch.”  

She shook her head a bit, hitting me with her hair by accident, glancing down to look at me.  She's a shade of crimson at this point, and probably going to hit me again or something.  

“This is my stop, thanks for the walk cowboy,” Brandy said while pushing me away slightly.  

Damn, she's pretty when she blushes. 

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

I can't find Nene anywhere.  

I decided that I'd ask her about what happened this morning myself, since she decided to magically change everything, but I couldn't seem to find her anywhere.  

Walking down the hall, it reminded me of the time in freshman year that I saw her putting up posters to dissuade people from voting for the class president via embarrassing secrets.  

Milton Esparza lost by a landslide that year.  

These halls used to seem so big, but strolling down them this year, things feel too cramped.  I'm ready to get out of this shitty school.  

Passing by the health class, I remembered the time that a cop came into our classroom to talk about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and the joys of staying healthy.  

Now, I have never trusted cops.  And a lot of my friends don’t either.  

Hanzo decided that day to choose violence.  The cop said if one of them saw anyone riding their bike through their neighborhood, they'd give them a coupon for a free ice cream cone at a local sweets shop.  

She brought up that it was classist.  

The guy had no clue what she meant.  

She pointed out that many people don't own bikes.  

The cop said that they'd also give them to kids walking, scootering, skating, or anything like that.  They just wanted to promote healthiness.  

Hanzo pointed out that cops don't patrol many neighborhoods, mainly just busy streets and the rich areas.  

He ended up giving her a coupon.  

Going past the auditorium's back entrance, I thought of the time during a tech and crew Sunday that Darnell lit a wig on fire and hit the stanky leg.  One of my favorite days of Legally Blonde had to have been that one.  

At this point, I was just aimlessly wandering, but that was alright with me.  I'll see Nene on other days.  

Moving past the school's back entrance, I picked up the food I ordered and was reminded of the time that the freshmen, our class at the time, got to go to Styer Orchards and pick some fruits and stuff.  

It was fun, but the most fun part may have been when that one kid with the blue hair climbed up an apple tree and started throwing apples at Pico, who caught them in a basket.

I think they were a thing at the time, but since junior year, I haven't really seen them together.  

I had no clue where I was going at this point.  

Passing the gym, I thought of the one time that, to scare the shit out of Tessa Wu and Edith Harmon, I started levitating and summoned all the dodgeballs in the class just to throw all the balls at them.  

It was a glorious trip to the principal's office.  

Going past said office, I remembered the time that I saw Pico, his blue-haired friend, a really tall girl with brown hair holding his hand, Cyril, and a few other kids I didn't know, after coming back to school from a visitation with my dad.  

I wasn't here for it, but they all got busted for wearing crop tops in protest of the school's dress code.  

I'm just saying, it was incredible that they lasted until the third period.  

And I would never say it out loud, but you can tell Pico works out.  

Making my way past the arts wing, reminding me of the time that Brandy, Giko, and I skipped orchestra to go get ice cream in the dead of winter.  

Soon enough, I found myself in the courtyard, and I thought about when Pico and Cyril beat the shit out of each other sophomore year, and how both ended up in the hospital.  

A lot of people ended up betting on them, actually.  

I sat down at an empty table, which made me think of the last day of school last year, when my friends all sat down and thought about the fact that we have one year left.  

One year.  

Thank fucking GOD. 

Chapter Text

Hanzo's POV

---

Clothing sucks.  

It's a simple but true statement.  Most girls agree with me when I say it.  

Too small?  Everything's loose.  Too big?  Everything's tight.  Too short?  Everything trails to the floor.  Too tall?  Nothing fits.

That's the issue I have.

I'm the tallest girl in many of my classes, a solid 5'10.  I like being tall, but I hate not being able to find anything that fits.  

That's why I'm at the craft store, in the fabric section.  

I had many different patterns and colors in my arms, ready for a weekend of planning, cutting, and sewing.  

This year, I picked out more floral designs than normal, and more purples and blues than I would.  A lot of the time, I simply wear greens, warm colors, nudes, and neutrals, but I think branching out might be worth it.  

I frequent this store because Nene works here, and normally get her opinion on what fabrics look good.  Today, though, is a different story.  

I sat the fabrics down at the cutting counter, surprised to see a familiar face.  

“Oh, hey 'Tea!”  

She flashed a smile, asking, “How much of each?”  

Well, this is going to take a bit to sort out.

After she cut everything for me, I stayed for a minute, just simply to chat.  “When did you start working here?”

“I've worked with the company for around three years, like since I was 15.”  She moved a few fabrics before continuing, “But because one was in the area, they let me transfer when I moved last year.  I came here around late spring, but I took my end-of-course tests and exams, so they didn't make me go back to school.”

I wish I could just leave and not have to do school.  Screw that.  

“I'll let you get back to work, see you on Monday!”

I walked away to let her work as she said, “Bye, remember to think about audition music!”

Chapter Text

Pico's POV

—

I'm not completely lost, but at the moment, I am very unsure.

Ms. Reddish brought up the fact that our class auditions for the musical will be soon, and we need to start thinking about our songs.

I'm not exactly sure what to do for a solo.  I could play it safe and sing a musical number, but that's boring and I'm a risk-taker.  But then with risks there's the fact that it might not sound good, or I feel stupid.

Looking through my playlists is useless, because I do not listen to anything audition-worthy.

What to do, what to do…

“Uhm, hey.”

I looked up from my phone, which had my music up, seeing Alucard standing in front of me.  

He looked away and coughed a little before explaining, “Everyone else seemed to partner up for auditions, so I guess it leaves me and you.”

Oh!

Well, I'm not upset or angry, but I am surprised.  

“Cool, do you have anything in mind?”  Alucard awkwardly sat a desk away from me, for some reason leaving some space.  

As I started scrolling again, a perfect idea struck me.  Well, that and I saw it on my phone.  

“I don't bite a lot, come closer.  I think I have a song we could use!  You know what Dear Evan Hansen is, right?”

—

Alucard was trying his hardest to maintain his serious composure, but he was laughing too damn hard to do that.  

After a few deep breaths, he brought up the point that, “This is hilarious, but it has three people.  How are we going to fill that in?”

I blinked a few times, because right over his shoulder, Blaire sat alone, not exactly looking the most interested in whatever's going on.  

“I know that Rainbow Dash, use your fucking brain.  How many people are in this class?”

Alucard started counting, and turned around, seeing what I saw.

“Oh.  Him.”

Galatea, Nene, and Brandy all sat together, with Blaire a desk ahead of them.  Their sister kept throwing Goldfish at him, laughing harder and harder each time.  

I looked at Alucard, and he nodded his head a little.  

“So are we including him?”

“I feel like we have to include them.”

I took a cheeze-it out of my bag and tossed it, hitting him square in the face while saying, “BLAIRE, come here!”

—

Hanzo's POV

—

From my left to my right, Cassie, Cyril, Giko, and I all sat in a circle on the floor.  We decided we need to talk about who's doing what, and Alucard volunteered to be the one that finds someone else.

What a valiant sacrifice.  

Cyril and Cassandra wanted to do a comedic song, but Giko wanted to think a little more about what he's doing, and impress the director with skill instead of humor.  

I don't care what I'm singing, but I have one specific thing that I will not budge on.  

“Hey, y’all?”

Suddenly, three pairs of eyes were all on me.  Staring kind of unnerves me, so I looked past Cyril's head, up at his mohawk.  

I clapped my hands together and asked, “So, remember how I've been doing vocal therapy to I guess lighten my voice for a few years now?”

Cassie punched my leg and asked, “Yeah girl, now what's up?”

“I've been doing vocal training, like singing, and I think I'll audition for a lead female part.”

Cassie and Cyril started cheering, and Giko congratulated me.  

Suddenly, Cyril had an idea.  “Alright, then Cassie can audition with me and you two can audition together.  Perfect!”

We broke into our duos, which just consisted of facing each other.  Easy!

—

Brandy's POV

---

Galatea simply looked over at me, with a knowing smile.  

“So should we?”

“Oh, it's ON,” I said, returning her exact same grin.  

—

Darnell's POV

---

My laptop was open, and a million tabs with songs were up.  

Auditions are no joke.  

Half the shit I listen to is stuff that would get me banned from the stage, so I'm kind of unsure here.  

Nene walked up, looking at what I was doing.  “Sooo, are we gonna duet or what bro?”

“You got it chick, pop a squat,” I said while kicking a chair so she could sit down.  

She sat down and started prattling on, “Let's talk song type.  It can't be too rap-y, or too slow, or too fast, and it can't be too inappropriate.  I think that leaves like, 3 and a half songs.”

I looked over at her, up and down.  “The hell you think you are, coming in and dictating shit?”

“I want the lead role dumbass, now let's get searching.”   

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

Nene sat the lab question sheet down from yesterday, the homework she said she'd take care of.  As if she doesn't do a million other things with her life.  I could never .  

“Here, I filled out everything for you.  I know you were busy with Cassie and Cyril last night.”

“Thanks.”

After a moment, I decided to ask, “Hey, uhm, Nene.  Can I ask you something?”

She looked over, elbow resting on the desk and her head in her hand.  “Yeah Alucard, you already did.  What's up?”

“So…”  Even though I hate admitting it, I had to grab my jacket and rub some of the material in my hand to calm myself.  Her eyes looking at me are just…  Intimidating.  And she's pretty which makes it worse.  “This is going to sound weird, but…  On those days that you come to school looking like shit, but then by drama class you're magically in a new outfit with your hair and makeup done…  What's up with that?”

She looked surprised at being called out, but blinked a few times and looked away before saying, “Hm, IIIIIIIIIIIIIII'm not exactly sure what you're talking about.”

She's not playing this game.  Oh my god, she isn't doing this.  

“Nene, you know full well what I'm talking about.  Like last week, and the second week of school, and two days ago, you keep doing this.  It's common and kind of concerning.”  

“No clue what you could be referring to, everything I do is concerning one way or another,” She said with a shiteating grin.

I can't exactly force her to admit it, but in a moment of blind desperation and wanting to know the truth, I grabbed her hand and said, “You know you can talk to me.  We're stuck together for the whole year, and might as well be comfortable talking with each other.”  

I must have looked more shocked than she did, because after a second, she smiled with a laugh and squeezed my hand right back.  “Of course we should be, we are going to see each other a lot.”  

I didn't exactly pull away, and she didn't either, so we sat for a minute, just kind of holding hands.  

She dropped my limp hand and said, “I seriously need to take a huge piss,” Before getting up and walking to the teacher's desk, then leaving the room.  

As the shock wore off that I held her hand, Brandy plopped down in Nene's seat.  

“You're blushing.”

Brandy laughed as I covered my face with my hands.  She simply asked, “Do you have a crush on her?”

“No.”

She raised an eyebrow at me, and kept staring with a disappointed look.  

Under the pressure of her unblinking eyes, all I could say was, “Okay, just fuck off please.”

“There we go,” She said while standing up.  “The truth, somewhat.”

I hate when people stare at me.  

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

Every single week, it gets harder to get out of bed.  

Out of the bed, and into the bedroom.  

Out of the bedroom, and into the hallway.  

Out of the hallway, and into the bathroom.  

Out of the bathroom, and into the hallway.  

Out of the hallway, and into the kitchen.

Out of the kitchen, and into the stairwell.  

Out of the stairwell, and out the door.  

Out the door, and into the parking lot.  

Out of the parking lot, and into the car.

Out of the car, and into the school.

But I haven't gotten that far yet.  

It's hard to get out knowing every day I'm repeating the same phrases, the same excuses, and knowing each day it makes more and more sense to stay in bed and less and less sense to continue showing up when this is useless.  

Knowing that this is all useless.  

Knowing I'm useless.  

Knowing I'm stupid.

It's stupid knowing I legally have to do this shit, or my mom or I could end up in jail.  It's not like it'll matter in the end!  

Fuck, I might die before this year ends, and it'll all be for absolute jackshit.  I’ll just be a black and white headshot for all eternity my mom could cry over at half-ass assemblies on suicide prevention.  

When I get in this state, I space out.  I space out badly.  Sometimes, people can shake me and I won't even notice it happening.  I'm in my own little world where things are just a little less not worth it.  

And of course, while in my own little world, I didn't notice someone outside of my car until I heard three loud thumps on the side of my car.  

“Fucking hell dude, we're gonna be late for class!  Get out of your car!”  

Alucard looked kind of pissed as he stared down, eyebrows bent up with a scowl and crossed arms, and I don't know why because he's relatively harmless, but it scared me a little.

A little bit of a lot.  

He's much taller than me, he's strong for a guy that never has energy, plus not to mention his psychic abilities.  

Even though I am trained in self-defense, you can't exactly defend against being thrown into the air .  

I rolled down the window a tiny bit and asked, “Promise you won't hurt me?”

He looked at me confused and asked, “Why would I do that?”

“Well, you're tall and kinda strong and you're yelling at me, it's a bit scary, I won't lie…”

He stayed silent for a second, before opening the car door and asking, “Permission to touch you?”

“Yeah, I don't care, most guys do anyway,” I mumbled with a shrug.  

I hadn't noticed myself kinda curl up in the seat, knees up to my chest, but when he gently wedged his hand in my curled-up-ball form, he tilted my head up by the chin.  “Hey, do you need to talk about anything?”

“I think I'm good.”  I couldn't help but smile a little, because it's odd for him to show, well, this.  Human sympathy.  

“Do you think you can step out of the car?”

Most days, no.  But today, with a kind someone helping me out, “That's…  Actually a good idea.”  

He stood up straight as I got out, almost falling over on him.  When I stood up, I became really light-headed and my vision went fuzzy.  I could barely stand, but instead of him making me try, he just gently put his arms around me and asked, “Woah there, when did you eat last?”

“Fuck if I know,” I quietly said with a laugh.  Here we go, a lecture about how I need to eat and I'm way too underweight and it's unhealthy.  

“Would you like to get breakfast with me?  The bell just rang.  Might as well not go now.”  

I looked up at him surprised, but the only response I got was a soft look, with him heavily blushing, and what might be a hint of a smile.  “Yeah, we might as well do something, no reason to get detention.”

“I…  Y'know what, sure.”  

He's right, we might as well!  I gently pulled myself away from him and went back into the car, as he went to the other side and hopped in the passenger seat.  

It's odd that he's being so kind, as he's always been kind of cold and cut-off, but I could get used to this!

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

After a debate, we decided to go to a café close by to the school.  We have the time, so why not?

Now, I'm not trying to pry, but the main reason I asked her to go to breakfast with me is to get more information out of her.  I'm still curious as to what's up with her, and I'll find out.  

The drive was short enough for us to not talk, and instead she put some music on to fill the silence.  

She started humming along to her soft little pop song, not exactly my style but not bad.  

At one point, she went from humming to softly singing and drumming on the steering wheel, probably just in her own little world.  

“Cause darling, you taste like cherry blossoms and you smell just like ‘em too…”  She faded back to humming as the cars in front of us sped up, and in turn, we moved.  

I noticed something about her, and to start the conversation off easy, asked, “So, you listen to a lot of love songs?”

Nene thought about it for a second, shrugging.  “I don't know, it depends on my mood.  This song though, it's special.  I can jam to it anytime.”

“And what's so special about it?”

Nene laughed a little before saying, “Pico and I decided that if we were a couple, it'd be our song.  It's based on an anime that we watched together, and some of the little details match up.”

Now, I'm not a jealous person.  I do not get jealous.  And I am not jealous of Pico and Nene being essentially closer than a couple could ever be.  

But if I could, I'd take his place in an instant.  

The “confusion” must have shown on my face, because she continued, “Pico, Darnell, and I are all closer than can be.  We're at that point in our friendships where we can joke about this stuff securely, because we're too close to do anything to each other.”  

If they're all so close, I figure they chose the other pairings.  “What would you and Darnell's song be?”

“Easy, Hello? By Clairo and Rejjie Snow.  And Pico and Darnell's song would be Talk Too Much by COIN.”  She listed off the songs matter-of-factly as she parked, hopping out of the car almost as soon as it stopped.  

She should really keep her seat belt on the entire time.  

“Wait, Pico and Darnell have a song?  So, are they…”  

Nene glanced at me as we walked in.  “Are they…?”

“Are they fruity or like what's up with that?”

She started laughing, not stopping until we went up to the kiosk to order.  “Alright, you know what you want?”

“Yes, but do you?”  I know she really doesn’t eat much, so I wanted to make sure she actually gets something.  No weaseling her way out of this!

“Yeah, I can order for us.  Just tell me what you want,” She said, and I gave her a disappointed, pointed look.  

“You're not getting out of eating.” 

She sighed and asked, “But do I really have to?”

I just kept looking at her, so she said in a rather annoyed tone, “Fiiiiine, I'll get something to eat.”  

I already put my order in, so I motioned for her to order.  

She clicked on literally like a single piece of french toast, so I gently moved her and clicked the meal option.  “I'm paying, but you seriously need to eat something.”

“I'm fine on a piece of french toast,” she protested, but I'm not having it.  “And you're not paying.  It's not a date, you don't have to cover it.”  

Even just the thought of this being considered a date made me flustered, and I guess she noticed.  She reached up on her tippy toes and patted the top of my head, and said, “You're adorable when you blush, like a little school boy.”

I put my head in my hands because that killed me.  I felt dead on the spot, really warm and like something was twisting and trying to escape in my stomach.  After a few seconds, I heard the machine print a receipt, and she grabbed my arm, leading me away and to a table.  

As we sat down, she decided to inform me that she paid.  

Goddamnit.  

After a bit and getting our food, I finally started talking about what I originally wanted.  

“Nene, are you okay?  Not just right now, like in general.”  

She looked up from her french toast with a confused look before asking, “Why do you ask?”  

I don't think she's alright.  

“Well, you keep spacing out in your car to the point that you're constantly almost late for first period, and you space out in class and barely respond to people yelling at you.  Sorry about that, by the way.”  It's concerning behavior in itself, but there's more reasons.  

She countered with, “You never exactly respond when people talk to you either.”  

But unlucky for her, I had more to bring up, listing off on my fingers.  “Bitch, I'm just ignoring people on purpose, not ‘cause I'm mentally ill, don't even.  Also, you never eat anything of substance to the point that it causes you to feel sick or get dizzy like in the parking lot.”  

After taking a bite of a sausage link, she motioned to her plate and mouth.  

“Yes, everyone knows you eat sausage.”  We both only kept straight faces for a second before laughing.  “Seriously though, you're always running off to the bathroom and I know you don't need to go that much.”  

That part made her choke on her apple juice.  “I'm fine, Alucard,” She insisted, but I don't believe her.  

“Well, you've always been the school poster child for mental illness.”  That last part was a bit of a harsh joke, but Nene laughed again, so we're all good.  “Need I go on?”  

Nene checked the time and sighed, pointing out that, “We need to get back to school.”

We got our food boxed and got into the car, both not wanting to go back.  I think at this point no one enjoys school, not even Giko, the nerdiest kid I know.  

She kept the music on all the way back to school, humming along to basic shit, but as she parked, she asked, “So, you really want to know, Alucard?”

“Well yeah, I do.  I do want to know what's wrong.  The entire point of me asking, actually.”  

She simply laughed at me.  Popped the car door open, stepped out with her bookbag.  

“Try harder then.  See you in drama,” Is all she said before bounding away. 

Chapter Text

Giko's POV

---

Auditions have dawned upon us.  

These last few weeks have been a blurry mess, and it's finally here.  

While the other kids goofed off and whispered amongst one another, I listened to Ms. Reddish, who stepped up on stage.  

The lights were harsh, but illuminated her warm tone.  Normally, they make me look sick, because of the cool, pale undertone I have.  

“So, auditions.  Fun, nerve-wracking, boring, whatever.  Call them what you want, but this is how they'll run.”  

She has a habit of pacing in a small area, which is what she did as she explained, “Before, you kids have experienced short auditions.  16 bars of a song, a snippet of a monologue maybe , and then you have to sit down for a few hours as other kids do the same song over, and over, and over.  But these auditions are completely different.”  

She smiled a little, probably thinking about how she'll actually be out of here before sunset.  “First, you'll come up with your duet partner on deck, and give a slate.  Name, grade, and the full song you chose, but with the added portion of why you're auditioning.  You may have also noticed that I'm a lot more relaxed on the rules for these auditions, almost anything slides with me.  If there's an f-bomb, just change it up, and we're pretty much good.”  

“Our order will go as was put on the auditorium door, but just a reminder: Cassandra, Cyril, their duet, Hanzo, Giko, duet, Nene, Darnell, duet, Brandy, Galatea, duet, Blaire, Pico, Alucard, and their trio.”  

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Darnell pull Nene's hair, and I had to stop myself from laughing.  In front of me, Mr. Moore, the choir director, looked over the sheet music, labeled with our names.  Poor guy is stuck in the madness.  

“Tuesday, you guys get a break, because it's the county and non-drama class auditions for soloists.  Choreography and chorus auditions will be on Wednesday, then callbacks are on Thursday, and the list is posted after school on Friday.  Any questions?”  

Cassandra raised her hand and asked, “Did you really have to make me first?”  

Ms. Reddish laughed at her.  Just straight laughed, no response.  “You all have a few minutes to get ready as I set up my audition sheets, good luck.”

And with that, she ran down to her table in the back of the auditorium, and everyone started panicking. 

Chapter Text

Pico's POV

---

As Ms. Reddish started running, our minds started full-speed.  

Cassandra and Cyril started looking over their packets (which I assume has their music), panicked and rushed.  

Nene and Darnell were calmly going over notes, although I know both of them were stressed out of their minds.  Nene especially.  

Galatea was completely calm, and Brandy was the complete opposite.  

Hanzo and Giko were quietly singing together, almost soft enough that no one could hear.  

Next to me, Alucard and Blaire went over their parts, and I finally looked over at the sheet.  

“I won't lie to you guys, I am a little buzzed right now.  The green helps ease my nerves.  And my schizo-ness.”

Blaire snickered a little while Alucard asked, “When was the last time you were sober for auditions?”  

“Never.”

“Honestly, same.”  

Blaire glanced at us both with a bit of worry.  

Eh, we'll be fine.  

—

Brandy's POV

---

“ALRIGHT,” Mom said from the back of the room.  “Cassandra, you're up, Cyril's on deck!”  

After hanging her head for a second, she walked to the stage, each step on the stairs getting absolutely stomped on.  

Cyril sat down in her wake, looking over at me and shooting a wink, along with finger guns.  

Nerd.  

The house lights dimmed as Cassie started, saying, “My name's Cassandra, I'm a senior, and I'll be performing All I Wanted by Paramore.  I'm auditioning because theater is really one of the few places in this school I'm actually connected with, and it seems like a fun time, one last show.”  

I don't really know much about Cassie, but I know she can belt.  When she started the chorus though, god damn .  

And another thing about her, she's confident.  That's going to help her a lot.  

I could tell Mr. Moore was having fun playing a piano version of this rock song, because he bobbed along the entire time, and his finish was dramatic with a smile.  

What a silly guy.  

Cassandra bowed a slight bit before kicking Cyril on the back of his head.  

Amazing.  

He walked on stage and waited patiently for Mom to say, “Alright, go ahead.”  

“My name is Cyril Post, I am a senior, and I'll be auditioning with emo trash.”  

He got some laughter from the audience before continuing, “The song is I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance, and the reason I am auditioning is I find theater and being someone else for a change really fun, and my eyepatch actually helps sometimes.”  

Watching him sing up there, I can't help but stare.  Maybe he is kind of hot, with his guyliner and shit, when he's not trying to act like some tough macho man.  

He's not much of one to begin with. 

As soon as he finished, impactful and emotional, Cassie moved right back on stage, throwing a pink dress over her clothes.  

As Cyril wrangled his jacket off, revealing a striped purple shirt, she leaned over to Mr. Moore and pointed out a certain sheet  

Cassie turned back to the front stage and cheerfully called out, “We're dueting My New Philosophy from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!”

They acted a lot more animated, being a bit silly on stage as they personified Sally Brown and Schroeder.  

I have never seen Cassie in pink or smile like that.  

They exited the stage once they finished, a small applause coming from the house.   

Those two have true promise.  

—

Cassandra’s POV

---

My nerves were still kind of everywhere as Hanzo and Giko left the audience and went up the stage, to replace me and Cyclops.  

See, I am the only person that calls him that still, and he is way too scared to step to me.  

When I looked back at the stage, Hanzo had a pink cowgirl hat, with a tiara and feathers on it.

Oh my lanta, what is she gonna fucking do?

“Hi!  My name is Hanzo, I'm a senior, and today I'll be singing Blown Away by Carrie Underwood.  I'm auditioning because this program is one of the few that respects me as a person, and it's my last year here.”  

While I knew Hanzo was a big Carrie Underwood, I didn't expect her to actually audition with her music.  

Her song displayed her full range, while mostly alto, some high notes in there.  She's really good with her breath support, and her voice is like a goddamn siren.  Fucking hypnotizing .  

I adore my girl up there, okay?  She's the person I call when I'm painting my toes and want gossip.  

Soon enough, Giko took her place…  Wearing the fucking hat.  He smiled and said, “My name is Giko Jackson, I'm in the 12th grade, and today I will sing Why Don't We Just Dance by Josh Turner.  I am auditioning currently because theater has always interested me and it amazes me, everything that goes into it.  Well, here it goes.”  

He had his fiddle with him, playing parts that needed it, including a solo.  Singing and playing is impressive, honestly.  

Giko's notes, especially the low ones, resonate and make chicks feel things , man.  

Not me though, I’ve seen him take five minutes to conceptualize the thought of your parents supporting you.  Can't come back from that one, buddy.  

When he finished his solo, Hanzo came back on stage.  “We'll be dueting Seventeen from Heathers.”  

I hadn't realized that Hanzo wore blue and Giko wore a black jacket today, instead of his usual white.  

As they sang, they played the emotions well, it almost made me feel sad just watching the nonexistent sorrow.  

Though when they got to the end, my eye was about twitching from the sheer surprise at the volume change.  

Those kids got pipes, goddamn.  

When they exited stage, they joined me, Cyclops having gone off to shamelessly flirt with Brandy.  

That guy has issues. 

Chapter Text

Galatea's POV

---

Nene looked rather different.  

Her normal pinks were replaced with black, including some bold eyeliner and boots that definitely aren't hers.  

She proudly stood on stage with a smile.  “My name is Nene, I'm a senior, and today I'll sing Lost Without You from The Trail To Oregon for you!”  After a breath and a small second, she continued, “I'm auditioning today because theater has been a major part of my life since middle school.  This is probably my last show and there was no way I would miss it.”  

Her getup didn't fit the vibe of her song at all, a hopeful song about finding family.  And it's not on par with her normal music tastes, often angry breakup songs and people singing about being used, which makes me wonder what her past dating life has been like.  

Well, part of her music taste.  

The choir teacher seemed to like this one, being more a country song than anything.  

Something interesting about her audition was the ability to take any average musical number, and project, use enough emotion, and perform it in a way that makes it special by itself, instead of within a show.  

Nene poked Darnell a few times before he went up with a sigh.  He looked normal, which is kind of odd.  I don't know why, his normal fashion sense just looks weird.  

He seemed pretty relaxed while he said, “I'm Darnell, a senior, and I'm performing dancing in the kitchen by Zachary Knowles.  I'm auditioning because I want to try something new for this last year.”  

The choir teacher didn't hesitate to start the music, and he caught on immediately, grooving as he sang.  Darnell looked a little goofy, but it gave his audition some character.  

His audition went down smooth and relaxed, which is kind of a nice break from everyone else's loud, amped up performances.  

Nene bounded up onto the stage when he finished, looking at Darnell and laughing a little.  “Okay so we're dueting CaliforM.I.A. today.  I should preface this by saying I love my mom very much.”  

There wasn't even time to question what she meant, because four hits into the song, her words rang out, loud, crisp, and clear: “MY MOM'S A BITCH!”

Blaire looked at me from a few rows ahead and I had to hold in the giggles that goofy bitch makes me make.  

—

Blaire's POV

--

After Nene and Darnell got done with their duet, Galatea and Brandy made their way to the stage, motioning finger guns to their foreheads.  

Feeling that one.  

Brandy stood on stage and glared at Cyril, who was shamelessly eyeing her up and down.  

GOD I hate horny people.  

After yawning, she started her slate, saying, “My name is Brandy Reddish, the only junior in this room.  I will be singing Just Around The Riverbend from Pocahontas today.  I'm auditioning because I've assistant-directed these since sixth grade, and I want to be on stage this time.”  

She cleared her throat as the music started, soft but with projection, I think.  

Brandy sounded great, but what caught my attention was Cyril's absolute awe-struck face.  He was genuinely either in shock or in love, and considering he seems like the sleaziest, horniest bastard here, I doubt it's the latter.  

I whispered to him, as quietly as I could, “You good?”  

“My dick's in a coma bro,” Cyril said with no hesitation or remorse.  

“I am not your bro, dude.  Not for the next five minutes.”  

I saw 'Tea get on stage and immediately focused on that.  If she fucks up, by god she'll never hear the end of it.  From me.  

“Hello, the name's Galatea, I'm a senior, and I'm auditioning with Maybe from Annie.”  

Oh yeah, that was the 8th grade show we did!  She looked goofy as shit in a ginger wig.  

“I'm auditioning because it's my last year, I might as well.”  

The music was simple, which left room for 'Tea's voice to actually be the center piece.  

While not bad, that's my sister , I'll never admit she's good at anything.  

She ended up sitting on the stage, looking pathetic and sad.  

But as soon as the number ended, she popped up and said, “Brandy and I will duet The End of The Line from The Theory of Relativity!  Well, again.”  

Since it was a piano number, the choir teacher fell into it easily, just as the girls did.  

They had a full choreographed number remembered from the summer show at the playhouse, and ran with it.  Everyone in the audience, at least as I could see, was vibing to the beat.  

The end had me almost yelling for my nerd up there.  

At the end, Cyril, Pico, and I were literally cheering.  

I wonder if his dick is still in a coma?

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

Pico stood on stage, thankfully not with his ugly-ass signature green shirt, proud and happy.  Today, he wore blue.  

More power to him but god, is that green shirt ugly.  

“My name is Pico, I'm a senior, and I'll perform Head In The Clouds by Arrows in Action.  I'm auditioning because my therapists, and Nene, wanted me to.”  

He stood for a second with his thumb up, and 'Tea and I couldn't help but laugh at him.  

That's my best friend, and unfortunately, I love the dude.  

His performance was good, and I know he has a nice voice, I just didn't expect him to sing about getting high and staying that way.  

I…  Should have expected that.  

Especially from him.  

While his number was nice, what I'm really interested in is what's right after this.  

Alucard stepped on stage and left an air of mystery in his wake.  

None of us have heard him on stage.  The most anyone has heard him sing is his friends, while in the car, quietly while everyone else was loud and stuff.  

So, essentially no one has heard.  

He has a higher voice, honestly whiny at times so I know he's probably a tenor. 

That is all I know.  

“Hi.  My name's Alucard, I'm a senior, and I'll be auditioning with I'm so Sorry by Nico Collins.  I'm auditioning because…”  He sighed, shaking his head a little while saying, “People have always told me I have a great voice and should consider sharing it with others, so here I am.”  

The beginning was just some simple notes, and for some reason, it took me by surprise when he started singing.  

As he got more into the song, he became more and more passionate, until at the chorus his little group all reacted in mild horror.  

Cassandra covered her mouth with her hand, Hanzo looked upset, Giko sat in shock, and Cyril couldn’t stop looking at him, then away, then him, on loop.  

I didn't ask why, because my eyes were fixated on stage.  He was simply hypnotizing with how he commanded the stage, the emotions and gestures he used, his projection and diction were on point, and the fact that it felt so genuine .  

It almost sounded like he had a microphone with how his voice shot through the auditorium.  

With the final chorus, I was just about to look away and ask, but then he started singing a harmony part instead of the melody, and god damn .  

It's known throughout the school, I like guys that can sing.  All my exes were from theater, or choir, or performed solo.  

And skin color is not a determining factor.  In fact, Pico refers to the guys I talk to as the “Rainbow Roster”.  

He sighed at the end of the song, clicking his tongue once and quietly saying, “Thank you.”  

Blaire entered the stage right after…  In roller skates.  

What?

“HI OKAY so I'm Blaire, I'm not auditioning for a solo part, all I want is it to be known that I can rollerskate and I don't like singing by myself.  Everyone vote Blaire for Betty Blast!”  

Ms. Reddish chuckled a little from the back, simply saying, “Okay then.  Go ahead.”  

Pico went back up stage while Blaire speedily undid his skates, picking up with, “Us three will be singing Sincerely, Me from Dear Evan Hansen.”  

They had a hilariously choreographed number, Alucard taking all of the high notes during parts with multiple people.    

They finished off looking proud of themselves, while everyone was probably still shocked that Alucard actually sang.

I am at least!

Ms. Reddish stood up in the back, clapping once before saying, “You all are dismissed for the day!”  

I leaned over to Hanzo as soon as she finished.  “Hey, Hanzo, honeyyy, I have a question.”  

“Sure, go ahead,” She smiled and replied.  

“So, when Alucard was singing his solo,” I started while slowly twirling a strand of hair, “Why did you all get shocked and stuff?”  

Hanzo glanced at Cassie, who sucked a breath in through her teeth.  Cyril and Giko both looked at each other before looking away.  

Is it really that serious?

The man of the hour, none other than Alucard fucking Lubowich, walked over and asked, “What are you all talking about?”  

“Well…”  Cassandra looked at him before asking, “Can I talk about the Tanisha situation?”  

He went silent and tensed up before shrugging.  

I set my hand on his arm, looking up at him while saying, “If you don't want me to hear about it, it's okay.  Just be honest, are you okay with it being talked about?  You and everyone else knows my track record when it comes to relationships, there's no shame here.”  

“With Tanisha Faulkner  It was…  Ugh,” He sighed and wiped his face before continuing, smudging a little bit of eyeliner.  As we all went down the hallway, it felt oddly silent, making his words stick out even more.  

“She ended up cheating on me, and when I found out, she started getting really…  Mean .  Mainly a lot of emotional manipulation, constantly playing on my insecurities, and ended up getting violent sometimes.  And then she'd be completely normal the next day, and it took some outside force to get it over with.  That song was just kind of…  It hit close to home.”  

“Holy shit dude, I'm sorry.”  

At that point, we were in the parking lot.  A light breeze pushed my hair out of my face as I walked to my car, assuming the others had gone off.  

All but one, as I felt a tap on my shoulder.  

“Hey, uhm.”  

Alucard looked like he was going to say something, but decided against it.  “Sorry, my nerves are everywhere right now.”  

“Yeah, no worries, auditions do that to everyone,” I said and smiled a little.  

“Yep, those…”  He fidgeted with his hands a little before saying, “You know, this style,” he said with a motion to my outfit, “Suits you pretty well.  Y- It looks nice.”  

I thanked him and ended it with, “Good night, Alucard.”  

“Night,” He said before briskly walking away, not exactly looking the happiest.  

Poor guy, from the start of his life he was always going through something .  

I hope things get better for him.  Soon. 

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

Nene fidgeted in her seat, nervous about auditions last night.  

Even when she's nervous, she's pretty.  Her hair might be slightly messed up, but I think it's nice.  Cute, even, I guess.

“I don't know if you get it, Alucard.  I’ve done this my entire life, and it's my last show.  I would be absolutely crushed if I don't get a role!"

"I'm sure you will, Nene."  

She looked over at me, up and down a little with a smile.  "And what about you?  How are you feeling?"

"I mean," I shrugged before continuing, "I've never done a show.  I'll be anxious regardless until the cast list is up."  

Nene set a hand on my arm while saying, "You sounded great, I'm sure you'll at least make callbacks."

I've noticed that she does that a lot.  I wonder if she's just a touchy person, or if she means something by it…

Probably not.

She's a girl with all the options in the world, and I'm just a guy she sits with.

"If you say so…"  To distract myself from saying or thinking something stupid, I asked, "What have you all done in high school?"

She thought for a second.  "Well, I played Miss Scarlet in Clue.  I actually used one of my sister's prom dresses."

How could I forget?  How could I forget about Nene in that red dress?  It fit her almost perfectly, and while I'm not about to claim anything Cyril says about women is true, but…

I'll keep my comments to myself.  

“And what about Legally Blonde?”  

“I played Paulette,” She said with a smile.  “I loved that one, but the funniest thing must have been when someone dropped the exercise bike on Cassie's foot.”  

I don't want to admit it, but I dropped it.  I saw her do the bend and snap and got distracted!  It did its job!

“Yeah, that was funny.”  

“And last year, probably one of my favorite roles ever , I played Eliza in My Fair Lady!  I even got to use my own kimono onstage!”  

…  That I had to help her get in.  

And I had to help her get out of the dress she was wearing before the kimono, because it was a quick change.  We essentially had her slip on the underlayer, which I have no clue what it's called, so I saw her in her kimono bra and underwear.  

Even just remembering it made my face feel warm.  

“Aaare you okay?” 

I looked at her, and quickly looked away.  “Yeah, why?”  

“Your face is all red,” she made a noise of dissatisfaction before saying, “Well, magenta.  It's a nice shade, though.”  

Her saying that only made it worse.  

She leaned over, crossing an arm under her chest.  “Are you sure you're alright?”  Her v-neck blouse was unbuttoned at the top, and looking down at her…

That really doesn't help things either.  

“Hey, look at m-” She said, but got cut off by the bell. 

Thank GOD.  

Chapter Text

Cassandra's POV

---

“Hey guys, I need to run to the auditorium and prep for dance auditions tonight, behave yourselves.”  

Ms. Reddish left the room, and immediately Cyclops slid into the seat next to Brandy.  

“Jesus Christ dude, you're more attracted to her than meth heads to 7/11,” 'Tea said with an eye roll.  

Pico laughed and added on, “Damn, she even knows, and she just got here.”  

Darnell and Nene, who sat on either side of him, both gave him the same side-eye.  

Brandy slammed her head on the desk as Blaire said, “Uh.  Anyways.  What do you guys think the musical will be?  Or what are you hoping for?”  

I was looking over the “hint” paper, which is really just a sheet with various facts about the musical written on it.  Though, Ms. Reddish did say that sometimes she just straight up lies.  

The hints were: Main character with a black jacket, big final dance scene, trio of girls, set in high school, and heavy christian views.  

“I hope it'll be Carrie,” Hanzo said quickly, probably happy to move away from the suffering of Brandy.  

Well, suffering…?  I don't know, she kind of seems to enjoy him for some reason.  

Darnell grinned somewhat mischievously and said, “Think about how cool the special effects would be!”  

Nene didn't seem to like that.  

“Just saying,” 'Tea added, “The ending is killer.”  

That pun wasn't funny.

Giko cleared his throat and said, “Personally, I think it'll be Footloose.”  

“I really hope it is,” Nene added.

“I was in a production of Footloose, but our Ren was gay, so we had like no chemistry.”  Galatea sighed while noting, “I tried my best but that dude was not having it.”

Pico looked at her and said, “But consider Grease.“

“Man,” Blaire started, “That would be the bomb.”  

“You guys are all sleeping on the fact that it could be Heathers.”  It would be so cool if we did it, even if it's the high school version.  

Cyclops put his hands on the desk and said, “Think about it: Nene would probably play Heather Chandl-”

“Hell no,” Nene responded.  “I'm definitely MacNamara, I fit the depressed popular girl to a T.”  

Alucard shrugged and added, “Either way, it would be cool.”  

As if everyone had the same idea, we all looked at Brandy.  

“Sooooo, what is it hot stuff?”  

Brandy groaned and punched Cyclops before saying, “I don't know.  My mom won't let me see until the chorus auditions.”  

The door opened and everyone went back to what they were doing in an instant.  Ms. Reddish glared at us all suspiciously, but she couldn't prove we were doing anything.  

I love being sneaky. 

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

As someone who's always been in the crew, I'm thankful I never had to deal with this shit.  

The main hall was lined with little groups of people, all singing and playing the same part of the same song at different times, creating a musical cacophony while trying to get down the dance we were shown.  

The choreographer seems really nice, albeit a little snobbish.  And despite the fact that I always thought dancing would be hard, it's actually not that difficult.  

Brandy and I already had it down, so as Cece Pavetti tried to show Charmaine Snyder the moves she wasn't getting, my attention was…  Somewhere else.  

Cyril can't dance well.  Despite the fact that he's flexible and has always seemed like he could, it's not too easy for him.  

Nene was attempting to help him out, along with Asa Lang and Enola Gallegos.  

I can't deny it, she's amazing at what she does.  

Each move she made was clean, bold, sharp, and quick, as if she knew the dance by heart after just 10 minutes.  Seeing Cyril compared to her was like a stick compared to a tree: really, really shitty and essentially nothing.  

Lang pointed over to me, and Cyril motioned me over while Enola and Nene laughed about something.  

Unfortunately, I had to go over there now, or else Cyril would come over here.  

When I made my way over, he roughly tried throwing an arm around me, saying, “I'm going to fail so hard.”  

“Oh, don't be so hard on yourself,” Enola said.  She shrugged and continued, “At least no one pays attention to the chorus.”  

Lang and Nene cackled in response, but Enola got serious and said, “You'll be fine dude.  This was 10 minutes and two run-throughs, we'll run it way too many times during the show.  Plus, there's always important roles with no dancing involved.”  

Even though she wasn't talking, my focus was on Nene.  If she were anyone else, I probably would have thought her pink sports bra and matching leggings were tacky and too bright if she was anyone else, she's just looking for attention and flaunting what she has by not wearing a shirt, but it's Nene.  She's working hard and obviously about overheating herself with how hard she's going at it.  

She smiled at me as she stopped talking with Lang, sweat still dripping from just about everywhere.  

Lang looked at me and asked, “How do you dance in a fucking jacket, dude?”

I shrugged, which made him roll his eyes, and made Nene giggle.  

She grabbed my arm, moving a little closer.  “You did pretty good when we were learning it, you seem to pick this stuff up quick.  It may be your first time on stage, but I won't be shocked if you land a lead role.”  

“No way in hell I'm getting one.”  

Before she could comment on it, Jonah Vance yelled out, “Enola's group, you're up!  Oliver's group on deck!”  

She patted the same arm twice and said, “Good luck,” before bounding away.  

Brandy casually strolled over with a mischievous grin, taking her place.  

Oh lord.  

The only time she talks to me is to mock me, and vice versa.  

“Someone's got a cruuuuu-uuuush,” She said and laughed, which made me glare at her.  

“And aren't you fucking with Cyril at this point?  You literally called him your boytoy like a week ago.”  

“FUCK YOU.”

Chapter Text

Cyril's POV

---

CALLBACK LIST - FOOTLOOSE

Vernon “Vern” Barkley

Enola Gallegos

Lucy Harris

Hanzo Hoang-Smith

Giko Jackson

Asa Lang

Ace “Alucard” Lubowich

Esmé Netter

Celeste “Cece” Pavetti

Violet Quinn

Brandy Reddish

Pico Serrano

Hannah Shi

Nene Sotomura

Oliver Taguiri

Amanda “Mandy” Ulrich

Vivian Wescott

Galatea West

Cassandra Wilhelm

Darnell Williams

(Quoted names are as credited in past shows - see me to change if needed)

EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO DANCE, SING, AND MONOLOGUE - BE PREPARED

Callbacks are tonight at 4

“Aw, damnit.”  

Looking at the list posted, there's one important thing missing from it: me.

Brandy, leaning next to me, said, “Hey, it's okay.”  

Nene, who just strolled in with a smoothie in hand, scanned the list, and looked over at me.  “Don't worry, I didn't make the list sophomore year and landed a role.”  

“Pluuuus,” Hanzo added, “There are some roles in the show that don't involve dancing!”  

I'm not exactly sure what they're talking about.  It's a musical, I'd assume the important people sing and dance.  

Alucard, who showed up with Nene, had told our group chat he watched a few versions of the show with her and a few others.  “You know, there actually is a character that is bad at dancing.”  

Cassie laughed and interjected, “Sounds perfect for you Cyril!”  

“Fuck off.”  

Hanzo groaned when she saw her name.  “I'm really tired, I don't want to be there.”  

Blaire and Galatea strolled in, laughing about something some Tyree kid I've never heard of did.  

She scanned the list and looked over at her brother, slightly dismayed.  

Blaire gave her the same look, almost a mirror despite not looking similar to her at all.  

Actually, that was never exactly cleared up.  Are they related?  Is Galatea adopted and unrelated, or adopted and related, or like what's up there?

I know Alucard is adopted, but he was technically adopted by his aunt so he's related to them anyway, and did the same thing happen to Galatea?  But at the same time she was born in Greece I guess and looks nothing like Blaire.  

Anyways.

Blaire shrugged, and casually said, “It's whatever, you know I don't really like being singled out anyways.”  He walked over to me and patted me on the mohawk, saying, “It's okay little buddy.”  

“I'M ONLY TWO POINT FIVE INCHES SHORTER THAN YOU!  And plus, I'm taller with the boots and mohawk!”  

“Five foot five inches headass,” Brandy teased as she booped me.  

“Okay fuck you.”  

Pico and Darnell pulled up, at least 10 minutes late.  They were fooling around and just generally being dumbasses.  

“Yooo, we made callbacks!” 

“My therapist owes me $50!”  

“Aaaay!”

“AAAAY!”  

Pico and Darnell pulled themselves into a bro hug as they celebrated, although I'm a little confused on why Pico is making bets with his therapist.

That dude still pisses me off.  

As they went on, Brandy lowered her voice and looked at me.  

“Not everyone that makes it in makes call backs, and not everyone that makes call backs makes it in.”  

Everyone suddenly looked at her, unsettled and not exactly happy with that revelation.  

“Good going hot stuff.”  

Chapter Text

Darnell's POV

---

Callbacks are fucking tiring.  

Even though we've only done singing, I want to leave.  And it's not just because Pico, Nene, and I are going to hang out at the skate park afterwards.  

Now comes dancing.  I've never been great at it, but I can learn.  The choreographer started pairing us up, and despite the fact that she tries to partner people based on height, I got put with Cassandra.  

I thought I'd dance with Hanzo, because she's the tallest girl here, but no.  Cassandra, on the other hand, is a whole ass foot and three inches shorter than me.  

She didn't even bother greeting me, seeming on-edge and nervous.  That's natural though, nervousness is part of the deal.  

Not for me though, fuck it we ball.  

A little ways down the row, Alucard and Nene got paired together, and she looked over at Giko with a shit-eating grin as she motioned to the duo.  

“You seem happy for once, what's up with those two?”  

Cassandra snorted with an eye roll before saying, “Eh, more like happy for him .”  

“Why so?”  

“You really think I'm telling you,” she said as she glared up at me.  

I pulled out five dollars, and she snatched it up quicker than I could blink.  

“Okay, I'm not a bad person but cash is cash.”  She quieted her voice more, glancing over to Alucard before saying, “He's finally admitting it, but he has liked her for such a long time.  Kind of sad to see him pining over her, because he's a fucking coward.  He won't make a move.  Especially since she's up for grabs after the whole thing with Jordan Katalano.”  

“She's not an item at a fucking grocery store,” I pointed out.  “But yeah, she's available.”  

“Just saying, he's a good choice, a lot better than some of the shit stains she's been into.”  

While I can't disagree, I'm not going to agree.  “If he can pass our test, sure, maybe I'll push her in the right direction.”  

“... Test?”  

I can't learn a dance routine and talk at the same time.  

“I'll tell you later, maybe we'll see about it.”  

Nene and a nerd?

I don't think so.  

Chapter Text

Pico's POV

---

After monologuing, and then doing a few scenes with different people, I finally left the stage.  

The person replacing me was Alucard, heading up to the stage, where Nene was.  

Now, this will be interesting; the dude has been killing it recently.  I won't say I doubted him, but I was certainly shocked that he could sing and dance as if he's done it all four years.  For cast awards, he's already a shoe-in for hottest debut.  

Hottest as in most dramatic and popular, but I mean hey, he's not bad-looking either.  

Not at all.  

I sat next to 'Tea, who looked over and smiled a little as she saw me.  

Not enough of a smile to know she wants me, but just enough to make me want to try harder.  

“I'm honestly really excited to see where this goes,” She whispered with a relaxed sort of air around her.  She smiled more, and it just about glowed in the darkness of the house.  

As Ms. Reddish called a page number out, our heads snapped towards the stage.  

“Act one, scene seven, page 30!  End at the end of 31!”

As they got into the scenes, 'Tea and I were kind of leaning into each other, whispering and shit.    

When he said the line, “Oh, I think of you more than I expected,” he sounded…

“Did that seem way too genuine, or is it just me?”  

'Tea shook her head, agreeing.  “Yeah, way too genuine to be acting.”  

We kept pointing out the little things as they read out different scenes when asked, not just from Alucard, but from Nene too.  

The way he looks at her.  

Any excuse for her to touch him.  

His tone when he talked to her.  

Her eyes wandering all over him.  That bitch.  

“Their chemistry is really good,” 'Tea added.  

“Plus, they do a lot of those things off-stage too…”  

Me and her looked at each other with the same smug face.  

“Oh shit.”

“Holy fuck dude, Nene's gonna bag another bitch!”  

Soon enough, Ms. Reddish called Darnell, Hanzo, Cassandra, and of course, Galatea.  

“Well, that's my cue,” She said and playfully punched my arm as she left.  

Nene isn't the only one that's bagging a bitch.

Chapter Text

Galatea's POV

---

“And he showed up with my go-to order from my favorite restaurant, trying to be all smooth.  His jeans were ripped with a chain on them, he wore his nice leather jacket, and his hair was actually down, then he took me to the park and we had a little picnic.”

“Just a picnic?”

“ God, he makes me feel things.”  

“No offense Brandy, but ew.”  

I don't know what she sees in Cyril.  What-so-ever.  But to each is owed, I guess.  

Nene suddenly walked over, unkept and nervous.  

“Galatea.  Brandy.  We have an issue. ”  

We looked at her, both obviously confused.  

“No offense, but I want to hear about Brandy's fun night.  Get it out quick.”  

Nene sighed, her eyebags more obvious than ever.  “When I was singing and monologuing, Ms. Reddish looked really unhappy like the entire time.”  

Brandy and I looked at each other, and then at her, before she continued.  

“I'm just worried, what if she wasn't happy with it?  What if I don't get a role?  I'd be crushed, man!”  

“Why didn’t you go to Alucard like normal,” Brandy asked while motioning to his desk.  

Nene motioned to his desk with her whole arm and pointed out, “He's not here.  Which is odd, because he warns me ahead of time normally.  And of course I’d go to him, he’s comforting.”  

“OOOOOOOO!”  

Brandy and I had the same reaction before laughing.  Dude, this shit is comedic at this point.  

“Someone's got the hots for Gumball Watterson,” I teased as Nene looked offended.  

“Ugh!  As if!”  

Brandy could barely breathe as she added, “Don't hide your attraction to Toy Bonnie.”  Her laughing fit got worse, having to lay her head on the desk.  

“Fuck you both,” Nene remarked while trying to not laugh.  “I am not into Neytiri.”  

Brandy and I about died laughing, although Nene's laughter was a bit awkward and held back.  

“Besides,” I added once I could breathe, “If you don't get a part, no one will.”  

“You were amazing dude,” Brandy added.  

“ Especially when Mordecai was on stage with you!”  

“Fuck you both,” Nene said and went to her seat as we laughed.  

Brandy and I are comedic geniuses!

Chapter Text

Cassandra's POV

---

On Friday, theater class felt like a drag.  

Waiting for the cast list always feels like a drag.  It's like time decides to slow down and you're left waiting, and waiting, and waiting.  

I fucking hate it.  

Of course, I had nothing to do today and everyone else from my little group is gone, so I decided to be a nosy bitch.  

Hanzo's dad planned a surprise day trip, Giko's grandpa needed a ride to the hospital, Cyril's at the doctor’s office as well, and Alucard is visiting his dad.  

Well, was.  

I had literally nothing else to do, so I decided to listen in on the most interesting thing happening.  

Brandy and Blaire kept throwing pretzel sticks and skittles at each other respectively, Pico tried flirting with 'Tea while she seemed unamused, and Nene talked with Alucard.  

Oh, this is gonna be good!

Can't look at them, or they'll suspect I'm listening, so I just focused on a homework sheet that wouldn't get done.  

“Sorry I wasn't there this morning, I had visitation with my dad.”

“Oh, I didn't know your dad wasn't…  How did it go?”

“To be honest, horrible.”

“I'm sorry, I guess at least you have a dad?”

“I'd rather…  Not have one.”

Interrupting my listening, Darnell plopped right down on the seat next to me.  

“Hey, so remember last night how I was talking about that test thing?”  

Immediately, I looked at him and demanded, “Talk.  I need to know.”  

“Okay, so.  We've been doing this because Nene chooses the actual worst men in the world-”

“Hey,” I cut him off and said, “He's a good guy, you can't just assume!”  

Darnell started aggressively wiggling a half sheet of paper in my face.  

“Bitch, lemme speak, goddamn!”  He set down the paper and continued, “We give the potential boyfriend a check or an ‘x’ depending on if we think they fit a category.  Basic ones like kind, respectful, won't use her, etcetera.”  

I'm kind of confused, so I asked, “And if he fails he just can't date her, or like what's up here?”  

“Oh, we can't stop her, this just dictates our attitude towards him.  If he passes, we won't be mean, but if he fails, our goal is to make him want to leave.  Her taste in women is relatively better, so we don't need the paper for that.”  

“Hm, well we'll see.”  Alucard kind of keeps his relationships on the down-low, so unless she squeaks, he's not getting much info.  “He's a pretty good kid deep down.  He should pass this test.”

“And she's not terrible, just had things happen to her.”  Darnell somewhat rolled his eyes, and I want to know which incident he's referring to because there are so many options here.  

“Products of their circumstances, huh?”

He pointed a finger gun and said, “Exactly.”

“Also did you get the math homework done?”  

I showed him my blank sheet of paper, and all he did was smile in response.  That snarky, smug grin.  I want to knock his teeth in sometimes.  

“... Shit.”

Chapter Text

Brandy's POV

---

It's almost time for the cast list!  

Cyril walked over to me during our last period, finances (ew), and asked, “Hey sweet cheeks, when's the cast list gonna come up?”  

I shook my head a little, saying, “Don't call me that, and she's posting it on her door at 3:30.”

“Oh shit, that's terrifying.”

“And she said that in class, were you not there?”  

Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to who was and wasn't there, I was really focused on throwing pretzel sticks at Blaire.  

“I had a doctor's appointment, gotta do routine checks on my eye.”  He gently tapped on his eyepatch, and…  

Okay, I'm not saying I have a type, but guys in the leather and chains and ripped up clothes….  Oh my lord.  

“Oh yeah, if I may ask, what…  Happened?”

Cyril sighed and kinda brushed his hand against mine.  “When I was like 13, my dad and I were coming back from a hunting trip, which is why I have amazing gunmanship, and we crashed.  The windshield broke and a large chunk went right into my eye.  Damaged my optic nerve, honestly was seriously traumatic but whatever.”

“Oh lord, that's awful.”  I'm not a coward, so I actually grabbed his hand, slamming it into the table since waving it around annoys me.  “But couldn't you get a glass eye to replace it?”

“Eh, the area around it is scarred, and this looks much cooler.”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “Cooler, or dorkier, I can't decide.”

“Hey!”

I giggled at my supremely funny joke as the bell rang, quickly packing my stuff.

“Hurry up, we get over there!”

“It's still 3, no need to rush.”  He rolled his eyes at my speed, waiting for him and tapping my foot to annoy him.  

“Is this your first production?!  Come on, we gotta go!”

As soon as he packed his stuff, I grabbed his hand and he rolled his eyes as I essentially dragged him down the hall.  

“I'm coming, I'm coming, fuck dude!”

“Well don't blow your load too quick!”

“DUDE.”

I led him by the hand and ran down the hall, thinking about nothing but getting there.  Not thinking about how I held his hand, or about how he was staring at my ass the entire time, or how he relished the moment I stopped and he accidentally slammed himself into my backside.  

He wrapped his arms around my waist casually, and hey, I wasn't really opposed to it.  I certainly don't know how to react to it either, so I kind of just let it happen.  

He rested his head on my shoulder and asked, “Why are you in such a rush?!”  

I motioned to the crowd in front of us and said, “This is why!”

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

While we all waited for the cast list to be posted on Ms. Reddish's door, I started talking with Vern, Enola, Lucy, and Pico.  

“So, what do you guys think you got?”

Vern kinda shrugged, and said, “It's my first year, so I doubt I'll get anything big, maybe just a line or two.”  

Lucy took a few seconds to think.  Something I admire about her is that she always thinks before she says things and acts out, a skill I somewhat need.  “Considering they had me read a lot of Lulu's lines, probably her.”  

“I have no clue, but maybe the principal because I'm tall, intimidating, and love yelling at kids.”  Enola laughed at her joke, although I know it's not a joke.  She moved her hand from Lucy's to swipe her bangs out of her face, looking a little antsy.  

Same.  

Pico shrugged and guessed, “Maybe Willard, cause he's a fucking idiot and can't dance worth shit.”  

“You're not wrong the- ow!”

Pico punched me in the arm!  All for agreeing with him!

Enola looked over at me and flipped the question, asking, “And who do you think you'll get?”  

Honestly…  I don't know.  There's a large cast of leading ladies, and it's always hard to pinpoint what you get until you get it, unless you happen to have a typecast.

And considering my past three roles with this school have been a potential murderer, a manicurist, and a British “person”, there really isn't much in common there.  

Enola took my silence for an answer and continued, “I bet you'll get Rusty, you have bubbly best-friend energy and a voice like a speaker.”  

“Though, you might be Ethel,” Lucy countered.  “You really do have the attitude for it.”  

“Honestly, I think she'll be Ariel,” Vern said as Pico laughed.  

Pico took a breath and added, “You're talented enough, somehow.”  

“No fucking way!”

“Don't argue Nene, you k-”

Everyone's heads snapped at the sound of a door hinge.  

It's time.  

Ms. Reddish slipped out of her classroom, hunched over the list, taped it on the door, and locked herself in her room.

Alucard looked over at Lang and asked, “Does she do that every year?”

“Every single year,” Violet Quinn replied.  

Few by few, everyone looks over the list, taking photos, cheering, or…  Not.  

I ended up next to Alucard as I checked over the list.  Most people had already looked and left, so I had time to process things.  

I pointed at his name and said, “Hey, look!”

“FOOTLOOSE” CAST LIST

Ariel Moore - Nene Sotomura*

Reverend Shaw Moore - Cyril Post*

Vi Moore - Brandy Reddish

Ren McCormack - Ace “Alucard” Lubowich*

Ethel McCormack - Girlfriend "Gigi" Dearest*

Wes - Enola Gallegos

Lulu - Lucinda “Lucy” Harris

Willard Hewitt - Darnell Williams*

Garvin/Boy #1 - Arturo Riis

Bickle/Boy #2 - Xavier Nelson*

Jeeter/Boy #3 - Rodney Cole

Rusty - Cassandra Wilhelm*

Urleen - Hanzo Hoang-Smith*

Wendy-Jo - Galatea West*

Chuck Cranston - Pico Serrano*

Lyle - Vernon “Vern” Barkley

Travis - Giko Jackson*

Betty Blast - Blaire West*

Cowboy Bob - Boyfriend “B” Barrell*

Coach Dunbar - Jonah Vance

Eleanor Dunbar - Violet Quinn

Principal Harry Clark - Gary Ludwig

Counsel /Choir members (see me ASAP for robe fittings): Dmitri Barrera, Asa Lang*, Hannah Shi*, Vivian Wescott

All unnamed people are ensemble OR will be given small roles (decided in practice)

Band/orchestra members & crew list will be released sooner to production

* denotes seniors
Congrats to all!

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

Holy.  Fucking.  Shit.  

Are my eyes playing tricks on me?  I whipped my sunglasses off, re-reading it, just trying to make sure I'm not going crazy.  

I got a part?  Wow.

“Good job Huckleberry Hound,” Cyril said as he roughly patted my back.  He rushed off to join Cassie, and realistically I should too.  

But alas, my feet are cemented in place.  Out of shock.  Because oh my fucking god how did this happen .  

Nene looked over at me and chuckled over my reaction.  I guess the shock is apparent on my face, because it just made her laugh harder.  

Her laughter and excitement made her almost glow (though that could be her highlighter or sweat or the sunlight or her aura or that cute glow she always seems to have), her eyeliner was a bit smudged and it's fitting, her floral romper highlighting everything good about her physically, and her smile was nice and genuine, rather than how she fakes it for a crowd of people at school, and God I see why artists dedicate their entire lives to portray a single person.  

“The universe really wants us partnered together, huh?”  

I looked at the cast list again, this time looking for Nene's role.  

At least I didn't need to look far.  

“I'm not familiar with the show, what do you mean?”  

She smiled and casually said, “Ren and Ariel are love interests.”  

SHIT.

I won't compare with how she commands the stage.  

“And Ren is the main character.”

FUCK ME I GUESS.  

I'm not going to survive this, will I?  Nene and everyone else will know I'm just some loser that should have stuck with tech!  I'm never going to remember all these lines and songs and I don't even know if my voice is really all that great and-

Nene pulled me out of my thoughts by gently somewhat leaning onto me.  “Wait, why are you panicking?”  

I cleared my throat, straightened my back, and said with as much confidence as I could, “I'm not panicking.”  

I looked around, just now registering that Cassie left.  

“Looking for someone?”  

I looked down at Nene, not saying anything.  God, why is she so beautiful?

And why does she wear stuff that gives me a perfect angle of her titties?

“Yeah, Cassie was my ride home.”  

Nene kinda glanced around before asking, “If you have the time, want to grab an early dinner or something?  I could just take you home afterwards.”  

I guess I didn't look too happy, because she suddenly backed away.  Quickly, she apologized and said, “I could just take you home if you’d rather not!”  

“No, I'd love to.  Wanna head out?”  

Shit, does that seem too eager?  AAAAGH.  

Instead of acting disgusted or disinterested, as I thought she might, she kinda grabbed my arm and asked, “Well what are we waiting for?  Let's go!” 

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

“So, where do you wanna go?”  

Alucard looked over and simply responded with, “Hm?”  

How eloquent.

“Where do you want to grab food at,” I clarified.  I thought it was obvious but whatever, he's still kind of in shock.  I get it, landing a role your first time is kind of wild, especially the main role.  

He shrugged, looking down at the ground.  “I mean, anywhere's fine with me, do you have a preference?”  

“Not really,” So I kept driving, trying to think about where to go.  I've always struggled with picking places to eat, because nothing ever sounds appetizing.  If anything, I focus on the negative of foods rather than the positive.  Not everyone's as smart as me.

After a small stretch of silence, I found a little pizza place and started to pull into the parking lot.  

Alucard decided to fill the silence.  

“Nene, are you okay?”  

Well that's a loaded question.  

Am I ever really fine?  No.  Will I act like it for an audience, or just people in my day-to-day life?  Yes.  Is this a circumstance like that?  No.  Will I tell him the truth?

….

No.

“Why do you ask?”  

He immediately looked at me and said, “You're deflecting.  Come on, what's wrong?”  

Uh…  “How do you..” I looked at him with some suspicion and confusion, asking, “How do you know that?”  He hasn't been around long enough to know that.  

“Well, uh…”  

—

Alucard entered the school building with five minutes left of the period.  Finances was fucking stupid and he rarely showed up, despite passing the class easily.  

He saw Jordan Katalano and Nene in the hallway and ducked behind a wall, not wanting to get caught by either of them.  They're a whirlwind of drama, getting dragged into the middle of that mess would not be a good idea.  

He simply sat on a bench and listened in, not exactly having a place to go, and since Cassandra's nosy behavior kind of rubbed off on him.  She'll want to know, and honestly, he wants to know too.  They're a few good fights away from her being on the market.  

"Nene, be honest, are you okay?"

"Why do you ask?"

"... Nene, come on, you better have not fucking done that."

"Huh?"

"Don't play dumb, you only ever say that when…"

"And so what?  It doesn't affect you."

"Yes it does!  It's hard to get off with all those scars, let alone fresh ones!"

"...  It's hard to GET OFF?  You're such a shitty person, you know that?"

"You say that, while you're the one doing this to me."

"I am quite genuinely not doing this to you, or else YOU would have the scars."

"Stop it, please."

"Why, so you can get your nut off better?!"

"Well, that, and other reasons too…"

"I hope your prom tux is refundable."

"What?"

"I'm done with you.  This is the straw that blows the camel's back out, which you've never been able to do.  Suck my dick, you selfish prick, we're over!"

She stormed off in Alucard’s direction, and sat down next to him.  "D…  Do you mind if I sit here?”   

He looked up at her, and was surprised at what he saw.  

Melted, running mascara accented red-tinted eyes, fresh tears, and a defeated expression.

He didn't have any tissues, but Cyril did give him a candy bar, so he grabbed it and held it out to her.  

"Take your time, it's whatever."

"This… is my favorite!  You really must be psychic, Alucard!"  

In spite of himself, he cracked a smile and a small laugh nervously slipped.  He hadn't talked to her for most of the year, so this was odd.

Odd, but okay.  

—

"Uhm… I think I heard Galatea say it…?"

I looked at him, shaking my head a little.  "No you didn't.  Y'know what, I won't press, but no.  I'm not okay.  Is that okay?"

He gingerly set his hand on mine, replying, "That's perfectly fine, Nene.  It's okay to not always feel good, and you know that better than most.  It's natural."  I can almost smell the awkwardness and anxiousness on him, like a shark to blood.  My friends say it's a talent, but it's just natural for me.  

"It certainly doesn't feel natural."

His lack of confidence almost melted away when he remarked, "And the way you act around it and always put a smile on for others doesn't seem natural either."  He was between a glare and a disappointed look, but he is way too sassy for his own good.  

Having shocked me into silence, he asked, "Should we go in?  We've been parked for like ten minutes."

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

“Is that really all you want?”  

Nene decided on a whopping total of two breadsticks for dinner.  Unfortunately, I want her to eat, and I will look stupid eating, so that's not gonna fly with me.  

“Yeah, I don't eat much,” She said with a shrug.  

“Oh, I know.”  

“Huh?”  

Well, at least I remember that part.  

—

“I forgot my lunch today,” Alucard complained to Cassandra and Cyril, the two friends he had the period with.  

Cassandra rolled her eyes and said, “you can go one day without eating lunch, don't be so dramatic.”   

“Don't you remember what happened last time?”  

“Oh, yeah, passing out in gym class,” Cyril said with a small laugh.  

“Plus, I don't have the money for school lunch.”  

The psychic abilities were cool, but he can't retain energy worth shit.  Always being tired sucks.

Cassandra and Cyril went to go get lunch, leaving Alucard alone at their table.  

"Hey, I heard you forgot your lunch, want mine?"

He looked up to see who was talking to her, realizing it was Nene.  He glanced away and just couldn't seem to look at her again.  

"Oh, uh-uhm, are you sure?"

She shrugged and giggled a little before pointing out, "I'm not gonna eat it, so someone might as well."

That statement made him look up at her with a confused look.  "Why not?"

"You really think I can eat and maintain this figure?"  

She was joking, but he was not when he said, "Yeah, actually.  You exercise a lot and you're underweight.”  He looked up and down for a second, and unlike most guys, it wasn't just some excuse to check her out.  “113 pounds if I'm correct."

"Holy shit, is that concern coming from THE Alucard Lubowich?!"

He froze up, unsure of what to say for a second.  

"No, it's just…  Thank you for your offer.  Might as well sit down, huh."

—

"It's just…”  I sighed a little, just not knowing how she puts herself through this. “Concerning.  I'll pay for it, but please at least get a slice.  Or anything more than two breadsticks."

Nene immediately launched into explanation, attempting to justify her diet.  "But it's really greasy and fattening, what if I bloat?  Can't have that!  Half of my clothes won't fit!  I'm not wearing my period clothes."

She really sounds like some bimbo bitch.  I know she's more than that, but goddamn.  

I grabbed her shoulders, making her face me.  She looked up at me with a confused and a bit annoyed look.  

"I'm sorry, but please actually listen to me.  No one will hate you for a few extra pounds, which you won't even gain from eating regularly with how much you exercise.  You probably need a few more pounds at that.  Plus, you'd be beautiful no matter what, that face isn't going away.  So get more than a whopping, insane amount of two breadsticks, okay?"

Nene blinked twice before asking, “Wait, did you just call me beautiful?”

Shiiiiiit.

On instinct, I crossed my arms and looked away, the familiar feeling of a magenta flush coming to my face.  

Nene grabbed my arm and giggled.  “Y'know, I still think it's cute when you're all flustered.”  

That killed me.  I couldn't help but cover my face with my hands, but after what felt like a second, she quietly laughed, reaching up to take my hands.  

Holy shit she is holding my hands.  

It's happened a few times, but it still makes my stomach twist, as if something is trying to escape, wriggling and clawing from the inside out.  

 "Come on, you don't need to hide, the world loses such a nice sight if you do.”  She started leading me to a table, saying,  “I ordered and I'm paying, so let's go sit down."

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

After our little late lunch, which turned into hotboxing the car and hanging around for a few hours, I dropped Alucard off at his house.  

I could hear an older man yelling for a Grace or Chase or something as I called out, “Thank you so much Alucard, it was fun!”

It really was!  I like being around him.  He's just kinda neat.  

“And thanks for inviting me," he responded with a rather rare grin.  “See you on Monday.”

As I drove off, I flipped on my music, although I only got through one song.  

It turns out we live like five minutes away from each other, so I was able to get home quickly.  

I'm not exactly sure why he lives in the area, but I live in this strip of businesses because my mom runs a taekwondo dojo.  We simply live above it, as most do in this area.  

It's not much of a nice place, but then again, it's Philly.  

We used to offer karate as well, until my dad walked out.  

Oh well, what can you do?  

I used to learn and eventually teach lessons with such enthusiasm, trying my hardest and actually enjoying what I do.  

And my mom did not go easy on me.  I worked my ass off for my junior black belt, but now, it's just another activity to distract myself from the meaningless void that is reality.  

Finally in my room, I sighed, looking in the mirror.  A shallow, dramatic, callous, prissy, dumb bitch is all I saw blinking back.  Batting those stupid lashes just like I was earlier at Alucard, another dumb attempt to get another guy in the backseat.  He ended up almost falling asleep because I'm not worth the time.  

Why do I do all of this?

There's a lot of all of this.  

First, I looked down at my outfit.  Why do I do all of this?  Why do I dress like this?  I wore a satin-y dress with floral patterns on it.  Short with a v-line.  I certainly don't wear it for myself, If it were for me I'd wear a sweater and some soft shorts.  

I know why.  

The validation of knowing I'm wanted for at least something, even if it's just guys staring at me.  

And why do I do this?  I do a ton of shit just to distract myself from the fact that life sucks.  

I went out today, I'm in a show now, I have a job, I teach lessons, I have a million hobbies, and it's still not enough.  

Why am I letting Alucard care about me?  It's not like I matter enough.  He's scored beauties like Mandy Ulrich and Tanisha Faulker, but he's simply entertaining me, and I know it.  

I've been through it too many times to not know.  

He's worth so much more, and the preconceived notion of his “flaws” make things better - his nose is big, he's really skinny and lanky, his teeth are a little crooked, he has some acne scars, he has kinda big lips - all stuff I'm a sucker for.  Perfection isn't hot.  

Singing like he can is hot.  And being an absolute dork.  

Why am I doing all this shit?  It's not like it matters.  I don't care, why should anyone else?  I'm more useful in a grave.  

Why did I let any of this happen?

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

“Why did I let any of this happen,” I muttered under my breath.  

My cousins and uncle sat at the table, questioning me all about my little outing today.  It wasn't anything special (to her at least, I know it's typical activities for Nene).

“Be honest with me, son, were you hanging out with a girl?”  

Raphael Stern.  Kind of ugly middle-age man, balding, the works.  My aunt's husband (which I refuse to say he's my uncle), a hard-working mechanic that cares about family above all else.  

His family.

That's the reason I'm here.  

After my mom died, I moved from Colorado and stayed with them.  Just about the only family members that would take me in, unfortunately.  

This house is fucking crazy.  

He's a rather eccentric man.  He's grilling me about hanging out with a girl, and I know full well that he'll get mad if I don't tell him.  I don't owe him jackshit though.  He can't threaten me with the belt or the broom because that doesn't work anymore, so he’s kind of just some old dude trying to be scary.  

“Is she pretty at least?  Probably not if she's hanging out with you.”  

Ezra Stern.  Takes after his father with a scowl 24/7, other when he's begging his mom for something.  A little spoiled asshole.  Despite being a twin, he's the younger one and acts like it.  He's immature, irresponsible, bratty, and kind of hates me for coming in and “taking away” his spot as little man of the house.  NOT LIKE I WANTED TO.

“And why would a girl hang out with you?”  

Esther Stern.  Relatively less angry-looking, but she is always squinting because of her terrible eyesight.  She's okay for the most part, although she's too snarky and has no respect for anyone.  That's normally cool, but her and Raphael fight constantly because of it.  She's also extremely moody, and I understand she has a disorder of some type but god damn it's bad, and to top it off she's stubborn as hell and refuses to go see a doctor to get that checked.  

The lights are too bright, searing a headache into my burning forehead, everyone is talking and all the appliances are humming at different levels, I've been wearing these socks too long and they're a weird texture at this point, and oh my God, I'm in hell.

I admit, I may have lost my temper just a bit when I stood up, slamming my hands on the table and yelling, “Can all of you just shut up for one fucking second?!”  

“Just calm down, son,” Raphael said, attempting to calm me down.  

“I am not your goddamn son!”  

The dog, a fat black and tan chihuahua named Peanut, started barking and circling my feet after I yelled.  I sighed, picking her up and holding her like a baby.  She's my Peanut, and it really hurts to say that I may not be able to keep her here any longer.  Ezra keeps trying to feed her chocolate.  

Ezra rolled his eyes like a little fucking brat and muttered, “I don't see why you're so dramatic.”  

“And I don't see why you feel the need to comment on every single little thing, as if anyone cares about your opinion.”  I glared at him as he glared back, locked in a battle of wills and stares.  

“We just want to hear about her!”  Esther looked exasperated at my attitude, as if I owed them anything.  

“I don't owe you guys anything,” I said before leaving the table and going to my room with the dog.  

I'm just tired of them all.  

When I got into my room, I immediately sat her down and put my headphones on, turned on one specific song, and just let it loop.  

It's my thinking song.  And what am I thinking about?

Nene.  

She was named after an anime character, funny enough.  

Nene Ruby.

Apparently it’s a tradition in her family for the women to have their birthstone as their middle name.  

Rubies have a beautiful, deep, blood red color, kind of like how she's so pretty but she is a ruthless beast sometimes.  

Hanging out with her reminds me of the painfully stupid crush I have on her.  I have no chance with her, I have nothing to offer her, no job, no nice car, no big house, no prestige or power, and I have no reason to think she'd want me, but here I am, laying here, thinking of her.  

I could do anything else to distract myself from this.  I could read, I could start my homework, I could play something, I could walk the dog, but no.  She wouldn't want to go on a walk anyways.  

I'm just laying here, thinking of her pretty face and her fun attitude and her well-coordinated wardrobe and her nice voice.  

She's the complete opposite of me, and has everything I don't.  

Other than a nice ass.  

Mine is better.

After a while of laying in my bed, the dim, yellow hallway light entered my room.  

I looked over, seeing my aunt enter the room.  

“Hey, heard you had a fun day.”  

Susannah Theresa Lubowich-Stern.  Quite a mouthful.  Her long, black hair is always tied into a bun when it's not in a scarf, and she always has a smile, even if she's not feeling it.  Side effects of working as a secretary, I guess.  She's my aunt, just about the only person I can stand in this house, caring and supportive.  She also is a little nosy, but at least she doesn't pull the shit that everyone else does.  

She sat down on one of my bean bags, and I seriously wish she wouldn't sit on that one because I have a sewn-in pocket with my, uh, special stuff.

“What are you thinking about?”  

I paused my music, sitting up to look at her.  “Sorry, I didn't hear a word you said.”  

“I can tell,” She said with a small laugh.  “You had your thinking song on.”  

“My…  Thinking song?”  

She laughed again, explaining, “You only play that song when you're thinking.  About people and all that jazz.”  

I guess I accidentally clicked play, because I could hear the lyrics spill through a little through my headphones.  “ I can't seem to sleep in, and I feel my heart beating ,” My aunt and I heard from my headphones as it took me a second to formulate a reply.  

“Well…”  I paused my music again, and looked at her.  “I guess…  There's this girl I kind of like?” 

Chapter Text

Galatea's POV

---

“So, are you excited f or practice?”  

Nene looked over at me, nodding vigorously.  “Duh, I'm stoked about starting it!  I can't believe it's this soon.”  

I chuckled a little at her excitement, but it's understandable.  I was just as thrilled when I had the same role.  

“And how do you feel about your role?”  

I shrugged, already knowing it would be a different, but still fun experience.  “It'll be nice having more time off-stage, at least.”  

We were both trying to speed-eat (or drink), as we're currently on break.  Getting a 15 minute break for a six hour shift kind of sucks, but at least it's some time.  

Between bites of last night's leftovers, I asked another question.  “So, how do you feel about Mystique as Ren?”  

Nene, after a long sip of her peach tea, simply said, “I've known him for a long time.  Even though he borderline hated my existence up until the end of last year, I'm sure it'll be fine.”  

“Waitwaitwait, he hated you?”  

Nene sighed, rolling her eyes a little.  “Yeah, he just kind of flipped a switch this year.  He's always been really cold, and kinda judgmental.  I don't know if it was a general ‘popular kid’ thing, but it kind of sucks.”  

“What an interesting switch to flip…” 

“Hm?”  

“Well,” I said with a small chuckle, “Don't think we all don't see you, talking constantly during chemistry, staring a little in drama, always going on little dates at lu-”

“We do not go on dates ,” Nene tried to say nonchalantly, but it came out defensive.  

All I could do was laugh as she prattled on about how she doesn't go on dates with him and simply just hangs out, and she talks to him because they're lab partners, and they don't even hang out outside of school that much.  

Bullshit.  

Even though she's attempting to cover for herself, I can see the tips of her ears becoming more and more red.  

“And what about you and Pico?”  

…  Shit.

Chapter Text

Darnell's POV

---

[Feet 🕺 Foot 💃 Feet]

[whip_and_nene added therealmegamind, Blaire_Witch_Trials, Brandyandcoke, space.girl, Cyril.The.Cyclops, Darnell.W, Giko.Jackson, schizowithrizz_o, hanzooo.o, & Galuhtayuh]

Nene: hey guyssss figured we need a shit talk chat!!  Esp since practice can be a drag sometimes

Alucard: Is this necessary? 

Cassie: yes nerd stfu

Brandy: uh let me change the name

[ Brandyandcoke changed Feet 🕺Foot💃Feet to 🕺Foose💃]

Hanzo: omg hi guys

Giko: Get off your phones during rehearsal, everyone.

Darnell: bro get that silver spoon outta your ass, it's just a read through

Blaire: Giko. respectfully stfu

Galatea: *disrespectfully sorry he's too nice

Nene: alucard i'm so sorry but that was the fruitest thing you have ever said lmaooo

Pico: aND You LooK So HaNDSoMe ToNiGHT 🏳️‍🌈 ong you gotta like guys after that

Alucard: I may like guys, but not that much, calm down.

Darnell: yeah nah fr that shit was fruitier than lemonade

Darnell: and that's coming from inside the rainbow house

Cyril: he's the whole produce section

Cassie: Goddamn Cyril 💀

Brandy: at least the produce section includes eggplants instead of shrimp 😐

Brandy: jkjk I wouldn't know I'm a child of GOD

Blaire: no the fuck you're not

Cassie: GODDAMN BRANDY 💀💀 

Alucard: I fucking hate you all.

Nene: omg you guys he's blushingggg look at his ears

Nene: y'know what his face too

Galatea: that was such a delayed reaction bruh

Alucard: DO NOT LOOK AT MY EARS OR FACE SWAER TO GOD

Cyril: swaer

Cassie: swaer

Nene: awww it's cute tho!!

Hanzo: swaer

-

Cassandra looked at me, and found me looking back at her.  “She can't seriously be saying that in front of all of us bro.”  

Cyril butted in from Cassandra's side and quietly whispered, “Look, it's getting worse,” Complete with a motion over to them.  

True to his word, Alucard is full-on blushing, deadass embarrassed over Nene simply being Nene.  

-

Alucard: Why did you all start looking at me

Galatea: Why do you think

Pico: simply we follow nenes orders

Darnell: Would you not follow a hot chick's orders?  Sounds pretty fruity to me

Hanzo: done played yourself, alucard  

-

"Look over.  But don't stare," Cassandra whispered to us.  

Nene had Alucard's chin in between her thumb and middle finger, her pointer slowly dragging down his jawline.  

Alucard genuinely looks like he's going to overheat and pass out.  "Oh my God dude."

"That's what I'm saying," Cyril quietly said with a laugh.  

Cassandra looked up at me and asked, "Do you think we should start administering the test yet?"

"Yes, but quick, let me do something…"

[MISSION PURPLE]

[Darnell.W added Blaire_Witch_Trials, Brandyandcoke, Cass-and-ra, Cyril.The.Cyclops, Ginger, hanzooo.o, & Tea-the-Statue]

Blaire: yo??

Galatea: ooooo secret mission time

Darnell: okay pink and blue make purple

Pico: woooow, basic color theory!  If only you took that into account when dressing in the morning

Brandy: at least he wears more than three colors in any given week

Hanzo: anyways….

Cassie : mission purple is a-go

Chapter Text

Brandy's POV

---

I'm sitting here in finances class, one of my least favorites out of my entire schooling experience.  

“And my beautiful wife over here would NOT appreciate you saying that, Beckett.”

I looked over at Cyril, defending me after Beckett the Bitch said I look too nice today to not be bent over a table.  Weird, ew, he doesn't shower, no thank you.  

Cyril leaned in close after that and said, “Plus, there's only one person you'd want that with.”

“Blaire.”

“No-”

I laughed it off and shook my head a bit, gently pushing him away by the forehead.  He looked almost shocked when I actually willingly touched him, which must be crazy for him.  I doubt any woman would do that.  

“Imagine if my mom heard that, she'd have your ass quicker than Blaire learned their lines.”  All like, ten of them.  

I started filling out a mock-check book, and he scooted a little closer.  We sit next to each other, although it wasn't really my choice.  The class is sorted by first name, so…  

“You know, if you're ever up for it though…”

I shook my head again while saying, “You're insufferable.”  Though the way I looked at him probably doesn't convey the same thing.  

“Also, are you going to that halloween party this weekend?”  Cyril is always out doing dumb shit under his parents’ noses, and going to Cassie's party this weekend is one of those dumb things.  “My plus-one offer is still open, y'know.  We could even dress up together, if you're into that shit.”

I had to think about who everyone else was going as.  And almost everyone is going!  It's the biggest party of the year, of course everyone wants to go.  Plus, at school you have to think about what you're dressing as and abide by the dress code, but at the party?  Almost ANYTHING goes.  

From the discussion we've had in drama class, Nene decided to dress up as Nene Romanova, Darnell is going as half and half Michael Jackson, Pico, Vern, and that blue-haired kid are going as Deuce, Clawd, and Heath, which the blue-haired kid's girlfriend is going as Abby, Alucard's going as Huey Freeman because apparently if he wasn't blue that's what he'd look like, Cassandra's dressing as Nancy Downs, Blaire will be a banana, 'Tea is dressing like Tiny Tina, Giko and Hannah Shi are going as 2B and 9S, Hanzo is using her Playboy Bunny costume, and Vivian, Violet, and I are matching as the Powerpuff Girls.  

And from other classes, what I've heard is a group of like 10 from my history class are going as Mario characters, Tanisha as Betty Boop, Dmitri is using his Majora's Mask, Scarlett and Charlotte had the idea of Kitana and Mileena, Milton dresses like a news anchor every year and narrates different people, Cindy's pulling up as Regina George with Lily as Janice, Bianca as Glinda (with the big ass dress), even though Tessa Wu and Edith Harmon graduated they help out while dressed as flapper girls, Salvador decided on Reginald Copperbottom, Enola and Lucy are going as Ellie and Dina, Buggs as Mojo Jojo, Gareth, Bryan, Jerome, and Alex bought crayon costumes, Mr. Hamler's daughter Jessie “thought out” her angel costume, Charmaine is going as a sexy wizard, Theodore said he'll be going as Professor Utonium, Warner is going as Chris McLean, Gary and Jonah are showing up as Zim and Gir, Penny decided on Madame Gasket, Cece is dressing as Cthulhu, Lang decided on Maleficent, and Oliver as a pimp with Esmé as his hoe.

That's just off the top of my head.

Like I said, the biggest party of the year.  

It's important that someone keeps track of all the costumes, to make sure there's no repeats, due to the costume contest.  I've been that person for the last two years, and this one is no different.  

“Yeah, consider it a date or something if you're fine with it being a double date.”

He cheered to himself quietly, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

“But my friends and I already have costumes planned.  What are you going to do costume-wise?”

“I can do anything you need me to.”  

“You're such a dork,” I added, but couldn't help smiling.  

He flipped his eyepatch up and gave me a really mean side eye while asking, “Is that better?”

I don't think I should be feeling things seeing a guy in a leather jacket with scars, but here we are.  

Because I don't know how to react normally, I jabbed his chest with a finger and threatened, “If you don't put it back on I'm STICKING MY FINGERS IN YOUR EYE SOCKET!”

“Yes ma’am!”

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

In chemistry, quite a few weeks after practices started, Nene walked over to our little desk area after talking with Brandy and Galatea about something kind of stupid.  

Cyril is said stupid thing.  

“Hey, do you feel confident with the choreo for Still Rockin'?” 

She didn't straighten her hair this morning, which made it appear a little frizzy.  To keep it out of her face, she had her signature headband on, her soft pink halo.

“Yeah,” I said with a small shrug.  “We've been working on it for two weeks now, but I'm still not sure about Let's Hear It For The Boy.”  

Though dancing with Darnell is fun, that shit confuses me.

Her makeup, to contrast that, is still sharp as ever.  I swear, not even a single smudge.  It makes her look really put-together and like she has things all figured out, and I like that about her.  She may truly be a colossal train wreck, but some of the best people are.  

“We still have a week to get it straight, don't worry about it.  I can always help you if you want!”  She smiled at me while offering, and oh my GOD I just think she's so pretty.  It's ridiculous.  

The plaid skirt she wore, while pretty with its various shades of pink, might have been a little too short.  Not in a judgy way, as in a “I can see something on her leg” way.  

I hesitated for a second, wondering if I should ask, before deciding to indeed ask her, “Uh, Nene?  Is there something on your thigh?”

“Oh my fucking god.”  

She suddenly became mortified, a face of shock and horror almost immediately.  She sat down and didn't say a single word for the rest of class, covering her thighs with her low-crossed arms.  She concerns me.  

I swear, I will find out what's up with that girl, whatever it takes.  

Chapter Text

Blaire's POV

---

Brandy and I were locked in a heated battle.  A battle of wits, a battle of strength, a battle of steeled nerves and glares.  

She was stationed across the table.  Pringle positioned between two fingers, other hand just in position to flick it right towards me.  Sour cream and onion.  Powdery and white.  

I CAN'T let that shit get in my hair, her prime target.  I just got these twists done and so help me god if I have to wait a whole week to shower with that shit in my hair, I will kill her.  

“This will be war, Brandy.  Just warning you.”  

“Bring it on, bitch.”  

Just as she flicked it, I luckily caught it in my hand, immediately popping it into my mouth.  Mmmm good chip.  

Alucard walked over after our heated battle, sitting down and greeting us, “Hello Blaire…  And Ginger Foutley.”  

“Fuck OFF, I'M STRAWBERRY BLONDE!”  

“Anyways,” I said, trying to move on because Brandy will keep screaming if we don't.  

“I…  Kinda need some help.”  

We both looked at him with a little suspicion, because the last time some emo freak asked for some help, I almost got sacrificed in the woods, and the time before I had drugs planted on me.  

And Brandy just…  Actually I don't know her problem.  They just have beef.  

Is beef kosher?

He sighed and started explaining, “Nene has been acting really weird today, have either of you noticed anything?”  

Brandy looked at me, and I looked at her, and we just stared.  

“Uhhhh…”  

“Yeah I don't think so.”  

“Damnit,” He muttered under his breath.  He kind of has a tendency to mumble, and I can't tell if it's because he thinks he's mysterious or genuinely never spoke up for himself as a kid.  

Relatable.  

“Although,” I added, “'Tea may know more.”  

“Huh?”  

Duh, “They work together, and got pretty close over the summer.”  

“I'll look into it,” He said slightly above a mumble.  

“Speak up Gonzo, I can barely hear you.”  Brandy actually started doing the work, much to my surprise.  She shook her head a little and tossed another Pringle in my direction, which hit my shoulder.  

“And look at me when you speak, Miss Frizzle.”  

Brandy looked at him and sneered, “Okay, is this better, Sonic?”  

“Philip J. Fry.”

“Blue's Clues lookin’ headass.”

“Genderbent Alfredo Linguini.”

“Princess Luna. ” 

“YOSEMITE SAM,” He just about yelled, making Brandy scoff and walk away.  

“Thanks Grover.”  I smiled at him as he looked at me, unamused.  

Had to do it to ‘em. 

Chapter Text

Galatea's POV

---

Hanzo made a smart decision today.  

“Come here, you motherfucker!”  

Instead of going over our lines, as we originally planned, we were chasing each other with our scripts, attempting to hit each other.  

Sure, we were disturbing people in the courtyard and gaining stares by the pair, but it was fun.  

We ran around for a bit, swinging, missing, and occasionally bopping each other on the head or the arms.  

I only noticed Alucard when he joined in, unfortunately bopping me in the head.  

"Alright, slow your roll."

Hanzo turned around at the sound of his voice, kind of just standing there.  

"Yo, what's up Alucard?"

He motioned to a table, and we all sat down, which immediately he asked, "Has anyone noticed anything off with Nene recently?"

Hanzo looked at me and shrugged, and I looked at her, shrugging as well.  

"No clue," I said plainly, because I really don't know.  Not anything I should get into.  "Although, I do know one thing…"

His head snapped over almost automatically.  I swear he's half robot with how sharp he moves, but hey, it benefits him on stage.  

Jealous.  

He immediately asked, "What do you know?"

"I know her therapist isn't happy with her," I said with almost a laugh.  

Twisted to laugh at something her therapist is upset with?  Yes.  

Unfortunately, I'm not right in the brain and laugh at shit like that.  

Hanzo decided to steer the conversation away, asking, "Have you asked Cyril or Cassie?"

"No, why would I ask those idiots?"

Hanzo glared at him for a second.  "Well dumbass, they've known her since elementary."

"Oh."

Alucard looked at the table, a blank stare, probably comprehending his own stupidity.  

"Good thinking, Blueberry Muffin."

Hanzo laughed as he asked, "Will you please stop calling me blue characters??"

Hmm…  Well, thinking about it now… 

"No."

Chapter Text

Cyril's POV

---

English has to be one of the worst subjects ever.  I don't give two shits about why a guy made the curtains blue or why the pigs are walking on two legs.  

Alucard, Cassie, and I were a step above the outcasted, weird kids in this class.  Looking over at the table with the weird ass kids that hiss at normal people.  And that's the way we like it!

Alucard looked at us and asked, "Did you guys sense anything off about Nene today?"  

Cassie looked over at me, silently asking what the hell to do in this situation.  We both understand the concept of privacy, so cryptically she said, "Some things are better left unknown."

Alucard elbowed my side and asked, "What do you know, Cyril?"

He doesn't need to know.  

"You don't need to know."

He looked at me with sudden curiosity.  "Oh come on Cyril, you'd take any chance to spill some dirt on a," and he made air quotes while saying, "Popular bitch."

He made a confused face and continued, "Plus, why would you, of all people, know?"

Well…

—

Alucard, Cyril, and Cassandra were fooling around during recess in 7th grade.  

They weren't allowed outside, so it was held in the gym.  Of course, Cassandra scaled the bleachers with no issue due to her strength, prompting Alucard to simply levitate up there.  

Cyril has always been kind of jealous of his friends, because he's just a simple, boring guy.  He knew they suffered because of it, but it would be so cool to have something that set him apart from everyone else!  He only had one thing, and there were a lot of other people with it.  

He was always told that his bright, pretty green eyes were special.  The one thing that set him apart was physical.  Not like some people, with murky, swamp-colored eyes, more like emeralds.  

It took him a bit, but he got up on the top to the bleachers and joined his friends, sitting down next to Alucard.  

Cassandra leaned over and asked, "Hey, isn't this weekend your little hunting trip?"

"It's not just a little hunting trip," Cyril said with a groan.  "It's going to be the whole weekend, super fun, and it’ll just be me and my dad!  I’m so goddamn tired of those screaming little runts I call my siblings!”  

In his minor fit of rage, he wasn't exactly paying attention to what he was doing, and slipped from the bleachers.

He fell right in front of Pico, who rudely laughed on and on.  “Good going dumbass, fell about as hard as your mom's expectations of you!”  

“Shut the hell up you fucking psychopath,” Cyril almost yelled as he stood up, “I'm surprised you still even have two parents!”  

He walked off to the nurses office, thinking about how stupid that comeback was.  He can do better and he knows it.

But his arm really hurts.  

He walked in, only coming to find Nene, sitting in the office while the nurse hovered over the counter.  

He immediately looked away, not caring enough to see her smug ass popular face.  

“Yeah yeah, report it to my mother.  She can't do anything Mr. Valdez, she's in Madagascar right now.  What are you gonna go, send me to the loony bin again?  What a goddamn joke.”  

He leaned in to look in the room, curious about her words.  The loony bin, again?  And why is her mom in Madagascar?  She doesn't have a dad, how is that allowed?

He saw Nene, with her shirt off (is that legal?), sloppy lines littering her shoulders.  

Oh.  

Mr. Valdez stepped out, presumably to tell the counselor, and Cyril slipped into the room past him.  

“What a nutcase,” He said about no one in particular, holding out a jacket.  

Nene rolled her eyes and almost laughed, but more or less just pushed a breath out.  “You're telling me, dude!  But uhm…”  While slipping the jacket over her shoulders, she asked, “Don't tell anyone about this, okay?”

—

That's why I'm not telling him a thing.  

Chapter Text

Darnell's POV

---

Pico and I were, as buddies do, mock-fighting to prepare for the scene we're gonna run through later.  

It was just us fooling about, until we noticed someone else approaching.  

"Uh, hey, can I ask you two about something?"

Pico and I just stared at Alucard, motioning for him to go on with a twirl of my hand.  

He ran a hand through his hair as best he could, and bitch I feel that struggle on a spiritual level.  

"You guys are absolute best friends with Nene.  Like, her shooters, right?"  Unfortunately that made complete sense to me, so I nodded, letting him continue.  "Nene's been super off lately, and then I saw something - I truly don't know what - on her thigh today, and I don't know, I guess you two might know something, anything?"

Pico opened his mouth for a second before shutting it.  "Let me talk with my main man for just a second."  And with that, we both turned around like clockwork, taking an exact three and a half long paces.  Just about out of earshot.  

"What do we tell him?!"

Pico looked at me with uneasiness and worry, just not knowing what to say.  "I…  I don't know , which is rare," he said with a hollow chuckle.  

"I ain't spilling shit, this is on you," I said while jabbing a finger into his chest.  "You wouldn't want Nene to talk about your most recent psychosis episode!  But you would rather her than me.  Plus, you know best how to break this stuff down."

"Darnell, that is a bad idea."

I don't see how.  He can normally tell someone he has schizophrenia with ease!

"I normally open up with whatever hallucination I'm seeing at the moment, or most recently."

Oh.  

"Just…  Do your thing dawg," I said, and turned him to face Alucard with me.  

"So!"

Pico's voice cracked, and I started laughing at him, but it turned into wheezing after he punched me in the stomach.  

That's my man.

"Well, I think everyone that was around for middle school knows how Nene is riddled with issues."

Alucard nodded along as Pico continued, "Despite trying to seem put together, she's an unmedicated mess.  Her history with depression is an interesting one, to say the least."

"And her history with food.  It probably also doesn't help that she had a breakup last Spring," Alucard added on.  

Pico  coughed a bit, glancing over at me for a second.  "So, you saw something on her thigh?"

"Yep."

"Unless she got a tattoo and didn't show me, it's probably good to know that she also has an extensive history with self harm."

Alucard wasn't really surprised, as he just squinted a little, as if he was thinking about something.  Or connecting something in his head.  Pico does that a lot, and makes some really weird ass faces.  

At least Alucard is blessed with black features, unlike white boy.

"We'll just leave it at that, as I assume you have your answer," Pico said almost professionally before heading towards the stage for warm ups.  

Thankfully, he left out the part about her suicidal patches.  

That would have been a lot to unpack.  

Chapter Text

Pico's POV

---

I read off the receipt I had in my hands for the millionth time, just trying to get things straight.  

“Chicken sandwich with extra pickle, surf and turf box with barbeque, homestyle mac and cheese, cajun fries, and strawberry biscuits, plus the 24 piece nugget, mashed potatoes, and biscuits just in case…  Yep, all there.”

It's the weekend, and I knocked on 'Tea's door, ready to surprise her with her favorite fast food order from her favorite place.  Popeye's, because she has good taste, and a shopping spree afterwards.  

Nene's forced me to go on too many, so I know what to do, and she mentioned that she hasn't got a wardrobe update in a few years.  I got cash to burn and a chick to catch!  

One that is very out of my league.  

After three knocks, a short, tired, black woman answered the door.  

“The fuck do you want white boy.”

Fortunately, I am confident, so I just asked, “Is Galatea home?”

“Mmm.  And who are you,” She asked in return, squinting her eyes up at me.  

I extended a hand with a smile.  “My name's Pico, and you are?”

“Her mother.”

I retracted my unshaken hand, having a minor heart attack before the woman started laughing, along with someone else in the house.  

I looked over her shoulder, which wasn't hard, and oh em gee it's Blaire! 

I fished a little container of butter and threw it at Blaire to get his bitchass attention.  

Trust me, I like this man.  

“Wassup Pico?  Come on in," He said with an irritated laugh.  

I stepped in as their mom looked at me, and led me to the kitchen.

“COURTNEEEY, WE GOT COMPANY GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE," She yelled to someone named Courtney.  

Genuinely, the most non-intimidating man ever stepped into the kitchen as Blaire screamed, “GO AWAY TYREE, AIN'T NOBODY LIKE YOU- NOW COME HERE!!!"

That sent me into momentary shock, as I have nev er heard Blaire raise his voice.  

They both entered the kitchen, and everyone sat at the table, sans the entire reason I am here.  

“So why do you want to see her, huh?”

Blaire glared at the least intimidating man and said, “Courtney, calm your shit.  So everyone, this is Pico, one of my classmates and cast members.”

He introduces them one by one, motioning by hand.  

“This is my brother, Tyree."

He looks like an annoying freshman.  I can just tell .

“This is my mom, Andrea."

She smiled a little, with a glare.  

“And this is my mom's fiance, Courtney."

He waved a little, awkwardly, from across the table.  

Courtney leaned over the table slightly, and asked, “Now, what do you want with my Galatea?”

"She's not yours, you're black dumbass," Andrea said plainly while Tyree and Blaire started laughing.  

“I brought her food, and want to take her shopping today."  And now I'm sitting at a table as an entire family interrogates me.  

Blaire started to say something before Tyree stuck a hand out and said, “Food tax, pay up."

With a shit-eating grin, I laid a few napkins under his hand before cracking the gravy open and pouring some on his hand, saying, “Sure thing buddy!”

Andrea started fucking losing it, reluctant laughter turning into, “Okay, this kid is funny, I like him."

I pulled out the nuggets, potatoes, and biscuits while saying, “I figured I'd get stuff just in case this happened.” 

Courtney stared me down for an uncomfortably long second.

“Did you assume we like Popeyes because we're black.”

I blinked a few times, because I actually once did that to Darnell's family, before saying, “I brought it cause it's 'Tea's favorite.”

"We're just messing with you, kid," He said with a laugh.  

Galatea, in all her glory, finally walked in.  She wore basketball shorts and a sports bra, brushing her hair and complaining.  

“Andrea, I can't find my green skirt did you bo- oh.”

She immediately stopped in her tracks, just staring at me for a second.  “Uh, hey Pico, didn't expect you so…  Early."

“I brought you food, come sit down please," I asked.  

“Can I get dressed first, goddamn."

“Do you wanna just meet me in the car?”

Not my car.  Her car.  She's aware that I can't drive, and is fine with driving my bum ass around.  

Respect for that one.   

“Yeahhhh….”  She started walking away, mumbling about something, continuing to brush her hair as if nothing happened.  

I walked out after she did, having a chorus of goodbyes follow.  

Hey, at least her family likes me!

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

A common weekend ritual I do is simple cleaning.  Not exactly like everyone else, but cleaning.  

Normally, I'll put on some pajamas that leave my legs exposed, and a robe if it's cold.  Fan on if it's not, but today happened to be an uncharacteristically cold day.  

I go to the bathroom, and set my cleaning supplies all out.  Gauze pads, a saline cleaning solution, and vaseline.  

Not the typical list, I know.  

I usually put on some music, but instead, Alucard called today.  

“Oh, hey man, what's up?”

“I'm gonna commit homicide, dude.”  

I giggled a little at him and said, “That's not very cool of you, what happened?"    

He laughed, and I hate to admit it, but after hearing him sing…  His voice seriously kind of does stuff.  

As I swiped a line, a little noise of pain accidentally slipped through.  

Alucard was silent for a second before asking, "Uhm, are you… Okay, Nene?"

"Not really."

After a little silence, he asked, "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning," I said casually.  

"Cleaning what?"

"..."

"Nene…"  When his voice trails off, it gets a little deeper and gravely, and that does MORE stuff.  

"What?"  As normal, I tried playing dumb, as it normally works on guys.  

"You know, you're not slick when you sneak off to the bathroom every so often, and then dance more gently, and you're constantly wincing when I have to put my hands on your hips or thighs for blocking or a dance move."

I guess it did not work on this guy. 

"Uhm…  Alucard?"

"You know I'm just worried, right?"  I could almost picture his look, disappointment mixed with worry and something else.  

It's intriguing.  

"Well, the last time a guy said that, he got angry with me because he couldn't find my self-harm scars sexy, so you're not too believable."

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

Well, this is awkward.  Also kind of worrying.  

".... Uh.  Umg.  Hhh…..  Nen-"

"Shit, I said too much, I didn't mean that!  I'm sorry Alucard, can we just forget I said that?"

I took just a second to think, ignoring the question.  No, the hell we are not just going to brush by that, but maybe there's something I can do for her?

I got it.  

"Nene, would you mind if I came over for a bit?"

"Uhm…”  She went silent for a second before replying, “I mean, no, but how would you get here?"

"I got my car back, my aunt was borrowing it for a while."

Hers was in the shop, and hey, some sacrifices must be made to not live as a street urchin.  

"Sure, come over…  at your own risk."

I really can't tell whether she's joking or not, but hey, it's a risk I'll take.

"Stay on call with me, I just want to make sure you're still there."

After a second, she asked, "What does that mean?"

"So you don't just up and leave?"  

Totally not what I meant.  

"Oh, okay."

I got up from my bed - there goes my day of rotting - while making idle chit chat to keep her on the phone.  We ended up talking about music, since I couldn't put any on in the car.  

“What were you listening to before I called?”

“You're gonna judge.”

“Nah, I'm not like that.”  

“I don't trust you, you goth freaks are extreme music purists.”  

“I can assure you, I'm not like that.  I happen to dabble in cunty girl pop.”

“That's what I had on!  The playlist name is Hitting Licks and Flashing Tits.  Specifically Carly Rae Jepsen at that moment.  She's my favorite artist!  I have like...  None of her songs in this playlist though.”  

“What album?”  

“It's off The Loneliest Time, Talking To Yourself.”

“Haven't heard it, you gotta show me sometime.”

"Of couuuurse!!  So, what do you listen to?"

"In what context, Nene?"

"Music-wise, silly,” She said with a laugh.  

"Quite a few types, but some of my favorites are The Soft Moon, Nine Inch Nails, and…"

"Aaaaand…?"  

I could listen to her all day, just saying.  

"Well, I guess I've been taking your suggestions on music."

"OHMYGOD what artists do you like?!"  Despite being so depressed, she has such a bubbly and sweet persona.  Her voice is just great.  A lot about her is great.  I'm not good with my feelings or voicing them, if anyone hasn't noticed.  

"You're going to make fun of me."

"Awww, no I won't!  Come on, tell meeee!!!"

While it is tempting to tell her, I pulled into the parking lot by her house and announced such.  "I'll be up in just a second, ok?"

"Alright, come on up!  At your own risk."

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

Why did I tell him to come at his own risk?  Well…

I looked in the mirror and involuntarily giggled a little.  But not in a funny way, or a “omg look at me I'm so cute” way, in an absolutely nervous mess way.  

As usual, I think I look like shit, simply in a soft, puffy pink robe with hearts on it, barely hiding my matching bralette and thong.

Yeah, I'm at home, if he doesn't like it he can leave.  I'm comfortable, bitch.  

My thighs and hips were covered in all sorts of pink, white, and red lines, reminding me of my outfit and Valentine's day, in a twisted way.  Painful, but for some it's amazing.  

I had no makeup on, considering it's a weekend.  I should have done it as soon as he asked, but hey, if he's disappointed he can leave.  The lack of makeup makes my eyes look smaller and puffy, makes my lips look disproportionately big, and shows off my eyebags and slight forehead acne.  

Plus, although I hate it, my ribs aren't sticking out anymore, and my stomach is actually starting to look like a stomach.

Blegh.

I heard the door open, and wandered out to the kitchen, where the front door is connected to.

"Hey Alucard, what's up?"

He saw me and started sputtering a little, finally saying, "Oh, hi Nene." 

Unlike a lot of guys, his reaction was kind of cute, face almost instantly going magenta.  His eyes avoided me at all costs, and I guess he just didn't want to look.  

"Aww, what was that reaction for?"

Despite trying to keep myself normal and friendly, it's just… My nature, how I've been trained to act and taught to be, to go over and ruffle his hair, joking with him.  

"You like what you see or something?  This is a safe space Lu, you can admit anything."

Even if I'm used to giving it, I didn't expect it to be dished right back to me.  Normally, it knocks guys out and stuns them, but not Alucard apparently.  

He grabbed my one wrist from his hair, and the other from off my hip and calmly asked, "So what if I do?"

"If you do, what are you waiting for?"  I leaned back on the counter, which pulled him closer to me.  His magenta had faded into what looked like a painful bright red, and I wonder if he has a fever, or he's sick?

"Hm?"  Despite the fact that it looks like he was interested, obviously, he decided to play dumb.  I like stupid men though, so we're all good.  

I'm just used to dudes using me for what they want, and I assumed that he is no different.  Especially since, while I don't see him as a loser, he is at the bottom of the high school social hierarchy.  

"If you think I'm hot, why not pounce on this opportunity?  My mom isn't home, you know."  Most guys want what they want, and well…  Yeah.  

Alucard looked almost offended.  He dropped my wrists and took a step or two back, asking with some worry on his face, "Nene, do you honestly believe I came here for a cheap hook up?"

"Yeah?"

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

What the fuck.  

Does she honestly think that low of me?  I get it, some guys are like that, but come on , I'm not after that!  She's just genuinely a fun person.  

I stood there like an idiot, incredulous and shocked that she thinks I'd stoop that low.

Snapping out of that, I said, "Sorry if that's what you wanted, but unfortunately I have this thing called respect for women."  

Nene looked a little relieved after I said that.  Her shoulders visibly relaxed, and her look was more genuine happiness, although she looked kind of tired.  

"You have no clue how many guys are lacking that."

She grabbed my hand gently and said, “Let's go chill in my room, the kitchen's cold.”  She started leading me up to her room, and I noticed something in the hallway.  

All of the photos are of her and her…. Sisters, I guess?  Although that begs the question of where are her parents?  There were photos through various ages, along with a few of Pico and Darnell with her.  They've been friends forever, so I guess it's only natural.  

Looking at one, it made me stop for a second, because I noticed….  Hey wait, I'm in one of those!  A class field trip photo to an aquarium last year.  Nene's mom always chaperones when she's in town during field trips, mainly because she likes making sure there's an adult that remembers Pico needs to take his meds.  She is that adult.  But due to her always being in Nene and Pico's group, and my disdain of authority, and typically ignoring the fact that we need to be with a chaperone, I don't exactly remember what she looks like.  

Everyone was acting goofy as shit on the bus, with Nene sitting on one of the tops of the seats, using Pico as a footrest.  I stood up right behind her and gave her bunny ears while Cyril, next to me on the bus, shot finger guns at the camera.  

Classic.  

I knew her dad was out of the picture, but I didn't think it was a complete separation.  There's not a single photo of a man on the walls, what-so-ever.  Not even any wedding photos.  

She opened the door to her room and told me, "Go sit down, I gotta grab something."

While looking around the room, I made the mistake of looking straight ahead, seeing Nene bent over in her heart-themed outfit.  

Including a thong.  

God, why have I been cursed to be a hormonal teenager?!

I covered my face with my hands and rested my elbows on my legs, hearing a little snicker from Nene.  

"Alucard, honey, what's wrong?"

Ok she HAS to be teasing me now, there is no way in Hell that she's not.  

Fuck, what if she knows?

What if she hates me because of it?

UGHHHH.  I hate being a silly guy with emotions.  

She moved right in front of me and grabbed my hands, holding them in her own to remove them from my face.  She looked down with almost a smirk and asked, "See?  Much better.  What's the issue?"

"There's no issue, I just, uhm, well y'know, uhm.."

Such a charmer, I know.

"Ok, let's do it this way.  Do you trust me?"

Do I?

Fuck it, why not.  

"Yes."

I probably should have said no, because she climbed right up on my lap, and said, "Now you can't hide your face, or you run the risk of me falling off.  And you're backed onto the wall, so…  Good luck, babe."

Did she just make a Chappell Roan reference?

I guess I started blushing even more if possible, because she asked with slight hesitation, "Uhm are you okay Alucard?"  

I managed to squeak out, "Yep!"

She happily got more comfortable after I responded, making everything even worse for me.  

I really am into her.  Goddamnit. 

Chapter Text

Alucard: And now, she is sleeping on my arm, we're all comfortable in her bed, and I'm not sure how to proceed, or process this

Alucard: like holy shit what

Cassie: Alucard getting bitches

Cassie: You go dude

Hanzo : omg congrats man

Cyril: They grow up so fast

Giko: I'm frankly surprised that she'd show you any sort of attention.  You used to be really condescending and cold to her in middle school and then almost completely ignored her existence in high school, outside of what you had to do for theater, other than this year.  

Cassie: stfu Giko we're being supportive

Hanzo : At least you made a good choice this time

Alucard: Is she normally like this, or should I maybe start making a few moves on her?  I'm clueless here guys

Cyril: WAIT YOU'RE ACTUALLY DOING IT

Hanzo: lets fucking goooo!!!

Cassie: DAMN Alucard's gonna get laid

Alucard: That's not the goal, dumbass.

Alucard: You all are seriously way too horny to weigh in, other than Giko, but that's because he lives with his grandparents.  

Giko: At least I still have my grandparents

Giko: And my parents for that matter.  

Alucard: Fuck you

Cyril: Then what's the goal here??

Alucard: What do you fucking think?

Alucard: I want to date her.  

Alucard: Dumbass.  

[Multiple people are typing…]

—

[MISSION PURPLE]

Cassie: [1 attachment]

Cassie: ARE YOU GUYS SEEING THIS SHIT

Darnell: ho. ly. fuck.

Pico: nah it's official he has to go for it now

Galatea: He said he is you dumb fucking ginger

Pico: are you flirting with me rn

Blaire: BE SO FUCKING ASTRONOMICALLY FOR REAL RIGHT NOW YOU TWO

Cyril: Pico is so down bad holy shit

Brandy: shut up cyril you've said worse

Brandy: IN FRONT OF MY MOM.

Cyril: nuh uh

Darnell: both y’all asses GOT

Darnell: anyways…

Chapter Text

Darnell's POV

---

“Maybe he's no Romeo, but he's my loving one man show-oh, woah- oh-OH, LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOOOOOOY!  YEAAAAAAAAAHaaAAAaaaAH! ”

Cassandra is so fucking dramatic, especially when it comes to the stage.  But hey, it sounds nice!  

But not exactly right in your ear.  Well...  Close enough, although she's like a foot shorter than me. 

Like 80 percent sure my eardrum is ruptured.  

“Okay, five minute break everyone, meet in the choir room at 5:05 sharp!”  Ms. Reddish started writing down something as Cassandra and I made our way really quickly to what we call our “talk spot”, up on the stairs for the high platform.  

Just because it's a stage doesn't mean we don't deserve privacy, fuck off.  

She looked up and asked, “How are you feeling about Alucard and Nene?  You know those two are getting closer day by day.” 

Honestly?  "I'm more or less indifferent right now,” I said with a shrug.  Can't care about a game when the guy has no play.  

“But if what he was saying was true, he's been all up on her already, it's only a matter of time.”  

“If he makes it that far,” I pointed out.  “She's not exactly the hardest person out there, if you catch my drift.”  

Cassandra squinted and asked, “Did you just call your friend an easy whore?”

Am I wrong?

“Just because she is doesn't mean I don't respect her.”  

She laughed despite her initial reaction, and I can’t tell whether she believes me or not.  Oh well, bitches ain't know the truth sometimes.  

“I think it's nice that she's gonna go after a loser, lowering her expectations,” She said with even more laughter.  

I started laughing too because holy shit , she's honest to god actually going for someone completely under her league.  

“At least we know he's not entertaining anyone else!”  

“Same can't be said about her,” Cassandra added with a small eye roll. 

I immediately glared at her and said, “Oh hell no, you don't have rights to call her a whore.”  The fucking audacity.  

“Wait,” She interrupted while looking at her phone.  “Hey, guess what.”

“What?”  

She showed me her phone and said, “It's 5:05”

“SHIIIIIIIT.” 

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

Walking up the stairs after all that dancing just might be the thing that kills me.  Not my many attempts at it, just these goddamn stairs.  

Every step made me almost fall, as I am very tired.  How did I not pass out behind the wheel?  God knows.  

Probably Alucard in the car with me, who actually did smack me when I almost fell asleep.  And no matter how much he bitches at me that not eating and then dancing and shit is gonna kill me, I doubt it's that.  

I think it's the stairs.  

All I wanted to do when I got inside was to creep into bed and sleep.  Unfortunately, something was in the way.  

“Hi honey, I forgot you had practice tonight, but the food is still warm.  Come sit down!” My mom smiled as she motioned to the table, probably happier to see me than I am her.  

Normally, she's busy.  Busy on business trips for photography (which she surprisingly gets paid well for), teaching at the dojo, or just not being around.  I can't really blame her, but it does make this place feel a lot more empty.  

I sighed before dropping my bookbag down and sinking into the empty chair, wishing it was the sweet embrace of my silk sheets, but alas, it's…  Wood.  

“Long day, huh?”

“Yeah,” I said flatly, despite sitting up more.   “We cleaned up the choreography for one of my main songs tonight.”

“Fun, what song?”  She passed a pair of chopsticks to me despite the fact that I'm shaky at best with them.  Plus, I barely have an appetite and she knows it.  

I picked at my peking roasted duck, and I have to give her props for remembering my favorite dish from the place down the block.  “Holding Out For a Hero, the one in Shrek 2.”

Mom giggled a little, obviously holding something under the table.  She's not the sneakiest, but she tries.  

“You know,” She started, “I kinda feel bad for leaving a lot.  I know it's a bit stressful for you, but I assure you that I'll try to be home more.  That being said…”

“Let me guess, another trip?”  I pushed my food away and rolled my eyes, sick of this shit.  It's trip after trip and weeks of being alone at a time and it's a bunch of horse-shit.  

“Yes, I'm afraid.”  Her face fell a little, but she immediately perked up.  “But, after this trip, I'll have a full few months, uninterrupted.  That we can spend together.  Lord knows we need the time!”  

“...  How long is it?”  

She's being awfully sweet, and if she's gone for more than two weeks I might flip my lid.  

“I'm sorry sweetheart, it's a month-long trip.”

Without thinking, the words flew out.  “Fuck mom, where are you going?!?!”

“Nene Ruby!  Language!”

“WHERE,” I demanded while refusing to look at her.  I can't, I'll get sad!  

“They're sending me out to like…  Denmark.  I'm supposed to do a tour of all the Nordic and Scandinavian countries,” She barely whispered.  “I'm sorry.”  Her voice broke a little, and even without looking at her it's making me sad.  

I looked at her and didn't even try to mask how upset I am.  “So you'll be across the world from me for a month?!  When are you being shipped out?”  

“In a week.”

“Thanks for letting me know,” I half-heartedly said.  

“I'm sorry, but I'll pay the bills in advance, and leave money for gas, groceries, and all that.”  She smiled a little and unsuccessfully assured me that, “I'll make sure you'll be okay, okay?”

“Sure thing Mom.”  

I'm not really that sure, but okay.  

She rattled whatever was under the table and said, “To lighten the sting, I brought you something from Wisconsin!”

Material goods aren't going to take away the sting of knowing my mom's leaving for a month.  She's never gone this long, and normally not this far!  

Mom moved a rather large, silver, ornate box with small, red, heart-shaped gems to the table.  

I looked at it with mild curiosity and asked, “It's pretty, but…  What is it?”

“So, remember when I said my grandma moved from South Korea to Wisconsin?  Poor choice.”

“Yeah…?”  That's kind of odd to bring up, but I've heard it countless times.  

“Well, this was hers.”  She pushed it towards me and explained, “She put in her will that you would have it.  Open it!”

Although it hurt my fingers, I eventually got the “lock” undone, and a ton of vintage jewelry lay inside.  Like, a shit ton.  

“You can, of course, keep whatever you would like, it's all yours.  But the whole collection, if you choose to sell some pieces, could be worth up to tens of thousands.  Your great-grandma wasn't a golddigger, but she certainly had her way with men's money.”  

“Oh.  My.  God.  Thank you so much, Mom!”

While this doesn't make up for leaving, it's pretty damn close.  I stood up and walked to the other side of the table, hugging my mom as best as I could.  

“I know I’m not always here for you, but you know I try, right?”  She ruffled my hair like she would when I was a kid, and it made me miss the times that she was here for the most part, not needing her second job as a photographer.  When my dad was around.  

“Yes, and I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, Nene.”  She smiled and pointed at the chair before saying, “Now you need to eat some.”

“Ugh!”

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

“Hey, wanna come over and work on Almost Paradise?”

“Uhm…”

Alucard's voice buzzed through my shitty phone speaker, almost too loud in such a quiet place.  

I had just got done saying goodbye to Mom.  It was a nice time, going out to eat and shop around a little to help “cure the sadness,” but it didn't work.  

Material goods can't replace emotional connections, unfortunately.  

Walking up and down the hall, the sound of my footsteps made the place seem more empty than it really is.  It's just about an excuse to get out, to escape the footsteps.  If the sound doesn't drive me mad, cooking and cleaning might.  

“Or you could always just come over and practice, the house is empty.”

“Again?  Wow.”  Alucard sounded a little surprised, but I've told him of how much my mom leaves.  This is no different.  

It's not.  It has to be no different.  It's just a bit longer of a trip!

“Yeah, it would probably be easier than going over with your family.  There are a lot of you.”

“About that…”  He cleared his throat a little and awkwardly kind of shoved out, “This is gonna sound really weird, but my aunt wants to meet you.”

Fuck.  

“Sure, I can be over in 10.”

After shuffling through my closet, I threw on a long, modest dress to not make the same mistake as I had in class that one day.  With that, I left, locking the door behind me.  

All I could do was sigh as I stepped into the car.  I honestly don't want to do this, but oh well, at least I'm not alone.  

The drive to his house was a spaced-out blur, and that's pretty much how the visit was.  

I tried to smile as Alucard answered the door, but he gave me an eye roll and a, “Thanks for your attempt.”  

I'm not saying it was chaotic, but the moment I stepped in, it definitely overwhelmed me.  Now I'm good with parties, and big crowds, and assemblies and huge classes, but…

I can't deal with kids.

I guess I forgot about Alucard’s cousins, but as soon as I saw them run behind him, chasing and yelling, I stopped in my tracks.  

And as soon as they saw me, they did just the same.  

Immediately, they erupted into questions, all directed at Alucard.  I could barely hear as they flew out.

“Who is she?”  

“Why is she hanging out with you?”  

“Is that the girl you hung out with?”

“Why is she so pretty and you so ugly?”

“Will she play with us?!”

“Why is she paying attention to the dog, and not us?”  

Instead of paying attention to the animals, I was on the floor, petting the dog.  I simply asked, “What's her name?”  

Alucard laughed, telling the others to get lost.  “Her name's Peanut.”  

“She's a really big peanut.”  A really fat chihuahua, and I love her.  

I played with the dog for a minute more, and Alucard asked, “Hey, can you even hear us?”  

I looked up, seeing a taller woman with a confused but pleasant look next to him.  “I think you've been petting the dog for like five minutes, but she loves the attention.”  

I stood up and dusted myself off, Peanut now circling my feet like a little shark hunting for attention and love.  “Sorry about that,” I said with a small laugh.  

“It's alright,” The woman said while dipping her head.  “My name's Theresa, you must be the Nene that Ace has talked so much about.”  

I guess that's what she said, before Alucard sighed and pulled me to the hallway.  “Are you okay?  This isn't like you, you're always way too attentive.”  

“Yeah, I'm fine, have you ever seen me?  I'm normally like this.”

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

“Has anyone seen Nene?  It's not normal for her to miss like this.”  

Mr. Hamler specifically glanced at the side of the room Galatea, Brandy, and I sat on.  

In order, we shrugged, giving our collective six cents.  

“Haven't seen her, sorry.”  

“She'll probably stroll in at any moment.”  

“Nope, but she may just be late today.”

But I'm left to wonder where she could have gone, and why she isn't here.  

And how could she leave me to do all the post-lab work?

This class is so boring without her jokes and antics, honestly.

Or her laugh.

Or that smile. 

Or even just having a hand to gently brush on “accident.”

Without her, everything is just…  Bland.

I knew she was off last week, starting with the day I invited her over because my aunt wanted to meet her.  And then she barely talked afterwards, last night essentially giving me radio silence.  Now, I try not to worry, but I run with the mentally ill kids, I know how these things can be.  

And Nene is…  Exceptional.  Especially when it comes to freaking everyone out with her mental health issues.  

I'm probably worrying about nothing.

But what if it was really bad?

I really hope she shows up later today.  

Though I can't shake the feeling that this won't end well.  

It has to.

Right?

Chapter Text

Darnell's POV

---

“And then I asked, “Has anyone seen Nene today?”

Then Brandy said, “No, I haven't seen her, did she not show up after chemistry?” 

And Blaire said, “I normally see her in the hallway, but she wasn't there today.  Why, is something up?”

Galatea essentially shrugged it off and said “I didn't see her in third, sorry.”

Though Hanzo was apologetic about her, she was just as helpful when she said, “I don't have any classes besides theater, and you saw she wasn't there.”

Of course Cassie was being a bitch and had to say, “Nope, what's got your panties in a twist?”

And Cyril knows I'm an anxious person but gave the shitty advice of, “She's probably just absent today, don't panic yourself over it.”

Plus, I just asked Pico, and he said, “Didn't see her at all today, it's weird that she hasn't shown up to the last two practices though.”

I didn't even bother asking Giko, it's just become so usele-”

I sat a hand on Alucard's shoulder, which shut him up.  “My brother in Christ, please calm yourself.  For the love of fucking God, Jesus, and all his disciples.”

He blinked at me.

“Wait wait wait, you don't believe in all that Jesus stuff, right,” I asked, because fuck if I know when it comes to any religion ever.

Pico and I joke about being Satanists to freak out the old white ladies at the park, but I don't actually do that shit.  

Alucard stared at me for like three seconds before breaking out in laughter, which turned into wheezing, leaning over the stage for some support.  He ended up slipping and inadvertently bending over the stage.  

I'll admit it, I was staring at his ass.  Damn, his God blessed him.  Or his momma.  

I won't ever see either, and he won't either.  

Okay, too foul?  I don't know.  

He stood back up after a few seconds of regaining his breath, hopping up and sitting on the stage.  “Well, he was probably a real person, but we don't exactly think he was God's son or any part of him.  Although I'm not the best source?  We don't really…  We're not that religiously involved, at my house at least.  And even when I lived with my parents, it was some podunk, white-trash, mountain town, so it's not like a 6 year old wants to be religious.”  

“Also,” He continued, “That's not important right now.”  

“Chill, she's probably fine.  I'll call her and see if anything is up.”

That seems to satisfy him, but barely, kicking his feet as I pulled out my phone.  

—

Ring

Ring

Ring

Click

“Hey Darnell.”

Alucard just about lurched off the stage as I said her name.  “Nene, are you gonna come to school tomorrow?”

“To be honest with you, no.”

“Text Alucard or something, okay?  He's hella twisted right now, outta concern.”

“I'll do it, if I have the energy.  You know how it is.”

“Alright, have a good day, I'll have someone come make sure you eat soon enough.”

“Whatever, get back to class.”

“I have a free period, we're working on the set.”

“We?”

“Alucard's here too.”

“Oh.  Well maybe I'll text him, like I said.  Anyways, I need to get back to sulking.”  

“Hey, stay safe Nene.”

“Will do, byeeeee.”

I got hung up on almost immediately, and drew a breath through my teeth.  

This isn't gonna go well.  

I looked over at Alucard, who's face was contorted with dejection and anxiety.  

“Well, she's okay and that's what matters.”  Although that may not last.

We both know how she can go off the rails, even if he doesn't know it as personally.  

“For now,” He added in an uneasy tone as the bell rang.  

Chapter Text

Cyril's POV

---

Practice was boring as ever.  

Boring might not be the right word, but it's kind of how today is.  

Our song of the practice was The Girl Gets Around.  It's a pretty funny song, but it's kind of repetitive and is just Pico and Nene uncomfortably flirting.  

They're way too good at that.  And with Alucard, it can be an annoying song.  

Problem is, we do not have Nene.  We need Nene, she is not here.  THAT IS AN ISSUE.

Before Ms. Reddish started the song, Pico asked, “Can anyone step in for Nene?  I don't want to sing it alone.”

My fucking time to shine.

Although some girls that thirst over him stood to join him, I barreled through them.  I'm pretty sure I knocked someone over, actually.

Oops, anyways.  

I may have hated this man before, but this is too good to pass up.  

We glanced at each other and nodded, already earning chuckles from everyone else.  

They haven't heard the best part.  

“Brandy, I question your taste,” Ms. Reddish said with a glance to her daughter.  

“MOM!”

That's my girl.  

Pico started the song, like usual.  Such a cocky bitch.  It landed him the character, but also makes me want to punch the shit out of him again.  

But then the price is he does it right back.  And really hard too.  

As soon as it got to the verse Nene was supposed to do, I tried to do a really high-pitched voice, making Pico and just about everyone else lose it.  

Glancing to my friends, I saw Hanzo and Cassie about to cry, and Alucard just about there.  

That was the general vibe of the room, because it was terrible singing.  

Ms. Reddish stopped playing and sighed, although she had a smile.  

“Alright, you've had your fun, now we need an actual girl on the part.  It sucks to not have Nene here, but we still need to learn stuff.”  

At the mention of her name, Alucard went from laughing to uneasy.  

God fucking damnit. 

Chapter Text

Pico's POV 

---

When practice was over, a few of us decided to go for some food because that shit makes you hungry .  

I'm not allowed to drive, as my dads think it's the best decision with my schizophrenia, and while it sucks, I don't fight it.  

Luckily, Galatea decided to drive me, Alucard, Brandy, and Hanzo, and that means I sit in front, so I have control of the aux cord.  

This has been shown to be a mistake, as I ended up singing.  

Unfortunately for Alucard, everyone else joined in.  

"HEY!  HEY!  YOU!  YOU!  I CAN BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND!"

Sometimes you need to let your inner white girl out, okay?

“NO WAY!  NO WAY!  I THINK YOU NEED A NEW ONE!”

He looked like a sour bitch, just sitting there with his arms crossed and a sad, pathetic little look on his face.  

I paused the music and looked over at him.  “Dude, is there something we can do to get you to stop sulking?”  

He immediately straightened his back and let his arms drop to his sides.  “I'm not sulking,” He plainly said while everyone else tried to not laugh.  

“Awww, Alucard's missing his cruuuuuuuuuuuuush,” Hanzo teased with a giggle.  

“I do not have a crush on her!”

“Something smells, because that's a load of horse shit.”  Brandy rolled her eyes and sighed, asking, “What can we do to cheer you up, sad little man?”

Galatea laughed at that, pulling into a Vietnamese restaurant because she wants wonton soup.  

“Why don’t you call her, or have someone else do it,” Brandy suggested.  

I whipped out my phone, and pulled up her contact.  

Alucard looked over my shoulder and asked, “Do you really have her contact down as “Line Cutter"?  Way too foul, goddamn.”

“She always cuts the line when I'm there!  And she has me down as Ginger with like five different orange emojis.”

“Wait wait wait,” Hanzo started, “What do you have as Darnell's contact?”  

“...  My Love.”

Brandy and Hanzo started breaking out in laughter as Galatea sighed with a smile.  

Alucard tapped his foot as the phone rang and rang, since I already put it on speaker.  

It sent me to voicemail and Alucard frowned, clearly worried.  

“Let's just…  Go inside,” Hanzo said as she dragged him out of the car.  

Galatea, Brandy and I sat in the car as I left a message.  

“Hey hey Nene, you know, it's Pico.  We're all a tad concerned, and a certain blue boy is a bit twisted over you not being here.  Especially because you said you'd text, and you didn't.  Call me back A-S-A-P, catch you later.”

Galatea bluntly asked, “Does she go absent for a while like this normally?”

“Well…”

—

Pico had called Nene the night before, again and again and again.  

Him, Darnell, and even some of the freaky goth kids in his history class were wondering where she had gone.  

The blue one, the redhead, and the kid with the mohawk.  He fucking hates that kid.  

“No response last night, at all,” He said with a sigh, drumming his hands on the desk.  

Darnell nodded and responded, “Same, she ain't even responding to my texts!”

Only one kid in class was actually doing his assignment, the weird kid with purple hair in the corner.  

“It's weird for her to not post on anything,” Cassandra said with a sigh, scrolling through some app on her phone.  

The counselor, Ms. Halko, came up to Pico's desk and said they needed to talk to him.  

Fuck, what is it this time?

The counselor pulled him into the office, and asked him, “Have you heard anything from Nene recently?”

“Nope, we tried calling last night.  No luck.”  

“Well…  She was reported as missing for two days and found on the train tracks, but ran as soon as she heard some commotion.”

“Well that's not good.  But no, I don't know anything.  Can I go back to class now?”  

—

“Yeah.  She does this.”

Galatea popped the car door open while saying, “I hope she's okay.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

"Call me back A-S-A-P, catch you later."

I clicked on the call button, and it rang.  

And rang.  

And rang, rang, rang rang.  

"Hey, you reached my mailbox, congrats.  Leave your shit and go."

"Uh, hey Pico, you said to call back.  I have no clue what time it is, but I'm alive.  Catch you later dude."

I sat up after hanging up, a rush coming over my forehead.  I almost fell backwards, vision going blurry in the dark room.  Attempting to walk was a wasted effort, and at least I fell back onto the bed instead of the floor.  

Even though it's only been a week, the weight of my mom leaving struck hard .  

Why?  She does this all the time.

It won't be like dad.  

She'll come back

It's okay.

It's fine.

My mirror totally didn't show a grotesque version of me, hair greasy and stringy, skin shining from the oils all built up, red from acne and crying, and tear-streaked with caked makeup.  

I'm totally doing great.  

It's fine.

There's no reason to get out of bed at this point, so I just laid down.

If I can't walk, why get up to eat?  If I can barely manage to lift my head, why shower?

If I can barely take care of myself, why live?

It's pointless.

Everything is.  

Fuck, where's a blade when you need one?!

Chapter Text

Saturday, 10:59 a.m.

Voicemail inbox

You have 19 unread messages

Monday, 6:42 a.m.

"Hey-hey Nene, it's Pico again.  I heard you went in for your homework, but you didn't show up again, and we're all getting a little concerned.  I'm calling before school, so just respond when you wake up.  Hear from you soon, bye."

Monday, 8:54 p.m.

"Uhm, hello Nene.  It's Giko Jackson speaking.  I just need to know how long you'll be out, so I know what scenes to focus on learning.  Respond soon, and get better soon if you're ill.  Goodbye."

Tuesday, 12:34 p.m.

"Hey girl, it's 'Tea.  I heard that you called the manager, but please hurry your ass up while recovering, ‘cause I have to take all your shifts.  I can't do this for very long.  See you soon Nene!"

Tuesday, 2:25 p.m.

"Nene, it's Brandy.  Give me a ring when you can, please?  We've been learning This Girl Gets Around, and Giko's a little stressed about it.  And I also am worried!  See you later."

Tuesday, 5:06 p.m.

"Hey Nene, it's Alucard.  I'm not saying I'm worried, but I'm worried.  Please call back soon.  Sorry if that seems clingy.  Um- yeah, bye."

Wednesday, 6:19 a.m.

"Earth to Nene, from Darnell.  Can you give some sort of indication that you're alive?  It would help everyone.  We're all getting a little on edge, especially the people that were around during 9th and/or 7th grade.  Call me soon, see you."

Wednesday, 8:16 a.m.

"What's up Nene, Blaire here.  Ms. Reddish is even getting concerned, so please come in soon, or just call one of us.  Thanks, see you later!"

Wednesday, 7:07 p.m.

"Nene.  It's Pico.  You better come in soon or we're sending someone in to check on you.  Swear to God, Nene."

Thursday, 6:45 a.m.

"Hi Nene, Hanzo here.  You gonna come in anytime soon?  We're all a little more than freaked out.  Catch you soon girl."

Thursday, 5:15 p.m.

"Nene, it's Cyril here.  Are you okay?  You've been dead silent for a while, so if you're not dead, call literally anyone back.  Please.  See you soon, I hope."

Friday, 5:28 a.m.

"Hey Nene, it's Darnell.  What the fuck man?!  You haven't shown up for a week.  Literally, an entire week.  You need to let someone know you're okay, asap.  Please be okay.  Talk to me - or anyone else - soon, please.  See you."

Friday, 7:14 a.m.

"Hello Nene, it's Giko once more.  You haven't responded to anyone, and it's concerning us all, even the underclassmen in the show that don't know you well.  Respond to one of us, send a text, or even email Ms. Reddish, please.  Goodbye."

Friday, 9:01 a.m.

"Hi Nene, Hanzo again.  Are you okay?!  Come in and at least show you're alive, we're begging you!"

Friday, 11:39 a.m.

"It's 'Tea.  Girl, you need to come into either school or work, for the love of God.  We want to know you're here.  Talk to me asap as possible, see you soon."

Friday, 12:33 p.m.

"Nene.  Pico again.  Swear to all that is holy I'm sending someone tomorrow.  Respond, or else."

Friday, 1:07 p.m.

"Nene???  Cassandra here.  Are you fucking alive?!  Let me know.  Please."

Friday, 2:00 p.m.

"Hey Nene, it's Alucard again.  I was waiting until you responded, but I honestly don't think I can.  Please let someone know you're here.  It doesn't have to be me, just someone. "

Friday, 3:33 p.m.

"Hey Nene, Brandy again.  Please come into school, my mom and I are super worried.  It's not like you to go completely radio silent.  At least post something depressing on Twitter.  Or something.  Call me back, thanks."

Friday, 3:35 p.m.

"Hey Nene, it's Cyril, Brandy didn't let me speak.  Unless you're in the loony bin again, call me back.  Or anyone else.  Or else ."

Chapter Text

Foose

Darnell: so, any sign of Nene, like whatsoever?

Pico: she hasn't responded to ANY of my voicemails

Cassie: not mine either

Giko: I don't suspect she has responded to anybody.

Galatea: yeah no shit Giko

Blaire: where could she have gone?

Brandy: no clue

Hanzo: maybe someone should go check on her?  Most of us remember what happened in 9th grade
Cyril: I volunteer Alucard

Alucard: man wtf

Alucard: fine, I'll do it

Saturday, 11:29 a.m.

You have 20 unread voicemails

Saturday, 11:00 a.m.

"Nene, it's Alucard.  I'm coming over in a half hour.  If you don't respond, I'm coming over to check on you.  This is too much, and we all know you have a history of going off the rails.  A week of silence is honestly freaking me the fuck out.  I'll see you, I guess.  Bye."

I glanced at the clock in the hall of the dojo, a staircase in front of me.  A staircase I've been up plenty times, sure, but it's different.  Too quiet. 

It's 11:29.

Tick

Tock

Tick

Tock

11:30

I went up the stairs slowly, checking for a response one more time.  Anything from her.  

A call?  Nope.

A text?  Nada.

A post on any of her accounts?  Zilch.  

I knocked on the front door, almost holding my breath, waiting for a response, straining to hear footsteps, just anything.

Nothing.

I tried the doorknob, because if it's locked we're going to have some serious issues, and… Surprisingly, it opened.  

Is this breaking and entering?

Yes.

Do I care?

Nope!

I checked the kitchen for any signs of someone living in it.  It's probably like a ghost town here.  

A thin layer of dust had settled on the table.  I swiped a finger, just to make sure it wasn't the lighting.  

A gray, fluffy film enveloped my finger and fell to the floor.  That's not exactly good.  

I ventured further, and heard something.

Kind of like running water…

The shower!

Without even thinking, I made my way to the bathroom immediately, although it's the shower.   That's not something I want to see at this point.  

Well…

No, not like this.

After a few moments of thinking over what I'm even doing, I knocked on the bathroom door while asking, "Nene, are you in there?"

No response.  

"Nene, if you don't respond, I'm coming in there!"

No response.  All I heard was the sound of running water.  

"Fine then!"

I opened the door, being greeted by a drawn curtain and a dimly lit bathroom, nothing other than like two candles and a night light.  

She's in here, no doubt.  It's her birthday cake scented candles and her pink cat-shaped night light.  

As if I hadn't ruined the atmosphere already, I attempted to salvage it by using a quiet tone as I asked, "Nene, can you give some indication that you're alive?!"

No response.

That seems to be her favorite response to give.  

"If you don't say or do anything, I'm gonna have to move the curtain.  Don't test me bitch."

No response.  I don't know whether I'm talking to a corpse or a person.  

And knowing Nene, I don't want to think about the possibility of the former.  

"You're seriously playing this game?  Really?  Fine."  

It's not like I haven't seen any of that stuff, it's whatever.  I don't care.  I'm not here for that, I'm here to make sure she's okay.  

I gently moved one side of the curtain, and all I saw was red .

Red trickling down to the drain, a bunch of little lines joining into one.  

I saw a small hand grab the curtain, and draw it back fully, revealing her.  

Crumpled over essentially, with her hair covering up just about all of her face.  

"Is this what you wanted to see?  Huh?"

Her question was sullen and quiet, a depressing sight to behold.  

Fitting.  

Various small razors lay in front of her, with more red lines all over her thighs and hips, a few vertically extending to the area between her stomach and pelvis.  

"No, not at all."  I would have rather not seen her in the shower, but hey, we all reach low points.  

Nene's in a sinkhole at this metaphorical point.  

"Then go away,” She quietly said, bringing her knees up to her chin.  

"No,” I replied with a small shrug, “I want to help you."

"Go away, or I'm throwing stuff at you."  

There's Nene.  

I laughed and told her, "Go ahead."

She chucked a bar of soap at me, but the telekinetic powers came in handy, because I just simply drew up a small shield between us.  Not exactly glad my dad experimented on me, but hey, there are benefits.  

That bar of soap, a few bottles, some face scrub containers, and even some water flew at me and bounced off as I kind of lectured her.  

"Everyone's been so concerned about you!  Even if you texted a singular letter all week, at least we would have known you're alive.  You seriously had everyone so freaked out that they volun-told me to come search for you."

She went limp again, like a rag doll.

"Nene."

"What?"  Her voice held more bitter anger than before, which hey, at least she's showing some emotion.  

"Why haven't you responded to anyone, at all?"

She looked up and rolled her eyes.  "I responded to Pico when he called."

"A week ago!"

Her face went blank immediately as the words hit her, stating, "...  Wait, what."

"We've been leaving voicemails all week and you haven't listened to a single one, have you?"  

"Nope."

"Get out of the shower, please.”  We have a few things that need to happen.  “Let's get you taken care of."

"I didn't grab a towel."

I simply turned around, holding a soft pink one behind me for her.  

"Turn it off and come out, ok?"

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

I finally looked at Alucard, moving the hair out of my face.  He didn't notice though.  

He wasn't even looking at me, instead looking at a photo of a retro cherry-themed pin up girl on the wall.  

“Uh, okay.”

This is odd.  I'm just…  So used to dudes just wanting me for one thing, so it's simply second nature to get out and grab him by the chin like I did.  Some guys like the forceful stuff, like I've noticed with Alucard.  

“Why did you really come here, honey?”

He kept his eyes focused on my face, staring with a certain amount of tiredness.  

“To make sure you didn't fucking die idiot,” He said with an eye roll upwards.  He offered the towel again, looking away once more.  

Honestly, I'm just a little surprised, grabbing the towel from him and wrapping my hair up while I blankly stared at the wall.  

His gaze went towards the picture again, so he didn’t see me lean back on the sink a little.  

I should stop.  Stop doing this.  He openly said he wasn't interested.  

But it's me.  Stubborn, confused, and way too used to guys turning around and admitting they're playing hard to get.  

“Oh, are you sure that's it?  If you want to make sure I'm not dead, here's your proof.”

“Well, also to make sure you eat.”  He chuckled a little at my expense, because he knows this won't go great.  

I took the towel out of my hair and actually wrapped it around my body, getting a little cold in here.  

He walked over so he was right in front of me, and got on my level.  

I get it, I'm short, but fuck off.  

“Nene, I don’t think you realize it so I'll say it again.  Spoiler alert, I'm not gonna use you!  I don't want to fuck you!  I don't want to have sex and just never do anything with you after that.  I have respect for you and know you're worth way more than a cheap fuck.  So please, dry off.  I honestly don't know if I can trust you alone, but I'm gonna go grab you some clothes.”

He mimicked shooting me with finger guns and walked off before I could react.  

After a second I realized, he's going in my room.  

Wait he's going in my room.

SHIT HE'S GOING IN MY ROOM.

FUCK.

“ALUCARD,” I yelled out as loud as I could, “DON'T GO IN MY RO-”

“WHAT THE FUCK ?!”

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

He opened the door and flicked on the light, the sight making him stop for a second.  

“ALUCARD, DON'T GO IN MY RO-”

“WHAT THE FUCK ?!”

—

As I stepped into her room, I could see the depression almost manifested physically.  

Dirty clothes and a few scattered bottles, half-full of what might be piss everywhere and all sorts of out of place, the bed disheveled as if something had been tossing and turning every night, dust and dirt accumulating in corners and by the ceiling.  Presumably dead phone on her night stand, the vanity covered with a sheet, trash scattered about…

But the shining star of this depressing scene was a noose in the middle of the room.  

Not great.  

Quick footsteps caused me to turn around, staring at her silently.  

We stared at each other for a second, her expression just tired and, well, depressed.  

I pointed back to her room and asked, “Nene, is that a fucking noose!?”  

“No, it's a cute little bow- Of course it's a fucking noose!”

“Nene.”  I turned around and pointed to it again.  “What the extra FUCK is this.”

“I just answered that.  Plus, it's not the first time you saw me with one,” She said with a small shrug and an eye roll.  

The hell does she mean?

—

Alucard walked around one rainy spring day, looking for frogs.  The rain slid off his gray rain coat that his aunt insisted on him wearing, and he was rather glad she made him bring it.  

He was happy to live in one of the greener areas of Philly, because frog hunting happened to be one of his favorite rainy day activities.  

He saw some pink up in a tree and focused on it, confused and rather curious.  

“N.. Nene??”

He knew she was the only girl that would wear a bright pink dress in this weather.  

She looked horrified to see someone, maybe it was because he was an unpopular kid.  

“Oh, hi Alucard.”

She held something behind her back, but he didn't question it, instead asking, “What are you doing out here?”

“Oh, nothing…  What are you doing?”  She cocked her head to the side, her action looking jerky and tense.  

He didn't notice it, replying, “Looking for frogs.”

“Really?  I know the best spots to find one!”

She jumped down, and motioned to him.  “Follow me!”

He never did figure out what she had that day.  

—

“So you were hiding a NOOSE behind your back?!”

She rolled her eyes again, crossing her arms and scoffing.  “Yeah, so what?”

“Nene, that was behind my house!  Not like my backyard, but further.  I would have been mortified if I found your body!”  I didn’t realize I raised my voice.  

Whoops.  

She quietly said, “Oh,” and moved around me, going to her dresser and pulling out some clothes.  “You're not gonna mind if I just hang out in a nightgown, right?”

“Nene.  I literally saw you naked like a few minutes ago, fuck if I care.”  And it's not even like I really saw anything, I was busy looking at that picture.  What a fruity bitch.  

She wordlessly got dressed, so I took the time to tear down the noose.  

“Hey!”

“It's not like you're gonna use it.”  I glared at her, serious about this.  

She flippantly asked, “And how would you know?”

I threw it in the metal trash can in the corner, pulled a match out of my pocket, and struck it before dropping it in there too.  

That can looks like it's seen too many trash fires.  

“Now come on, let me make you something to eat.”

“Ugh!”

Chapter Text

Nene's POV

---

I stared at the food in front of me, not even able to will myself to pick up the damn fork.  

Of course, I can't even manage to eat one of my favorite meals and probably my top comfort food.  

Mac and cheese, with hot dogs cut up into it.  Yes, a staple in my childhood.  It's mainly because we had copious amounts of mac and cheese boxes in the food bags from school.  

Who cares if I'm lactose-intolerant?  Sometimes struggle meals are nice!

I stared at it, lifting my fork just to poke at a macaroni noodle.  

I pushed it away and apologized, “Alucard, I'm so sorry, but I don't think I can do this right now.”

“Eat?”

“That too, but just…  All of this.  Can we try to drop the gloomy mood?  Please?”  Which is kind of hard to say when this place literally feels and looks half-abandoned.  

“Sure, we can drop the mood.”  He paused for a second before asking, “But what can I do to get you to eat?”

Hmm…

Fuck if I know!

I extended my hand over the table with a small laugh, but no smile.  I joked that he could, “Kiss it, bitch.”

“Eh, I can do you one better.”

He stood up for some reason, walking over to where I was.  

I raised an eyebrow at him, before he wordlessly leaned over, giving me a little kiss on the cheek.  He ruffled my hair a little before sitting back down.  

“Oh my god, a guy I'm not dating FINALLY kisses me on my face!”

Alucard blinked a few times before asking, “What does that mean?”

“Well, a lot of guys prefer…  Other spots.” 

“Oh.”  He looked away for a second, so I finally took a bite.  

Fuck, this tastes so good.  But to be fair just about anything tastes good when you've been living off of snacks and probably questionable eating habits.  

“I hate that this is so bad for me, it's so good.”

“Who cares?”  He shrugged with a small snort, just barely a laugh.  

“Well, me.  I want to stay skinny,” I said while motioning to my stomach.  

“Nene,” He said with a bit more volume than necessary, “You're not gonna gain weight from a fucking bowl of food!”

Hmm.

We sat in silence as I got halfway through the bowl, but gave up from there.  

“Hey, I'm proud of you for that.”

That oddly means a lot, especially from him.  

That's totally not weird.  

“Thanks, Alucard.”  He smiled a little at that and by proxy me, before his expression changed.  

“Also, random thought, but have you cleaned your cuts?”  He pointed to my thighs, his adorable blush coming on.  

Okay, I can admit it without feeling things, it's sooo cute.  

“No?  I mean, I was in the shower.”

“Using a razor with a shit ton of dead skin that you've used all over your body,” He pointed out with a bit of a disappointed look.  

“Oh, well, fair enough.”  I glanced over to him after rinsing my bowl, his eyes immediately going up.  

At least he's trying to be sneaky?

“We're cleaning them, back to the bathroom.” 

“UGHHHH!”

Chapter Text

Alucard's POV

---

“This is gonna sting a little.”

“Yeah, I kn- oooow…”

She pulled on my hair again despite me telling her not to do that.   Not because it's painful.  It's not that I don't like it, it's the opposite.  

That is the issue at hand.  I mean, I'm cleaning her cuts, this is not the time nor the place, considering we're in the bathroom.

“Alucard, you okay?” She asked, with her fingers still tangled in my hair.  Even when she's not trying, even in situations like this, she makes me feel so many different feelings.  One is very much unintentional on her part.  

“Nene, stop grabbing my hair!  You're gonna fuck up my 'fro.”

Unfortunately, I could feel myself getting a bit flustered as I wiped another line, and felt the sharp jolt of her pulling again.

“Sorry, it's just the only thing available!”

I sighed and said quietly, “Just stop.  You don't want to do that.”

“Why?  You like that or something?  I mean, I could see you being a masochist.  I also wanna guess you're into brat taming, but there's never really been a time to ask.”

She laughed, but I stayed silent, trying to focus on what the task at hand is.  Wiping the cuts.  

“Alucard?”

“Yes?”  I looked up at her, and honestly, I could get used to this view.  

While she lightly pulled my hair again, she asked, “Do you like this?”

She plays dumb all the time, and I think that's the only strategy that might work here.  What am I going to admit, that she now knows how to turn me on?  Oh hell no!

“Like what?”  I looked down and swiped another line, not expecting her to pull even harder.  

She moved my entire head by the hair, forcing me to look up at her.  

“That?”

I didn't say anything, but she giggled and pointed out, “You're blushing, and biting the inside of your mouth.”  

“Fuck off,” I mumbled, because now she knows and will use this against me. 

Goddammit.  

“So you do?”

“...  Shut up.”  I looked away, but focused right back on her face when she laughed.  She smiled for what felt like the first time today, and oh my God - I'm hopeless, just staring at that smile.  

“Dork.”

“Hush it,” I said, not disagreeing.  

She took her hands out of my hair while saying, “Thank you, though.”

“For what?”

She gently grabbed my face with both hands.  “For checking on me, dummy.”

I smiled, and she leaned over, placing a kiss on my forehead.  

I guess that near killed me, because I kinda just fell over, head landing on her lower thighs.  

“Let's go lay down in my room, I think you need it.”  

Chapter Text

List of people to call back:

Giko

Blaire

Hanzo

Cassie

Brandy

Cyril

Galatea

Darnell

Pico

—

And no need to call back Alucard.  

I looked over at him again, curled up in my bed, as I dialed up Giko.  We had laid down together, but I just can't seem to sleep anymore.  It was nice, but I need to get up and stuff.  

The phone rang twice before I heard, “Hello?”

“Hey Giko, it's Nene.  Sorry for not responding to your voicemails.”

“Oh, good.  When do you plan on returning to school?”  He didn't waste time with small talk, something I like about him.  

“This coming Monday, probably.  I'll see you then!” 

“Of course, just make sure to let Ms. Reddish know before you take a break like that.”

“I would normally, that was…”  What's the best word for it?  “Unplanned.  I'll let you know the details in drama class, probably.  Everyone else will want to know at least and you'll be there.”

"It's not really any of my business, but alright, see you then.”

“Bye Giko.”

--

Next on the list, I called Blaire.  

Ring, ring, ring, rin-

“Yo.”

Yep, that's Blaire.  

“What's up dude, it's Nen-”

“‘TEA!  NENE JUST CALLED ME!”

“Please warn me when you're going to yell, oh my god,” I asked, mainly because Alucard is right over there.  

“I am so sorry, I just got excited.”  Blaire has a track record of that.  

“Wait Nene's on the phone???”

“Hi ‘Teaaaa.”

“It's good to know you're alive.”

“It is!  When are you coming into work?”

I have a photo of the schedule, but it's on my phone.  “The manager knows what happened, so just whenever I'm scheduled next.  Tuesday I think?”

“Mhm, you better be there.  Bye now!”

“Yeah, see you later homie.”

“See you two on Monday!”

Although I'm already a little tired of calling people, and I kind of want to lay back down with Alucard, but I have to do this.  

--

The phone rang once, twice, and a third time before I heard, “Hiiii there!”

“Ah Hanzo, it is so nice to hear your bubbly voice.”

“Oh-Em-Gee Nene!”  Quick footsteps accompanied her saying, “It's so good to hear from you!  You had us all worried sick!”

“I'm sorry about that.”

“Hey, it's just good to know you're still alive and kicking it.”

“True, I'm here.”

“You're coming into school, right?!?  We're supposed to finalize Holding Out For a Hero this week!”

“Yes, I'll be in, and I'll tell you all the details on Monday.”

“Alright, see you then girlie!”

“You too Hanzo!”

—

The phone rang on and on, and just about when I thought she wouldn't pick up…

"Nene?  Holy SHIT where have you fucking been!?"

"And hello to you too Cassie."

"Answer the goddamn question," She yelled.  I know it's out of worry, she's always been the angry type.  

"I've been…  Just at home."

"And you didn't call anyone back at all, or text anyone, or anything?  You better have a good excuse."

"I figured I'd call to let you know I'm alive,” I said with a shrug.  

"Well it's good that you are, but that doesn't answer my question."

"Well, uh…"  I looked over at the trash can before continuing, "Just mentally really bad."

"Ah, yeah, you do have a record of that."

" Hey! "

"I'm not wrong!"

"Yeah, you're right," I said with a sigh.

"Are you with anyone right now?"

I glanced at Alucard, peacefully sleeping even though he said he wouldn't fall asleep.  How oddly cute.  

"Yeah."

"Ooooo, who?  I remember Alucard mentioned going to check in on you,” She said with a slightly more teasing tone.  

“Well, I'll tell you aaaaaall about it at school.”

"I can't wait that long!"

"Too bad."

"You better haul your ass to school on Monday, swear to God ."

"I will, see you then."

"Mhm, bye Nene."

She hung up quickly, so I didn't waste time dialing Brandy. 

-- 

It rang a few times before…

"Yo?"

"...  Cyril?"

There was a silent moment before he said, "Holy shit, where have you been Nene??"

"Why do you have Brandy's phone?  Wait, waiwaiwait, do I hear the shower running?"

"Uh…”  

"Oh shit is that Nene??"

Wait, the shower is running, and Brandy is not on her phone?  With Cyril around.  "I'm sorry but this is WAY more important.  What are you two doing, in Ms. Reddish's home ?”  

"I'm glad to know you're alive, but uh, I'm a little preoccupied at the moment.  Give me a ring later?"

"Well, or Brandy."

"Oh shut up."

"Bye!"

And here comes the hard part.

-

I had Darnell's contact up for a few moments, just looking at it.  

He picked up almost instantly, sternly yelling, “NENE.”

“Please don't yell, someone is sleeping in here.”

“Nene Sotomura.”

“Yes?”

“Nene Ruby Sotomura.”

“That's my name!”

“What the fuck?!  Don't just act like you ain't do nothing to warrant that reaction.”

I sighed before saying, “I'm sorry Darnell.”

“So, why were you gone with no indication as to if you killed yourself or not?”

“Because I almost did.”

“Ohhh, that explains it.”  He was way too casual about this, but honestly, a common experience.  

“Yeah…”

“You could have reached out to any of us.”

“I know.”

“Nene, I'm disappointed.”

“Sorry.”

“But, don't interrupt me now, I'm glad you're alive.  It's good to hear from you.”

Why is he acting like a dad right now?  Genuine question.  He's one of the most reckless people I know!

“It's nice to hear from everyone too.”

“Good luck with Pico though.”

“Calling him right after this, actually.”

“Oh lordy loo.”

“What did you just say to me.”

“Sooooo, Alucard told the group chat that he'd check in on you if you didn't respond, so is he over right now?”

“Oh fuck off, goodbye.”

I hung up on him and found Pico on my phone.  

Oh god.  

--

I took a breath before calling him, getting a response immediately.  

“NENE RUBY SOTOMURA!”

“Stop yelling, for the love of God,” I pleaded.  

“I DON'T LOVE GOD, THANKS!”  

Even if he's pissed off, it's still classic Pico.  

“Pico, please, someone is sleeping in here.”

“What the actual fuck dude?!”

“I'm sorry.”

He spoke softer and quieter when he asked, “It's getting worse, isn't it?”

“I mean, yeah, it does that often.”

“What happened this time?”

“My mom's off on a month-long business trip.  Sent me off the rails.”

“Jesus,” He said, almost sighing instead of speaking.  “We're gonna have to start sending someone to check on you regularly.”

"Well, I see you've already started."

"Oh, Alucard's going to be a regular visitor?"

"I mean, we're friends, so I guess so.  Better than you after Saturday night's performance of My Fair Lady!"

"Oh I was so drunk, they definitely forgot to make those drinks virgin."

"Or maybe it was the money you slipped under the table that made them forget?"

"Shut up."

"Well, buhbye Pico, see you at school."

"You think I'm gonna let you go this quick?"

"Or I'll just hang up."

"Bye Nene." 

"Byeeee."

As he hung up, I gla nced over at Alucard again, and decided to go lay back down.  Immediately as I got in the bed, he put an arm around me, probably just a subconscious reaction.  

Either that, or he's been awake and listening.

Maybe he will be a regular visitor.