Chapter Text
Nova woke up on Zoey’s bed, with her hair a mess, and in a sleep shirt of Zoey’s she didn’t remember putting on.
She groaned and sat up, realizing that there was a sticky note taped to her forehead. She took it off, to see Zoey’s familiar sharp writing.
Went to school w/ Addison. Zeds home, and I will be soon. Love you!
Nova sighed, putting it down, and looking around at the familiar room, feeling comfortable and at peace for the first time in a while. Even with the emotional turmoil of the last 24 hours, she felt… almost lighter. Like the world could rest easier.
She got up, and padded down the halls softly, hearing the faint sounds of a football game on the television. She moved into the dining room to see Zed, eating eggs and watching the game.
When he saw her, he smiled and set down his fork.
“Nova! Grab a plate, eat something. Come sit with me for a bit.” He said with a smile, gesturing to the food on the stove.
She gave a small smile, turning to the pan of eggs, and silently dishing herself a small bit of breakfast, before going to sit down and eat in silence while Zed watched the game.
She sat there silent for a while, as he made occasional sports comments. But finally, after maybe 15 minutes, he turned to her with a small smile.
“So… rough day?” He asked, pouring orange juice. She snorted.
“Yeah, something like that.”
He smiled, and leaned back.
“Well, I’d love to hear about it, if you’ll tell me.” He said, sipping his drink. She sat forward with a sigh.
“Well, I went on a date. Then I watched my old best friend beat up my other old best friend who I’m sort of in love with. Then said friend confessed his love for me. Then I found out my father lied to me for two years, and had a huge fight with him. And I ended up here.” She said, sitting back. His eyebrows were up in his hairline, and he looked stunned. Then, he grinned, sitting forward.
“Okay. I need the whole story, now.” He said, looking at her as he settled his chin on his hand. She sighed looking at her non-existent watch.
“How much time you got?” She asked. He raised an eyebrow, his expression playful. She sighed again, leaning onto her folded forearms.
“It started on the first day of 6th grade…”
——————————
Zed sat back in his chair, letting out a slow breath.
“Wow. That’s… a lot.” He said, shaking his head slowly. She let out her own heavy sigh.
“Yeah. It’s a lot. And I”m not entirely sure how to make sense of it, much less deal with it right now.” she said with a sigh, running a hand through her hair.
“I know what my father did was wrong. But I let it happen. I was too scared to trust myself, and now I probably lost him.” she said quietly. Zed sighed, and shifted forward.
“Nova. You can’t spend forever blaming yourself. You were a kid, you didn’t know any better. God knows, I’ve hurt the people I love, and didn’t mean it.” he said with a small laugh. But Nova just shook her head.
“But I hurt him SO MUCh, for SO LONG. I know I did. He probably hates me, and I don’t even blame him.” she said, flopping against the back of her chair. BUt Zed shook his head, and ran a hand through his hair.
“I can understand why you would think that Nova. But…he doesnt. You KNOW he doesnt. He told you that, clear as day. He told you how he feels.”
She looked up, and saw his earnest look.
“He has it figured out. And I think you do too. But you need to admit it. Not to him, but to yourself. Because once you do… its the only thing holding you back anymore.”
Nova sat there, more than a little stunned. She had never put it into perspective, but… somehow, she knew he was right.
“Thank you Zed. I’ll… keep that in mind.” she said with a small smile. HE smiled himself, leaning back, adn looking at the TV.
“Anytime Supernova.”
She stood up, starting to walk back to Zoeys room for her phone. But before she fully got there, she stopped and turned to look at him.
“Zed. what is it like… being in love?” she asked hesitantly. He turned towards her, with a shocked expression that quickly morphed into a soft smile.
“Its tough. Its not easy. But honesty… its the best thing that will ever happen to you.” he said. She hesitated again, before asking.
“And how… how do you know?” she asked finally. He smiled, and leaned back against his chair and at his lock screen of Addison.
“Honestly? You just… know. The moment you meet them, youll know. How long it will take before you realize it, i cant say. But when you do… it will change your life.”
She walked away then, her head clear and thoughtful, free of stress for the first time in her life.
Maybe. It was possible, that she had known all along. Maybe, he was always there.
It was her turn to take that leap.
--------------------------------------------------------
Victor sat at the kitchen table with and ice pack on his face while he ate cereal.
Ideal? No. but he wasn’t about to let the bruise on his cheek swell more than it already had. He was in enough pain.
He sighed, as his aunt entered the room, her work bag slung over her shoulder. She smiled at him over her glasses, as she entered the room.
“Hey Vic. How are you feeling this morning?” she asked, her tone not unkind. He shrugged, removing the ice to display a purple bruise.
“You should see the other guy.” he said with a smile. His aunt rolled her eyes, picking up her keys.
“Okay funny guy. I’ve got to head to work, there is soup on the stove.” she said, walking around the table to him. He smiled, and nodded.
“Have a good day auntie.” he said, and she kissed his hairline, before ruffling his hair and heading to the door.
When he heard the door open, he expected the usual slam, but instead got a muffled conversation. Curious,he sat up, craning his neck towards the door. Then, his aunt called out.
“There is someone here for you! Be good, I'll see you later.” she said, before he heard the door slam. He sighed, setting his mug of hot tea down.
Then, Addison Wells walked into his dining room.
He sat back in surprise, as the girl walked in slightly tentative, but still her usual preppy self. She walked forward, giving him a smile.
“Hey V. How are ya?” she said with a smile. He nodded slowly, looking down at his hands.
“Been better. Why are you… here?” he asked, confusion clear in his expression. She shrugged, sitting down at a chair next to him.
“I saw the fight yesterday, I wanted to check on you. And after Nova came running into Zed’s last night, sobbing, I figured something was up.” she said simply. His eyes widened at the mention of Nova’s state.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair and looking out the window.
“Is she… okay?” he asked, his voice quiet. Addison gave a soft smile, and nodded.
“Last I saw, she was crying while telling Zoey something about her dad, and then passed out from exhaustion. Not sure what happened, but I don’t think she'll be going home for a while. Still, she’s alright.” she said. He nodded, his heart racing unexpectedly at the idea of Nova having a fight with her dad.
Not that he wanted her upset, of course not, but… after the conversation they had? He couldn’t help but think he knew what that fight was about. And if she had run from it…
“So. How are you REALLY doing?” she asked, placing her hand on her palm, and one elbow on the table.
“Um… fine?” he repeated, lifting the ice pack to his face.
“Like I said, I’ve been better.”
She raised an eyebrow, and glanced at him up and down.
“Really?” she drawled.
“Because I saw that fight, and there is no way that you didn't get out of there without at least some nasty bruises, and aching ribs.” she said, glancing at him suspiciously.
Victor shrugged, as if trying to play it off. But she just gave him another look. With a sigh, he lifted up the side of his shirt to reveal his injuries.
He saw the exact moment she registered the black and blue color of the skin over his ribs, and when she put a hand to her mouth.
“Jesus Christ." she muttered, reaching out and then hesitated, before shaking her head and putting her hand in her lap.
“That kid should be in jail.” she muttered. VIctor chuckled, and Addison looked up at him.
“Victor.” she said, staring him in the eyes, their blue color piercing.
“What did… What did Ray mean the other night? About your mom?” she said, her voice soft. He felt his throat close up slightly, and looked away.
“Um… Nothing.” he said, his head turned. But Addison put a hand on his shoulder, and squeezed it slightly.
“Victor,” she said, kindness so sweet that he felt his eyes mist.
“You don’t have to tell me, but… I want to help.” she said quietly.
His breath caught, and he swallowed thickly. He wasn't sure what to do, but he knew that he had to say something. So, he took a shaky breath, and spoke.
“Um.. my parents.” he said quietly, looking over at the photo of them on the mantle.
“They were driving me to an art show in town, and um… they got hit by a car at a red light. Our car got crushed into a tree. My mom… she didn’t make it. My dad died on the way to the hospital. I was 9.”
Addison's eyes filled with tears, and she put a hand on his shoulder.
“Its why we moved here. Auntie wanted me to have a life separate from the people who only saw me as the boy without his parents. The political campaign was just a bonus.”
Addison moved forward, and wrapped him in a hug, careful of his rubs.
“Oh sweetie.” she said quietly, stroking the back of his hair. And that made him clutch her closer, tears spilling over, because god. Thats what his mom called him.
“Yeah its… not ideal.” he said, wiping his eyes when they pulled away. Then he shrugged and looked at his phone to see the same picture of a younger him and Nova, laughing on a fall day.
“Nova made it better. For a while at least. I’ m sure shes told you the story but… we were inseparable. When I met her, it made life feel peaceful again. Like i had a light in my life, finally. I used to joke that she was “my sunshine”” he said, looking back at Addison.
“God, I… I didn’t even know I was in love until I was way too deep. By then, it was pointless to resist. And when I lost her, I… I didn’t know what to do. Everything felt wrong.”
He sighed, leaning back.
“And now? I probably just lost her again. Even if she doesn't feel the same, even if… even if I had to live the rest of my life at arms length from her, I would rather that, then never see her at all.” he said quietly.
Addison gave him a quiet smile, placing a hand on her arm.
“Victor. I think that you aren’t giving Nova enough credit for how much she cares for you.” she said. Victor scoffed.
“I don’t think that's true,” he said simply. But Addison shook her head.
“No, listen. She was always looking for you in a crowd, always smiling when we mentioned you. She was constantly worried for you, and I’ve never seen her as happy as when shes with you.” she said. He looked at her curiously.
“And during that fight? I’ve never seen her so scared. She was really, REALLY worried for you. She loves you.” she said simply. His breath caught.
“I don’t… I don't know. I don't know what this is.” he said quietly. Addison smiled.
“But you HAVE it. And I think she loves you, more than either of you know.” she said.
And he sat there for a minute. Trying to understand what had just been told to him, trying to believe it. A part of him wanted to not believe it, and to discard it. Because after all this time, how could she love him?
But the other part? It wanted to believe all of this. Because if he had loved her so long… couldn't she? Was it too good to be true?
Maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe it didn't mean anything, and nothing would come of this.
And yet, a part of him couldn't help but have hope, as he sat there with the smallest of smiles on his face. Maybe, there was hope for him after all.
—----------------------------------------------
Nova sat down in her language arts class the following Wednesday, with a sigh that could have rivaled an insomniac in tiredness. She had gone to school, only when Zed convinced her that an entire weekend inside would be enough time to recharge. And, when Zoey told her that she could only avoid everyone for so long.
Annoying logic. Even if they were right.
The good news, was that she hadn’t run in to Ray all day. The occasional times that she had seen him, one of them had looked away, immediately. Still, she could see the bruises covering his face with some degree of satisfaction. He hadn’t tried to talk to her, and she definitely didn’t want him to.
The fight was the biggest news in school right now, even though it had been days since it happened. According to the girls in her Human geography class, it had been huge news on monday, and died down slightly on Tuesday. But today, it was dialed up to 100 again.
Why? Well. because coincidentally, today was the first day that both Nova and Victor showed up to school.
Apparently, having the two most popular, and involved people in a dramatic situation, back in school made people a little more antsy. Or excited. Or just…. Annoyingly attentive to her.
She had had 6 people ask her about it in the 1st period alone, and she was genuinely ready to commit arson. She wasn't one for violence, but the annoyances of High school were getting her pretty damn close.
Now, she was in 2nd period, and she was close to calling Zed to come get her, because lord knows she wasn't going to have her dad do it.
And the worst part? Victor wasn't even there.
Everyone had seen him at the beginning of the day, and in Advisory. But just before 1st period, multiple people saw him talking to Vera, before leaving the school entirely.
She didn’t want to be here anymore. She wanted to be done with school, and she wanted to talk to him. And that was the most frightening realization of all.
She expected her class to be as entirely dull as it usually was. What she did not expect, was Vera to sit down in the chair next to her.
“Hey princess.” she said, dropping her bag with a thud on the floor. Nova looked in shock, as the other cheerleaders around her groaned in disgust.
Vera, to her credit, looked entirely unbothered. She just sat there, a slight smile on her face as she looked at the front of the classroom.
“Vera.” Nova finally got out, as she looked at the girl. She smirked and nodded.
“That is my name.”
Looking around, she saw all theother girls staring at her, and scoffed.
“Don’t you all have something better to do?” she asked, voice dry. The two other girls let out a squeak, and then moved to another table immediately. Vera laughed, and watched them leave.
“Pansy’s” she muttered. Then, she looked back at Nova with a dry smile.
“Hey. Are you doing alright?” she said, her tone sounding dismissive, but still curious. Like she… reluctantly wanted to know the answer.
“I’ve… been better.” she said, scribbling another answer on her paper as she looked away quickly.
“Everyone won’t stop staring at me though. Its getting kind of old.” she admitted, glancing around. Vera snorted, and nodded.
“Yeah, most people here don’t know how to mind their business. Victor said he couldn’t handle the bullshit.” she said with a knowing smirk. Nova paused at his name, and glanced up at her.
“You… know where he went?” she said, slowly like she didn’t care, even though Vera probably saw right through that.
As expected, Vera gave her a knowing smirk and nodded.
“Yeah. He skipped just before yearbook, saying he “Couldn’t do this.” whatever that angsty bullshit means.” she said, her pen making a scraping sound against her paper.
Nova nodded, then looked back down. She hesitated, before opening her mouth and saying.
“Is it… because of me?” she asked quietly. Vera sighed, and pushed her work away, looking Nova in the eyes.
“Honestly? Yes. It's always about you with him.” she said simply. Nova felt her heart stutter, as heat bloomed on her cheeks. Vera sighed again, before leaning forward.
"Do you want to know what I honestly think Nova?” she asked. Scared, but curious, Nova nodded. Vera sat back, adjusting her jacket.
“I think you are both ridiculous, and you should be an annoyingly cute couple by this point.” she said simply. Nova choked, looking at her in surprise.
“W-What?” she asked. Vera snorted.
“I think that the two of you are idiots, and need to admit that you are hopelessly in love with one another.”
Nova opened her mouth, prepared to say that he probably didn’t love her, before shutting it when she remembered that he said that exact thing only a few nights before.
Vera saw the realization creep onto her face, and smirked.
“See? Even you can see it, when your head isn't shoved up your ass.” she said, her voice amused. Nova stuttered, trying to say something, before failing and looking down. Vera sighed, putting a hand on Nova’s arm.
“Look sunshine. I know he told you he loves you.” she said, her tone resigned. Nova looked up in surprise, and Vera scoffed at the look on her face.
“Please. I’m his best friend, of course I know. But other than that… I know that you love him too. And I don't think he knows that.” she said. Nova looked shocked.
“But… how could he not?” she asked, surprised. Vera smiled softly.
“Victor won't believe anything, until he has confirmation, but he will hope endlessly. Trauma response is my guess. He will hope endlessly, but never believe the truth until it is told to his face.”
Nova sat back, not sure what to do with that information. Vera clearly expected her to do something, with the way she looked at her.
“Well?” she asked expectantly. Nova threw her hands up.
“Well what? What am I supposed to do now?” she said, her tone frustrated. Vera gave her a look that said, “how can someone be this slow,” Before gesturing to the door.
“Now you go. Go talk to him, and tell him how you feel.” she said, like it was obvious. Nova's jaw dropped.
“Are you crazy? It's the middle of class, I can't leave. And he probably doesn't want to see me.” she said, her tone solemn. Vera gave her another look.
“Honestly Nova? I think you are the only person he wants to see. And maybe he won't accept it, but… if you don't try now you might lose him forever.” she said simply.
And for some reason, that one sentence made her stand up. Because, after all this, it was as if she had been waiting for permission. To listen, to talk, to take action. And Vera? She just reminded her that she didn’t need to. And that there was one thing, she could not, would not, risk losing.
“Thank you.” she said quietly, before grabbing her bag and bolting to the door.
“Young lady! Where do you think you are going?” their teacher said in alarm. But Nova didn’t stop, opening the door and leaving.
“Home.”
Under her breath, several people heard Vera say “About time.” as a small smirk appeared on her face.
Nova ran. She ran out of school, and out of the park. Past high school, and past the life of her ghost. But for the first time, she was smiling. Because she wasn't running away.
She was running home.
—------------------------------------------
She knew where he would be. Or rather, she knew where he would have been, if he was still that same boy. And god, on principle she hoped he would.
She reached the swingset, breathless, and still smiling slightly.
And god, if she wasn’t breathless before, she was now. Her hair was blown back, and her cheeks were flushed.
And there he was.
He looked up when he heard her approach, his eyes going wide when he saw her standing there. She was still smiling slightly, and this seemed to alarm him. He still looked the same, same windblown hair, and stylish dark clothes. But she still saw that part of him, that had smiled at her and thrown popcorn at her on this very swingset.
And then, she felt the jigsaw fall into place.
“Victor,” she said. And he looked in awe, not just at her being here, but at… her. In awe, of HER. That was enough to fuel her words.
“I'm sorry.” she said. And his eyebrows shot up. But she pushed on, stepping closer.
“I’m sorry, for how I left things back in 6th grade, and all the time together I threw away. I’m sorry for how I hurt you, and let myself be manipulated against you. I’m sorry for Ray, and your parents, How my father treated you, How I treated you, and I-” her voice broke and she squeezed her eyes shut once, letting tears fall when she opened them again.
“I’m so sorry for it all. I hurt you, I know I did. And I'm so sorry that I made you wait. And that you thought I led you on this year. I didn't. I never meant to.” she said. He was still silent, as if struck dumb.
“I wanted to be near you again, and that is why I kept talking to you. I didn’t do science to use you, I did it because I missed you. I wanted you to be my photographer, SO BADLY, even before I was sure it was you. I WANTED it to be. And when we went to the fair? I used it as an excuse, like I always do. Because I want you, and I was too scared to let myself.” she said, getting slightly breathless. But she continued.
“And I hate myself for it. I hate that I hurt you. And that day we fought, reminded me so much of that day back in 6th grade, that it made me wake up. To a startling reality, where the only thing I knew was that I couldn't lose you. And so I yelled at my family, and I gave up being perfect. Because fuck Victor I-” she stepped closer.
“I love you.”
His eyes widened, and she heard his breath catch, as tears started to form in his eyes. She gave him a watery smile, and continued.
“I have loved you, since we were young and you would paint me. I have loved you, at every walk in the hall, and every silly joke. Every fight, and every tear, I have loved you. And maybe you shouldn't, and maybe there are a thousand reasons for us not to be together. But I'm tired. I'm tired of every last one.” She shook her head, her expression hardened.
“I love you. And I'm not sorry anymore.”
A heavy silence fell over them. Not the uncomfortable kind, but the kind that felt strong, and real in its presence. It was heavy with the reality of her confession, and thick with the anticipation of his reaction.
Slowly, Victor stood from the swing, his fingers brushing the chain as it swayed slightly. He swallowed heavily, coming to stand in front of her. He reached up a shaking hand, ran a thumb over the side of her face, catching a tear, as she closed her eyes in relief, and reached up her own hand to keep his there.
“You love me?” he said quietly, the question shaky, and disbelieving. She smiled, nodding at him.
“I do. I love you, if you still love me.” she said quietly. He brought up his other hand to cradle her face, his eyes crinkly slightly as he gave his own tearful smile.
“I have loved you since the first time I saw that smile,” he admitted quietly. She felt her breath catch, as he cradled her face. She reached up a hand slowly, and ran it delicately over the almost healed bruise on his face. Then she grabbed his hand with her own, kissing the back of it.
“I can’t believe you're here.” she admitted quietly, the admission slightly afraid. Because she was. She was scared she would wake up any minute, and he would be gone. She would still be alone and afraid.
He saw her hesitancy, and he smiled tilting her head up to look at him.
“This is real Nova. You, me. This is real.” he said quietly. And then, he glanced down at her lips, a silent question in his eyes.
She moved first, reaching a hand behind his neck, and pulling him into a kiss. He responded immediately, his lips returning the soft pressure as he slipped his hands behind her back, as hers ran through his hair.
It was magical. It was better than anything she could have ever hoped from a kiss. Because it was Victor. It was them.
And there they stood, as leaves fell in the autumn breeze, under the same swing set where it all started. Nothing was completely fine, and they still both had a long way to go to get there. But now? They wouldn’t have to do it alone. Not ever again.
For now, and evermore.