Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Victor! Victor! Victor! Wake up, it’s our first day of school! Remember what Auntie said? She said you gotta take me today, and you promised!” He heard a muffled voice, still half asleep. “Come on, wake up, I can’t be late, I’ve got places to be and people to see.” He suddenly felt his bed moving up and down, side to side.

“Okay, okay, Ivy. Please, just stop jumping on and moving my bed,” Victor answered groggily. He heard her giggle and bolt out of his room, “How is she so energetic in the morning,” he thought to himself. He got up and went into the bathroom to shower, the hot water washing over him like a warm summer morning. As he got out of the shower, he looked at himself in the mirror. His brown eyes and black hair, streaked with red, stared back at him. He definitely should not have spent the last few hours before going to bed scrolling TikTok and Instagram, the bags under his eyes now much more visible than usual.

Victor got changed, grabbed his phone and backpack, and headed down stairs, passing by pictures of him, Ivy, their parents, and his aunt, eager to find out what was sizzling on the stove. He was met with sights of bacon, orange juice, and toast, all spread on the dining table and island. “Victor, how nice of you to join us this morning. Remember, you’re taking Ivy to school today,” Auntie Lilith said while pouring orange juice into Ivy’s cup.

“Yes Auntie, I remember. Ivy does too. She remembers so well that she felt the need to jump up and down on my bed like it was a trampoline.”

“She’s excited, sue her. Well, just be careful when driving, and remember to not speed when taking the left just past the four way stop, there's always a cop there.”

Victor sat down, poured himself a glass of orange juice, and grabbed some toast, spreading strawberry jam on it. “Thanks Auntie, and thanks as well for this breakfast.”

“Of course, now get going, I’m letting you go to this new school you so desperately wanted to go to, so don’t be late.” Today is Victor's first day of 11th grade, at Eclipse High School. Last year, at Shadyside High, he got all A’s and maintained them for both semesters, then he practically begged his Auntie to allow him to go to Eclipse; his best friends, Vera and Vargas, started going there their freshman year. Not only did his closest friends go there, but they had a much better football team. He wasn’t planning on going to college for football or anything like that, but he truly enjoyed the sport after their family friend, Addison, introduced him to it. Her boyfriend, Zed, had played in high school, and now played collegiate football. He just wanted to make them proud.

“Okay Ivy, let’s get going. Bye Auntie!” He walked out to his black Honda Civic, his pride and joy. This was the last thing his parents had gotten him before their passing, two years ago. That was something he and his father shared in common: a love for cars. “Buckle up, Ivy.” As he drove out of his driveway, he looked through his phone to put on music, deciding on his “chill car music” playlist, specifically,“Best Part”, by Daniel Caesar, a good choice for Ivy as well. She goes into a giggling fit if she ever hears a curse word. Taking the left at the four way stop, careful of his speed, it’s not long before he reaches Ivy’s school.

“Okay, be good at school, Ivy. Just remember, I’m not picking you up, Auntie Lilith is,” he said as he gave her a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll see you later, and then after school, we can have that tea party you’ve wanted to have for while.”

Ivy giggles as she gets out of the car, “Okay, thanks Victor. Remember our tea party you promised me, I can’t wait for it! Maybe you could bring over Vera and Vargas.” But, before Victor can answer her, she’s already run off to talk to her friends.

Laughing to himself, Victor drives off, preparing himself for his own first day at school. He’s wanted to go to Eclipse since freshman year, not only because his friends go there, but also because he’s always had this sense of adventure, this sense of longing for something different. Shadyside gets pretty boring once you’re there for more than six months. The same monotonous blacks and greys cover most things, and high school wasn’t much different. It especially got tougher after his parents passed, for Ivy too. She would come home crying every now and then, because some stupid kid would joke about her parents; who knew children could be so nasty? He liked his aunt and all; it’s just sometimes, she could be a bit difficult. It wasn’t easy for her, losing her brother and sister-in-law in one fell swoop. Before he knows it, he’s pulled up to the Twilight Zone, an area of town where Shadyside and Sunnyside, the other neighborhood, converged.

The Twilight Zone was built not too long ago, as a place where everyone, from both Shadside and Sunnyside, could meet and get to know each other. There were parks, cafés, skate parks, tennis courts, and clothing stores. Name it, it was there. As a show of good faith, both sides agreed to fund a new school, open to residents of both neighborhoods. Eclipse wasn’t perfect, vampires, known as that because that is their mascot of Shadyside High, still mostly stuck together, as did daywalkers, known as such because that was Sunnyside’s mascot. But, it worked, there was significantly less fighting between the two sides, and there were even events and parades thrown for both sides in the Twilight Zone. Victor always wondered what it would be like to go to a school with kids from Sunnyside, would they be as excited, bright, and bubbly as Vera said?

Pulling up to the school, he looked around for a parking spot and saw a big firefly emblazoned on the school building, and lots, lots of kids and teenagers. Some are saying goodbye to their parents, others are in a group, phones in hand, and some even seem to be taking a video of everything. It’s a lot, this school is much bigger than anticipated, Victor is overwhelmed pretty easily, he just wants to make sure that-

“Hey!” Victor slams the breaks, suddenly seeing a girl about his age in front of his car. “I guess I zoned out so much I didn’t even see her,” he thought to himself. He rolls down his window, looking at the girl he nearly ran over. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“Clearly. Just be more careful next time,” she said. He hears her mutter something about “idiot vampires” to herself as she walks into the school building. Now that he has a good look at her, he realizes that this was his first interaction with a Sunnyside teenager. “Great, first interaction with a daywalker my age and it’s because I nearly made her the new Flat Stanley,” he thought to himself. At a quick glance, he can see that she’s got her gold blonde up in a ponytail, a white hoodie with a big “B” on the back, and big ripped jeans on. “Pretty.”

Victor parked his car, grabbed his backpack, and headed for the school. He texted Vera and Vargas, but before he got an answer back, he heard a voice come over on the intercom. “This is Principal Sol, would every first-year student please come to the foyer. As well as Nova Bright, Bailey King, Elio Luz, Damien McMiller, Arachne Palmer, and Vera Sullivan. Thank you.” He doesn’t recognize any of the names, except for Vera’s and oddly, whoever’s last name was Bright. He feels like he’s heard his aunt mention something about it before.

As Victor walks through the halls of Eclipse, he takes everything in. There are numerous posters up already, campaigning for this club or to sign up for this class. Glass cases, filled with trophies from years ago, celebrating their victories in sports and academics. A lot to live up to, and a lot different from Shadyside. As he’s walking, he feels someone tap his shoulder.

“Hey, Victor! I didn’t realize I’d find you this quickly,” Vera said. “Welcome to Eclipse, I’m so glad you convinced your aunt to let you come here. Still don’t know you did it, but hey, I’m not complaining. Now you, Vargas, and I are all going to the same school again.”

“Hey, Vera. Yeah, I’m still kinda shocked I’m here. Everything seems to be so much… more. More kids, more clubs, more classes,” he chuckled to himself. “More colors. It’s a lot to take in. But, I’m excited, though I’m already kind of off to a bad start. I nearly ran over a girl trying to find a parking spot.”

“Yeah, people here can be kind of clueless sometimes, but you’ll get used to it.”

“Speaking of being clueless, I’m a bit clueless as to why you, specifically, were called to the foyer?” Victor asked.

“Well, it wasn’t just me specifically, but usually on the first day of school they have someone from the same class show around the new kids. I guess they chose me this year. So, since I’m a junior, I’ll be showing around a junior new to Eclipse,” Vera answered.

“Oh, do you think it’ll be me?”

“Sadly no, for some reason, the principal here really tries to integrate everyone. So, a student who lives in Shadyside will show a student from Sunnyside around. And vice versa. It’ll also be someone you share a majority of your classes with. There’s eight periods in these school days, so if you share like, five classes, with someone, they’ll probably be the one guiding you around. But, at least we’re talking right now. I’m so glad you could make it this year, high school is kinda bland without you.”

“Awh, thanks for your loving words, Vera,” Victor said, jokingly placing his heart on his chest. “I’m glad I’m making things less bland for you.”

As they turn a corner into the open foyer, they see some kids already lined up there talking. There is also an older man there, probably the principal. “Ah, Vera, I’m glad you’ve already met one of our new students. Sorry to tell you, but you won’t be showing him around.”

“Yes, Principal Sol, I know. This is my friend, Victor Barton. We were just catching up,” Vera answered.

“Victor Barton, pleasure to meet you. I’m Principal Sol Bright. Yes, Barton, I believe I remember your application. I’m excited to have you here at Eclipse. I hope you have a great year,” Principal Sol said as he shook Victor’s hand, a clipboard in the other.

“Thank you, Principal.”

Principal Sol looked at his watch and sighed. “High schoolers, always on time when you never want them to be and never on time when you do want them to be. Well, I can just catch up with the others when they get here.”

“Welcome, everyone, to Eclipse High School. You’re now all officially Fireflies! I hope you all enjoy your year here, especially if it’s your first. Can I please have all of my new students on the right side of me and the kids who have been here before on the left.”

Victor walked to the right side, along with what seemed to be two other Sunnyside kids and two other Shadyside kids. He stood across from Vera and gave her a quick smile and subtle nod, letting her know he’d be okay. Principal Sol looked at his clipboard. “Once I call your name and your partner, please step towards them. Okay, Bailey, you will be showing around Vito Cooper. Elio, you will be with Thompson Forrest, Damien with Lucia Lux, Vera you’ll be with-”

“Wait, Principal Sol, I’m here sir! I’m so sorry, there’s no excuse for me running late, but I’m here. Thank goodness Nova was here to show me around,” said a curly haired pale kid who was now doubled over, panting for breath. Next to him was a girl, a girl he vaguely recognized.

“Well, if Nova was showing you around, Ray, I don’t see why you’re late, just get in line. On the right side of me. Nova, left side,” commanded Principal Sol. “Well, this is perfect timing, as I was about to say, Vera, you will be showing Ray around.”

Victor looked at Vera, and saw her roll her eyes, but give a tight smile to Ray and Principal Sol. He took a good look at the only person who hadn’t yet partnered up with someone else. The girl he almost ran over not half an hour ago, “Nova, so glad you could make it and show Ray around. However, Ray won’t be the one you’re guiding, as just discussed. You will be guiding Victor Barton around.”

Chapter Text

Two years ago, freshman year

“Dad, remind me again why I’m going to Eclipse,” asked Nova. “I mean, I love it at Sunnyside, I love being a daywalker, and literally all of my friends still go there. Plus, since you’re the principal and my dad, people are gonna think I’m gonna get special treatment or that I’ll be weird.” 

“Nova, no one is going to think you’re weird, unless you act that way. Yes, I’m your father and I’m the principal, but no one will care. Hopefully, they’ll be busy making friends with people from Shadyside. That especially goes for you, Nova, I want you to set an example,” said Principal Sol, stopping the car at a red light, about to enter the Twilight Zone. “Imagine they see a freshman Sunnyside girl, taking the initiative and befriending others. It might inspire them.”

Nova rolled her eyes, looking at everything the Twilight Zone had to offer. She made a mental note to check out some of the thrift stores after school. “Yes, I know, you’re very keen on this ‘make friends with vampires and we’ll all sing songs by the campfire’ thing. But, I won’t have anyone to talk to, so I’ll have to make new daywalker friends and new vampire friends.”

“Nova, remember, we’re not ‘daywalkers’ and ‘vampires’ at Eclipse, we’re fireflies,” scolded Principal Sol.

“Yeah, I get it,” answered Nova. As they pulled up to the school, Nova was nervous. She’d been at this school hundreds of times, but now that she’s a student, and not just the principal’s daughter, it felt a lot different. Eclipse wasn’t built that long ago, and neither was the school. Her father was chosen as the inaugural principal, a position he took swiftly and seriously. He’d never really found the whole Sunnyside and Shadyside rivalry a big deal, nor had Nova’s mother. 

As Nova followed her father through the halls, she looked at everything she could. Glass cases, littered with trophies, walls covered in club signs and posters. A lot to live up to. She walks into her father’s room and checks her phone. It’s 6:50 a.m., forty minutes until school starts. She looked at her notifications, and noticed she had a text from Ray, her best friend at Sunnyside. 

“hey nova i hope you have a great first day. you’ll have to tell me all about it!! also, tell me if you see any cute students, i wanna start high school off with a bang.” Nova shot him back a quick message, laughing at the last sentence. She’d been friends with Ray ever since they first met in the first grade. He still went to Sunnyside, but he’d told her that he wished he could go to Eclipse. Clearly, she’d have to wait at least one more year.

“It’s okay, I can make new friends, I’m likable, right?” Nova thought to herself. After going over her schedule and scrolling on her phone, the bell rang, signaling her first period class. As she walked to her class, she waved and said hi to people. Mostly just daywalkers she knew from last year, but also from some girls she’d seen at cheer practices over the summer. She really enjoyed cheer, and it helped that she knew some friends that also liked it. A family friend, Zed, introduced it to her because his girlfriend, Addison, cheered. They were both currently seniors, but at Seabrook, an hour and half drive away from Sunnyside. They both planned on going to Mountain College, while they focused on their studies, Addison expected to try out collegiate cheer, and Zed planned on getting a football scholarship there. She can’t wait to see them again.

As Nova enters her first period classroom, Earth and Space Science, she scans the room for anyone she knows. Her eyes caught on two certain individuals, both had darker clothes on and red streaks in their hair. One was a girl, about Nova’s height, maybe a bit taller, and who seemed to be scolding the other boy, while he just laughed, his leather jacket, embroidered with a “VK” on the right sleeve. Vampires. She thought about what her father said, and the fact that she had no friends in this room currently, and chose to sit down next to them.

As she sat her stuff down, they both turned to her, the girl looking a bit annoyed. “Hey, I’m Nova, Nova Bright. What are your names,” asked Nova. “Please don’t act weird, Nova,” she thought to herself.

“I’m Vera, this is Vargas,” answered the girl. 

A moment of silence passed between the trio. “Well, not really talkers I guess.” Thankfully, the tardy bell rang, and the teacher began to talk. He just went on some random speech that every teacher does on the first day of school. Nova zoned out, thinking about her brief interaction with Vera and Vargas. “Should I try to be more happy, smile more? Should I even try to talk to them again?” Nova wasn’t bad in social situations, she was just bad in awkward situations.

As the day went on, Nova continued on with her classes. And, she continued on with Vera and Vargas. She shared her second period with Vargas. “Hey Vargas!” No response back, just a timid smile. Third period, Nova was on her own, so she had time to herself to collect her thoughts. Fourth period was shared with Vera, and when Vera came up to her, she got excited, but just muttered a quick, “Hey, Nova,” and sat away from her. Thankfully, fifth period was lunch, so she just sat with the cheer team.

Sixth and seventh went a bit better, she shared both with Vera and Vargas. They chose to sit next to her, but just ignored her and talked to each other. Vargas only bothered to talk to her to tell her some weird joke. Finally, eighth period, the last of the day. She didn’t share it with either Vera or Vargas, so she just sat with other daywalkers. Was she that repulsive? Too bubbly? Too excited? It’s not like she mentioned her dead mom out of nowhere, that was subject if they even began to get close. As the bell rang, signalling the end of the day, Nova collected everything, and walked to her father’s office, ready to go home. As he entered and asked how her day went, she just prayed that he didn’t see the tears welling up in her eyes.

Present day

“Dad, I don’t know if I can do this, I mean, this guy nearly ran me over this morning,” Nova quickly pointed her thumb to Victor, who was talking to Vera. Nova and Vera made eye contact, but Nova quickly looked away

Principal Sol’s eyes widened like saucers and he pulled her to the side.“Nearly ran you over?! … Nova, are you okay? Were you paying attention? Was he paying attention?

“I’m fine, dad,” she said while rolling her eyes. If she got hit by the car she definitely wouldn’t be standing here right now.

“Okay, thank God. With that said, Nova, please, just do this, I’ll do whatever you want after school.”

“... Fine, but after school, you will be taking me to Dusk ‘til Dawn’s and then after, we’ll pay a visit to Aurora’s.” Dusk ‘til Dawn was the most beloved cafe in the Twilight Zone, renowned for their signature coffees and scones, and Aurora’s was a thrift store in the Twilight Zone run by this newlywed  couple. Except, this couple was a married Sunnyside resident and Shadyside resident. People didn’t think too much of it, though some, the older folks, still found it a bit strange.

“Okay, yes, whatever. Thank you for doing this Nova,” said Principal Sol, as he handed her a piece of paper. “I printed out an extra copy of Victor’s schedule for you. You share six of your eight periods with him, so be kind, and be a good guide.” He gave her a quick smile as he turned to give the other guides their partners schedules.

Nova looked at the paper and walked towards Victor. “Well, Victor, and nearly the last person I saw before I died, we share our first, second, third, fifth, seventh, and eighth periods together.”

“I’m super sorry about this morning. I was just so overwhelmed by this school, but I really do want to be here. Thank you for being my guide,” Victor rushed out.

“Yeah, well I didn’t choose this position. Anyways, welcome to Eclipse High School, and let’s get going.” Nova and Victor began their trip to first period, mostly silent for the first bit of it. During this time, Nova really took him in. He was taller than her, by a good four inches, at least. Dark hair with red streaks, silver jewelry adorned his neck, ears, and hands. He had on a Sade t-shirt and baggy black cargo pants. His skin was clear, lucky duck, and tan. Great, so he’s attractive and just her type.

“So, Nova, what do you like to do, any extracurriculars you’re interested in?” Victor asked, breaking Nova out of her semi-trance. Nova glanced at him, who was fidgeting with a silver necklace. 

“Yeah, I do cheer. Plus, I’m on the student council. What about you?”

“I play football… you cheer, do you? Does that mean you’ll be cheering for me at all my football games,” teased Victor. Nova just rolled her eyes. “Other than football I’m really interested in art.” When Victor mentioned art, his cheeks seemed to warm up a bit, “Is he bad, or does he draw weird… things?” Nova thought to herself. 

“Well, you also seem to be pretty good at running people over with cars.”

“Oh good lord, I apologized for that. I haven’t ever seen you drive. Maybe you’re just as bad as me.”

“So you admit you’re bad at driving.”

“... Shut up,” Victor mumbled, his cheeks turning a light pink. Nova just giggled to herself.

Nova and Victor make it to their first period, AP Bio. The first thing they see is that most everyone is already seated, some chatting, doodling, or silent. Nova goes to sit by the open seat next to Bailey, a sophomore, who is also doing cheer. 

“Um, Nova, you can’t sit here. We have assigned seats,” said Bailey, pointing to the board. “And you know how Mr. Mallard is about his assigned seats,” she whispered to her. Mr. Mallard is quite the stickler for assigned seats, people have even been placed in the hall for not listening to his seating chart. Nova looks at the board, scanning for her name. She finds it, and next to Bright, is Barton.

Nova looked at Victor, who was already in his seat, doodling something in a sketchbook, waiting for class to begin. She takes her seat next to him, gives him a light smile, and the bell rings.

Mr. Mallard gets up, clipboard in hand. “Okay, everyone. Welcome to AP Bio. These seats will be where you sit until next semester, maybe even longer. I’ll be taking attendance, so when I call your name, just say here.” He listed off two or three names, before getting to Victor’s. “Barton, Victor Barton.”

Victor doesn’t react, he just keeps sketching. Nova glances at Mr. Mallard’s face, and he seems to already be fed up. She gives Victor a light shove with her elbow. He looks up, “Oh sorry, here.” Mr. Mallard just sighed, checking something on his clipboard. “Bright, Nova Bright.”

“Here.” Mr. Mallard continues to list off names, then begins going on his first-day-of-school spiel. Nova glanced at Victor every now and then, his dark hair falling in front of his face as  he continued to sketch.

“Anyways, I want you guys to be prepared. So, I will be telling you what your final project for this semester will be.” The class groaned, but he just kept talking. “You, and your partner you are sitting with, will be making an extensive slideshow on a type of cancer. Please come to me when you have an idea, I will write it down to ensure that no two groups double up on the same idea. This will be a very big portion of your grade, which is why you have the entire semester to work on it. Please ensure that both parties do equal work an-”

The bell rings, cutting him off. Everyone gets up and leaves, eager to put that class behind them. Nova and Victor walk to their second period together, chatting every now and then.

“So, Victor, you seemed to be pretty engrossed in your art during class, am I allowed to ask what you were drawing?”  asked Nova.

Victor ducked his head, “Um, I just like to sketch whatever comes to mind. It sort of, like, grounds me,” he said while pulling out his sketchbook. “I was drawing a duck, his last name got me thinking of a mallard duck, so that’s what came to my mind.”

Victor handed Nova his sketchbook. As she looked at the page that was currently opened, she gasped in awe. The beginnings of a duck, swimming in a pond, were coming to life, “Victor this is amazing. How did you do all that in one class period?!”

“I just um, really focused on that, I guess,” said Victor, his face turning a light pink. “Sorry I didn’t talk much, I’m still getting used to this school. But, you’re doing a great job of showing me around, so I do want to thank you for that.”

“Oh, it’s no problem. Speaking of showing you around, we’re coming up on our second period classroom.” As Nova and Victor entered their second period, they noticed they were the first to arrive. They sat down, and Victor didn’t pull out his sketchbook. Instead, he turned to Nova and started talking to her. Nothing major, but small talk. Favorite color(blue), favorite song(cardigan, Taylor Swift), why she cheers(her friend introduced her), and so forth. 

As Nova was about to ask Victor if he had any siblings, she heard a gasp, and then: “Victor!” Nova turned to see who called his name, and saw Vera and Vargas. Ever since the second day of freshman year, she hasn’t really talked to them. The first day hurt her so much, she just went back to her cheer and Sunnyside friends, not bothering to try and talk to her again, and they didn’t either.

“Vera? Vargas? Oh my gosh, we’re all finally back together again at school? It’s been like, two years in the making,” exclaimed Victor.

They walked over to Victor and sat by him, mostly ignoring Nova. She sat there as class went by, the AP Lang teacher droning on, and Victor occasionally saying something to her. He clearly knew those two very well, so she let them have their moment and catch up. As she watched them talk, she noticed that Victor seemed significantly happier. His posture was much less slouched, there was this smile that reached his eyes whenever they would laugh about something, and he talked much more animatedly, not even bothering with his sketchbook. 

“Oh, I haven’t even introduced you guys,” said Victor as he turned to Nova. “This is Nova, she’s showing me around today, like how you are with someone, Vera. Ray, right?”

“Yeah, we’ve met. And yes, I’m showing Ray around. I don’t share this class or my next with him, but I do share all my afternoon classes with him, plus first period.”

“Why wasn’t I chosen to show anyone around? I know this school like the back of my hand!” Vargas exclaimed. Victor and Vera let out a loud laugh while Nova just chuckled to herself.

“Yeah, probably because you’re sneaking around, skipping class, and wandering all the time,” retorted Vera.

“Slander, hogwash; I simply won’t take it.”

The bell rang, and Nova and Victor said bye to Vargas and Vera, and headed up the stairs to study hall, their third period. “So, Victor, you seem to be pretty close with Vera and Vargas.”

“Yeah, they’ve been my closest friends since childhood. I haven’t been in school with them since eighth grade, though. Do you know them? Vera said you’ve met before, but I just assumed that was because you guys are in the same grade.”

“Yeah, that’s really the only way we know each other. Haven’t really gotten super close to them,” answered Nova. “I definitely tried, though", she thought.

“Oh, well, I think you’d really like them, maybe we could all hang out together sometime?”

“Yeah…”

Third period for Nova and Victor was on the second floor. Making their way to class, Nova was busy talking to Victor about being the daughter of the principal, when she ran straight into someone’s back, knocking the books he was carrying onto the floor.

“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! Here, let me help you,” she said while squatting down to pick up some notebooks.

“Oh, no worries, thanks…,” as the boy looked up at Nova, and his eyes widened. “Nova?!”

She shot her head to look right into the boy’s familiar eyes. “Ray?! Oh my gosh, how’s your first day been?” Nova asked while going in for a hug.

“Good, my guide hasn’t been able to show me around too much, but that’s not her fault. I’ve been gettin’ around pretty good. Who’s your friend here?”

“Oh, this is Victor, I’m acting as his guide. We’re currently headed to our study hall, you?”

“Hey, Victor. Wait, that’s where I’m headed too! Let’s walk together.” Ray got in line with Nova and Victor, the trio back on track. Nova and Ray caught up with each other on their way to class, Victor in step with them, just listening and observing. Nova talked with her hands, laughed with her whole body, and held consistent eye contact.

Making it to class, there was truly nothing to do. There was nothing to study in the study hall, so their teacher just said that today will be a free day. Other than Nova, Victor, and Ray, there were about four other kids in it. 

“So, Victor, how are you enjoying Eclipse?” Ray asked, turning the conversation to him.

“Oh, it’s really nice. Everyone here is really nice, and it does help that I have some of my closest friends here,” answered Victor.

“Ooh, that’s good. Who are those friends?”

“Vera Sullivan, your guide, and Vargas Klein.”

Ray shot a quick glance to Nova, remembering all the conversations they had with each other. He remembered her calling him on the first day of freshman year, saying how she tried to make friends with vampires, specifically naming Vera and Vargas, and how they didn’t even so much as reciprocate. She thought she was weird and unlikable, which Ray knew she wasn’t, so really, it was Vera and Vargas’ loss.

“They seem nice.”

“Well, Victor, I don’t have my next period with you, so do you think you’ll be okay, or do you want me to walk you there,” asked Nova, quickly changing the subject. 

“Um, I think I’ll be okay, thank you though,” said Victor, his dark brown eyes locking with Nova’s deep blue eyes.

“You sure?”

“I’m sure, I can just find Vargas or Vera,” he said, giving her a soft smile.

Ray just looked between the two, who seemed to be holding eye contact for a little bit longer than expected, the world disappearing around them. He was definitely going to talk to Nova about this whenever he got the chance. As the class went on, all three of them talked, Victor occasionally sketching something. Ray thought of something, smirking to himself.

“So, Victor, what uh, what do you look for in a romantic partner?”

Victor sputtered, his ears turning the same color as the red streaks in his hair, Nova just looked at Ray with a quizzical look on her face. “Um, I’ve never had a girlfriend before, never really had  a crush on a girl before.”

“Oh, really, huh. Well, so do you think, now that you’re at this school, you could fall in love with someone from Sunnyside?”

“Ummm, maybe, I really, um, only know you and Nova, though, so,” stammered Victor, his cheeks tinted pink. “Not, that I wouldn’t want to date her, but I’m not thinking of dating her, not because she’s awful, she’s very nice, but I jus-”

“Victor, I’ll stop you right there and save you the embarrassment. Ray just likes to mess with people. He really wants me to find someone again after the last guy.” Nova wanted to save Victor from his own embarrassment, but also because she could feel her own cheeks getting warm. “Would I date Victor? I’ve only known him for like, four hours, plus, the last time I tried to befriend vampires, I got burned,” Nova thought to herself. 

“Oh, okay, sorry, I just haven’t really thought about dating anyone, like ever. My family is big on finding one person and sticking with them, I don’t think that I’ve found that girl yet.”

“No, I get that. My parents were each other’s first boyfriend and girlfriend,” explained Nova.

“Oh, how long have they been together?” Victor asked.

“Well, this year would have been their 26th year together, but, um, my mom passed when I was young.”

Victor just nodded solemnly, his smile dropped. “I’m so sorry. This isn’t any consolation, but I understand how you feel. I lost my parents two years ago. My sister and I live with my aunt now.”

“I’m so sorry,” said Nova. “Is it strange that I feel really connected to him, like before we even met, I understood him?” she thought. 

Nova cleared her throat, wanting to change this quickly depressing subject. “You have a sister? How old is she?”

“Ivy is seven, and she’s going into the second grade. I actually think she’d love you both.”

The bell rang, Victor and Nova said bye to one another, and went on to fourth period with Ray. They talked as they walked to math class. “Nova I’m so glad we share at least one class together, just us. I missed it, we had some of our best conversations in class together.” 

As they sat down in class together, the teacher began playing some random math games. “I missed this too, Ray.”

“Speaking of good conversations, you and Victor, eh?” Ray said while he wiggled his eyebrows. “You two seemed to be hittin’ it off pretty well.”

Nova just rolled her eyes. “Don’t even, Ray. I barely know him. I just share a bunch of classes with him and am showing him around.”

“Yeah, but you’re flirting,” said Ray, with a stupid smirk on his face.

“I am not flirting with him. We’re just getting to know each other.”

“Yeah, but he’s cute,” emphasized Ray.

“Of course he is, Ray. Anyone can see that he’s attractive. But, like I said, I don’t even know him. Plus, I tried befriending vampires freshman year, and you know how that went.”

“Yes, I know. But he just feels different. He's not my type, but, Nova, he’s hot!”

The class turned to look at him, the teacher just rolling her eyes. “Sorry, continue on.”

“I get it, Ray. But, I’m not looking for a boyfriend right now. My last boyfriend was awful… I don’t know if I can go through that again.”

“You’re right, Calvin was awful, but that doesn’t mean that all boys are. Also, Calvin was from Sunnyside, so maybe Shadyside boys date differently.”

“Ray, just drop it, please. Why don’t you get busy finding your own boyfriend or girlfriend,” scoffed Nova.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I just,” he sighed. “I just want you to be happy. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

Nova smiled, “I know, Ray. Thank you.”

They continued to talk, occasionally being called on for the math games. But Nova’s mind kept returning to the conversation about Victor. “Should I start dating again, I mean, I do like Victor, but do I like him? Maybe I should just give it a chance, do it my own way,” she thought.

She tapped Ray, and leaned in to whisper to him, “Ray, I’ll.. think about everything. Including Victor. But, I’m going to focus on being his friend right now.”

Ray just smiled at her.

The bell rang, and finally, fifth period was upon them: lunch. Nova and Ray went to the courtyard outside, looking around for where to sit. She thought of her new friends, but she also thought of her cheer teammates. I mean, it’s just lunch, right? No one should care or notice where she sits.

Chapter Text

“Vera! Vargas! Hey, where do we want to sit for lunch?” Victor asked, catching up to them at their lockers.

“How about the courtyard? I mean it’s the first day, and it’s beautiful outside,” answered Vargas.

They walked outside, plenty of kids already eating their lunches. Victor wondered where Nova and Ray were, he liked them, but he didn’t know if Vera and Vargas did. “So, guys, I was wondering, if um, we wanted to invite Nova and Ray to sit with us.”

Vera looked at Vargas, “Victor, remember about the girl we told you about during freshman year? The one who was non-stop pestering us, trying to be our friend, when we clearly gave no indication of wanting that?”

Victor slowly nodded, “Well, that person was Nova. When I heard that she was going to be your guide, I wanted to make your own conclusions about her.”

“Okay, but why didn’t you like her? She seems perfectly fine, as does Ray. You just didn’t like her because she was ‘too bubbly’ or ‘too excitable’?” Victor was a bit upset now, they made up their minds about a perfectly nice girl after one day of knowing her?

“Victor, if you really want them to sit with us, that’s fine. It’s your first day at Eclipse, not ours,” said Vargas, putting a hand on Victor’s shoulder. “Besides, I think I see them on the other side of the courtyard, let’s walk to them. Vera, you’re coming with, right?:

She just nodded, “I’m willing to try to make friends, okay? For you, Victor.” Victor rushed forward and hugged her, “Thank you, Vera,” said Victor.

They began their walk to Nova and Ray, Victor in front, Vera and Vargas lagging behind a bit, whispering and giggling about something. “Do you think… oh yeah he definitely does… finally? … it’s his first time he-” Victor looked back at them, but they just smiled at him. 

“Nova! Ray! We were wondering if you guys wanted to sit with us at lunch,” said Victor. Nova and Ray looked at each other, as if communicating with just their eyes.

“Yeah, we can do that,” answered Ray. The five sat down at the circular lunch table, Nova in between Ray and Victor, Ray next to Vargas, Vargas next to Vera, Vera next to Victor, and Victor in between Nova and Vera.

“Can I just open up with something? Nova, I’m sorry, I was an awful person in freshman year. I just wanted to ‘be cool’ and fit in with the other Shadyside people. I thought by completely ignoring Sunnyside students I would accomplish that. But, I’ve learned that here, we’re not vampires and daywalkers anymore, we’re fireflies. So, I apologize.” Vera exhaled, as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders.

“Me too, Nova. There’s no excuse,” Vargas agreed.

Nova smiled, a real one, “Thank you both. I accept your apologies, and how about, as our first group outing, we go to Dusk ‘til Dawn and Aurora’s after school? My dad’s already taking me, so if anyone needs a ride, just ask. He only agreed to take me because I agreed to show someone around after he nearly ran me over with his car,” Nova teased, elbowing Victor’s side.

Everyone at the table laughed. Victor’s cheeks turned pink, “That one moment is going to outlive me. But yes, that all sounds nice, I haven’t been in the Twilight Zone that often, so maybe you guys could show me around?”

“Same goes for me, I mean, I’ve been here lots with Nova, but I’ve never really explored it. I think that would be super fun!” Ray exclaimed.

“So it’s settled, after school we’ll all meet up at Dusk ‘til Dawn, then go to Aurora’s after. Do we all have rides?” said Vargas.

Ray smirked, an idea popped into his head. “How about Victor and Nova ride together, Victor can drive her, maybe they’ll finally mend their driving differences. I can ride with Vera and Vargas, assuming one of you guys drove here?” Vargas nodded, “Yeah, I drove Vera here, you can ride with us, curly.”

Ray turned a little red, Victor saw Nova glance at him and smirk. 

“But, Nova just said her dad was taking her,” said Victor.

“Oh, well, I can just tell him I’m riding with some friends. He’ll be alright with it, I’m not sure he wanted to drive me there anyway.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. Thanks for taking me.”

They spent the rest of lunch talking and laughing. It felt good. Victor had friends, but none as close as Vera or Vargas. Here’s hoping that he can befriend Nova and Ray just like he did Vera and Vargas. The bell rang, and teachers came out telling everyone to get to class. 

Victor walked to sixth period, his elective period. He chose Studio Art, not only because he felt like he could pass the class with ease, but he really did enjoy art and drawing. It was even okay that none of his friends or new friends were in it, he could make new ones.

He walked into class and sat down, looking at the crafts and designs that were plastered up on the walls. A boy came up to him and sat down, “Hey, Victor right? I’m Elio. You’re the one Nova’s guiding around?”

Victor was a bit confused, why is this guy coming up to him asking about Nova? “Uh yeah, I’m Victor. And yes, she is guiding me around today, she just has a different elective this period. Psychology.”

“So you guys are close? I’m just surprised she sat with you guys at lunch today, and not the other cheerleaders.”

“Okay… are you like, watching her every move? I don’t understand what you’re trying to get at.” Victor was quickly becoming annoyed, was this guy in love with Nova? Was he just weird?

“I’m just trying to say that I’m glad she’s finding other friends. She seemed really down last school year. You guys seem to be making her happy. I’m glad.” Elio got up to sit elsewhere before quickly turning around, “One last thing, Nova likes it when guys really listen to what she has to say. Okay, see you around Victor!”

Victor left that conversation confused and befuddled, his thoughts flying around. “What was that? Why was it so important where she sat at lunch? And that last bit, did she date him?”

The teacher started talking, introducing himself and what this class was like. “Your first assignment will begin tomorrow. It will be a portrait of someone at this school, a classmate. Please, ask their permission, and mine, and then draw them. Do it however you like. Charcoal, paint, water colors, heck even finger painting. This will be due next Thursday. That gives you exactly a week to work on it, okay?”

Victor was excited for everything this class had to offer, and he was excited about this assignment. “Who should I draw? Who has the time to sit still for a very long time?”

In Victor’s next class, Geography, he was reunited with Vargas and Nova. As he moved to sit down next to them, he saw another girl, he presumed a cheerleader, leaning down and whispering to Nova. As she was whispering to her, Nova looked at Victor, with red cheeks, and quickly looked away. The cheerleader winked at her and went back to her seat.

“What was that all about?” Victor asked.

“Oh, n-nothing. Just catching up on cheer stuff. How was art?” Nova seemed quick to change the subject. Victor looked at Vargas, and Vargas winked at him.

Victor recalled his interaction at the beginning of art class with Elio, “Art was good. You saw my duck sketch this morning, so you know I’m interested in art. B-but it was nothing much, um, some kid came up to me. Elio, he said his name was.”

“Hm, Elio, I think I know him. He was on student council with me last year. What’d he say to you?”

“Nothing, um y’know, nothing much. Just welcomed me to the school.” Vargas raised an eyebrow at Victor's lie, but sat in silence. The teacher began his lecture and class started. Nova had told Victor earlier that this specific teacher really didn’t like it if he heard so much as a peep out of anyone while he was talking. So, Victor sat there, thinking about his day. He was glad to be here, glad to have been reunited with Vargas and Victor, and glad to have made friends with Nova and Ray. Mostly, he thought about football, did you have to try out here? Or was this one of those schools where you would be guaranteed on the team, just not guaranteed play time? He saw a poster earlier in the day saying that tryouts would begin the second week of school, so at least he had that to look forward to. 

The teacher droned on, so Victor got out his sketchbook and began to sketch the first thing that came to his mind: his friends in front of him. He began with Nova, trying to get everything about her just right. The way the light hit her side profile through the window, her gold hair, which was down, cascading over her shoulders. Vargas turned back to look at him, and noticed his drawings; Victor was about to begin drawing Vargas, but Vargas only noticed the drawing of Nova. He just smirked at Victor, took out his pencil, and wrote something on Victor’s desk: “wow, it’s begun already, bro?”

Victor just wrote back “??” in response. Vargas rolled his eyes and erased the  messages, turning back to the teacher. The bell rang, and Vargas pulled Victor aside before Nova could get to him. “You’re making it very obvious, dude.” 

“Making what obvious?” Victor answered in return. Nova walked up to them before Vargas could say anything else, and they began their walk to the last period of the day: health class. Nova told them the classroom for health was on the second floor, so they’d have to rush to get there on time.

“Race you to the top!” Nova shouted. She bolted and swerved in between confused kids, Vargas and Victor running after her. She ran up a flight of stairs, and before Victor knew it, she tripped and nearly faceplanted. He quickly reacted, catching her by the waist and pulling her up to him, her hands landing on his chest. “Thanks.” Her cheeks were slightly red, and Victor was sure his were too. 

She reached up and placed her right hand on his cheek, and Victor’s mind stopped. “What is she doing?” he thought to himself. Vargas just watched from the top of the stairs, slowly shaking his head, as if to say “Huh, that was quick.” Nova freed herself from Victor’s grasp and ran back up the stairs. Victor’s body waited at least ten seconds before it started moving again. He chased after her and Vargas. Nova looked back at him, her hair bouncing and mouth exuding a beautiful laughter. Victor’s breath hitched. He finally made it to health class, catching up with the two. He quickly took a seat next to them, catching his breath. “Why, heh, did we do… that,” Victor said, taking breaths between words. 

“It was fun, and got us to class on time. By the way, I totally won,” said Nova as she swiped sweat from her forehead. 

Vargas grinned at them, “What was that little stunt in the stairwell?”

Nova just looked at Vargas and shrugged, “Meh. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to win.” Victor just shook his head, his cheeks becoming red again. Not due to heat or exhaustion, but to something else he couldn’t name.

The teacher entered the room, looking at the panting trio. “Well, it’s a good thing we’re in health class, eh?” Class began, and Victor just sat there, catching his breath. He thought about the stairwell, hoping to God that no one else was in there when that happened. He honestly didn’t know; he was laser focused on Nova. Victor, Vargas, and Nova chatted, excited about their group outing after school. 

“So, are we all going home first? Or are we going straight from school to the stores?” Nova asked.

“I think I should check in with my aunt first. Even if I text her that I’m going out somewhere, she prefers if I tell her in person. Vargas knows that from first-hand experience,” Vargas nodded, as if remembering a battle memory. “If it’s okay with you, of course, since I’ll be driving you.”

“Yeah, that’s fine, it’ll be good for me to see Shadyside. I don't think I’ve ever been over there except for cheer stuff.”

“Well, I think that I’ll drive Vera, Ray, and myself straight to the cafe, if that’s alright. Just text me what you guys want to order,” Vargas said, a miniscule smirk on his face. He pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down his phone number on it and gave it to Nova. Nova wrote down her number, and then turned to Victor. She grabbed his forearm and used her red pen to write down her number on his arm. “Vargas can use that paper to get Ray and Vera’s phone numbers on it, then he can give it to me to get their numbers. But I figured since you’re driving me, I might need yours a bit sooner.” Victor just nodded, red returning to his ears, which seemed to be happening a lot more often now. He grabbed her pen, pulled up her sleeve, and wrote his number on her arm.

After the number sharing fiasco, the bell rang. Victor’s first day of school was finally over, but he couldn’t think about that right now. He had a gorgeous girl’s number on his arm, and he was about to drive her back to his house.

Chapter Text

“So Victor, how was your first day at Eclipse?” Nova asked, getting into Victor’s car.

“It was good, I really enjoyed it. There seems to be a lot more opportunities and options for everything. Plus, everyone there seems pretty nice. I’m glad I became friends with you and Ray. I’m excited for today,” said Victor, pulling out of the parking lot.

“Oh, thanks. I’m glad we befriended you three. And I’m also excited for today. Showing you and Ray around the Twilight Zone is going to be fun.”

“I really haven’t seen much of it, what’s it like?”

Nova considered the best way to word and describe everything. “Well, it really is like a mix of Sunny and Shadyside. I mean, I haven’t seen Shadyside, but the colors in the Twilight Zone seem to be a pretty good indicator. At Sunnyside, it’s all yellow, white, and red. But the Twilight Zone has more purple, oranges, blues, darker reds, and everything. All the food there tastes different too; less sweet and overbearing.”

“Huh, well it seems interesting. Can’t wait.” As Victor said this, he turned into a neighborhood that was filled with gray, black, and deep red. Shadyside. Nova had really only been there to visit the high school for cheer stuff, she’s never had a full experience of just driving through Shadyside and seeing everything. Victor saw the awe on her face.

“Yeah, this place isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be, it’s just dark and bleak. Other than that though, it’s just your average town.”

Nova looked out the window at everything she could. She saw kids playing basketball at a park, moms walking their dogs, and families enjoying time at a cafe. “Are you sure your aunt won’t mind me? I can just stay in the car.”

Victor waved her off, “No, come in. She’ll be glad to know that I’m making friends and that I have plans with them. My younger sister might be attached to you though, she gets really happy when she meets anyone new.”

“Okay, if you say so.” As she said this, Victor turned left into a driveway which led to a tall house. By all means, this house looked normal. Plants and flowers littered the yard, the front door was painted a beautiful maroon, and there was another car in the driveway: a black truck.

Victor turned off the car and exited. He walked to Nova’s door and opened for her, offering his hand. Nova took it. “Why thank you, I suppose people here are much more chivalrous than at Sunnyside.”

“Nah, if my aunt figured out that I wasn’t treating a girl right, she’d kill me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nova tilted her head at him as they walked up to the front porch.

“N-nothing, she just wants to make sure that I treat any future girlfr-. That I treat all women in my life right, friend or family.” Victor opened the door, and Nova entered. 

“Victor? Is that you?” Nova heard a powerful, commanding voice call. 

“Yes, it’s me, auntie. I was just coming back to tell you that I’m going out with some friends, so I might be home a bit late,” Victor called back. Emerged from a hallway was an older woman, with hair black as obsidian, eyes a deep brown, just like Victor’s. “Oh, who is this, Victor? I would have made something if I knew we were having guests.”

“This is Nova, auntie. And, like I just told you, we won’t be staying long. We’re gonna go meet up with some others and travel around the Twilight Zone.”

“Okay, well why didn’t you text me. You didn’t have to come all the way here.”

“Yeah, sure. You hate it when I go somewhere without telling you in person.”

“... I see your point. Well, Nova, was it? How’d you come to know Victor?” The woman turned her attention to Nova, those eyes baring deep into her soul.

“Auntie, ple-.” The woman just held her hand up. 

“I’m Nova, Nova Bright. I was assigned to show Victor around school today, since he’s new. We became quick friends, and since I’ve been at Eclipse longer, I was going to show him around the Twilight Zone, if that’s okay with you, of course.”

“Bright?” Her face seemed to take this information in more carefully, as if she recognized it.  “Hmm, okay. Just make sure you're back before it's too late. And drop her off at her house Victor, preferably before it gets dark.”

“Yes, auntie, thank you.”

Nova heard a door upstairs open, and a high, young voice call out, “Victor? Is that your voice I hear? How was your first day of-. Woah, who are you?”

Victor just glared at the young girl who emerged as she walked down the stairs to them. She had dark brown hair, and wide, light brown eyes. “Ivy, tone. This is Nova, my friend.”

“Hi, Ivy, like he said, my name’s Nova. I love your shirt.” Nova pointed at her dark purple shirt that had a unicorn on it. 

“Thanks!” Ivy’s eyes lit up. “You’re pretty. Isn’t she pretty, Victor?” Victor coughed and sputtered, his face flaming up. Ivy gestured for Nova to bend down to her, “My auntie says that Victor doesn’t talk to enough pretty girls, but she doesn’t know I hear her say that,” she whispered to her. 

Nova turned her face to Victor as she giggled with Ivy. “Thanks, I think you’re pretty too.” Ivy continued giggling as she ran into another room, Victor’s aunt just sighed, “Drive safe. Nice to meet you, Nova.” She walked after Ivy.

“Well, your family seems nice. Ivy is… very energetic.” Nova said once they were back outside.

Victor opened the passenger door for Nova, “Yeah, you haven’t seen the worst of it.” He shut her door once she was inside, and walked to the driver seat. “She loves my friends; Vera and Vargas love her back, but she can definitely be a lot.”

Victor pulled out of the driveway, beginning the drive to the Twilight Zone. Nova pulled out her phone to text Ray. “On our way to you guys, be there in about twenty”. 

“You didn’t answer her question though, do you think I’m pretty?” Nova smirked. That smirk was quickly wiped off her face as she felt the car swerve, she grabbed onto the nearest thing, which happened to be Victor’s arm. She looked at him and quickly let go.

“U-um, I, uh. Yeah, I mean, yes. You are definitely, um, anyone can see that. I mean, just look at’cha. That sounds bad. Y’know, you’d be blind if you couldn’t notice that. The fact that you’re pr-pretty, I mean.” Victor’s entire face was a mix of pink and red, from the tips of his ears to the bottom of his chin. “S-sorry. Ivy kinda just says whatever comes to mind.”

Nova smiled and just looked ahead, “Don’t worry, I think you’re pretty too.

The car came to a sudden and strong stop. Nova held on to her seat so as to not fly out of it. Victor pointed above them. “Light’s red… um, thanks?” Nova rolled her eyes and chuckled, “Good excuse,” she thought to herself.

The rest of the drive was filled with chatter and laughter, as if they’ve known each other for years. Nova hasn’t felt this way, this at ease, with anyone other than her mother. As they entered the Twilight Zone, Nova gave Victor directions on where to go. She watched as he took everything in. It really was a beautiful place, the people who had built it truly were steadfast in their beliefs that the two towns could co-exist. 

There were murals on buildings, people walking in the square, Shady and Sunnyside residents alike. Stores were all named after things that had to do with light and darkness, night and daytime, sun and shade. Colors weren’t the same too brightly reds, yellows, and whites in Sunnyside. And they weren’t the depressing browns, blacks, and greys of Shadyside. They were all mixed together, in a beautiful ombre, like a million mini sunsets.

They pulled up to Dusk ‘til Dawn, which was open from dusk until dawn. Very clever, at least, that’s what the owners thought. Victor opened the door, a tiny bell rang, and held the door open for Nova. “After you.”

“Maybe this is the beginning of my friendship with Vera and Vargas. With vampires in general. I can’t go through freshman year again”. Nova walked through the door, three teenagers waited for her, and a whole new chapter of her life was about to begin.

Chapter Text

As Victor walked into the cafe, he took everything in. At the back, behind a counter, there was a younger lady sweeping. A case full of pastries, goodies, and treats seemed to shine brighter than anything else. There were three chalkboards above the lady: the menus. One for food, one for drinks, and the other for specialty items. The cafe felt both like home and like a new safe haven. It was decorated with lots of Shadyside decor, paintings about the moon and planets, a mysterious forest, and stained-glass stars hanging from the ceiling. There were also pictures of a sunset, of a couple cloudwatching, a park during golden hour, and many other photos of people just so full of color. The colors, while incredibly different, fused in a way that felt symbiotic. The orange, blues, and purples truly made Victor feel like he was standing outside during twilight. Slow jazz music and chatter filled the background.

“Hey guys! Over here!” Vargas waved at Victor and Nova. The three who were already there had cups and half-eaten pastries in front of them.

“Hey, what’d you all get?” Victor asked as he sat down with them, Nova following suit. 

“Just some coffee, scones, and I was swindled into getting a croissant,” said Vera as she glared at Ray. He just put his hands up in a non-defeated way and shrugged.

“Hey, you told us that you’d never had one before, so I simply suggested you get one.”

Vera gave him a dry stare. “You grabbed the croissant and bumped me out the way while you shoved your credit card into the machine. What a nice suggestion.” 

“Thanks.” Everyone laughed, even Vera let out a little chuckle.

“Well, I’m not hungry, so I’ll just order something to drink and then we can head to Aurora’s. You’ve been here before, Nova, what do you suggest?” Victor said.

She tilted her head slightly, “Well, if you want something sweet, they have this gingerbread latte that’s really good. But, if you want something more thirst quenching, I think it’s on the specialty menu… the eclipse lemonade? It’s really good, and pretty. They put like blackberries and oranges in it I think.”

“What are you craving right now?” Victor asked.

“Well, I’m not thirsty, so I’d think I’d just get one of their Italian sandwiches.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Victor got up and walked to the counter, the woman who was sweeping turned her attention to him.

“Hello and welcome to Dusk ‘til Dawn, what would you like?”

“Hi, could I please get the eclipse lemonade if that’s still on your menu, and one of your Italian subs, please?” At this, Nova's ears perked up and she rushed toward Victor. 

“Wait, please, let me pay for my own thing, I’m the one showing you around today.”

“Too late,” said Victor as he handed the woman a twenty dollar bill.

“Fine, but next time we do this, I’ll pay,” Nova huffed as she walked back to the others.

Victor just laughed. The woman looked up to him, “Could I get a name for this order?”

“Victor, ma’am.”

The woman smiled at him, “It’ll be right out.”

Victor walked back to his friends, and they talked about how their day went. “This teacher did this,” “Did you hear that so and so are dating?”, and “My friend told me that…”. It felt nice to have a group of people you could just be yourself around. No one expected Victor of anything, and Vera or Vargas hadn’t told anyone about his parents, so he didn’t have to talk about that at all. “I can just be-”

“Victor! Order for Victor!” He got up and went to the open side of the counter, his drink and Nova’s sandwich there. 

“Thank you so much, have a great day,” said Victor.

“You too, and hey, I thought it was admirable of you to pay for your girlfriend. You guys seem nice together,” answered the woman.

Before Victor could say anything to her, she just walked into a back room. He went back to, hoping that he was getting his blushing under control.

“You okay there, Victor? You seem flushed,” said Ray.

“Ye-yeah, I’m fine.” Everyone continued talking while they ate and drank, their laughter filling the cafe. “This really is nice,” Victor thought to himself. A song came on, and Nova gasped. 

“I love this song!” She didn’t bother to get up, sing, or dance; there were still other people in the cafe. 

“What’s it called?” Vera asked.

“You don’t recognize this style at all?” Vera just shook her head.

“It’s ABBA. ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’.” Vera continued slowly shaking her head.

“What about you Vargas? Victor?” Both boys also shook their heads.

Nova’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Wow. What do you guys even listen to? I mean, ABBA is an international treasure!”

“Well, I know us three like R&B,” Vargas said. “I also do enjoy some pop music, ‘the girlies’, I’ve heard them be described as.” Everyone laughed at that.

“Oh really? So who are ‘the girlies’ you listen to?” Ray teased.

“Well, who doesn’t love Olivia Rodrigo? Also, Kelly Clarkson. And, I will not lie, Taylor Swift makes some pretty good songs.” Vargas seemed very proud of his answers.

“Wow. Just wow.”

Everyone else went around sharing their favorite music artists, Nova liked Taylor Swift(at this, she and Vargas high-fived), Lainey Wilson, and ROLE MODEL, Vera enjoyed Frank Ocean, Queen, and, much to her chagrin to admitting, Avril Lavigne. Victor admitted to Daniel Caesar, Tyler, The Creator, Zach Bryan, and the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack (“What?! It’s an amazing movie with amazing songs!), and Ray claimed that he only listened to two artists, ever, in his entire life: Dolly Parton and Bruno Mars.

The whole time someone was laughing, and everyone was having a good time. The woman would occasionally come out and just watch and listen to them. To Victor, it was just a normal group of friends hanging out and laughing. Not too long ago, they would’ve been scolded and ridiculed for “making friends with people on the other side.”

After the laughter died down and the food was all gone, Nova made a suggestion. “Well, how about we head to Aurora’s? It’s like a three minute drive or a ten minute walk, whatever we do is fine by me. If we walk, we’ll see more things and get more steps in, but if we drive, we don’t have to carry around a bunch of bags.” The group ultimately decided to walk, Ray was outnumbered, “But Vargaaas, my feet will hurt,” he had said.

“Suck it up curly, I’ll carry you.” At this Ray jumped up and ran out the door. 

Nova, Vera, and Vargas led the group to Aurora’s, as they pointed out other shops, parks, facilities, stores, monuments, murals, and anything they found interesting about the Twilight Zone. Vera focused on the street signs, monuments, and statues they passed. She told stories of all the people who came together and built this town based on unity, not hate. Nova pointed out the art, decor, and visuals of everything. Some things were painted to represent the coming together of the towns, while some buildings were decorated with one town more in mind, but with a clever mix of the other’s culture in it. Victor noticed how whenever she mentioned art she would glance back at him. Vargas pointed out the important historic buildings, “This was the town hall where they decided on the name, “This was the first cafe built in the Twilight Zone,” and (in a tour guide’s voice), “If you look to your left, you’ll see the first place where a Sunnyside and Shadyside resident got married to each other in the Twilight Zone,” (he winked at Victor while saying this.)

“Alright, here we are.” Vera said. “Aurora’s is really just your normal thrift store, except, as expected, it’s a mixture of daywalker and vampire clothes, and just regular clothes. There is everything you could want there. I love it; like a third of my closet is from Aurora’s.”

Victor looked up at the big sign that said “Aurora’s”. It was colored like an aurora borealis would be. They walked into the store and Victor saw rows and rows of clothes. “Well, Nova and I are going to see what we like together, we’ll meet up with you guys later,” Vera said as she dragged Nova by her arm to the women’s side. 

The guys just looked at each other, shrugged, and headed to the men’s section. 

Victor looked through the tops first, eyeing hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters. Vargas, Ray, and Victor picked stuff out for each other, some were jokes, some were actually out of friendship. Ultimately, Victor ended up getting some band t-shirts, a deep red sweater, jeans (blue and black), and a hat that had "TZ" written on it in cursive. After the boys checked out, they went to Vera and Nova, except Nova wasn’t there right now.

Vera noticed the boys’ confused look, “She’s in the dressing room, right now.” She looked at Victor, “I think you’ll really like what she’s trying on.” The four chatted as Nova changed, Vera looked at what the boys bought, dismissing Vargas’ “brony” hat and Ray’s sweatpants that said “hot buns” on the back. Victor heard the dressing room door unlock, and Nova walked out. His jaw dropped and his face warmed up. She came out in a short sleeved white crop-top with a monarch butterfly on the front, baggy ripped jeans, and a brown belt. For some reason, Victor couldn’t stop looking at Nova’s abs. “She seems very strong,” he thought to himself, his ears becoming red at the thought of that. 

Everyone noticed Victor as he stared at Nova; she blushed and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Vera smirked, Vargas tried to hide his giggle with a cough, and Ray’s eyes were wide.

“Well, Nova, you’re definitely keeping that,” Vera said, leading her to the purchasing counter.

Victor just watched them as they walked away, everything around him seemed to drown out, until he felt taps on his shoulders. 

“I think it’s time we head back, don’t want Nova’s dad getting upset,” Ray said.

“Y-yeah, we should totally do that…” Victor dropped off, still looking at Nova.

Vargas clapped his hands in front of Victor’s face, “Hey! Victor, put your mouth back to normal and let’s get going.” Victor quickly closed his mouth, looking down as he walked. “And maybe stop staring, she got other things y’know, you can’t have that reaction to all of them.”

“I wasn’t staring, I was just um, uh.. admiring her outfit! She’s got a very good sense of style, and uh, fashion?”

Vargas gave him a deadpanned stare. “Didn’t you ever learn not to lie?”

The girls caught up with them, and the five walked out of Aurora’s, the sun setting. It gave the town a colorful glow, as if the sun itself brought the Twilight Zone back to life and gave it personality. Nova and Ray led, chatting animatedly as they walked, laughing about something that happened earlier in the day. Victor, Vera, and Vargas were just behind them. 

“So, when I get home, I want us to all get on facetime to discuss something important,” Vera said. 

“I also have something I must get off my chest, so just call me whenever,” answered Vargas, nodding at Vera.

“Uh, yeah, sure. I’ll answer if you guys just add me to the call,” said Victor. “What’s so important we can’t discuss it right now?” He thought to himself. Victor just took in the sights of the town, looking all around him. He looked straight ahead, and there was Nova, in the sunlight during golden hour, colors all over her body like she was a painting. Victor took out his phone and quickly snapped a photo. 

They made it back to their cars, Vera, Vargas, and Ray waved goodbye to Victor and Nova, and off they went. In Victor’s car, he texted his aunt, “I am going to drop Nova off at her house, be home in like 30”. He put on his seatbelt and Nova mirrored him, and he drove off.

“Um, could you please put your address into the maps?” Victor asked as he handed Nova his phone, the maps app already open. She typed it in and set his phone down on the center console.

“That was super fun, I’m glad we did that. I hope you enjoyed seeing everything.”

“Yeah, I did. I never knew that there was so much history behind it. Plus, the places we went were super nice. The food at that cafe was good, and uh, the thrift store had some super nice choices for clothes.”

“Yeah…” Nova said, trailing off. Victor stopped at a red light and she thought this was the perfect time to strike. “Sooo, I didn’t get a chance to see your reaction to any of my outfits. What’d you think of the last one? The white crop-top and ripped jeans.” She asked.

Victor’s eyes widened and he stammered as he looked over to her. “I-I, uh, it was, it was super good. It looked good, o-on you. Yeah, I thought it looked, really, um, really good. On you. Not trying to say that, um, you look good. Not that you don’t! Y’know it-”

A car behind Victor honked multiple times. Victor looked up and realized the light was green, “How long has it been green for?” He thought to himself. He sped up, wanting to remove himself from that situation.

Victor looked at Nova and she just looked proud of herself, looking out the window. Eventually, he pulled up to her house, and shut off his car. Nova unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to him.

“Thanks for driving me everywhere tonight. I’m really glad we became friends, and I’m happy I reconciled with Vera and Vargas.”

“Yeah, no problem. I’m glad we connected too. Have a good night, Nova.”

“You too, Victor.” She exited his car and walked up the doorsteps to her house. When she entered, Victor saw her look back to him, and he gave her a slight wave. He pulled out his phone and texted his aunt, “Just dropped off Nova, be home in 15 min”. 

He immediately got a response, “OK. Ivy and I are excited to talk to you about school, see you soon”. 

Victor drove back to his house, thinking back about his day in silence. Subconsciously, he smiled whenever he thought about a memory with Nova. He made it to his house, parked his car, and walked in, hearing clatter in the kitchen, “Auntie! I’m home!”. 

Auntie Lilith walked to him, “Hey! How was everything? I didn’t know if you would still be hungry after all that so I made grilled cheese and tomato soup.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right back down after I settle down and get ready for bed,” Victor said as he walked up the stairs to his room.

“Okay, when you come down can you bring Ivy down with you?”

“Yeah,” he called as he entered his room.

He had his skateboards on his wall, along with pictures of him and his friends. Numerous sketches, paintings, and drawings were thrown about in his room; they littered the floor, walls, desk, and there was even one on the ceiling. His bed was still semi-messy from Ivy jumping on it this morning. Victor changed into his pajamas, went to the bathroom, washed his hands, and went to go get Ivy. Her door was closed, so he knocked and opened her door a crack.

“Hey Ivy? There’s grilled cheese and tomato soup down here if you want any. Plus, I think Auntie wants you down there anyway.”

Ivy was on her bed reading a book, “Okay, I’ll be down in a sec,” she called without looking up.

Victor closed her door and walked downstairs to the kitchen, his aunt off to the left in the living room, watching TV. He grabbed two pieces of grilled cheese, a bowl of tomato soup, and sat down on the couch near his aunt. He heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

“So, Victor, this is gonna sound redundant, but how was the first day of school?” Ivy sat down with them as their aunt asked the question, food in hand.

“It was good. I’m very glad you let me go, I’ve um, already made some new friends. Both from Sunnyside, actually. You met one of them earlier, that was Nova. She actually was assigned to show me around the school to all my classes, well, at least the ones we shared together.”

“Really? She seemed nice. You got her home safe and on time?”

Victor playfully rolled his eyes, “Yes, auntie, I did.” He shifted his attention to Ivy as he finished up his grilled cheese. “How was your first day, Ivy?”

“It was fun! None of my friends left, so we all talked about how our summers went. I liked not having to do much.”

“Yeah? Well, remember, we have a tea party to schedule, when do we want to do that?”

Ivy placed her finger on her chin, “Hmm, how about this weekend? Sunday? A Sunday tea party always brings me joy. Do you think Vera or Vargas could come?”

“I’ll ask them.” Victor smiled. They continued to talk, eventually they ate all their food and cleaned up. Auntie Lilith then put on a season of Survivor, and they all watched an episode together. Ivy was curled up next to Victor’s side, and she yawned. Victor checked his phone, it read 9:36 p.m., “Okay, Ivy, I think it’s time for bed. Did you already brush your teeth?” He asked as he picked her up and held her like a koala bear.

She nodded, and Victor got up, he whispered a small “Good night” to his aunt, and carried Ivy upstairs. He put her in her bed, gave her her favorite stuffed animal, and tucked her in. She stirred as he got up, holding her unicorn stuffed animal closer to her. Victor exited her room and quietly closed her door. As he shut it, his phone rang. He checked it, and Vera and Vargas were facetiming him. He answered the call as he entered the bathroom, wetting his toothbrush on it and putting on toothpaste.

“Hey guys! Don’t mind me, I’m just getting ready for bed,” Victor said. He looked, Vargas was sitting on his bed, throwing a tennis ball up in the air, and Vera was doing something on her laptop.

“Yeah, once you’re done with all that, we gotta talk. It's serious,” Vera said. 

Vargas nodded along with her, “This is a momentous occasion, Victor. We’re celebrating a first.” Victor spat out his toothpaste and rinsed his toothbrush, drinking from a water bottle already there. 

“Oh, well, what is it?” He asked as he climbed onto his bed. He grabbed his sketchbook, and started to sketch something.

“Well, don’t get upset with us, but we’ve been thinking that you… how to say this?” Vargas paused. “Do you have a crush on Nova?”

Victor looked at his phone, and was met with both their eyes. His face was red, “U-um, excuse me? Is this what was so important? No, I don’t, we just met today. I just think of her as a friend.” He said quietly.

Vera went back to looking at her laptop, “You sure about that? We won’t judge, but tell us about how you feel around her, what does she make you think about?”

Victor’s heart rate must have been through the roof. “Well, I get this tingly feeling in my stomach whenever she smiles. And when we talk, I feel like I don’t have to think about anything, I can just be around her. I feel… safe around her. Like, when I’m close to her, I feel both nervous and at ease. But a good nervous, not bad.”

“Hmm, okay. Now, this might be a bit forward, but do you think she’s attractive?” Vera asked.

Victor’s cheeks were pinker than Pepto-Bismol, “Well, no point in lying to my best friends.” He thought to himself. “Y-yes. She’s very pretty. I will not lie, when she came out in that outfit at Aurora’s, I think my brain short circuited,” he chuckled.

Vera and Vargas made eyes through the screen. “Victor, everything you’ve described is how anyone would describe a crush. I think you have your first crush, Victor Barton.” Vargas stated.

Victor just sat there, bewildered. “Really? Is that what that is? I just thought that we became super close friends really quickly.”

“We’re not deciding for you, they’re your feelings, not ours. We just want to be here to help you with whatever you need,” Vera said.

“I look forward to every time I talk to her, I stutter and stammer whenever she flirts with me, I constantly think about her all day, and we seem to just get each other.” He kept thinking to himself. 

“Okay, yeah. I definitely have a crush on Nova Bright.” Victor muttered, and he felt lighter, like weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His stomach couldn't stop tingling and he was sure his face was red like the soup he ate earlier. As he said this, Vargas and Vera squealed and picked up their phones, their faces coming closer to the camera.

“Ahh, I knew it! I knew it from the second I saw you two talking together. Victor, this means you gotta hide it better. Because if I saw it, she might have too.” Vargas joked.

“We’re so happy for you Victor, truly. We want the best for you, and Nova honestly might be that for you,” Vera said.

“Thank you, guys. You both seem so much more well versed in this than me, so I’ll need help.” Victor smiled, glad he had friends who cheered on his crush on a daywalker and didn’t rebuke him. “I mean, can you blame me? Did you see her abs in that crop-top?! I-I mean, she just looked really… hot.” He smirked.

“Okay, okay, we get it, you like her!” Vera exclaimed.

“Dude, if she’s all you’ll talk about now, I might need to get ear plugs,” Vargas teased.

“Oh I’m definitely going to annoy them with how much I talk about her.” Victor thought.

“Well, it’s getting late, so I’m headed to bed. But seriously, thank you guys for not making fun of me or anything. I really do want to get it right with her.” Victor emphasized.

“Of course, we’ll be here for whatever you need,” Vera smiled. They all said bye, and Victor left the facetime.

“I have a crush on Nova Bright. What the hell do I do?”

Chapter Text

Nova definitely did not think that she would have started out her school year by making friends with vampires, let alone considering them to be her closest friends, but crazier things have happened. Now, she focused on one thing: becoming cheer captain. She’d been cheering since freshman year, so she thought that two years later would be a fine chance to campaign for it. Her dad supported her when she told him, as did her coach.

“Yeah, that’s a great idea, Nova. Only, there might be one thing in your way. You’d be the first junior to become the captain. It’s only been seniors who’ve been captain before. I wish you all the best, however. I think you’d be a great captain, Nova.” Her cheer coach, Coach Ailani, told her. “It won’t be too difficult to become the first junior captain, right?,” she thought to herself.

The team voted on the captain September 28th, which meant that Nova had two weeks to get ready. The process was really just to tell the team you wanted to be captain, tell the coach, and if anyone else wants to be captain, tell them too. Coach Ailani would then tell the team, and they’d take the time to think about who they want as captain, and then vote. 

Nova went up to Bailey during her first period, a senior cheerleader who was the only other cheerleader who wanted to be captain. “Hey, Bailey, I just wanted to say good luck on the cheer captain position, you’d be a great captain.”

“Oh, thank you, Nova. You’d be a great one too. Good luck!” Bailey smiled at her.

Nova also told her friends, and they were all very supportive, and to her surprise, Vera was very proud of her. And head-strong about it. “Okay, here’s what you're gonna do to win, Nova.” She went on a very long rant, crunching numbers with the cheer team, and giving her ideas for posters and fliers. 

“Vera, Vera, I’m very glad you want to help me win, but Bailey and I have already talked about it. We’re not gonna campaign or anything. The team will vote for who they think is the best candidate.”

Vera just shrugged, “Fine by me, but I like to win. And I like it when people I like win. Good luck.” Nova was proud she had friends who cared, friends who listened to what she had to say. Though, Victor had seemed a bit off lately. Nearly every time she was around him, which was a lot, they shared a lot of classes together, his face got red and he seemed sweaty. It got to a point where she literally held her wrist up to his forehead to check his temperature and put her finger on his wrist to check his pulse.

“N-no no, I’m fine. It just gets hot in these classrooms,” is what Victor would always say. She didn’t fully believe him, but she didn’t push. They continued to get close, as did everyone. The five of them spent nearly every day together, going somewhere in Shadyside, Sunnyside, or the Twilight Zone. Nova also caught him looking at her a bunch, like his eyes were glued to her.  It would go like this: she would look at him, and his eyes were already on her. He’d look away and then she would look at him, his face red and his eyes darting back and forth, anywhere but her. Nova noticed that he never stared at her in a bad way, his eyes were always soft, gentle, and happy. As if Victor were admiring her. She had an inkling of the reasons behind his actions, but she didn’t dare act or think about them more. 

Nova often went to his house to work on their AP Bio project, not to his room, though. Ivy would usually say something about a tea party and their aunt would just watch them as they laughed, a soft smile on her face. They never went to her house, partly because Nova had never brought a boy to her house, other than Ray. Even her ex-boyfriend of five months never went. She was also pretty sure Victor was nervous because her dad was the principal of their school, and her father. Nova always told him he had no reason to worry, he was nice. But he just shook his head. “It’s not like we’re dating,” she would think to herself.

The week leading up to the cheer captain vote, Nova was nervous. She was never nervous about anything, not joining the cheer squad, not student council elections, nor around boys, nothing. For some odd reason, Nova was nervous about this.

“Hey, Nova. It’s okay. I’ll be here supporting you every step of the way. Win or lose.” Victor said to her.

“Thanks, that actually really helps.”

Victor stuck to his promise. He stuck around her, never too loud, never too quiet. Always offering to help for anything: carrying her school supplies around, driving her places, helping with homework. He did this so much Ray came up to her, “Are you two, like, secretly dating?”

“What? No, he’s just being extra helpful because he knows I’m nervous about this captain thing.”

“Nova,” Ray cocked his eyebrow, “we all know you're nervous about this. But, we’re not waiting on you like we’re butlers.”

Nova just rolled her eyes. “Well, maybe y’all are terrible friends.” They both laughed and Nova disregarded his comment about them dating, she had other things to worry about.

The day finally came, September 28th. Nova put on her outfit she got from the thrift store, the crop-top(with a black tanktop underneath) and those baggy ripped jeans. She wanted to look her best, she let her hair down out of its usual ponytail or braids. It fell a little past her shoulders, “Okay,” she thought as she looked in her mirror, “today’s the day. I got this. And if I don’t it’s okay, but I’d prefer if I did.”

Nova drove herself to school, and met up with everyone. “There’s the next cheer captain! How’re you feeling?” Vargas asked as she walked up to them, Victor staring at her again. Not her face this time, but her hair and outfit. Oddly, it felt comforting to her, knowing that someone was watching her with care.

“Well,” she smoothed her top and played with her hair, “nervous. Obviously, but excited. I really do want this. I feel like I could make a lot of positive changes for the team. But, enough about me, what about you guys? Victor, I know football try outs are in a week or so, and Vera? Have I convinced you to run for student council?” 

“Y’know Bright, you just might’ve. I decided to run for female junior class representative this year.” Nova looked straight at Vera, eyes wide.

“Really?! Oh, I’m so excited. I’m technically not supposed to show any bias, but I’ll help you with whatever you want!”

“Thanks,” Vera chuckled, “I’ll be sure to ask.” She looked at Victor and nudged him with her elbow, “Victor? Did you hear Nova? How’re you feeling about football tryouts?”

Victor looked up at Vera and shook his head slightly, as if coming out of a trance. “Oh, yes, I’m excited. Nervous; I’ve been practicing a lot, but I’m ready, I think.”

“You’ll do great, Victor. I’ve seen you play, and truly, I think you surpass most if not every one of our current players,” Ray said.

“Thanks, Ray. But what about you? I know you auditioned for the musical yesterday. The Little Mermaid, right? How’d ya think that went?”

“I think it went well, I auditioned for the chef role, and I don’t think too many others did. And Vargas, you’re doing spotlight for that, right?”

“You know it,” Vargas winked at Ray, his face becoming red, “I prefer to work in the shadows. Makes me look dangerous and cool.”

“Yeah, totally ‘dangerous and cool’”, Vera said as she rolled her eyes. The bell rang, and everyone waved bye to each other. Nova and Victor walked to their class, talking about their AP Bio project and their completion of it thus far. They made it to class, and Nova immediately walked over to Bailey.

“I just wanted to say good luck one last time, Bailey. No matter what happens, I know we’ll stay friends through this and, honestly, no matter what happens, they’re lucky to get either of us as captain.”

“Thanks, Nova! Good luck to you too. And just know, if anyone gives you crap, talk to me. I won’t let them do that.” 

“Thanks, Bailey.” Nova hugged her and walked back to her seat next to Victor.

“So, you say how you’re gonna crush her and sweep the vote?” Victor teased.

“Yeah, totally. Now pay attention, V, class is starting.”

“Wh-what?” Victor stammered out. Before he could say anything else, Mr. Mallard started talking. Nova looked over at him and smirked. She doesn’t really give nicknames, so she definitely caught him by surprise. Nova saw him sketch for the rest of class, occasionally looking up at her, and back down to his paper. 

As the day went on, Nova got closer and closer to the vote. During lunch, when she was passing by where most of the cheerleaders sat, she saw a few of them huddled together. “... she’ll probably win because of her… yeah, obviously… the guy she’s always hanging out with? He’s really… what’s his name?... I bet he’s really good in the bedro-… I wish he would just fu-”. Nova sped away to her friends. She didn’t recognize any of their friends, so she assumed they were freshmen.

“You okay, Nova?” Victor whispered to her as she sat down next to him. “You seem a bit angry. Your brow is all furrowed and you look like you just got done glaring at someone.”

“I just passed by some freshmen cheerleaders, and they were saying some… bad things about the two of us,” she whispered back.

“Really?” He looked at her with concern. “I’m so sorry you had to hear that. Do you mind me asking what they said?”

Nova put her face in her hands, “I didn’t hear everything they said, but they mentioned ‘she’ll win because of her’ and then whatever.” She paused before saying the next part. “... And then, they started.. objectifying you. Saying how,” she gulped and let out a sigh, “how um, they thought you’d be good in the bedroom and then… and then said they wished that you-”. Nova was cut off by Victor hugging her from the side, putting her head onto his shoulders. 

“You don’t need to continue, sunshine. I get it. I’m so sorry you had to hear that.” Victor said as he stroked her hair. “But whatever they said wasn’t important. Just forget it.” Nova didn’t even realize she was crying before she felt a tear roll down her cheek.

“Thank you.” Nova whispered, so quietly she wasn’t even sure she said it out loud. Victor just looked down and kissed her forehead. She quickly looked up at him and blushed, happy to see that he looked equally as sheepish, his scarlet face matching her own. Unbeknownst to both of them (they really were in their own world, like they couldn’t see nothing else when they’re with each other) the other three were just looking at each other, taking photos and smiling. 

They let go of their embrace and turned towards the others, who quickly shoved their phones away and looked all around, acting natural. 

“Are you okay, Nova?” Vargas asked.

“Yeah, I will be.” Nova said as she smiled at Victor.

The five ate their lunch and talked as if nothing happened. Nova bumped her leg into Victor’s, leaving it there and letting the touch linger. He didn’t move his leg.

The bell rang and Nova walked to her class. This was her elective class, psychology. She didn’t share it with any of her friends, but she really enjoyed it. It was quiet, there were only like three other kids in the class. After the whole lunch debacle, Nova just sat quietly and did her work, ready for the end of the day to come. She reunited with Victor and Vargas during seventh and eighth period. They talked and laughed, but Nova couldn’t get her interactions with Victor during lunch out of her head. “Does he…?” She blushed at the idea forming in her head. Finally, the final bell rang, and Nova rushed towards the gym.

Nova was the first cheerleader to the gym, Coach Ailani already in there. “Hey Nova, I’m going to have you stand right here,” she said while pointing to a spot in front of the bleachers, “and we’ll wait for everyone to arrive, then the voting will commence. Good luck.” Bailey arrived shortly after, and then all the cheerleaders slowly trickled in. The girls she saw at lunch sat down in the middle of the bleachers and immediately went on their phones. Nova rolled her eyes. All in all, there were about twenty girls on the team.

“Alright everybody listen up! As you know, you’re voting for your captain today. You will either vote for Nova Bright or Bailey King. This is how we’ll do it: you’ll come up to me and I will have a piece of paper with Nova and Bailey’s name on it. All you have to do is circle the name of the girl you want as your captain. But first, we’ll allow both girls to give a speech. No longer than 30 seconds, please. Bailey, you may begin.”

Bailey stepped up. “Hello, everyone. I would like to be your cheer captain because I believe I have the most experience, knowledge, and dedication to cheer and to this team, than anyone. Voting for me means to vote for a dedicated worker who will lead us efficiently, who is not afraid to keep us in check. I will teach us new cheers, refine the old ones, and make sure that we all have fun doing it, because that’s what cheer is all about. Thank you.”

Nova began the applause, and everyone followed suit. Coach Ailani gestured to Nova. She took a deep breath. “Cheering is something that you cannot do on your own. It is a team sport. My top priority would be to make sure we all get along and that we all have a good time this year. If you vote for me, you will vote for someone who does not know the saying ‘I can’t do it, I give up’. I will be dedicated to making sure this team does its best and is an example of this school. This team will exceed under my leadership, and I hope you all believe that. Thank you.”

Bailey clapped for her, and everyone else followed. “Okay girls, come on up and vote!” Coach Ailana said. Everyone came down from the bleachers and made a line behind the papers. Nova looked at Bailey and gave her a smile. After everyone voted, Coach Ailani made them all sit down. She went into her office and it was dead silent. Not a peep.

“Alright!” Coach Ailani said, emerging from her office. “Your cheer captain this year, and your first junior cheer captain in the history of Eclipse High, is Nova Bright!” Everyone clapped, most jumped up in celebration. “I can’t believe it, I won!” She hugged and thanked everyone, Bailey first. 

“Congrats Nova, you’ll do a great job.” 

“Thank you Bailey. You know I’ll always come to you first if I need anything.” Nova gave Bailey one last hug and went to everyone else, thanking them and giving them hugs. Eventually everything died down, and some girls started leaving the gym. She saw a few girls in a group, the same ones from before, and a few more. They were whispering and giggling about something. Nova pulled out her phone and went on Instagram, pretending to scroll on it. 

“She only won because her dad is the principal.”

“Yeah, she has no talent.”

“Seriously, tell me about it. She literally gets everything she wants because her dad is the principal. Cheer captain, student council, boys.”

“True! I bet her weirdo vampire boyfriend will enjoy her victory. That stupid nightwalker.” Some of the girls gasped at the slur she used. “He’s probably excited for her to use her ‘super cool cheer moves’ on his di-.”

“GIRLS!! Enough! Do you hear yourselves? What in the fresh hell are you all saying?! You do not talk about anyone like that. Anyone. I suggest you all stop and leave before I tell Coach Ai, and she kicks you off.” They stared at Bailey with wide eyes, fear in all of them. “Go! Now!”

They all ran out of the gym, bumping into a boy who was leaning on the door to exit. Nova turned to Bailey, tears welling up in her eyes. Bailey led her to the bottom bleachers and sat down. “Hey, it’s okay, Nova. Don’t believe a word they said. You won because you’re talented. The majority of the girls wanted you, that’s literally how a vote works. Clearly, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

“Thanks Bailey,” she said as she rubbed her eyes. “It’s uh, not the first time some of them have said something like that today.”

Bailey just looked at her with a fire in her eyes. “If they say one more thing like that, tell me or tell Coach. Neither of us will hesitate to kick them off.” Nova smiled at her. “Seriously, don’t be afraid to ask for help. But, they were right about one thing, I think your boyfriend is here.” Bailey said as she pointed to the boy leaning on the door.

Nova looked closer, and realized it was Victor. “Oh no, he’s not my boyfriend, he’s just a good friend.”

Bailey just chuckled, “Okay, but you better go talk to him.” She leaned down to whisper in Nova’s ear, “I saw your guys’ little stunt during lunch. If he hurts you, I won’t hesitate to stand up to him.”

Nova blushed and looked towards Victor, “Thanks for everything, Bailey. See you tomorrow.”

“See ya, Nova.”

Nova got up and jogged to Victor. When she made it to him, he scooped her up in a hug and spun her around. Nova giggled as he set her down. “Hey, sunshine. I watched everything. Congrats on your win!”

“Thanks, Victor…” she paused, “you saw… everything?”

He nodded solemnly, “Yes, I saw everything. I’m so glad Bailey stood up for you. You don’t have to repeat what they said right now, or at all. Let’s just focus on your victory, captain,” he said as he bumped her hips with his own.

“Alright V, calm it with the nicknames.”

They both laughed and walked out the school. “Don’t worry, I’ll be cheering at every single one of your football games. At least, all of the home games.”

“Oh, shut up Nova,” Victor said as picked her up and tickled her. They ended up play-fighting and shoving each other. “Haha!.. Sto-stop it… Vi-ctor!” She said in between giggles, “Put m-me… down!”

Victor set her down, and they ended up against the brick of the school wall, Nova’s back against it, her hands on his chest and his hands on her waist and back. Both were red in the face and looking at one another dead in the eyes. Dark brown eyes met sapphire eyes. Gold blonde hair met black hair dyed with red. 

A car honked its horn, and they both jumped apart. It was Ray’s car. “Did you forget I’m picking you up today, Nova?” Ray called from his car.

Nova looked at Victor, who was fiddling with his fingers and looking anywhere but at her, “I’ll, uh, see you later.”

“Y-yeah, see ya. Congrats again!”

“Thanks!” Nova called as she got into Ray’s car. “Drive away right now and I’ll tell you everything, okay?”

“Fine by me.” He backed and began the drive to Sunnyside.

After a little while with nothing but music in the background, Ray began the conversation. “Nova. Don’t lie to me or yourself: do you have feelings for Victor?”

Nova just sighed, “Yeah,” she mumbled.

“YAY! I called it!” Ray exclaimed as he lifted both hands in the air. 

“Ray! Hands on the wheel!” Nova yelled as she pulled his hands down.

“Sorry! I’m just so excited. I kinda knew it from day one, but especially after today. I mean, lunch? Whatever I just saw happen outside the school building?!”

“Yeah,” Nova blushed. “I didn’t even realize it myself until after he showed up after the cheer thing. Oh yeah, I’m the captain. I won.”

“No way! Congrats, Nova! You’re going to be the best first junior cheer captain. Wow, that’s a mouthful. But back to Victor.”

“He showed up for the vote and stayed the whole time, I didn’t even notice until after. I went to him, told him I won, and he picked me up and spun me around like a princess. He’s really been there for me today. Some girls have been saying some awful things, and he’s been there every time.”

“Wow, bragging about him already.” Ray smirked. “You know that if you have any kind of trouble you can talk to me.”

Nova smiled at him, “Of course I do. You’re the first person I’ve told about this Victor debacle, and you’ll probably be the first person I'll tell about what those awful girls said.”

“Okay good, you know I love you. Now, are you gonna ask Victor out?”

Nova sighed, “I don’t know. I don’t even know if he likes me, I mean I would like to think he does. But, we have a good friendship, I don’t wanna ruin it.”

“I get that.” Ray nodded. “But, you might ruin both of ya if you don’t ask him out. I’ve seen the way he looks and acts around you, I'm pretty sure he’s in deep for you, Nova.”

“Thanks Ray.”

“More importantly,” he smirked, “have you seen him shirtless? And were you about to make out on the school wall?”

“Ray Allegra!”

Chapter Text

Victor’s mind was on one thing, well two, really, but mainly one: getting on the football team. Try outs for the team started next week, so he just kept practicing and practicing. Vera and Vargas were worried that he’d wear out his body and not have anything left during the one day he actually needed to be good at football. What didn’t help, but helped in other ways, was Nova. 

Recently, Victor noticed that she had been more… flirtatious? Nova always teased Victor, but now it seemed like a little more to him. Letting touches linger, holding stares, calling him nicknames, it was quite distracting for him. Of course, he’s not gonna stop her. No, he can flirt back, right?

“Vera, help me. I need to flirt.” Victor desperately told Vera after school one day.

“Woah woah woah, let’s give some more context.”

“Has Nova seemed, I don’t know, more flirty, touchy, recently? With me.”

“Hmm let me think about it…” Vera trailed off. “Yes. Absolutely, at least, that’s what it looks like to me. Why, did you like, provoke her or something?”

“No! She’s just been all over me recently and I don’t know how much more I can take of it. Sometimes, I have to physically hold myself back from grabbing her right there and kissing her!”

Vera let out a loud laugh, “Okay, Victor. I would say try to match her energy. She flirts, you flirt. She’s probably doing it for a reason, maybe she likes you back.”

“Really?!” Victor looked at her, his eyes wide and looked as if they were shining. “You think so? I mean, I’m not good at this stuff. I just want her to like me. But, I need to focus on football this week. But do you think that if I stop flirting with her that she’ll get the wrong idea? Nova isn’t exactly self-conscious.” Victor spat out at a mile a minute. “Vera, I cannot mess this up. Do you really think that I have a chance with Nova? I mean, she’s so pretty and funny and gorgeous. Not to mention the fact that I think we’ve almost kissed. Maybe that was just her being Nova, but-.”

“Okay. Stop.” Vera cut off his rant. “Just be you. If Nova likes you, it’s because you’re Victor. Not an amped up version of Victor, but the real you. Yes, focus on football, we all really want you to make the team. But, after that, maybe start trying harder with Nova if you really can’t hold yourself back anymore.”

Victor surged forward and hugged Vera. “Thank you.”

So, Victor took her advice. Through the week, Victor focused on football. But that didn’t mean he ignored Nova; she flirted, he tried to flirt back. They both become blushing messes, neither realizing the real intent and feelings behind their words and actions. Vargas and Ray just watched and giggled, Vera rolled her eyes. Victor would often talk about football in class, the coach, the team, the schedule, whatever it was, he talked about it.

In Victor’s mind, he also really wanted to make the team for Nova. She was the cheer captain, and if Victor made it on the team, that meant she’d be cheering at all his games, which meant they’d be spending more time together. He didn’t want to be captain, he couldn’t have all that attention on him, but he truly wanted the best for the team.

Finally, the day came. Try outs were after school, October 5th. Victor walked out of his bedroom that morning confident, nervous, but ready. He’d put in all this work, he wasn’t going to let nerves stop him. As he entered the living room, he saw his aunt there already, enjoying breakfast.

“Hey Victor! Good luck on try outs today. No matter what happens, I’ll be proud of you,” Auntie Lilith said with a smile, “but let’s be real: you’re going to kick their butts.”

“Thanks, Auntie,” Victor chuckled. “I’ve been practicing a lot, but I can’t just lock in on football, I need to focus on other things; academics, and… stuff.” He didn’t want to admit it, but confessing to Nova, someway somehow, was definitely a top priority for him.

“Oh?” Auntie Lilith said, an eyebrow raised. “And what would this ‘stuff’ entail?”

Victor sighed. “I might as well tell you. I… have a crush on someone. Nova. Bright. She’s over here sometimes to work on a project.”

“Yeah I figured,” Auntie Liltih deadpanned, Victor’s eyes widened. “Oh calm down, I’m just teasing. But, you definitely weren’t subtle. However, she seems like a very nice young lady. I think she’d do you some good.”

“Auntieee,” Victor dragged out.

“What?! It’s your first crush, I want it to go well. Anyways, get to school, you don’t want to keep her waiting.” Victor walked out of his house with a blush coating his face. As he drove to school, all he could think about was football. He knew he was talented, he just hoped he was talented enough to make the team. 

Victor arrived at school, the first of his friends to do so. He waited near his locker and scrolled on his phone. “Hey, Victor, right?”

“Huh?” Victor looked up from his phone to find a man talking to him. He looked vaguely familiar. “Uh, yeah, Victor Barton, that’s me.”

“Hi, I’m Cyrus Hale, better known as Coach Hale. I coach the football team here. Aren’t you trying out for the team here? I feel like I remember seeing your name on the sign-up sheet.”

“Oh, uh yeah, I am. I’m excited for try outs today.”

“You should be, Victor. Good luck today!”

“Thanks, Coach.” Victor waved as Coach Hale walked away. Just past him, he saw Ray enter the school.

“Hey Victor!” Ray said as he started to put and pull stuff in and out of his locker. “Ready for try outs today?”

“I am. Nervous, but I’m confident in my skills. I’ve been practicing.”

“You’ll do great,” Ray finished messing with stuff in his locker and slammed it shut. “You know that the cheer team will be out there, right?” 

“O-oh, they will be?” Victor suddenly felt a bit more self-conscious, “Great, now’ll have an even bigger audience to see me mess up,” he thought.

“Nova told me that their practices start today, and they practice outside on the field.” Ray saw Victor seemed a little more nervous than before. “But don’t worry, they won’t be watching you guys or anything. And, Nova will be there as the captain, so if they get out of line, she’ll keep ‘em in check.”

The rest of their crew arrived, Nova, then Vera, and finally Vargas. School was as school does. Victor talked to his friends, sketched, and did assignments. Mostly, he was just trying to make it to the end of the day without any major problems. Finally, the end of the day came. Victor rushed out of his class, got into his football gear, and headed straight out onto the field.

Coach Hale was there, along with some other boys. “Alright, while we wait for everyone to arrive, I want to lay some ground rules. Repeat these to the others, please. One: football is a team sport. Don’t matter who, these guys are your teammates. That said, if there are any issues, don’t start gossiping, come to me and I’ll handle it to the best of my abilities. Two: going off of that, we are not going to break each other down, we will all make mistakes this season, that’s inevitable. We’re not gonna make snide comments and jeer at each other, alright? Three: let’s have fun. If you’re not having fun when playing, then why play? Yes, winning is important, and I want us to do our best, but what’s more important is the connections between us and how we treat each other, and the other team, on and off the field. Everyone got me?”

“Yes sir!”

“Alright, everyone seems to be here, so let’s begin!”

Coach Hale started giving out instructions, and Victor could faintly hear a strong female voice coming from the field. He looked over and there was the cheer team, Nova leading them. She looked towards him, and Victor shot her a wink. Nova quickly looked back to the cheer team, but Victor noticed a smile on her face.

Once practice started, Victor’s body went onto autopilot. He seemed to be playing nearly perfect football. “All this work better amount to something,” he thought. Try outs were an hour and a half long, so for an hour and a half, Victor thought of and did nothing but football.

After Coach Hale blew the whistle to signify the end of try outs, he called everyone into a circle. “Okay, great job, everyone. This seems to be shaping up into a good team. Go home, get rest, and I should have the team announced later tonight. Just be on the lookout for the group messages.”

The boys headed back to the locker room to shower and change, Victor definitely didn’t want to meet any of his friends like this. As he walked out of his shower and put on his clothes, he overheard some guys talking.

“Did you see the cheer team over there? They’re all looking hot this year.”

“Yeah,” one chuckled, “especially their new captain, the blondie. Nora? Noel? Whatever, it is, I could definitely get a piece of that.”

The group let out a large laugh, “Dude, shut up. No you couldn't, she's too good for you. Plus, isn’t she the principal’s daughter? Seems risky.”

“High risk, high reward.” He smirked. 

Victor couldn’t take it anymore, Nova protected his name, he’d do the same for her. “Hey! Quit talking about Nova like that. In fact, don’t talk about anyone like that.”

The guy who mentioned “Nora” scoffed. “Or what? You're gonna run to Coach Hale? Chill out, this is just guys’ talk. Unless she’s your girlfriend, which honestly, would be kinda hot if I  bagged her.” They all let out a little chuckle.

“How about you shut up!” Victor yelled, the other guy's eyes looked like flying saucers. “It doesn’t matter if she’s my girlfriend or not, you shouldn’t talk about someone like that. Would you be saying that if her dad was around, if Coach was around? If this happens again, maybe I will go to Coach Hale, shoot, I don’t care. She’s my friend; I won’t let you guys slander her name.” Victor stormed out of the room before he could hear anything else, he just wanted to get out of that toxic situation.

Victor got in his car and drove home, both happy with his performance at try outs and upset at the conversation that occurred in the locker room. He arrived at his house and went straight to his room. He was anxious, always checking his phone, looking at it whenever there was any type of ding.
 
Eventually Victor heard the familiar ring of a facetime call. He answered quickly, not even bothering to see who it was. As long as he could vent and talk to someone, it was fine.

“Hey, Victor! How were try outs?” Nova’s face and voice filled his screen.

“Oh, hey Nova, they went great. I felt like I played really well, how was cheer?”

“It was good, I feel like some of them are starting to respect me. I saw you on the field today…” Nova paused, “you looked good in your football jersey, can’t wait to see more of it.” She winked at him.

Victor nearly dropped his phone and he sat back deeper into his pillows, trying to hide his blush. “Oh, uh, yes, thank you. I, uh, yeah. That uniform is mandated. Right now I’m just waiting for the team to be announced.”

“You’ll get on it, Victor. That’s why I called, I just want to be here for you. Quality time, y’know?”

“Wow, she knows my love language,” Victor thought to himself. “Uh, thanks. Sometimes I just need to get things off of my chest and talk to someone… Speaking of which, I need to tell you something I heard at football today.”

“Ooh, making friends already?” Nova teased. But, she noticed he was not smiling nor was red in the face.  “What is it?”

“Well, there was this group of guys. And they were saying some things,” he paused, “... and then they started saying things about you.”

“Oh, well what’d they say, I can handle it Victor, really.”

“They said how, um, ‘hot’ you were, and how they thought they could ‘get you’. After that I told them to stop, but they didn’t, they kinda just told me ‘why so defensive, is she your girlfriend’? And I told them no, but that we’re friends, and I would’ve defended you, girlfriend or not. Finally, I stormed out of the locker room and drove home.”

Nova sat there for a moment, taking everything in. Victor was afraid that she might hang-up on him. “Victor, thank you so much for telling me. And thank you for defending me. I’m glad we’re friends.” 

“Yeah, I am too, anyway I-”. Victor got cut off by a text message from his phone. “Sorry, but it’s…”.

“OH MY GOSH! I MADE THE TEAM!!” Victor screamed. 

“Victor! Quiet!!” Auntie Lilith called from downstairs.

“Sorry! Oh my gosh Nova, I made the team!! And the first game is in eight days!”

“Victor, I'm so happy for you! Congrats, you’ve earned this.” Nova was practically glowing. “Now I will officially be cheering for you.”

“Yeah, we’ll see each other nearly every day, plus weekend practices.”

“Yes, we’ll be seeing each other every day.”

Chapter Text

Nova was excited, to say the least. Who wouldn’t be excited for their first home football game? “FOOTBALL GAME VS RIDGEBACK HIGH OCTOBER 20TH WHITE OUT 6:30 PM” read the banner above her locker. Since, it was the first home football game, it was also the first time that a large group of the school would be seeing the cheer team in action. Oddly, she wasn’t nervous like she was when vying for captain, she was read, excited, and confident. The team had been working so hard the past few weeks. Practice after practice, everybody showed up, focused, and did their best.

“Nova, you’re doing a wonderful job!”

“Nova, how would we look like doing this instead of this?”

“Hey, Nova, could I ask something about so and so cheer move?”

The team was also excited, which also meant that they were rowdy and eager to have a perfect time cheering. Nova barely had any time to herself. She was swamped with cheer, student council, and school work. On the off day she wasn’t doing those things, she was hanging out with Vera, Ray, and Vargas. Not Victor, he was too busy with football. It saddened her, but every opportunity she had at home she would facetime call him. He was just so easy to talk to and was so wise; he quickly became the person she went to for advice for anything.

Well, anything except whatever was going on between them. Nova flirted, as she did, and Victor would respond to it. But, he made no attempt to ask her out, ask her on a date, or even kiss her! So, she had a plan. After the football game, she would go up to him, lay out all her feelings to him, and hope he reciprocated. If he did, great! If he didn’t then she might’ve ruined their friendship and made a fool of herself, but at least she put herself out there and tried. 

“Nova, I really think he likes you, you have nothing to worry about!” Ray told her. “Have you seen how you two act in class? It’s like watching a cheesy rom-com, but more embarrassing. You two literally act like a couple.”

“Ray, thanks, but no thanks.” Nova rolled her eyes. “This coming from a guy who basically has a boyfriend with the way you’re acting with Vargas.” 

“Sh-shut up! It’s different,” Ray stuttered out, red in the face. “I plan on asking him out after opening night for the musical.” 

“That’s like a month away.”

“I’m leaving this conversation.”

Finally, the day came. The school was buzzing, everyone was dressed up. The cheerleaders in their outfits, the football players in their uniform, and everyone else in white. Even the teachers had a bit more pep in their step. But first, the school had to get through… well school. 

“Hey Victor, you excited for tonight?” Nova asked him as she sat down next to him in first period. She eyed his jersey that said “BARTON 19” on the back.

“I am, the team’s been really focused during practice, so I think it’ll be a good opener to the home season. How ‘bout you? Is the cheer team ready to lead everyone in losing their voices?”

“Oh yeah. We’ve got a lively crew this year, so I’m excited for this game.”

“Yeah, well, I better hear you cheering me on,” Victor said as he winked at Nova.

“Oh I can guarantee you,” Nova said as she leaned over to whisper in his ear, placing her hand on his shoulder, “that I’ll be louder than this.” She went back to sitting normally and glanced at him. He was just thousand-yard staring into the whiteboard.

As the school day went on the kids got louder and louder. At lunch, everyone was practically flooding the football team. The football team sat together today, so Nova could only watch from afar as men and women flooded the team. However, it seems that all Victor attracted were a bunch of girls.

“Hey, Nova, you all right there? You’re about to make your own orange juice with how hard you’re squeezing that orange right now.” Vargas commented. He followed her line of sight straight to Victor and smirked. “Oh, I see how it is. Jealous much?”

Nova forced herself to look at Vargas and let go of the orange. “Wh-what?! No! That’s crazy. There’d be no… reason for me to be…,” Nova trailed off as her gaze went back to Victor. Ray tapped her shoulder and she snapped her head back towards Vargas and cleared her throat. “Ahem. Excuse me. Yeah, I’m not jealous. I’m just thrilled he’s making other friends.”

Vera and Vargas looked at each other. “Nova, do you… like Victor?”

“Whaaaat?! Where’re you guys gettin’ this crazy idea from? Now I reckon th-.” Nova slammed her hand over her mouth.

Ray was laughing, bent over. Vera and Vargas’ jaws were dropped.

“Oh my gosh! I can’t believe that slipped out right then. Well, I guess there’s no point in lying, Nova.” Ray said.

“Wait, what slipped out? Why’d you just go all Dolly Parton on us? What was with that accent?” Vera asked.

Nova sighed. “My family’s always lived in the south. My parents were the first to move out of the south and to elsewhere. They were both around 25 at the time of them moving. I visit family down there often and both my parents never really lost their accent. My dad’s accent is hidden somewhere deep inside him.”

“So, why’d it come out right now?”

Nova blushed and Ray nudged her. She gave one last glance at Victor, who was already looking at her and smiled. “It comes out when my emotions get really high. Or… when I’m telling a really bad lie,” Nova said sheepishly.

“When you lie? So why-? Ohhhh.” Vargas realized. Then he grinned. “Nova! That’s awesome! You like Victor?!”

“Yeah, I have for a little bit. But don’t tell him, please. I’m planning on telling him after the game today.”

“Really? I think Victor was telling us that he was pla-.” Vera slapped his forehead.

“We won’t say a word, we’re happy for you Nova,” Vera said as she smiled at her, giving a glare to Vargas. She turned to Nova, a deadpan look. “But, if you hurt him in any way, I will not hesitate to keep him away from you, and neither of you want that.”

“Yes, of course, Vera. You know that hurting him is the last thing I want to do.” Nova looked at Victor, not talking to everyone at the table, but smiling nonetheless. He looked over at her and waved for her to come over. 

“Right now?” Nova mouthed to him

Victor tilted his head, but nodded anyway. “I’ll be right back guys.” Nova got up and walked over to him. She was unaware of the smiles and giggles happening between the three people she just walked away from.

“Hey Nova! I just wanted to know if you’re doing anything after the game?” Victor asked, lowering his voice.

“Oh, um, no, I’m not. Why?”

“Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to come over to my place to work on our AP Bio project.”

“Yeah, would it be okay if you could give me a ride to your house?”

“Of course! I can also give you a ride home if you need it.”

“Okay, thanks, Victor.” Nova smiled and walked away. She looked back and the guys around Victor were all playfully shoving him and whispering in his ear. Victor was red in the face, but had a smile on his face that made Nova feel warm inside.

The bell rang and everyone went on with their day, the buzz surrounding the game only got louder. Finally, the end of the day came. Kids rushed home to get ready, some helped with the tailgate. The football and cheer team both stayed after school to get ready. Nova was out on the field helping the team, Coach Ailani presiding over everything. Coach Hale was getting the football team in shape. She looked over and, well, something about seeing Victor in his jersey and uniform really made her heart flutter.

Dusk came, the opposing team arrived, kids flooded the bleachers, and the national anthem began. Kickoff began, and nothing could have been better. Coach Ailani and Nova led the cheer team and the cheer team led the student section. All the kids were decked out in white: face paint, accessories, t-shirts, everything. 

“We got the team, we got the pride, everyone raise your hands up high! EHS, we are the best, EHS we won’t be stressed!” The students cheered along with the team, the field wasn’t quiet for one second. Nova looked at the game and the quarterback yelled. Being honest, Nova didn’t completely understand football. But, she saw the quarterback throw the ball to a guy running down the field. He caught it, and ran to the endzone. He dodged defenders left and right, and eventually made it to the endzone. The student section erupted in cheer, and the cheer screamed and ruffled their pom-poms. Nova took a closer look at the guy, who was now walking back with the team, celebrating their touchdown. It was Victor. 

“Wow, I knew he was good, but maybe I didn’t fully understand how good.” Nova thought to herself. Play continued, Eclipse scored, Ridgewood Scored, flags were thrown, and kids screams drowned everything out. Nova was loving every second of it. Eventually, with 17 seconds left, Ridgewood’s possession, and the score was 26-22, Eclipse lead. Play began, the defense did their best to ensure that Ridgewood would not score. The quarterback threw the ball… the pass was incomplete. Nine seconds left, the pass was complete, first down. Four seconds left, Ridgewood was 15 yards away. The student section was screaming at the top of their lungs. The quarterback threw the ball to a receiver in the endzone. Two seconds, one second left… incomplete. The scoreboard buzzed. 26-22, Eclipse High won their first home game. Everyone erupted in cheer.

The football team rushed the field, pumping their fists and yelling. “EHS! EHS! EHS!” The crowd cheered along with them. Eventually, the field quieted down, people left, and the football team went to the locker room. It began raining, so the cheer leaders ran into the school. 

Nova said “goodbye” and “good job” to the cheerleaders as they left. She scrolled her phone as she waited for Victor. Some football players walked out, and they were particularly… kind.

“Hey, Nova, good job today!”

“‘Sup Nova, nice job cheering.”

“Heeey, Nova. Victor will be out in just a second, he’s excited to see you.”

Victor walked out, and when he saw her, his eyes lit up. 

“Hey Nova! I saw you cheering, great job!” He said as they began to walk towards his car,

“Please, I should not be the one getting praise. You won the game! Congrats!”

“Thanks, I’m just glad we didn’t disappoint the whole school.”

“Please, no matter what happened, you couldn’t disappoint me.” Nova said as she bumped his shoulder with her own. They opened the doors to exit the school, only to find rain pouring down rain. “Speaking of which, I wanted to tell you something.” 

“Oh, what is it?”

Nova paused and turned to look him in the eyes. “Well, I’m pretty up front with this stuff. But around you, it’s been different.” She took a deep breath. “I really like you, like a lot. Like, probably since you nearly ran me over with your car. But, I don’t think I realised it ‘til later. Like I said, if I like someone I’m usually not nervous about it. But with you, I feel different. Nervous, but excited, and happy. If you don’t feel the same way, I get it, but I just can’t get you out of my head, and I told Vera and Vargas that after the game I’d tell you how I feel. I swear, if you want to remain frie-.” Nova was cut off as she felt Victor’s hand on her face and his lips on hers.

“He’s kissing me! OH MY GOD!” Her brain was overloaded. But she kissed back, waiting for this moment for at least a good month. It felt natural, regular, and yet new and exciting. It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs. Nova tapped his shoulder, and Victor got the signal and pulled away, his face red and lips parted.

“Sorry, but I’ve liked you since the first day of school, and I literally couldn’t hold myself back anymore. I really like you too, Nova. And you’re the first person I’ve liked, so I’m sorry if I do a couple things wrong. But, I want to take it slow, if that’s okay with you. You just make me so happy.”

“That’s perfect,” Nova said as she kissed his cheek.

Victor looked at her and scratched the back of his hand, a nervous tic Nova noticed he had. “So, I kinda parked my car a little far away. We’re gonna have to make a run for it.”

Nova grabbed his hand and rubbed the back of it. “Well, lead the way, firefly.”

Victor blushed and pushed the door open, then bolted, pulling Nova along. They both giggled and laughed as they ran towards his car. He quickly took her cheer stuff and set it in the trunk of his car, along with his football bags. They got in the car, drenched and still laughing. 

“Okay, I might need to take another shower,” Victor said as he put on his seatbelt and began the drive home.

They talked about the game, their project, school, and everything on the drive to his house. What they didn’t talk about was the kiss, but they looked at each other and blushed. Nova could not deny that Victor didn’t look good with his hair all wet and in front of his eyes, like he had dark red bangs.

They arrived at his house and ran inside, the rain still pouring down. “Auntie! I’m home! Nova’s here too.”

“Oh, hello Nova,” Victor’s aunt said as she looked at him, “okay, stop. Let’s dry off or take a shower.”

“Of course, Auntie. Is Ivy still awake?”

“Uhh, I think she’s asleep. I haven’t seen her down here since we got back home from the gain,”

“Okay, well, we’re going to work on our project.” Victor said as he led Nova up the stairs and to his room.

“Door open, Victor!” Auntie Lilith called as she walked into the living room.

Victor blushed and closed the door, leaving the tiniest crack open. “I’m gonna take a shower, but you can sift through my closet and find something to wear. It should be big and warm on you.” He tried taking his shirt off, but it was still soaked from the rain. His face became more red, and he looked at Nova, “Um, d’you think that, uh, you could help me,” and he gestured to his shirt.

“Y-yeah of course.” Nova walked over to him, turned on a lamp, and grabbed the bottom of it. “So why don’t you raise your- yeah. Just… move your hands. Try to– woah!” Nova got the shirt off, but they fell on his bed in the process. She sat up and blushed at their position.

Nova was sat up, her legs on either side of Victor’s. He was on his back, propped up on his elbows, shirtless. She was straddling him, and her heart was pounding and her face was on fire. “Wow, football does good work for the body,” Nova thought to herself.

“Uh, Nova, uh. Wow, um, t-thanks.” Victor just looked at her, his eyes looked a deep red in this light. Nova felt herself leaning down towards him. “Nova, what about Auntie Lilith.”

“Victor, you have a girl on you right now about to kiss you. Let’s focus on that.” 

“Yes ma’am.” She connected her lips with his and put her hands on his chest. His hands went to her waist as he kissed her back. Their lips moved in tandem. Kissing Victor felt like finding the missing piece to a giant puzzle. “Best day ever,” she thought to herself. She was just about to pull away, but she heard a voice in the doorway. 

“Victor?! Nova?!” Ivy said, a waver in her voice.