Work Text:
“Two Time.”
A nervous voice comes up from behind, spooking them out of their seat. All the lackluster photos they’ve been taking scattered around their desk. Their bag finally takes a tumble and lays flat on the ground between the desks.
“Yes?”
“Buddy…”
“No don’t call me that.”
“Sorry.” Chance clears their throat. She's usually good with interacting with Two Time, seeing as they've been friends for a good while. Despite people thinking shes an idiot, she isn't. They know how to handle their friend and go about certain situations...most of the time.
But this is a little different.
Two Time doesn’t show up to meetings unless mandatory. They don’t even interact with the other members of their committee unless told to work together. Every photo is subpar, and their presence isn’t enough for the group to realistically keep them around.
Chance just thinks Two Time is neat!
And has potential!
Ok, that isn't the point!
They can take nice pictures when needed, and can surprisingly contribute good looking designs for pages. Another plus is that they can organize. Before they joined, the entire room was a mess of files and scrapped shots everyone was intent on saving.
The issue with Two Time is that they’re too shy.
Anytime they’re alone the photos come back out of focus. Their hands are shaky, always sweating to try and take a picture too fast because they’re worried about taking up people’s time. Unbeknownst to them, this actually causes others to waste even more time. Cause then someone else has to go ask for a photo, and if the event already passed you’ll need to ask if anyone has anything better than what Two Time took.
Unfortunately, that tends to be the case.
Yet they’re always from disappointing angles and have horrid lighting. Sometimes that’s better than nothing.
They know this, the rest of the club knows this, but there are times they’re the only one who can go. This isn’t the only the members are committed to, and others have jobs too. When Two Time is asked, they go.
And they hope they’re getting photos good enough to be used. They always try, because that’s their role.
Two Time is aware of their situation...so Chance can only hope they'll oblige...
Cause right now, it's the best option they have.
“Everyone’s out right now,” Chance already knows the outcome for this specific situation. She’s asking because a part of her knows that their beloved friend would be happy to help.
Not just with the photos, but maybe in making Two Time a little more…confident?
“I need you to go out and take a picture of the cheerleaders.”
“No.”
“What!” Chance shouts, surprising themself since that was obviously going to happen. “You’re the only one here! You know I can’t take the photo—I don’t even know what button to press!”
“No way!”
That’s way too much pressure! Too many cute girls! Chance knows they like cute—anyone! Chance also likes cute girls!
Especially…! Ugh!
“Please Two Time!” And she practically falls onto their knees, groveling at their feet. Ew!
“No!”
“You gotta! It’s one of their last practices for the year and we need to get something!”
“I can’t!”
Thankfully the school is barren around this time. Only a few teachers and students around for tutoring or clubs still ongoing. The staff members across the hall can most definitely hear the shouting, but could care less.
“You—you do it!”
“I just said why I can’t!” She argues back, still on the floor as pathetic as can be. “It has to be you!”
“You’re just—you’re only saying that because Elliot is on the team!”
“Haha…Elliot…”
“Chance!”
“Aha! Sorry sorry—wait I’m not sorry...go!”
“No!”
“Maybe Two Time should go, because last time Chance tried to take a picture they dropped the camera.” Oh? They forgot Noob was still here. “I need to put the page together by tonight cause I’ve asked for too many extensions…”
“See!” Chance picks themself up, not caring about how disgusting the ground is. “You have to do this.”
“I can’t.”
“Why.”
“Cause of Azure?” Noob asks, not taking their eyes off their laptop.
“Cause of Azure?” Chance reiterates, placing a hand on their shoulder as Two Time tries to hit it away.
“Yes…cause of Azure.”
“She’s so nice though—“
“You know why.”
They’ve been going to the same schools ever since they were little. Sometimes they were in the same class, sometimes not. That’s how school works after all.
At times they would speak to each other. When they were around thirteen they had to sit next to each other for math class.
Two Time used to be good at math, so there were times they had to tutor her in the middle of a lesson while the teacher went on about some dumb story that happened the previous day. Honestly, if you’re not going to teach and then give the world’s most tedious exam the day after, why are you even teaching?
Azure was alright at math, at least in the beginning. As time went on, they noticed she began slacking off more. Her attention would wander off until they had to force her back into concentrating. Made sense, the material got harder the further they went into the year, even Two Time started to care less about their grades.
Sometimes she’d sit with them at lunch. The brunette claimed she needed help…but would then talk about some unrelated topic they didn’t sign up for. It was nice speaking to someone, or having someone come up to speak to them, but that was the only time she ever went to find them.
They’d get invited to things, parties and whatnot, but it would always be when they were already busy. Their parents were strict too, and because they’ve never met Azure, it was an automatic no.
Occasionally, they'd hang together during school...but it was never enough.
And then when high school came around, they both struggled to adjust to their new schedules. They weren’t in any of the same classes their first year, and Two Time never tried to seek her out. Occasionally they bumped into each other when getting to their next class, but that was about it. A few times Azure would try to sit with them at lunch, but after getting into different clubs and making other friends, they didn’t speak much.
Lately they’ve been doing better, but it’s not enough for Two Time to consider them friends.
It’s enough to still have a crush on her though!
It’s justified—tall and pretty and super nice! They’ve seen her mad at other kids, but never at them. Back in math class, she was always more curious about their art than actually learning. At first they thought it was because math was boring—it is—so they didn’t take her compliments to heart. But when she asked during lunch, or tried to draw with them…that’s when they became more comfortable with showing her.
They’ve improved a lot, but haven’t had the opportunity to show them.
“It’s just a picture.”
Chance snaps them out of their thoughts, placing the camera against their chest as they fumble to hold it properly. The club already has to do too many fundraisers to function, getting a replacement camera would set them back.
“One picture.”
“While they’re in the middle of practice or a team picture! Hell you can even ask the captain for an individual shot of anyone on the team. You can ask any of them…it doesn’t have to be Azure!”
“I don’t?” They ask to be as clear as possible—to avoid her and embarrassing themselves.
“You don’t.”
Fine.
They place the camera on the desk and pack up their bag. Not to say they don’t trust Chance or Noob to take anything or look through their notebooks…they’d be more comfortable taking their stuff at the end of the day.
“Well, we’d prefer an action shot if you can…but anything works!”
“I’m going to take a photo and leave immediately.”
“Stay for a few.”
“Ok.”
“Make sure it’s good.”
“You want Elliot in it?”
“Haha…if you can…”
Typical.
They sling their bag over their shoulder, zipping up the jacket because they know it’s freezing outside. The team practices in the…gym?
“In the gym?”
“Oh, uh—!”
Chance runs back to her desk for her phone, allowing Two Time to secure the camera in its case. This thing’s about to fall apart, maybe the next fundraiser should be getting a new one…
“In the field!”
Great.
“Fine…”
They trot off, zoning out how their backpack zipper and random keychain continuously clank against one another. It’s almost like when a staff member comes walking down the halls and all the kids hiding in the bathroom start shutting up so they won’t get caught.
Two Time hates walking over to that field, because something as dumb as physical education was not needed for advancing in their career. They can stand and walk, when are they ever going to need to randomly hold themselves up by only their forearms? Hit a ball in a corporate job? Run? What are they running from?
Maybe to get out of the cold…
It’s not that cold outside, just chilly. But Two Time has always been sensitive to temperatures, so it wouldn’t be surprising if their internal clock is ticking away waiting for them to get sick. Give it a few minutes and they’ll need to get back inside.
The campus is nearly empty, just a janitor walking by as they make their way towards the field. It’s pretty quiet, but maybe the team isn’t one for yelling their heads off.
What surprises them the most is that there’s hardly anyone out there. Normally some of the other sports teams would be practicing, but not a single soul is there.
But the field is open, because the gate towards it is wide open and inviting them in. Chance wouldn’t send them all the way out here for no reason—right? What would be the point in wasting their time all the way out here when they could be…uh…
…Doing anything else?
The bleachers obscure the actual field, which is super annoying if you asked them. The longer they have to walk the colder it seems to get.
Figures though. A wide open space on a chilly day as the sun begins to go down…just asking for a cold.
There’s still no noise. Perhaps it’s because as Two Time actually gets to the field, it’s completely empty.
Great.
The team either left, or Chance played them. Which honestly, the latter is so unlikely considering Chance actually likes them enough to invite them to hang out all the time. What would she get out of pranking them like this?
And what would the team get? Would they ever agree to something this dumb? Where the hell is everyone?
“Two Time.”
Ah.
It is a prank.
Turning around, Azure is much closer than they would have liked. She scares them out of their boots, making them stumble back and onto the running track that’s seen better days. The brunette runs a little forward in case they fall, but they put their hands up for her to stop, catching themselves.
“S-sorry, you scared me.”
“I didn’t—I’m sorry I didn’t know what to say.”
Where’s the rest of the cheerleaders? Is it just her out here?
“…So…where’d everyone go?”
Are they awkward? Well…always been this awkward? She’s still in her uniform, so the rest of the group had to have been out there at one point doing their…thing. What exactly do they do? Jump and do tricks? Two Time never bothered staying for the games because they always started so late. Most of the time it was helping the others staying behind setting up equipment before going home without a care.
Yeah...that's the excuse.
Too many annoying people. Teenagers and adults all screaming over some kids kicking a ball around. It was either too hot because of the audience being all clumped together, or too damn freezing with how late the games would go on for.
Simply put, they were all uninteresting.
Best to keep that to themselves. She seems sad enough as is.
“Practice ended a couple minutes ago. They’re all in the changing rooms.”
How fun, their time was wasted and now they’re stuck with their…ex-friend? Acquaintance. Instagram mutual. Classmate…
Crush.
“I-I need to talk with you.”
Oh lord.
“What’s it about?”
It pains them to see her flinch, rude tone by complete accident from such a sour mood.
Azure looks around, knowing the others of her team aren’t coming back out here, but they’re still too out in the open to take that chance. There’s hardly any place that’s truly secluded, but away from anyone else would be…
Mindlessly, the brunette approaches them with care, taking their sleeve in hand and tugging them up towards the bleachers.
“I’ll get to it in a minute.” Another tug, forcing Two Time to oblige and sit beside her. The metal is so cold they can feel it seeping into their skin.
Should’ve worn pants today.
“We haven’t spoken in so long…how are you?”
“I think I’m fine.”
“Think?”
“Cause…I have no idea why I’m here if not to take pictures.”
Small talk isn’t for them, and their nerves are jumping out of their skin with each second that passes. Couldn’t she get a move on and tell them what the problem is if there is one?
The last time they spoke had to be weeks ago, and that wasn’t really a talk. Azure excitedly saying hello in their face as they’re both running late isn’t much of anything.
“It’s kinda cold, isn’t it?” She jokes, obviously moving herself a little closer. Two Time notices but keeps their mouth shut. “But it’s a nice cold, don’t you think?”
They’re shivering, she’s shivering. Her last question was about to receive an answer she wasn’t going to like.
Azure is still in her cheerleading outfit, not following her team’s lead and changing into clothes that would protect her from this weather. They can see the obvious slight tremble every now and then, watching as she plays it off.
She used to give them her jacket when they were younger.
“Here…” They take off their backpack, placing it on the open space next to them as they unzip what little protection they have themselves. Wearing long sleeves under a jacket was usually…redundant…but they always did so anyway. “Take it.”
“Hm?” Her ears perk up, shrugging to pretend it’s unnecessary. “I don’t—“
“Please just…take it.”
Two Time doesn’t have to tell her twice—thrice…huh—as Azure practically takes it out of their hands and slings it on. She struggles for a bit, hands popping out of the sleeves with much effort before settling down.
It’s unconventional, and looks bad.
Their clothes are baggy on them, always something they preferred to wear. On Azure it’s a little different.
Maybe because she’s so much taller than they’ll ever be.
So it clings to her in a way that’s all too noticeable and honestly, they can tell how uncomfortable she is with the entire thing. But for some reason, she keeps it on.
“Uh…my jacket is too small for you—“
“It’s ok!” But Two Time’s statement becomes blaringly true as Azure tries to tug on the sleeves.
They don’t go any lower.
“It’s alright—! I can’t feel my arms that well but it’s fine—“
“Take it off!”
“What! No way!”
They grab the back of their hoodie and try and take it away, seeing her pull back to stop them.
“If it’s too small then give it back to me.”
“I don’t wanna!”
“Why not?”
“Cause—! I’m…warm!”
They let go, seeing her fall back from the force of how hard she was pulling before saving themself.
“Aha…it’s a cute jacket. I kinda want one too.”
“It’s an all black jacket…you can go anywhere.”
“Anywhere?”
“Yeah?”
She rubs her arms, pulling at the fabric as it constricts her movements. Two Time isn’t worried about it getting ripped or anything.
Like they said, anywhere.
“I like it—remember when I gave you mine back in middle school? It was so big on you!”
“I’ve gotten taller since then.”
Not at all. An inch at most, but that isn’t anything.
“Yeah, you have!” She doesn’t want to embarrass them. Seeing as she's grown half a foot at least...there's not much of a difference to spot.
And they stop talking for quite a while. Azure is too nervous to get out what they truly want to say, and Two Time is wondering what they need to ask for her to spit it out.
“So I have to take a photo of somebody…or I’ll probably get in trouble.”
“Trouble?”
“W-well Chance said I needed to get a pic of you guys but…it’s just you.”
She stares at them for a while, confusion written all over her face before putting on a somewhat fake smile.
“Oh! Take one of me! I’m sure it’ll be fine!”
They want to argue that it won’t, but Chance did say it could be a solo photo. If the team isn’t here to get anything, might as well.
Better than nothing.
The case really is falling apart, the camera having jostled around too much that makes Two Time scared to put it back afterwards. Azure is busy fixing her hair while they prepare themselves.
“You’ll have to take the jacket off.”
“No, I wanna keep it on.”
But it covers up her uniform…which feels like the entire point of getting this photo. Though they’d rather avoid any sort of argument with her.
They assume she’s ready, seeing her sit up straight and look at them expectantly. The shorter has to move a little further back, past their bags and away from the seat they warmed up. It wouldn’t be good to have such an insanely close up shot of a student’s face. Obviously the team wouldn’t put it in…simply weird to even bother with such a ludicrous thing.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
And then the shaking begins.
Azure looks perfect, and that’s what causes them to be so nervous. Sun behind her, blinding Two Time a bit as they fix the angle. Too high, too low, all over the place really! Her smile is more radiant than the sun itself!
And she’s so fixated on the camera, trying their best not to blink and ruin Two Time’s one chance at the perfect image. It must be so obvious how nervous and unprofessional they are.
But it doesn’t feel as though she’s just posing for them. Not as if she was staring at the camera alone.
As they zoom in a little closer, finally getting a photo that looks worthy of being used, it hits them.
Azure isn’t looking at the camera.
She’s looking at them.
Contrary to belief, Two Time is actually quite adequate at spotting this type of behavior. Probably all the years of living with horrid anxiety and fear of people that causes them to hyper analyze these situations. The way their eyes narrow while staring into the lens is enough indication. Observing every movement of theirs.
Smiling, directed at them as they swallow nervously.
All of this is too much for them to handle, snapping a quick photo before settling the camera down and putting it back in its case. Who cares about how padding has become so flat, or the walls jostle around with how fierce they are.
“Did it come out good?”
“I won’t know until later.”
“Do you think I looked good?”
That is completely subjective, and will result in a biased answer from them.
“…Maybe without that jacket?”
She laughs, moving down the seat to get closer, knowing full well Two Time won’t be the one to come back.
“No one’s ever given me their jacket before.” She tugs at the drawstrings, wrapping them around her finger as they stare. “Only my mom, and it’s still stuck in my closet.”
“Well, if I knew I wasn’t getting it back I wouldn’t have.”
“Ouchie!”
Guess they can’t be too mad, they managed to get a photo out of it so their teacher won’t scold them. Or Chance—
Wait.
“Aren’t you and Chance friends?”
The two can be seen in the halls together, and they have a few classes together. The shorter knows this because they’re also in the same classes…just all the way in the back to avoid anyone.
“…Yes?”
So why…
“Why am I taking your picture?”
Just because Chance sucks at taking photos doesn’t mean they couldn’t at least ask for Azure and the rest of the team to take a group one. They’re also positive the entire Elliot run-in could’ve been avoided if she just went to Azure specifically! Instead they’re out here in the cold alone—!
Alone.
“Couldn’t Chance have done it—you?”
The words die on their tongue as Azure carefully places their things on the next row, Two Time too intrigued to move away. She looks perfect, and probably would look ever more so if they wore their glasses!
“Anyone else when they had the…time…?”
Way too close! In the matter of seconds she’s up against their face, feeling her breath on them as they stare into her eyes. She leans in, hair brushing against their face as they place their arms behind them, propping themself up with how she’s practically leaning on them. Did she slip and fall forward? It would be horrible—
“I like you.”
Oh.
Oh!
“Is that why you’re…taking my jacket…and getting unnaturally close—I’ve never been this close to anyone hey now—!”
“Two Time…”
She buries her face in the crook of their neck, forcing them to look up at the sky and wonder if any of this is real. No way, the Azure they’ve silently been watching over has finally come back to them? Is this real?
Please don’t be a prank. The rest of the cheerleading team isn’t hiding away recording them…right? That’s too cruel, Azure would never agree to this!
“You’re scared, aren’t you?”
“Ah—maybe! A little?”
“I really do like you.”
Slowly, they feel her rise off of them, giving them room to breathe as their arms give out and they fall hard onto the metal seating. She pulls them back up, surprising them with her sudden strength as they fall onto her.
Oh great.
“…You’re still as clumsy as back then…”
Two Time wants to laugh, pure fear engulfing them as she holds them close.
What do they say? What can they say?
“D-did…did you two…”
Azure smells sweet even after an entire day of being out. Her hair is soft, it’s as if they’ve landed themself in a field of flowers.
“What is it?” Patting down their hair, they can feel just how soft her hands are too.
“Did you…and Chance—did you plan this?”
Reluctantly, they push themselves out of her arms, seeing her flinch as they sit up. She still reaches out, preventing them from straying too far.
“I know I’m stupid sometimes…but did you?”
It wasn’t either Chance nor Azure’s intention to do so. Two Time is well aware of this. The only reason they could ever think so is because of how fried their brain is after an entire school day, and then forced into being alone with their crush.
Both of them know how much of a mess they can become. They get anxious over the littlest things—and it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since Azure and them have last been together. Shouldn’t it be obvious they’ve barely changed with how often they still avoid her?
“This was the only way…”
They grit their teeth, thinking of a hundred other ways this could’ve gone.
“What…to lie to me so I can get all the way across the school for something that could’ve been done inside?”
Her ears drop, removing her hand from their arm before looking off into the field. Perfect, her hair falls to cover her face like it knows just what to do. Essentially hiding her from anything else they have to say.
“Sorry.” A broken reply, sounding farther than she truly is.
Ah…too mean. It’s not like they’re actually upset, but they had wished it gone another way. Probably being too petty because of the cold…
“No it’s—it’s not like that…” Eh? How do they save this? “I mean you didn’t have to…to lie…”
“I was too scared to approach you.” Finally, she admits why. “Every time I tried to speak to you, I’d get so nervous I’d turn the other way around and pretend you weren’t even there.”
Ouch, that explains all the ignoring them. Can they say anything? They never pursued her back. Just a constant cycle of pretending the other isn’t there unless it was a quick greeting.
“I feel like a loser.”
Huh…did liking them make her a loser? What kind of logic is that?
“Sometimes I’d see you at lunch and wonder how’d you react if you saw me again.” They kick their feet out, untied shoelaces becoming more interesting than her eyes suddenly back on them. “By the time I wanted to talk with you, we hadn’t spoken in so long…”
And it didn’t help they never made any effort to try and reconnect either.
“…And I guess…I got a little shy.”
That’s rich coming from her, but if all this crush stuff is true then they’ll have to believe it.
Azure doesn’t lie—that much.
About grades yes…feelings too…
But not when it was with them.
“I didn’t think you’d be shy.” Two Time finally spits out, hoping their hair covers their expression.
“Just because of you.”
No more short hair, they need it longer to hide behind from now on.
She scoots closer to them, brushing arms together as they wag their tail slowly. So desperately trying to close the gap Two Time forces between them.
Good thing Azure has their jacket, they already feel hot with how close she is, and as the evening goes on and gets cooler their body temperature continues to rise. Is she making them sick?
Maybe that comes with being pretty. Two Time likes cute things, and Azure is cute.
So Two Time likes Azure.
“I asked Chance to make you come here so we could talk.” They let out a short laugh. “Also promised them I’d do something about Elliot…but that can come later.”
“Chance keeps acting like the constant flirting isn’t a sign.”
“Oh I’ve been saying!” Annoyed, she lays her head on their shoulder. “Those two won’t shut up about each other. Do you know how many times I’ve had to hear about the same story and gotten asked ‘does she really like me, am I crazy’ cause it's way too many times!”
Still startled by how clingy they are, Two Time only gives a short mumble of agreement.
“But I guess I can’t be too mad, they always have to hear about you from me.”
“R-really?”
There isn’t much to talk about, Two Time isn’t active enough in anything for anyone to form a genuine opinion on them. They go to class, go to clubs, and never speak unless spoken to.
Azure sighs, practically nuzzling into their shoulder. Must be uncomfortable, seeing how she’s basically bent in two just to be at their level.
“I saw you during game day.”
They jump up, hitting her in the eye as she groans silently. Azure holds them down to make sure they don’t accidentally do it again, leaving their tail to jolt up and hit the seats behind them. Two Time hisses in pain, trying to think of some sort of an excuse—
“I thought you were there for the clubs…but I saw you all alone.”
Because they hated how noisy games were. Sitting next to other students after school didn’t sound appealing, and with the added family and friends who came out to see the games…it just shut them off in general. Who wants to be surrounded by loud, annoying, smelly strangers right after school when you can go home and play games? Watch a movie? Take a nap?
Two Time, just once.
They hadn’t entered the field at all, standing off to the side of the bleachers as people walked past them. Nobody really said anything, assuming they were waiting for their friend to show up before heading inside. There wasn’t much going on, just a bunch of kids and random parents finding spots to sit at, or younger siblings running around on the track before being hauled away by a family member.
Nothing happens before the games, they’re just a regular event filled with other kids Two Time was never fond of. Too big and rude, like a bunch of cliches you’d see in a TV show. Coincidentally, they fit right into the loser loner nerd that falls in love with the pretty cheerleader.
So obviously, they never had any hope of ever getting with Azure. This included the idea of being friends. They were practically different people now, and all they were holding onto was memories.
When had she seen them?
They made sure they were hidden seeing the cheer team come out, just a bunch of shouting from the audience and them. There wasn’t much that was memorable, just some chanting and performing for the crowd.
It was high school, it wasn’t like they expected them to do some high level tricks and start throwing each other in the air. Most of it was relatively tame, some weird stunts here and there, but that was all.
The entire time they were only focused on one girl though, seeing how excited she was to finally show off months of training. It looked like she was having fun.
More fun than when they were in middle school drawing together. Randomly walking across the field during lunch and having the most random conversations. Those times were peaceful and relaxing…but Two Time was convinced Azure did not find it “fun” whatsoever.
So seeing her smile like that, surrounded by such a large group of friends, with people cheering them on and getting enthusiastic about the upcoming game…
…Guess they just felt like they weren’t supposed to be there.
So by the time they had enough, Two Time left.
“I got really happy seeing you…you know?” Her legs press up against theirs, trying to get as close as possible. “I wanted to meet up once the game started, but…”
But?
“I couldn’t find you.”
They had left.
“Chance told me you weren’t attending when I found her, and I knew you hated crowds.”
Is it selfish to leave when they knew how excited she was? Events like these weren’t made for them, it only caused them stress.
“I figured you left, but I always wondered why’d you show up.”
Because of you.
“Hm?”
She gets up, releasing them from her tight grip before staring at them with the prettiest eyes they’ve ever seen.
“Me?”
Oh, was that out loud?
“Yes Two Time!” She laughs again, gently nudging them as they hold onto the seat.
“I-I was only—I only—yes.” There’s no point in making an excuse, shoulders slumped in utter defeat. “Yes…I wanted to see you.
“Hehe, so you like me too?”
“…Since we were kids…yeah…”
“Aw! Two Time!”
Another hug from them, face pressed against their cheek. It’s happened so many times in the past hour they’ve become accustomed to it.
They never even hugged like this when they were kids, only occasionally and never this close. The last time was their final day of middle school together. It got cut short when their parents came to check on them.
Huh.
Does she still like it?
They pet her head, soft curls getting between their fingers as she laughs. The only way they’re going to be able to do this now that she’s so tall.
Azure lets out a small hum, pushing her head up into their hand.
She does.
“How…often do you ask Chance for me?” They wonder out loud, hand falling onto their lap.
“A lot.” Azure states. “Whenever she asks you a weird question it’s from me.”
“What?”
“Like when she asks about your favorite movies or what you ate for dinner.”
“Oh! So you’re like a stalker.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Sorry.”
Eh, bad joke. Really bad. But that’s also literally what she was making Chance do.
Chance is also extremely weird for doing it, but she loves doing…things! Always happy to help! Always…scheming…kind why they're in this situation in the first place.
“And I’m guessing you do the same for Elliot?”
“Maybe.”
“Gross.” They can only laugh at that pouting face.
“You think I’m gross? After I just said I liked you?” Azure pushes their face against theirs. Only this time, Two Time doesn’t shy away. “You just said you liked me too—so you’re gross!”
“Then we can be gross together!”
Feels like they’re in middle school again, hiding at the back of the field after school. Two Time’s parents would usually come late, so Azure would hide from their own just to stay with them.
Huh...guess they were really close.
They managed to convince themselves it was all nothing, but seeing Azure proves it did mean something. To both of them.
“So you’ll date me?”
Ah.
They feel like they’re going to explode for so many different reasons. First their heart is gonna burst and then their brain will turn to mush—and then they’ll turn into a dead lump in her arms after asking something so simple! Ew!
“Date?”
“Date!”
“…Really…?”
“Please,” she nods her head. Cheeks and ears completely red as she traces her hand over theirs.
“You’re the cutest person in the whole world…be mine?”
Oh.
If it’s coming from her of all people.
…Then maybe they are cute.
⊹ ࣪ ˖
“Hey hey! Two Time!”
Oh great. Almost an hour has passed with no one speaking to them and suddenly right before they have to leave, they’re needed.
Thankfully it’s just Chance, so there shouldn’t be anything actually demanded of them this late. They’re friends…she would never ask them to go out of their way to complete a task anyone else could!
Surely…
Nothing like yesterday either...
“Look at what I have!” Slamming a folder on their desk, they grunt as their pencils go flying. “Teacher gave me them a bit ago.”
“What is it?”
“Pictures.”
Ok? Yeah that’s their whole job. What’s so special?
“Lookie lookie!”
“Chance, I’m working.”
“Wah! So studious! Fine…”
They grumble as she takes the folder, flipping through it before messing around with its contents.
“This one is so cute!”
She places the folder beside them again, Two Time not taking their eyes off the screen and letting their friend do all the work.
“Here—you agree, don’t you?”
They practically shove the picture into their face, forcing Two Time to lean back to get a closer look as their vision begins to focus.
Had to wear their glasses today. Too much crying after getting a girlfriend made their eyes blurry even after a whole night’s sleep. Couldn't even do their homework because of all the tears, had to be done all in the morning before classes started.
It was a really good sleep though.
“Wanna put this in the yearbook…or do you want it to yourself? Hm?”
They snatch it away from her in an instant, hearing them cackle as they try and hide the photo in their bag.
“W-why would we ever need that?”
“You took it!”
“Because I needed one!”
“Awww…Two Time’s in love!”
There’s no retort, not a single peep that would cause for a rebuttal. Instead, Two Time shrinks into their seat and slowly closes their laptop.
“…So what…”
“So cute!” Chance spins around, hitting their hip on the desk and crying internally. “Two Time and Azure finally together! No more spying!”
“That’s not something you should be proud of…”
“What? It was for the greater good!”
“Me playing Roblox all night and failing my test the next day is not that interesting.”
“Hmm,” they place a finger on their chin, “shows your priorities!”
“And where are your priorities with Elliot?”
“Oh ok goodbye it’s time we pack up.”
And she skips to the other side of the room, furiously scratching her head while pondering what the hell to do about that blonde next.
Whatever, they know Chance won’t take it to heart.
They have to take the bus again today, but at least the traffic’s died down since it’s late into the afternoon. If only their parents could pick them up…they could use a quick ride home.
Giving a short bye to their friend, they notice her face still a few shades darker than normal. Had they not known about her evil plans with Azure, they’d go back in and comfort her.
But they wanna go home. And she’s got it.
The hallway is completely barren—
“Hi!”
Oh nevermind.
“Uh—hello!”
Azure smiles down at them, dressed in extra cute clothing that makes their heart skip a beat. Should they up their fashion sense to match?
“Practice ended a bit ago and Chance said you guys finish around this time!”
Ugh, they knew something was up.
“Let’s go home together!” Her head tilts like a puppy, ears twitching in delight as she get closer. “Ok?”
“O-ok!”
“Actually—let’s get something sweet first! Ok?”
“Ok!”
She giggles to herself, taking their hand and walking towards the exit.
“This will officially be our first date!” She looks back excited. “Ok?”
“Ok!”