Chapter Text
The Kadic cafeteria was busy, with students filtering in for dinner. The group gathered at their usual table. Odd was talking excitedly about something that happened after class. Ulrich rolled his eyes, Yumi made a teasing comment, and Aelita laughed, leaning a little closer to Odd. William was mostly quiet, but added comments here and there, mostly to rib at Odd. Jeremie was just observing today. It was a normal moment with the usual flow of conversation. It seemed like everyone was settling into their new life post-XANA. But Jeremie felt a little disconnected.
He watched the group, his friends, and he was just glad everyone was safe now and embracing their new freedom. Jeremie’s gaze shifted to Aelita. She looked happy, leaning against Odd and laughing with everyone. She seemed to have more energy now, and Jeremie was... fine. He was glad that she was happy. But without Lyoko or Aelita, Jeremie was feeling lost.
These days, Jeremie still stayed buried in his laptop screen, working on programming or improvements to his Kiwi robot for the robotics club. He always needed a problem to solve.
As the dinner rush started to die down and the cafeteria emptied, the group went their separate ways. Odd and Aelita left together, probably to go work on Aelita’s tracks. Yumi and Ulrich left to practice Pencak Silat. And Jeremie stayed where he was. William noticed and moved to sit across from him.
“Hey, you didn’t say much tonight. You ok?”
Jeremie looked up in surprise. Although William was hanging out with their group now, Jeremie hadn’t really spoken to him much. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
William leaned back in his chair. “Yeah? Just checking. I know that look, where you’re not sure where you belong.”
Jeremie’s mouth opened, but then closed. He wasn’t expecting William to be so blunt. It was true that William knew about feeling left out. But Jeremie didn’t really feel that way… right?
Jeremie adjusted his glasses. “That’s not it. I know where I belong. Look, thanks for trying to help, but really, I’m fine.”
William nodded. “Ok, good. You going to sit in the cafeteria all night? I’m heading back to the dorm if you wanna take a walk.”
Jeremie shrugged. “Yeah, sure.”
They stepped out of the cafeteria and into the evening air. Jeremie was still surprised that William had approached him. They started the walk back toward the dorms.
Jeremie glanced over and decided to ask. “Hey, why did you check on me earlier?”
William shrugged, “We’re friends, right?”
Jeremie was surprised. “Well, yeah… I guess so.”
William chuckled. “Glad to know where I stand.”
Jeremie stopped walking. “Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that. Of course we’re friends. We just haven’t talked much is all…”
William also stopped and turned to face him. “Yeah, I know. I’m trying to fit in. It’s good to finally have a chance to be part of the group.”
Jeremie didn’t respond. He remembered how they all excluded William, even before Lyoko. But William didn’t seem mad, he was just trying to be a good friend.
William continued, “You just looked kind of lost back there. Things are different now with Lyoko gone. It’s not easy to adjust.”
Jeremie nodded slowly, “Yeah, I guess so…”
William grinned. “But hey, you said you’re fine, and I believe you.” He turned and resumed the walk toward the dorms.
Jeremie watched him for a moment, unsure of how to react, before catching up and walking beside him.
Jeremie cleared his throat. “Of course I’m fine. But… what had you planned to say? If I was, you know, feeling lost?”
William glanced over and their eyes met. “I’d have said ‘me too.’”
Jeremie didn’t know what to say, so he didn’t say anything. They had reached the dorms. They entered the building and walked down their hall. Before they parted ways, Jeremie spoke up. “Thanks for checking on me.”
William nodded. “You bet. See you around.”
They both waved and left for their rooms. Jeremie sat down at his desk. The walk with William was unexpected, but he was glad they had a chance to talk.