Chapter Text
Thick, large clouds blanketed the desaturated and gloomy sky, a steady downpour of frigid rain soaking the patchy grass of the school’s football field. The deep, ominous sound of thunder booming in the distance seemed to shake the ground, warning any person who lingered outside to get going as soon as possible.
Carter sat on one of the furthest benches of the empty locker room, his head in his hands. Practice had run late that day, the aggressive storm putting an end to it. His fellow teammates had cleared off of campus fairly quickly, not wanting to be caught in the worst of it. Dustin complained about barely being able to see five feet in front of himself, before getting into his car before it got any worse. George stuck around for a bit before mentioning Tod— something about them having a hangout planned or whatever —before leaving himself. That just left Carter.
He didn’t hate the silence. He welcomed it, honestly. Shifting on the wooden bench, he sighed as he zipped up his duffel bag. Sitting in the locker room after practice always helped him calm down. It gave him a chance to recollect his thoughts and relax. Sure, the conflicting smells of different body sprays were potent enough to annoy anyone, he chose to ignore it in favor of being alone without interruption. The only downside about him staying after today was the relentless rain.
Anytime it stormed too harshly, Carter felt off. Not that the gloomy weather made him sad, no. It was something more biological. The loud noise of the thunder reverberated through his body and rattled his bones, the damp smell of the rain mixed with the heavy scent of body spray made his head hurt and throat burn, and the howling wind filled his ears and swept his thoughts away.
He shifted on the bench once again, groaning as the door opened. Squeaky hinges worn from constant slamming squealed as Carter glanced up, sniffling once. A swift flash of lightning basks the room in a pale, pure white, bouncing off of the metal lockers and illuminating Carter’s face as he squints in the direction of the intrusion.
It doesn’t take him long to realize who it is. His nose twitches, and recognition flickers on his face, before it settles into a scowl. There it is— the familiar, agitating scent that both infuriates him, and seizes his attention all at once.
It’s Alex. His hands are shaking the slightest bit— likely due to the temperature outside— as he takes off the sage green hood pulled over his hair. He steps in the locker room fully and glances around, as if looking for something. His sneakers make a squeaking sound as he moves, the noise making Carter sigh.
He doesn’t even have a clue that he’s not alone in the locker room. Carter rolls his eyes at Alex’s lack of awareness. Carter knows he isn’t just annoyed at Alex’s obliviousness. It’s deeper than that for him. Anytime he spots Alex with his head down walking home from school he gets annoyed. Not in the normal way either. Furious at him for not prioritizing his safety.
That doesn’t matter now though. He doesn’t even care, really. He just has to convince himself that nothing in his life would change if anything were to happen to Alex, even though he knows he worries more about that than anything. Alex’s presence has steadily become one he seeks out. His heartbeat is the first rhythm Carter has ever truly memorized. When they’re arguing, Carter’s heart beats faster than usual. He tells himself it’s the adrenaline, though.
Alex’s pale blue eyes scan the lockers, his head tilting slightly as his gaze finally lands on Carter, who straightens up as they make eye contact. Alex shoves his hands into his pockets as Carter crosses his arms, standing. Something flutters in his chest as Alex’s eyes narrow at him.
“What’re you doing in here? Didn’t practice already end?” Alex questioned, raising an eyebrow. A loud crash of thunder filled both boy’s ears, as wind rattled the door. The storm outside rages on with no end in sight.
“Nothing. What’s it to you, Browning?” Carter scoffed, his reply almost sounding planned out by this point. They’ve argued so much that it’s just second nature to him. It’s easy. Familiar.
This isn’t even the first time they’ve argued in this very room. Carter remembers the first time in freshman year. He doesn’t even remember what he said, he just knows it was bad enough to piss Alex off and land the two of them in detention. It’s just gone downhill from there.
They’re seniors now. Both of them are eighteen years old, and both of them are far too old to be fighting over little things. Terry has practically begged the two of them to give it up, but neither boy can seem to leave the other alone. Tod wonders why they insist on making each other’s lives harder, and Billy has totally given up on understanding why. He’s just glad that Carter hasn’t been harassing him as much since junior year. Alex seems to be his top priority now, as weird as that sounds.
They’ve only gotten worse, definitely. That’s obvious. Sarcastic comments are traded whenever either of them gets the chance. In hallways, classes, even leaving school. Alex looks over before he can stop himself, and Carter’s mouth opens before he can even think twice about what he’s going to say.
Arguing helps Carter distract himself from his other thoughts about Alex. His supposed rival. His sworn enemy. He occupies too much space in Carter’s head. Arguing helps keep the thoughts about his voice— how he always sounds the slightest bit tired even in the afternoon, his face, his hands. It doesn’t help Carter keep the darker thoughts at bay though.
Thoughts about pinning him down and taking what he needs. Something he hasn’t truly tasted yet. He’s far too scared to even try drinking someone’s blood, but Alex seems to be perfect for it. The thought both frightens and excites him.
“I’m just asking a question, Carter. Do you always have to be so fuckin’ standoffish?” Alex sighed, exasperated. He couldn’t deny that the same thrill shot through him when they fought, but sometimes, Carter’s aggression hurt his feelings. How stupid was that? He wasn’t supposed to be affected by it. It wasn’t like they were friends. It wasn’t like Carter cared about him or his feelings.
“I do, actually.”
“How mature of you.”
Alex stepped closer to him, watching closely as Carter’s shoulders squared. His jaw clenched as the dim lights in the locker room flickered, soft buzzing stopping and starting again as the lights gave.
“I just— I don’t get why you always have to do this. Don’t you get tired of being an asshole?” Alex asked.
Carter opened his mouth before sighing and crossing his arms. Alex gave him an annoyed look, and that brought him back.
“If I’m such an asshole, why don’t you just leave me alone?” Carter said. Alex didn’t reply. He couldn’t tell him that he got a rush he couldn’t find anywhere else when the two of them talked.
“You’re the problem, you know that. You’re always saying something. You know exactly what pisses me off and you get off on doing it, don’t you?” He instead decided to accuse him, pointing a finger in his direction as he continued to approach. Carter felt something flutter in his chest as the faint scent of Alex’s cologne filled his nose. It wasn’t too strong or expensive, but it still smelled nice, like vanilla. He felt his eyes flutter faintly before actually registering what was said.
“If you let me bother you that much, maybe it’s your fault.” He shrugged simply, thrilled to know that he gets under Alex’s skin that much. He wonders how much he thinks about him. The concept of Alex’s mind reflecting on him outside of their interactions makes his heart beat faster, pressing up against his ribcage in what seems to be a desperate escape attempt.
His breath catches in his throat as Alex shoots him a different look, one filled with conflicting emotions. Anger, annoyance, and undeniable attraction and curiosity buried beneath it. He shoves Carter and moves to walk away, flinching away when his arm is grabbed.
Carter’s grip is stronger than he would’ve expected. He pushes him back against the cool metal of the lockers, eliciting a small gasp from Alex. His lips stay parted just like that, Carter’s hold on his arm lingering just a bit too long. He doesn’t blink, his eye contact being more of a challenge than anything.
He wants Carter to do something. He expects him to, actually. Everyone does. Everyone knows Carter is notoriously bad at controlling his emotions. They also know that Carter can’t seem to leave Alex alone no matter what.
He’s waiting for Carter to raise his voice or hit him. Carter briefly considers it. He could yell at him for the hundredth time, they could get into a screaming battle that doesn’t end until both of their throats are raw, and their voices are hoarse. He could punch him, and they could fight as if that’d fix anything.
Even better than that, Carter could bite him. It’d be selfish though. It’d show just how little control he has over his own body. Ever since he was turned into a vampire, he’s been fairly decent at not letting instinct overtake logic. Unfortunately for Carter, anytime Alex tests him, his resolve crumbles.
Carter opens his mouth and Alex’s eyes narrow, just as an ear-splitting boom of thunder rings out, the noise echoing through the room. It sounds as if it’s splitting the dark sky outside in two with its force.
The sound wakes Carter up enough. He won’t lose control today. He won’t let Alex provoke him that far. He stumbles backwards, shoving Alex further into the wall. He needs distance between them, now, or else he may not be able to stop himself.
Alex opens his mouth to question what exactly happened, confusion and interest written all over his face. Carter doesn’t just back off like that.
Instead of speaking, Carter grabs his bag and slings it over his shoulder, storming out of the locker room with an urgency that leaves Alex stunned.
He sighs as the wind forces the door shut, leaving him alone. Suddenly it’s cooler. The warmth that Carter’s presence gives him is gone.
He definitely won’t get an answer today, he accepts that. On Monday, he’ll ask questions. If he has to track Carter down, he will.
Why did he get so close to him?
Why did it appear as if he had to force his body to back off? Why did putting space between the two of them seem like such a strenuous task at first?
Alex pulled his hood over his head with a heavy, tired huff. For now, he needed to focus on getting home. He can question Carter’s sudden weirdness later.
He stepped out of the locker room, starting towards the parking lot. He focused on the cool metal of his keys in his pocket, his thumb pressing into the tip of the key, leaving an imprint on his fingertip. It was a small, meaningless gesture, but it helped distract him from how long Carter held onto him.
Carter would probably say it didn’t mean anything, but Alex knew better.
The door opens quickly, and Alex steps over the threshold, completely soaked from the three seconds it took to get from the driveway to the porch. Tod and George greet him on the couch. George has one of the many throw pillows clutched to his chest.
“Why the hell are you two here?” Alex asked, squinting at both of them. Tod laughs at him as he struggles out of his saturated shoes.
“Because our parents are out of town for the weekend and I didn’t wanna be stuck at home with George until Monday.” Tod shrugged. His older brother shoved him lightly on the arm, knocking the remote from his hand.
“You couldn’t have asked me first?” Alex sighed, taking off his hoodie. His shirt isn’t too wet, luckily. The texture of damp jeans is starting to drive him up the wall though. The air conditioning isn’t welcome for once, it’s actively aiding in freezing his arms off this time around.
“We asked your parents. They said they’d love to have us over.” George said, yawning. His eyes flickered from the television to the remote as Tod picked it up again.
Alex rolled his eyes. He didn’t really mind them being over. In all the years they had known each other, he’d never had any issue with them staying.
“Anyway, why are you home so late? Did you go to the store or something?” Tod raised an eyebrow, suddenly suspicious of Alex’s tardiness.
“Do you see a bag in his hand, Tod?” George sighed, shaking his head.
“I was just talking to someone.” Alex mumbled, thoughts of Carter quickly invading his head. Tod snickered, leaning over George.
“Who exactly is this someone? You wanna share with the class?” He prodded, moving his arm just out of reach as George stretched for the remote.
Alex shakes his head, but that does little to deter Tod. He groans dramatically, not even paying attention to the television by this point.
“C’mon, Alex. You know you wanna tell me. I won’t leave you alone ‘till you do.” He said, grinning wildly when Alex sighed.
“Fine. I’m only telling you because I know you’ll harass me all weekend if I don’t.” Alex grumbled, standing next to the couch with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
“You literally have no backbone, Alex. Do better.” George commented sarcastically as Alex began to speak again.
“I was talking to Carter. I went to the locker room to look for something I lost, and he was there all by himself. We started arguing, but this time it just seemed different.” He said quietly.
Tod tilted his head, an expression of confusion settling on his face. “Different? Different as in he decided to use a new word of choice to insult you this time around?”
George pressed his face into the throw pillow to hide a smile, glancing towards the television again.
“No, not like that dumbass.” Alex shook his head, a small grin creeping onto his face.
“Oh, right. Go ahead and continue then.” Tod waved his hand dismissively, as Alex continued his recollection of the events that had happened earlier.
“He just seemed a little off. He stopped arguing randomly, shoved me, and then stormed off? It was weird.”
“Did the rain start getting worse? Maybe he left ‘cause of that.” George offered, and Tod nodded. That did make sense, but Alex knew better.
He made a face and shook his head.
“I don’t think rain would stop Carter from arguing.” He decided. He knew Carter for ages and he had argued with him many times. That definitely was not the case.
“Fair.” George hummed, sighing quietly as Tod shifted on the couch.
“Maybe you intimidated him. Him storming off like that means you won the argument.” Tod claimed, smiling. Alex rolled his eyes, laughing faintly at the claim. He didn’t really think the argument had an actual winner, but he wasn’t going to complain too much.
“I still think it’s the rain thing.” George said. Then, as if to aid his claim, the wind picked up outside, furiously knocking over trash cans into driveways.
Alex just shrugged as Tod changed the topic to some video he rented. He says it's a really good horror movie. George questions his taste briefly but doesn’t comment further.
“Have you even studied for your French test on Monday?” He suddenly questioned, smiling when Tod frowned. That was a no.
“Maybe we should go do that.” Alex said. Tod sighed, finally handing the remote over to his older brother, who immediately changed the channel. He and Alex walked upstairs, entering his room a few moments later.
The air of the room would’ve been welcoming, but with how cold it had been outside, Tod quickly turned off the little fan that sat on the desk. Alex silently thanked him, taking out clothes for a shower as Tod looked through his backpack for his French notes.
“Have fun studying.” Alex teased, acting as if he wouldn’t be in the exact same scenario in about thirty minutes.
“Shut up. You’re helping me when you get back.” Tod muttered, opening up a heavy textbook with a scowl. Alex disappears down the hall and into the bathroom, leaving Tod alone for a bit.
Half an hour later, Alex wanders back into the room and sits on the bed. Tod looks up, yawning.
“Finally.” He sighs, dropping whatever paper he’s looking at. Conjugations can wait, he’s decided.
“So, about your argument with Carter. Did he really run away from you?” He asked, smiling.
“I wouldn’t say he ran, Tod. He didn’t look scared, he just looked like he wanted out all of a sudden.” Alex shrugged, picking up a pencil and doodling in the corner of a paper.
“Wait, has he ever just left an argument like that before? You’re right, it doesn’t sound like him.” Tod frowns faintly, leaning against Alex’s pillows.
Alex shakes his head. “Only when a teacher told us to. This time, nobody was there.”
Tod brings his hand up to his chin, making an exaggerated thinking motion.
“Maybe he’s acting all fucked ‘cause Terry broke up with him?” Tod suggests. Alex briefly considers it, but shakes his head.
“Nah, I don’t think that’s it. They ended on good terms, didn’t they? Couples break up like that sometimes.” Alex says, picking up a paper full of vocabulary terms.
“Yeah, but still. Dude’s probably sad.” Tod says, smiling at the thought of that. Alex shakes his head.
“Sure, sure. Whatever you say.” Alex rolls his eyes, handing the paper to Tod so they can actually begin to study.
The aggressive torrent of rain continues to fall from the clouds onto the ground outside, ear-piercing booms of thunder punctuating each drop that descends from the sad sky.
Carter pulls the curtains in his bedroom closed, covering the space in a thick blanket of darkness that does little to help him feel any less exposed.
His footsteps pad softly against the wooden floors, the steady sound not even registering in his head. His mind is filled with more pressing matters, unfortunately.
He knows for a fact that Alex is likely questioning why he behaved that way. It isn’t like him to just let an altercation end like that. He’d keep arguing even if Alex’s words hit harder than his own. He’d keep arguing until he believed that he won, and that Alex was angrier than him.
The damp sleeves of his varsity jacket squeeze around his arms, attempting to trap him in their embrace. He shrugs it off quickly and tosses it to the ground, choosing to ignore the goosebumps that suddenly raise over his arms.
He can’t believe he almost lost control there. It felt so easy, too easy. That hasn’t ever happened with anyone else. Hell, it hadn’t ever happened to him around Alex until that point. Sure, there’s always been sort of a pull— some weird, nagging feeling in the back of his head that demands he get closer —but it’s never been this bad.
He hadn’t ever considered biting him before. He’s never even bitten a human. Of course, feeding from a human would give him the most energy. It’d sustain him for about a week, and that’d be perfect. Raw meat would do just fine, he guessed. He didn’t think he wanted to ever bite people, but apparently, Alex blurred those lines just a little too easily.
He doesn’t even remember what they were arguing about this time. All he remembers is the strangeness he felt when they got close— a steady thump in his ears that he quickly realized was Alex’s heartbeat, the scent of his cologne and him, the urge to bite that he quickly suppressed.
Carter takes a deep breath and lets out an exhausted sigh, running one hand through his messy hair.
The quiet pumps of his pulse were so distracting. The noise was enough to make Carter’s head spin if he listened too long, but some part of him couldn’t wait until Monday. He wanted to hear it again.
He also wanted to get himself in control. Thinking like this would lead him to do something he couldn’t get himself out of. Biting Alex would satisfy that dark need in his head, but it’d also get him into trouble, he assumed.
Even if he didn’t get a stake driven through his heart for revealing himself, there's another problem with this sudden biting fantasy. The possibility of the bite bonding the two of them is definitely there.
Sometimes, when a vampire bites a human— when those two have a deep impact on each other’s lives, such as lovers or rivals, depending on just how emotional the moment is, a bite can bond them together, whether they want it or not.
This sounds good at first, and it is until symptoms start to show. For a human, their bite never truly heals. They get more attached to their vampire counterpart and crave their presence. After learning that the vampire is immortal, they’re overcome with a deep anxiety and paranoia surrounding death. They can even grow depressed, no longer seeing a reason for progressing in life due to the fear of being left behind by the vampire.
There is a remedy to this, but most vampires either flat out refuse it, which could risk driving the human into an even deeper dependency and depression, or could save them both. The only issue is the morality of it.
To possibly save the human, the vampire can turn them. That way, they are both granted the power of immortality. To do this, they must drain the human of all of their blood and wait for them to wake back up. The human will likely be ecstatic at first, but some regret their choice.
Immortality isn’t just a decision you can make on a whim.
Carter doesn’t know how that would work for them. As far as he knows, Alex can’t stand him. Sometimes, he’ll catch him looking, and for a moment, he’ll notice something other than hatred and annoyance. Something in his eyes that looks more like curiosity and a desire to get closer, instead of burning animosity.
Maybe they could work one day. Or maybe he’s just imagining things.
He steps into the bathroom and flicks on the light switch, the soft humming of electricity filling his ears as he turns on the shower.
A shower could help him relax. It could help him forget about Alex for a moment.
Maybe the hot water washing over his body can sweep away all of the thoughts that were previously buried. Ignoring them would probably be better for him right about now.
With a sigh, he closes his eyes and tries to let himself forget.
Come Monday morning, the horrible storm that swept through the town over the weekend had mostly subsided. The sun tentatively peeks through the fluffy clouds, bringing a bit of encouraging warmth to the otherwise dreary sky.
Large puddles sit in the middle of sidewalks and on curbs, and sneakers squeak loudly against the waxed floors of their high school. Students wander the halls aimlessly, most looking for something to occupy themselves with before classes begin.
Carter isn’t any exception. He’s standing at his locker, tiredly turning the dial on his lock for the third time. With a yawn, it clicks open, and he leans against the cool metal of the locker next to his.
He probably looks horrible. His skin is dull and lifeless, and his eyes look dead. He had forgotten to eat anything on Sunday, and his body is actively protesting.
A locker a few doors down from his swung open as he sighed. He knew exactly who it was before he even glanced in their direction. Their scent gave it away.
“Are you ready for the test in French?” Tod questioned, raising an eyebrow at his best friend as he looked through his locker. Pictures of him and Alex were taped on the inside door, along with doodles he’d done during chemistry when he was bored.
Alex shrugged, opening his own locker. It looked the same, sort of. Pictures and drawings. Carter’s own locker was mostly free of decoration. He didn’t really see the point in decorating it. Terry always told him it was fun. Regardless, senior year had already started. It was September, he didn’t really get the chance to try before classes buried him in work.
“I know that I’m ready, Tod. You didn’t even study when we were together.” Alex scoffed, a small grin on his face as he watched Tod frown.
“Dude, I definitely studied. I looked over those papers twice, you watched me!” He claimed, crossing his arms.
“Glancing at them doesn’t help you take in any information. You’re still stupid when it comes to French.” Alex said, shaking his head.
“You’re such a player-hater, Alex.” Tod sighed.
“Yeah, yeah. Now come on, the bell’s about to ring.” Alex began to walk, and Tod held onto the back of his bag with one hand to keep up.
Carter had forgotten to study. Well, he didn’t quite forget, there was just something else on his mind. The universe must’ve hated him or something, because that something was on its way over.
He visibly tensed as the duo walked past him, silently cursing himself for such a stupid reaction. All he did was walk, and Carter reacted. He’s really been out of it since last week.
Alex turns to face him, and Carter doesn’t fully meet his gaze, expecting a look of annoyance on his face. When he finally does and is met with confusion instead, he’s a bit surprised.
“What’s up with you?” Alex questioned. It appears casual enough, but Tod raises his eyebrow at the undertone of concern in his voice. He drops his hand and shoves his hands into his pockets, looking between the two.
Carter doesn’t answer at first. Alex hadn’t spoken to him without a bit of sarcasm in his voice in ages. He finds that he prefers when they don’t argue. It feels nice. Alex sounds nice.
“I’m fine, Browning. I just— I just didn’t get much sleep. That’s all.” Carter mumbles, his gaze averting to the floor. Once again, he’s silently cursing himself out. Why is he acting so shy? It’s literally just Alex.
Tod feels his mouth twitch up into a smirk, but he doesn't speak. This might just be the longest these two have held a conversation without ripping each other’s throats out.
The excuse of no sleep seems sort of weak, but at least it’s believable. Besides, what else is he supposed to say?
That he almost lost control last Friday and bit him? That he’s spiraling and falling apart over a boy he’s supposedly “hated” for the past four years?
Alex tilts his head slightly, before just nodding in understanding. He doesn’t know if he believes Carter fully, but it’ll do for now. Something about the way he looks suggests more than just simple sleep deprivation.
“Oh, alright. Good luck on the test?” Alex says, turning towards Tod, whose small grin drops when he makes eye contact with him.
“Yeah, thanks. You too.” Carter replied, nodding softly. He watched the two of them wander down the hall, sighing as they went.
He really needs to focus.
“What was that about? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you talk to him without him threatening to run you over.” Tod asked, nudging Alex in the elbow.
“He looked like total shit, you didn’t see?” Alex rolled his eyes. Carter was a dick most of the time, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t concerned. His worry outweighed his pettiness, a trait about himself he both liked and hated. It made him care about Carter way too much.
Tod squinted, but eventually nodded. “True. Dude looked half-dead. You think he’s gonna flatline in the middle of the test?”
“Not funny.” Alex rolled his eyes as the bell rang, the hallways quickly filling with traffic.
“I’m being serious. I think we should have the paramedics on standby.” Tod snickered, ignoring Alex’s swift shove.
Alex decided to ignore Tod’s immaturity as they stepped inside the classroom. Tod took his seat across the classroom— Mr. Murnau had separated them about fifty times. After the test, he’d probably find his way back over. He frowned as he sat down, already dreading what was to come.
Alex sat down on the other side of the room, glancing up when Carter sat in front of him. He looked just as tense as before. Was it the test, or something else?
Terry sits next to him, and he sighs before smiling at her, exhaustion seeping into each and every one of his movements. Alex frowned faintly as the test began, papers gently landing against their desks.
For the first few minutes of the test, Carter can barely hear himself think. The sound of pencils scratching paper drives him crazier than usual today, and of course, the ultimate distraction is right behind him, oblivious to just how much he’s wrecked Carter’s life. Every time Alex takes in a breath or sighs, Carter holds his own.
Eventually, Terry slides Carter a small slip of paper. He takes it and gives her a look. She rolls her eyes and motions for him to hurry and open it.
Once he does, he takes a moment to actually reply.
“Are you okay?” Is what the note reads. Nice, neat cursive handwriting sprawls across the slip of paper. He bites his bottom lip.
No, he isn’t okay. He doesn’t know if she’d get why he isn’t, though. He nods at her the next time she glances over, sliding the paper into his pocket. She scoffs but leaves him alone, continuing to work on her test.
She definitely knows something’s up.
Across the room, Tod tries mouthing questions to Alex. He’s totally lost, and it’s obvious. Alex just grins and shrugs, totally leaving him to fend for himself.
Carter glances around the room just as Alex looks in his direction, a faint smile on his face as they make eye contact. He looks away just as fast, turning around. Alex’s grin fades slightly, but he doesn’t speak or react, he just turns his attention back to his paper.
Carter’s been acting off since Friday. Alex wonders why, but he tries not to let it distract him. If he fails this test, his parents won’t be happy.
In front of him, Carter nervously bites his bottom lip. He swears that when they looked at each other, Alex’s heart rate picked up, just slightly. There's a possibility, isn’t there?
Before he can convince himself of that any further, he attempts to force himself to focus on his test. Acting like a middle schooler with a crush isn’t really the best thing to be doing right now.
Once the bell rings, everyone stands and leaves. Alex and Tod follow one another out of the door, giggling about what they think their scores will be. Carter grows slightly jealous then. Alex is so carefree and calm, while Carter’s life is actively being ruined. He wishes his body had never decided it’d be fun to obsess over every little thing that Alex did.
Terry taps his shoulder as he shrugs his bag up onto his shoulders. She smiled at him and sighed.
“Y’know, if you need to talk, I’m here. I’m still your friend, Carter.” She said softly. Carter smiled back. They had broken up before the school year began, but she was always so understanding still.
The two of them then leave, going their separate ways to walk down different halls. Carter silently thanks whoever made his schedule for the fact that he doesn’t have this class with Alex.
No more distractions, no more paying attention to the littlest things about someone he’s supposed to despise. For now, he can try to relax without Alex’s presence.