Nate

Seth's angry/sleepy face came to view as soon as he finally opened the front door. "What?"

"Good morning you too." I chuckled, amused at how obviously hangovered he was as he groaned and stepped aside to let me in. His movements slow and dragged.

"What are you doing here so early?"

"Early?" I followed him to the living room and coughed another laugh when he instantly laid down. "It's practically midday."

"It's also Saturday." he whined, picking the cereal box from the couch's feet and hugged it to his chest, eyes half closed as he eat them. "Since when you're up for shit one Saturday?" he swallowed heavily and snuggled closer in the couch.

I rolled my eyes. I was in such a good mood right now and he won't bring me down with his laziness. "Whatever. Can I have some water?"

"Mh, you know where everything is. Make yourself home." and munched some more cereal.

I laughed and circled the couch towards the small kitchen on the left. "When are your parents coming back?" I asked loudly seeking for a glass in the cupboard and holding it under the sink.

"Tonight I guess. I just get their text saying they're about to get on the plane so..." I nodded to myself, my guts curling in disappointment. "Why?" I barely understood him with his mouth full.

"Nothing. Just wondering."

It was not unusual for Seth's parents to be away at conventions and fairs for their job, so most of the times when my flat gets too much for me to take I could refugee here. Guess tonight I won't be able to.

I could always ask Bear. I rather not to, but then again... I shivered at the thought of Harold losing his shit knowing I hadn't stepped home since Friday's morning. After the match I went to that party and today I'd wake up at Nadia's. Guess that was part of the good mood I was in now.

As if reading my thoughts I heard him slurred from the living room as I brought the glass to my lips, cold liquid refreshing my throat. "Man, you totally disappeared yesterday. Did Nadia gave you a good time?"

I laughed. "The best." I heard a tired chuckle from him as well as I poured more water on the glass. "Seth?" I heard his hummed. "I talked to Mr Maisten yesterday."

"Our coordinator? What for?"

I was smiling even before I voiced the reason of the hope in my chest. "He helped me with the application."

"Appl- Holly shit! Through the kitchen door I saw him straightening his back in the couch and turning to look at me wide eyes. "Don't tell me. You can fulfill a proper application?"

My smile stretched further. "Then I won't tell you."

"Man!" he cheered falling on his back again with a winning chuckle I immediately mimicked. "That's precious. You deserve it. Told you that article would work magic."

True. Since it was released at the beginning of last week it had been the talk. At first I felt a bit unease about an interview of me getting spread like that but people loved it. It had an amazing reception and coach Grey amazed me getting involved in its distribution between some acquaintances he'd had in a more college level, getting really positive comments and interest of the scouts.

"Looks like it. They said I must send a proper application, adding the article and a video tape so they would send scouts here if they're interested." I explained excited.

"That's so cool, man."

"Yeah..." but my smile slowly vanished when I remembered something else.

My application was ready, shinny and perfect as it'd ever be, but there was one tiny little problem. To use that article I needed the autor's scripted permission.

I'd talked to Mrs Glennson and already managed to get Dawson to sign the permission I printed, but with Hailey it wouldn't be that easy. For the whole week, all times I'd tried to approach her had been immediately shut down. Right before coming here, I'd sent her a text summarizing her the whole thing so maybe she remembered she'd agreed to let me use the article and don't give me much trouble in signing it as well.

Seth frown deepened more and more as I tell him all this.

"I've texted her." I admitted in the end turning towards the sink again, in part so he wouldn't see how -as much as I tried to deny it- this shit with her affected me for some reason.

I heard my friend humming through the thin wall separating us. "And her response?"

"None yet."

"Well," laughed nonchalantly Seth, puzzling me. "You kinda brought this to yourself when you went and made her a target, don't you?"

"What?" I scowled, an unease feeling nesting in my chest as always that someone brought last Friday back. I finally finished the water and lowered the glass from my mouth to the sink, returning to the living room where Seth was more awaken and staring at me pointedly but he just made no sense. Made her a target? "I've never done such a thing and you know it. It was all meaningless."

With a groan, I let myself fall on the couch as well and closed my eyes in frustration, just laying there. Why do girls have to be so sensitive? It's not like I planned to kiss her. It just kinda happen. And now she's just being stubborn.

"That's the problem, dude." he clicked his tongue picking another bunch of cereal, loudly munching them before forcefully swallowing. "You made it seem okay to just do that when she clearly didn't want you to kiss her."

The bluntness in which he spoke about the obvious rejection Hailey had to my move only made my irritation grow.

"The fuck are you talking about? She slapped me, remember? In what universe that's making it seem okay?"

He scoffed rolling his eyes. "You're like a two year old brat."

"Excuse me?"

"Have you even considerate what people said about her after that?"

I opened my mouth, ready to snarl something back; but my words faded when I realized that, indeed, I hadn't. "No." I frowned. "What are they saying?"

"Well, I don't exactly have a list, but the nicest is call her easy."

"What?" the pressure in my chest increased as his words sunk in. "Why?"

"Why do you think?"

I shook my head, completely taken aback. People bothered her because of that? I hadn't noticed. Well, not like we exactly spent a lot of time in each other's presence so I wouldn't be able to know.

"Ugh," a whine come from the hallway and there stood a yawny Kimberly. Wearing a huge T-shirt that reached her mid tights -Seth's probably- and her black hair messy as ever, not like the perfect untangled mane you'd see on a regular day. "It's early people. Do you have to be so loud?"

"It's past midday, Kimmy." snorted Seth mockingly - as if he wasn't just as tired- and she sent him a glare walking towards the kitchen.

"Shut up."

I wasn't expecting to see her here, but it honestly didn't surprise me. Kimmy tends to get too carried away at parties and most of the times she ended in someone else's house.

I knew she hated her home almost as much as I hated mine, but she was equally vague about telling us the reason. Judging from the dark patched of make up half removed and the grimace in her face, I believe she was enjoying hangover as well as Seth.

"She's such a lady." teased my friend further at her ways and looks. "So soft, delicate..."

"Haven't I said shut up?" she returned with the coffee pot and a mug. "Move."

With an eye roll I lowered my feet from the coffee table so she could pass and settle up between us, digging in the cushions and letting the things she brought where my feet had been. Then she sent me a glance.

"I didn't recall you staying here as well. Was I really that wasted?"

I smirked. "You probably were, but no. I just came here."

"Jerk."

I was about to respond, but my phone vibrated and I slid it out my pocket. My guts twitching when I read the incoming text.

: okay, bring it monday and i'll sign it

Well, at least she'd answered it. But I wasn't having that.

: Monday? I need it as soon as possible

"Oh." Kimmy caught a glimpse of it over my shoulder before I put the phone away and sent me a glance. "Are you and Gracie finally on talking terms?"

Not even close, but I bit it back and instead what came out my mouth was: "Don't call her that."

The girl frowned, brushing her thick mane up in a loosen ponytail. "Call her what? Gracie? And why the fuck no?"

"Because."

They exchange a look and as Seth shrugged, amused more than anything Kimmy's brows knitted even closer. "You know? You're pickier than ever since that girl convinced you to do that fucked up interview."

My eyes narrowed at her tone. Classic Kimberly but today I wasn't having that. "Oh really? Turns out that fucked up interview got me a clean path for a possible scholarship."

"No way." her eyes widened, her frown melting into a smile. "You're bluffing."

"I'm not." I grinned back and she squealed and threw her arms around my neck.

"Nate, that's great!"

"You made a rhyme there." laughed Seth; but she barely heard him, pulling away and holding me an arm length to look at me.

"This is so massive. You must be so proud."

My grin stretched further. "I'd barely done anything."

"Take all that fake modesty and shoved it where it fits, okay? I don't wanna hear that bullshit ever again." I chuckled at her passive, aggressive compliments-attacks. Classic Kimmy. And she pulled me in for another bone crushing hug. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks."

She smiled radiantly. Even in a mess of hair and huge clothes like that the girl was gorgeous. I had no doubt why she was so popular within the male population. Kimmy was beyond pretty, hot as hell, and a total bombshell.

If I hadn't known her for all my life I probably would go after her myself, even with the sassy anger issues she got, Kimberly Thander was a total catch. Maybe with a halo a bit too dark for the perfect girl, but close enough.

Either way, considering I did know her for that long and so well, any kind of sexual tension between us had been cut years ago.

"Now," she cleared her throat, turning to the coffee pot and pouring the fuming liquid to the mug. The smell immediately filled the room. "I'm guessing you need the girl's permission for the application, am I right?"

I nodded, checking back the phone and frowning when I saw Hailey hadn't replied anything yet.

"Maybe I should go check if she's home and get over with it already." and maybe that way I'd be able to explain I didn't mean anything with that kiss and that I didn't intend for her to become a target or whatever. It was just a mistake.

She already hated me, last thing I needed was to add more firewood to her already burning dislike for me.

Well, you already have. I almost grimaced at the thought, my mood dropping again.

Kimmy frowned through her pronounced yawn while picking up the mug. "Why don't you try approaching her like a normal person would, uh?"

My jaw clenched and I spoke through clenched teeth. "I tried, Kimmy, but she ditched me."

"Mhm." she carefully blew the hot drink, but cringed her nose when Seth offered her cereals. "Not hungry, thank you. Well," her attention back to me as she stirred her mug lazily. "Didn't you said she sent Nadia instead?"

"Well, yeah, I mean-"

"And didn't you two enjoy yourself in there?"

My eyes narrowed. "Yes. But-"

"No buts here, honey." she took a sip and sighed. "You proved to be just as manwhore as Gracie thought. And trust me, her kind is extremely sensitive with that."

I tensed all over. "The fuck you just called me?"

"A manwhore." she repeated slowly not bothered in the slightest. I couldn't believe she was lecturing me about promiscuity. At my glare she gave me a smirk. "Yep, it takes one to know one."

"I'm not a manwhore." I might have the reputation, but Kimmy of all the people must know I wasn't like that indeed. Yeah, I often hit it off with Nadia. And with Trish from time to time. And I don't like commitment. But I didn't sleep around. And I wouldn't tolerate that from her.

"And he keeps barking..."

Unnerved, I picked up my phone and get up. "Look, if you're not going to help me, I'll just go."

"Calm your tits, Nate, and just listen." she grimaced taking another small sip and brought one hand to brush her forehead. "My head hurts like a bitch and I'm not in the mood to start a quarrel with you. Sit down." I did, arms folded and jaw clenched. "I know you're not, but do you think Gracie sees it that way?"

"I honestly don't care that much." I sent her another flat look, but I guess the frantic bouncing of my leg gave me away.

Seth let out a quiet laugh, watching us amused as if seeing a live movie and Kimberly rolled her eyes. "I'm not even gonna pretend I believe that lame bullshit, so listen: think it from her side of the story. For some reason," her pointed look making it obvious she's still wanting to know the reason I was yet to share with them. "She already didn't like you that much before Friday. We all saw you and Queen Bitch being all cozy in front of everyone. Then you kiss her. And then you and Nadia did the usual at the after party. And again on Monday. And yesterday for what we know."

"Since when is my sexual life any of your business?"

"Oh, come on. Since you are like a girl on her period whenever she's involved in a conversation."

"Hey!" Seth jerked forwards with a scowl. "You smacked me when I made period jokes."

"I'm a girl. I'm allowed to." Kimmy rolled her eyes. "And Nate is clearly a moody girl right now."

"I'm not."

"You are. But it's okay. Just solve it."

"It's not like that, okay? Then I didn't intend to kiss her. It's... complicated. But there nothing like that between us. I just don't like people being mad at me."

It wasn't a lie, but we all knew it also wasn't the truth. I could tell by the way Seth rolled his eyes and Kimmy sighed. "Another lame excuse."

"It's not. I don't."

"Whatever. If it bothers you that much go and made her understand you... whatever it is you want her to understand. I wouldn't know, since you keep it top secret. But if you keep being a pain in the ass or letting her get through people's bullshit like that, I'll be the one to talk to Gracie, and you won't like it."

"Don't call her-"

"I'll call her whatever the fuck I want, okay?"

I was surprised and frustrated she was taking her side. "You don't even know what happen."

"I don't need to. I'm sure I'm team Gracie. Now go and make things clear, for fucks sake."

Baffled, I met Seth's amused gaze, but he immediately held up his hands. "She said it, man. She said it all."

I glanced down at the phone. Still no texts. I sighed, my stomach curling uncomfortably.

Guess it was clear what I should do, right?

I waited 'till I was sure lunch time was over to knock the door, convinced it would only add another reason to the reasons why she hated me if I interrupted then. I waited nervously at the doorstep, shifting unease and wondering if it was really the right thing to do.

As soon as the door opened there she was, immediately frowning when she took me in.

"What are you doing here?" but I got my own question:

"What on earth are you wearing?"

"An apron." Hailey rolled her eyes as if it was obvious, but her cheeks flamed and I was almost tempted to smile at her awkwardness. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, a large apron laced however across her waist and still there were drops of dough splashing her clothes, flour on her arms and face. "I was... busy."

She folded her arms protectively, but the way she squirmed was insecure. I could tell she was either surprise to see me there or self-conscious about the mess she was. Maybe both.

I was a second away to burst into laughing, but managed to bite it down heavily.

"You wanted something?"

"Yes, errrm." I scratched the back of my neck, that feeling of apprehension back in my lungs. "Can we talk?"

"I've sent you a text..."

"I know. I texted back."

Her eyes widened. "You did? Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't seen it. I've been-"

"Busy." it was impossible for me to get upset when she was looking like that. "I see."

Hailey pursed her brows, eying me suspiciously and ready to say something else but a noise from inside caught her attention and she bit her lip nervously, unconsciously attracting my attention there. That feeling at the pit of my stomach ignited through my veins at the small gesture and I ripped my gaze from them. The fuck is wrong with me?

"You... You want me to sign something, right?" Another thud." I..." More noises. "Shit. Hold on. I told you to leave it!" she yelled inside the house and we heard cusses and fast steps.

"Fine!" one of the twins shouted back and Hailey sighed back at me.

"Look, I'm sorry, but now I have a lot in my hands. I think I'll go crazy, so if you came by later or on Monday-"

"I can help." it came out before I could process the thought, surprising both me and the girl covered in flour, I could tell by her widened eyes but I keep mine as casual as I could. As if I didn't just blurted that out of no where.

"W-what?"

Exactly, Nate What?! But outside I just shrugged.

"Whatever you're doing. I can help."

"Oh. I... I don't want to be a burden." she stuttered. "You probably got other things to do..."

"Not really." Considering everyone I know was suffering a massive hangover or with plans and that I wanted to delay my coming home as much as I can, I found myself without a plan. But was I really offering to stay at Hailey's doing God knows what? Had I gone mad?

Her eyes scanned me, unsure as if to take my offer or not, but I saw desperation swirl under her orbs and she again bit her lip.

Don't. Look. Down, Nate.

"You know, maybe it's a good thing you're here." she took my forearm and hesitatingly pulled me inside, shutting the door. Okay then. "I'm making the twins cupcakes. For tomorow's fair." she explained tugging me towards an equally messed up kitchen.

"You're making them? Why don't they?"

She grimaced. "You haven't seemed them cooking. It's scary." I rose one brow, glancing pointedly at her attire and again she blushed. "Shut up. Here." and passed me a bowl. "Beat the eggs. "but then hesitate another moment and looked at me almost guiltily, her voice tiny. "You know how to make cupcakes?"