Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Name: Evelynn Isabela Lee-Jackson-Cava
How she introduces: Lynn Lee

Family:

• Prescott Lee (Dad)
• Victoria Jackson (Mom)
• Abigail Cava (Mama)
• Samuel Jackson-Lee (Eldest)
• Nathaniel Cava-Lee (Eldest Quadruplet)
• Sebastian Cava-Lee (Second)
• Benjamin Cava-Lee (Third)
• Oliver Cava-Lee (Fourth)
• Evangeline Cava (Cousin)

Personality: Lynn is a kind and warm person that often goes out of her way to ensure her circle of people are at ease and comfortable with her. She likes helping others and goes out of her way for her friends, but she's not easily taken advantage of because she knows her limitations. Generous as she is, she is very skeptical of people that remind her of her ex. When one of her friends/family are uncomfortable due to another person, she won't hesitate to bare her teeth at the offending person.

Due to past experience, she is apprehensive about soulmate relationships. She prefers to wait and observe before leaping forward, though that isn't always the case. Despite this, she is a little flirty and playful to others, keeping it lighthearted and fun.

[Note: This is a work of fiction for her birth. Evelynn is born as a result of her moms combining their eggs and having it fertilized by her dad. She's the only one of her siblings to be born to all three parents.]

Appearance: Lynn has darker brown skin and hazel brown-green eyes. Her raven black hair is long and thick, with corkscrew curls. Since it can get in the way a lot, she usually puts it in buns, or braids. For her last birthday, her dad paid for her to get her hair dyed dark blue. Both of her ears are triple pierce, but she usually wears clear studs at school. She wears contacts in public and her glasses at home. She's slightly above average height at 5'7" and on the curvier side.
She likes to wear comfortable, baggy clothes. Her style is generally very pretty and girl with pastel colors. She does have a couple of darker, leather outfits for the rare occasion.

Soulmates--

This universe has two types of soulmates: Romantic and Platonic.

Person A has their soulmate's name, Person B, somewhere on their body. Person A's tattoo is written in Person B's penmanship. Person A will know if it is a romantic or platonic bond by the color of the tattoo: Yellow is platonic and black is romantic. Everyone has a soulmate, though not everyone finds their soulmate. And, if a person is asexual/bi/gay/ect, their bond will reflect that. It's not rare for someone to have multiple soulmates, but it's usually only two-three. If someone has more than that, they tend to cover most of their names as those with several marks are typically studied in attempts to understand the mechanics of soulmate markings.

Soulmate pairings:

• Prescott/Abigal/Victoria- Romantic; Poly
• Samuel/TBA- Romantic; Bi
• Nathaniel/Sebastian/Benjamin/Oliver- Platonic; Ace/Aro
• Lynn
  • Platonic
    • Emma
    • Eva
    • Caleb
  • Romantic
    • Michael
    • Maria
    • Aiden
• Eva
  • Platonic
    • Julian
    • Koh
    • Ezra
    • Nishan
    • Max
    • Lynn
  • Romantic
    • Ace
    • Logan
    • Wes

Chapter Text

As Lynn steps out from her car to her cousin's school, she isn't surprised to see two familiar faces. Julian Castillo, star football player, and Wes Porter, master of all information, stand some feet apart from each other, clearly waiting for her and clearly uncomfortable. They have few things in common, but they care deeply for them all: Angel, Autumn, this school, and her. She lovingly categorizes them with her as her older brothers, both touched and guilty they're putting up with each other for her sake.

Julian and Wes both look up as she approaches, giving her approving look.

"Looking good, pipsquirt," Julian grins as he walks to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close.

"You think so?" She questions, nervously patting herself. She wore a deep blue sundress with long, puffy sleeves and a cream corset around her middle. Her legs are covered with cream thigh highs and dark blue Mary Jane pumps. Her rainbow streaked hair is pulled into twintails with blue hair ribbons, bangs framing her face. The Peter Pan collar covers her soulmark along her collarbone. Her jewelry is are all birthday gifts: earrings from her brothers, and her rings given to her by dad in lieu of moms.

Julian watches her with his big cow eyes and dimples, the very picture of easygoing, boyish charm.

"We're going to beat everyone back with sticks," Wes says flippantly, dark eyes observing. 

"Okay," she rolls her eyes. Wes flashes her a lazy grin, reaching a hand out to ruffle her head. She ducks beneath Julian's arm and uses him as a shield, resulting in Julian's shoulder being coddled by Wes. The two stare at where they're joined for a moment before Wes takes his hand back, saying nothing. Julian shrugs his shoulder, rolling it, uncomfortable tension beginning to spread.

"Ready for your first day?" Julian speaks up after a moment.

"Yeah! I can't wait to meet everyone."

"Just be careful," Wes warns her.

"Why?"

"You know why, kid."

She flinches at the reminder and Julian pulls her into his side. He turns a dark gaze to Wes, who meets it evenly. "There's no need for that, Wes," he grinds out.

"It doesn't hurt to be prepared, Julian," he returns, calmly.

Deciding to break this up before it can go any further, Lynn reasserts herself into the conversation. "I appreciate the concern, Wes. Don't worry, I'll be careful. You too Julian, thank you."

The duo pause as they watch her for a moment, observing. She stops with them, looking back and forth between them. "What?"

Wes grins as he shakes his head, his long strides matching three of her steps. Julian answers for them both, voice soft as his eyes, "You're just like Angel."

The mention of their shared soulmate and best friend lifts their spirits as smiles spread across their face. Wes shakes his head and pulls her into his side, walking her to the school. "C'mon, your family won't be happy with us if we make you late."

Julian quickly catches up, his equally long legs catching him up to Lynn's short ones.

"Hey, if you want, you can join me during lunch," Julian offered. "If you can't find anyone to sit with, I mean."

"Or me," Wes speaks up, not one to be outdone. "I can show you all the ins and outs of everyone here."

"Don't try and turn her into a mini-you," Julian gripes.

Wes's face twists with overly dramatic offense. "She would be honored to become my protégé!"

As the two of them begin their playful squabble, Lynn watches with bright, happy eyes. She had met these two early on, before the drama with Autumn truly set in, and this is how she remembers them: playful and happy, even when at odds. It's nice, she'll have to tell Angel about this during their weekly FaceTime.

It isn't long before their squabbling turns from her being Wes' apprentice to other silly, nonsense things. She listens with a large grin, the trio making their way to the courtyard that holds Ollie the Tiger. They both knew she wanted to see it on her first day. In no time at all, they're standing before it and Lynn stares at it with a wide grin, a little awed. The plaque holds Angel's quote from her first day opening this school, talking about how everyone wills always be welcomed here.

Before anyone can speak up again, they're stopped by another familiar face: Autumn.

"Wes? Julian, what are you two-" Autumn cuts herself off as she spies Lynn wedged between the two, almost comically tiny compared to the two giants.

There is a pregnant pause as the now quartet stand, the tension starting to rise again. Before it can get much further, Lynn quickly speaks up, "Hey, Autumn. Taking pictures?"

Autumn glances at the camera in her hands, as though she had forgotten all about it. "Oh! Uhm, yeah, for the yearbook. I'm in charge since the one in charge for it last year graduated. I was actually looking for you, Lynn."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I wanted to ask if I could get your picture with Ollie for the yearbook."

"Yeah! That sounds like it'd be fun," Lynn smiles. She hands her bag to Wes, who looks mildly amused at being reduced to her packhorse. "So should I just...?" Lynn hops up on the base, her feet just barely too short to reach the ground.

"Perfect!" Autumn chirps as she quickly snaps a couple photos, moving around the achieve several different angles. "Okay, that should be good."

"Lookin' good, kid," Wes pipes up, sidling next to Autumn as Julian moves to help Lynn down.

"Thanks, Wes!" She beams at him, her confidence soaring in the face of three friends' support.

"Do you need us to show you around, pipsqueak?"

"No, I think I'll be okay," she assures them. As much as she appreciates the support, she needs to find her own friends and not rely on Angel's all the time. "Thanks though."

"Just let us know if you change your mind, kid," Wes says as he accompanies Autumn to wherever, not passing up the opportunity to ruffle her hair. She glares at his back, vaguely annoyed with both him and the amused grin on Julian's face.

"See ya," Julian chuckles, kissing the top of her head. She scrunches her face up at him and he laughs as he goes off, joining his own group of friends still not yet graduated.

Lynn rolls her eyes at him as she turns back to Ollie, drawing strength from the fact that Angel's here with her in spirit. Her cousin walked these hallways, worked hard to build this place from the ground up. She made sure this place stayed open to all throughout all these years, now famous for their second chances. This school takes pride in the fact that when they take in last-chance students, they all tend to thrive here.

From behind her, a voice spoke up: "Are you okay? You kinda look like a deer in headlights right now."

Lynn startles a little, looking over to see who spoke. She's a pretty blonde with long, straight hair, warm brown eyes, and a friendly smile. Though she's not particularly tall she still manages to almost loom over Lynn. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed to get my bag," she says as she pulls on her bag. "And a bit of first day nerves. I'm Lynn."

"I definitely know what that feels like," she giggles. "Emma Hawkins."

Lynn's breath hitches at the name. That name is tattooed just behind her left ear, in a sunshine yellow and squished handwriting. She nervously tucks nonexistent hair behind her left ear, hoping to cover the writing there. The tattoo almost seems to burn, like a beacon, and Lynn smiles despite the pit in her stomach. While Lynn goes through the revelation that one of her soulmates is right in front of her, Emma doesn't notice anything amiss and keeps chatting.

"-and I nearly hyperventilated my first day last year and got sent to the nurse's office because of it," Emma smiles. "But anyway, I was wondering if you could use a friend. Since it's your first day and all!"

"I guess I could," Lynn smiles thinly. "My cousin graduated last year, and she told me all about the school. Could you help me find 225B?"

"No way! That's my homeroom too!" Emma beams, quickly glancing at her wristwatch. "We should get going. Wouldn't want you late on your first day!" Emma links their arms together and begins walking, leading Lynn through the vaguely familiar hallways. Though she's confident she could've found her way to class on time, she isn't arrogant enough to think she'd do it without getting lost at least once.

"Here it is!"

Lynn enters first, most of the seats occupied. The only free seats are at the very front and the back.

"Let's grab those ones at the back-" Emma is cut off when someone rushes past them, dropping herself into the seat.

Half her head is shaved, the rest dyed blue. She wears dark colors and a well-worn leather jacket, and small gauges in her ears. "You snooze, you lose. This one's mine. And that one," she nods to the other seat, "is Michael's."

Lynn doesn't react to the name on the outside, but starts to panic on the inside. Michael is a plenty common first name, there's no way he's her Michael. There's no way that she meets a second soulmate at her new school, no way....right?

Just as the thought crosses her mind, a teen even larger than both Julian and Wes, both of whom stand at 5'11" and 6'0", bumps into her. She stumbles back, but Emma catches her before she goes farther. She cranes her neck back to stare up at him, idly wondering how small she must look like to him in her 5'3" glory. He's handsome with a sharp jawline, broad shoulders, and perfectly tousled hair that looks perfect for someone to run their fingers through.

"Like what you see?" He questions with a smirk, brow raised.

Lynn's cheeks heat up a little, a bit flustered. She may have had two relationships, but that doesn't mean she is good with someone flirting with her. "I wasn't..."

"No worries," Michael's smirk is replaced with an easygoing smile. "Sorry I bumped into you. Just trying to get to my seat."

It's fine cause we're not soulmates.

"Your seat? Mm, maybe I could sit on your lap then?" She smiles at him, doing her best to keep her cheeks from getting any redder.

"That might make it kind of tough for me to concentrate."

"That's kinda the idea."

Michael grins, a gleam of interest in his eyes, "You seem like my kind of bad...but I'm not into PDA."

Lynn keeps up her nonchalant, flirty exterior in spite of the mess that is her insides. She shrugs and steps out of his way, this time so he won't bump into her again, idly commenting, "Guess I'll have to take a rain check."

"I'm looking forward to it," Michael returns as he goes to his seat.

Lynn turns to Emma, who is wide eyed at the interaction. "Looks like it's the front row for us."

That snaps her out of her daze. "I...I can't sit there!" Emma quietly exclaims, clutching at Lynn's arm like a lifeline.

"Why not? Is there something wrong besides getting called on a bit more?"

"It's not that. It's just..." Emma denies, subtly nodding to the seats. "I can't sit next to Caleb."

No. Fucking. Way.

"'Caleb' who?" Lynn questions as she follows her finger, gaze shifting over.

"Caleb Mitchell."

Are they all just hiding here? If one more soulmate is here she just might quit school. Caleb's tattoo, messy and thick script in a soft yellow, is on her left hipbone and just warms at his name. It's slow and soft, like the warmth from a hug rather than the quickness of Emma's. "That guy? He's cute."

He is lean and wiry, about average height, with a warm smile. His dark curls are short and toffee eyes full of laughter, cald in jeans and a long sleeve pushed back to expose his forearms. He's cute in that 'boy-next-door' kind of way.

"Yeah. Really, really cute."

Lynn's eyes go back to Emma, lifting a brow as Emma looks at him with pink cheeks. "Oh, you mean... you like him?"

If she did, Lynn wouldn't have a problem of it. Lynn grew up with a family of many partners and soulmates, and it is pretty common for two people that share a soulmate start dating each other. Besides, she has several soulmates, it'd be nice if they didn't feel lacking in attention.

"Not so loud!" Emma hisses. "Caleb is. . .out of my league. He's the school's star wide receiver. And super nice. And funny. And handsome..."

Lynn nods, an exaggeratedly sage look on her face, "So, golden boy football god. Got it."

"Just. . .you take the seat next to him, okay? Give me a buffer," Emma pleads.

Lynn gently pats Emma's forearm and leads the blonde to the seats. They sit, Lynn between Emma and Caleb, and the 'football god' turns with a wide grin. "You must be new! Welcome to Berry High, I'm Caleb."

"Hi, Caleb," Lynn wiggles her fingers at him, "I'm Lynn Lee."

"Really?" Caleb asks, looking surprised. "I have a goldfish named Lynn!"

"Sounds like we were destined to meet." The irony.

"You can tell already, huh?"

"Let's just say I've got a sixth sense for these things."

"Cool," Caleb smiles. "Maybe you can read my fortune sometime."

Did he believe in things like that? "What do you want to know?"

"Guess I'm curious. Do you think I'll end up together with my girlfriend, Zoe? Like...forever?"

Her mind flashes to the tattoo on her hip and silently hopes it won't be the cause of any relationship problems. Thankfully, before she has to scrounge up some sort of answer, she's interrupted as the guy behind her looks up from his phone and groans, "Bro, are you still talking about Zoe? You are way too hung up on that chick. I mean, yeah. She's hot. Like, super hot. But you talk about her like she's your soulmate or something-- or a wife. I'd get it if she was your soulmate, but wives are just... boring."

Caleb turns to his friend with a grin, "Buddy, one day you'll fall in love. And you'll realize that boring can be the greatest thing in the world. And besides, there's no guarantee that I’ll meet my soulmate."

"You sound like my mom. And she's the uncoolest person I know."

Wow. The guy turns to her, a glare screwing up his freckled face and brows furrow. Oh, she realizes belatedly, I said that aloud. Oops.

"You got something you want to say to me?" He demanded.

"Oh, nothing," Lynn says lamely.

He continues to glare at her for a brief second before a grin spreads across his face and he leans forward, "That's what I thought." He grabs a lock of hair and she stiffens as he twirls the dyed lock around his finger, "You know, I'm a big fan of people who know when to keep their mouths shut. You should totally come to my party tonight."

Out of the corner of her eye, Lynn can see Caleb's smile drop.

"Uhm, what?"

He keeps playing with her lock of hair, ignoring the way she shifts uncomfortably. "All the best people will be there, trust me. And... not to state the obvious here, but uh, leave your little sidekick at home," he nods his head to Emma. Emma's face, which had been tinged with indignation on her behalf, fell. "Sorry to have to do that, but, you know. Standards," he shrugs with a grin, trading the lock for a different one.

"Right...of course..." Emma mumbles, standing and starting to the door just as the teacher walks in.

"In case you didn't notice, Emma," Ms. Maddox speaks evenly, "class is about to start."

Emma shakes her head and steps around the teacher, "I..I'll be back in a minute." She hurries out the classroom before Ms. Maddox can speak.

"That." He let go of her hair as he leans back in his seat, "Was. Hilarious. Please tell me someone got that on video!"

Caleb turns to his friend with a glare, irritated, "You don't have to be such a jerk all the time, you know."

His friend rolls his eyes, "Dude. . .come on. It was funny. Lynn agrees, don't ya?"

Before she can even turn around, Ms. Maddox meets her eye, casually dropping a hall pass on her desk. "Seems like maybe someone should go check on her..." She says lightly. Lynn smiles thinly and takes the pass, hurrying out the door. She shuts the door, just spotting the girls' restroom door closing behind Emma.

Lynn follows after her, entering the restroom to find Emma crying softly by the sink. "Emma!" Lynn exclaims, rushing over.

Emma looks up from her hands, face just beginning to puff up and eyes a little bloodshot, "Lynn? What are you doing in here?"

The short teen pulls Emma into a hug, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "How about checking in on my friend?"

A slight smile spreads on Emma's face, "I'll be okay. You should just go back--"

"And leave you here to cry?" Lynn shakes her head, pulling away from the hug to smile at Emma. "Sorry, but you're stuck with me from now to forever." Emma giggled, sniffling as she wiped her tears.

"Thanks. I'm really grateful for you checking on me, but you still shouldn't have followed me..." She sighs as she turns to the mirror and frowns at her reflection. "You've actually got a chance to be somebody at this school. . .to actually have a life."

Lynn matches her frown and grabs some paper towels, "Here, let me clean you up." Emma lets out a breath of air and nods.

Lynn wets a paper towel, ringing out the excess water and gently wipes Emma's face. As she did so, Emma relaxes. "I don't get it, Em. As far as I can tell, there's nothing wrong with you."

Emma sighs, "It's always been this way, Ly. I'm on the outside looking in. I spent all of last year working on homework, reading trashy YA novels, and doodling pictures of Caleb in my notebook."

Lynn exchanges the paper towel for a new one, drying her face. "I've never even been to a party. I've always told myself that it's by choice. . .that I wouldn't even want to go to one. When Brian said that..." she trails off for a moment as her voice trembles. "...I knew I'd been lying to myself."

"Em, trust me," Lynn says as she trashes the towels, "Brian just sucks in general."

Emma giggles, her face scrunching up cutely, "Heh. It's nice to hear someone finally say that out loud."

Lynn digs through her bag, which she had forgotten to remove earlier, and pulls out a couple of things. Grabbing the brush, she runs it through Emma's hair, making it look picture perfect again. "Most people are too afraid to stand up to him."

Emma sighs deeply as Lynn finishes, "Sorry, I'm just tired... tired of feeling like a loser."

Lynn speaks as she grabs her perfume bottle, "If you think you're a loser, then let's change something!"

The blonde closes her eyes as she bares her neck, allowing Lynn to spritz her. She sniffs and smiles at the pleasant smell, opening her eyes as Lynn sprayed Emma's and her own wrists. "What is that?"

"Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum," Lynn recites the name.

Emma pales, mouth parting, "You have Coco Chanel?"

Lynn shrugs, not allowing any awkwardness to spill out as she puts the small bottle away, "It was a gift."

Emma opens her mouth again, before shaking her head and changing her mind, "What's going to change? People like me are supposed to suffer through high school. I'm nervous and awkward, that's just who I am."

"So? Clear or colored?" Lynn holds up a tube of lip gloss and lipstick.

"Clear. And so, jerks like Brian will always be around to remind girls like me that I don't belong." She pauses as Lynn applies the gloss, rubbing her lips together before pursing them. Lynn nods and Emma thinly smiles, "That's just the way it's always been."

"Not anymore. What's past is past," Lynn denies as she applies a fresh coat of creamy matte lipstick in Nude Nuance. "But I'm at this school now. Forget everything you thought you knew. It's a brand new world."

Emma smiles, "You really think so?"

"I know so," Lynn corrects. "Stick with me. Your whole life is about to get a whole lot better." She taps Emma's nose, chortling when Emma's face scrunches up cutely again.

"I believe you, but...why are you doing this for me?"

Lynn smiles softly as she puts the lipstick tube down and takes Emma's hands in her own, looking imploringly at Emma. "Em, beneath all that nervous awkwardness, I see a really sweet girl and one of my friends," Lynn speaks with a conviction that warms Emma all over.

A wide, ecstatic grin spreads across Emma's face and she pulls Lynn into a big hug. "Thank you, Lynn."

Just then, the restroom door opened. A pretty brunette with a blackened left palm enters, only to pause, "Whoops! I, uh, hope I'm not interrupting anything!"

"What?" Emma makes a confused face, only for realization to slam into her like a ton of bricks. "Oh...oh no! We were just..."

Lynn smiles as she turns to the brunette, "Heading back to class. C'mon, Em." She links her arm with Emma's and leads them back to their class.

"You actually made it back. Take a seat. Now," she turns back to her Powerpoint, "where were we?"

Lynn just exits the classroom when Michael catches up to her. "Hey....I just wanted to say. That was pretty cool of you." He tilts his head to where Emma was awkwardly hovering, a lock of honey brown hair falling on his forehead, "You didn't have to go after her like that. I wouldn't have."

"Uh..." Lynn looks at him, confused. "Thanks, I guess?"

Michael grins down at her, dragging his fingers through his hair and pushing the lock back, "Sorry, I'm not used to giving compliments. Bad upbringing, you know?"

The ravenette hums, "Actually, you don't seem so bad to me."

"Heh. That just shows how little you know about me. But thanks," his grin widens and he leans against the doorjamb, "even if you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Either way, I guess I'll see you at the assembly." With a wink, he walks off, Emma reattaching herself to Lynn's side only seconds later.

"Did he bother you?"

"No," she shakes her head. "Come on, we need to get to the assembly."

Emma nods and they leave, easily falling with the flow of the students going to the gym. The entire student body is already there, banners welcoming them hung up and chairs faced towards the stage. Once everyone is seated, the marching band plays a small fanfare as a woman dressed in a bright yellow top and black skirt ran onto the stage, an eager smile on her face.

The music stops as she takes the microphone, greeting them enthusiastically, "Welcome, children, to your first day of school!" The assembly drags on, finally ending in time for lunch.

Everyone leaves the auditorium, moving to their lockers to gather the rest of their things. As most of the students empty the hallways, a prim girl with a notebook runs up to the pair of friends.

"Eek!" Emma shrieks at the sudden appearance of the girl, clearly startled.

Lynn, however, recognizes the girl from the restroom earlier. "Hey."

The girl wasted no time. "Hello. As your school president, and chair of the Homecoming Planning Committee, I'm here to ask a few survey questions. Wait, were you the ones in the restroom earlier?" The brunette quickly shook her head, dismissing it, "Never mind. Not my business. Back to the survey. First question: Are you currently planning to attend the Homecoming Dance?"

"Homecoming?" Lynn gives her another smile, this time accompanied by a wink, that confidence coming back to her in the face of this undeniably pretty girl, "Do you want to be my date?"

"Are you seriously asking me to go to the dance with you? We just met!"

"What can I say?" Lynn flicks her hair behind her shoulder, "I work fast."

"I...I would never attend a dance with a stranger."

Lynn hums, "Is that your way of asking me on a date?"

"I...maybe eventually..." She takes a moment to gather her thoughts and a look of complete focus rearranges her features. "But right now, I need you to answer my survey question."

"I guess since I don't know if you'll go with me..." Lynn trails off, slightly pouting with a playful gleam, "I'll just have to decide later."

"Great. So you're another 'maybe'." The girl grinds out, eyes dark with frustration. "How am I supposed to plan a dance if everyone at this school might come to it? Should I buy ten gallons of punch or fifty? A single bag of Doritos or a thousand?"

"Probably not a thousand," Emma mumbles.

"It was a rhetorical question!" She shoots at the blonde.

Emma shrinks in on herself, shoulders slumping, "Sorry."

"Forget it," she snaps. "I've wasted enough time talking with you already." With that, she turns on her heel and storms off.

"That girl seems stressed."

"Yeah," Lynn agrees. "Or maybe just hangry. You know. Hungry plus angry? Speaking of which...lunchtime! Let's go!"

Lynn stares wide-eyed at the sea of humanity standing before her. At the far end of the cafeteria, Caleb and Julian and football players are hanging out. Closer by, a few musicians that include Ezra from the school band catches her eye. The cheerleaders are grouped together, standing some feet away.

"So many people! I might need to take a little 'me' time, but you should totally get to know some of them," Emma encourages. "This is your big chance to make a first impression. Go for it."

Lynn gives her a nervous smile as Emma retreats back into the school. She takes a deep, calming breath and turns her eyes back to the table holding the band members. She walks over to them, getting a good look at the occupants.

There's a dark skinned girl with shoulder length hair and a patterned sweater. Another is pale white with coal black hair and a black sweater, glaring at Ezra, wearing his leather jacket. For a moment, she simply stands there and listens to their argument.

"How can someone self-taught be so conservative? You should be the bold one," Black Sweater insists.

Ezra glares back, "That's funny. I was just about to ask how someone classically trained could be so eager to change things up."

"Let's keep it civil," Patterned Sweater says. "This is real life, boys, not a Reddit thread! Besides, it's just a song."

" Just a song?!" Black Sweater exclaims.

"For once, I agree with Aiden. We're talking about the soul of the marching band here!" Ezra enthused.

Of course. Of course that’s his name, Lynn grumbles mentally. Now that another person she needs to find the last name of.

This potential soulmate’s name was done in thin and straight handwriting, following the dip of her spine in black. Might as well as meet him. “Uh, hi.” Everyone turns their gaze to her and the conversation goes dead. A grin spreads across Ezra's face and he gives her a wave, but keeps quiet. He knew she was planning on trying for band, but that she wanted to keep their friendship quiet. She didn't want him to be accused of favoritism.

"Welcome..." Aidens greets as he studies her. "Are you a musician? Wait. Don’t tell me. Give me your hand,” he orders, holding out his.

Lynn raises an eyebrow, her spunk rearing its head as she stares at him. Across the table, Ezra watches with an amused grin, knowing what's to come. “You’ll have to buy me dinner first, Casanova.”

“I...uh...” Aiden’s face turns bright red. “I...didn’t mean it like that?”

Ezra grins at Aiden’s awkwardness, “You sure about that, buddy?” He turns to Lynn, pointing his thumb to his fellow musician, “You’ll have to excuse him. Aiden here is much better with instruments than actual human beings. Name’s Ezra.” His smirk is smug and amused, obviously finding it hilarious that he was in the know of who she is.

Before she can introduce herself, Aiden seems to have regained himself, butting in, “Please tell me you play the saxophone.”

“We really, really need a sax player.”

They still haven't asked my name yet. I wonder how long this can keep going on? “Actually, I'd love to learn the play the sax!”

"Even Mozart was once an untrained neophyte," Aiden grins. "Of course...that was when he was a baby."

When everyone else at the table looks at him with droll expressions, he hurries to amend his words to not potentially scare off a desperately needed sax player. "But it's nice to hear you're eager to learn!"

"You should totally come to the band room and play with us," Ezra offers.

"Uh, if you're all sure?" She asks, not confident. Sax isn't her forte-the piano is. It was Mama's and Sebastian's favorite instruments.

"Ezra is asking you. I'm telling you. Come with us now," Aiden orders.

“Here,” Myra lead her to an empty seat, “sit here. And here's a loaner sax. Since it sounds like you're pretty new to this, let me show you a couple basic notes..."

Myra spends the next couple minutes teacher her how to play several notes. She soaks up the knowledge like a sponge, taking to it like a fish to water.

"That's a good start. Now let's see what you can do!"

Lynn nods as she takes the instrument, glancing up to lock eyes with Aiden, who's gaze is calculating. “Try to key up. The key thing is to time your cues with the rest of us,” he said.

Myra spoke up, smiling as she teased her, “That means you should probably remember our names.”

“That would certainly help.”

"Enough,” Ezra said. “I think Lynn is ready.” He begins to drumroll and she begins to play.

Though her efforts are not perfection, she is able to hold her own and hit all the notes. The music all blends together amazingly and Lynn feels herself become a little lost to it. She remembers how often they would all play together when she was younger, music or song at every waking hour. Ever since Mama and Mom passed on and the boys moved out, it's been so quiet with just her and Dad.

Ezra grina at her, “Not bad.”

“I’ll admit the notes were… technically correct.”

Lynn raises an eyebrow, lowering the sax. “Wow. High praise from Mr. Fancypants.”

Aiden’s face falls, confused. “I’m wearing regular pants.”

“I think what the guys are trying to say is you should audition for the band,” Myra helpfully adds.

“No need to answer now,” Ezra assured. “You’ve got a week to think about it.”

“...and to practice. Auditions are...competitive.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Lynn keeps the sarcasm to a minimum. Myra gestures for her to leave the sax and she does so, grabbing her bag and leaving the room. She hopes to go seat herself with Wes and take refuge with them while eating, to not have to worry about being pulled away again.

Aiden quickly catches up to her. “Hey, I just wanted to say. I’m sorry if I came off a bit harshly back there. The truth is,” he takes a tentative step closer, easily looming over her, “I thought we had a connection.”

Lynn doesn't speak immediately, resisting the urge to lick her lips and ruin her lipstick. Wait, fuck it's probably already in need of a clean up since she was playing earlier huh? Dammit. "You mean, like a musical connection?"

“Indeed. You may lack polish, but somehow it felt like we were in sync.” Lynn breathes, ignoring the slight to her skills. She was too happy he hadn't meant a connection as soulmates. “And I truly do hope you try out for the band. We could use you.”

Later, as she is leaving school, Lynn bumps into Caleb and Emma, who are chatting by the curb.

“...And I just wanted to say, I’m sorry about Brian. He’s got....a weird sense of humor,” Caleb grimaced.

Emma frowns, “Yeah, definitely.”

Caleb turns, having seen Lynn out of the corner of his eye, with an apologetic frown. “Same goes for you, Lynn. I mean, he and I have been friends forever. But sometimes, it gets old, apologizing for him.”

“In that case, maybe you should stop apologizing,” Lynn shrugs. “Brian’s the one who should be apologizing.”

“You’re probably right...but if you’re waiting for Brian to apologize, it might take a few decades.”

Lynn tilts her head, curious, “So why even hang out with a guy like that?”

Caleb shrugs uncomfortably, avoiding her eyes, “He’s been my best bud since elementary school. I don’t agree with the way he acts sometimes, but I can’t just unfriend him. That’s not me.” His eyes darken with guilt, gaze to the ground.

Lynn frowns, not satisfied with his answer. Standing and making excuses for someone just because they're your friend is pretty shitty behavior. Nonetheless, she doesn't push him. "I guess loyalty counts for something."

"To me, loyalty counts for everything," he says, expressive eyes conveying how passionate he is with it. Before he could say more, a sports jeep pulls up to the curb. The driver hops out and throws her arms around Caleb, planting a kiss on his lips.

“There you are! Come on. You owe me an early dinner before we hit this party,” she grinned up at him, her body flush against his.

“I was just finishing a conversation with--” Caleb starts, half turning to Emma and Lynn.

“Would you seriously rather sit around chatting with these two losers, instead of taking me on a date?” She asked, pouting up at him. Her face quickly changes, morphing into anger, “You promised me.”

“I know. I know.”

She grins wide and grabs his wrist, “Now come on! We’d better eat fast. I’m going to need at least an hour and a half to get ready for Brian’s party.”

Caleb follows her as he's pulled along, “See you guys later…” A few seconds later, the jeep pulls out, leaving the pair alone on the curb.

“Can you believe her?” Emma demands, angry.

It isn't really her place to judge someone she hasn't even talked to. But she doesn't seem like the best girlfriend. "She doesn't seem like a good person," she eventually settles on, however hesitantly.

"I can't believe such a sweet guy like Caleb would date a girl like that!" Emma whines.

Deciding to keep her mouth shut, Lynn nods along.

"Actually, I can believe it. That's how it always goes, right? Nice girls finish last."

Lynn hides her frown. She doesn't like that saying. It usually refers to Nice Guys/Girls and she loathes those sort of people. They make her skin crawl and feel itchy. Regardless, she nudges Emma with a smile, “In that case, maybe you need to get a little bad.”

“What are you suggesting?” Emma turns to her, eyes wide.

“I’m saying who cares that you didn’t get invited to Brian’s party? You’re coming with me!”

Chapter Text

"There's my little Tiger! Was your first day of school grrreat?" Dad puns from her doorway, standing just outside her room. One of the best things about him is that he treats her and her brothers like human beings and not like some parents do. Respecting her privacy being just one of the many, many pros.

Lynn rolls her eyes, "Daaaaaad! Just because you're my dad, doesn't mean you have to tell dad jokes."

"Uh, yes it does. It's in my contract."

"I'm not even sure if that was a joke or not...."

"So... What's on tap for tonight? Pizza and TV or TV and pizza?"

"Actually," Lynn smiles at him, "I'm headed to a party!"

"On a school night? I'm impressed! You're making new friends already!" Her dad crows. "Have you told your brothers? Or Angel?"

"And there's something else," she cuts him off, knowing he can ramble more than her. That's who she got it from after all. Mama rarely spoke and Mom was always calm and charming.

Dad's face falls at the look on his daughter's face. "What's wrong, sunshine? What's the matter?"

She clears her throat, working up the courage as her stomach flips, "I met two of my soulmates, and possibly two others."

His face darkens as he's reminded of the first 'soulmate' they found. She tries not to think about it often, but it all has still put her off on wanting to find her soulmates. He enters her room and pulls her into a tight, comforting hug that settles her nerves and erases her fears. "Are you sure? Were they the ones that said anything to you first? And what about the other two?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure none of them know they're my soulmate. I never gave them my full first and late name. And as for the other two, I only got their first names, not their last ones too."

He minutely relaxes, nodding, "That's good. Stay safe and get to know them better before you let them know, okay? Or ask Angel's soulmate, what was his name? You know, the good kid."

Lynn grins into Dad's chest. He's one of the only adults that calls Wes 'the good kid'. "You mean Wes?"

"Yep!" He pops the 'p'. "If he wants something, just tell him I'll make his favorite."

"You know if you make it for him, then you're gonna have to make some for everyone else too."

"Ah, looks like we'll just have everyone over then, won't we?" He grins, waggling his eyebrows, and she rolls her eyes with a grin. He loves cooking for people and everyone loves his cooking. Despite his best efforts, Wes has still yet to learn how to make Dad's famous chicken and dumplings.

"Sounds like it'll be fun," she agrees. "Now shoo! I need to figure out what I'm gonna wear!"

"Text Angel and Oliver! And don't stay out too late okay? Lemme know when you're leaving."

"Okay, love you!"

"Love you too, sunshine!"

She turns to her closet, looking through the several options. It needs to be something that will impress, but easy to take on and off since it's a pool party. It takes a couple minutes, but she eventually finds it and quickly changes. It's a champagne pink wrap dress, the skirt perfect for spinning and flaring out, with a sweetheart neckline and stretchy fabric that makes it easy to pull on and off. She quickly adds on a set of nude bangles and french braids her hair, thankful she had already conditioned and oiled it so that she wouldn't have to worry about the chemicals ruining her hair.

Her makeup is quick, simple, and completely waterproof: a bit of natural mascara, white eyeliner on her waterline, clear lipgloss, and a bit of Vaseline to her recently tinted eyebrows. The woman that did them said that it's one of the ways to protect them from any chlorine damage. Her soulmate tattoos are all already covered by special, heavy-duty waterproof foundation to ensure no one will be able to get even a glance at them.

She takes a quick picture and sends it to the family, which results in most of her brothers losing their damn minds over her not being allowed to go out, Dad telling them she is, and Auntie, Uncle, Oliver, and Angel all assuring her she looks amazing. She grins at the chaos that is her family and silences the notifications. Her brothers are threatening to come over and sit on her to keep her from going out.

Her phone buzzes and she checks it to see a text from Emma:

Em
Just pulled up in your driveway.

Lynn
Be just a sec

Lynn gives herself a once over in the mirror and grins at herself, confidence surging from her. She grabs her purse, double-checking she has the necessities: wallet, keys, fully-charged phone, and a can of pepper spray. Nodding, she hurries out and calls out a 'bye' to Dad, who returns it faintly. She's outside and grins at Emma's car, pulling open the door and sidling into the cool interior.

"Hey, Lynn! Did yo bring your swimsuit?"

"Yeah! I'm wearing it underneath actually."

"Me too! You look fantastic by the way!"

"Thanks. I figured if we're going to this party, we'd better do it in style. Ready to go?"

"Yeah, I think. I'm a little nervous is all."

"How come?"

"Caleb's probably going to be there...Not to mention I'm crashing this party!"

Lynn shakes her head, encouraging smile in place as she gently squeezes Emma's hand, "Trust me. You've got nothing to worry about! I'll be by your side if you need some back up."

"In that case, let's do this before I chicken out!"

"That's the spirit!"

"Guess this is the place," Lynn said, awestruck. She's seen nicer houses in upscale neighborhoods before, but...

"I always wondered why Brian was so popular. This house kinda explains it."

...this is just obnoxiously throwing money in the peoples' faces.

Two hundred of Brian's closest friends are packed the mansion around them, dancing, drinking, and hanging out by the backyard pool.

"Welcome to my--" Brian's eyes settle on Emma. "Wait a second, I know you weren't invited."

Lynn's eyes dart around the room, searching for help so that she wouldn't have to get into it Brian. Just as she is resigning herself to the task, she makes eye contact with Michael. He strides over, eyebrows raised at Brian, "Uh, hey. Everything okay over here?"

"Just trying to keep the rabble out," Brian says shortly.

"I think you're mistaken, friend. These two are with me." Michael's face turns dangerous, angry, "Unless you want something to happen to the sound system." He nods to the stereo and large speakers nearby, music pouring from them.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. No need to do anything crazy," Brian holds up his hands in surrender. "My apologies. I didn't realize you all were. . .friends. Come on in."

"How nice of you," Lynn snipes. Arm linked with Emma's, she brushes past Brian and follows after Michael a little ways into the party. "Thanks. I owe you one."

"Whatever. I just like to keep our exalted quarterback on his toes."

Lynn grins at him, amused, "Or maybe you just hate to admit that you care about other people."

Michael snorts, rolling his eyes, "Don't make me regret getting you in. Now get out of my hair and go mingle." Michael makes a 'shoo'ing motion and turns to go back to his group from earlier, but not before Lynn catches his smirk.

The pair of friends walk a little further in, checking out the party. Lynn notices Hangry Girl hustling around the room, jotting down notes in a small notepad. "People seem to be reacting positively to these decorations, but how to incorporate that into homecoming?" Her eyes settled on the pair and she lites up, marching over with a determined gait. "Emma, Lynn, I need your first impressions of this party!"

"You know my name?" Lynn questions, pushing down the familiar inkling of fear trying to work its way in. This is a school where everyone knows everyone, don't let it bug you.

Hangry waves her hand dismissively, "As student body president, it's my job to know all of my classmates names. You are Lynn Lee. Now, tell me your impressions!"

Well, that's what she preferred to be called, at least. As long as Hangry doesn't go around spreading her full name, it's fine.

"Why?" Emma questions.

"For the good of homecoming, of course!"

"I only give strangers one freebie question, and you used that up for the homecoming question earlier. If you want more, I need to know your name," Lynn bargains with a charming smile.

The girl pauses, looking at her with rich brown eyes. "Maria Flores. Now tell me."

Another soulmate? This has to be some kind of record.

"Alright! So far, Maria, I'd say this party is better, now that you're here."

"I'm flattered, but this is serious research."

"I'm serious, too," Lynn insists with a smile. "You're better company than some I've met so far."

Maria's face lights up some, a small smile inching its way to life. "Thanks for your input. I'll be sure I'm at homecoming because of it."

"Then I'm sure I'll love every minute of it." Maria writes Lynn's feedback in her notebook before rushing off to the next group of people.

Lynn looks around the party, spotting Aiden, Ezra, and a couple other band members on the dance floor.

"So where should we go first?" Emma asks.

Lynn turns her eyes upon Aiden and his god awful dancing. "Dancing. Someone's gotta teach Mister Fancypants some moves."

Emma giggles her consent and they make their way over, Lynn moving between the dancing teens far easier than Emma.

"For a guy with impeccable rhythm, you sure can't dance!" Ezra comments loudly to be heard over the music. "I think you're even worse than Caleb!"

"Know the beat and moving your feet are two separate skills!" Aiden returns back.

"Thanks for joining us. Maybe you can teach Aiden here some moves!" Ezra shouts a greeting once he notices them.

"I have plenty of... moves," Aiden protests weakly.

Emma looks at him, a little doubtfully, "Like what?"

Aiden awkwardly shuffles his feet, stiff and tense the entire time.

Lynn laughs, barely managing to compose herself when Aiden shoots her a frown. "Here, let me show you some real moves," she grins at him, laughter lining her voice.

"And what 'moves' could you show me?" Indignant, arms crossed, Aiden questions her skills.

Ezra grins from beside his friend, wondering what moves Lynn would show off. Music and dancing ran through that family like blood in their veins--Lynn can beat him easily in the piano, but Angel can give him a run for his money in most everything. That girl is a natural at everything she does.

Lynn, with a spurt of spunky confidence, decides to be a little bold. She steps closer to him, getting in his personal space. He makes an abandoned move to step away, but with so many people spread out, he doesn't have the room to. Lynn smirks as she closes her eyes and lets the music encase her. It's loud and heavy, flowing through her body like a heartbeat. She drops low to the ground as the beat drops, swaying her hips back and forth with enviable skill. Her hands go to her bare legs, sliding up, up, up and attracting many eyes.

Soon enough, her hands are in her hair as she rises again, an almost sultry grin on her lips as she moves close to Aiden. Her smaller body almost brushes against his, resulting in his face turning a bright red.

"People consider this dancing?" Aiden squeaks out, hands pinned to his side, looking very much like he didn't know where to put his eyes.

"Yeah," Ezra confirms with a smirk of his own, "the kind when you really like someone."

Aiden's eyes dart from him to her and she winks at him. He lets out a squeak and tries to lean away.

"It's easy," Lynn assures him. She moves fluidly, unaware of just how many eyes were on her as she drops again, "You just gotta get low and feel the music."

His Adam's apple bobbles as he swallows heavily, watching as she rolls her hips to stand. "I-I may need to go f-freshen my drink." He flees, doing his best to put distance between the two of them.

"Heh. You're cruel for that, Lynn," Ezra nudges her, amused despite his words. "He's shy."

"Poor Aiden," Emma says, trying her best to hide her own shadow of a grin.

"He's like a baby deer. You have to approach him gently or he'll startle."

"I'll keep that in mind for the future," Lynn smirks.

They continue dancing for a little while. It didn't take too long before Aiden returned, no drink in hand and blush permanently staining his cheeks. Lynn laughed and took pity on him, taking the time to teach him some actual dance moves. His blush deepened at their proximity, but he was able to improve his dancing from abysmal to passable. Not long after, Lynn and Emma grew hungry from dancing and left for the snack table.

The cheerleaders reside there, chatting amongst themselves. Once there, Lynn observes the vast arrangements of hors d'oeuvres. "Who. Brian really went all out."

"I know, right?" Sydney, who Lynn shared homeroom with, smiled. "These lobster bites are to die for!"

"They're not nearly as good as the ones I've had at my parties," Mia criticizes. She turned to Lynn, looking her over critically with icy eyes. Then, a faint smile appears on her lips and she nods, "You've got style, Ly."

"Yeah," Payton agrees enthusiastically, "I love your outfit! Where'd you get it?"

Lynn shrugs with a smile, "Had this in the closet for a while. Thought it'd be nice to wear it out."

Mia smiles approvingly, "Keep up the good work. I can see you going far in this school."

"Hey, check this out!" Sydney calls. Once everyone's turned to watch, she tosses a cracker high into the air and performs a pirouette before catching it in her mouth. "Whoa! That was awesome!"

"It was okay at best," Mia dismisses.

"Let me give it a shot!" Lynn grins, picking up five stuffed mushrooms and starts juggling them. Sebastian taught her when he was going through his circus phase.

"Whoa. Watch Lynn go!"

"Who knew you were so talented?"

Lynn smiles as she sends them into the air, gasps erupting from her small audience. She catches the first one, wasting no time in chewing. The next three are caught in her hands, and Lynn swallows just in time to open her mouth and catch the last one. "Ta-da!" She muffledly cries, covering her mouth as she takes her time with this one. "Fun and tasty!"

There's a moment of clapping before Mia speaks over them.

"Hmph. You think that's awesome? Stand back and watch the master at work." Mia takes one of the crackers and tosses it almost to the ceiling. She attempts to perform two pirouettes as the hors d'oeuvre comes falling down. But before she can complete her second spin, the appetizer misses Mia's face and falls to the ground. Her face turns a bright, embarrassed red as she looks around at the crowd. "I could've had that."

"You were so close! You'll get it next time for sure," Sydney attempts to cheer her up, smiling.

Mia's somber face twists into a glower, "Nobody asked you, Little Miss Perfect. This is a waste of time anyway. Now excuse me, I've got better things to do." Mia storms off, but Sydney runs after her.

"Is everything okay with Mia?"

"Not really," Payton answers cheerlessly. "Mia just broke up with her ex, Katherine. She's been really hard on everyone ever since."

Emma nodded, "I heard it was a really messy breakup."

That was probably the day Angel had cut their video chat short when Mia appeared, looking really upset. Angel hadn't said much, except that Mia was going through something.

"It didn't help when Sydney joined cheer last winter. She's really good at cheerleading, but Mia has to work twice as hard to keep up."

"That'd explain it," Lynn sighs. "Em and I are gonna walk around some, Payton. See ya later." Lynn grabs a small plate of desserts to snack on, waving bye to Payton as the two friends wander. It doesn't take long before they happen across the football team playing at the poker table. She nudges Emma, who nods her acceptance, and the two go over.

"This is too rich for my blood," Julian admits as he folds.

"What about you, Caleb? Too chicken?" Brian mocks.

"I'm in," Caleb says, determined.

"Hellooooo, new kid! Haven't seen your face before," a broad, muscular football player calls out.

"The name's Lynn."

"Frank the Tank. Aka the best defensive end Cedar Cove's ever seen!" He crows, grinning at her.

Caleb grins, "Better keep it up against Statton in a few weeks."

"You got it, bro!"

Lynn smiles at their rapport, moving closer to peer at the table, "So what's the game?"

"Texas Hold 'Em. My brother Ezra and I played this a lot growing up," Caleb said. Lynn glances at the various players around the table. "Brian and I are the only ones left this round."

"Not for much longer," Brian grinned, incredibly smug.

"Damn straight. Because I'm gonna win."

Zoe, standing behind Brian and looking at his cards, rolls her eyes, "Whatever makes this go faster."

"Brian, you're first to bet."

"I bet twenty chips," Brian tosses in the chips, relaxing in his chair with confidence.

"Whoa. He must have a good hand."

"Or he's bluffing."

Caleb turns to Lynn, "What do you think, Lynn?"

She moves closer to him, looking at the cards on the table. She taps his shoulder and Caleb angles his cards, letting her peek at his hand: The Ace of Hearts and Queen of Diamonds. Hm. . .Caleb has a strong pair, which isn't bad, but the board looks dangerous. Brian could have a flush, a straight, or just about anything better than Caleb's hand. Brian lounges in his chair, smiling mischievously.

"Careful, Caleb," Zoe warns. "Brian might beat you." Brian looks pretty confident over there. . .

"I think you should call," Lynn leans down, lowering her voice just enough to not be heard by Brian. "You've got this."

"Yes ma'am," he returns, voice low and it sends a bit of a tingle down her spine. She fights the urge to blush, feeling like karma is coming back to bite her in the ass after messing with Aiden earlier.

"Come on," Brian snaps. "How much longer you gonna keep me waiting?"

"I'll call."

"Too scared to bet more?" Brian taunts.

Lynn puts her hand on her hip, cocking it, "He doesn't need to raise to win."

"Alright, my comrades," Frank says. "Flip your cards."

"Read 'em and weep. I've got five heart cards. Aka flush," Brian at them as he throws down his cards. . .the King and Ace of Hearts.

"What? That's impossible!" Lynn shouts, surprised. Caleb reveals his own hand, showing the matching Ace.

"There are two Aces of Hearts!" Emma says, speaking for the first time.

"And there's another one in the muck pile," Julian growls from where he's digging, pulling out the card.

"This isn't a normal deck!"

"Brian must've stacked the deck before we started playing."

"That's not cool, Brian," Frank frowns. "Sorry, man, but Caleb wins this round."

"Come on. Really? Caleb could've cheated, not me," Brian protests.

"It's your deck, Brian," Frank reminds.

Brian frowns at Caleb, looking at him expectantly. Caleb sighs softly, barely audible to Lynn's ears, before speaking up, "No, Frank. Brian won this one fair and square. He had the better hand."

"See, everything's fine." Brian's smirk as he adds the chips from the middle to his pile is infuriating. Lynn scoffs, crossing her arms at the utter bullshit. But hey, if Caleb's fine with letting his best friend get away with such utter bullshit and look pathetic for it, then that's fine by her.

A while later, Lynn walks outside, happening upon Zoe and Caleb.

"Are we done here yet?" Zoe asks from where she's snuggled into his lap. "The Hearst party at Kara's house is going to make this one look like a third grader's birthday."

"I'm having fun," Caleb frowns. "And we agreed that we'd stay for two hours, right?"

Zoe glared, "I made that deal assuming this party would be fun. Tell you what. Why don't you hang out poolside with your loser friends. You can find me and beg for my forgiveness later." With that said, Zoe stands from his lap and storms off. Caleb sighs, then notices Lynn nearby, standing awkwardly.

"Caleb, you must really like her," she says as she sits in the chair beside him.

"I... I do." He rubs his hand over his face, "I know Zoe can be demanding... impulsive... hot-headed. But she's also the first girl I've ever loved. And that means something to me. I know it makes me look stupid. Weak. But... I guess I just don't care. I love her."

Lynn hums, pulling her legs up to cross them. "What about your soulmate?"

Caleb jerks, startled by the question. "My soulmate? What about her?"

"Well," she shrugs off the slight guilt she felt, "do you think your soulmate is someone Zoe could accept? And is Zoe someone your soulmate could accept for you?"

He doesn't answer right away, taking a moment. "I don't know anything about my soulmate except her name and her handwriting, but I know Zoe. The Zoe that calls me up after a long day just to talk. Or the Zoe who pushed me to try out for the football team. Or my Zoe who falls asleep against my shoulder during our Walking Dead marathon. And maybe when I meet my soulmate one day, that's the Zoe she'll get to know."

She nods, accepting his answer. "Does that mean you're going to go run after her?"

"Heh," Caleb chuckles. "I may be in love, but I'm not crazy. She needs some time to cool off."

"Good to see that you've got some survival instincts."

"So," Caleb puts his chin in his hand, looking at her. "You, uh, liking the party? Honestly, I'm not great with big groups. I'm happiest when I get a chance to grab some one-on-one time with someone at these things..."

Lynn nods, "I know what you mean. How about some one-on-one time with me? You need to loosen up and have fun! I mean, it is a party!"

Caleb's face falls and he leans back, eyes going to the door Zoe stormed through earlier. "I know, but I'm worried about Zoe still..."

"I'm sure she'll cool off and be back in no time. C'mon, I just wanna get to know my desk neighbor better."

Caleb chuckles a little, amused despite himself. "You're right..." He takes a sip of his drink as he checks out her outfit. "I didn't notice before, but nice outfit."

"Thanks! I wanted to look extra special tonight."

"It's definitely working."

Lynn looks around to see an empty Twister mat spread across the ground. An idea sparks to life, turning to Caleb. He meets her eyes with a grin, "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"A classic round of Twister!" She elbows Caleb playfully. "You sure you're not too tied up to play?"

His toffee eyes are bright and warm again, the shadow of sadness long gone. "Positive! Let make the most of this party together."

"Game on. Prepare to lose, Caleb!"

"We'll see about that..."

They head over to the empty Twister mat. Lynn takes off her heels, carefully stepping them to the side before taking her place across from Caleb, game between them.

"Rules are simple: Keep your elbows and knees from touched the mat and follow whatever the spinner say."

"All hail the spinner," Caleb mutters to himself, just loud enough for Lynn to hear. She snorts at that and Caleb stumbles a little, flustered, but quickly composes himself. A little louder, "Good luck...You'll need it."

Lynn grins and flicks to spinner as an answer. It goes round and round, slowing down after a couple spins to land on...

"Right foot, red," Lynn calls.

"Easy as pie."

"Next one's right hand, yellow!"

The pair reach down for the same yellow circle, their hands brushing against each other before Caleb moves to the adjacent space.

"My bad," Lynn apologizes. Him being her soulmate aside, he's in relationship and she isn't going to be the cause for a breakup.

"No worries," he smiles. "I'll let you have that one."

"Let me?" She bristles.

Caleb cracks a grin at her, and she stares at him with narrowed eyes. Attempting to read his mind to see what's so funny. Regardless, their game continues for several more rounds with idle chatter. They go back and forth, managing to keep a respectable distance from one another until they can't. They end up twisted together, Caleb's hand grazing her back as he goes for a green circle.

"Oh!" She yelps, a tingling sensation running through her. Less to do with it being him. "That tickles!"

"What does? This?" Her eyes widen in horror when his laughing eyes gain a mischievous sparkle. He brushes his hand softly down her back. She squirms beneath him, trying to shift away from his feather-light touch.

"You're distracting me!" She shrieks, trying to get him away as laughter starts escaping.

"Never!" He laughs denying even as his waggling fingers follow after her.

"It's getting hard to stay up!" She laughs out a protest, body shaking as she fights back the instinctive urge for her limbs to fly at Caleb.

She fights to remain steady, limbs trembling with the effort as Caleb continues to ruthlessly tickle her. Above her, he shakes with laughter at the look of focus and concentration on her face, losing his balance. He bumps into her, knocking her to the ground. Caleb manages to catch himself with his elbows at the last second. Lynn looks up to see his inches away.

"I win~" She sings, a wide and contagious grin in place as she looks up at him.

"Looks like it," he concedes with an equally contagious grin.

They remain like that for a couple heartbeats, Caleb hovering above her with their legs tangled. Before they can remain like this for much longer and possibly cause misunderstandings that would probably get back to Zoe, Lynn clears her throat. "Gettin' off any time soon?"

That seems enough to break Caleb from whatever daze he seemed to have gotten stuck in. He shakes his head, pulling away to stand up. "Sorry, it's just... You know there's Zoe and everything else." He apologizes as he holds out a hand to help her up.

Lynn takes his hand, nodding her thanks as she pulls her skirt back down. It had hiked itself up a little, and she's only thankful that she wore a pair of spandex shorts underneath.

"It's fine," she shrugs. "I'm just glad you didn't actually land on me. You're probably heavy."

"Hey!" Caleb protests. "It's all muscle!"

"Sure, sure," she says it in her best 'whatever you say' voice.

Caleb rolls his eyes, smiling again. "It's a nice night. Why don't we walk around the yard a little bit?"

"Sure," she agrees. They stroll away from the house to a more wooded area. The party is still easily heard, but it's not as overwhelming as it becomes white noise. "It's so quiet out here."

"Yeah, it's nice to get away and just think."

"Oh? 'Bout what?"

"School, Zoe, the party."

"And new friends like me, right?" She nudges him playfully.

"That too," he agrees with a chuckle. "Whenever I get overwhelmed, I try to sneak off to find a quiet moment like this."

"It's pretty out here, too," she says as she gazes up at the stars. They are bright and numerous, and she tilts her head as she tries to find a constellation she might remember. They continue walking for a minute in silence, just listening to the sound of nature and distant party-goers, before she speaks up. "You know, I bet I can guess what's on your mind."

"Oh really? After knowing me for a day?"

"I like to think of myself as half perceptive, half psychic."

"Guess away then."

"I bet you're thinking about how you left things with Zoe."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Just a little," she says, stretching her arms as far away as they could go. "But then again, I'm half psychic remember?"

He snorts, amused for just a moment. "Ah, yes. How could I compete with all-knowing Lynn?"

"I like the sound of that," she chuckles before becoming more serious, sympathetic as she offers a listening ear. "Do you wanna talk about Zoe? I'll listen if you want."

"Zoe and I just seem to be on different pages lately. I mean, you saw how she stormed off earlier."

"Give it time. I'm sure she'll come around."

"Yeah, that's been my motto in the past year we've been together. Well, almost a year. We don't hit our anniversary until a week from Thursday."

"Wow! Congrats!"

"Thanks...though I wonder what my life would be like if I never dated Zoe."

"Who knows?" Lynn idly comments. "Maybe-"

There's a loud snap, the sound of a twig being stepped on. The pair spin around to where the sound came from, Caleb putting an arm in front of Lynn as he steps forward. "Is someone there?" There's a pause before they hear footsteps grow louder as whoever-whatever approach.

"Hello?" Lynn calls out.

And, out from the shadows steps Michael. His eyes flicker between the two for a moment before settling on Lynn, that now trademark smirk in place.

"Michael! What are you doing out here?" Lynn questions as she moves around Caleb's arm, going up to Michael. "Why are you creeping around?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he comments lightly, mischief in his bright eyes.

Lynn rolls her eyes at him. "We were just talking. The party was getting a bit crowded for us."

"Mm," he hums, eyes on the silent Caleb that had yet to join them. His eyes go back to Lynn, smirk widening a little, "Same as me then. I was half-tempted to mess with Brian's speakers to get some quiet."

"That," Lynn chuckles, "would not have gone well. He would've gone for your head. Especially after you used it to get me and Emma in here."

"Please," Michael scoffs. "He might say something snarky, but I'm also the only one that could get it back up and running."

"I think I could," Caleb suddenly speaks up, bringing their attention to him.

Lynn blinks, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she realizes she had forgotten about Caleb with Michael's appearance. It's just a bit hard when it's easy to get caught up snarking against him.

"Think so, Mitchell?" Michael challenges, a gleam in his eyes.

Caleb straightens, a stubborn look in his dark eyes. "I know it, Harrison."

Michael Harrison...

With the confirmation that Michael is her soulmate, she feels his tattoo heat up. His tattoo is pitch black, thick and angled writing, the largest one tattoo she has that wraps from her right hipbone down to her ankle. The interesting thing about it though isn't that it is so large, but the fact that instead of it being his first and last name once, it repeats over and over again to form a sort of chain. She hasn't seen any sort of other tattoo like it and it fascinates her, which in turn leads to her current fascination by the one standing in front of her.

But, presently, she is hyperaware of the sudden tension in the air. Her eyes jump back and forth between the two teens, clueless as to why there's sudden conflict. They don't seem like they run in the same circles exactly, even if the school isn't on the larger side.

"It's probably best that we don't test that though, huh?" She inputs a little nervously.

Neither say anything, but both turn their eyes back to her. There's a beat of silence before Michael chuckles, "Yeah, whatever you say, Lynn."

At that moment, a cold breeze comes through. She shivers, exposed skin chilling as goosebumps rise, and she wishes she had worn something with sleeves or at least thicker. "Cold," she mutters, rubbing her hands on her arms to try and heat them up.

"I'd offer you my jacket if I had one," Caleb says, regretful he can't help his new friend.

"Good thing I've got one then, huh?" Michael grins, shrugging out of his jacket and stepping behind Lynn. She blinks, color rushing up her cheeks to burn the tips of her ears as he helps her slip her arms in. "Perfect fit."

Lynn snorts, thoroughly amused. With their extreme height difference, his jacket is more of a dress than anything. The hem is a little longer than her dress, reaching the back of her knees and the sleeves several times too long for her arms. She, of course, takes immediate delight in this. She excitedly flaps her hands, showing off how extra long it is. Shoving the sleeves up some with a bit of difficulty, she curls her fingers at the edge and turns to Michael with a huge grin, childish giggles lining her voice.

"Michael! Michael look! Sleeve paws~" She sings, giddy with glee. Nothing brings her immediate, unrestrained glee like sweater/sleeve paws. They are the Greatest Things Ever.

"I see," he grins, almost indulgently. "Let me zip it up for you."

She stops bouncing in place, holding still obediently as he pulls the zipper up to mid-chest on her. Otherwise, she's sure she'd have trouble seeing over the top part. "C'mon, I've gotta show Em! Let's go," she demands, grabbing his hand without thinking about it and tugging on him back in the direction of the party, once again forgetting about Caleb.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," he agrees, amused as he watches he bounce in place.

She makes it a couple feet before the soulmark on her left hip almost burns, startling her from her stupor. She turns, realizing they were leaving Caleb behind. "Oh, I'm sorry Caleb! Do you wanna head back with us?"

He fixes a grin in place, looking nonchalant as he answers, "No, you two can go ahead. I'm going to stay out here for a bit longer. See you later, Lynn."

Lynn gives a smile and waves goodbye before resuming on tugging Michael along, who easily keeps pace with his long legs. They are quickly back at the party and Lynn scours the party for Emma, only to make her way back to the backyard with nothing to show for her efforts. She plops into a chair, disappointed she didn't get to show her first soulmate the best thing ever.

"You can show her later," Michael tries to sound supportive. He fails because of the amused smirk. "You looked good earlier. I've heard other people say the same thing."

"Really?" She asks, a little sulkily but mostly doubtfully.

"Don't go getting a big head," he says. "I see what they mean though. Looks good. You look happier to be in my jacket though."

There's something in his voice, something about it and in the way her soulmark softly warms, but she can't put her finger on it. "Of course I am!"

"Really?" He echoes her earlier question.

"Yes! It's so big and comfy!"

"Ah," he mutters, almost sounding disappointed.

"Anyway, thanks for it. I appreciate it. The jacket and the compliment, I mean. I gotta say, I'm kinda surprised to see you here. Doesn't really seem like your 'thing'."

"Not usually," Michael admits. "But even I couldn't pass up an invitation to see Brian's mansion."

"That can't be the only reason."

"Don't believe me? Fine. Go mingle with other people and stop wasting my time," Michael snaps a little.

Lynn blinks at him, nonplussed by the sudden defensiveness. "I just don't buy the whole 'aloof' act. Maybe there's someone you were hoping to see?"

"I-" Michael blinks, surprised. "Nope. Not getting that outta me."

Something flashes across Michael's face, there for a brief second before it's gone. Lynn 'hmms' and looks around the party, perking up when she catches sight of a group of students playing a familiar game: Two Truths and a Lie.

"Spot the lie," Morgan begins with a straight face. "My cousin's a singer in a huge punk band; I've been in a beauty pageant; I've been bitten by a rattlesnake."

"You don't make this easy," Ezra says.

"Hm..." A rebel girl with a familiar leather jacket and purple lipstick says. "I don't think you've got a cousin in a punk band. That music's my jam, and I don't know of any singer with the same last name as you." Koh! It's Koh! Angel had gone on and on about the rebel girl and her near-maniac desire to burn things.

"So you were in a beauty pageant?"

"Yeah, it was stupid. I was young and I won the whole thing."

"So what's the lie?"

"My cousin's not a singer in a punk band. He's the bass player instead."

"I knew it!"

"Looks like fun," Lynn idly comments. "Would you wanna play?"

"Ha," Michael grins. "Like I'd let people in on my secrets."

"It's all in the name of fun," Lynn teases. "Are you scared to let me in your brain or something?"

"I'm not scared," Michael retorts, annoyed. He leans closer to her from his chair, speaking in a low, husky voice, "You want to learn my secrets that bad? Tell you what, if you join, I'll play."

"If that's the case," Lynn returns, her voice just as low as she ignores the shiver that had nothing to do with the cold run through her, "count me in."

"This should be interesting," Michael grins as he stands.

They join the circle of people, Morgan smiling toothily at Lynn. "Now it's a party. Michael, you're up next."

"What are your two truths and a lie?"

Michael smirks at Lynn and leans in some, whispering in her ear, "It's not too late to turn back now."

"Are you kidding? I'm not letting you off the hook that easily," she whispers back.

Michael grins, "Alright. But don't say I didn't warn you."

He finally faces the group, thinking long and hard for a few moments. "Let's see... I got my motorcycle from a junkyard; I chipped my tooth playing football; I've been compliment on my kissing skills."

"Ooh. That's a hard one," Lynn murmurs.

"I don't think it's number three," Ezra says. "You're too full of yourself for that one."

"My vote's on the tooth!"

"His motorcycle looks pretty nice though," Morgan argues.

"What's your guess, Lynn?" He turns to her, eyes gleaming with amusement.

"I don't think you chipped your tooth playing football," Lynn says confidently.

"Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner!" He leans back on his hands, getting more comfortable. "I actually chipped my tooth playing hockey when I was younger instead."

"Really? It doesn't look like it at all!"

"That's because it was a baby tooth, so you can't tell anymore. Okay. I've gone. Your turn, Lynn."

"A deal's a deal," she agrees. "Let's see here..."

After a few more rounds, Michael and Lynn meander away from the group and towards the pool. She sits at the edge, putting her legs in and sighing at the cool water, "Enjoying yourself yet?"

"Maybe a little. . .It wasn't the worst game ever," Michael admits.

"That says volumes," she smiles. "It was nice learning more about you."

"Count yourself lucky. I don't like talking about that stuff."

Lynn nods, "There is just one thing I still wanna know after all that..."

"Go ahead and ask. I'll give you a freebie question, but that's it," he says as he sits beside her, crossing his legs.

"I've gotta know, where'd you learn to fix motorcycles?"

"Eh," Michael shrugs. "From auto shops here and there, and some videos. Most places were happy to give me a hand if I helped clean up their shop."

Lynn smiles as she leans back on the ground, hands behind her head as she looks over at Michael. "I'm trying to imagine it... Michael working."

"We just met. You don't know my life story yet."

"No," she agrees, "but it's getting more interesting every minute. How long it'd take to fix up your bike?"

"Only took a few months once I found all the parts. That's the real challenge. Well, I think that's enough looking into my mind for now. Hope it was everything you thought it'd be."

Lynn makes a noise as she stares up at the sky, trying to memorize every detail of the dazzling stars. Just as Lynn manages to find a couple constellations, Payton approaches them. She clutches her camera as she looks eagerly around the backyard.

"What's got you so excited, Payton?" Lynn sits up, looking to the senior, curious.

"OMG! Look at this place! Autumn put me on yearbook duty. We need a pic of someone in the pool!"

"Lemme guess. You want us to help," Michael 'guesses' in a dry tone.

"Please?" Payton gives them big puppy dog eyes.

"I mean, it is a pool party," Lynn says as her way of agreement.

Together, Michael and Lynn shrug out of their clothes, revealing their swimsuits underneath. Hers is a pair of swimshorts and a strappy bikini top, straps going from one side to the other over her chest to sort of resemble a corset. They are both a rainbow of pastels, her new favorite. She folds her dress and Michael's jacket neatly, setting them on a chair. She looks over to Michael and gets an eyeful of him. He is muscular and fit in blue stripped shorts, smirking, but that isn't what catches her attention. Across his collarbone, in beautiful and elegant calligraphy of pitch black, is her name:

Evelynn Lee-Jackson-Cava

Realizing she's staring, Lynn hurriedly looks him up-and-down, trying to play it off with a grin, "Whoa, you look good."

"Heh. I know, I know," Michael's smirk widens. "It's hard to resist the Michael shirtless."

Lynn rolls her eyes, snorting.

"By the way, you look pretty good yourself," Michael says as he gives her similar treatment, taking in her own plumper build. Together, they slip into the pool and move to the middle.

"Okay! Stand right there! This is gonna look great!" Payton squeals. Just as Payton is about to snap the picture, Brian rips off his shirt and runs toward the pool.

"Caaaaaaaaanonball!"

Payton takes the picture seconds before Brian hits the water. When he does, Lynn holds her arm up to shield against it, flinching at the drops landing on her.

"This picture is adorbs!" Payton cheers.

"Obviously! Everything I do is picture perfect!" Brian grins as he climbs out of the pool, strutting off.

Michael turns to Lynn, grinning, "You know, it ain't too shabby in here. I think I could enjoy this for a while."

She smiles, tipping her head back to look at the sky again, stars brighter than ever. The warm water surrounds her as she floats next Michael, their fingertips just inches apart. Though tempted to reach for Michael's hand, she restrains herself at the mental reminder that he doesn't like PDA. Instead, she splashs him.

"Two can play at this game!" Michael playfully growls, shaking his head and sending droplets everywhere. He splashes her back, dousing her in water.

"I will be victorious!" Lynn grins, returning fire. The two of them splash each other for a while, exhausting themselves. When they finally accept a tie, they rest by floating aimlessly, always within arms distance of one another.

As the party winds down, Lynn heads back inside, looking for a towel. She goes upstairs, shivering a little as the A/C starts to chill her. She spies an ajar door, having caught the edge of a tub. She opens it, finding it was indeed a bathroom, but spots two figures kissing against the counter.

"Oh, Brian..." Zoe moans, tilting her head.

"Mm, we should really do this more often," Brian grins.

"Are... are you two? Oh my god," Lynn whispers, shocked. Before she can get caught, she takes a step backward and into the hallway, pulling the door shut. She takes another step backward, meaning to put as much distance from the bathroom until she could think straight, only to bump into someone. A hand grabs her arm to keep her from falling.

"Hey, Lynn, you okay? You look like you saw a ghost," Caleb says, releasing her.

She spins around, eyes wide, "Caleb! Oh, um. . ." Her face falls as she realizes she would have to tell him what she saw. "This is gonna be hard to explain. . ."

Chapter Text

"What's going on, Lynn?" Caleb asks, looking down at her with concern.

"Oh, Caleb, um..." She stands in front of the bathroom door, blocking his access to seeing his best friend and girlfriend making out. I have to warn him. "Zoe and Brian are in there. Together."

"What?" Caleb exclaims. His face darken as he glares down at her, voice gruff, "No. You're lying. They wouldn't do that." He pushes past her none-too-gently, swinging the door open and marching a step. But he stops dead in his tracks when he sees Zoe and Brian kissing furiously against the wall, hair messy and clothes askew. "No! It...can't be..." Caleb speakshaltingly. "Please tell me this is some sort of misunderstanding."

"Doesn't look like one to me," Lynn glares.

"Crap, you weren't supposed to see this!" Brian blurts. He and Zoe pulled away from each other, Brian pulling his shirt down while Zoe adjusts her skirt.

"Caleb, I'm sorry," she apologizes, making a move to him. She stops when Caleb takes a step back, his face morose.

"After everything...How could you..." He trails off, voice on the verge of cracking as he continues to stare at them with glossy eyes. Then, steeling himself, eyes dark and voice raw, "It's over, Zoe."

He exits the room, pausing, and turns to Lynn. "Thanks for the heads up, Lynn," his voice is low, hurt. "You're good in my book."

"Anytime. I just wish this didn't happen."

"Me too," he answers. He takes one last glance at the bathroom before storming off.

Lynn watches for a second, about to follow, when Brian speaks up, "Good riddance."

Her head snaps to him, eyes deadly, "Seriously?"

"We were kinda in the middle of something," Zoe counters.

"Ugh! I can't believe you! You're a monster, Zoe!" Lynn hisses, disgusted.

Zoe glares, her face flushing unattractively with anger. "Excuse me, I'm the monster? Maybe if Caleb would've been a more attentive boyfriend, this wouldn't have happened!"

Lynn's gaze grows darker, her fists clenched. "Caleb loves you! How could you do this to him?"

"Leave her alone," Brian orders.

"And you!" She snarls, poking Brian in the chest when he gets close to her. "You're his best friend since elementary! He's stayed by your side, defending you and apologizing for you! How could you just throw away your friendship like this?!"

"It's one girl," Brian snaps, shoving her finger away from him. "He'll get over it."

"So you'd forgive Caleb if he stole your girl?"

"Time for you to go," Brian growls.

"Yeah, go comfort that washed up excuse for a football player. I found someone better," Zoe brags.

Brian grins, "C'mon, babe, let's back to it."

Zoe slams the door shut in her face with a smirk. Lynn fights the urge to kick the door open and break their noses. She hasn't been this angry in such a long time. The knowledge that Caleb is off somewhere, alone and hurt, is the only thing that keeps her from doing just that. Instead, she exhales sharply and turnes around. Going downstairs, she quickly finds another bathroom and dries off what was left of the water. Heading outside, she looks around the backyard, but can't see Caleb anywhere. Several classmates rush up to her, each with some degree of concern on their faces.

"Lynn, what happened?" Maria probes. "Caleb just took off."

"He and I just walked in on Brian and Zoe making out," Lynn reveals.

"No!" Emma cries. "Why would she cheat on Caleb?"

"Can't say I'm surprised," Michael remarks.

"He shouldn't be alone right now," Lynn shakes her head. Even if she doesn't know him well, her heart aches for him. "We've gotta go after him!"

"'We'?"

"You're new here, so I'll let it slide. But none of us really hang with Caleb, except Julian."

Lynn frowns, looking at all of them imploringly, "But he's one of us! Wouldn't you want someone to go after you if the tables were turned?" She straightens, determination filling her as she meets their eyes, "We can't leave Caleb alone. Who's with me?"

"I'd do anything for Caleb. I'll help," Emma said, smiling at Lynn supportively.

"I can't let my football brother down. I'm in too," Julian agrees.

Maria nodded, "Count me in as well. What Zoe did is disgusting. Not to mention Caleb could persuade a few more people to attend homecoming."

"It's the right thing to do..." Aiden says. "So I'll join your group."

Everyone turns to look at Michael. He raises an eyebrow and scoffs, "I can't believe you all. But this party's boring...So what the hell, I'm in. I've got nothing better to do."

Lynn smiles gratefully, "Thanks, everyone. Any idea where Caleb would run off to?"

"Maybe The Golden Griddle? That's where I'd go to grab a burger and sulk," Julian offers.

"Only one way to find out."

The group enters the diner, finding mostly empty booths. One familiar high school couple sat in the corner, holding hands while splitting a milkshake. It takes almost no time for Lynn to recognize Wes' shaggy locks, strands of his bangs constantly slipping from his ear. Across from him is Autumn, giving them a smile once she notices them. "Hey, guys! Didn't think I'd see you here after the party."

"I see you brought Lynn," Wes observes, a faint smirk on his lips. "Newest student to Berry High and already in the thick of the drama." Though the words were said evenly, she has the impression she is being both scolded by Wes in place of Angel and praised by him.

"Nice to see you too, Wes," she rolls her eyes, snarky. "I assume you already know why we're here?"

"Guilt as charged," Wes grins unrepentantly. "Although Autumn's trying to keep me on the straight and narrow."

"Trust me. Much easier said than done," Autumn giggles.

Lynn glances over to Julian, watching his eyes linger on Wes and Autumn's laced hands. Autumn catches his stare and moves her hand beneath the table, her smile dimming. Julian sighs heavily and Lynn moves closer to him. With everyone else's attention on the conversation, Lynn whispers lowly to him, "You still like Autumn, don't you?"

He sighs again, looking away from them to her. His eyes are sad and she is abruptly reminded of a begging puppy. Yet, there is something else there. Lynn nudges him and he gives her a tired smile, returning her nudge with his own. "I'll be okay. Just need a bit of time, ya'know?"

She nods even though she isn't quite sure she did understand, feeling like she is missing too many puzzle pieces to see the whole picture.

"Maybe give Angel a call when you get home? Talk to her."

"No," Julian shakes his head. "She's busy and got enough on her plate. I can't bother her with something like this."

Lynn looks at him, eyebrows raised skeptically. "This is Angel. She'd be more upset you didn't tell her than if you did tell her."

Julian breaks their gaze, sighing, but nodding nonetheless, "Alright, pipsqueak."

"So what bring everyone to The Golden Griddle so late tonight?"

"We're looking for Caleb."

"He found out Zoe's cheating on him with Brian."

Wes looks disinterested, "I'm surprised it took him this long to find out."

"You knew?" Aiden questions.

"It's my job to know, not tell," Wes shrugs as he makes eye contact with Lynn.

"So, any chance Caleb stopped by?"

"Sorry," Autumn frowns. "It's just been us tonight."

"I'd try to arcade. Caleb likes to blow off steam there," Wes added.

"Thanks for the tip," Lynn smiles at him warmly, he dips his head. "We'll check it out."

"Good luck."

They arrive quickly at the arcade to find a group of their classmates surrounding Sakura focused on her Disco Dance Rebellion game.

"Down. Up. Left. Left. Spin!" She snarls as she follows the directions aggressively.

"Go, Sakura!" Nishan cheers on his girlfriend.

"Whoa. You beat Caleb's high score!" Myra gasps.

"He was here?"

Glasses nods, "Yeah, he left like five, maybe ten minutes ago."

"We're on the right track!" Emma enthuses, smiling broadly.

"Emma! You're here! I mean, of course you're here. You're standing right in front of me," he rambles.

"And you're, uh, standing in front of me?" Emma asks, confused.

"How-- How are you doing?"

"I'll be better once we find Caleb."

"Oh," he mumbles. "Well, maybe later we could play--"

"Not the time, Luis," Maria interrupts. "We're in a bit of a time crunch. Where'd Caleb run off to?"

"You'd have to ask Sakura," Nishan points to his soulmate. "She's the one who talked to him."

"Hey, Sakura?" Lynn tries, only to be cut off by the pink gamer.

"Talk later. Must. Beat. My high score!"

"If you want her attention," Myra advises, "you've gotta enter the dance."

Aiden holds out his hand, displaying coins. "I've got enough change for one round. But who's going to face Sakura?"

Michael turns to him, eyebrow raised, "It's your change. Shouldn't you go?"

Myra giggles, "You've clearly never seen Aiden dance before."

"Okay," Michael concedes, "Then who?"

"Since no one is stepping up," Lynn smiles, "I'd love to play DDR."

"That didn't take much convincing," Emma smiles.

Lynn sticks her tongue out, "This game's my jam! It'll be a cakewalk to beat Sakura."

"We'll see about that," Nishan says doubtfully, giving her thumbs up nonetheless.

Lynn turns to Aiden, holding out her hand, "Give me the quarters. I'm going in." Aiden hands them over, and Lynn marches to the machine. She inserts the change and joins Sakura's game. She rolls her shoulders, taking a deep breath as she readies herself.

"A new challenger approaches! Ready, player two?"

"Less talking. More dancing."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Sakura grins. "Welcome to my domain."

Lynn presses the start button and the song starts. Lynn dances along with fluid skill, her movements smooth and precise. The music flows through her, determination to find her soulmate giving her renewed energy, to help someone alone and hurt. Before long, the song ends and she checks the score.

"Ha! Perfect score!" Lynn cheers. She had gotten a near-perfect score and her initials (L-I-L) were now at the top.

"Nooo! You've bested me!" Sakura groans dramatically.

"I never thought I'd see the day again," Julian says, astounded. "The only person that beat Sakura before was Angel!"

"That's me," Lynn jokes. "Lynn of House Lee, Slayer of Dances and Break of High Scores."

"Heh," Sakura chuckles. "Don't get ahead of yourself. It's beginner's luck, noob. I'll get you next time."

Lynn holds out a hand, "Then how about we meet up again sometime and see who's the real noob?" Sakura grins, reaching out and firmly grasping her hand, shaking it before releasing.

"You've got yourself a deal." She leans against the machine, grinning at her. "So, what can I help you with?"

"We heard that you know where Caleb went."

Sakura raises her eyebrows, a little surprised by the subject. "That's it? He said he was heading to the beach to cool down."

"Sounds more like a vacation to me," Michael quips.

Maria turns to him with a glare, hands on her hips, "I doubt Caleb would see it that way."

Emma deflates, her face screwed up with sadness and pity, "Poor Caleb. I just want to give him a big hug."

The group quickly heads for the exit, Julian hanging towards the back. Before she can follow after, Luis pulls her back.

"Lynn, I know you're new here, but..." He hesitates, obviously trying to find the right words. "You and Emma seem pretty close already."

Though she's relaxed, her eyes narrow at his words. It's considered rude to assume someone's soulmate. Though they can be pretty public with how their first and last names are usually easily seen, that doesn't change the fact that it's a matter of someone's soul, their perfect partner. Two halves of a whole. Out of the corner of her eye, she spies Julian hovering at the exit, burly arms crossed over his chest.

"Um, do you know if she's single?"

Lynn blinks. She...didn't expect that. So he wants to date Emma?

"Well," she starts. She knows Emma's interested in Caleb, but given his circumstances, he won't be up for dating anytime soon. But Myra had talked a lot about Luis and how much of a good guy he is. "I think you'd be a good match, Luis," she smiles kindly. At her smile, she catches Julian relax as he continues to wait for her.

"Really? You think so?" Luis smiles, pleased. "It's just that, well I mean, I've liked her for a long time and Myra, my soulmate, she's been trying to set me up--"

"Luis," she gently cuts him off. "I'd love to stay, but I need to go."

When his face flushes an embarrassed red, she pats his arm benignly, "We can talk at school sometime, okay?"

He nods and gives her a wide smile before heading back to his friends and soulmate cheerfully. Lynn turns and joins Julian at the exit, expecting him to say something. However, he just gives  her a small smile and walks with her to the waiting cars.

It doesn't take long to get to the beach given the lack of road activity. And, once they had gotten out, there is a lone figure figure sitting on the sand, just out of reach of the swelling crest.

"There he is," Lynn nearly sags with relief. She knew he was hurting, but to have him in her sights took off an uneasy edge.

"Good thing we got here so quickly," Maria says.

"You can thank my dancing skills," she jokes a little weakly. Her soulmate is her main concern right now.

Emma, who's arm is linked with hers, murmurs softly, "He looks so sad."

"Let's go talk to him."

"We shouldn't all crowd him at once."

"Who wants to talk him off the edge?"

"I guess I can go," Julian offers. He stands on Lynn's other side since they got out of their cars, and she has a suspicion that he already put together everything with Caleb and her. "We're on the football team together. But I'm not great at the whole feelings talk. Someone else might be better."

Lynn gnaws at her lip for a second before speaking up, "I think I should talk to him." With everyone's eyes on her, she tries to keep her face straight, to not become defensive. "We both saw Zoe and Brian together. Might make it easier to talk about for him."

Julian speaks up before anyone else can, "All right. Good luck." He looks around, almost daring someone to contradict. "We'll get a fire started in the meantime."

When no one argues and starts to gather firewood, Julian gives her a half-smile and squeezes her shoulder encouragingly. She smiles thankfully at him and he nods before leaving to help the others. Turning back to Caleb, she takes a deep breath before making her way over.

She plops down next to him, the waves rushing to her and tickling her bare feet. "You're a hard man to find, Caleb."

He startles at her appearance, surprise written clearly across his face as he turns to her. "Lynn? I'm surprised to see you here."

"We've been looking for you everywhere around town." She smiles, teasing, "I even faced Sakura in DDR to track you down."

Caleb's eyes widens, "I can't believe you went through all of that trouble to find me." But his face darkens and he shakes his head, "I needed to blow off some steam."

"I know," Lynn says, just as somber. "Want some company?"

He shrugs, putting his elbows on his knees as he leans forward, staring at the midnight blue water. "Sure..."

The two of them sit there in companionable silence, both watching the night sky shimmering in the water's reflection. Even with the pessimistic air, Lynn still finds herself entranced by the moon, like she is every night. Taking out her phone, she captures the shot just as Caleb turns to her. Despite the circumstances, the picture is beautiful.

"I don't get it, Lynn. Why would she cheat on me?" Caleb asks, looking at her with big, glossy eyes.

"I wish I had an answer for you." Her mind goes briefly to their earlier conversation, of soulmates-- maybe this was the universe's way of saying people with soulmates can't have other partners? Or at least, not without their soulmate. "Maybe it's because you and Zoe weren't meant to be. We're in high school. Not all relationships work out. You deserve someone better than her."

Caleb looks at her a little doubtfully. "You think so?"

"Anyone would be lucky to date you, Caleb," she says firmly. And, even if he decided he doesn't want to date her, her opinion won't change. "And I've got a good feeling about the next one that comes around."

He shakes his head some, running a hand through his hair and sighs, "I know Zoe and I weren't perfect, clearly. But I could picture our future together. We'd graduate high school, go off to college together. Sometime then, we'd meet our soulmates and introduce each other, and I'd love hers and she'd love mine. She'd make the cheerleading squad and I'd be a star athlete. Eventually, we'd all four settle down, Zoe and I would start a family..."

Caleb trails off, silent for several seconds before speaking again, more bitter, "I can't believe I wasted so much time. I was just so. . .stupid."

"You were all in," Lynn spoke softly. "I don't think that's stupid at all. But maybe it's time to find yourself. You were dating Zoe for so long, but who's Caleb Mitchell when he's single?"

"I don't know anymore."

"I'm sure he's changed over the past year," Lynn offers.

Caleb doesn't respond for a minute, staring at the sand. But slowly, a grin spreads across his face and he nods his head, "You're right. I need to figure out the new me."

After a few silent moments, she playfully nudges Caleb's side. "So how's Mr. Wide Receiver doing now?"

"Not one hundred percent, but better."

She smiles warmly, "Good. I'd hate to see you be down too long." She wraps her arms around him securely, bringing him into a tight embrace.

He returns it just as tightly, his chin on her head. When he speaks, she can feel the rumble of his voice, "Thanks, Lynn. I needed this."

"I'm here whenever you need me," she promises. "Just say the word."

Caleb hugs her for a long, lingering moment before pulling away. When he turns to look out at the horizon, he keeps close enough for his side to be press snugly against her.

"You know," he started softly, "coming out here usually cheers me up. But it didn't seem to work it's magic until you showed up tonight."

Feeling a little encouraged, she puts her hand on his and squeezes it reassuringly, "I'm glad I could help out."

"I know we just met, but I'm glad you showed up when you did."

"Me too. Feels like we've known each other for ages," Lynn laughs softly.

Before another word could be said, Michael yells from across the beach, beside the blazing bonfire. "You two! Did we put this hard work into a fire for nothing?"

"We? You sat back and watched!" Aiden shouts, annoyance clear as he glares at the taller sophomore.

Lynn chuckles before turning to Caleb with a broad, questioning grin. "Ready to rejoin everyone?"

"Yeah," Caleb returns her grin. He flips his hand over and laces his fingers with her, squeezing it just as softly. He stands, still holding her hand, and pulls her to her feet. After dusting themselves off, Caleb leads her to the bonfire and sit before it, side-by-side. The radiating heat warms her from head to toe, and Caleb pressed against her only heightens the warmth.

"This is nice," he says lowly, speaking just beside her ear.

Lynn looks around the bonfire, all of her possible soulmates and one of Angel's gathered together. Something in her purrs with satisfaction and she speaks just as softly to him, leaning in a little to be heard properly, "Perfect end to the day."

"How are you holding up?" Maria asks carefully from across the fire.

"Honestly," Caleb frowns, "I feel like I've been hit by a train..." He glances at all the faces, taking them in, "I can't believe you guys came all this way to find me. I thought I knew who my real friends were before tonight, but I was wrong. It's all of you."

Michael leans forward some, peering around Lynn and Emma, who had returned to Lynn's side and linked their arms. "You should thank Lynn. She's the one who convinced us to come."

She half-shrugs, a little uncomfortable, "It was nothing."

"Regardless," Caleb says gently, "thanks, everyone. I know I'm not really close to most of you, but I want to change that. It means a lot that you guys went out of your way to make sure I'm alright. You make it a lot easier to handle it all."

Lynn grins, "We couldn't just leave you to sulk by yourself."

He frowns suddenly, turning to fully face her. "You warned me, and I still didn't believe you."

She shakes her head, patting his leg, "It's not your fault. You trusted Zoe and Brian."

"I can't believe this happened to you," Emma says softly. Releasing her arm, Emma leans around Lynn and hugs Caleb tightly. He smiles, patting her gently on the back before politely pulling away.

"You gonna teach Brian a lesson for stealing your girl?" Michael suddenly demands, face screwed up with anger.

Maria turns to him, glaring at him with annoyance and some disbelief, "That won't solve anything! He needs to move on."

"I don't know what I'll do next time I see him," Caleb gently breaks in, settling them before an actual argument can start.

On Caleb's other side, Julian grimaces, voice a little grave, "Football practice is gonna be rough."

"Or any classes you have together," Aiden adds.

"If he tries any funny business, he'll have to answer to us," Lynn says firmly, a protective anger rich in her voice. "I don't think he'd dare take on all of us." None of her soulmates would be forced to go through any of this alone. She'd stand by all of them until they didn't want her to anymore.

Michael grins from where he is leaning forward on his knees, face glowing warmly with the blazing firelight. "I'd like to see him try."

"We won't let anything happen to you," Emma comforts.

Caleb smiles weakly, leaning a little more into Lynn's side, "Thanks. I'm glad you've all got my back."

Lynn grins up at him, pushing a stray curl behind her ear, "Of course. What are friends for, after all?"

Lynn, Emma, and Julian are the only ones left. Everyone had already left and Lynn was walking Emma to her car, planning on going home with Julian.

"Hurry up, Ly, or else your cousin's gonna jump down my throat," Julian says from where he leans against his car. Lynn throws him a dirty look, face darkening when he just chuckles. Rolling her eyes, Lynn turns back to Emma, who looks like a baby deer.

"Julian's taking you home?" Her voice is a low whisper, surprise written clear on her face.

Lynn smiles reassuringly, squeezing her arm. "He's a friend to my cousin. She made him promise to get me home." It isn't a lie, but they are definitely closer than friends and Angel didn't mean just tonight. "I'll text you when I get home, okay?"

"See you at school tomorrow, Ly." The blonde gets in and starts her car, pulling away after a hesitation, waiting for Lynn to change her mind. When her soulmate pulls away, Lynn turns to Julian.

"C'mon, pipsqueak," Julian says.

Lynn scowls at him for it, but obliges and hurries to the passenger side. Julian stands there, opening and closing the door for her once she's inside. He gets in the driver's side and starts the car. He turns on the radio, cranking the music up and allowing it to make her teeth vibrate.

"Julian!" She screeches, hand shooting out to hurriedly lower it to something bearable. Julian laughs, shaking as he brings her home.

It isn't long before he is pulling into her driveway and she's in tears from the story of one of Nishan's failed experiments. "Night, Julian, and thanks for the ride."

The next morning, Caleb takes a seat next to Lynn just seconds before the bell rings.

"Cutting it close this morning," she says as she looks him over, taking in his appearance.

His curls are wild, going every which way. Dark bruises smudge under his eyes, the lack of spark in his eyes and chalky complexion only furthering the purple. His clothes are rumpled, like he had slept in them instead of wearing fresh ones.

"After the night I had," he says with a hoarse voice, "can you blame me?"

"Point taken."

A moment later, the door swings open, hitting the wall with a thud. Brian waltzes in, smirking as though he hasn't a care in the world, and sits in the desk behind her and Caleb. "Hey, Caleb, buddy! How are you doing?" He grins as he relaxes in his seat, limbs sprawled everywhere. Caleb's jaw clenches, a vein slightly bulging on his neck. But, he turns his focus to his textbook, opening it.

Brian rolls his eyes, waving his hands in a dramatic fashion, "Ooh. The silent treatment. How angsty."

Lynn flexes her fist, imagining how satisfying it would be to break Brian's nose. Sadly, she holds herself back and turns to Caleb, "Did you hear something, Caleb?"

He turns to her, quickly catching on as a grin spread across his face, "Sounds like wind howling to me."

"Or the sound of desperation!" Lynn quips.

"You can't ignore me, Caleb!" Brian shouts, arms crossed. "I'm your best friend."

"Some friend you are," Lynn shoots back, unable to rein in her anger on behalf of Caleb.

He ignores her, talking to Caleb, "Is this about that whole Zoe thing? 'Cause lemme tell you. She's a damn good kisser." He seems oblivious to the rising anger in Caleb as he begins what is likely to be a self-absorbed and ignorant ramble, "So after you two ran off, we..."

There is a loud slam when Caleb's book is shut. The entire classroom falls quiet, hushed as all eyes are glued on them.

"That's it!" Caleb yells. He stands, spinning to tower over Brian, hands clenched in fists. Brian rises, meeting him eye-to-eye despite the inch difference in height. "I can't take it anymore!"

"Caleb," Lynn says softly, hoping to bring some sense of calm to him.

Brian ruins that hope when he speaks in a disbelieving, cocky voice, "You gonna hit me? I'd like to see you try."

Chapter Text

"You gonna hit me? I'd like to see you try."

Caleb grabs Brian roughly by the collar, holding up a clenched fist. His face darkens and he speaks in a low, threatening voice, "Want to say that again?"

For a brief moment, Brian looks shocked as he stares at the teen he called his best friend. But it passes as he grins and punches Caleb in the stomach, looking smug. Caleb stumbles backwards, a small groan leaving him at the unexpected hit, "Oof!"

"Thanks for giving me an easy shot."

Caleb's head snaps up, "Oh, no you don't!"

Lynn's classmates suddenly rush around the fighting duo, pressing in excitedly and subsequently pushing her back. They watch with eager eyes as Caleb surges at Brian, his fist making solid contact with Brian's jaw. Chanting erupts, goading them on:

"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Lynn manages to make her way back to the center, quickly taking in her soulmate and Brian. She sees her moment just a second later and quickly reacts. Grabbing Caleb by the elbow with both hands, she manages to yank him out of the way just as Brian attempts another punch. Caleb stumbles into her, surprised and not having the chance to balance himself. Lynn does it for him, keeping him from stumbling any further.

Meanwhile, Brian yelps in pain when his fist keeps going, slamming into a desk. "Ouch!" He grabs his fist, rubbing at the reddening skin as he swears lowly.

"Is he okay?" Lynn recognizes Emma's voice above the murmuring of the classroom.

Brian face twists into a snarl and he spins to Caleb, who pushes Lynn behind him as he readies himself to continue, "I'm fine. Totally fine. Now--"

"Hey, um..." Morgan interrupts him, pointing to the door. Standing there, hands on her hips and surprise on her face, is Ms. Isa, the vice principal. The entire rooms goes silent, a stark contrast to before.

"What are you doing?" She questions, gesturing to Caleb, Lynn, and Brian.

"Me? But-" Lynn's cut off before she can make any protest.

"Come with me," Ms. Isa scowls. "Principal Hughs will know what to do with you."

Silently, the three of them gathers their things and leave, the entire classroom watching their every move. The moment they are out of the room, it erupts in loud whispers and Lynn feels her stomach twist some. Following Ms. Isa, they are swiftly and quietly lead to the principal's office, not even Brian saying a word despite his dark glares. They enter the office and are greeted by Principal Hughs and her warm smile. "Good morning, children! How are you today?"

"Principal Hughs, these three were fighting!" Isa sternly announces, getting to the point.

"Oh my goodness! Did you get a boo-boo? I've got some Band-Aids in this drawer," Principal Hughs gasps and starts to open her desk drawer.

She's stopped by Isa, "Um, Principal Hughs?"

"Right. Take a seat."

Lynn sits between Brian and Caleb, hoping that it would serve as some sort of buffer. A thick, awkward silence follows as they all wait for the principal to go on. "Okay, we're going to take turns and talk about why you're here." She looks to Lynn kindly, "What's your name, little girl?"

"Uh..." Lynn pauses, a little baffled by being called 'little girl'. "Lynn?"

"Lynn, could you please tell us why you're here?"

"The fight? I didn't do anything."

"It's true," Caleb adds. "Brian and I were the ones fighting. Lynn was only trying to stop us."

"But we're only here because she got involved," Brian says, shooting an annoyed look at her.

Caleb tenses, leaning around Lynn to glare at him, but Lynn speaks, "No, you're only here because you punched Caleb."

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't have done it if he hadn't gotten in my face," Brian shoots back waspishly.

"I wouldn't have gotten in your face if you hadn't stolen my girlfriend!" Caleb shouts, tense and angry all over again.

Before any of them could say anything else, Isa raises her voice, "Silence! All of you!" They fall silent, but that doesn't stop Brian from his glaring.

"I'm very disappointed in you, children," Hughs says, a soft frown on her face. "Don't you remember what Blurble the Turtle always says?"

Lynn blinks, "'Be nice to each other'? I mean, that's a nice sentiment, but-"

"Yes!" She exclaims. "You're smart children. I know you can be better than this." She looks at each other, meeting their eyes, "Now, normally I would take away your recess for a month, but we're trying a new tactic this year called 'positive reinforcement'. The three of you will be required to give back to the school by working with Maria Flores on the homecoming committee!"

"The homecoming committee?" Lynn asks, both shocked and relieved. "That doesn't seem so bad." Especially since I'll get to talk to Maria more.

"You say that now," Caleb says, "but wait until you see Maria in her final form. It's scary."

"You'll need a bit of courage, but I know you can do it. After all, you won't be able to overcome your fears unless you face them!" Principal Hughs encourages with a smile.

"Say what?" Brian says, shocked.

She ignores him, smiling even sweeter at them, "Your first meeting is this afternoon."

They are dismissed, departing and walking slowly back to class.

It isn't long before Brian speaks up, easily overlooking Lynn to talk to Caleb. "Guess what, Caleb?" The taller teen ignores him, eyes ahead. Brian's face falls and his voice evens out some, "Caleb?" After another moment of silence, Brian seems to bounce back, regaining his cocky look. "Earth to Caleb! Your best bud Brian is trying to talk to you."

"You're not funny, Brian," Caleb snaps, aggravation clear.

"I'm not trying to be." He gives a put-out sigh and stops, turning to face Caleb completely, "Look, I know it's kinda weird that my new girlfriend is your ex, but I don't see why we can't handle our jealousy maturely."

Lynn catches Caleb's hands clenching into fists, that vein starting to appear again, and she quickly decides to intervene. "Seriously, Brian? Do you really not understand what you did?"

He rolls his eyes, leaning casually against a locker, "Three months ago Zoe asked me out, and I said yes. What's the big deal?"

"Three months?"

"Yeah," he shrugs. "Started off as a summer fling. I can tell you all about it later. Point is, we can still be bros." He holds out his hand, looking at Caleb expectantly, "How about it?"

Caleb stares at him for a second, as though unable to comprehend what had actually happened. "No way, man," he shakes his head, taking a step away from him.

Brian scoffs, letting his hand drop to shove them both in his pockets as he kicks off the lockers, "Whatever. Your loss, man." With his part said, he struts down the hall.

"Where are you going?" Lynn calls after him.

He turns around, walking backwards with a smirk, "I'm suddenly not feeling so well. Think it might be best if I take the rest of the day off, ya know?" He turns back around just in time to turn the corner, "Bye, losers."

Lynn shakes her head, and looks to Caleb. He's frowning, slumped against a wall as his head hangs. "So that's it," he mumbles dejectedly. "Ten years of friendship... over." He lets out a long sigh as he slides down the wall to put his head between his knees. Lynn goes to his side, sitting.

She wraps her arms around him, hugging him like she had the night before. He straightened and pulled her flush against his side, holding her against him as he leans his forehead on her shoulder. "Thanks for standing up for me, Lynn. Without you, all of this would've been so much worse," he mumbles.

The ravenette runs her hand up and down his back, "No problem, but are you gonna be okay?"

Caleb sighs again before tilting his head to look her in the eyes and half-smiling. "Yeah. I should've cut Brian out a long time ago. But, c'mon," he says as he pulls himself from her, "we should get back to class. We can talk more during homecoming committee." He stands and holds his hand out, pulling her up gently when she takes it. Lynn nods and walks beside him, neither realizing that their hands are still together.

After school, Lynn hurries into the gym that the homecoming committee is supposed to meet. Maria stands at the front of room, surrounded by a group of popular girls and Caleb.

"I can't believe homecoming is only six weeks away!" Payton squeals excitedly, glowing with joy.

Beside her, Autumn beams at her. "I can't wait either, but...." She looks around before lowering her voice some, "do you think I can convince Wes to wear a suit to the dance?"

Payton giggles, but shakes her head. "There's only one person who could get him into anything that wasn't a sweatshirt," she giggles.

Autumn sighs, looking defeated but accepting. "Maybe I can give her a call then."

Payton bounces in place, "Oh, oh! Maybe we can all get together and have a group call!"

Further back, she could see a group of kids in darker clothing, all whispering to each other.

"I still can't decide whether punishing us with homecoming committee is genius or idiotic," Kim groans, shaking her head. She wore ripped jeans, a maroon shirt, and her iconic plum lipstick and leather jacket.

"Idiotic," Wes replies from where he leans against the wall. "Anything else would be giving Hughs too much credit." Lynn catches his eyes, his lips pulling into that faint smirk. He winks at her and she rolls her eyes, but smiles nonetheless.

"At least it beats picking up trash on the side of the highway," Michael chuckles, leaning beside Wes.

Before Lynn can do much more than take a step, Maria turns to her with a stern look. "Lynn! You're two minutes late!"

Lynn blinks, a little startled at the sudden sharp comment. "Oh, uh, my bad. I don't have the school memorized yet and took the wrong hallway." The entire school is like a labyrinth, confusing twists and turns despite having seen the blueprints for the school and being here a couple of times.

Maria seems to falter, as though she had forgotten it was Lynn's second day. "Oh, well," she speaks haltingly before regaining her composure. "Just make sure you remember next time or else I'll report you to Principal Hughs!"

"Okay, okay," Lynn says hurriedly.

In the back, most of the group sans Wes snickers. He crosses his arms, eyes calculating as he stares at Maria. Said teen sighs before pinning her with another stern look, "Look, I'll let it go this time, but don't let this happen again. There's only six weeks until homecoming and everything's going to be perfect!"

Maria smiles professionally, "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Lynn Lee and Caleb Mitchell, the newest homecoming committee members!"

"Hiya," she waves, feeling the disinterested and heavy stares on her.

Maria turns to Caleb with her smile, "Caleb, why don't you tell us your favorite thing about homecoming?" Lynn makes her way to him, watching as his face scrunches, as though to suppress a frown.

"I. . ." he goes slowly, "like the football game. Yeah."

Maria's smile fals. "Okay...? Lynn, what about you?"

"Oh, well I'm not really a fan of it, but I guess it'd be fun to spend the night with my friends," she shrugs.

The back group laughs again, louder, and Michael shouts, "I like this girl. She can stay!"

Maria frowns at the group, "Yes, I suppose that even those that don't care for it can enjoy the night with their friends. Anyway, hopefully working on the committee will be able to change your mind."

"Maybe," she says noncommittally.

"Alright, everyone take a seat so we can start the meeting," Maria says. Most of the very front and back are taken, so Lynn sits in the middle with Caleb on one side and Wes the other, Autumn sitting on her boyfriend's right side. "Now, everyone, look around you and tell me what you see."

"The room where Coach Burke forced me to do that stupid running test?"

"Wrong," Maria says. "I mean, you're technically correct, but that's not the answer I was looking for. Anyone else?"

Autumn slowly raises her hand, "A blank canvas?"

"Exactly!" Maria exclaims with a grin. "In a few short weeks, this room will be full of happy Tigers here to celebrate homecoming. We're here to make sure their night is magical." She looks around at everyone, gesturing with a hand to the room, "To that end, I've selected two possible themes for this year's dance for us to vote on: Under the Sea and Happily Ever After."

"Ha!" Morgan barks, pushing herself up from her chair. "That's your idea of 'magical'? Seriously?"

Maria's hands go to her hips, face pinched in anger as she speaks defensively, "Well, I don't see you coming up with any better ideas, Morgan."

Morgan smirks, and Lynn has the vague feeling the half-shaved girl was getting exactly what she wanted. "You want one? Fine. How about 90's Retro Rave?" Her dark eyes glittering in amusement.

"Do you think I don't know what happens at raves?" Maria demands, reminding Lynn of a frustrated cat. "We watched a whole video about them in health class!"

"Did you really? Dang. Well, that's karma, I guess. The whole reason I'm here is because I skipped health too much last year." She shrugs and slumps back in her seat.

Maria crosses her arms and turns to the rest of the committee members, "Okay, so looks like we've still got two options. Let's take a vote."

"I'm voting for Retro Rave," Wes grins from beside Lynn. She snorts, choking down her laughter. Caleb shifts beside her, lips twitching as he valiantly tries to fight own burst of laughter off. When Maria throws them a sharp look, Wes smirks and nudges Lynn.

"If you want to throw away your vote," Maria says after a moment of collecting herself, "that's fine with me. Everyone else, please raise your hand when I call out the theme you'd like to vote for."

As she calls out the voting options, Lynn looks around the room. She imagines the themes in the gym; a flood of blue lights with multi-colored paper-mache fish hanging from the ceiling; a decorative tower in the corner of the room with vines and lanterns; and even graffiti everywhere with multi-colored lights.

"Lynn." The girl blinks, turning to Maria with a wide-eyed look. "I noticed you hadn't voted, and you're the deciding vote between Happily Ever After and 90's Retro Rave," her face tells her exactly which one Maria wants her to choose.

Lynn blinks again before giving her answer, "Oh, my bad. I vote for 90's Retro Rave."

Half the committee groans and the other half cheer, Morgan smirking and Wes grinning at Lynn. Maria sent her a fierce glare and Lynn shivers, wilting under the dark look. "It seems like it would be fun," Lynn mumbles, shifting when Maria's glare only grew darker.

"Not you too! Look, this isn't a joke or something silly!" Maria grits out, frustrated and annoyed.

Wes glances at Maria then Lynn, discretely nudging her with his foot. She takes a deep breath and straightens, regaining her confidence. "I'm not kidding. Look, Maria," she smiles gently, voice taking on a soothing quality, "just...take the word 'rave' out of your mind for a minute and focus on the decorations."

Maria frowns, but crosses her arms and speaks evenly, "Okay. . .What were you thinking?"

With Maria willingness to listen, Lynn grows more confident. She gestures to the room, "Well, we could put black lights in the gym, add a bunch of neon colors..." She pauses and grins as a thought pops into her mind, "...and glow sticks. Lots and lots of glow sticks."

On the other side of Wes, Autumn smiles encouragingly after a slight arm nudge from Wes. The brunette raises her hand, speaking up, "I'm starting to like this." She half-turns to Lynn, leaning forward, "Do you think maybe we could add some street-art banners?"

"That would be awesome!"

Maria frowns, switching her arms from her chest to her hips. "I don't know. Payton," she turns to the preppy girl, doubtful, "what do you think?"

"GLOW STICKS!" Payton cheers, a large smile on her face as she shimmies gleefully.

Maria blinks, mouth parted in shock. Her dark eyes roamed over the committee, "Um, anyone else?" No one protests. "Well, okay. You win. Retro Rave theme it is. But, for the record, this is not my idea." She pins Lynn with another fierce look, but the shorter teen just smiles, too confident. "Anyway, now that we've got our theme, it's time to get started on creating the decorations. We're going to need a lot of banners, so let's split off into teams. Okay?"

"Yes!" Payton cheers again, wiggling in place in her chair.

All the committee members pair up quickly, and Wes grins at Lynn before going with Autumn. Lynn watches him for a second, grateful to him for the quiet support earlier. She looks around and finds that Caleb, Maria, and Michael are the only ones left. Before she can say a word, Michael's eyes met hers and he smirks at her and tilts his head as invitation.

Lynn resists the eyebrow raise and goes over to the other sophomore. He watches her, grinning at her when she stops in front of him.

"Want to work together?" She asks, smiling.

"Yeah, sure." He stands, snatching some paints and brushes and moving to an open space as Lynn follows and carries the large piece of banner paper. They set everything down and Lynn starts to begin painting, Michael sitting with a paintbrush but watching her with analytical eyes.

"So, Lynn," he probes casually, "rumor has it that you got into a fight this morning."

He reminds me of Wes. "A fight? So what?" She hums as she continues painting, nonplussed. She exchanges the brush for a larger one, focused on the large arch of a letter's curve.

"Nothing," he shrugs. "Just wouldn't have pegged you for the type is all."

Lynn pauses in her painting, considering. He quickly notices her halt in movement and speaks up, curious, "What?"

She looks at him with a half-grin, "You don't know my life story yet."

His face blanks for a second as he recalls his words and a small, impressed smirk graces his face. "Touché," he relents as she resumes her painting.

"Anyway, this was a bit of a special case: Brian."

Michael nods, dropping the paintbrush and leaning a little closer. Lynn doesn't give the action much attention, still focused on the banner.

"Understandable," he agrees. "People may think I'm the delinquent at this school, but that guy's the real menace. Notice how he failed to show up today?"

"He said he was going to take off for the of the day." She exchanged the paintbrush for some glitter Payton had apparently had on her. "Probably faking sick." Though given how much money it looked like his parents had, I wouldn't be surprised if he just tried to get his parents to pay them off.

"Of course," Michael fumed. "And I bet he'll use daddy's connections to get out of this for the rest of the semester!" His face is contorted in an angry frown for only a second before he closes his eyes for a second and relaxes, voice calm and accepting once he spoke again, "But that's life."

He shakes his head and returns his amused eyes back to her, lips pulled into a vague smirk, "What I meant to say was, good for you standing up to Brian. Most people don't have the guts to handle the asshole."

Lynn half-smiled as she sets down the glitter, "Thanks then, I think." She finally looks up at him and meets his gaze head on, a questioning light in his eyes. "Now, are you going to help me finish up our banners or not?"

A lazy grin spreads across his face, teasing, "I would, but it seems like you're doing fine on your own." She levels him with A Look and he immediately relents a surrender with his hands held up, eyes wide, "Okay, okay! But when it comes out looking like shit, don't say I didn't warn you."

The smaller teen rolls her eyes playfully at him, snorting when he mumbles under his breath. But, with some help from the reluctant Michael, another banner is quickly finished. When she tries to pick it up by herself, clearly struggling due to her diminutive height, it's Michael's turn to roll his eyes at her. He easily takes it from her, smirking at her annoyed pout, and they both present it with a slight flourish to Maria.

"Wow," Maria says, impressed. "You're the first ones done, and this isn't half-bad. How about you guys get started on another one?"

"This is our second one, Maria," Lynn offers, half-turning and pointing to the other finished poster. Before the taller brunette can say anything, Michael is speaking.

"Actually, Maria, I was thinking that since Lynn and I are done with two early, maybe we could go on a food run for the group."

Maria's face contorts into anger, eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed into a frown, dark eyes narrowing in on his face. "Don't be ridiculous, Michael. I'm running a dance committee here, not a a dating committee," her voice is stern and incredibly annoyed.

A slight flush of heat pinked her cheeks, embarrassment curling in her stomach, but she managed a steady voice, "That isn't what he meant at all, Maria!"

And, for as little as she actually knew about her soulmate, she can practically feel his smirk. She refuses to give him the satisfaction, however, and keeps her eyes stubbornly on Maria's. When she doesn't look at him, Michael chuckled and looked back at Maria.

"As tempting as it may be, no. I was just thinking this afternoon might be a little more bearable on a full stomach."

The anger from Maria's face dissipates, but hesitation quickly takes its place. "I don't know... We really do need you here."

Not too far away, Sydney leans back on her feet and interrupts, "Aw, come on Maria. Let them go!"

Beside her, Payton tacks on her own support, "Yeah, they proved that they're fast workers! Ooh, ooh! We'll all paint much better when we have food in our stomachs!"

"Well..." Maria drawls out the word, looking over the eager faces of the committee before sighing, "Okay."

Michael turns to Lynn with a grin, "So, Lynn, what do you say? Shall we head to the diner?"

Lynn smiled, glad her flush is gone, "Let's go!"

"Hi." Lynn smiles at the employee as she leans forward on her arms, relaxing against it. "We'd like two vanilla milkshakes, four strawberry, two large coffees, and seven orders of fries to go, please!"

The waiter smiled politely, "It'll be ready in fifteen minutes." She nods and pays for the food with her card, pocketing her receipt so the others could pay her back later. The waiter quickly disappeared into the kitchen with her order.

Just as Michael and Lynn take seats by the counter, a couple stops them with sneers. "Excuse me," Kara, pretty in a cold sort of way, spits, "but you're in our space."

From beside her, Michael mutters under his breath, "I don't believe it."

"Oh, look, it's Michael. Get away from our counter!" Max Warren, Angel's platonic soulmate and boyfriend, isn't as tall as Michael but built like a tank. His short and gelled blond locks, sky blue eyes, and varsity jacket made it easy for her to recognize him. She had found it a little odd that platonic soulmates were dating and that he was dating Kara at the same time. But Angel had never been the definition of normal, and she was happy.

Despite the two sharing a soulmate, Lynn hadn't met Max much. He was usually too busy with sports and having to put up with his dad to meet and hang out, so she had only met him once or twice. Kara, on the other hand, she had met more often, but still not a lot. The older girl had always been a bit snobby and cool towards everyone that wasn't Angel or Nishan, but Angel always liked her. According to Angel, Kara has a big soft spot for Nishan.

But it didn't look like they're taking Angel's departure for college well, even with as much as Angel was doing her video calls and texts. To say they look a little on edge would be putting it lightly. She'd have to talk to Angel, get her to come down for break but for now...

"Your counter?" She questions.

Kara's head snapped to Lynn, scrutinizing brown looking her over. For a second, Lynn thinks Kara might recognize her. The moment passes quickly, though. Kara narrows her eyes, looking frustrated and annoyed, taking a half-step to Lynn. "And who's this? Your little soulmate?" Michael doesn't flinch, but she can see his fist tighten, knuckles white, and Lynn feels her own spark of irritation.

"Be nice," the blond fake scolds, eyes sparkling with cruel amusement. "It's not like either of them are in a position to have any high standards."

Something sharp claws at her chest, cold and stinging. Lynn sits up straighter, legs crossing as she stares at them with what Angel calls 'Can and Will Bite'. "Oh really?" She questions, voice cold and sharp. Three pairs of eyes focus on her and she drags her unimpressed eyes over the blond. "And how do you think your soulmate would react to you being such a douche?"

Max's eyes widen as his weakness is ruthlessly struck, stiff and taunt as he leans in to glare darkly at her. Beside him, Kara's brown eyes are toxic, lips pulling back in a sneer. The blond's glare becomes impossibly angrier as he takes a step closer, only for Michael to stand between them, blocking both his path and view of an unmoved Lynn. Max sneers, leaning around Lynn, pissed, "If you know what's good for you, don't talk about her again, brat."

"Oh yeah?" Lynn returns, unable to hold back the impulsive desire to tell them just who she is. That she's their Angel's little cousin, her first soulmate. It's the same righteous anger she feels on behalf of her other soulmates, burning deeply in her as it tries to boil over. "Well I think-"

"Scram, brat," Kara hisses, glaring something fierce.

"Fine," Michael interrupts before Lynn can snap back. He gently takes Lynn by the wrist and leads her to a booth on the other side of the diner, far away from the couple. She scowls, pulling out her phone to text Angel. Yeah, she said those two aren't the best at first impressions, but that they were both warm and caring beneath their hard exteriors. They aren't anything like she described after she brought those walls down.

"They always like that?" She mutters, pressing 'send'.

"As far as I've known them. They're snooty athletes who think they're better than everyone else," Michael glares intensely at the table, voice rough with anger, "and they made my life at Hearst High a living hell."

Lynn refocuses on Michael, eyes going back to him instead of eyeing her phone for a response. "You went to Hearst?"

Michael pauses, as though not realizing he had let something of his past be known. Then he sighs and ran his hand through his hair before looking at her with a frustrated smirk, "You're too curious for your own good."

"Mm," Lynn hums, shrugging humbly, but doesn't deny it. "But don't think you're getting out of this."

He 'tsk'ed, as though caught red-handed but held no shame. "Yep," he relents. "I transferred about a half year ago."

So probably around the time Angel's absence really hit. "What happened?"

"Long story. Bottom line is, I don't miss it, and those two are one of the many reasons why." When Michael doesn't say anything further, Lynn glances at her phone. She would need to talk with her cousin about these two, tell her she might need to give them more time. They're like formerly feral cats that haven't gotten enough attention.

She's brought from her thoughts when a waiter calls out an order, but isn't clear to her. "Do you think that's for us?" Lynn asks him, leaning forward as though that would suddenly increase her hearing substantially.

Michael glances up, shaking his head, "Shouldn't be. Hasn't been long enough."

"Doesn't sound like we'll be able to hear our order from here."

"Going back to the counter isn't an option," Michael says quickly. She says nothing to dispute him, only humming lightly. Suddenly, a new song starts playing from the jukebox from the back of the restaurant. Max jumps up, face screwed up.

"I hate this song!" He snarls, throwing a vicious glare at the machine.

"I heard that loud and clear," Lynn mumbles.

Michael shrugs, "Can't say I blame him. The problem with jukeboxes is that they're subject to abuse by people with terrible taste."

In that moment, a brilliant idea dawns on her. "Or trolls," she grins, eyes lit with mischief as she looks at him. The edges of his eyes crinkle just some as an equally impish smirk stretches his lips. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" In silent agreement, the pair stand and casually walk up to the jukebox each inserting five quarters.

"That should be enough to drive anyone crazy," Michael snickers. "What song should we play?"

"I vote for Hit the Road Jack."

"Think it's annoying enough?"

Lynn raised a challenging brow at him, playfully, "Anything is annoying when it's played ten times in a row, and I think the lyrics are a bit too perfect to pass up."

"You're a crafty one," he grins.

She shrugs in false humbleness, "I learned from the best."

He enters the song, and they return to their seats to wait for the song to start playing.

The first time the song plays, Max and Kara roll their eyes. The second time, they eye the pair of sophomores, but both manage to pretend to appear like they were in the most fascinating conversation.  The third time, Kara's face starts to look as if she was sucking on a lemon. And finally, on the fourth time, Max jumps up.

"That's it! I can't take it anymore!" He snarled, grabbing Kara's wrist and tugging on her roughly, "Kara, let's go!" They both shoot Lynn and Michael a pair of dirty looks before rushing out.

Michael and Lynn, grinning like the cats that caught the canaries, retake their rightful places at the counter.

"Ah," Michael sighs, pleased, "sweet success." He glances over at Lynn, watching her for a second before finally speaking. "I'm surprised at you, Lynn."

Lynn looks to him, unable to hide her surprise behind her smirk, "Really?"

Her phone buzzes, distracting her from Michael as he talks. She opens it to see a message from Angel, and a sort of petty, vindictiveness struck her. Yes, it would help them in the long run, but that wasn't her main goal. They continued to bully people and pushed Michael out of Hearst, further harassing him about his soulmate for no reason.  So, a smug smirk reaches her lips as she reads her cousin's text.

I'll take care of them. I'm coming down for Thanksgiving break. Text me when you're not busy and we can call. Love you

"What's got you smirking?" Michael questions, trying to lean over to read her text.

"None-ya!" She chirps, turning her phone off and flashing him a grin. She's looking forward to Thanksgiving now.

"I thought you were going to be another goody two shoes," Michael confessed. "Turns out-"

"Order for Lynn!"

"That's me," Lynn smiles, taking the food and one tray of drinks, Michael taking the other, and head to the door. Just as they're about to leave, 'Hit the Road Jack' starts to play for the fifth time.

"Okay, who did this to the jukebox?" The waiter demands, looking incredibly vexed.

"Let's go!" Michael says, pushing her forward so they could hurry out.

"They're back!" Autumn was the first to notice their return.

"We come bearing milkshakes!" Lynn laughed, holding up the drinks and food.

"Yes! Gimme!"

"Excuse me, I think seniors should get priority."

"Okay, okay," Maria steps in, clapping her hands for their attention, "everyone form a line. You'll all get your food. And everyone should thank Michael and Lynn for getting this for us." Maria smiles, dipping her head to them in thanks. There is a variety of gratitude, some somewhat lackluster and some absolutely gleeful.

Lynn laughs warmly, "You're welcome!"

Together, Michael and Lynn quickly distribute the food. After a quick break of the food and drinks being consumed, everyone returns to their work with renewed enthusiasm.

"Okay, everyone, that's the meeting," Maria finally said two hours later.

"Hang on," Autumn says. She holds up her camera, smiling hopefully, "Before we go, could I get a picture with one of the banners for the yearbook?"

Maria looks around at the large collection of beautiful banners. "I don't see why not," Maria smiles, agreeing. "Great work everyone!" She picks up a banner, and a large group joins her behind it, helping to hold it out.

"Smile!" Autumn cheerfully calls. Everyone did as said, and Lynn cans faintly hear the camera shutters. Finished, Autumn turns to the group standing off to the side.

"Are you guys sure you don't want to be in the photo? Wes?"

"Sorry, Autumn," Wes shrugs, "I think we're good."

"This was more fun than I thought it was gonna be, but we're not exactly yearbook material, y'know?"

"Well, I'm glad you at least had some fun. I'll see you all next week!" And with those words, they were dismissed.

Lynn walks out to the parking lot and looks around, shielding her eyes to allow them to adjust to the sudden amount of sunlight. Once they are, she starts to her car, only to see someone standing by Caleb's car. Emma stands there, nervously wringing her hands with her back to the school. Lynn hurries over to where the blonde is, greeting her warmly, "Hey, Em! What're you doing here?"

"Lynn!" Emma says, surprised. She glances around nervous, biting her lip. "Hey, could you hide for a few minutes, maybe in your car?"

"Um, okay? Why?"

"See you tomorrow, Lynn, Emma," Caleb's voice comes from behind Lynn. She looks behind her, eyes widening as she realizes what Emma is probably about to do.

"Wait! Caleb! Can I ask you something?"

Lynn winces, voice awkward and softer, "I think I'll just--"

Before she can even make an awkward exit, Caleb answers, "Sure. Go ahead, Emma."

"I..um...was like, wondering if you'd maybe want to..." Emma's mumbles are barely coherent, her halting not helping any. "You know...um, maybe go out sometime. . .with, well you know. . .me?"

"What?"

Emma closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, palms flat against her sides. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime."