"You really shouldn't have done that, y'know?" Rachel started. I groaned, not wanting another lecture. Currently Rachel, Serena, and I are walking home from school.

I had to go since I've missed so many classes, so I've been going for about a week straight, and it's taking a toll on my mentality.

Which is why Rachel is getting on my case. "Yeah. Finally going to school and you break another desk, how many does that make?" Serena asked curiously.

Hm. I looked up thoughtfully. "This week? Three?" Rachel closed her eyes and shook her head. "Five." She corrected me.

Huh? Really? Well, I wasn't counting. "You didn't get detention this time though." Serena mused. Rachel gave her friend a look. "Only because they've given up. It doesn't affect her at all." I shrugged nonchalantly, throwing my hands behind my head.

Of course because of this dumb uniform it's not comfy. Clicking my tongue in annoyance I dropped my arms to my side.

Not my fault they're not creative enough. "Anyway, enough about Stella's rebellion. Aren't you guys excited?!" Serena asked excitedly.

What's she going on about this time? Rachel and I exchanged looks. "About what?" Rachel asked for us.

Serena looked at us with disbelief. "Hello? Tomorrow's Valentine's Day! It's only the best holiday of the year!" She stopped in front of us, flailing her arms dramatically.

"Halloween is so much better." I snorted. Serena dismissed my opinion and continued with her dramatics.

She looked off dreamily, clasping her hands and bringing it to her face. "The key to melting a man's heart lies in the art of making chocolate." Hearts swarmed around her head and I gave her a flat look.

"Acid also works." I muttered.

She quickly got in our faces. "But alternative means are acceptable!" That's just another way to say you don't know how to make chocolate.

I don't think she's ever cooked a thing in her life.

"Oh, I can't believe I forgot." Rachel lied.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. She didn't forget, and she's a bad liar. Serena narrowed her eyes suspiciously on her, leaning closer. "Rach, What are you not telling me?" She grilled our friend. "I-I don't know what you mean." She tried to play it off.

Same old Rachel. Can't lie, especially not to a presence as big as Serena's.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "You're a terrible liar Rach." Serena nodded in agreement, her gaze never leaving Rachel.

But her analyzing gaze lessoned and she leaned away. "He really is a fantastic prospect y'know."

Now this confused our friend. "What? Who is?" She asked curiously. "You remember those two guys who tried so hard to get our attention at the coffee shop last Sunday." She nudged Rachel with her elbow, a sly smile on her face.

What? They got picked up?

Well that's nothing new. "They claimed to be medical students at the university and after seeing them, heh, I'm going to find a way to get sick. Oh that Kenan Morris. What a dream boat." Serena giggled as she looked off fondly.

"And the . . . whatever his name was sure seemed to like you. I mean you two look sooo perfect together." She laughed, but it was more forced.

And based on Rachel's expression, Serena's lying just to get her to go along. Rachel sighed.

Suddenly a car stopped beside us and a really big muscular guy stepped out, eyes locked on Rachel.

I got ready to throw a punch if need be, but he seemed familiar with them.

"Hey Rachel I was just looking for ya!" That's creepy.

Rachel's face seemed to agree. Serena's face lit up. "This cannot be a coincidence." She grinned. Rachel's eye twitched and even I stared at Serena with a similar expression. There she goes again.

Well, gotta give the girl credit, if she wants something she does everything to get it. Girl's got tenacity.

The guy seemed to get nervous. "So Rachel, I was just wondering if, uh . . ." He stammered.

Which is comedic with his size and all. "Use your big boy words." I drawed, making Serena elbow my side and shush me.

"Well I've been looking forward to ask you something but now that I'm here, if I could, that'd be sweet!"

"Huh?" Rachel asked. He definitely sounds like a university student. "Rachel!" He leaned closer making her back up a bit. "I've come to ask you to go on a date."

I almost laughed. Serena must have known because she quickly covered my mouth with her hand.

Right. Rachel going on a date. With him? She's been in love with Jimmy since they were kids.

No way she'll say yes. "It would be my pleasure to escort you to a Valentine's party tomorrow, please say yes."

Awe now I feel kind of bad for the big lug.

Seems he's smitten. Serena let go of me and moved more towards them. "What kind of party are we talking here?" He bowed politely to Rachel, but she wasn't sure how to react. "If a girl likes a guy she gives him chocolate. And if he wants to, y'know, return her affection then he eats every bit of chocolate right there, oh please say you'll come with me!"

He's kind of pathetic, but in a way I guess it's cute. In an awkward way.

"So this party, is Kenan Morris even gonna be there?" Serena asked. I glanced at her. "Dude's laying his heart for her and that's what you ask?" I muttered.

Her brows furrowed as she returned my look. "Yeah, he's hot." I rolled my eyes at that. The big lug finally looked our way. "Yeah, I think so cause the party's gonna be at his place."

Serena's face lit up and she clasped her hands excitedly. "We'll go! We'll go! Rachel and I will most definitely be there!"

Rachel turned to her friend in disbelief. "Serena!" She shouted. But of course it had no effect on her.

The big guy's face matched hers as excitement coursed through him. "Really? You really mean it?! I did it!" He bowed again. "Thank you, Miss Rachel." Serena gave him Rachel's address and he went back into his car, smiling at her.

"I'll come by your place tomorrow afternoon around four." Then he drove off.

Well that happened.

"You guys have fun with that." I went to walk but Rachel stepped in my way. "Now why would you go and do a thing like that?!" She shouted at Serena, who was behind me now.

She moved to stand close to me, placing her hands on her hips and looking at Rach knowingly. "So I see I was right. You're secretly in love with Jimmy and you have an unconscious understanding that you'll always say no to other guys until he comes back." She leaned over towards her.

I scoffed. "It's not really a secret."

A blush spread across Rachel's cheeks. "That's crazy talk! Why would I want that mystery freak?!" She screamed, leaning towards us and making Serena take cover behind me.

Deny all you want, it doesn't change the facts.

She huffed and turned away from us, her nose in the air. Serena grinned slyly, her hands going behind her back as she peered at her curiously. "So you'll be joining us at the party then?" She asked teasingly. "Well of course, why wouldn't I?"

You played right into her hands Rachel. Serena moved her arm with a cheer. "Yes! That's my girl! And that Kenan Morris better watch out. Because Serena Sebastian's delectable chocolates will melt his bones!" She declared, and with so much passion I could practically see fire around her.

Rachel and I took a step away and watched her wearily. "Whoa, this must be a pretty big day for her."

I nodded, not taking the Sebastian lightly.

Girls are way more terrifying than boys.

~

"I told you, I just feel like making it." I grumbled, stirring the chocolate in the pan as it melted.

Rachel smirked, giving me a knowing look as she worked on hers. "Uh-huh. Suuuuure. It's not for a certain boy in Osaka?" I couldn't help the scarlet blush that covered my cheeks.

"No!" I shouted, making her laugh. Ugh. It'd be easier to lie if she hadn't been my friend since I was four.

Unfortunately, of the three who know when I'm lying, she's one of them. She's also the one who helped me realize I was in love with Harley.

Jimmy popped up between us, eyes trained on Rachel. Where'd he come from?

Is he sneaking around again? "So Rachel, got any plans for tonight?" She continued to look at the book we were using to make these damn things.

"Yeah, real big plans." She muttered lightheartedly. Jimmy sniffed her pot of chocolate. "That smells good, is it chocolate?"

Jimmy knocks it off. "Well tomorrow is Valentine's Day Squirt." She answered easily. Jimmy looked up at her curiously. "So you're giving this chocolate to someone who's special to you?" He clarified.

I nudged him roughly, making him stumble back as I returned to my spot.

Rachel giggled and looked back at him. "Do you think I'd slave over a hot stove unless I had an extra special person in mind?"

I shot Jimmy a look but he threw his hands behind his head and looked off. "Extra special? Then naturally I guess you're talking about that extra special guy Jimmy."

God you're an ass, I hope you know that.

She looked up thoughtfully. "Isn't he that guy I used to know?" I snorted as Jimmy fell. I gave him a smug look. You totally deserved that.

"Alright, beat it pipsqueak!" I grabbed him and tossed him out of the kitchen. "You really shouldn't throw him like that." Rachel began to scold.

I rolled my eyes, going back to my chocolate. "He shouldn't be annoying." I shrugged.

She sighed but a smile made its way back onto her face. I glanced back to see Jimmy head back towards his room, Richard seems to still be passed out.

"So, you're gonna finally give the Dweeb chocolate this year huh? You always got store-bought and then chickened out."

She blushed lightly before pouting a bit. "So what if I am? You're finally making some for Harley." She accused.

Yeah, that kind of surprised me. I really have no intention of dating him. He and Kirstin are going to happen, just like how Jimmy and Rachel will.

It just makes sense.

But . . . I don't know. I just want to.

I love Harley.

I've 'dated' a few guys, and they were fun and hot, but they really didn't mean much to me.

But Harley isn't anything like them. He's so much more special to me. I've never felt that way about someone before.

Harley has always been able to see the real me. And he's also the only one to genuinely like the real me. Maybe that's why even though I know it'll never happen, I want to try.

Damn Hartwell.

~

"No."

I glared harshly at Serena, Rachel, and the big guy who's picking them up.
Serena clasped her hands together. "Pretty please?"

The big guy mimicked her. "Please! They said that we need another girl!" We stood outside the agency and in front of his car. I was just on my way to the station when they stopped me.

Rachel had been asking me to join them since last night, which I had vehemently refused. "I have plans." I started, holding up a small bag.

My chocolate's inside. I was gonna head over to Osaka. It's a long ass train ride afterall.

The three continued to look at me pleadingly. "Pleeeeeaaasssseee!" Serena grabbed my arms, crocodile tears streaming her face as she begged.

"No." I said again, trying to shake her off. Girl has a grip.

"I'll owe you!"

To this I paused. Having Serena Sebastian owe me would prove useful in the future. I don't need money, my parents make more than enough; not Sebastian worthy but up there. But they do have connections everywhere. It could be helpful in the future.

Beside's, I'd love to see Rachel struggle on a date she's so not into. I could make fun of Jimmy with it too.

But I could do anything with the Sebastian name backing me up.

I smirked and Rachel jumped back, familiar with the look and thought process. "Uh, Serena, that's a little dangerous don't you think?" She warned her friend.

Serena eyed me like hawk and nodded at me, taking the chance. "Fine. Two hours MAX and I'm out, got it?" I asked them.

The big guy frowned a bit. "Two hours? But that's-" I cut him off, stepping up to him glaring up at him. "Got it?" I demanded warningly.

His survival instincts must have kicked in because a light sweat coated him and he stepped back, nodding furiously.

I'm not dressed up super nicely but, I wore a nicer pair of skinny jeans and a sleeveless crop top. My long blonde hair is left down and I wore a cat ear black beanie, along with my black boots. I had grabbed an oversized zip up, but it's usually hot on the trains so it was thrown over my shoulder.

Serena had opted for a skirt and cute sweater, same with Rachel. I slid into the front seat next to the big lug so Rachel wouldn't have to and we drove off.

It wasn't so long of a drive and when we got there, nobody made it weird that a couple High Schoolers were joining. In fact, Serena fits right in, she usually does in social situations.

The group was pretty chill and they even gave me beer, much to Rachel's protest.

Honestly I wasn't paying too much attention, I don't really care about these people after all. Though the guy Serena is ogling seems like kind of a tool.

The big lug stood up to make a speech. "Attention all members of the University rugby team. Please help me welcome our guests; Rachel Green, Serena Sebastian, and Stella Kudo. Hey yo Morris, why don't you start us off."

Morris, the tool, seemed to like the attention on him. "Okay, I'm team captain Keenan Morris. And it's quite a pleasure to meet you three. Kudo, any relation to Booker and Vivian Kudo?" My eye twitched.

The fuck? You met them the other day. Loser. "Yep. They're my parents." I shrugged.

The girl on his side's face lit up. "Oh I love your mom's movies!" She spoke excitedly.

People tend to. "You have a brother too. He's a detective?" One and the guys asked. I shrugged. "He's a pain in the ass, but yeah." I plopped some jerky into my mouth. Swiped it from the big guys console.

Rachel giggled at me, making me force a smile and flip her the bird. But it just made her laugh more. The others even laughed.

Well, except for one person. Serena was quick. "Oh, me too, right. But you do remember me from the coffee shop and everything?"

I took a swig of my beer. "Serena, he can't possibly remember every girl he flirts with."

Keenan shot me a look. I raised an eyebrow, sipping my beer. "In America, they call your kind a 'Fuckboy'." Rachel began to look between us nervously, knowing damn well if he said one thing to piss me off I'd wail on him.

The big lug seemed to sense it too. "Yo girl, take a chill pill." I shot him my menacing glare.

"Call me girl again."

One of the other girls stood up quickly to his aid. "And hi, I'm Carrie Simmons. Don't petty charms Serena, he's really just a devil in disguise. In fact, Stella's American term fits him well." She laughed it off.

Serena whispered something to Rachel, probably something stupid because Rach just laughed nervously. "Hey, Norman, don't be a dork. Say hello to our ladies."

Our? Oh I'm totally gonna knock him out before this thing ends. And what's with this weird amount?

There's more girls than boys. I bet it was that tool's idea. Dick.

Norman grunted, not really looking happy. "Dude, who spit in your waffles Norman?" He wasn't happy with the guy's words but still didn't say anything.

The other girl decided to interject this time. "My name is Katie Watson. It's very nice to meet you three." The big guy's face lit up again,

"Saving the best for last. I'm strong and fearless! Sensitive and romantic. The one and only Tommy Walker that's me!"

I bit off some more jerky. "Was that your name?" I asked boredly.

He fell a bit while Rachel gave me a disapproving look. But it earned a chuckle from a couple of them.

Not long a woman came in with an array of sushi and other food. It actually looked really good. I love sushi. "Sorry to have kept you all waiting. Here's the main dish. Tommy's favorite."

Tommy? Isn't this Keenan's house? "Ah, Mrs. M, you shouldn't have done that!" He rubbed the back of his neck.

Again. He's not your son. "Wait. Your Keenan's mom? But you're so young." Serena admired.

His mom seemed flattered and thanked her. I sat on the couch next to Rachel, staring at them, waiting for two hours to be up.

Then a little boy popped out of nowhere between us, behind the couch. "Hi! My name is Sammy, do you wanna play with me?"

Ugh. Thought I'd get away from kids today. Well, he seems a lot harmless then the Dweeb's classmates.

Keenan didn't seem to share the same opinion. "Sammy, you're being a pest. Just go back to your room." Typical sibling behavior I guess. Jimmy and I may only be a year apart but we were similar that way.

Although Keenan seems a bit off. "Oh, this must be your little brother. He's so cute." Rachel cooed while Serena made a comment about them not looking alike. Keenan lit a cigarette and took a drag.

I eyed the pack. Although I try not to smoke because it bothers Harley, I did start a couple years ago. To piss off dad of course, but of course it flew over his head like everything else.

I was about to ask for one when a sneeze from outside sounded. Huh? Rachel heard it too and we turned to peer out the screen door to see . . .

"You're kidding." My eye twitched. Rachel quickly stood and opened the door, Tommy behind her. "Conan? What are you doing here?"

Jimmy, who had been running in circles panicking stopped before turning. "Weeeeelll. I was on my way to Amy's place, but guess I got a little lost."

I snorted, standing up and crossing my arms. "Uh-huh."

Someone was jealous and decided to tail her. "Hey Rachel, Stella, do you know that kid?" Tommy asked. I threw my hands behind my head.

"Nope. Never seen him a day in my life." I lied with ease.

Rachel smacked my side. "Stella! He's your cousin! Yes, he and Stella are staying with us because of personal reasons."

"Oh. Because Stella brought a gang to her house?" Serena asked.

I turned quickly, pointing at her. "I brought a boy home! God will you guys let that go?" I threw my hands in the air in exasperation. Serena laughed. "Your house got shot up."

I pursed my lips, clenching my fists. "Only the library."

The others looked at me wearily. I groaned. "Don't ask. I need another drink." I turned around and Carrie handed me another beer, an amused smile on her face.

"Well come inside and get warm little one." Mrs. Morris invited warmly. Jimmy beamed. "Thank you!" He shouted obnoxiously loud.

I glared at him. "Yell again and you go right back out brat." I warned as he rushed inside. He returned my glare with one of his own. "No he's not. Don't be so cranky." Rachel scolded.

I looked at my watch before showing her. "You got one more hour. Tik-tok."

Serena immediately began to whine but we ignored her and continue on with this gathering. And was it something. It wouldn't be that bad, I mean Tommy's annoying and all that but its bearable with this crowd.

The main problem here though is Keenan.

He's an asshole. And he's ruining the whole thing with his shitty attitude.

He slammed his beer down, his face a little red from the alcohol. I lost count how many he's had. "This party's totally lame, I think it's time for some entertainment. Norman, do a little dance for us." He demanded, making Norman uncomfortable as he avoided looking directly at Keenan.

Keenan didn't like this so he began to get testy. "Hey, your ears stuffed up? I said do it!"

What is his problem? I ought to knock him on his ass. "I'm not-I'm not good at things like that." Norman responded and I felt bad for the dude.

"You're what? I'm your team captain and what I say goes!" There was a silence because no one knew how to respond or even intervene.

I do. I went to stand but Rachel and Jimmy quickly prevented me from doing so. Keenan stood, stumbling a little. "Your ugly face makes me sick." He shoved his hands in his pockets and walked out into the hall.

"What a douchebag." I grumbled. Jimmy nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. Even Rachel wasn't disagreeing. "Don't you think Keenan's head is a bit inflated?" She asked

Serena, who still seemed to be into him. "It's good for a man to have a commanding personality, Rachel. Now please tell me you brought your chocolates."

"Ugh. Gross. I'm going back to the couch." I grabbed my food and went to sit away from them.

They're still in earshot though so it's not too bad. It was funny because Tommy was failing with flirting with Rach.

Carrie and Serena followed after Keenan, both with chocolates.

Hm. Saw that coming. Oh well.

Serena came back not long after, with her chocolates. Yep, saw that too. Rachel asked her something and Serena, almost in tears, tore into her chocolates and began to wolf them down.

Yeesh. Should probably lay off her for a bit. But she does fall for faces rather than personalities. So this isn't uncommon.

I began to eat the rest of my sushi when I began to choke. The reason being Tommy accidentally laid one on Jimmy and both were seriously grossed out by it.

Jeez, were you just gonna surprise Rachel like that? You didn't even keep your eyes open, that's why you failed.

The two began choking and spitting out of disgust. "Get out of here!" Tommy tossed Jimmy aside.

Y'know, this is kind of fun to watch. "Oh, Conan." Rachel wanted to check on him but Tommy quickly went up to her. "Rachel, I promise I'm not into that stuff!" He's a little too close. And apparently Jimmy seemed to agree because he launched himself and collided with Tommy's fathead.

"Get away from her!"

Of course this angered Tommy who called him a brat. "Don't ever go near her!" Jimmy shouted. Oh wow. He looks so serious too.

Alright I guess, it's time to intervene then. Don't want the brat to get an aneurysm.

I sat myself between Rachel and Tommy. "Move." I shouldered Tommy away. "What?" I glared at him warningly, pointing my chopsticks at him. "You're annoying, shut up and eat." I demanded.

Jimmy nodded, in agreement before turning. The mom and Sammy were talking. Something about the kid eating too much sweets. He began to cry and that made everyone put everything in perspective.

Tommy stopped being weird and didn't fight me on my choice of seating.

After a minute Keenan and Katie returned, and so did Norman. I didn't even see him leave. Keenan didn't jab at Norman but with Tommy's suggestion the two decided to arm wrestle.

I didn't particularly care, but I stayed near my brother. Tommy won, no surprise there.

He chuckled. "Nice try man. But you gotta pick up some weights if you ever feel like beating me."

Keenan stood, putting his hands on his hips. "Everybody gets lucky from time to time freak. But I don't envy you Rachel. It must be tough having such a meathead in love with you. You're a better person then I."

Oh hell no. What the actual fuck man?!

"Why you! That's so uncool!" Tommy shouted in anger and embarrassment. Keenan just stuck his nose in the air. "Relax, I'm only pointing out the obvious."

Tommy quickly got up and grabbed his collar. "Okay that's it! Why don't you get off your stupid high horse and consider other people's feelings for a change?!"

Keenan had the gall to laugh in his face. "Feelings? I wasn't aware you had any of those."

Okay, I've had enough of this. I shoved the two apart before turning to Keenan. "The hell is your problem? You've been ruining the mood all night and been making fun of them. Aren't these people your friends? What the fuck?!"

Rachel took a step towards me but I held my hand out, eyes never leaving Keenan's gaze. "It's none of your business. It's not my fault you're all so pathetic and boring. You're all so annoying."

This time I stepped up so close our chests were touching. "This isn't how you treat people. You're a fucking dick and after school, you won't amount to anything. Stop being a little bitch or I will end you. Do you hear me? Knock it the fuck off!" I shoved him harshly away, making him fall.

He grunted as he hit the ground. "You crazy bitch, I'll-"

"What? What are you going to do? Before you do anything I'll beat you to death, got it?!" I shouted.

I can take him easily. And I think even he know it. "Okay everyone, settle down!"

Huh? Oh, Mrs. Morris is back with some refreshments. "We wouldn't want anything bad to happen." Keenan seemed to get even more upset if possible.

Katie walked up to him, chocolate in hand. But he's in such a bad mood he snapped at her too. Fucking prick.

Mrs. Morris began distributing some tasty looking cake and coffee.
Well why don't we all relax and have some dessert?" She offered. I clicked my tongue and sat down, as did everyone else. Even the dickhead himself.

Sammy had popped up next to me as I took another bit of my cake. "Is that cake good? Because cake is my favorite food."

I nodded, sipping some coffee as well. "Sure is squirt. And it's also my favorite." I winked, making him beam.

I set my coffee down and continued with my cake. Sammy peered at the black beverage curiously before taking a drink. His face twisted in disgust and he stuck his tongue out. "Yucky!"

I chuckled. I mean, it's black coffee. Even I like cream and sugar. But black will suffice. "Ah. Sammy you must learn not to bother our guests. Here. Have a little bite of my cake." Mrs. Morris fed her son and he ate it happily.

I blinked. Didn't she just make a big deal about how he shouldn't have more sweets since he's got a lot of cavities?

Weird.

"Keenan. Don't you want any cake?" Katie asked as he downed his coffee. "No thanks. I've never really been into sweet stuff."

Hm. He seems kind of . . . softer around her.

He took out another cigarette. "You should really cut down. Those things will catch up to you." She warned him.

"Just stop it. You're all getting on my nerves." He began but his annoyance was cut off as he blinked in surprise before placing his hand to his temple. "I got a headache. I need a little fresh air."

He had crushed his cigarette and went to get another, but his pack was empty. "Great. Just great."

To my surprise, Norman walked over and offered him his. "Here Keenan. Why don't you have one of mine. You'll just-you'll just owe me one."

Okay. Now that's kind of weird because he obviously isn't a fan of the dude. Don't blame him, neither am I.

Keenan snatched the pack from him and stormed out, Katie going after him.

Whatever. If she's into a jackass that's her problem. It seemed like Carrie also likes him. Serena too.

Man they all have shit taste in men that's for sure.

As I thought that a scream cut through the air and Katie rushed over, pointing to the yard. "It's Keenan! Something's wrong!" She screamed.

We all turned to see him on the ground, unmoving. Everyone quickly got up and rushed out to see what was going on.

Mrs. Morris was there first, on her hands and knees trying to rouse him. "Rachel, call an ambulance!" Jimmy urged. She didn't have to be told twice and rushed away.

I looked back at Mrs. Morris. She sobbed over Keenan's unmoving form and Tommy carefully pulled her away. Jimmy and I moved closer to get a better picture.

He's face down, his cigarette still lit and there's an opened chocolate. There's two bites taken, but it seemed a little weird. I sighed, rubbing my head.

"I'm going to be late meeting Harley."