"Yay it's nearly time for the autumn social" Skyler chimed, grinning excitedly at Valerie.

"Great, who doesn't love the autumn social. I can already smell the sickly sweet pumpkin and all the girls who think dressing in a catsuit is super original" Valerie drawled, rolling her eyes at the stupidity of some people.

"Oh c'mon Val, it'll be FUN" Skyler gushed, still trying to convince her best friend even after a week of non stop pestering.

"Sky, you think everything is fun" Valerie snickered, looking over at Skyler.

"Not true! I dont like calculus tests" Skyler huffed, sticking her tongue out at Valerie.

"While the rest of us hate calculus in general. Along with school" She added thoughtfully, walking up to her locker.

"But school means people! And it's so fun being surrounded by people" Skyler exclaimed, also opening her locker.

Unlike Valerie's locker, which was full to the brim with dangerous objects and death in general, Skyler loved to keep a nice organised locker where she could find everything. Although she did like how Val's locker seemed to suit her personality so well.

"Hun, I hate people. Except for you of course. Oh and maybe Ed and Ozzie. Other than that, the bitches can all burn in hell" She rolled her eyes, retrieving her books and then slamming her locker shut.

"Why hellloo ladies" A voice rang out, before they both turned to find none other than Raegan.

"Ugh its you" Valerie sniffed with disdain before throwing him a rare smile she only reserved for her friends.

"It is indeed, and how have your weekends been?" He said, grinning boyishly.

"I was stuck doing homework so BORING" Skyler huffed.

"And mine was just the usual, great until I remembered I'd have to come back to this shit hole at some point" Valerie rolled her eyes.

"Well mine was amazing. Dad finally let me work on one of his cases" He almost fangirled, and it was clear to both Skyler and Valerie he was trying hard not to.

It was of course common knowledge in the school that Raegan's father worked in the GCPD and was one of the top officers.

However, this was also a major point of frustration for Rae as he often ranted to Sky and Val about how uptight his family could be and how they never let him help. Raegan was hella smart and they knew he would be able to aid investigations but his family simply wouldnt allow it, until now.

"Oh yay! How come?" Skyler grinned.

"He couldnt figure it out himself. Figures he'd come to the smartest one in the family when he couldnt work it out himself" he boasted, puffing his chest out.

"Wow, I think I just saw your head grow a few inches" Valerie remarked dryly, referring the Rae's huge ego.

"Which one" Raegan snickered before both girls punched him, resulting in a resounding yelp from him.

Just then the school bell rang, eliciting a groan from Val. Raegan laughed and said his goodbyes, walking off to class.

"Ughhhhh I have geometry first" Valerie complained, face palming.

"Cant relate, I have an autumn social to plan" Skyler laughed, rubbing it in that she didnt have lessons.

"Stupid student committee" Valerie grumbled. "You have to remind me to sign up next time. And since you're president, you can automatically make me win and show me blatant favouritism"

Skyler giggled, shaking her head. "That's not how it works, I'd probably be kicked off as student president if I showed favouritism. But hey theres always next time" she snickered.

"Yeah well I have drama later so ha" Valerie smirked, knowing full well what that meant for Skyler.

"Heyyyy not fair" Skyler grumbled, crossing her arms. Valerie got to have so many classes with Jerome and Skyler only had SOCIAL STUDIES with him. Yawn!

"Ha, what can I say princess? I'll steal him from you" Val grinned evilly.

"No he's mine" Sky argued.

"Who's yours?" Oswald voice sounded as he approached them.

"No one" Both Valerie and Skyler said, the latter turning scarlet.

Of course it was a natural reaction for them both to protect each others dignity and secrets, despite how obvious either of them made things.

Oswald regarded them suspiciously, clearly not believing them but he decided to let it go, mentally shrugging it off. "Anyway I just came here to remind you about lunch time, Val"

"Oh yeah! I completely forgot" Val apologised, causing Skyler to look at them both quizically.

"Me and Oz are working on a project for Drama" Val beamed at Skyler, and Skyler smiled back. She was really happy for her best friend.

"Get to class!" Barnes bellowed at the people remaining in the corridor, including them.

"Oop, time to go. See ya at lunch Waddles" Valerie grinned.

"I hate that name" Oswald sighed, hobbling away and shaking his head but unable to hide the small smile on his face.

"See ya after school" Skyler smiled, walking off.

🦇

"Sorry I'm late!" Val apologised sheepishly, entering the almost empty drama studio.

"Its okay" Oswald said kindly. "How come you're late though?"

"Oh Fries needed my help with some homework. I dont know why he came to me though, I was just as clueless" Valerie chuckled and started bringing out paper, missing the jealous look that flashed across Oswalds face.

"Fries? I didnt know you were in the same classes" Oswald said, his voice sounding a little tight.

"I mean, sure. Doesnt really matter, he has a crush on Bridget. But don't tell" Val smiled, shrugging.

"But... correct me if I'm wrong, I thought you two were, ah, exes" Oswald said lightly, not wanting to offend her.

She giggled, finally facing him. "We are, Ozzie. But it was a really short and stupid phase for both of us. We're over it, and we're friends now" She smiled.

"Ah I see" Oswald nodded, still grimacing slightly.

"You okay?" Valerie asked, slightly concerned as Oswald looked a little pale.

"Yeah, I'm fine" Oswald quickly replaced his grimace with a real smile at Valerie's concern.

They quickly started on their project, and the room quickly filled with their laughter as they began chatting.

"Kiss, Marry, Kill! Barbara, Tabitha, Butch" Valerie giggled, waiting for his answer.

Before he could though, a sheepish knock sounded and they both turned.

"Good afternoon. Oswald. Valerie. Is it alright if I do some work here? The library is full and I can't do anything in the canteen with delinquents screaming everywhere" Ed sniffed, nodding at them both.

Just as Oswald opened his mouth to say no, Valerie interjected, smiling pleasantly. "Of course Ed, you can sit here if you'd like" Valerie gestured to the seats next to them.

"Thank you" Ed nodded appreciatively, walking over to sit next to them and completely oblivious to Oswalds death stares.

Valerie only grinned in return, carrying on with her poster. She couldn't believe her luck! And the fact that Ed actually knew her name!

He sat in silence, his pen scratching away on his paper as he solved a few equations with utmost concentrations.

It was so hot.

Valerie stopped herself from fangirling and reminded herself to breathe, realising the musky smell was Ed's cologne.

"Val, can you pass me the script?" Oswald asked after a while, looking up at her.

"Here ya go" she smiled, leaning over to pass it to him. As she was kneeling forwards, she seemed to lose her balance and let out a small shout as she toppled into Ed's lap.

"Oh my, are you okay Val?" Oswald asked frantically, quickly going over to her and offering her a hand.

Although she rather liked where she was, she quickly took Oswalds hand and climbed out of Ed's lap, her face burning.

"I'm so sorry, Ed" She apologised, looking guilty. 

"Its fine, dont worry" He gave her a small smile to reassure her, fixing his glasses and looking a little flustered.

They heard a small cough and looked over to see Lee, Valerie stopping herself from growling.

Lee regarded Valerie and Oswald coldly before turning on Ed. "Hey, my detention is finished. Let's go" She smiled, gesturing him over.

"Oh hello Lee" Ed smiled, immediately packing his things.

Valerie burned with jealousy and she knew it wasnt fair since today was meant for Oswald but she finally had a chance with Ed and now LEE!

"Hey what's green and then red?" Ed grinned at Lee.

Just as Lee was about to answer, "frogs in a blender" Valerie chimed, smirking.

Ed looked shocked that she had answered so fast, and then mildly annoyed that she did. But overall, he looked pleased. As if someone actually matched his intellect.

"Corr-ect" He smiled, emphasising the word. "I'll see you around, Valerie"

"Bye Ed" she said, waving as he walked out with Lee.

🦇

It was lunch time and Skyler was almost dying of hunger. Planning with a group of 10 completely drained her of energy. It was exhausting trying to communicate her idea when everyone had something to say.

Skyler was all for freedom of speech but sometimes it was just best to shut up.

She found Raegan flirting with the new girl, Julie, at her locker. She seemed to like Rae, chuckling softly as she started to pack away her books.

Raegan was positively beaming of course, finally finding someone who seemed to like his jokes.

She felt bad to break it up but she was HELLA hungry and she wasnt about to wait around for Raegan to get laid.

"Hey Rae, I'm so sorry Julie, but I have to steal him for a bit" Sky apologised, Julie shaking her head with a smile to say it was okay.

"What can I say, I'm too popular with the ladies. Catch you later, Julie" he smirked at her, shooting her a flirty wink before turning to Skyler.

"Of course I know shes slowly falling for my charms and all but... do you think I have a chance with her?" Raegan asked quietly, his ears going slightly red.

Skyler could tell he liked her, it was rare for him to have a bashful moment like this. Rae was literally known for overconfidence.

"She seems to like you. She laughed at your jokes, for one" Skyler smiled, nudging him.

"I know, right?! Finally someone understands my superior humour" Rae said smugly.

"Yeah yeah, can it. I'm hungry and Val's with Oswald so I'm having lunch with you"

"Ooh didnt know ya felt that way, Sky" Raegan chimed, being his annoying self.

"Oh no! All the tables are gone" Skyler pouted, her stomach rumbling.

"Aw, you almost make me feel bad. Dont worry, you can just sit with my usual peoples" Rae grinned, dragging her over to a table where Jim and Harvey sat after she got her lunch.

Jim shot them both a brilliant grin, fist bumping Rae as they took a seat. "Raegan, Skyler. What's up?" He asked, nodding at them both.

"Nothing much, although I did end up rigging the scoreboard in the gym" Raegan grinned mischievously, Jim laughing back as they began chatting away.

Harvey gave her a kind smile, asking her about her day and what subjects she took, other than the ones the shared.

"Heyya gorgeous, whatcha doing in these parts of the woods?" A familiar voice came, her stomach erupting in butterflies.

Of course it was the one and only Jerome Valeska. He grinned at her boyishly, taking a seat opposite.

"Oh Valerie's busy today, so I came to sit with Raegan" She smiled in return, looking up at him shyly. HE CALLED HER GORGEOUS.

Although seeing as nobody even bat an eye, she assumed it was the norm for him. She felt herself deflate slightly.

"Valerie, huh? Has she ever told you about the kinds of mischief we get up to in detention?" He chuckled, opening up a packet of crisps.

"I've heard stories, of course. Stories involving setting fire to things and throwing shaving cream at people" She giggled softly.

"Ah, seems like she has told you about it. Well that ruins my stories" He pouted  cutely, trying to think of other things he could tell her about. "Say, arent you the student governer or whatever?"

"Student president, yes" She laughed, shaking her head.

"Yes, that. I heard you've been planning the autumn social. Now hear me out, I've got a few great ideas to spice up this years social" He said, his green eyes practically sparkling with mischief. "I'm thinking Arkham asylum style props, maybe even a few real criminals ya know? Hmm oh and definitely fake blood. TONS of fake blood. Oh, oh and dont even get me started on the-"

"Hey, Jay" Harley cooed, walking over to the table and taking a seat next to him.

"Oh hey Harls" Jerome grinned, seeming to have forgotten Skyler in almost a second as he began chatting with Harley.

Skyler sighed inwardly, starting to eat again. She shouldve known it was all too good to last.

"Oh, Rho- Skyler, what are you doing here? Aren't you usually with Valerie? Isnt she that wannabe journalist girl?" Harley asked, seeming to suddenly notice Skyler and making sure to spite her a little.

"No, that's Valerie Vale. My best friend is Valerie Joash" Skyler grit out, continuing to eat.

"Oh right, the edgy goth one, right?" Harley corrected, flicking her pretty blond hair.

"Yes that one" Valerie's voice drawled, as she suddenly appeared behind Harley.

Skyler breathed a sigh of relief, she was so grateful her best friend was here to save her from everyone else.

"Oh my God Harley, ew! What is that?" Valerie suddenly gasped, looking repulsed and pointing at Harley's face.

"What? What's what. Jerry, what's wrong with my face?" She asked, panicked. She reached for her mirror, frowning.

"Oh wait, its just your face" Valerie sneered, taking Skylers hand as they both walked off.

Skyler couldnt help but laugh when they were out of earshot, hugging her best friend tightly.

"Thank you so much, that was horrible" Skyler sighed, shaking her head.

"Awh, it's okay hun. Dont look so upset. You'll have your chance with the firecrotch. I can feel it in my bones" she comforted her best friend, her eyes almost burning with fire. "Also if you're really thankful... I like cookies" she trailed off, looking at Skyler.

Skyler laughed, shaking her head. Suddenly, she didnt feel upset about lunch. She had her best friend and that was all she needed.

(TAH DAH :) THIS IS WHAT ISOLATION DOES. UPDATES! Xandra_Dee )