The game against Worthington Prep was a close one. Northvale's win earned both Faust and Theo scholarships from two distinct top universities in the state. Nico and JJ were scouted by a third university as well.

"I'll wait up for you," my brother said, flicking my forehead with one hand and drying his hair with a towel with the other. "I might come home from the party really early."

"That's new," I mused, crossing my arms. "Not planning on getting drunk?"

"Not at all. I just want to hang out for a bit and have a good time before I go home."

I smiled as I watched him sit down and put his shoes on. "You don't need to wait up. You should crash as soon as you get in, you need the rest."

"Don't stay too late." Theo stood up and lowered his head to leave a kiss on my forehead. "Take care. Text me if you need anything."

"You too."

He gave me a wave and left.

Faust came out of the shower a few minutes later, a frown still on his face. "I'm still not happy about this."

I sighed. "We're talking about me doing my assignment with Nico. Your best friend."

"Maybe I should tag along," he suggested with a bright smile, baby blues widening. "You know. Just in case."

"Just in case what?" I questioned, furrowing my eyebrows. "No tagging along. This is for my grade and Nico's. Plus, I know how much you wanted to go to the party."

"I wanted to go there with you," he murmured sulkily, wrapping an arm around my waist. "Can't you do this some other time? Preferably with me?"

"Faust." I slipped out of his hold and gripped his forearm, staring deep into his eyes. "I'm not asking for your permission. I'm going whether you like it or not. Frankly, I have no idea why you're so paranoid about this, but this is for school. Alright?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but JJ stepped in between us and threw his arm over Faust's shoulder. "No backing out, captain. You're my ride and you promised you weren't going to bail on me."

Faust frowned at his friend and glanced at me, and my lips curved at the corners. "It's fine. I was actually planning to get a cab to and from Nico's. No need to—"

"My place, my ride," a quiet voice said from behind Faust. With his raven-colored hair a damp mess on his head, Nico came into view fully-dressed in a simple black, fitted shirt and jeans. "No arguments. From either of you."

Ever since Nico confessed that he owned the red scarf, my interactions with him had been awkward. Although I'd been trying for the past few days for our relationship to be as normal as it was before (including all the bickering), Nico had refused to give me anything but cold, short answers and barely a glance.

Returning the scarf to him also seemed like a bad idea, so I kept it.

Just to play along, I said, "I'll pay for the gas."

"Like hell you are," Nico said at the same time Faust countered, "No, you're not."

They looked at each other for a fleeting moment, gazes narrowing slightly until JJ clapped his hands. "Great. Since that's settled, Faust and I will enjoy ourselves at the party while you two work on your biology..."

"Assignment," I mumbled.

"Right, whatever." JJ grinned and tilted his head to the direction of the parking lot. "Let's go, man."

Faust stepped towards me and wrapped his hand around the base of my neck, leaning down. Aware that Nico was watching, I turned my head just in time for his lips to come in contact with my cheek instead. I looked down. "I'll see you on Monday."

Slowly, Faust stepped back again and nodded. "Monday," he affirmed. Looked at Nico, he instructed, "Bring her home safely."

Nico simply responded with a nod of his head.

Faust and JJ left the gym, and it was just the two of us standing in front of the locker rooms and a couple of other guys exiting the showers to head to the party as well.

Fiddling with my fingers, I adjusted the strap of my shoulder bag and pulled the sleeves of my cashmere sweater to my palms. "Um, Faust gave me your address so you don't need to worry. He didn't give me your number though..."

Nico blinked and stared at me. "I said I was going to give you a ride, didn't I?"

I swallowed and tucked a loose strand of my hair from my bun behind my ear. "Faust isn't here anymore. You don't need to pretend to—"

He threw his head back and laughed. It was a bitter sound. "You must hate me so much. You'd rather risk your life with a stranger in a cab at this late hour than to ride safely with me."

"I don't hate you," I whispered, looking down at my hands. "I said I wouldn't be a bother anymore and I meant it, okay? Honestly, no need to trouble yourself. I'll be fine."

Without waiting for a response, I turned around and took quick steps towards the exit, feeling a little surprised and relieved that Nico didn't argue further. A few steps away from the hallway, a squeak left my lips as my feet were swept up from the floor and strong arms clasped themselves around my thighs to lift me. If I wasn't so shocked, I'd be mortified with where his hands were placed. Right now, all I could muster from the situation was that I was hanging over Nico's shoulder upside-down like a rag doll.

"Put me down!" I shrieked, grasping the cloth of Nico's shirt from his back. Wordlessly, he continued to walk like I weighed nothing and tightened his grip around my thighs. My cheeks heated up as I pounded my fist on his back. "Nico!"

"You need to think about shutting up. My hand's quite big—it's going to leave a mark."

"Stop it!" I yelped, closing my eyes. "This is so humiliating!"

"Cute as they are, your whines aren't going to solve anything," he said, and though I couldn't see his face, I knew he was smiling. Asshole. "You should've listened to me."

I ignored his comments as the parking lot came into my view. "Let me go!"

He did once he spotted his car, setting me down and against the car door, where he rested his hands on both sides of my head to cage me in. Knowing that I was red-faced, I huffed and smoothed my hands down my skirt, willing my racing heart to calm down.

"You are so stubborn, Thea Simmons," he murmured, green eyes locking me in place when I looked up. "Get in the car and don't say another word about a cab or I swear to God I'll make you blush even harder than you are now."

Seething, I threw open the damn door and stomped inside, not sparing a glance at Nico's smug expression. He rounded the car and slid in the driver's side, placing his bag on the backseat. He rested his arm against the back of my headrest and reversed out of the parking space.

I spent the rest of the car ride thinking about Nico's actions. Each second that passed irritated me knowing that I was more affected by what had just happened than Nico, who seemed calm as he drove quietly. I was beyond embarrassed. A little mad. Definitely confused.

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't noticed Nico taking a left towards the more secluded part of Northvale until he parked the car and shut off the engine in front of a large estate.

He cleared his throat and glanced at me. "My mother can be a little overwhelming."

I blinked. "I'm meeting your mom?"

"She loves guests," he answered flatly.

"A little warning could've been nice."

Nico's lips pulled up to a lazy half-smile. "You were too busy being mad at me."

"I wasn't—" I stopped myself, huffing. "You treated me like a child."

"Because you were acting like one," he countered.

"No, I was acting sensible because you didn't want anything to do with me anymore, remember?"

Nico frowned. "When did I say that?"

I threw my hands up in exasperation. "When you made me cry!"

The green-eyed boy looked horrified. In other circumstances, I would've laughed. "I made you cry? When?"

"Oh, forget it," I snapped, opening the door. "Let's just go inside."

Once I stepped out of the car, I stared up at the contemporary home where slatted wood panels met a tall column of brick on either side in a plaster frame. The large windows were made of glass and the porch steps were made of marble. Every line was clean and straight, and every color was of mushroom, beige, and ivory tones. It all looked unapologetically modern.

Nico looked a little uncomfortable and still confused as he led the way to the porch steps and opened the front door with his key. Upon entering, I found myself captivated with the sight of the two-story foyer that boasted marble flooring, a glass staircase, iron railing and a spectacular chandelier that hung from a coffered ceiling to emphasize the gold in the handrails. Further inside, sliding glass doors were pushed back to create an open living space that was situated around the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The kitchen was no less than marvelous as well with its ivory cabinets paired with a dark brown wood island and granite countertops, where mouthwatering plates of food sat atop its surface.

"Ma likes to cook for the guests," Nico mumbled, looking slightly embarrassed. "It's not much. Sorry."

"No, it's fine, it's very kind of her," I assured him with a small smile, feeling my stomach grumble because of the smell of authentic Mexican food. "I'm sure they're very delicious."

"They are," a new voice piped in from the foyer. Turning around, my eyes were met with an image of a beautiful, tall woman who carried confidence in her strides and on her face. She had definite cheekbones and a strong jaw, and her hair, in silky chocolate ripples, curled down her back and tickled her bare shoulder. The red of her lips contrasted well with her dark skin tone, and I was sure that even without the simple yet elegant black dress and the makeup that she wore, she would still look stunning. The woman spread her arms. "Bienvenido a mi casa. Welcome to my home, my dear."

I blinked rapidly and stumbled forward to extend my hand for her to shake. "Uh, thank you, Mrs. Romero—oh!" I inhaled sharply in surprise when she pulled me in for a hug and gave me two air kisses on both sides of my cheeks, first the left then the right. 

Stunned, I staggered back on my feet, but Nico's mother set me upright with a laugh. "Oh, you're so beautiful, mija."

"Ma!" Nico hissed. "You're scaring her."

"Nonsense," she said, eyes twinkling. She had Nico's eyes. "Please call me Alejandra. It's Thea, isn't it?"

I nodded. "Y-yes. And thank you. You have a very beautiful home. Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Ro—Alejandra, but you didn't have to prepare so much."

She waved her hand in dismissal. "That's nothing, my dear. It was all I could make, my son only told me you were coming over a few hours ago. How was the game?"

"We won," Nico answered, a hint of excitement and pride in his voice, "I was offered a scholarship at Huxley."

"Oh, that's great, mijo!" she cried, stepping forward to envelope her son in a bone-crushing hug. Nico had to lean down to hug his mother back just as tightly, and I felt warmth spread to my chest. "Congratulations. You've done so well," Alejandra said, pulling back to caress his cheek with a smile.

Nico held his mother's hand and leaned his face against it. "Thank you, Ma," he responded softly, looking down at her with admiration in his eyes. "You look amazing."

"Thank you, mijo," Alejandra said fondly before looking back at me. "What do you think, darling?"

I grinned. "You look quite dashing."

"Very sweet girl," she said, reaching out a hand to tap my cheek. "Thank you. I'm supposed to be at my husband's dinner party already, but I had to meet you first and have you taste my cooking. Come, come."

I followed her as she moved towards the countertops, shooing her son away. "First we have chicken mole enchiladas," Nico's mother said, pointing to an appetizing platter. "Very delicious. Then we have cheese tamales. It's my great-grandmother's recipe, it's been passed down for generations. This last dish is called sopaipillas with chocolate sauce—they're fried pockets of dough, really tasty. Mijo tells me you love chocolates."

Nico slammed his hand on the surface. "Okay!" he yelled, voice resonating around the house, "maybe you should go, Ma. The party's starting soon and Dad's waiting for you."

"Nonsense, I can chat with Thea for a while as she eats a bit." Alejandra gestured for me to take a seat on the island stool beside her. "I want to know what she thinks. You wash the dishes in the sink."

"Okay," the green-eyed boy grumbled under his breath, utterly submissive under his mother's orders. "Fine."

"Are you complaining, Nicandro Callas Romero?"

I pursed my lips to keep from smiling. Nico flushed from the tips of his ears down to his neck. "No," he bit out.

"Good," Alejandra said, nodding as she moved the first plate in front of me. "Eat, mija."

So I tasted each one of the meals. Alejandra's cooking was exquisite, and she was delighted to see me enjoying them. I particularly loved the sopaipillas, and in no time, the plate was almost empty.

As Nico was finishing the last of the cooking utensils, his mother leaned in to whisper, "He's quite handsome, isn't he?"

I almost choked. "Sorry, what?"

"My son," Alejandra clarified, eyes glowing. "Don't you think he's handsome?"

"Oh." I put down the glass of water and stared at the said boy's side profile as he did the dishes quietly. I looked away, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Ah, well, yes."

"I'm glad he looks like me," the woman whispered, resting her chin on her palm as she turned her head to look at Nico as well. "His real father fled once he found out I was pregnant."

I felt a sharp twinge in my heart. "I'm so sorry. It must've been so hard."

Alejandra let out a small laugh. "I had my whole family help me, so it wasn't as difficult. Our lives took the best turn though once I met Nathaniel, Nico's adoptive father, while he was backpacking across Mexico. He was kind. He took care of us. He married me and respected mine and Nico's decision to keep our names."

Feeling bold, I reached over and took one of her perfectly-manicured hands. Nico's mother gazed at me curiously. "Even though he doesn't show it, your son is as soft-hearted as you are. I'm sure he is as strong and as compassionate as his adoptive father too. You raised him well."

She clasped my hands in hers and held them tightly. In her eyes was warm sincerity and gratitude. "Muchas gracias, mija. I'm glad my son has you."

I felt completely overwhelmed. Saving me from responding was Nico shutting off the water and drying his hands with a towel as he turned back to look at us with narrowed eyes. "Full?"

"Yes, actually," I answered, my mouth widening to a wide smile. "Your mother cooks very well."

"Oh, I know," he said, shaking his head. "She doesn't need to hear it."

"But I do!" Alejandra countered lovingly, stepping down from the stool. "Thank you, son. I now must get going." She kissed my cheeks once more. This time, I did the same. "Please come back soon, my dear. You are always welcome here."

I nodded, feeling my throat close up with emotions. "Thank you so much, Alejandra. Have fun and take care."

"Ma, I can give you a ride," Nico offered, already pulling out his car keys.

"Silly boy thinks I can't drive."

"That's not it!"

His mother cupped the back of his neck and pulled him down aggressively to leave a peck on his forehead. Nico pulled away immediately, embarrassed. "I'll be fine. Take care of Thea. Bye, now!"

As soon as she was out the door, Nico cleared his throat. "She's...ah, a little too much sometimes."

I shook my head. "She's amazing. Seriously. I love her."

The green-eyed boy blinked. "Oh. Great, then."

I grinned. "I'll clean these up before we do the experiment—"

"No, it's fine." He took the plate from my hands and set it back down. "I'll place them in the sink and transfer the leftovers. Our helper, Jocelyn, is coming over later to clean the house."

"Then why did your mother make you do the dishes?"

"Because she knows she's the boss of me," Nico muttered, rolling his eyes as he took the plates. "And she knows that I can't refuse her when she tells me to do something."

"The power of your mother."

"Sit. I'll be done in a few."

I did as told and watched Nico as he moved around the kitchen. When my eyes drifted towards the muscles peeking out from his shirt, I looked away immediately and cleared my throat, my conversation with Nico's mother crossing my mind. Desperate to think and talk about something else, I asked, "What's your father's last name?"

Nico froze. "My father?"

"The man you consider your father," I clarified, internally wincing at his reaction.

He visibly relaxed as he continued with his task. "Ah. Dunham."

I hummed in response, nodding. My feet kicked the air aimlessly as I sat on the stool.

"Ask your questions," Nico said, opening the refrigerator door. "I know you have more."

My teeth pulled in my bottom lip. "Why didn't you and your mother take the Dunham?"

"Honestly, my mother considers it a big deal," he murmured, glancing at me. "When my parents married, she was set on never changing her name because it felt as if she was being robbed of her identity. It's her family's surname—the family that also helped raise me. Although I'm sure Dad wants us to have his name, Ma isn't as open to the idea as I am. I'm actually considering having the Dunham."

"That's...the most you've said to me in months."

Nico turned away from the counter after taking the empty plate of sopaipillas. "I talk to you a lot."

"No, you don't," I said under my breath, looking down at my feet. "Thank you for answering."

He was silent for a while as he finished wiping the countertop clean after refusing my offer to help. "What else?"

"Where should we do the experiment?"

Nico kept his gaze locked onto mine before sighing. "We can do it in my room," he suggested lowly, rubbing the nape of his neck. "The computer's there in case we want to work on the paper. The materials are set up there already too."

"Okay."

Nico led the way towards the staircase. I followed closely behind him, holding onto the railings as my shoes touched the glass. The second floor was carpeted in royal red and the hallway consisted of white stone arches going in different directions. Nico took the second right and opened the first door on the left.

Monochrome colors encompassed the spacious and large room. A king-sized bed with black sheets was pushed against a wall alongside shelves of books and vinyl records. Beside the bed was a huge office desk, messy with the papers strewn all over the desktop computer. A flat screen television hung on the opposite side; below it were double doors to what I presumed was either a walk-in closet or the bathroom. A low, rectangular table sat on the center of the room atop a black rug that held the materials for our assignment.

I walked closer to the center table and sat in front of it, taking out my finished part of the research paper. Nico coughed a little as he grabbed his own papers from the desk before settling across from me. Scanning the instructions of the experiment, Nico and I decided that I would work on the ginger ale while he would concentrate on the DNA extraction from a fruit. As I mixed the ingredients of the ginger ale together, Nico sliced the banana into pieces. Once I was already shaking the bottle to distribute the contents of the ginger ale evenly, Nico added the rest of the materials in the blender and poured the mixture into the glass jar through a strainer. The rest of the experiment was done quietly and efficiently, only exchanging words when needed to.

We were finishing up a half hour later, and Nico insisted that I leave the materials we used and assured me that he and Jocelyn would take care of it.

The rest of the hour was spent on compiling our research gatherings together. While I sat on the chair and edited the paper, Nico hovered behind me, keeping my back pressed against his front. He placed one palm on the desk as he attentively watched what I was doing on the screen. I swallowed hard at the proximity and moved the chair forward to widen the gap between us, but Nico stepped forward as well while helpfully adding in suggestions.

At one point, he took the keyboard from me and typed in more of our thoughts during the process of the experiment. His position made us impossibly closer. I leaned as far back as the chair would take me and inhaled sharply. Nico's face was too close to mine.

"I think we have more than enough. Is that good?" he asked after typing, turning his head to glance at me.

His eyes widened a fraction when realized how close we were. He didn't pull away.

I blinked, finding myself lost in his sea of greens. "Y-yeah. That's perfect."

"You don't even know what I wrote," he whispered, raising one eyebrow.

I could see every golden fleck splayed across his cheeks and every wave in his eyes. I swallowed hard once more. "Uh, could you move so I can see?"

"Sorry," he said, amusement lacing his tone as he stepped back to give me space.

I exhaled heavily. My fingers shook when I brought them back to the keyboard.

Nico kept his distance after that as we finished the parts of the paper we could finish, opting to sit on the bed while I went over it all over again.

Once we were both satisfied, Nico walked me down the stairs. I opened the front door only to have Nico's palm close it from behind me. I turned around to face him.

"Thea," he said. One hand rested on the nape of his neck as his eyebrows scrunched together.

I cleared my throat. "Yes?"

His bright green eyes regarded me warily. "About that day in the car. When I made you cry."

I pursed my lips. "I should get going. You don't need to take me home, okay? I'll call my—"

"Thea," Nico interrupted, voice softening and the hard edges of his features drawing together, as if it pained him to say his next words. "I'm sorry," he said slowly. "I didn't mean to."

"If you didn't know that I cried, would you have apologized?" I questioned, crossing my arms.

"Yes," he answered immediately. "I was...harsh."

I looked away. "Let's just forget about it, okay? I understand—"

Nico shook his head. "No, you don't. I'm, uh, I...what do you think about milkshakes?"

I blinked, confused at the sudden change of subject. "Milkshakes? At this hour?"

He nodded. "My treat."

"I'm really not—"

"Thea. Please."

I didn't know what compelled me to do it, but I found myself in the Honda Civic with him as he drove us out of the neighborhood. After all, it was just milkshakes with a friend—if Nico and I even considered each other as such.