Koya got to class early with the heavy feeling that Belicia would skip this hour to keep from being anywhere near him so he was shocked to see her walk in. No slinking around for her, he noticed the air of confidence she walked in with.

Back in her ROTC uniform, she commanded strength and pride. Koya glanced around at the others in the room. No one flinched when she walked in. No rude stares. No one smirked. He felt like a piece of shit. It was obvious she had the respect of her peers. He resigned himself to somehow find a way to tell her how awful he felt, if she would let him. His mind went about figuring out just how he could do it.

Somehow, Belicia forced herself to go to her first period. Fellowes was there thank God, and got straight to business, as he pulled the overhead projector out and began discussing maps of the Byzantine Era.

Her thoughts drifted though. Koya hadn't even looked up when she entered the classroom and while part of her was so glad, another part of her was incensed.

How dare he avoid her presence. She at least expected him to try talking to her. To explain. Apologize to her face. Something. But silence? She could feel him behind her and she fought to center her attention on Fellowes, and his dry dissertation of ancient civilizations. But like her sleepless night, her concentration was non-existent. She huffed a sigh. If this was what the dating scene consisted of, she wasn't sure she wanted it. Of course this was the reason she avoided it all together. Until Koya appeared, and all her careful plans fell into a black hole. She was lucky to have Ava right now and glad they had gone to her house last night. Even though she had barely slept, it was comforting to get up to Ava's large, loud family.

Their bustling household was a welcome distraction and just what she needed to regain her self-worth.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

When class ended Fellowes asked Belicia to help him for a moment which she happily accepted and from the side of her eye she saw Cayde and Koya leave together.

It momentarily caught her off guard. She hadn't considered that Koya would still have supportive friends after what he had done. Maybe Ava was right. Did everyone but her believe Koya was innocent? Her ire increased with every passing moment.

She hurriedly helped Mr. Fellowes put away the projector and left heading straight for the cafeteria. She told herself she was just going to the snack machines but she really wanted to see if Desiree was lurking around.

She had a few things to say to her.

Belicia pushed the swinging doors open and walked in, stopping just inside to scan the room. There in her favorite corner, with her skanky fangirls, stood Desiree. Belicia headed right for them. She watched as a girl tapped Desiree on the shoulder and pointed.

Desiree turned, and seeing Belicia coming toward her, she stepped out from her group and met her half way, the smirk of confidence on her face making Belicia wanting to wipe the floor with it, as Tuto loved to say.

They met face to face there in the cafeteria, where many disagreements had been played out over the years. The difference was that none of those had ever involved Belicia. Today was different. She was going to defend herself and her feelings and Desiree be damned.

Neither one said anything as they sized one another up. Desiree in her casual goth attire and Bel in her stiff uniform.

Belicia decided to speak first and she landed Desiree a defeating announcement.

"I kissed Tuto."

Desiree's face turned two shades of red which she quickly masked but not before Belicia saw her shock. An audible gasp came from behind Desiree as her devoted fangirls all gathered together and moved in behind her. Belicia didn't care. She rather hoped they heard her loud and clear, so the closer the better.

"You whore bitch. I knew you were after him! You've been trying to fuck him from day one!"

Belicia smiled. "Oh I haven't been trying Desi because I don't have to try. All I have to do is say the word and Tuto will come running. You are nothing more than a pretty pastime for Tuto, and the sad thing is, you know it."

"Hit that bitch Desi! Stomp her ass!" Her fandom yelled.

"Oh don't worry girls, I fully plan too," Desiree sniped. "But I'm gonna do it on my own time."

Belicia laughed. "You might as well say you're afraid to try Desi, at least that would be the truth. Telling anyone who would listen that I've been after your man is low key weak, because anyone who knows me, knows it's never been true. I could have had Tuto years ago if I wanted, and he proved that to me when he kissed me. So bring it," Belicia said, motioning a come-on with her hands.

To Belicia's complete surprise, Desiree burst into tears and slammed her shoulder into her as she swept by her and fled the cafeteria. Her girls followed, and Bel received their damning looks with satisfaction. She wiped her sweaty hands down her pants leg and left to find Ava but didn't have to go far because Ava was coming in just as Desiree and her entourage slammed through the cafeteria doors.

Ava watched them pass by her with her mouth hanging open and looked back at Belicia with the same expression. She trotted over.

"What the hell just happened?" Ava
shout -whispered, grabbing Belicia by the arm.

Belicia shrugged her off. "Nothing particular. I just gave her something to cry about, since she loves whining."

"What, did you say to her Bel? Please don't tell me what I think-,"

"That's exactly what I told her. It's the truth. I kissed Tuto. It's not my fault that Desiree's lies are coming back to haunt her."

"Ohhhh hell. You won't hear the end of this until she kills you Bel."

Belicia's brows rose. "Fine with me. I told her to bring it and she started sobbing like the twit she is. I'm not going to let Desiree Dunn bully me Ava. I've had enough of her crap." Belicia walked off.

Ava stood there in disbelief then she took off behind Bel, to catch up, wrapping an arm around her shoulder they made their way to their classes whispering all the way.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

When Ava entered her second period Koya was already there. He had traded desks with DJ so he could sit next to Ava. He needed her help to figure out a way to approach Bel.

He'd gotten himself into a fine mess and the only way out was through his human form, which he was literally sucking at.

He'd not had the slightest idea of how hard all this was going to be. But he was sure finding out.

Humanity was a fickle game and being able to make use of his abilities for help was kicking his ass. Tuto had completely avoided him so far and Bel wouldn't give him the time of day. He felt like he was losing this battle. Ava had better come up with something, and quick.

Ava plopped down in her desk immediately looking at Koya with her usual expression of 'oh my god,' and Koya cringed, knowing he was about to hear something he wouldn't like. He took a deep breath.

"You might as well spill the beans Ava, I know that look."