Garroth made Dante take Alex's spot on the second day of physics. She was confused when she first walked in, certain she knew where she sat two days prior. But when every chair in that row was taken, she was certain someone took her unassigned assigned seat. 

Garroth offered the spot next to him to her. It was the only spot open, and this caused her to know Garroth was the mastermind behind the chair swap. No one else had changed their spot besides Dante. 

At first it was weird, but eventually it became cute. Now it was an absolute pain due to her crush on him. 

“You'll have the remainder of the class period and the weekend to work on this paper. It doesn't have to be very long. You'll get some class time to finish up our first class next week, but it'll be due at 11:59PM that night. Choose your partners wisely.”

Alex had scribbled the little bit of information down on her paper. Partnering up with Vylad was ideal, but he was in a different section.

“Be my partner?”

Her pencil stops on the word ‘motion,’ eyes locking onto Garroth's. She glanced around a moment, noticing most people remained with whomever they sat with originally. 

Alex chuckles, “We're already lab partners. Do you have time after school? I'm sure we'll crank it out.” 

She had nothing against Garroth. He was just terrible at science. She was getting by on her own, and with help from Vylad, but the two blonds together wasn't the ideal match. 

“I'm free. I'll take you to my house after school, and we can work on it there.” 

“Are you sure your house is the best setting? You have six people living there. We could always go to the library if we have to.” 

“The library is lame,” Garroth says. “Besides, Kandi and Vylad will most likely be working on their own papers. Zane doesn't come out of his room. My mommy would probably offer us a snack but then leave when she realizes we're doing work. My father. . . Well, you've met my father.”

Alex purses her lips. He made logical points. “What's wrong with my house?”

“You have Laurance.” 

Alex nods, defeated. “Meet me at my locker at 3:00.” 

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

It took about two hours for the paper to be written. When they were done, it was nearly six. Zianna had been cooking in the kitchen, and Alex could smell the evidence lingering into the living room. 

Their paper was about the Laws of Motion. It wasn't a very long paper, about 2 pages. The two hours were spent with endless notebook page flipping and a headache. Alex would've burned the assignment if she could've, and Garroth dreaded the paper entirely. 

Alex shuts her laptop, ignoring the fact that it was going to die soon. It wasn't perfect, but it was done for now. 

“We can look it over and edit it during class,” she says, trying to crack her back from her seated position. “For now, it's done.” 

“I'm glad we could finish it today,” Garroth says. “We’ll have time to actually do what we want this weekend.”

Alex simply nods at this just before her phone pinged with a text. She knew Cadenza was coming over today, but she didn't know what time. She supposed that time was now. 

When are you coming home? 

Alex sighs, turning the screen off and looking up at Garroth. His eyes were on her screen, taking in the message himself. He couldn't help but to chuckle. 

“I can take you home now if you want. Just let me bring my stuff upstairs.” 

“I appreciate it,” she responds, offering a small smile. She was tired, and the paper was something she didn't want to do. But if she didn't do it now, she would have kicked herself in the butt for it. “Cadenza is incredibly impatient. Always has been.” 

Garroth still didn't know Cadenza very well, but he was putting together facts Alex would say about her. He knew what she looked like, so he could put the formed personality to a face. 

Garroth had already dashed up the stairs when Zianna came out into the living room. Alex had been packing everything up, sliding on her jacket afterwards. 

“Heading home so soon? Dinner is just about ready. You're always welcome to join us.” 

“Thank you, Zianna. I normally would, but Cadenza came home today.” 

The sound of Alex’s words cause a heartwarming sensation to occur within her. It made her happy to hear that Alex had been close to her family, despite the slight separation. She only hoped her own children would form a bond like that when Garroth went to college. 

“Is my Gargar taking you home? It's getting darker earlier these days, and I don't want you walking home in the dark.”

Alex reassured her that she was fine and Garroth was kind enough to give her a ride. Zianna glances towards the clock and confirms to herself that time it was. Garte would be back soon, and the six of them would have dinner together. She made plenty for seven, but they would have leftovers. 

Garroth quickly walked down the stairs, key in hand. When he realizes Alex is talking to his mom, he mumbles that he'll be waiting in the car. Sometimes it was better to stay out of earshot of what his mom was talking about. 

Zianna waited until Garroth was gone before she continued. Alex had thought she was done and was slinging her backpack over her shoulder. 

“Thank you for helping him with physics,” she says, a little frown beginning to form on her face. “He's not the best at science.”

“It's no problem, Zianna, really. It's what lab partners do.” 

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

The ride to the Zvahl residence was short but filled with chatter. It wasn't anything academic related, but rather a conversation two friends would have about everyday life. It made Alex happy that they could have a normal conversation, even if she became flustered sometimes. 

Cadenza’s car was parked in the driveway when Garroth pulled in. It was dusk, leaving a pretty blanket of yellows and oranges coating the sky. 

Alex’s backpack sat at her feet. Her hand rested on the top strap, ready to grab it and go. She never texted Cadenza back, but Cadenza would be fine.  

“Thank you for taking me home, Garroth,” she says. “I feel bad though. You don't always have to do it. Laurance can pick me up.” 

Garroth shakes his head. “Nonsense. I like being able to spend time with just you.” 

Alex stares at him, adjusting how she sits. She turned her torso towards him, letting go of her backpack. She knew this wasn't going to be a quick leave. 

“What's that supposed to mean?” 

Her heart rate picks up at the numerous thoughts trailing through her head. She tried to push them off, calling them far fetched and silly. 

The two sit in silence for a moment. She feels his warm hand brush against her skin, leaving behind a trail of fire. He was tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, letting the touch linger longer than it needed. 

“I like you,” he whispers, nearly audible to the other blonde. Her heart was pounding too loud in her ears for her to hear him anyway. 

He inched towards her, slowly losing the distance between the two of them. The kiss isn't long, and Garroth is both dazed and panicked when he inches away. 

“I’m sor–”

Alex shakes her head, heart racing, cheeks red. Despite this, she seemed as dazed as he was. “No, I liked it.” 

Garroth nods, pulling away from her completely. He tries to regain his composure, placing his hands on the steering wheel. “You should get inside before you worry Cadenza. I'm sure dinner is waiting for me,” he says, clearing his throat beforehand. 

Both blonds tried to act normal. “Yeah, I think that's best. I'll see you on Monday.” 

Garroth waited until she had opened her front door before he would pull out of her driveway. She glances back, offering a subtle wave before walking inside.