(present)

Damn. It sure had been a while since I felt this at peace.

But last time, it didn't end very well.

Rephrase: It went to fucking hell.

Question is, am I ready for another round of that shit?

"How's the book?" I asked, shaking my head to rid of the thoughts.

"Well taken care of."

"Is it having a blast?" I teased.

"So much," she grinned, playing along.

"Really?"

"Yup! I don't think it wants to go back to you after being in my neat room."

"Wow." I laughed. "Gotta see that room, then."

Halo stared at me for a moment with an amused expression. I gazed at her right back. Hard not to look into those beautiful purple orbs.

Man, I love her eyes. It's so easy to get lost in them. There should be a fucking warning sign on her forehead or something.

"Maybe," she considered, laughing a little. "Someday."

The corner of my lips pulled up in a smile, not expecting her honesty.

"Someday," I repeated, with a low voice.

I didn't know how long we stood there smiling at each other like complete fucking dorks. But it must have been ages because I heard the bell signaling the end of homeroom. In no time, I also heard my friends finally catch up behind me.

Alfie loudly cleared his throat, making Halo's eyes switch to him.

"I'm sorry," he began in his usual mocking tone, "but my best friend seemed to have lost his tongue aside from getting lost in your eyes."

I shot him a sharp look.

What the hell, man?

He ignored me. "I'm Alfie. This is Kurt," he added, pointing a thumb to Kurt.

The big guy flashed her a wide grin, which she returned with a shy smile and a little wave of her hand.

"Connie," introduced Alfie, gesturing to the silver-haired girl beside him.

Connie nodded, but continued to study Halo. After what happened with Snow, I knew she was only being protective. Also a bit guarded.

"She's always a bitch," explained Alfie. "Get used to it."

"I think she's badass."

At that, Connie raised an eyebrow. As did the rest of the boys. I was pretty sure I did, too. Connie wasn't very popular with girls in our school.

"Oh, no. I mean, I'm not sucking up or anything," quickly said Halo, waving her hand dismissively. "I've just seen how brutally honest you are with everything and it takes a huge amount of confidence and guts to be that way." When she realized we were still staring, she added, "Okay, I'll shut up now." She smiled sheepishly and looked away.

I looked at Connie, and watched as her suspicions got replaced with curiosity.

Huh. Join the club.

"Alright, well," said Alfie, clapping after an awkward silence. "This is Frisco." He put an arm around Frisco and showed him off like a little brother.

"Hey, Buckley," grinned Frisco.

"Yeah, of course!" laughed Halo, recognition in her eyes. "Hi, um . . ."

"It's okay. You can call me 'Frisco'. Everybody does - even the teachers."

She let out a carefree laugh again.

I knew they were only classmates, but hell if I didn't feel a bit jealous.

"Hi, everyone!" she smiled heartily and waved a hand. "I'm Halo."

You could practically feel her sincerity from the her greeting. Pretty sure the others thought so, too. If not, they wouldn't have tiny fucking smiles on their faces right now. Yeah, even Connie, the volcanic queen.

I bet they didn't even realize it.

"So, you going to the game on Friday?" I asked Halo.

She bit her lip and hugged her books.

"I'm not sure. Pops . . ." she trailed off, looking away.

"It's a school game night," I reasoned.

"Yeah, c'mon," added Alfie, stepping forward. "Show some school spirit!" He casually put an arm around me and grinned at her. "Oz obviously needs it."

I elbowed him hard, not leaving my eyes on her.

"Oomph."

Kurt chuckled.

"Um," she mumbled.

"You can sit with me."

All eyes landed on Connie. We couldn't believe she just offered like that. I was about to ask her if her hair dye was somehow seeping into her brain but she spoke again.

"No biggie," she shrugged nonchalantly. "I always sit by myself, anyway."

I returned my eyes to Halo. She was too taken aback to reply, with her mouth slightly open. Then, I caught movement from behind her. Standing a few feet away were her friends. They were watching us with worried looks, also mixed with a hint of curiosity.

I guess we aren't really a graceful bunch in the eyes of many.

"If it makes your Pops feel better, you can bring your friends," I suggested, pointedly looking at Brooklyn and Milo - both of which averted their eyes.

Halo beamed. "He'll like that." She turned to Connie. "Would that be okay?"

"Sure," agreed Connie, with a small smirk. "I've never had a gay friend before."

"Too much testosterone running in your blood?" sneered Alfie.

"Probably even more than you do."

Halo covered her mouth to hide her giggle. As if on cue, the bell rang again. All around us, students began running and hurrying to get to their classes on time.

Damn.

I winked at her. "Later, dork."

"Bye, Oz," she smiled. "Nice meeting y'all."

With that, she turned and left with her friends.

"I gotta go, too," said Frisco. "Catcha later, guys."

"Dude," chuckled Kurt, patting me on the back as we headed to class.

"She's so . . ." Connie paused, "pure."

I almost agreed. Then, I remembered the beer incident weeks ago. She might appear all pure and innocent, but there was an edge in her. I shook my head in amusement.

"Naw. She helped us steal beer once, remember?"

Their jaws dropped in complete shock.

"That was her?!"

I smirked.

"But that girl in the store wasn't attractive at all," remarked Alfie, making a face.

Sure, she wasn't much of a looker then but I thought it was nice how comfortable she looked in her clothes. It was kinda refreshing.

"She knew how much of a perv the owner was so she dressed low key."

"Smart," muttered Connie, smiling a little.

Alfie grinned in approval. "I like her already."

Story of my life.

I blinked, a sudden realization came to me.

I looked at Alfie and my friends suspiciously. They were still talking about Halo, all of them in good moods. They introduced themselves to her. On their own. Something they never did, unless . . .

Boom.

Just like that, it clicked.

Halo was nothing like I've ever encountered before. And I've met a shit ton of different kinds of people in my life. I had no idea if it would end in fucking hell like before.

Either way, I was willing to risk it.

I lowered my head, a smile making its way to my lips. That excited feeling I got before a good game? Yeah, I was definitely feeling it now.

I was fucking ready.

_____________

Aw. What do you think Oz is ready for, eh? ;)

And are YOU ready for what truly happened in their junior year in the next chapter? I'm honestly nervous about it myself. I'll probably cry when I write it. Or probably won't talk to anyone for a whole day after I'm done with that. I will need angst. Lots and lots of it.