comfort crowd // cass & parker // clue

[Tom]

Study hall is a bore for her.

Since it was the first day, none of them had anything to do, except pretend to care what the others did over the summer. Parker's days had consisted of going around taking photos of Six and funerals for her parents while babysitting her twin brothers who drove her up the wall with stupid questions. As much as she loved her family, she had never fit in with them. ALl of them wanted her to be interested in the dead or the sciences behind decaying bodies, but she loved the simple things in life. The details of people which some found strange, while others didn't. Maverick's fingers clutched around a cigarette. Elaina's expressive eyes and hands. Stella's sway in her walk. Cassius' careful and steady hand, that she continues to catch out of the corner of her eye.

Cassius Wells is quiet, but for reasons everyone already knows. None of it was her business, but she's heard of how Cleo and Grady would treat him. Stella doesn't even look at the guy most days, but Parker's seen him more times than not. Eyes meeting silently in classes or halls, pretending like they weren't outcasts of a different class. It's the boredom of study hall that makes her turn around, arms shoved onto Cassius Well's desk with a smile on her lips. Camera left behind her, but close enough she could reach if some unfortunate soul dared bump her desk. Glancing at the ugly color of the desk and the way his hair seems to look as soft as his eyes, she wonders if there was some sort of fire beneath those irises.

"Heya, Cass."

A genuine smile pulling on her lips as she feels herself grow comfortable, ignoring the stares of other students who stopped talking to stare at them. She only glares back to shut them all up before she focuses back on the person who was going to get rid of her boredom for study hall, knowing their teacher won't give a shit since everyone else is already talking about things. Leaning onto her hand, she stares back at him for a moment, smile coming back before she continues once more.

"How are things?"

She wanted to know if Cleo was still trying to keep up the image.

"No trouble?"

[cass]

C A S S I U S

Study hall was peaceful for you.

It was one of the few times during the school day where no one would talk to you or bother you. The silent rules that flowed between the tables of the hall politely expressed absolute peace. Silence for those that sat alone and the gentle hum of questionable friendship between those that studied together. You loved the protection and the safety the illusion crafted.

You were sure, no you were positive, that you were giving off a ‘leave me alone’ vibe. You always did during these times of the day, hoping that you could fade into the background noise- buried beneath the sea of open space. So, you question why Parker Gautier of all people has decided that today, and right here, is the perfect time to talk to you.

Expressing the displeasure, you let out a long sigh. The only movement you do that allows a glimpse into your mind. It reaches into the pages of the page before you as you slip the bookmark onto the paper. You leave the book open, gaze not even daring to flicker up to those curious eyes lest it implies you are searching for conversation. Your finger rests on the sentence you’re up to, lips set in a straight line as the rest of your face remains neutral and calm.

“Everything is fine, Parker,” and none of your business.. But the words stay buried in your chest, held by the tight chain that reigns in your emotions. The mask of indifference slipping into place with expert ease.

The less information you give, the fewer words you say, the quicker people leave you alone. Those were the steps you followed each time, and yet, every time you spoke to Cleo, she ignored them, pushing her hate and anger into your face. Parker was different, she wasn’t a bully. You’re sure that this process will work on her, and if it doesn’t you don’t know what else to do.

W E L L S

kaitlin