JASPER'S POV:

"I sent over a package, that should be enough school supplies to get you through..."

"The entire year?" I interjected.

He basically planted a sign on me. Tell me how this looks: A student at Braxton, where traditionally enrollment is monthly, has been sent a 'care' package from home containing school supplies so numerous that its contents are enough for two semesters. Twelve notebooks, nearly one-hundred pencils, three packs of pens, a year-subscription library card...What does that tell you? What do you think this means?

"Well, I wanted to make sure you don't run out of anything." He responded defensively.

"Oh sure, just like you to err on the side of caution."

He has absolutely no intention of bringing me home during the school year. I'm going to have to spend my entire sophomore year in this prison.

"Jasper, we've decided..."

"We? Who's we?"

"Aunt Vera and I." He answered plainly.

Oh God, how disturbing. They've officially become we.

"Gross."

"Let's try to be mature here." He scolded. "We do not think it would be good for you academically to transition environments mid-semester..." You could almost hear a touch of guilt behind his voice, but I could see past that in a heartbeat.

"It's a fifteen-minute drive." I balled my fists. "We could do it over a weekend or even fall break."

"You're underestimating the move." He offered as a laughable defense.

"Oh, you're right, yeah," I smiled. "I forgot how much stuff I have in my room since I practically live here now!"

"If you're going to speak to me with that much disrespect then I may as well hang up!" He shouted.

"Allow me!" I slammed the phone on the receiver.

Keep it together, don't lose it now. My mind was full of rage, and I could tell I wore a look of complete dissatisfaction, there was a pounding bitterness inside of me that longer to be released. But I had a meeting with Naomi and Mr. Davis in a half-hour. I can't jeopardize that, Naomi will be the only thing keeping me sane during the school year.

Throwing my back against the wall, I squatted down on the ground and waited for the gloomy intensity burning inside of me to dissipate.

_________________________________________________________

NAOMI'S POV:

Everything was so surreal; it was as if I were arriving at the Academy for the first time again. My heart was pounding before we even pulled into the drive-way, I could feel my nerves shot all the way down to my thighs. Mr. Davis and I had made some good progress, or at least I think so, this weekend but now it feels as if we're starting all over again. It's remarkable how the symbolism of a building can influence your every thought and emotion.

I was feeling peaky, the same butterflies had been stirring around in my stomach all morning and the lingering dark surprise had overcome my consciousness as soon as we pulled into Mr. Davis' designated parking spot. It clouded any progress I've made over the last eight months.

I was beginning to feel everything at once as I stepped inside the brick-enclosed building. My trip away this weekend, though painful to say the least, gave me a little taste of freedom and it was beginning to torment me. Now I can understand Jasper's bitterness around the holidays.

"Go on upstairs and unpack, you've been excused from chores this morning." Mr. Davis gathered his things from the front seat before edging out and opening my door for me.

"Okay." I said quietly as he handed me my bag.

We walked in together, although it did not look voluntary since neither of us had really acknowledged each other...or at least, I did not acknowledge him. I was too lost in my own thoughts.

When the doors open, I strangely felt a wave of relief swoop in and knock out my apprehension.

The first thing I noticed was how clean and polished the lobby seemed, I never noticed before. The second thing was the tropical air fresheners. My mom used to say that you never really know what home smells like until you've been away for so long, the scent of my former home was fading from my memories, and, in its place, the smell of Braxton was making its way in.

"Are you alright?" Mr. Davis asked me, resting his hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I let out a low smile.

"Are you sure? You can come to my office until you've settled." He proposed but I immediately shook my head.

I wasn't going to feel any better unless I dove right into this.

"Thanks, but I'm okay. I'll see you in a little."

"Alright then, you can come early if you'd like." He shot me a worried smile but then picked up his bag and made his way to the staircase.

"Good morning Mr. Davis." I heard Jasper say.

"Good morning." He replied but continued.

"Naomi." He then greeted me, carrying a large box in his arms. "How are you? How was your weekend?"

He asked politely, but I could tell there was bothering him. He was flushed and there was some disturbance in his body language as he was fidgeting.

"It was.... insightful." I forced a smile. "How was your weekend?"

He shrugged, "Nothing to report."

I nodded, "Where is everyone?" The lobby was empty and there were no echoes swarming the halls.

"Home. School starts on Monday, so most of the student's parents like to have them return before then." He spoke with experience, and it made my heart ache.

"W-what's in the box?" I tapped the front of it, wanting to distract ourselves from the awkwardness that begin with my first question.

"Um," He sat it down near my feet. "My dad and Aunt Vera decided to send me a message."

"Oh?" I wasn't sure how to respond to that. "What's the message?"

He hesitated, almost as if he were not sure whether he wanted to say, but he knew he could trust me and that I wouldn't render any judgment.

"Open the box, you'll know once you see."

Squatting down, I peeled off the formerly removed tape and opened the top lids. There were so many school supplies...more than any student would need for a month, even a semester.

"Understand the message?"

I closed the lids, nodding as I stood up to face him.

"Say it." He forced. "Out loud."

I really didn't want to, but it seemed as if he needed me to, "You're not getting out of here anytime soon." I responded in a low whisper.

"Exactly. I've somehow always known that he would keep me here when school began, I just didn't think it would be the entire year... and I can't seem to get that that thought to register in my head."

"I know exactly how you feel. I'm so sorry Jasper."

He bit his bottom lip and took a step forward, "If my talking about this bothers you then you can tell me to stop."

"What? No, it doesn't bother me. Why would you think..."

"Because, because sometimes I feel like it isn't right for me to complain about not going home to my family when I at least have a shot of doing so." He said bluntly, he always said everything in a forward manner.

I ignored the portion of the statement referring to me, mostly because what he said was true so I had no reply, but because that was irrelevant. "Don't be. We can talk about your issues anytime. Don't feel like you can't talk to me about it, we shouldn't measure our pain against each other."

"It makes me feel..."

"I mean it. You pain deserves as much recognition as mine."

"I appreciate that." He smiled, reaching down to wrap his arm around my lower back to pull me close to his chest, he gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

Blushing, I took a step back immediately, immediately feeling a wave of energy course through my body. To distract away from my embarrassment, I glanced around the halls until he did the same.

"So how did you weekend really go?"

"It was a lot to process but Mr. Davis and I will be alright together, there's no use in trying to look for my parents anymore. I should just focus on making the best out of my situation."

He smiled down at me, "I wish I had your positivity."

"Can I do anything to help?"

"Let me take you to movie night." He picked up the box, resting his hands underneath and turning to the side, trying to force me into making a quick answer.

"Um, we're going to have to run that by Mr. Davis..." I folded my hands together, anticipating on whether it was best to tell him myself.

"Why? Most of the other students will be there..."

"Well, it's just that this weekend was..." I stopped, not really sure how to untangle the unfortunate events that occurred.

"Oh no, what did you do?" He took a step forward, leaning in as if he were ready for a secret.

"Wow." My eyebrows furrowed. "Love how you have so much confidence in me Jasper."

"I didn't mean it like that." He smirked after he noticed that I was smiling in discomfiture. "We'll ask during our meeting then, if you insist."

He had a vibe that made my insides melt, that dashing smile of his is going to get him very far in life. It was so genuine; I just wish it came around more often.

"Alright, well I better go put this monster in my room and I'll meet you there."

"Good plan." We both remained perfectly still, neither of us wanting to remove ourselves from the few minutes of aloneness we had.

"I'll go this way." He pointed behind me, breaking apart the awkwardness.

I nodded, lightly brushing my hand against his and smiling in his direction. He smiled in return but then turned to the left to continue straight while I exited up the stairs to Mr. Davis' office.

I have no idea what's going to happen during this meeting. Given the Administrator's traditional orientation for all students, I imagine it's going to be similar to that: Mr. Davis will inform us the rules and the corresponding consequences of it. Although we already know what those are. Nevertheless, this weekend has changed everything. He merely said that I couldn't see Jasper without supervision, he didn't say that I couldn't see him at all, so I assume he hasn't called the entire thing off.

*Knock, knock*

"Come in."

Opening the door, my eyes immediately darted to his clock; it was 7:48 a.m. There was still twelve minutes until our meeting, but the apprehension was killing me. Maybe I can get a read on his attitude for this morning.

"Hi Mr. Davis." I closed the door behind me.

I don't know why I was so uneasy about everything today, aside from the physical pain on my sore bottom. You would think the journey back here would have been much easier than leaving it.

"Hello." He smiled as he offered me a seat.

So far, we're in the clear.

"Are you feeling better? You seemed a little tense down in the lobby"

"It's been strange, but I guess I'm just still adjusting to being back."

He nodded, "Well I talked to Mr. Patry and, since there are fewer students than normal, I want to know how you feel about spending the next two weeks at home."

"Oh, really?"

"I want you to be comfortable doing school both from home and at the Academy, you've already spent ample time here so I think we should focus on home since we'll be going there a lot more often."

"For holidays?"

"Yes, for holidays and weekends away. It's entirely up to you."

"You're letting me decide?" I'll admit I was shocked.

He smiled, "Yes. Whichever you think will be best for your performance in school. I haven't seen much of you in an academic capacity, only you know your abilities and preferences."

Wow, that was well-thought out and considerate. But I shouldn't be surprised, he usually is. Apart of me wants to go back to his house, especially to escape these walls as much as I could...and Mr. Davis is a much better cook than this place. I also want to stay here and get through the first week with Jasper, even though we'll have different classes.

"Mr. Davis, Jasper and I won't be able to do anything outside of the Academy, will we?" The thought just swallowed my mind.

He sighed, "Unfortunately not, unless you both join the same extracurriculars at school." he tried to throw out a possibility. "I have no legal authority to take Jasper anywhere off this property unless in a case of emergency."

"I didn't think so."

Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Naomi, please don't make this decision based on your feelings for Jasper. Neither of you will be alone in this journey." He smiled, trying to reassure me. "This is about what is best for you."

"I know, you're right." As much as I hated accepting it, I couldn't let anything deter me from getting good grades.

My behind will thank me for that later.

"You don't have to decide now, just think about it."

"I will."

Nodding this time, he turned his computer monitor around and showed me the surveillance footage from the lobby. "We're going to fact this into our discussion." He said sternly.

Shoot. How could Jasper and I be so stupid to do something like that in the lobby? We should have known better; Lord knows we've been here long enough to know.

"I-It was just a..." I stopped instantly when he raised his eyebrows, annoyed that I was about to use the same excuse I had the first time. "Were you spying on us?" I went with instead, as if it were any better.

"It's not spying. Mr. Patry isn't on surveillance duty today, I am. That means I must watch the footage from wake-up time until I get caught up to present time." He defended.

"I'm sorry." I retreated immediately.

"You cannot do these things openly, aside from the fact that you shouldn't be doing them period."

"Why not? It's not abnormal..."

"It's entirely abnormal in a disciplinary school." He said much louder. "Listen, you've expressed your concerns before about the other student's believing you are getting 'special treatment' from our relationship, you do not want something such as this getting out. Tensions will run high and, even though I can stop confrontations, I cannot entirely dissolve the issue."

He's clearly given this some thought. It's just one of the joys of being adopted by one of the Administrators, as if things around here were not hard enough.

"But I just want to do something normal again." I looked down and reminisced. "Why can't I just have one thing?"

He sighed deeply through his nose, "Naomi, have you ever been in a relationship with another before?"

"No... but I've read about it."

He smiled, "I love your tenacity, but reading about something and doing it are two different things."

"But do they have to be?" I rhetorically asked.

"Yes. Because context matters." Standing from his chair, he came to the front of his desk where he leaned back on his palms. "Let your conversations and time spent with Jasper be the focus, do it discretely, but do not get bogged down on the lack of physical affections. You're very young and will have plenty of time for that later, way later, in your life."

"Yes sir." I said, despite my obvious displeasure.

*Knock, knock*

My nerves instantly shot through the roof. I've spent most of this morning preparing for the journey back here, which includes putting on a brave face for this meeting. Mr. Davis and I seemed to have healed ourselves from this weekend, maybe more so than him, but I know that it is still going to taint his demeanor. He said I lost a good portion of his trust, and it is not something that is easily regained, I just hope that Jasper won't be mad at me for it.

"It's open." Mr. Davis answered.

"Hello." Jasper said instantly as he walked inside, standing until Mr. Davis offered him a seat next to me.

"Morning Jasper." Mr. Davis said politely, I merely smiled.

Assuming the right-side seat, Jasper took a deep breath, his chest expanding way beyond normal levels of nervousness. Mr. Davis always had a dour nature, it was embedded in his body as an Administrator and, needless to say, it was a professional reflex of his.

"Let's get this started." He clasped his hands together and rested them on his calendar top. "We're going to discuss some rules and conditions that I have if you two are going to pursue this relationship."

We nodded.

"Consider these as absolute principles for your prerogative."

Nodding again, we both tried to sit as neatly as possible. Both of us eager to hear the absolute laws we'll have for our relationship, even more eager to formulate the freedoms we'll have as well.

"First: You both will adhere to all Academy rules, especially those tailored to your relationship. This means neither of you will be allowed in each other's rooms, you are still expected to follow curfew, and your responsibilities will be completed before either of you can meet each other. Is this clear?"

"Yes sir." We answered in unison.

"Second: As Naomi has lost a significant portion of my trust," He made sure to make eye-contact with me on that. "you two are not to be alone together without supervision."

"Supervision by...?"

"Me." He answered plainly.

Jaspers shoulders slouched slightly, he glanced at me and I shot him an embarrassing smile as a form of an apology.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Mr. Davis asked defensively.

"No, no sir. Of course not."

Giving him a glare longer than necessary, he made sure to give Jasper enough time to fully allow the message to sink in. I could tell he didn't like the idea, and I didn't either, but I was the one who lost trust so it's what we have to deal with until I can fix it.

"I also would advise you to keep this to yourselves. Braxton frowns upon relationships between students but I think we can all agree you both have unique circumstances, so Mr. Patry and I are granting you a privilege."

After hearing Mr. Davis list every expletive after another, I was beginning to worry about succumbing to the physical tension I had been secretly feeling around Jasper since that night in my bedroom. Not that this morning in the lobby helped any.

"Therefore, there will be no public displays of affection of any kind...and clothes are to be worn at all times when you're together." He eyed Jasper.

"Of course." Jasper said while I remained silent in my chair, he became pale as he waited to see if Mr. Davis knew of this morning.

Now making eye-contact with me, he took a deep breath through his nostrils and leaned forward. "With school beginning on Monday, I think it only fair to warn that I will not accept this as an excuse if I see any adverse results in your schoolwork, nor do I expect you to let it be a distraction."

"No sir." I shook my head.

"That means the same for you Jasper." He shot him an expressive signal, as if he were referring to something that occurred between them beforehand.

"I understand sir."

Mr. Davis tapped his finger gently against his forearm, trying to make sure there was nothing else he wanted to make known. "Do you have any questions?" He asked us.

Jasper and I exchanged looks, processing everything discussed to form a question but, ironically, I couldn't think of a single thing to say.

"I don't have any." I said, more to Jasper.

"Can Naomi and I go to movie night together?" Jasper turned to Mr. Davis.

Glancing at me, which resulted in me activating my pleading eyes. "Well, during the last movie you two snuck off and were caught kissing in her room, without a shirt one," he shot a vicious look toward him. "so, I think spending Saturday in a populated room would be best."

Two steps forward and one step back. We're making progress.

"Thank you." I smiled at him.

"That's it for now. Naomi, you're excused." He motioned to his door.

I hesitated, really hoping that we would be able to leave together, and I could spend a few more minutes talking to him.

"Alright." I said quietly after he motioned again. "I'll see you for our date." I closed the door behind me.

That didn't go as horribly as I was expecting, aside from the fact that our weekend secret was out, but at least Jasper seemed to be in decent spirits. I just hope that Mr. Davis isn't going to read him the riot act about what he caught on footage this morning in the lobby.

___________________________________________

JASPER'S POV:

Help me. My only witness has just left and is probably halfway across the building by now. It's just me and Mr. Davis.

He kept his eyes on mine, and I trapped my fingers against the wooden arm of the chair to suppress my apprehension. Feeling exactly as I did the morning after my kiss with Naomi, our conversation did very little to affirm my confidence that he won't kill me.

"I want to make this very clear," he said sharply, his cold eyes searing into my flesh. "keep your hands to yourself."

I nodded instantly.

"I know what it's like to be a fifteen-year-old male, but Naomi will not be an outlet for your compulsions."

"Right." I said firmly. "I get the point." I smiled.

"Oh, I don't think you do so let me say it clearly: if you violate her personal space, in anyway, you'll be fishing for your limbs in the foundtain. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir, I do."

"So, this," He turned his computer monitor around. "won't happen again, right?"

My shoulders slouched involuntarily, I hated how something so small was forbidden here at the Academy. But I guess I can understand why.

"It won't happen again."

"Are you sure? Because I seemingly remember mentioning this beforehand and, yet, here we are."

"No, no, it won't happen again. I promise." She seemed a little taken back by it anyhow, I should probably move a lot slower from now on.

He nodded, turning his computer monitor back to its original place. Unbuttoning the cuffs on his sleeves, he rolled them up to his elbows and then rested them in front of him.

"Ever dated before?" He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back.

"Not exactly sir."

"What kind of answer is that?" He seemed displeased.

"Well, I mean I've never been in a relationship, I've had dates for homecoming and other school dances but that was it." I answered nervously.

I was doing my best to be respectful and trying to stay calm, but Mr. Davis' presence was enough to spook a vampire. He was stoic, as Naomi would describe him, never stepping outside the bounds of professionalism. I was in an agreement with that description until he threatened to knock my head off my shoulders.

He nodded, quietly observing me in a subtle, pejorative mannerism.

"C-can I ask why you're letting me do this?" He looked taken back by my question, as if he were not expecting it. "If you're doing it all for her, then I understand."

My dad never thought I would be able to find anyone. He always told me I was too socially obtuse and that I made everything so palaver.

Breathing heavily through his nostrils, he stood and came around to the other side of the desk. I did the same, trying to mind my manners as best as I could.

"You once defended Naomi against other students and you even took the punishment for that," He nodded. "that is why I'm making an exception for you to date her."

I nodded, "Thank you."

"She's a great kid, very smart and sensible, passionate and creative beyond belief. If I were you, I wouldn't mess this up."

"No sir, I won't."

_______________________________________________________

MR. DAVIS' POV:

I often say this the more I age, but it's been a very long day...and it's not even noon. I just filled my fourth cup of coffee, and I am confident there will be more to come today. The thought of Naomi and Jasper together were still fresh in my mind, but I'm not doubting the decision I've made.

"So, you've decided to let Jasper date Naomi?" He asked, pouring himself a glass of water and sitting down on his couch.

"Yes...Naomi is very mature for her age and Jasper is a good kid." I added some sugar and sweetener to my cup before taking the seat across from him. "I'm also pretty sure I've scared the soul right out of him."

He laughed, "I'm sure you did. I saw him when he came from your office, and he looked lifeless."

"More than anything I want Naomi to be happy, and I am glad that she has someone to confide in...someone who can understand her situation more than I ever could."

"You were in the Academy just as I was."

"Right, but times have changed, rules and procedure has changed. We maintain order but we are nowhere near as strict as your father and uncle were. There are also fewer students here and children have definitely evolved."

He nodded, "I suppose you're right. Are you worried that their issues might collide? Jasper can have a bad temper."

He was clearly worried about them, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit the same, but they seem to be fully aware of their issues and I'm confident they can work toward them. Naomi and I had a breakthrough this weekend and Jasper has been seeing the counselor regularly...they're both making great progress in their predicaments.

Shaking my head, I put my cup down and instead went to the mini fridge for a bottle of water. "Remember when I had a temper? Your sister knocked it right out of me." I smirked.

"Sure," He smiled. "But does Naomi and Jasper have the same thing you and Audrey had?"

Reminiscing about how dizzy she used to make me when she was around, I nodded my head. "Yeah, yeah I think they're beginning that journey."

"I think they do too." He glanced over at his family picture, containing Audrey and their parents. "Anyhow, how was your weekend with Naomi?"

"You're going to wish you never asked." I let out an exhale.

______________________________________________________________

NAOMI'S POV:

Even though I haven't seen Jasper since this morning, I was able to catch a glimpse of him in the kitchen during chore-duty tonight. He shot me a smile, but then turned away almost instantly. What transpired between him, and Mr. Davis must have given him the cold shoulder. I guess I'll find out more soon enough.

I asked Mr. Davis for help in picking some electives I'm required to take next semester. I've read the description list almost twenty times, but I cannot decide. The school insists that every freshman take at least two electives, you can choose to take three or use the third option as a study-hall.

*Knock, knock, knock*

"Come in Naomi." He said as he noticed me peeking my head inside his opened door. "Did you bring your class schedule?" He reached out his hand.

"Got it right here." I relinquished it. "I'm ready for all my classes."

"Have you decided whether to take three electives or use a study-hall?"

"I'd rather use a study hall."

I'd be taking three honors classes this semester, I wanted to give myself some time to do schoolwork and homework before concluding my school day.

"Okay, then we've mark that down." He clicked his mouse.

This sounds like a lot, but I am actually really excited to go back to school, I mean it is basically unpausing the rift in my world that the Academy has brought and allowing me to enter something ordinary.

"Honors English, Intro. to Geometry, Honors World Cultures, Honors Biology, and then there's lunch and gym. Alright, what two electives are you thinking?" He motioned me to come behind his desk to view the class book he had pulled on his computer.

I came around, resting my left elbow on the top of his chair. "I have no idea."

"Well, as a freshman, these are your options." He laughed. "Forensics, Anatomy, Journalism, Finance, Grammar, Clay and Pottery, CAD, Mock Trial, Composition, and Engineering." He read down the list.

"What is CAD?"

"Graphics."

"What's the difference between Graphics and Engineering?"

"I think, for these two classes, Graphics will be digital while Engineering will, at least at first, be mostly lecture so you can familiarize yourself with the concepts."

"Why don't you pick two for me? Anything but those two."

"They're your choice Naomi," He smiled. "What do you like doing?"

"Umm," I skimmed down the list one more time. "definitely not Finance, that's for sure." I rolled my eyes.

When I looked down at his face, he was smiling with a slight touch of offense. "And what's so wrong with Finance?" He laughed.

"Oh yeah." I laughed too. "I forgot you were an accountant."

"Well, if you forgot then we clearly can't be that bad." He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." I continued laughing. "Do you like your job?"

"Of course, accounting is something that I've enjoyed doing since I was in college."

"What do you like about it?" I edged closer to the monitor to begin reading the class description.

"Well, accounting is all about precision and accuracy, I think it's satisfying how we can classify numbers. It's almost a further step than math, you know?" He asked, but I just made eye-contact with him. "Unlike in math class, these numbers mean something, they have value, they represent something and structuring them for financial analysis can help ensure economic success in the future." He wore his passion on his sleeve.

This class handles basic fundamentals of accounting and financial concepts. You will learn analytical techniques, measurement of risk and return, and how to assemble....Jesus, no. I looked back at him, wondering how someone with his humorous wit could enjoy this.

"You look like you don't get it."

"Oh, I get it," I nodded, smiling at his wondering expression. "you're a major nerd."

He did a double take, looking shocked but then couldn't hold back his laughter in response to my beam. "That's it, get out. I'm not helping you." He pointed to the door and repointed when I started laughing even more.

"No, no please help me."

"Take it back." He laughed with me.

"Alright, I guess some people would say you're only a minor nerd."

"So, no Finance, no CAD or Engineering...how about Journalism? You seemed interested when Sarah mentioned she was a journalist."

"Okay, yeah, let's do that." I waited until he checked the box. "And can I do Mock Trial?"

My dad was an attorney, he used to be on the Mock Trial team in his high school. He said it was the best team-activity he ever did.

"Of course." He clicked that one as well. "Alright, I'll print out your new schedule."

"Thanks Mr. Davis."

He nodded, pulling the new sheet out from the printer that sat behind him. Skimming it once, he rendered it over to me so I can view how my academic days will be from now on: Honors English, Intro. To Geometry, Journalism, Gym, Lunch, Honors Biology, Honors World Cultures, Study-Hall and Mock Trial. At least I'll conclude the day with two easy subjects.

"If you decide to withdraw and would like to take another class, just remember to grab the green slip from the Principal's office and bring it home for me to sign."

________________________________________________

~ Saturday evening ~

NAOMI'S POV:

I finished straightening my hair and put on a little more perfume than I should have. Luckily, I opened the window hours ago to help me air out, I would hate to make Jasper die of suffocation on our first date. Not surprisingly, I changed my outfit three times, not sure how to dress, what was too much and what was just enough. Most of the students usually dress comfortably during movie night, I've even went in my pajamas a few times, but Jasper probably wouldn't thought that was great. Why is being a girl so hard?

*Knock, knock*

"It's open." I said reflexively.

Mr. Davis opened my door and took a step inside before closing it. He was dressed in a grey shirt with black pants, looking just as casual as I've ever seen him before.

"You look nice." He smiled.

I was wearing a thin purple and navy-blue blouse my mom bought me for my first science fair and just a pair of jeans.

"Do I? Is this too much?" I responded instead of thanking him for his compliment.

He smiled, "What do you usually wear for movie nights?"

"I am not going in my pajamas."

"Good to know," He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "but you look just fine the way you are."

I looked at myself in my standing mirror one more time, allowing my head to be crammed even more with self-doubt.

Seeing that I clearly was not convinced, he let out a small sigh. "Would you like me to tell you what Jasper is wearing?"

"Would you?" I came closer, shocked that he would volunteer that information. "How do you know?"

"I'm an Administrator Naomi, I've been setting up the projector downstairs and roaming the halls for the past hour. I saw him on his way down to the lobby."

"Please tell me." I walked to my closet, reaching my hand inside, preparing for a swift wardrobe change.

"He's wearing jeans and a dark blue shirt." He shrugged his shoulders, nonchalantly trying to tip me off for his casualness.

Oh no, he look's great. This isn't going to work.

"Sit down Naomi, you don't need to change. You look very pretty." He flashed a smile at me, trying to suppress my nerves.

"Alright." I took a deep breath and assumed a seat on my bed.

Leaning his shoulder against the wall, he smirked. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm nervous, I'll admit it."

"Don't be." He shook his head. "You and Jasper were friends before your feelings developed so you have chemistry."

"I just don't know what to say or to do...I'm really nervous about messing it up."

"You're not nervous, you're excited." He came closer, wearing a look as if he were speaking from experience and I have no doubt that he was. "If you really want this to work, then the best thing you can do is be yourself. Only then will you find someone you're happy with."

"Wow, thanks Mr. Davis." He oddly made me feel better.

"You're welcome, besides I'm going to be the scariest thing down there." He smirked, somewhat proud of that.

"I'm sure you will be." I laughed. "But maybe less so without your suit."

He was wearing a grey t-shirt with black jeans, the most casual I've ever seen him at the Academy.

"Oh, I mostly use my face for intimidation." He teased. "I can go put on a suit though if you think it'll..."

"No, no," I said, somewhat embarrassed. "that's fine. You look great so please don't change."

Laughing, he nodded.

"Can I be excused, please?"

"Go ahead, don't forget my rules." He finished sternly.

"I won't." I waited for him to exit my room before turning off my lights and locking my door.

Skipping past him, I walked down the stairs from the girl's corridor and immediately down the main staircase into the lobby. There were only a handful of students down there, I counted seven students including Jasper and me. Jasper. There he was: he was standing by the large plant in the corner, watching me as I walk down the staircase. To subdue my nervousness, I walked down the stairs faster than normal and made my way over to him. I was ready to get the first level of awkwardness out of the way.

"Hi." I spoke.

"Hi, you look nice." He looked me down all the way to my shoes.

"Thanks, so do you." I blushed.

"Oh, thanks but it's just my every-day wear. I was tempted to come in my pjs." He chuckled.

What a load....

"Are you ready to go in?"

"I am if you are."

I almost reached down to take his hand but then remembered Mr. Davis cautioned us of no PDA, I guess handholding falls under that category. We made our way to the right-side door where everyone was beginning to take their seats.

"Where do you want to sit?" He asked.

"Um, how about right here?" I pointed to the back row, more toward the aisle.

"Perfect, best seats in the house." He motioned me forward, allowing me to pick the exact seat of where I would sit.

"Have you seen this before?" I asked when he turned to look at me.

"Yes, I've seen it about three times. It's a good movie."

"Yeah, it is." I agreed.

They were showing the last film of the Avengers series, which they've already showed twice this summer. The movies will likely continue to be replayed as fewer and fewer students are left the Academy. According to Jasper, the Academy is almost entirely empty during the month of Christmas but can sometimes reach capacity during summers.

"Nicely done, you two picked the best seats." Mr. Davis said, causing a slight jump from me, wanting to remind us that he was here.

"I'm so sorry, I have no control." I whispered to Jasper.

He laughed, "It's okay, I can handle it."

We were about an hour into the movie and, not that I wasn't enjoying myself, I was becoming restless. I wanted to actually talk to Jasper since it's been so long since we had, rather than sit in a dark room with other people watching a movie. Why the heck do people pick movies as dates?

"Hey." I elbowed him.

"Hmm?" He leaned his head down to hear my whisper.

"Do you want to..." I motioned to the exit. "go somewhere and talk?"

He smiled, "Yeah, that sounds better than this."

We subtly stood from our seats, walking briskly to the wall so we wouldn't disturb anyone in the back, and checked around for Mr. Davis but he was not here. He must have slipped out earlier and swapped position with Mr. Patry.

"Wait, where can we go? Mr. Davis said we can't..."

"Why don't we go to his office and talk?"

Jasper hesitated but then reluctantly followed me upstairs as he realized it was that or go back to the movie...I wonder if he secretly would rather be bored then face Mr. Davis.

"Mr. Davis?" I whispered, peeking my head inside of his open door.

"Yeah?" He asked, putting his phone down.

Jasper and I came inside. "Do you mind if Jasper and I sit and talk in here?"

"Not enjoying the movie?" He glanced at Jasper, who was standing close to me.

"Well, we, we wanted to talk but didn't want to be rude to everyone else and you, you said that we weren't allowed to be together alone so..." That wasn't as smooth as I would have liked.

He contemplated for a moment but then took his keys from his pocket and opened his office closet. The same closet where he had his anniversary dinner.

"A-are you sure?" I asked discreetly.

"Go ahead, this will give you some privacy, but the door stays open." He looked directly to Jasper.

"Thank you, sir." He smiled, though Mr. Davis kept a straight face.

I went inside first and instantly noticed that it was much roomier than it had appeared from his office. Afterall, it was big enough for a small dining room table and four chairs. I took the seat on the longer side since it will be a short distance away if he sits parallel to my own seat.

"Wow, I always thought this was just a storage closet." Jasper said as he took the seat, I wanted him to take.

"Yeah, so did I." I played along, not wanting to give away Mr. Davis' secret.

"This was a great idea, a lot better than watching a movie for the fourth time and not being able to talk."

"Yeah, I was afraid to say anything with Jessie 'shushing' everyone every five minutes."

"She does that every movie night." We laughed.

"You should try to play Guess Who with her, she always assigns you to me."

"Oh really?" He seemed curious. "What's the point of the game?"

"Well, you're assigned a name of another student in the Academy, and you have to write a description of them, if no one clearly identifies your character in the first round, then you have to continue acting out that role until someone in the group gets it right."

"Woah, wait a minute," He folded his arms across his chest and leaned on his elbows. "I have to know how you describe me."

"No, no, no," I smiled. "I can't tell you."

"Clearly you can't tell me, you have to show me." He affirmed.

"It's too embarrassing." I waved my hand to get him to stop.

"Come on now." He grabbed it, holding it in his for a moment.

I looked into his eyes and saw a glow that I haven't seen before. He was always so sincere. Suddenly our laughable moment had become serious, and I want him to come closer.

"So, what would you write about me?" He asked again.

"Ahem." Mr. Davis interrupted, leaning in.

"Sorry." Jasper let go immediately.

Turning his attention to me, he stood straight: "You should put 'Caucasian male' because that's what'll be on the coroner's report." He glared at Jasper.

Even though Jasper had taken it seriously, I couldn't help myself from letting out a small laugh.

"Mr. Davis, that's mean." I said somewhere in the mix of my surprise.

"No, it's accurate."

_________________________________________________________________

MR. DAVIS' POV:

I couldn't hear everything they were saying, most of what I could was faded mumbling, but that was fine with me. I am mostly listening for discord or other inappropriate language. I was contempt with sitting at my desk and watching the baseball game.

Aside from the warning I clearly had to give Jasper, it made me happy to hear their laughter and to see them have a good night. Especially Naomi. She doesn't seem to mingle with many of the other students...but tonight she found someone who could make her laugh like I've never heard before. She's been through so much lately, and I'm doing the best I can but I know it's not enough. She needs friends, maybe even a boyfriend to help her get through her issues.

As much as I'd prefer that void being filled with friends, I know the chemistry between Jasper and Naomi is not something that can be ignored. Especially now that they've recognized it theirselves. All I can do now is make sure they both make the right decisions and so the best for themselves.

I remember when this was Mr. Patry's office, he used to let me and his daughter spend our very own 'date nights' in that same closet. As much as we pleaded and begged to have more privacy, he never budged because he knew me all too well. He knew I had a hard time keeping my hands off his daughter, and that got me in more trouble than I care to remember.

_________________________________________________________________

JASPER'S POV:

"You have a tattoo?" She asked, shocked by it.

"Yeah, right on the back of my shoulder." I smiled, pointing to my left shoulder. "My uncle let me get it last year when I stayed at his house and my dad was really mad."

"Oh really?" She asked concerned. "What did you get?"

"I got a tribal pattern; I'm surprised you didn't see it when we..." I motioned to us to avoid finishing the sentence.

"Well, I wasn't really focused on your shoulder." She blushed, hiding her smile.

"I'll show you pictures of it one day, I mostly got it because I knew it would anger my dad."

"Rebellion in tattoo form." She nodded in approval.

"What about you? Do you have any?"

She looked down, almost as if the thought had made her sad. "No, but I wanted to get one for a while..."

"What do you want to get?"

"Lavender stems."

"Any reason why lavender stems?"

"They were my meme's favorite because they symbolized everything she hoped to master: devotion, caution, grace, serenity, and calmness," I could tell she was feeling self-conscious of her explanation, so I smiled to ease her. "She had her work cut out for calmness." She joked.

"I think that's a great reason," I leaned forward. "much better than mine anyway. Where do you want to get the tattoo?"

"Well, I always wanted it behind my ear, but I heard that's really painful, so I was thinking on the back of my leg or my ankle."

I nodded, "But don't you want it in a place where you can see it?"

"Oh, it's not for me, it's for other people...to remind them that these things can exist in this world with a little bit of practice."

She always surprised me. I never know what to expect when I listen to her, but I'm never short of impressed. I could tell that my face was seeming closer and closer to hers, I was going in for a kiss and felt it wrong to stop it.

*SMACK*

We both jumped in surprise, turning to Mr. Davis, who dropped a stack of books on his desk to get our attention.

"That's enough for tonight, it's almost lights out." He motioned us out. "Jasper, you head back first."

"Lights out? It's only..." I glanced down at my watch and saw that it was almost ten. We had been in here for two hours.

Realizing Mr. Davis' thinning patience, Jasper turned to me, "Goodnight, thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun."

"I did too, we'll have to plan next time soon."

"I can't wait." He flashed me another smile before turning to walk toward Mr. Davis, who did not find any empathy in our sentiment.

"At least I got her back by curfew." Jasper joked, something he often does to get out of an awkward situation.

Mr. Davis stood perfectly still, not even giving a small smile, he kept a straight face the entire time. Even when Jasper let out a nervous chuckle, he didn't move a muscle.

"Goodnight, sir." Jasper concluded before quickly removing himself from the room.

"Thank you, Mr. Davis." I pushed in my chair, looking around to make sure everything was in order. I would hate to leave a place so sacred in a mess.

"You're welcome." He smiled at me.

I came forwarded and gave him a hug. "I had so much fun tonight."

He hugged me back. "I'm glad you had a good time."

"I did....but, is there anyway you could....maybe..."

He pushed me back some, looking me in the eyes.

"Maybe?" Motioning me to continue.

"Maybe just be nicer to Jasper?" I gave a pleading smile, trying to maybe chill some of the intimidation he so clearly was trying to instill.

Sighing, he shook his head. "You're pushing your luck Naomi."

I wanted Mr. Davis and Jasper to have a good relationship, especially because Jasper has been through so much lately. It would be good for him to have someone else to turn to, specifically someone older and more able to help with his situation.

"But he's going to be my boyfrie..."

"Goodnight." He said quickly, gently scooting me toward his door.

"Alright, goodnight Mr. Davis." I laughed on my way over.