"I Love You" (A Lander Story)

Suspicious

Hello! I don't know how I did in the characterization of the other characters this chapter, but I hope you enjoy anyway! As always if you find any typos or have criticism/suggestions please do share.

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Hailey was confused.

Actually, to say she was just "confused" was an understatement.

All the club members excluding Jake had been there when Zander had walked off ready to confess. And Milly swore she saw him running off while crying, Luke chasing him.

But whenever someone brought up anything related to it both of them quickly dodged the question. Or in Luke's case say a few awkward sentences then basically run away.

They both seemed more comfortable around each other as well, or relaxed at least. And they acted a lot less stressed than usual. Before Hailey could tell stress was taking a toll even on Luke.

And now she found them cuddled up and sleeping a couple days ago. She knew the most logical answer was that they were dating but she was reluctant to believe that Zander wouldn't have told her.

~~~~~~~~Line Break Time~~~~~~~~

Luke had his phone playing a video call of Zander. They had agreed to video call before they set out to school with Hailey to discuss the others.

Luke's phone case was a dark autumn red and within was an old blocky phone set upon his dresser and angled so Zander could see him as he got himself ready as they talked.

"Zander I've told you, it's gonna be fine. They probably already know anyway, you know how bad I am at lying" Luke told him with a sigh as he grabbed for his beaten comb and raked it through his hair, wincing as it tugged on knots.

"Hailey is gonna kill me" The other boy stated surely, while dragging out the sentence. Zander was already prepared to leave, so he was sitting at his neatly arranged desk, staring anxiously into the camera.

Luke finished combing his hair and set it down almost dropping it for a second. "It's better if we do it sooner than later and you know it" he said firmly.

Zander, refusing to admit he was wrong simply avoided looking at the phone with a huff and let his finger fidget with a loose strand of his hair, as he stared at his off-white walls.

After a moment he spoke still adverting his gaze "I know I just don't want them to be mad at me" he relented with a small frown, he looked back to Luke through his cracked phone screen and saw he was done getting ready, and was looking at him.

Luke was biting on the inside of his cheek, his face set into what was meant to be a reassuring smile but looked more like a nervous one.

Zander could tell he was nervous as well, even if Luke was good at pushing his emotions to the side after knowing someone most of your life you get good at reading them.

Decidedly Zander took a deep breath and trying to reassure him, spoke "This isn't the worst thing either of us have done, it'll probably be fine"

Luke's smile changed into a fond one despite the less than optimistic words. he knew Zander couldn't reassure people that well, and that Luke was better with emotions. but the fact that he had tried to reassure him, made him feel even more fond of the stubborn teen.

Zander returned the smile with a small one of his own, and Luke felt his heart melt at the sight. He glanced at the time and realized he needed to head over to their house now "I have to get waking now, I'll see you in a few minutes" he spoke, waving a quick goodbye before ending the call and stuffing the burgundy red phone into his jacket pocket.

~~~~~~~Line Break Time~~~~~~~~

They walked down the plain hall, their hands brushing as they walked in time on the hard tile flooring towards the music room.

It was lunch now and they were headed towards rehearsals as Luke chewed on the last of an apple slice. They stopped at the door, Luke grabbing Zander's hand in a reassuring gesture.

Zander took a deep breath and muttered quietly "It's now or never" and placed his hand on the door handle turning it and pushing it open he saw everyone was gathered in a circle speaking quietly.

Zander glanced up at Luke in confusion, silently asking if he had any idea what that was and he just shook his head. The others had quieted and turned to face them.

Milly's gaze flicked to their linked hands and a mischievous smile filled her face "Ooo~" She teased, sending an "i-told-you-so" look to Hailey who shook her head. Jake tried to speak "Are you hol-"

Zander blushed and quickly removed his hand from Luke's and interrupted Jake quickly "No" he said adverting his eyes from the others. Milly just rolled her eyes

Luke sighed "Zander we talked about this" he said his words firm as everyone looked between them confused Sean muttered to Hailey "Any idea what their talking about?" She just shook her head

Zander fidgeted with the hem of his sweater and took a deep breath and nodded.

Milly's expression changed into a knowing one and she smirked "Oooh, I get it" she said confusing Hailey and Jake while it dawned on Sean.

"You two are da-" She tried to get out in a teasing tone but was quickly cut off by Zander who wasn't about to let someone else share his news.

Zander glared at Milly as he spoke, his words starting confident despite his earlier mishap "Me and Luke are, Dating" he coughed on the last word.

Luke looked away as it registered to Hailey, who had an expression as if she wasn't sure whether to hug Zander or glare at him for not telling her.

Eventually she decided on tearing up whilst glaring at him. "Wait, Hailey are you crying?" Zander says, his eyebrows knitting up in concern as he examines her face.

Hailey shook her head quickly wiping a tear "Im just happy for you" she said and he visibly softened at the display of emotions.

Meanwhile Jake just looked mildly surprised but as if he mostly expected it. Milly on the other hand looked as if she had just found a goldmine of teasing material.

Luke smiled softly at Zander and he looked back at him with a scoff,  "Shesh, I know you were right no need to rub it in" he muttered but didn't utter a word of complaint when Luke grabbed his hand again as they started rehearsals

Word Count: 1079
03/05/2021