Like Glass, Like Steel | vikkstar123 / craftbattleduty

| 13. Salt, Sweet |

| 13. Salt, Sweet |

I slowly stepped back into the room, listening to the unchanging volume of my peers. Being that the bell hadn't rung, people were still scattered about throughout the room.

And, like always, Lachlan inhabited one of our usual seats.

My sound of boots were easily heard in the loud room as I approached my Australian companion. He didn't dare to look up from his activity, though I swore I saw his ears perk at my presence.

"Hey, blondie," I greeted while I slid into my chair. His eyes unusually remained glued to his page, not seeming to acknowledge my existence.

"Hello?" I mumbled, almost wanting to wave my hand in front of his face. Again, he remained oblivious to my dialogue.

"Lachlan," I said more sternly.

The blonde haired boy's head snapped up as his eyes slowly snaked to my direction. I waved my fingers, slightly irritated with his attitude.

"Oh hey," he smirked, "didn't see you there." His tone was filled with hopefully unintended venom.

"Okay..." I muttered and slowly turned to the front of the class as he did the same.

What was with this kid today? Did something piss him off at home this morning?

The bell reluctantly rang and yet another day of school started; another day I'd have to endure, even with Lachlan giving me the dumb silent treatment for God knows what.

After an hour of dazed out time wasted, the leader finally provided 'free work time', which pretty much meant 'talk freely between your friends 'cause I don't give a crap'. Quickly, I turned to Lachlan who seemed to be dreading my intense stare.

"What's up, Lachlan?" I attempted to ask casually, but came out more tense than I would have preferred.

"Nothing really, how about you?" He replied, his breathless response having sounded almost absent minded.

"Great," I mumbled, not bothering to stare at my friend, "er, where did you go at that music store?" I only wanted answers from him.

"Elsewhere," his response came quickly, though the actual word was drawn out for effect.

"Nice description," I snickered while flipping him off behind my back. I heard the scoff of whoever was behind me, who most likely presumed my petty action was directed towards them. I drove my other hand back to match the other, and a loud "hmph!" escaped the student's mouth.

I brought my hands back and observed Lachlan once more. He was sneaking a cheeky glance in my direction, but hastily looked away once I caught him staring. The corners of his mouth were quirked upwards, almost as if he was enjoying my taunting.

"Alright, seriously," I loudly began, matching the volume of my surroundings, "what is up, Lachlan. You seem bothered by something."

Almost immediately after my remark, he opened his mouth to inhale, as if to say something. But as quickly as he motioned, he decided against his previous thoughts, a slight shake to his head accompanying him.

I soundlessly groaned and felt the need to smack him upside the head. "Lachlan, cut the crap--" I was cut off by the conviently timed bell. He looked as if he wanted to pounce from his seat towards the door, but he remained sat down.

His head shot to my direction and his eyes stared me down. "Do you remember Mitch?"

We had spoken about this last week; why was he bringing it up if he already knew my answer?

I opened my mouth to reply, but he was already out of his seat and heading towards the classroom door.

My eyes followed him before landing on Vikk, who was hidden beside the door.

And his eyes were on Lachlan.

--

I left for one week without checking the notifications and I come back to 79 new notifications.