Serendipity

Like a baby

"Break his heart and I'll break you," is what Lina, Sydney's sister, whispered into my ear. She paused, studying me for a second, then added. "But you look like a good kid, so I hope I won't have to."

I realized then, that even though Sydney doesn't try, he has people that have his back. Even though he has plenty of people against him, most others are either indifferent or supportive.

That's also the second time I've been threatened.

Not that I particularly mind, since it helps me know that if something does happen to me, Sydney won't be completely alone (wow, how narcissistic does that sound? What, do I think I'm the only one keeping him company?), and I'm glad that the people that threaten me at least have the capability to go through with it...

I just can't help but shiver and sigh in relief as Sydney closes his bedroom door behind us. Lina's scary. So is Heather, but she's not here.

"So..." Sydney sucks on his cheek, glancing around his room. "I don't have as much to do as you do..."

"Well, that's fine," I grin, sliding my bag off of my shoulders. "Because we're here to study."

"Wait, you actually brought your homework?" He asks, eyes wide as I pull out my school binders from my deceptively small bag. I tilt my head to one side curiously.

"Did you think I was lying?"

"Well," He glances at the stuff in my arms one more time before shaking his head and laughing lightly. "Eh... nevermind." He points at the desk in front of the window. "You can sit there if you want."

I obey, plopping my stuff onto the clean surface, then notice that there's only one chair.

I open my mouth to voice my question but close it again when I feel Sydney lean over me, resting his arms on my shoulders and his chin on my head.

"What'd you need help with?" He asks, then yawns.

"Uhh," I swallow. I can feel his hands playing with the seam of the collar of my shirt, and I hope he can't feel how quickly my heart is suddenly beating. "Math."

"Math?" He repeats.

"Yeah. Oh, and English."

"Math and English..." He mumbles thoughtfully. Then he nods, patting my chest. "Yeah, I can probably help with that."

"Awesome," I smile, pulling out a binder. "So...I like math more, so let's start with that?"

"Sure."

---

"I hate math," I moan, sliding down in the chair. He chuckles.

"Well, that's fine, because you're done," Sydney leans over the chair and pushes the papers aside.

"Can we take a break?" I ask, not missing how whiny I sound. I swallow.

"You're the one who asked me to help," He points out, placing a hand on my slumped shoulders as I slowly slide back up. "So I don't see why not."

"Yay," I sigh, spinning around so I'm facing him. He blushes at our sudden proximity, but doesn't pull away. "Reward me."

"How? And for what?" He cocks an eyebrow at me.

"I dunno," My eyes briefly dart down to his mouth. "I did a bunch of math. I want a reward."

"And how will I reward you?" He swipes his tongue across his lips, leaning closer. "Tell me."

"I...uh," I blink. I hadn't thought past this point. He waits patiently for me to come up with an answer.

It comes to me, but I blush and look away, mumbling.