BAD OMENS ✬ luke hemmings

2.1 | change of heart

"Okay, we're going to go over this one more time." Luke says, "You think you're ready?" The little boy nods, "Alright, dap me up." He holds out his hand, anxious to see if the last ten-minutes spent were worth it or not.

At the front of the room with Yara – who obnoxiously bangs on the new makeshift drums – and the rest of the kindergarteners that are testing out their new instruments, Aria watches from a distance. Luke's back is unattractively hunched, with the little boy fidgeting with excitement as Luke daps him up.

She feels a wave of revulsion wash over her as she watches Luke interact with the child. The thought of Luke being a genuine human being is like hearing a cat bark.... Unnatural. But as she watches the little boy cheer and Luke smile, Aria can't help but feel a twinge of something else.

A strange mix of confusion and... dare she say it... cuteness. Sure, watching a six-foot, seventeen-year-old guy teach a kid – practically a decade younger – how to 'dap someone up' is not ideal, but there's something extremely endearing about seeing Luke interact with the child.

So what? All it takes is seeing the guy show kindness to a child to have her see him in a different light? As if that one interaction changes her entire perception of him? No. She can't let that happen. Her hatred towards him is truly warranted. She can't let herself be swayed by a stupid, insignificant moment of vulnerability.

Then again, keeping an eye on Aria for the majority of the hour, Luke came to realize that there really was a heart behind that cold, cold, metal chest. He has always seen her as the devil incarnate, someone to be avoided at all costs. But seeing her interact with Yara, step up and act like a big sister, he couldn't deny that there must be a kindness to her that he has never noticed before.

The epiphany shocked him, shocks him even now due to the betrayal of his thoughts. He can't forget all the things Aria has done. How criminally insane, sneaky, and evil she is. He can't possibly let down his guard over a simple hour.

He has to hate her, he has to stay strong in his conviction.

He has to remember that she is the enemy. Luke can't second guess his hate for her. It is too deeply ingrained in him, too much a part of who he is. Still, having a sense of curiosity can not be that much of a crime, can it?

"Great job everyone!" Evelyn smiles, "But unfortunately this is the end, we need to get back to school on time for the buses. So, say goodbye!" She's glad that her CAS project is finally over, and she's worried the bus will leave without her.

"Yeah, everyone give your buddy a hug!" Claire adds, "We will talk to the school and see if there's a possibility to come back!"

There won't be. Evelyn and Claire agreed the after school activity will only take up one season. From mid-August to mid-October before the district goes on its first trimester break. Though, if any underclassmen wants to continue on the tradition or service, in the future, they can happily do that themselves.

Aria says goodbye to her little buddy, giving her a hug and an awkward pat on the head. "Don't annoy your parents too much with that drum, alright?" She says. Yara nods, watching Aria leave the classroom along with the other students.

"Max, my man, don't shred too much on that guitar." Luke says, giving the boy a high five, "Talk your way into getting a real one, and when you become a famous rock star don't forget to thank me." He jokes.

With that, all the high schoolers get onto the bus or well, van. Aria and Luke are the last ones to walk on, noticing that the group of freshmen have decided to take up seats for themselves. Two sitting in the back row, while others sit one per two seats.