Of Radiant Summer Skys

Chapter 12

After dish duty, Jaxx struggled to think of something to do. He was still determined to separate from Luca, no matter how hard it proved to be, but he wasn't sure what else he could do. It was hard to cause mischief when he was already in trouble, his options were limited, but he couldn't just sit and do nothing.

Whether he liked it or not, connections were important. Just because one connection had to be broken didn't mean he couldn't make another one. After all, someone had to fill the space in his heart Luca would inevitably leave behind. It was decided then, today Jaxx would look for a partner in crime.

He thought of the people he had already met. He couldn't choose Luca, it wouldn't end well for either of them. Charli was too innocent and too loud. Alex was smart, but she was a bad secret keeper. Sora seemed too flamboyant, he'd make for a good distraction though. Light wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but maybe they could figure something out.

Then it hit him. Levi would make the perfect partner in crime! He was smart but reserved. He clearly had no problem breaking the rules and didn't draw too much attention. He needed to get closer to Levi.

He went looking for him, but Levi proved difficult to find. He found a guy he didn't recognize. He was brunette and wearing a black T-shirt with a skull on it. He seemed like the trouble making type.

"Hey loser!" the brunette said, he was definitely the trouble making type.

He noticed the wristbands around Jaxx's wrist.

"Wow, you've gotten in trouble already? How'd you manage that?" he asked.

"It's a long story," Jaxx said, "no big deal though, I do this alot."

The kids demeanor changed almost instantly, "Say what's your name again? I didn't catch it."

"The name's Jaxx," he said, "What's yours?"

"Chester, but most people call me Drip Drip Boy!"

Jaxx would never call him that. Chester would do just fine.

He perked up again, "Say, I think I've seen you around. You lost to that white-haired kid in soccer!"

Jaxx sighed, "Yeah, that was me. He's pretty good."

"Yeah, but I bet we could make sure you win next time!" Chester said.

"Are you suggesting I cheat?" Jaxx asked, raising an eyebrow. Sure he caused trouble, but he was no cheater.

"It's not cheating if he doesn't play! All it would take is some foul play on our part."

He was suggesting they do something to Luca! Jaxx wouldn't let that happen, he was trying not to hurt them! Chester was terrible, but those were the only people who'd willingly hang out with a guy with his reputation.

"That won't be necessary," Jaxx said, "I have a plan."

"Ooh what is it, tell me!" he said.

Now Jaxx had to make something up, "Let's just say when I'm finished with him, he'll never play soccer again."

The words left a sour taste in his mouth, even though they weren't true.

Chester piped up, "I can help just let me-"

I'm helping!

"Don't worry about it," Jaxx said, "This is my dignity at stake, so I should do this alone."

I made this mess so I'll clean it up.

He had to get Luca out of his head, for both of their sakes, but it proved to be extremely difficult as his conversation with Chester took a familiar turn.