You All Over Me [BxB]

Thirteen

Theodore is mumbling legal provisions to himself as he marches past Diamond Condominiums. His head swarms with cases, but today isn't anything special. Memorize, rinse, and repeat sums up the life of a law student.

"Theo," the familiar voice slices through the mental chaos, instantly grabbing Theodore's attention. He pivots around. Jacob is by the revolving door, his hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets.

"Jake."

"Hey." Jacob casually approaches, and the two fall into step as they make their way toward the university.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there," Theodore says, scanning his notes.

"Seems like you're in deep thought—"

Theodore's foot catches on an uneven pavement, and he lets out a yelp.

"You should watch where you're going."

Theodore grimaces. "Yeah. It's just... I barely finished all of the assigned cases. Did you?"

"No. I couldn't get to the last two," Jacob admits coolly.

Theodore bites his lower lip, admiration and irritation bubbling within him. Jacob's unwavering confidence despite not completing the reading list rubs him the wrong way—and makes him a little worried.

How can he make him care more about his academics?

"Actually," Theodore starts, "Austin, Stella, and I have a group chat where we assign original cases to each other so we can create digests. If you'd like, you can join us."

"Oh, yes. Austin told me about it," Jacob replies. "It's alright. I like working on my own."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

Theodore exhales. Jacob hangs out with them frequently, so he doesn't get why he won't accept help. A nagging thought creeps into Theodore's mind, reminding him of his mother's advice about looking out for Jacob.

See, Mom?

Well, he tried.

Dr. Allegre's current situation also slips into his memory. He steals a glance at Jacob, who is staring ahead.

He wonders when it is safe to broach the topic. He's not entirely sure about the nature of their relationship—are they friends, classmates, or something in between?

Jacob said he saved him, too. Theodore is unsure what that means or how that exactly happened, but if it's true, then does that mean they just owe each other?

Yet, he can't help but think that any debt should have been settled when Jacob came to his aid during the hazing incident.

If that's the case, they are friends.

And friends help each other.

Theodore scratches his head. Why does it feel so complicated when it comes to him?

"You alright?" Jacob asks.

"Yeah. Don't mind me."

Determined, Theodore manages to clear his mind of everything unrelated to Criminal Law just in time for class. Attorney Reyes jumps straight into recitations, and within the hour, at least ten people find themselves on their feet, including Austin, who stumbles over a crucial part of a case ruling.

Stella, on the other hand, is called upon and effortlessly fields all the questions, leaving both their peers and the professor duly impressed. Stella might whine quite often, but when it comes to performance, she undeniably delivers.