Young Volcanos (EriAra)

Young Volcanoes (EriAra)

Chapter 10

"Hey, nerd," You smile at Eridan, who is walking beside you. He doesn't acknowledge your greeting, so you speak up a bit. "Hello!! Earth to dorkface! It's Aradia speaking!!"

This time, he looks up at you, startled. You take a moment to examine his face. It's paler than usual, the bags under his eyes heavier and darker. To say the least, he looked like shit. He gave off a weak smile. "Hey, Ar."

"You okay? You like kinda... shit."
"Didn't get much sleep last night."
"Ah. What was up? Homework? Stress? Insomnia? Marathoning Harry Potter again?"
"Hey, I only marathon Harry Potter w-when I'm depressed!"
"Well, were you?"
"I guess you couldn't really say DEPRESSED.."
"What's on your mind?"
His expression went blank and he ceased eye contact, looking down at the ground. It was obvious he didn't feel like answering the question. You reached over and held his hand. He returned the action, but with a bit of hesitation.
The two of you arrived at school, hand in hand, receiving a few glares from your friends.
"I knew it! I fucking knew it!" Karkat shouted, gesturing towards you and Eridan's hands. He turned to Sollux and punched him in the arm lightly. "Pay up, face-ache." With that, Sollux handed him a $5 bill.

"What's with the money?" You asked.

"Karkat bet Sollux that you two would start dating soon. Good thing, too. He was getting impatient and it was pissing me off." Dave replied.

"I was NOT impatient!!! They just weren't fast enough--" Karkat defended.

"I rest my case," Dave shrugged.

Sollux smiled meekly. "Thankth a lot, AA. Your relationthip cotht me five buckth." He placed a hand on your shoulder, briefly seeing a flash of pain in his eyes. "I'm happy for you, AA. I hope it workth out well."

You nodded and smiled in thanks. You turn to Eridan, noticing him staring at someone. You noticed that his hands were shaking and clammy. You couldn't exactly tell who or what he was looking at, but the bell rung before you could say anything.

"Hey. I'm going to class now." You kiss his cheek, noticing a bit of blush dusting his face lightly. "Later!"