The classroom was unusually quiet for a change, most of the students lost in their own worlds as the chemistry teacher droned on about the periodic table. Xul sat near the back, his arms crossed and his face set in its usual stoic expression. Chemistry wasn’t exactly his favorite class, but it was necessary. What made it worse today was the fact that Riggs sat right next to him—because of course he did.
Riggs, always brimming with chaotic energy, was already flipping through his notes, casting glances at Xul every other second. The tiefling’s sharp features were as unreadable as ever, but Riggs wasn’t one to be deterred by Xul’s icy demeanor. In fact, that only made it more fun.
"So, Xul," Riggs leaned over, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Want to bet who can blow something up first in lab today?"
Xul’s tail flicked once, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn’t bother to look at Riggs. "I’d rather not end up expelled, thanks."
"Aw, where’s the fun in that?" Riggs chuckled, clearly unbothered by the cold response. "Come on, you need a little excitement in your life."
Xul finally turned his head to glare at Riggs, his red eyes flashing in the dim classroom light. "Excitement isn’t the same as stupidity."
Riggs raised an eyebrow, grinning like he had just won something. "Ah, but you’re not denying you’re bored."
Xul rolled his eyes, his attention drifting back to the front of the room as the teacher rambled on about electron shells. But despite his best efforts to ignore him, Riggs’ playful energy was hard to tune out. He was like a persistent storm, always swirling around and disrupting everything.
When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the lesson, Xul packed up his things quickly, hoping to slip out before Riggs could rope him into more nonsense. But, as expected, Riggs was already waiting by the door, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You’re not gonna ditch me that easily," Riggs said, falling into step beside Xul as they made their way down the hallway.
"I wasn’t trying to ditch you," Xul said flatly, though the slight twitch of his tail suggested otherwise.
"Oh, sure you weren’t," Riggs smirked, nudging him with his elbow. "Anyway, I was thinking we could grab something to eat after school. My treat."
Xul stopped walking, turning to face Riggs with a skeptical look. "Why?"
Riggs shrugged, his grin widening. "Why not? Gotta fuel the brain after all that chemistry. Besides, it’s an excuse to hang out with you, and I know deep down, you love my company."
Xul crossed his arms, giving Riggs a long, measured look. Most people would wilt under Xul’s cold gaze, but Riggs stood there, completely unfazed, his confidence unshakable. It was irritating. But also... kind of endearing, in a ridiculous way.
"Fine," Xul said at last, his voice low and resigned. "But don’t think this means we’re friends."
Riggs laughed, a bright, carefree sound that echoed down the hallway. "Of course not. Friends is such a boring word. How about ‘co-conspirators’? Sounds more dramatic, doesn’t it?"
Xul just shook his head, turning on his heel and walking ahead, leaving Riggs to jog after him.
The diner they ended up at was small and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling energy Riggs usually thrived on. Xul sat by the window, absently stirring his coffee while Riggs leaned back in the booth, a lazy grin on his face as he scanned the menu.
"So, are you always this fun at parties, or is it just me?" Riggs teased, taking a sip of his drink.
Xul glanced up from his cup, eyebrow raised. "Why are you even here? You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys silence."
Riggs shrugged, leaning forward a bit, his flirty smirk never quite leaving his face. "Maybe I like the challenge. You’re like a puzzle—hard to figure out, but fun to try."
Xul’s eyes narrowed. "I’m not a puzzle."
"Oh, but you are." Riggs’ voice dropped slightly, taking on a more serious tone, though his teasing edge remained. "You think you’ve got everyone figured out, keeping your walls up, all stoic and distant. But deep down, I bet you’ve got a lot going on."
Xul didn’t respond, though the intensity in his gaze faltered for just a moment. Riggs, as irritating as he was, seemed to see through people in a way that was unsettling. Most didn’t care enough to look past Xul’s cold exterior, but Riggs... Riggs was relentless.
"Look," Riggs said, leaning closer, his tone softening. "I know I annoy the hell out of you, but I also know you don’t actually hate me."
Xul raised an eyebrow. "You’re awfully sure of yourself."
"That’s because I’m right," Riggs replied, a confident grin returning. "You could’ve ditched me a hundred times by now, but you didn’t."
Xul stayed quiet, staring out the window for a long moment. He hated that Riggs was right. No matter how much he tried to avoid the flirty, eccentric tiefling, there was something about Riggs that kept drawing him back in. And maybe, just maybe, he didn’t mind it as much as he pretended to.
"Maybe I just didn’t want to eat alone," Xul said finally, his voice gruff.
Riggs chuckled. "See? That’s progress. Next step, you’ll admit you actually like spending time with me."
"Don’t push your luck," Xul muttered, though there was the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
Riggs’ grin widened, and for a brief moment, the banter between them softened. The quiet hum of the diner, the warmth of the coffee in their hands—it was enough. Neither of them needed to say it, but something between them had shifted, just a little. And that was more than enough for now.
