The Witch's Ichor

A First For Everything [22]

The sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished gymnasium floor. The idle chatter of teens talking amongst themselves. The scent of sweat mixed with an unknown cleaning product. It all paints a picture, and Zoe wants no part in it.

Zoe is sitting by the water fountain with her head hidden in her arms. She's wearing her stupid boy clothes. She's in her stupid boy body.

Gosh this is the WORST!

Footsteps approach her as she sulks. She peeks over her arm to see who it is. She whimpers upon seeing Theo's adorable self approaching her. She quickly shoves her face back into her arm.

Theo finally reaches her. He quietly sits on the floor beside her, and gently rubs her back. Zoe wants to protest, but his touch is too comfortable to resist. Her shoulders relax.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with this, Zoe." Theo says quietly.

Zoe peeks at him curiously. He's looking out across the gymnasium. His eyes look so... sad.

"I know it's really hard for you to have to dress like that for classes." Theo sighs.

"I-It's not just the clothes. I hate how this stupid body looks." Zoe mumbles.

Theo doesn't immediately respond. She peeks up at him again. He's smiling to himself now.

"Zoe, I want to tell you a secret." Theo says.

Zoe keeps looking up at him. Her curiosity is piqued.

"I've always thought you were cute." Theo admits softly.

This confuses her. She sits up to respond, and Theo looks over at her. She pouts in disbelief.

"This? You think this is cute?" Zoe replies sarcastically.

Theo blushes slightly, and nods. Zoe can hardly believe it. She rubs her face as if unsure which form she's in.

"Theo, i have a freaking moustache." Zoe hisses.

"I don't see it?" Theo replies honestly.

"That's because I shave it!" She adds.

Theo laughs. The rare light sound of his laughter surprises Zoe. She tilts her head at him.

"I think maybe you're more feminine than you think." Theo says with a smile.

"Hmf. If I'm so cute, then how come you never confessed to me?" Zoe questions.

Theo looks down at the floor. There's a melancholy air about him as he takes a deep breath. He turns to look Zoe in the eyes.

"I... Hold on, have you ever noticed your eyes are the same in both bodies? They're so beautiful." Theo observes.

Zoe squints at him, pouting. She can't hide the blush that colors her cheeks.

"J-Just finish answering my question, Theo" Zoe insists.

Theo smiles at that. She's very cute when she blushes.

"I wanted to wait until I felt I was good enough. I wanted to wait until college. Maybe there I'd be more than just 'a nerd', you know?" Theo explains.

Zoe's doe eyes widen upon hearing his reason. She softly reaches out and hugs him. She doesn't care if her classmates see.

"You aren't just a nerd, Theo. You're my nerd." Zoe whispers.

When Zoe pulls away she wears a cheeky smile. Theo's face is turning pink as he lets her words bounce around in his head. The bell rings.

"Only a little longer before our..." Zoe stops herself.