deep end ◈ swimmer!luke

.03

[a/n get ready for cUTIE LAUGHING LUKE THIS CHAPTER CLEAN UP ON AISLE 3 MY HEART MELTED]

"So," the vowel stretched out, licked lips seemingly rounded around the shape of the letter, her blasé tone was oddly phonetic, hanging in the air like thick haze coming off sun beatened concrete. "didn't expect to see you back here."

Eye brows furrowing slightly, shoulders sunk and stubble kissed jaw clenched, blue eyes once trained on her hazel flicking away to slightly nerved hands in his lap, an automatic response he had developed. Weakness was just that to Luke, weakness; not beauty or strength, nothing to be romanticized, just bullshit that people use to tear you down with, the sword you turn on yourself. "Yeah, well you shouldn't really expect anything from me, should you? You don't know me and just because some stupid fûcking rumor is going around-"

"Jesus, who pissed in your cheerios? You don't know anything about me either, well I mean you kind of should, i was in your english class last year. I only asked because after you stopped showing up for class, I assumed you transfered or dropped out or some shît.", picking at primmed nails in an attempt to look bored; the way that her shoulders opened towards him, her transfixion on the moves he made, what words may spill from pierced lips next, the little things gave away her interest.

Why she cared you ask? She didn't, or at least she didn't think she did (this was highly debatable, but she would deny anything otherwise).

Of course he was attractive, he was fûcking Luke Hemmings, but something hinted that the pretty face and hard ass attitude were just the tip of the iceberg, there was something deeper.

How she knows this? She couldn't tell you, but she wasn't going to pass up on a piece of what it could be.

"Wait, you were in Ms. Fullerton's? Second Period?" Eyes brightening slightly as he tried to place her face in the class he had most dreaded last year, but as he figured, a dead end was reached and he was just left to pretend that he somewhat knew what she was talking about. (a/n me in math class lollll)

"Sat right behind you the entire year, hotshot.", rolled eyes and a slightly bitter smirk wielding it's way over wine lacquered lips, the dark haired girl just chuckled as he shifted uncomfortably. She expected it. He was a popular jock, she was/is/will forever be a sarcastic music nerd with an internet addiction, but there was something so satifying about making him squirm and she'd be lying if she said it didn't humor her, no matter how sadistic it sounded.

"Oh, sorry.", the careless grumble graveled, but even if the boy had tried to hide it (which he had), the smallest bit of sincerity leaked through just as their fingertips brushed, a flush spreading across both canvases of skin and blood and bones consquently.

The thick, awkward feel to the air was unsettling, both slightly sweated and messes really, word vomit was the only thing that Terra could do, being the awkward girl she was, so that's what she did despite how cringe worthy it would most likely be.

"For what? Borrowing like, ten pencils from me and never giving them back, or me being not worth remembering?"

Mental facepalm.

"Uh-", wordless and rigid, before Luke could even share his lack of an explanation, luckily he was cut off by rambles, his taut expression twitching into a smile as the girl before him went on animatedly.

"Because both are kind of my fault, I have the habit of giving too much to people I don't owe anything to and I don't know, I guess I'm kind of a human chamleon. I just- "

"Wait, no! I remember you! Yeah.", tone not convincing and neither his words, shaking her head with a sigh and seeing right through his successful tactic to cut her off, she would probably thank him for saving her from embarasing herself further but the endearing effort was almost as comical as her little stint (not really but it made her feel better to think so).

"Do you really?"

"Ye-No.", a sheepish smile facing back at her, his perfect teeth looked straight out of a Colgate commerical, his hair perfectly touseled, his shoulders broad and collarbones pominent, just damn.

I think my heart just pooped it's pants.

"What?", blinking back into reality, Terra's face screwed up in confusion at the (she wasn't gonna lie because her abuelita taught her well pretty) sight of the school àsshole's head thrown back in laughter, well more like giggles, crinkles by his eyes and dimples deep.

"Did I just say that out loud?", letting out a groan as the boy just nodded as his fit of laughter started to subside, sinking into her chair slightly and earning their fair share of stares from people around them until the lanky boy finally got it together just in time for the bell to ring.

Instructions for the next day yelled out over the chatter, no one really bothered to listen as one by one students got up from their seats and headed towards the door. Since she only brough her phone, a folder, and a pen with her, Terra quickly slid out from her chair, turning only for her face to run straight into Luke's solid chest. "Oh, shît,um-"

"Don't worry smalls, I got you." making sure her petite frame was balanced, his neck craned for eye contact to be made, slight flutters multiplying with touch and length held.

The moment ticking on into another, the cleared throat of a girl trying to get by was met with immediate seperation and mumbled apologies.

"Geez, you really are tall.", her already tiny 4'10 frame mouse like compared to his, seating next to another the difference was apparent, but standing of course made it ever so obvious.

Starting their way out the door, the shorter girl shuffled in front, Luke's eyes falling down in amusement to her shorter legs and admittingly her butt (which was really nice, okay?). Her words sinking in, he just laughed. "Nah, you're just vertically challenged."

"Well hey, I mean I guess you do have to beat me at something, I know it can be tough, y' know? You being you, me being me? I'm just kidding, I'm a literal toe. Bye Luke."

Her laugh faded, and with it, the smile across his face.

"Yeah. Bye, Terra."

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a/n

helloooooooooo gUys update time ayee

three things then im outta here lickity split

1) would you guys like me to do 1000 word updates every 2-3 days or 1750 word updates every 4-5 days? comment and tell me whatcu would prefer x

2) if yall read/ are reading monster the epilogue will be up v soon :) also its been ranked in fanfic and nominated for a bromance aWard like wHt

3) i will be posting a new malum fic by request of you guys and its gonna be based on the beautiful movie blue is the warmest color aND IM SO EXCITED GAHHHHHH

comment, vote, share, and all that jazz !!!

ily alllll

-ali