Schoolgirl and The Beast

Cheer up ch. 4

Chapter 4: Cheer up

The next day came by quickly and Avril was expecting at least a bit of recognition from Envy. But as usual, no words were shared between the two.

She walked through the hallway in between an Edward-Winry sandwich. Winry was ecstatic to hear about the progress Avril was making with Envy and the project. Edward was less excited about the information, but listened nonetheless. They both were a bit let down at the news that she and Envy were like strangers. They tried their best to encourage her, saying things that normal friends would say to cheer up their discouraged friend.

Avril cut them off saying "That's great guys, but can you go on ahead? I have things to put in my locker".

Winry gave her a sympathetic look and grabbed Edward by the arm.

"Okay then. We'll just meet you by the usual spot", she dragged Ed off leaving Avril to wander the halls.

She pushed past crowds of kids walking in the opposite direction trying to get to the cafeteria. It was a hassle but eventually the small girl reached her locker. Hoisting up the heavy bag, she reached inside and placed the unnecessary books in the metal compartment.

The declined weight on her back caused her to sigh in relief- and then immediately suck in her breath at he sight of Envy. The sin was walking alone (as usual) with an enigmatic look on his face. It was difficult to guess what was happening in his mind since his expression was so unreadable.

And in that moment Avril wanted to know. She wanted to know what was on his mind. She wanted to know what makes him smile, what makes him sad, what makes him angry. She wanted to reach into his brain and expose his thoughts. She just wanted to know him.

Avril didn't know much about Envy but she knew that she was never going to learn anything if she stood back and did nothing. Suddenly her body walked towards him and her sensibility muddled with boldness in her mind.

She tapped him on his shoulder and he faced her with a questioning expression which to Avril looked cute. Her heart skipped in her chest as she looked at him and she noticed every detail of his face.

She noticed the way his amethyst eyes shined on as if it contained a miniature galaxy surrounding his pupils. Those same eyes that held a deep mystery that Avril longed to solve. Those eyes were the most amazing features of his face and she had to tear her gaze away from them to avoid getting lost in them.

"Hey, Envy... I was wondering if you wanted to sit with me and my friends".

He was silent as if contemplating whether or not he actually wanted to switch cliques for a day. She quickly added-

"Just for today at least. Since we're working on a project together we might as well get a bit more comfortable around each other".

He shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.

"Sure. Why not?"

Her heart jumped in her chest and she was doing her inner happy dance.

They both entered the cafeteria walking side by side. Now the walk was quiet and awkward for Avril, but at least if he's with her friends he might open up a bit.

The table was lively since Edward and Roy were obviously having another argument. Riza and Winry were just chatting it up and Alphonse was trying his best to get Ed to calm down. Avril walked over with Envy right beside her. The table quieted down as eyes were affixed on the new guest.

"Hey guys. Hope you don't mind that I invited Envy over", Avril plopped her food on the table and sat down. Envy took the seat next to her, right across from Edward.

"Sup", Envy greeted her friends.

Winry gave Avril a thumbs up using facial expression and smiled. "Sure, we don't mind at all, do we guys?"

Edward got this "look" on his face and seemed like he was about to say something snide, but Winry gave him a wicked kick under the table. Ed yelped and glared at the blonde girl.

An awkward silence ensued and each of the students glanced at one another obviously wondering what to say. Suddenly Al broke the silence.

"S-So Envy, what's up?"

Envy shrugged his shoulders and smirked at everyone at the table until his eyes landed on Edward.

"My day's been pretty good, I guess. How about you pipsqueak?" Avril could basically hear the mockery in his tone.

Edward adorned the look of pure murder on his face as he slowly got up. Suddenly he began to flare his arms in every direction.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT YOU CAN BARELY SEE HIM WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS?!"

Silence.

Every breathing person in the cafeteria was staring at the golden haired boy standing on a chair, his only source to make him taller. Edward was too focused on glaring at the sin that he didn't even notice the silence until Alphonse whispered to him.

Avril bursted with laughter as Ed slowly looked around at the mass of students staring at him. His cheeks flushed a light pink as he sat back down, with Avril barely containing her giggles.

"Shut up Avril", Edward mumbled under his breath.

She stuck her tongue out at him and giggled even more.

"Refuse... I'm sorry but you're just too cute haha".

This caused Ed's cheeks to turn an even brighter shade of pink as he looked at her wide eyed.

"D-Don't say stuff like that!"

Avril laughed even more. It's fun teasing Ed, she thought.

In the middle of her fit of giggles, she turned and glanced at Envy who was looking at her from the corner of his eye. Her brown eyes met his amethyst ones and he seemed taken aback that they made eye contact. He quickly averted his gaze from the girl.

That's when Avril realized she was still smiling.

She blushed a bit and stopped her giggles, but a smile was still evident on her face.

The rest of lunch was spent with a more lighter atmosphere as everyone got accustomed to Envy's presence. Avril had to be honest when she thought that this was the most she's seen Envy smile in a long time. Their table had to be the most liveliest of all of them; filled with continuous laughter and light teasing.

Being with Envy wasn't even awkward for Avril, and the two had even shared a tiny moment together. Ed and Envy were having an "insult showdown" in which they both tossed insults at each other back and forth. Sure it seemed like a hurtful game, but everyone was enjoying it (even the participants). Envy had retaliated to Ed's words with something that was impressively witty. Avril really couldn't contain her laughter as she turned to Envy and said-

"Oh my goodness! Good one, Envy!" and she raised her hand for a high five.

Envy chuckled as he returned the gesture. Avril couldn't help but blush after realizing that this was the first time she came close to even touching his hand.

Avril concluded that letting Envy spend time with her and her friends was the best idea she ever had. She was finally making progress.

----------------------/////------------------

Hai hai hai! Sooooo sorry that it took super long to update this chapter. it's taking me forever to finish writing. I have the chapters written up In Advanced I just had to continue it. I've been really caught up In reviewing right now, but on the bright side, I only have two exams tomorrow! yayyy!!

I'm traveling in a few days as well but hopefully I don't let that distract me from getting a few chapters in.

Thank you to everyone who's been reading this story up till now! it's really awesome that there are people who actually think that my stories are worth reading and it really makes me soo happy ^_^ thank you all so much!

I promise to update again, trust me. until then Bye-nee!