IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ cheating

( CHEATING )
by basscleffimagines

"Hey, Ginger." You greeted, standing on tiptoes to hug him.

"Hey, Shorty." He teased.

"God, I can't believe it's almost finals season."

"Don't remind me." He groaned, switching out his textbooks. "You coming to the game this week?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

"Hey, _______?" You heard someone call hesitantly.

You turned. "Reggie? Hey. What's up?"

"Veronica told me that you were really good at math. I was wondering if you could tutor me? I need to get my GPA up or I'm off the team." He said, grinning sheepishly.

"Sure. Meet me at Pop's tonight, and bring all your math stuff."

"You're a lifesaver. Thank you so much."

"What are you struggling with?" You asked, tucking your hair behind your ear.

"Everything." He admitted.

You heard your friends snickering in the booth next to yours, taking a breath. "Let's see where you're at first." You began, taking the paper from his hand. "Sine equals..." You prodded.

"Opposite over hypotenuse."

"And tangent?"

"Don't tell me." He groaned, thinking. "Opposite over Adjacent." He blurted.

"Cosine?"

"Here." You took the pencil from his hand, demonstrating the problem. "Divide everything by three, then square the middle term."

"How are you so good at this?"

"Everyone's different. You think I could throw a football if I tried?"

He laughed. "I could teach you."

"Sounds like a deal. Now try this one."

You made eye contact with Archie over the seat dividing you. He looked away.

"Perfect. You're gonna kill this quiz."

You sighed, still leaning against the wall of lockers. Someone cleared their throat. You looked up.

"I, uh, I get it if you don't want me around. I just wanted to thank you for what you did the other day." He began, staring down into the bouquet he held.

"The flowers are beautiful, and I still want you around." You said, trying not to smile, but failing. "You still gonna teach me how to throw a football?"

"I'm a man of my word." He said, grinning. "Meet me on the field at lunch."

"See you later, giant."

"See ya, shorty." He called over his shoulder, heading off.

"Really?" Archie exclaimed. "Shorty? That's my nickname for you. You know how I feel about the guy, ______."

"You're not the one tutoring him. Honestly, why are you so upset?"

"If you want to make him your little pet project, fine. Don't expect me to play along."

"I'm just tutoring him. It's not like I'm harboring a fugitive! What is up with you lately?"

"He's got an ego the size of Montana! Have you heard the things he says about Jug? He isn't good for you." He pressed. You didn't reply. "I'm gonna be late to history." He said, closing his locker and heading off.