Dare Me More

ONE

A/n: I wrote this story many, many, MANY years ago (almost 10). Anyone who remembers it - holy crap, hi! - and if you're new here, Hi! Welcome to a whole new revamp of what was once called Dare Me [Teacher/Student].   

This story is a mature teacher/student, friends-to-lovers story with some good-ol' fashion angst and pining. I hope you enjoy reading it as I have written it.

***

Not to sound dramatic, but Jacky was going to kill Cole.

Smoke filled the kitchen as she pulled the tray of burnt corn chips and melted cheese from the oven. She was meant to take it out ages ago, but she'd been subdued to thoughts of him. By thoughts, she meant picturing replacing his lactose-intolerant milk with full cream milk because she knew he found that stuff too potent to endure. Just like he knew how much she needed the 7 Senses of Drama Protocol textbook that her professor carefully constructed himself for this particular elective. A professor who is currently on leave for eight weeks in the middle of her last stressful months of university and one of her only connections in gaining the attention of a promising director who will be choosing the next lead in his play. A play that would kick-start her career within the performing art industry.

But that wouldn't happen, because Cole had the textbook she needed. And if he valued his weak bowel movements, he'd give it back to her. The problem was, he didn't have a copy of his own and she was way too giving when it came to him.

All intrusive thoughts played through her mind as she grabbed the nacho bowl and poured the remaining packet of cheese. She then doused two dollops of sour cream and leftover chicken pieces from lunch. She spied a glass of whiskey on the counter and shot it back before adding the homemade guacamole Mel made. The warm sting shot her in the chest. She deluded the taste by indulging in a burnt corn chip full of melted cheese and creamy goodness.

Deadly stuff for Cole to eat. It's a shame. Most of the dishes Jacky made always had a dairy component. If she didn't care much about him, she would consider packing a small container of nachos and labeling it "vegan-friendly, Jacky's specialty" before sending it over to him. He wouldn't eat it, he knew her too well. But it would serve a point. It's weird. Shouldn't substitute teachers have their own textbooks?

"Are the nachos ready yet?" Kevin came to stand next to Jacky, taking a swing of her whiskey from the bottle. His jet-black hair tied loosely at the back of his head was coming undone. 

"We're not sure how much longer Christy can nibble on the same pizza crust while moaning 'naaaachoooos' every few seconds." He mimicked her on time as a whine from Christy from the living room confirmed it.

"We have two more boxes of pizza if she's that hungry," Jacky said.

Kevin shrugged. "She's your best mate."

Jacky lifted the corners of her mouth. She was, and proudly so. "Take this back with you. See if that can shut her up a bit. But I want some of this." She took the whiskey bottle from his grasp and took a deep swing before giving it back. "Shit, Kev." Jacky hissed from the taste. "How are you not dead? That stuff is already making me feel lightheaded."

Kevin laughed in response before taking his own swing of the liquor. When he disappeared into the living room, a gleeful yelp from Christy arose.

"Naaaaachooooos!"

The choir of her friends cheering with her sounded through the kitchen as she pulled her phone out to see a text from her housemate.

       >Monique - 9.27pm: I'm still in Perth and won't be home for the next month. Use the food up. I don't want it going to waste