Pixies

Cafeteria

"What's all the rush?" Tick barked over the throngs of students heading to lunch.

Violet was already yards away from him, walking so fast she was practically running. "I have to reach Allen to warn him about Summer and Rowan before they catch him by surprise," she cried, barely sparing the pixie a glance before continuing on her journey to the cafeteria.

"I'm sure your companion can handle himself," muttered Tick, catching up to Violet in a few long strides. Despite the way pixies were usually imagined, Tick was hardly petite. In fact, he was unsettlingly tall.

He's unnaturally skinny, though. I must've not noticed that before because he hides it under his jacket.

Violet snickered to herself, "Like a comic-book character," she murmured softly.

Ticks inhuman ears picked up her comment, he frowned.

"Who is comic?"

Violet cackled, "Never mind that, we're here."

Allen was sitting at their usual table, chewing on a mozzarella stick with disdain. Violet tripped twelve times on her way over to him.

"Sheesh, Violet, what's wr-," he started, then saw Tick, neon eyes and all. It seemed Tick had decided he didn't need to use his magic on Allen.

Allen's mouth dropped in awe, "Sweet Eru Ilúvatar, they're real."

Tick smiled widely, purposely flaunting his pointed teeth.

"Someone competent enough to know power when he sees it. Maybe there's hope for humanity after all."

Allen's eyes were as wide as saucers, "I-It's an honor, dar englen sha."

Tick smiled again, but this time it was different. Was Tick genuinely happy?

"You speak Fae!" he said, clapping a star-struck Allen on the back.

Violet rolled her eyes.

Honestly, where does Al earn these things?

The conversation was caught short as two new lunch trays were placed on the table.

"I've never sat on this side of the caff!" Summer sang happily, taking a seat next to Allen. "Allen, right? Nice to meet you! I thought you and Violet were friends."

Allen's mouth opened and closed, his face turned a vibrant shade of rose. He looked to Summer, then to Rowan, then to Violet.

"Right back at you," he croaked.

Rowan laughed, choosing the seat to the left of Tick. "We're just getting to know her, actually. Her and Tick are our partners in History."

"Partners...," Allen echoed, his gaze still on Summer.

"Sure are!" Violet said, forging a smile. She threw her friend a meaningful look.

Allen seemed to get the gist, he laughed uncomfortably, "Y-yeah p-partners with Rowan Brown and Summer."

His voice cracked a bit toward the end.

Rowan nodded, "Speaking of which, where should we meet up?"

Summer nodded, twirling a golden curl around one finger.

"I was thinking about that, actually, and I realized there aren't many places in town we could do it. I mean, the only place that has WiFi is that little cafe on Mainstreet, and there's barely any space to work there."

Tick nodded thoughtfully, but Violet couldn't help but think the whole action was planned. Perhaps, Ticks scheme was yet to be completed.

I don't like where this is going...

"Aha!" he yelled, making everyone at the table jump. Tick rested his chin on his hand, looking quite pleased with himself.

"Let's just work at Violet's house."

Violet started, "Um, wait-"

"Sounds great! When should we all meet?" Summer said pleasantly. She then turned to Violet, a light blush on her cheeks, "Oh, sorry, you were saying something?"

Rowan nodded, his face concerned, "Is that okay with you, Violet?"

Violet's plan to object melted along with her heart as Rowan said her name.

"Um, y-yeah, sure." she replied softly.

"Right," said Tick, somehow looking even more proud, "We can meet Saturday."

"But Allen is coming over Saturday..." said Violet, deciding to test her luck.

Allen blinked in surprise, his eyes darting to Summer then quickly away. "Um, I don't remember planning to-"

Violet glared at her friend, "And he knows a lot about Irish folklore. Right, Al? She kicked him under the table.

I've done that a lot today, but there's no way I'm facing this alone, she thought irritably.

Allen jumped in his seat, "I'll be there!" he yelped, "I'll be there Saturday!"

Tick beamed, "Sounds like a plan. Now all we have to do is exchange numbers."

Almost everyone at the table turned red. Tick's mouth twitched, as if he were holding back laughter.

If things hadn't been going so well, Violet might've broken up with her "boyfriend" right then and there.

A/N

Anyone get the Lord of the Rings reference?