LPS High School AU

There

Soon, it was the end of another school day, as Russell walked out of his last class for the day. He was planning on meeting up with the others by the art classroom to discuss Vinnie's plan, and he planned to be there early.

He saw how determined Vinnie was to get this done during lunch. Minka and Penny Ling were by his side, working just as hard. It really was that important.

So important, that Russell had devised a plan to lure Sunil away from the suspicion.

Finally finding his detective cap hidden beneath his backpack, he texted Sunil, saying he had some good news! It took one small phone call to put the plan into motion.

"Wait, so you figured it out?" Sunil had asked.

"Exactly!" Russell grinned, clearing his throat, "Well not I, but our good friend, Cyril McFlip! Why, his cunning sense of style and wit managed to get us closer to the answer!"

"...You found your hat, didn't you?"

"That's besides the point!" Russell huffed, "Anyways, meet me at the gym at around 5p.m today."

"That late?" Sunil asked.

"Well yeah! I'm a very busy individual, with a very busy life."

That part was mainly true. However, he had nothing planned on this certain day.

"Hmm...I see...Very well. I'll see you later then."

Now, Russell found himself nearing the art room. However, as he got closer, he noticed a couple of people already standing there.

He saw Vinnie, holding onto the poster they were working so hard on. In front of him stood Minka, who had her best thinking expression on. The girl began pacing back and forth, her eyes not leaving the poster.

"Hmm....the glitter really stands out! I knew the gray wasn't gonna work..." She nodded, "and the ribbon? An excellent touch indeed!" Finally, she stood upright, a serious expression on her face.

"Well?...How did we do?" Vinnie gulped.

"Vinnie, I'm sorry to say this...but..." Minka began to say, a grin suddenly forming on her face.

"I think this is the BEST formal poster I've ever seen!" Minka smiled, giving him two thumbs up. "Great job!"

Russell admired the scene for a moment, smiling. As he was about to approach them however, a sudden hand found itself on his shoulder.

"Ah!" He flinched, a snicker following his sudden outburst. The sudden touch had scared him.

"Haha! Oh Russell, I knew you missed me today."

"Pepper?" Russell turned around. He was greeted with his comedian friend. Instead of her usual outfit, she was sporting some gray sweatpants, and a gray sweater to match. Her hair was in a bun today, a couple of bags under her eyes.

"Um...what are you doing here?" Russell raised a brow, "I thought you were sick?"

"Duh. I'm just here to get a couple of things, but I feel fine now!" She grinned, but it suddenly faltered when she felt her hand reach for her stomach.

"Kinda..."

"Ugh...please just keep whatever you have to yourself." Russell sheepishly chuckled, slowly taking out a hand sanitizer bottle from his back pocket.

"What a way to welcome back a friend." Pepper smirked, already knowing how he was around germs. "Now if you'll excuse me, there's someone I gotta talk to." With that, she walked passed him, now headed towards Vinnie and Minka.