Painkiller

Seven

When Xavier walked into school, he noticed that Orion wasn't at Eden's locker for once. He decided to make his way over and talk to her before he arrived, even though he knew it wouldn't help his case. As soon as she saw him, Xavier swore he could see her face light up, which filled him with joy for a second before he remembered that she was basically with Orion now. "Hey Xavier!" she greeted him cheerfully.

Xavier tried returning her big smile, replying "Hi Eden. I never got the chance to ask you, how did it go with Orion?"

"It was alright," she answered, noticing he seemed a little off. "Is everything alright with you?"

Xavier was surprised she noticed anything was up, but he shook his head and told her, "I'm just not feeling it today."

"Well, I get to deal with Mr. 'Prince Charming' once he comes in," Eden replied, giggling slightly.

Xavier raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're complaining about him?"

"Maybe just a little bit. Don't get me wrong, he's been nothing but sweet to me, but oh my god he can be a little much. He also thinks he can just do anything and get away from it because he's oh so handsome. He's not even really my type," she ranted for a little while.

Xavier could feel his mood raise instantly, though he tried not to show it. She wasn't into him! He tried to keep cool as he asked her, "Not your type? May I ask what is?"

"Well, I'm not into super tall. I mean, sure, a little taller than me is nice, but in my opinion, six foot is a little tall for someone my height to be dating. I'm also not super into blondes, or arrogant pricks," she explained.

Before he could reply, Xavier saw Orion walk through the doors. "Alright, looks like my time is done. I'll talk to you later," he said to her before turning around to walk away.

Before he got anywhere, he felt Eden's arms wrap around him. "I'll see you later," she replied, then let go and went back to facing her locker.

*~*~*

Xavier and Maddy got to the lunch table together, and the big four were there. Xavier looked around, making sure there was no sight of red hair, before excitedly saying, "Guys, guess what?"

"What?" the other three said in unison, obviously all confused.

Xavier shot his hands in the air and exclaimed, "She doesn't like him! She thinks he's an arrogant prick and she doesn't even like blondes!"

"Bro, that's awesome!" Rylan replied, giving Xavier a high five across the table.

Xavier looked over at Madeline, who had a smile on her face, but he could tell something was off. "I'm happy for you, Xavier," she told him, the fake smile not leaving. "Maybe she likes you. What'd she tell you exactly?"

Xavier was about to begin, but he saw the flash of red hair in his peripheral vision.  Soon, Eden sat herself down next to him, a big smile on her face.  "How's everyone's morning?" she asked.

The group talked to each other for a while, and Xavier noticed Eden playing with her hair a lot.  Eventually, she looked at Madeline and asked, "Do you know how to braid hair?"

"Yeah, of course I do," Madeline replied, a little bit of sass leaking through her voice.

Eden either ignored it or didn't notice, and continued, "Do you think you could braid my hair please?"  Then, in a whispered tone, she said, "If Orion sees I'm busy, he hopefully won't bother me."

Madeline nodded, and Xavier moved so Eden could sit close to her.  Xavier watched as Madeline's slim fingers gracefully weaved through the red hair.  She moved fast, and even with Eden's long hair, Madeline had it done quickly.  Xavier awed at how beautiful Eden looked with her hair in a braid.  She turned to Madeline and thanked her.  The two then started a conversation about cheerleading, so Xavier stayed in Eden's old seat.  He tried to avoid looking up, so Orion wouldn't know he was ignoring him.

He overheard a part of Madeline and Eden's conversation, and he decided to listen in.

"So, does Orion know you guys aren't dating?  Because he sure doesn't act like it," Madeline asked.

Eden shrugs, and answered, "I've tried to hint at the fact I'm not into him, he just doesn't seem to understand it.  I'm planning on telling him straight up soon, I don't think I can handle him being around me constantly for very long."

"That's understandable, he annoys the shit out of all of us.  You should definitely do that as soon as possible," Madeline suggested.

Suddenly, Xavier noticed Orion was walking over.  He walked up behind Eden and wrapped his arms around her.  "C'mon sweetie, let's go to my table," he demanded passively.

Eden pushed his arms away, but replied, "Fine."  She stood you and looked at everyone.  "I'll see you guys later."

Xavier just waved before she left.  He moved back into his seat next to Madeline.  "She better grow a pair soon," she said.  "Orion is going to be pissed, and it'll just get worse the longer she waits."

Xavier nodded, but his mind wandered.  Was there really a chance that Eden liked him, or was he being a little self-centered?  He wasn't blonde, which was a good sign.  He also liked to think that he wasn't an arrogant prick, so he also had that going for him.  He looked over at Madeline and asked her, "Do you think she might be into me?"

"Well, there's not reason she wouldn't.  I mean, you're funny, you're sweet, you're not a huge dickhead, and you're just a great guy.  I'm pretty damn sure she likes you, and if she doesn't, that's her issue, because she'll be missing out on one of the best guys to walk the Earth," Madeline replied confidently.

And that put the biggest smile on Xavier's face.