Cipher

Chapter 24: SSS

That Sunday, the group of friends decided to congregate at Isaac's house for a group study session since it had the two most important things: a big enough space and the best food. Everyone knew they wouldn't really be able to get a lot done while they were together, but it's the thought that counts.

Meg and Michael arrived first, followed closely by Shawn and Santana, leaving them waiting for David and his grandma driving to finally arrive.

"Did you invite Joss?" Meg asked, aiming the question at Cipher and Isaac.

"I did not," Cipher admitted, looking to Isaac who shook his head.

"Me neither. She should come, though." He looked to Cipher a mischievous glint in his eye, "you should text her."

"Who knows," Shawn added. "She might beat David here."

The group laughed with Shawn as Cipher sent a quick message to Joslyn inviting her to the study group.

As everyone was finally settling in to actually start studying, the doorbell rang. Cipher popped up to get the door, he didn't have much work to do anyway. As he opened the door he was greeted by two figures. "Hello."

"Hi," David said, adjusting his glasses. "Looks like I'm not the last one this time." he smiled as Cipher let him in.

"Hey, Cipher," Joslyn said, bag over her shoulder and arms full of books.

Cipher brightened at seeing her. "Meg will be happy that you are here." He glanced back toward the living room where the group was currently situated. "Be prepared."

She gave a small laugh as she followed him in.

"Food is there if you are hungry," he gestured to the kitchen dining area as they passed and continued to the 'study session'.

Joslyn had to suppress a smile as she saw everyone sprawled across the entire room.

"Joss!" Meg stood, only to nearly trip over Santana. "Come over here with us!"

Santana just rolled her eyes and smiled at her friend before turning to Joslyn. "We have room for you over here, chica."

Joslyn carefully made her way over to the other girls and settled with her books next to her on the floor.

Everyone started out well, diligently working on their assignments and helping each other when needed. That didn't last too long.

Since Cipher didn't really have much to do in the way of studying, he ended up talking with whoever was 'taking a break' at the time. Which meant he talked to Meg a lot; and she had a lot to say. Cipher just sat, listening, trying to understand the complex social mechanics of being a high school girl.

"Meg, honey, you need to get something done today." Santana called. "I know you have a paper due tomorrow and you still need to finish it."

"Santana-aaaa" Meg drew the name out. "The end is the hardest part. I'll do it later."

Santana just raised an eyebrow.

Meg tried to hold her gaze for a moment before letting out a small groan. "Fiiiiine." She dragged the word out in exasperation. "But you have to help."

Santana flashed a bright, perfect smile. "Of course."

Joslyn came over switching places with Meg. "Anything interesting?" she asked.

"I suppose," Cipher shrugged, good naturedly. "I do not think I understood everything she was talking about, but I do think that high school is a much more complicated experience for some than it is for others."

"That's true," Joslyn smiled. "Do you wish your high school experience was more complicated?"

"I do not," he said, amused. "I believe that I have enough to deal with as it is."

She nodded, "Agreed."

"Would you like to work on the partner assignment?" he inquired. "I know we have a while yet, but if you do not have anything else to work on at the moment, we are both here." he trailed off.

"Sure," she brought out her computer, slipping her other papers into her bag. "I don't have a whole lot down yet, but it'd be nice to actually work on it together." she gave a soft smile as his complexion warmed with contentment.

They all continued with this half-studying, half-socializing until Isaac's parents came home with Aaron who immediately jumped on his closest 'brother' which happened to be Cipher. He laughed as the boy crawled onto his back like a little monkey.

"How was your adventure today?" Cipher asked him.

"Good!" he chirped, surprising everyone. He tended to be quiet around strangers, but maybe he didn't think of any of them as strangers anymore.

"Someone's excited," Isaac chuckled from across the room. Which Aaron took as an invitation to promptly spring off Cipher and onto Isaac. "Oof," he exclaimed. "You got me."

There were chuckles and laughter throughout the room and the half-studying devolved into full socializing as Mr. and Mrs. Johnston prepared a large dinner to feed the lot of them.