Lunch on the floor (a Hamilsquad middle school fanfic)

Look closer

-John POV-

"Lexi! Damnit, Alex, look at me!"

I'm ignored as the paper airplane I throw at him goes flying over his head, not even landing on his desk. He's always so damn focused on his work, and I just wanna hang out. Like normal people.

My persuasiveness isn't working, so I change tactics and just yeet him outta that chair. 

I grab his hips, laughing as he shrieks at the feeling of nails digging into his sides.

"J- Jo- hn- you- ass."

His leg lashes out unexpectedly as I tickle him, ending up spilling a cup of coffee on my leg. It's not even hot at this point, but Alex looks as pissed as he can manage as he continues to laugh and wheeze.

I finally stop as he starts to turn red, cussing me out as he pushes me off. I roll my eyes, twirling his chair around slowly after he hops back on.

"This essay can wait. It's still summer."

"I like to be punctual with my assignments."

"Punctual my ass."

He ignores me again and turns his attention back to the computer as I flop on the bed with a dramatic sigh. 

But it's not really being dramatic if I'm actually Done with him ignoring me.

"Alex, it's grade 8. No one cares. Colleges don't look at that shit."

"Yeah, well, they might! High schools might! And I have a reputation to uphold." I stand back up, peering at his laptop over his shoulder. I can't read what it says this fast, but there's a lot.

More than I can ever do.

"Your fabulous reputation? The one as the smart kid? I know you do. You have to be perfect all the time. That's why you ignore me! Because I'm your stupid friend who can't seem to do anything right!"

"John-" It's too late, I'm out.

I give the door a satisfying slam and switch my dramatic flopping area to the couch. George gives me a weird look as I go to mash my face in the pillows, but I don't care.

All Alex ever talked about last year is school. I expect this year to be the same.

School teams.

"Improv! John, I made the team! We're going to get to cities, I'm sure of it! Once we're there, it's all smooth sailing. I bet next year I'll be captain. I just need to fit it all in. Maybe if I drop this then-"

Assignments he 'failed'.

"How am I supposed to describe it in only one paragraph? He took marks off for doing more than he asked! So now I have to try and make it up. Do you think he'd accept it if I get the redo in today?"

And the stupid awards. The ones I dream of receiving someday.

"I made the honour roll last year, John, do you think I can do it again? What if next year is harder? I need to make it. I have high 90's, but I need more. Maybe if-

But I know I never will get anything academic. I'll never be smart enough, quick enough, good enough to deserve any of those. 

Ill never be good enough for Alex too actually notice me.

"Honey?"I pop my head over the back of the couch as Martha comes in, looking slightly confused when she sees me. 

"Where-"

"Working. Again."

"Ah, of course."

I take that as my cue to split, rushing to the front door with a quick 'goodbye' and 'stay safe' from George while Martha goes to cook their family's supper. Alex doesn't bother saying goodbye. He has bigger priorities.