Liberation

"Listen, I've got a proposition for you," Azure's firm voice flew across the soft wind of the graveyard, "something mutually beneficial."

Elliot stepped back slightly, "I doubt that."

Azure stepped closer and the street light flickered; he then whispered, it was soft, like the fall of dead leaves, "I can help you keep your scholarship. Don't you want to keep your dream a reality?"

Elliot narrowed his eyes, "Did you do a background check on me?"

"That doesn't answer my question."

"And that didn't answer mine."

(Abridged)

-/-

Life had never been fair to Elliot.

After barely managing to scrape by, he somehow made it to his junior year at Central Haven, one of the most prestigious preparatory high schools in the country.

He was prepared for another two tiresome years of high school, but the future has other plans for him.

The start of the school year brings with it the infamous Central Haven Merit Project. Unfortunately, it's done in pairs this year. Even worse, he's stuck with Azure, notorious for his carefree and flippant demeanor.

His living situation gets worse and his scholarship is at risk.

Azure notices Elliot's struggles and the two make a deal.

Surely Azure's up to something, but what?

Regardless, Elliot isn't in a position to refuse.

...Perhaps they'll find and lose Liberation.

-/-

If you're unsure about this reading this story, I hope you'll at least stick around to chapter 7 when the story begins ramping up. This story is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers. Please do not take this story at surface value as there is a lot of subtext.

Be aware: this story can be extremely subtle.

The story will delve into various topics with social commentary so if you want a nuanced modern romance story, I highly suggest you give this story a try.

Updates will come on Fridays at 4 p.m. (PST) with most months having at least one update. The ending is planned so don't worry about the story being incomplete.