Liberation

"Listen, I've got a deal for you," Azure's firm voice flew across the soft wind of the graveyard, "something we'd both want."

Elliot stepped back slightly, "I doubt that..."

Azure stepped closer and the street light flickered; he leaned in and whispered, it was soft, like the fall of dead leaves, "I can help you keep your scholarship. We both know you need it. Interested?"

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

"That doesn't answer my question."

"And you didn't answer mine."

(Abridged & modified)

-/-

Life had never been fair to Elliot.

After barely managing to scrape by, he somehow made it to his senior year at Central Haven School, the oldest and most prestigious independent high school in the country.

He was prepared for the last tiresome year 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 flippant demeanor.

His living situation is getting worse, and his scholarship is at risk.

Azure, oddly, notices Elliot's struggles, and the two make a questionable alliance. Surely Azure's up to something, but what?

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

Maybe 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 plot begins ramping up. This story is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers.

Please do not take this story at surface value. There's a lot of subtext, symbolism, etc. Reader discretion is highly advised for emotionally charged moments and themes! However, I cannot state why due to spoilers.

Elliot is a strong protagonist, just less traditional. Give him time to show his true colors.

Updates will come on weekends around 5:45 p.m. (EST) with most months having at least one update. The ending is planned.