“Well, you look terrible.”

“Thank you so much, my little brother.” Gabrielle would have to take his word for it. She hadn’t so much as glanced in a mirror that day. Or even yesterday, if she was being honest with herself. She hadn’t been getting much sleep lately and it certainly didn’t help that Ben was insistent about helping her move into her campus apartment. “Why are you helping me move again?”

“To see the good-looking guys on your campus, mostly,” he shrugged. He picked up one of her boxes and wrinkled his nose. “Seriously, you need to do something with your hair. I want you to get laid at least once this year.” She rolled her eyes as he walked to the car, but absently ran her fingers through her brown locks. It didn’t look that bad…did it? On the way to the car, she caught a glimpse of herself in the side view mirror.

He wasn’t completely wrong. Her hair did look a bit unruly - gentle waves had become frizzy and wild and her blue eyes looked heavy with sleep. She probably should have attempted to brush her hair after her shower last night or at least tried to put some makeup on. Sighing, she pulled her hair into a side braid.

“Did you just wake up before I got here?” Ben snorted, loading another box of hers.

“Baby brother, I’ve just slept in a motel room filled with all my shit for a full week. Of course, I slept like an angel.” She helped him load another box. Staying at the Five and Four Inn wouldn’t have been her first choice, but she couldn’t exactly stay in the same house as her mother. Not after that last conversation, she had had with her.

“Stop with that baby brother nonsense.”

“Two minutes is two minutes,” Gabrielle grinned, swinging open the car door. “Come on. We’re going to be late.”                

The University of Mare hadn’t been Gabrielle’s first choice in college. Ladoga University had been the frontrunner her entire life - it was where her father went to college, where her older sister had attended, and it had one of the best astronomy programs she had ever seen. Unfortunately, it also had one of the highest tuitions in the whole country and that left Gabrielle looking elsewhere for her degree.

“So, why are you transferring to Mare?” Ben asked, raising his brow in curiosity. Gabrielle glanced out the window, watching as they passed one sorority house after another.

“It’s got a decent astronomy program,” she mumbled. Ben let out a low whistle until Gabrielle finally cast a furtive look in his direction. To get away from mom. To go to a school I can afford. ”You know why.”

“Did you even ask father to change - “

“Ben,” she groaned. This wasn’t a conversation she was willing to have. “Can we not do this today? It’s hard enough knowing you’re not staying in town.” He took one hand off the steering wheel to squeeze her shoulder.

“You know I flock where the men look best,” he winked, turning a corner and parking the car.

“Good thing I’ve got you here,” she half-joked. Ben was the type of guy everyone seemed drawn to. He was the sociable twin - the one that got invited to the parties and the one that men and women would ask to be introduced to. It wasn’t that Gabrielle was unlikable - it was that she struggled with putting herself out there. She was the wallflower of the Whitlock family, the black sheep.

Ben took the keys from the ignition, his teeth tugging at his bottom lip.

“What?” Gabrielle asked flatly.

“Will you promise me something?”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. “I’m afraid you’ll have to find your own dates from now on, Ben.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Okay, okay.” Ben pursed his lips, mulling over the idea in his head. “Go on,” Gabrielle urged.

 ”I need you to promise that you’ll do more things for yourself here.”

“What does that even mean?”

 ”Just…spend more time on yourself for once.” His voice was soft, his eyes looking everywhere but at her. Tight-lipped, he tapped nervously on the steering wheel. “Let’s get you moved in.” He was already getting out of the car and unloading boxes when Gabrielle opened the door.

Ben always did know her better than anyone else, better than she knew herself. He was the one person she could always count on, without question. He’d always joked that they had, what he liked to call, “twin sense.” I know you like the back of my hand, sister. He said it often - with love, with anger, and in jest. She stood, watching him unload box after box and feeling grateful that someone in her family supported her in some small way.

“So, you really mean that you won’t find me a date here?” Ben winked as he slammed a door shut. Gabrielle rolled her eyes, lifting two boxes in her arms.

“Don’t push your luck, Ben.”

When Dennis first saw her walk in with Amber, everything around him seemed muffled. Steve was still in his ear about planning for the welcome dinner, but all he could see was the woman who’d walked in the door carrying an unwieldy number of notebooks and folders. She was slightly on the short side with her hair pulled back into a thick, dark ponytail with wisps that seemed to frame her face perfectly. Sandy pulled her aside immediately, talking emphatically as the girl smiled and in the light, Dennis could see a sweep of freckles across her cheeks. He had seen her before - yesterday when people were moving back in.

Yeah, that was it. Steve and he were getting ready to leave to meet Kimberly and Sandy for an early lunch when he saw her walking down the hall carrying two boxes stacked haphazardly in her arms. Her hair had been pulled back in a side braid then, and her slightly too-long bangs fell in front of her eyes as she struggled with the door knob across from his room.

“What the….” She grumbled, balancing the boxes on her knee as she slammed into the door. “Damn it.” Dennis tried to hide his smile. He’d never seen her on campus before - she couldn’t have been a freshman or sophomore to room in this dormitory. She was cute though, or at least the way she cursed under her breath was - he had to admit that.

“Can I give you some help with that?” He laughed, taking a step towards her. She didn’t look at him - not at first. If she had, he would have seen the heat rising in her cheeks. Of course, someone would hear her ranting and raving in the hallway at a new university.

“S-sure,” she handed off the boxes and fumbled with her dorm room key. Pieces of hair had escaped from the braid near the back of her neck. Her smile was nice - the way her lips curled upward and how the blue of her eyes seemed to soften when she looked up at him. “My brother was supposed to be helping me, but I don’t quite know where he’s run off to.” She looked back at him as she unlocked her door. Dennis looked down the hall to see Steve grinning and talking with a tall man carrying two plastic tubs. The man had an undercut with tousled brown hair that matched the girl in front of him. He had the same sharp jawline and, if Dennis had to guess, the same blue eyes.

“Does he look a bit like you?” Dennis asked, looking back at her. The girl took one of the boxes from his arms and pushed it into her room. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she frowned.

“Is he talking to a guy?” She exhaled slowly before glancing back at him. She opened her eyes, the blue visible behind her small fingers. 

“My roommate, actually.”

 ”Damn it,” she groaned as he brought in her second box. A sympathetic smile spread across her face. “I’m sorry.”

 ”No problem,” Dennis smiled. She tucked her hair behind her ears, her eyes glancing away from him. He found himself reaching for the back of his neck when she finally met his gaze and grinned. “I should….I should probably go.” 

 ”Right. Let me just - “ She moved past him, her shoulder brushing against his chest. “Ben Whitlock, are you helping me move into my dorm or flirting?” She flashed a small grin toward Dennis. “There.”

 ”Thanks.” Dennis nodded, offering a small smile as he shuffled past her. 

 ”Thank you for helping me, by the way!” She fidgeted with her hands, her fingers knotting together in a way that Dennis found endearing.

“Anything for a neighbor,” he said, casting another glance at her. She was grinning in a way that made Dennis want to look at her longer. More, even.

“You live on this floor?” The words came out too fast for Gabrielle’s taste.

“Right across the hall,” Dennis motioned. He could see the girl’s brother walking towards them. “It was nice meeting you.” He added, giving a small wave before returning to Steve.

“Likewise. See you around, neighbor.” Dennis didn’t hear the hiss of embarrassment that escaped her lips as he walked down the hall.

“So, how’s our new neighbor look?” Steve grinned when Dennis finally caught up.

“Don’t start,” Dennis groaned.

“Okay, alright. All I’m saying is that if she looked as nice as her brother did - “ Dennis shot him a look. “Fine. We’d better get going anyway. Kimberly will have our heads on a platter if we’re late.”

He hadn’t seen her the rest of the day. Now there she was - standing in this empty classroom with her eyes focused right on him.

“You aren’t even listening to me. Did you even hear a word of what I said?” Steve groaned. Dennis was lulled back to reality.

“Right. The welcome party. I - no. Forgive me. You were saying?” He shook his head, hoping his embarrassment wasn’t obvious.

“Is that the Whitlock girl? Our neighbor?” Steve let out a slow whistle. “She seems charming. Too bad she didn’t bring her brother.”

“Steve,” Dennis hissed as the girl nodded, a small gesture that led to a wide smile. “Be nice.” Steve wasn’t wrong though. Even now as she leaned over a table to sign Sandy’s papers, she was someone that made Dennis’s throat tighten. The smile made the scar on her jawline wrinkle. Broad shoulders, a somewhat small waist, and wide-ish hips. There was a small curve to her back that was nice as well. So pretty - almost out of his league, he’d argue. Dennis considered approaching her, saying hello to her, but Sandy was already ushering her over.

“I’d like to introduce you to - “

“Dennis,” he said, smiling. He felt heat rise to his face when he saw Sandy’s mouth hanging open.  Clearing his throat, he held out his hand towards her and hoped he didn’t look like a complete fool. “I’m Dennis,” he repeated. When she took his hand, he’d been surprised how long her touch lingered there before she returned her hand to the books in her arms.

“Nice to see you again,” she smiled. Finally, she turned to Steve. “You must be his roommate and the gentleman I heard so much about from my brother.”

“Steve McCarthy.”

“Nice to meet you.” She glanced around the room before smiling. “This is a gorgeous room. I….I love the stonework.” Steve resisted the urge to laugh when Sandy went into a discussion on the history of the university. Suddenly she paused, her eyes wide.

“Oh, it’s time. We really should get started. Everyone?” She pooled everyone together, waving them forward enthusiastically until people had surrounded her. Dennis couldn’t help but notice that the girl had stayed at his side, her elbow practically brushing against his. “First off, I just wanted to welcome everyone to our first student union meeting and another year here at the University of Mare. I know it’s going to be a great year for the Revolution.”

“So, is that a last name, or…?” The girl whispered in his ear so closely he could feel her breath. He caught a sideways glance of her standing on her tiptoes and couldn’t help but grin.

“Excuse me?”

“Is that a last name?” Dennis resisted the urge to laugh.

“No,” he managed.

“Oh.” She got quiet for a moment as Sandy began explaining the function of the student union to newcomers, but Dennis could feel her lean close to him once more. Her shoulder rubbed against his as he felt her breath near his neck. “So, what is it? Your last name, I mean.” He opened his mouth only for Sandy to gesture in his direction.

“Dennis, here, and Kimberly, over there, are my fellow senior advisors. Kimberly typically handles student media - posters, fliers, social media…that sort of thing. Dennis handles recruitment and orientation for incoming students. Some of you newcomers might have met him already. He’s pretty much the one you want to talk about if you want to lead tours, family visitation days, or need basic knowledge of policies and whatnot.” He held up a hand, half-heartedly waving it so that any new students could find him. “He also happens to be a person you want on your good side because he is the student representative that assists with university probation.” Dennis winced. He hated when Sandy brought that up - it made underclassmen either fear him or, worse, suck up to him.

“First order of business - I’d like to introduce you all to our new student director!” Sandy was clapping and, for a moment, Dennis was confused. They lost their former director last year- Aria Beverly- when she graduated, but everyone had assumed Sandy would take the helm. She could practically run the union herself with her hands tied the entire year if she wanted. “Would you like to introduce yourself?” Dennis glanced around the room to see the girl next to him blushing. She took a step forward, nervously raising her hand for a moment only to readjust the books in her arms. Eventually, after fussing with them for a few minutes, she set them on a nearby table and cleared her throat.

“Um. Yes. Hi,” she offered a small smile. “I’m Gabrielle Whitlock. I transferred here from Ladoga University.” She paused, the only noise in the whole room coming from her nervous breathing. She scanned the room for a second to meet Dennis’s gaze. She looked like a deer in headlights, begging for some kind of help. “I, uh…I look forward to getting to know all of you. We’ll have a great year ahead of us?” Dennis sucked in a breath. Oh, God. She had said it like she wasn’t even sure of it herself. Sandy led an extremely scattered applause as Gabrielle took her spot back next to Dennis.

“That went well,” she joked. Dennis wasn’t sure how to react to her, to be honest. She gave him a tight-lipped smile as he turned his focus back on Sandy.

“Well,” Sandy laughed nervously. “Please be sure to make Gabrielle feel welcome. I’ll be helping her get settled in before our meeting next month. Please make sure I have all of your current information- Gabrielle and I will be emailing you- and if you haven’t already signed up for Welcome Week duties, please do so before you leave! And, yes, before anyone asks- Steve- everyone is required to be present at the welcome dinner.” People were already scattered around the room, shuffling out the door or chattering with one another. Gabrielle grabbed her books, awkwardly settling them in her hand. She took a step towards him only to be stopped by Sandy and Kimberly, both talking in hushed whispers.  

He considered waiting for her, but it seemed juvenile. He didn’t even know her. He felt frozen, stuck watching her and when she caught his gaze, he wanted to stay. He could welcome her properly. Or maybe he should just go. He turned away only to see Amber making a bee-line towards him.

“Hey Amber - “ He had barely gotten her name out before she was holding up a hand to silence him.

“You’re going to show her around tomorrow.” Amber’s eyes bored into his.

“What?” He laughed it off only to see Amber’s scowl.

“She’s new.”

“I can see that,” Dennis muttered. He didn’t do well one-on-one. Frankly, he didn’t think he ever did well with student orientation or tours. He didn’t have the patience, which is why he usually recruited other members of the student union to help him. Having him handle orientation and tours had been Sandy’s idea last year. He just needed some extracurriculars that would look good on his resume and Sandy thought he would eventually get comfortable with participating and having a larger role in the student union. “She’s not even a freshman,” he added, silently hoping anything he said would sway Amber. She crossed her arms.

“Just show her the school, Dennis.”

“Why can’t you?”

“You know I’ve got to go with Sandy tomorrow and check with the vendors for Welcome Week.” He pursed his lips, thinking hard of a way to get out of it. Finally, Amber sighed. “Okay. I’ll handle orientation this weekend.” A smile crept on Dennis’s lips. He hated dealing with incoming freshmen - too many people crying, too many girls clinging to him and hoping he would take them back to his dorm.

“Fine.”

It took Dennis a minute or two to realize Gabrielle was a few steps behind him as he walked back to his dorm. Eyes on the concrete and notebooks pressed tightly to her chest, she huffed behind him. He gritted his teeth. Don’t do it, he chided himself. Don’t you dare? But the longer she trailed after him, Dennis couldn’t help himself. He stopped in his tracks, turning around to face Gabrielle.

“I didn’t realize I had a shadow.” She blushed, adjusting the books in her arms.

“We’re going to the same place, right?” She mumbled, avoiding his gaze. “Neighbors?”

“No. Right. You’re right,” he held back a laugh. “Except I’m not going back to the dorm. I was heading to the campus coffee shop.” Gabrielle’s face turned pale as she looked around nervously.

“I thought - fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she grumbled, pulling out a wadded piece of paper from her pocket. Setting it on top of her books, she smoothed it with one hand. Finally, she looked up at Dennis - face red with embarrassment - and he felt his heart sink. Nice going. Running a hand through his hair, he took a step towards her.

“Listen, it’s not a problem. Resident tour guide, at your service,” he laughed nervously, pulling his glasses from his pocket. Slipping them on, he gestured towards the map. “Look - this is where we are now. We left Thorn Hall a few minutes ago. Now, Griffin Hall - you’ll want to take this right fork and go straight through the gardens - that’s the best way to get home.” She followed his finger on the map until she frowned.

“But wouldn’t it be easier to go through Keeper Union since - “ Dennis shook his head.

“Only if you want to get food first. Besides,” he pointed in the direction of the dimly lit garden. “That’s one of the most underrated parts of campus.” She looked over at him, a small smile tugging on her lips as his framed amber eyes met hers.

“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” She started to fold the map only for Dennis to point to the Union.

“On the other side of the Union, there’s a small coffee shop. It’s usually where you can find me if I’m not in class, meetings, or in my dorm.” Dennis caught Gabrielle’s expression and cleared his throat, searching for something else to add that would eradicate his embarrassment. “It, er, it opens at 5:30 and closes at midnight.” He wasn’t sure what more to say. How badly could he fail at something so simple? And so quickly, no less? He watched her fold her map, and walk to the fork, towards the gardens.

“Dennis.” Her voice was small, but the way she uttered his name was something he wouldn’t forget easily. She said it as if it were something she might break. He liked the way her lips curled upwards with the second syllable. She had a great smile; he wondered if she knew it. “Thanks for your help.” She gestured to the walkway. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head.

“I…” He considered asking her if she wanted to join him. He remembered what it was like to be new, to feel unwelcome. “It’s not a problem.”

“Have a good night,” she murmured.  She was already walking away and Dennis tried to ignore that pang of guilt. With his luck, she would’ve declined anyway.

“Huxley.” What are you doing? He felt his heart pound when she turned to face him.

“Excuse me?”

“My last name,” he explained, remembering her question earlier at the meeting. The way he had stifled a laugh at it. “Dennis Huxley.”

“Dennis Huxley,” she repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue. “You must be joking,” she laughed. When she smiled, her eyes seemed to crinkle. God, she was pretty. He considered leaving the conversation at that, but she walked towards him once again.

“How’s that?” he asked, curiosity getting the better of him. She shook her head.

“For starters, it sounds ridiculous.”

“More so than Whitlock?” he asked, grinning. Her mouth dropped open.

“Fair point,” she said finally, laughing. It was a musical sound, one that seemed like it could fill a room with light. Silence settled between them before Dennis finally spoke.

“Would you….” He stammered for the words that were slipping through his fingertips. “Would you want to get coffee with me? I could show you around the Union.” Her smile turned to one of sympathy. Oh no.

“I’ve got to go over this paperwork Sandy gave me to get ready for Welcome Week. Sorry…” she frowned, looking away.

“Oh.”

“I’m not a big coffee person anyway. Hot cocoa, however, is a rather large weakness of mine.” she grinned, she was taking steps backward and Dennis couldn’t blame her. He came off much more forward than he intended. He started towards the Union once more. “Dennis?”

“Yes?”

“I think a tour would be great. Maybe tomorrow, if you have time?” He wondered if Amber told her already about them switching off - that he was supposed to give her a tour anyway, but he nodded.

“Sounds fine. I’ll come by in the morning.” He felt like an idiot.

“Perfect,” she was still smiling at him, the grip on her books loosening. She took a few steps backward. “Have a good night, Huxley.”

“Good night.” He walked to the Union - preparing to order his usual coffee (black or espresso, depending on his mood) with some sad attempt at his name that the barista never bothered to learn. Instead, he found himself requesting hot cocoa. The barista raised his brow, putting together the drink and penning down the name Dameron on the cup.

“Time for a change?” The barista droned, handing over the white cup. Change. He considered the word and the infinite possibilities it held for him this year.

“Maybe it is.”

“Gabrielle?” Dennis knocked on her door, waiting a few minutes for some kind of response. All he could hear on the other side of the door was music blaring. Awkwardly shifting the two cups from the coffee house in his hands, he pressed his ear against the door. On the other side, Gabrielle’s voice seemed faint, but a small smile crept on his lips when he heard her singing along. Suddenly it became interrupted by a loud thud, followed by a shriek.

He knocked on the door again.

”Gabrielle?” Another knock. “Are you okay?” There was shuffling behind the door as the volume of the music lowered and the door swung open to reveal Gabrielle bent over and massaging her foot.

“What are you doing here?” She hissed, taking a seat on the couch.

“Tour of the campus…” He held out one of the coffee cups for her, trying to hide his smile. “Are you alright?” She eyed the cup in his hands, her teeth pulling at her bottom lip.

“Thanks, Dennis, but you know I don’t - “

“Did I say it was coffee?” Her cheeks flushed as she took the cup from him. “Now - my first question. Are you okay?”

“I hit my foot on my desk when I was….”

“Dancing?” Dennis smirked. A deeper shade of red washed over her face.

“Could we possibly go back to that time when I looked less like a fool?” She forced a small, but hopeful laugh.

“So….before we met?” He joked. Gabrielle opened her mouth to fire back, but frowned. Her lips twitched before she looked back up at him. “I didn’t…I mean…” Dennis squeezed the back of his neck. God, that was awful.  ”I’m sorry.”

“I suppose I shouldn’t make it so easy,” Gabrielle said quietly. Shit, Dennis thought.

“I didn’t mean - “ He stammered out. This was why he didn’t want to be in charge of orientation in the first place - he was constantly saying the wrong things. Especially to the wrong people. He didn’t have the patience Sandy or Kimberly had.

“You’re fine, Dennis.” She smiled, reaching out to pat his arm. Alarmed at her touch, he stared at her arm - small and freckled, decorated by a silver bracelet with a single, green gem in the middle. The moment was fleeting. Her hand had barely touched his forearm before she took a sip of her drink. Hot cocoa. The idea had come to Dennis on a whim while he stood in line that morning.

“Give me a moment to get ready and we can head out to experience all the beauty of Mare University that Dennis Huxley can offer me,” she joked, flashing a wide smile. She disappeared behind an open door, soft music still playing.

Aside from the faint singing, there was an agonizing quiet that left Dennis looking around the room. Their apartment was smaller than his and Steve’s - their living room was nothing but a simple couch, desk, television, and miniature fridge. The walls were still bare - Gabrielle and Amber probably haven’t gotten the chance to do much decorating yet. Amber’s bedroom door was shut - a dry-erase board on the outside of it with her familiar scrawl: Out with Sandy for the day! Underneath, her cell number was posted. Gabrielle’s door, on the other hand, was cracked open just enough for him to catch sight of a dark poster with a multitude of stars. He leaned forward, hoping to get a better look.

“Who’s Connor?” Gabrielle asked, closing the door behind her and causing him to snap to attention.

“Excuse me?” Connor? Gabrielle held up her cup of hot cocoa and pointed to the shaky scrawl of the barista. Sure enough, Connor was written on the side. He looked at his cup and sighed - Connor. “Honestly, I wish I could say I was surprised.”

“I thought you spent a lot of your time there,” she said, holding the front door to the apartment open for him. He could see a small smile growing in the corner of her lips.

“Not enough, clearly,” he chuckled.

“Well, we’ll have to remedy that. Won’t we?” She said with a grin. One that caused her to tilt her head and her eyes to crinkle at the sides. Dennis felt paralyzed as he questioned this simple action. Was she….was she flirting? With him? He rubbed his neck, hoping to rub away any ounce of embarrassment that might have crept onto his face.

“Shall we?” He asked, walking out in the hallway.

“Lead the way, Master Huxley.”

Gabrielle tried to hold her surprise when he walked alongside her. She was used to having to trail behind others. She was shorter than most, and often five steps behind them. But not with Dennis. She noticed that if he took strides that were too long, he’d adjust within seconds. He walked with one hand on the leather strap of his messenger bag, and another onto his coffee. She noticed that he took sips of it only when his eyes happened upon hers. He paused in front of a large tower and a nearby gazebo.

“This is where a lot of the parties take place,” he gestured to the patches of grass that surrounded them. “Welcome Week, homecoming - I don’t think I’ve gone a semester without seeing someone vomit in the plants by the bell tower.”

“The vomit adds character, I’m sure,” Gabrielle smiled. Dennis chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. Talking with Gabrielle was growing surprisingly easy, or, at least, she was trying to make it so. He liked the way she used her hands whenever she spoke, using gesture after gesture in an attempt to draw attention away from her face, and the way she avoided eye contact.  

“You’re not a traditional student are you?” Her question surprised him. He opened his mouth to speak but brought his cup of coffee to his lips instead. “That’s a no, right?” A small smile spread across her face, but she looked down when he started walking again. He shoved a hand in his pocket, his fingers idling with the items that often got lost there - a paperclip for some work he turned in that morning, his keys, and a large gold coin among the rest of his loose change. He fisted his hand around the coin, his jaw becoming tight.

“I was in the military for five years before I started university,” Dennis said softly.

  “Oh, older and a soldier.” Gabrielle grinned only to realize Dennis didn’t return her smile. “Sorry, that was…stupid of me. I didn’t mean - “

“It’s fine. You’re fine.” The words came out quickly. “What about you? Ladoga University is an expensive school in comparison to Mare. How did you manage that?”

“Did you forget my last name? The ‘great’ Whitlock Empire?” Dennis stared blankly at her. “Oh thank God. My father breeds horses. Racing, farming….the Whitlocks birth and raise them all.”

“Horses?” Dennis stopped holding the door to the Union open for her. “That’s what your family built its fortune off of?”

“I worked three years in the company as a trainer before I could afford one year at Ladoga. Eventually, my father secretly helped me out for the second year there, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep it up. After all, what the Whitlocks don’t tell you is that mothers don’t approve of her husband’s bastard children,” she smiled grimly. Dennis stared, his mouth dropped open, and heat filled Gabrielle’s cheeks. “Sorry! Shit. I shouldn’t have said anything.” He loosened his grip on the coin in his pocket.

“I don’t think I’ve met a single person who didn’t have troubles that weighed on their mind in some way. I don’t think I’d enjoy your company very much if you weren’t honest about it.” Gabrielle looked up at his words and her face softened at the way Dennis smiled at her. His mouth was crooked, the scar on his lip wrinkling the more teeth he exposed. It was genuine and it was hard to ignore the butterflies it produced. Finally, he turned to gesture to the room around them. High ceilings, stained windows. “This is Keeper Union. When the semester is in full swing, you won’t be able to find a place to sit, let alone peace and quiet to hold a pleasant conversation.”

“So, this is a one-time thing?” She walked around the main entrance, a large dome with windows that gave a view of the sky above. She looked up at decorated windows, a slow whistle echoing in the somewhat vacant room. His ears burned at the possibility of what she was implying.

“I…” he searched for the words, his hand instinctively flying to his neck the longer he grasped for anything. Circling to face him, she grinned from ear to ear.

“I was thinking we should spend more time together.” It came out much more casually than Gabrielle expected it to, and it surprised even her. Did she sound too forward? She hadn’t known him long, but he was the first person she’d met. “I mean if you want. If you have time, I don’t want to put you out - “

“I’d like that.” She blinked. She wasn’t expecting that.

“Me too,” she spluttered, beaming up at him. He stared, caught off guard by her enthusiasm.

“You said that.” He said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“I did?” She blushed, covering her mouth in embarrassment. He could already tell she was cursing herself.

“Listen - would you…” He took a breath. “Would you want to meet with some of the others for dinner tonight? Steve and Kimberly usually have everyone get together at her apartment for dinner so we don’t go completely crazy during Welcome Week.” With the way she focused on him, he felt like he was talking too quickly, or maybe stammering a little too much. He reached for his neck, wishing this were easier. “It’d be a chance for you to get to know some of the other members of the Union.”

“Is this some grand ploy to get me drunk?” Gabrielle raised her brow and Dennis’s eyes grew wide.

“What? No! You don’t even have to - “ Suddenly she was laughing.

  “I’m only joking. Besides, I can already tell I’d drink you under the table,” she winked. “Look at you - reading glasses, muscles from doing God knows what, that cute thing you do with your neck? You’re a lush.” She was walking ahead of him, her eyes still studying the high ceilings. He felt his throat go dry. This woman. There was something about her. He followed after her.

“So, was that a yes?”

They had lunch together where they talked about family - Gabrielle’s brother and how he was already texting her about Steve. Dennis told her about Mira, Branson, and Rosalie - how Mira texted him practically every day to check on him, how Branson was already a son. He found himself talking with her with an ease he still wasn’t used to. Maybe it was the way she wore her insecurities on her sleeve, how she seemed to fidget when they were entering territory she wasn’t comfortable exploring quite yet. Maybe it was how she looked at him in a way that made him feel good like she understood there were parts of him she might never see, but how he was now mattered. Or maybe he was just being a fool.

On the way to Kimberly’s, she walked ahead of him with Steve chattering about the cost of books. When he had knocked on her door moments earlier, he had sucked in a breath at the sight of her in a blue dress that ended just before her knees.

“Too much? I can go change quick.” She asked him, fidgeting with a bracelet on her left hand. He stared at how she had pulled her hair back into a ponytail, wisps of hair already falling at the base of her neck. Steve peeked over his shoulder.

“Oh, you look lovely. No wonder he’s speechless.” She smiled at Dennis, blue eyes sparking as Steve offered her his arm. Dennis continued to trail behind them, catching Gabrielle’s gaze every time she turned to smile in his direction.

“What are you studying?” Steve asked as they walked the steps to Kimberly’s building.

“Astronomy,” Gabrielle grinned.

“A Whitlock studying to be an astronomer, hm.” Steve considered the idea.

“I doubt your parents were overly fond of the idea,” Dennis murmured, holding the door open for her. Steve moved ahead, summoning the elevator.

“Not quite. My mother never cared about my interest. My father, on the other hand, I think he grew on the idea.” She smiled wistfully. They followed Steve into the elevator where Gabrielle glanced over at him. “What about you, Dennis?”

“Oh, he’s the noble sort. He wants to be a counselor,” Steve sighed, pressing a button.

“Psychology,” Dennis interjected. The doors shut behind them.

“Wow…” she let out a slow whistle. “That’s a lot.”

“I received a scholarship,” Dennis admitted, fisting his hands in his pockets. “I used to attend the University of Dale before I came here.”

“Then he realized where the good people reside,” Steve grinned.

“Dale’s a prestigious school,” Gabrielle shrugged, clearly impressed.

“Full of ignorant elites that don’t even seem human,” Steve hissed.

“We always face off against them during homecoming. They always pull this ridiculous prank and every year it’s more awful than the last,” Dennis explained. “Last year, it…it got a little ugly when they took one of our students - Marie White.”

“Took?”

“A nicer way of saying ‘kidnapped,’” Steve spat. The doors opened and the three entered the hallway with Steve leading the way.

“What’d they do?”  

“She was fine - she managed to escape before anything happened. Her boyfriend, on the other, was far from pleased. She, uh, she moved north,” Dennis sighed. He stopped at Kimberly’s door. “Ready to meet everyone?” She sucked in a breath, hissing through her teeth.

“I haven’t made a very good first impression, have I?” She winced.

“Does it matter? You’re leading them whether they like you or not,” Steve snorted.

“Steve,” Dennis warned gently.

“I just mean, be genuine and they’ll notice. Hang them all if they hate you! We’re all a bunch of drunken students getting through school, to begin with anyway,” Steve grinned. Gabrielle returned the smile, nodding her head.

“Thanks,” she whispered, knocking on the door.

“Just don’t touch the good wine and we’ll be right as rain,” Steve countered.

When the door opened, Kimberly grinned at the very sight of her.

“I was hoping you’d come! And you brought Dennis - he barely comes to these things! Amber and Josie are on their way with more food - I’ll introduce you to everyone!” Dennis watched as Gabrielle was led away and Kimberly glanced back in his direction. “Don’t worry, Dennis. I’ll take good care of her,” she whispered, casting a wink over her shoulder. She guided Gabrielle into a corner where the rest of the crowd talked among each other.

Despite her trepidation about getting to know the others, Gabrielle seemed to fit in. She drank with Brent and Steve, cracking jokes with them until she started up a conversation with Jasmine.

“You’re going to be in the same advanced chemistry course as me?” Gabrielle coughed on her drink. “You’re…Kimberly told me you’re a freshman.”

“And that means I can’t mix things up?” Jasmine pressed, arching her brow.

“Oh no! I didn’t mean…”

“I think, if anything, she’s right to be a little worried about the safety of everyone on campus,” Dennis grinned, leaning against the counter of the kitchen. Jasmine’s tongue darted out before she turned her attention back to Gabrielle.

“It’d be boring if there weren’t an explosion now and then, right? Anyway, some old git took notice of my abilities and offered me a scholarship,” she shrugged. “They said I showed some ‘potential,’ or whatever. I’m just here so I can get a bit of coin at the end of all this.”

“Well, at least there’ll be a familiar face in one of my classes this week,” Gabrielle smiled.

“I’m sure she won’t be the only one,” Amber interjected, taking a seat beside Gabrielle. “Astronomy major, right?”

“With a minor in creative writing,” Gabrielle admitted, blushing.

“Another one?” Amber grinned, taking a swig of her beer. “Tanner - another starving artist in our midst!”

“Have you seen me? I’m hardly starving,” he called from across the room. “Besides, you still need to give me back my manuscript,” he raised a beer bottle in her direction only for her to scoff.

“Only when you’re finished with the next one,” Amber replied. A small smile appeared on her lips as she took another drink. “I take a few literature courses,” she explained.

Across the room, Dennis couldn’t help but watch the way she relaxed the longer she talked. She laughed with Tanner- a loud howl that made her throw back her head and snort- and part of him wanted to be the cause. She glanced at him from time to time, her eyes eventually finding his and her lips twitching upwards.

“I didn’t take you for a walking cliché.” The sound of Kimberly’s voice startled him. She stood at the sink, rinsing out dishes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dennis asked, turning to face her.

“Her,” Kimberly grinned, gesturing in Gabrielle’s direction. Confused, he walked to the sink and helped her rinse.

“Kimberly, I know you. What are you playing at?” Kimberly smirked, looking back at Gabrielle.

“Well,” she sighed. “I think it’s sweet.”

“I’m being kind,” Dennis said flatly. “Besides, we’ve only just met a few days ago. It’s not as if - “

“As if you’ve been watching her almost all night?”

The question made heat rise to Dennis’s cheeks and he nearly dropped the bowl in his hands.

“I have not,” he argued.

“What’s going on here?” Gabrielle leaned against the counter. Dennis felt his heart pound wildly - how much had she heard?

“Nothing,” Kimberly hummed, drying her hands. She cast a look toward Dennis before walking away. Talk to her, she mouthed over her shoulder. His palms felt sweaty against the counter as Gabrielle took a step towards him. She fidgeted with her hands, twisting and knotting her fingers until she took a breath.

“I should probably head back to the apartment.”

“So soon? I mean, of course,” Dennis stammered. “Would you…I mean, do you want someone to go with you?”

“Amber’s coming with me,” she explained. She must have caught his crest-fallen look because she offered a small smile. “I just…I wanted to thank you for inviting me. I had a great time getting to know everyone.”

“I’m glad.” He meant it. It was clear the awkward air around her arrival and sudden rise to the director had shifted. Amber suddenly called for her across the room and Gabrielle bit her lower lip.

“That’s my cue,” she winced, smiling awkwardly. Dennis considered going with her, making up some excuse to Steve so he could talk with her a little longer. She was turning to leave when Dennis reached for her arm.

“Listen,” he sucked in a breath, casting a glance around them. “Could I…I mean, would you mind if I got your number?” He didn’t have time to worry if she said no because she was suddenly beaming. “So I can get ahold of you for Welcome Week,” he coughed.

“Of course,” she nodded. He pulled out his phone, fumbling with the screen as he tried to input her name and number. His hand shook when he realized she was leaning over his arm to watch him type.

“Gabrielle, with a G,” she said lightly, looking up at him. And there it was. Her phone number was there, the black letters of her name beaming up at him. She left the party saying goodbye to everyone as a group but looked only at him when she spoke.

And half an hour later, as Dennis unlocked the door to his apartment, his phone chimed.

<Gabrielle Whitlock> Lunch tomorrow?

He stared at the bright text, his heart pounding the longer he looked at it. He glanced across the hall at her apartment door, a grin breaking out on his face. His hand shook for a moment as he typed out a reply. The bar at the top was loading at top speed for what seemed like the first time in his life.

When and where?

Class had been in session for two months and Gabrielle hadn’t found the time to take a breath. She couldn’t deny that being a member of the Union had helped her considerably since classes started.

Jasmine had picked her as a lab partner in chemistry the first week of classes, which both relieved and panicked her each time they met in class. Think teach would mind if we have a little project on the side - strictly for science, of course? When a small fire had started in the laboratory, it turned out that he did, in fact, mind, and they were only allowed in the lab with some sort of supervision.

“It’s only the third week of classes, ladies,” he’d said.

“But-we put the fire out, didn’t we? It’s like it never happened, right?” Jasmine urged with a smile.

Eventually, after a long-winded discussion with Gabrielle about denying the exploration of science and discovery, the teacher agreed to keep the mishap under wraps as long as they promised to have supervision any time they wanted to complete another one of their “experiments.”

“You have a way with that name of yours,” Jasmine noted with a grin one afternoon.

“That’s…that’s not it,” Gabrielle snorted, packing away her laptop.

“But you? You use your Whitlock powers for good, yeah?” Jasmine added, scooping her books up. Gabrielle shifted uncomfortably - she was aware of the leverage her name got her. It was one of the reasons why Mare was so apt to have her fulfill the role of student director. The reason she was desperate was to prove she deserved the role she was given. Jasmine must have caught her uneasiness because she snorted a laugh.

“I…” Gabrielle stammered. Jasmine patted her shoulder, a grin growing on her lips.

“I don’t care, Gis. Just as long as you study chemical equilibrium for the lab tests coming up.”

By now, thanks to Jasmine’s help, Gabrielle felt relief at the sight of a thinly-marked, red B on the top of her exam.

“You planning on telling the strong, silent one?”

“What?”

“Your good friend, Damien?”

“What are you going on about? He helped me study, of course, I’m telling him.”

“Oh, you’re taking the fun out of it,” Jasmine groaned, gathering her things.

“We’re friends - we help each other study,” Gabrielle urged.

 ”Ugh, see you later, Gabrielle. Congrats on that B – it’s not bad for a dodgy rich girl,” Jasmine said, grinning as she left the classroom.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, I think. Thanks for your help, Jasmine!” Gabrielle called. She looked down at the exam once more before folding it in half, a smile spreading over her face. She probably should thank Dennis. He was just as much responsible for helping her raise her grade as Jasmine was.

She gathered her books with a sense of pride, pulling out her phone to scroll through her messages as she walked out into the hall. A group message from Sandy (Remember: Revolution union meeting at 8! Attendance is mandatory - we’re discussing Homecoming events! Please try not to be late (you know who you are!)

Gabrielle started to type a response - she wasn’t always late. She paused when she saw Dennis’s name flash on her screen.

Give our fearless leader a break.

Another buzz. Steve.

She’s only late when a day ends in ‘Y.’

She scoffed as she rounded a corner, typing furiously as she pushed past a large group of students. Dennis knew she hated being late, knew she disliked having to rush.

<Gabrielle> I’ll be there. Early.

She could practically hear Dennis snorting at her response.

The truth was that he was the reason they were usually late. Well, part of the reason. She, Dennis, and Steve had started having dinner almost every other night together. Even Ben made the drive to visit from time to time. Sometimes Amber would come along if she had time, but it was easy to lose track of time when they talked. I’m supposed to be setting an example, Gabrielle had told him one evening the two of them had to run across campus. As if on cue, Dennis’s name appeared on her phone.

“Remind me to give Steve shit later,” Gabrielle answered, holding her phone between her shoulder and cheek as she opened a double door. He laughed on the other end and Gabrielle couldn’t help but grin. She hadn’t heard it very often since they met, but she liked the sound. Soft and short - like he could easily laugh louder, but held back. She always wondered what it would be like to hear him let go.

“Are we still on for lunch? I’m on my way to the dorms right now, but I can meet you wherever,” she asked, heading towards the gardens. It’d become a ritual of sorts. Have lunch, talk about the classes they’ve had so far, then end up walking to their next class together. It was one of the few things about most Mondays and Wednesdays that she’d come to enjoy.

Dennis made her feel normal, accepted even. At meetings held so far, it was usually him that brought the discussion back to her. He was always asking her opinion during them, checking with her. Maybe we should ask Gabrielle what she thinks. But that didn’t stop him from disagreeing with the ideas she brought to the table. God, when he argued, he stood his ground. In the last meeting, Gabrielle had come up with an idea to invite neighboring universities just before homecoming, as a sort of unifying party between the three schools. Dennis was the first to shake his head, the first to scoff at her idea. Do you even know what you’re asking? While his disagreements frustrated her to no end, there was a sense of relief that came from his brutal honesty.

“That’s why I wanted to give you a call,” Dennis murmured. He sounded slightly muffled - the background buzzing with conversation.

“God, Dennis - where are you? I can barely hear you,” Gabrielle complained, pausing near the bench in the garden. Dennis had been right - it was one of the best spots on campus. Flowers were planted in two sections, while the others were herbs - all labeled for the use of anyone on campus. In the center of it, all was a small white gazebo. 

“The rumor is that if you have your first kiss as a couple there, the goddess will bless you and you’ll be destined to be together forever,” he had told her as she walked over the threshold. Her fingers ran over the peeling white paint, her nails tracing where names and dates of couples had been carved into the wood.

“Sounds ridiculous,” she murmured. “Surely people don’t believe in that?”

“Do I look like someone who would mock tradition?” Dennis had asked, leaning against the railing. “Our last director - Aria Beverly? She kissed her boyfriend for the first time here.”

“And?”

“They’re married now - their names are carved in here somewhere,” he murmured. He studied the nearest pole, amber eyes scanning for the right initials. Gabrielle watched as he stood to look at the frame of the gazebo, eyes darting over every name listed.

“So…did you….I mean, have you...” Gabrielle danced around the question, her fingers twisting the longer it took her to coax the question out. She took a breath, closing her eyes to find the bit of bravery that lingered somewhere in her body. “Would I find your name somewhere on here, Huxley?” He froze at her question and Gabrielle suddenly felt ridiculous for asking. She looked at her feet, her boot dragging across the wooden floor. Of course, he had. Probably more than once.

“To find my name here, I’d have to have kissed someone in this gazebo.” His voice was low, but she could have sworn she saw a hint of a smile on his lips when he glanced over his shoulder.

“Too many to pick from, I imagine,” Gabrielle joked.

“Why would I want a blessing for something I’m not sure I want?” Dennis turned around to face her, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Who says a divine being is watching over people kissing in a gazebo at all? Do you think she watches people fuck too?” Dennis’s jaw slackened and immediately Gabrielle’s face turned a deep red. God, what had she just said? “I didn’t…” she fumbled, trying to think of a way to salvage the moment but stopped at the sight of Dennis’s wide grin.

“Want to start over?” he asked.

“God, yes,” she sighed, tension slowly leaving her shoulders.

“This is the blessing. No, you won’t find my name carved in here, and, no, I haven’t…” he paused, taking a breath to fight the laugh that was bubbling to the surface, “kissed anyone in this gazebo. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, come over here so I can show you Aria and Samuel’s names.” She walked to the spot next to him, peering at the top of the door frame.

“I don’t see it,” she murmured, shaking her head.

“What? It’s plain as day,” Dennis argued, pointing it out. She leaned in, her arm almost brushing against his.

“You’d think if the divine was going to bless their relationship for all eternity, she’d want them to have legible handwriting,” she muttered, standing on tiptoes to get a better look. She moved to brush the carving with her fingertips only to lose her balance and bump right into Dennis’s arm. “Sorry,” she mumbled. He had reached out to stop her from falling, even though she wasn’t. His hand gripped her shoulder, gently squeezing her through the material of her jacket.

“Are you alright?” He had laughed when he said it, soft…warm. The kind of sound Gabrielle wanted to wrap herself in. The same reserved laugh she heard time and time again ever since.

“Gabrielle?” She snapped back to the sound of his voice on the other end. “Can you hear me?”

“Sorry. Yes - lunch,” she stammered, forcing herself to look away from the gazebo. “I was thinking we should try that new pizza place. Steve told Ben about it the other day and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since.” She waited for his usual off-the-cuff remark about her appetite, even the beginning of that low chuckle of his, but it never came. “Dennis? Are you there?”

“About lunch,” Dennis sucked in a breath.

“What is it?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“The pizza or - ?” She trailed off, afraid of his response.

“I’m not feeling well.” A beat, a breath. “Sorry.”

“Oh,” Gabrielle tucked her lip behind her teeth. He had canceled plans with her the day before, explaining that he was behind on some homework. “Right. No, I understand. I hope you feel better tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry.” She could hear him swallow on the other line. “Truly.”

“No, you should get some rest. I…” Gabrielle stammered, trying to push away the question that was nagging at her mind. Is it me? Have I done something? She looked up to see two students walk under the covered gazebo in front of her - both holding each other’s hands and smiling. She looked back at her feet. “I can make a transcript of tonight’s meeting if you’d like.”

“That’s not necessary.” He said it like he couldn’t get the words out fast enough and Gabrielle could feel a strange shift. There was something he wasn’t saying.

“Oh,” she grew quiet, eyes glancing up to see the couple at the gazebo kissing. The girl was pushed against the frame, her boyfriend’s hands cupping her face. “Thank you,” she murmured, unable to stop the sad lilt in her voice.

“What?”

“I got a B on my chemistry exam - did I tell you yet?” She looked away from the couple, forcing herself to her feet. Suddenly she didn’t want to be anywhere near the garden, anywhere near the gazebo, or the couple kissing underneath it.

“That’s great - “ If she closed her eyes, she could imagine him smiling on the other end.

“Yeah, Jasmine said I did well for a dodgy rich kid,” she added. He laughed - a short one. A smaller one. It almost sounded forced and the thought made Gabrielle wince. “I should probably go if I want to get something to eat,” she murmured.

“Gabrielle?” He sounded worried. Maybe even sad.

“I hope you feel better, Dennis.” She meant it. She truly did. “Pizza another time?”

“Gabrielle - “ he paused, a deep exhale on the other line. “Sounds great.”

She hung up before he could return her goodbye and walked to her, next class. Part of her wasn’t sure why she was so upset. He didn’t owe her anything.  They’d only known each other a little over two months, but she considered him to be a good friend. Probably one of her closest ones aside from Amber and Steve. Maybe it was the fact he was the first person she met.

Whatever it was, why couldn’t he tell her the truth?

It wasn’t until Gabrielle saw Dennis walk into the meeting half an hour late that she felt her heart sink. He looked in her direction as she spoke, whiskey eyes meeting hers. His face was pale, his clothes wrinkled, and curls coming loose near the base of his neck.  He looked tired - weak, even, as he walked towards Amber, leaning into her ear.

“Gabrielle?” Sandy called. Everyone was eyeing her now, even Dennis.

“Right. Homecoming - we have a series of small events throughout the week. The largest, of course, being the party - “ she paused at the sound of Dennis in the background.

“It’s relentless,” he hissed. His voice sounded hoarse. Just as tired as he looked. Gabrielle met his gaze, a frown on her lips and he looked to the floor.

“Forgive me,” he muttered, pulling Amber out into the hall. She stared at the figures behind the door, watching Dennis’s shadow as he paced.

“…and the football game,” Gabrielle concluded, chewing her lip.

“Kimberly has the sign-up sheets. Everyone is required to sign up for homecoming activities. We have one week, everyone!” Sandy clapped her hands together excitedly, but Gabrielle couldn’t stop eyeing the door as people began to murmur amongst themselves.

“Please volunteer,” she said, clearing her throat. Amber entered the room and Gabrielle held her breath. If he came back in, everything was okay. She let out a slow breath, Sandy chattering to the crowd about the different jobs available.

Three, she whispered, her eyes settling on the door. It was slowly shutting behind Amber. Two, she could see Dennis’s outline through the window of the second door. He raked a hand through his hair. She closed her eyes, hoping to hear the familiar creak of the door. One…he was gone.

“Gabrielle?”  Kimberly nudged her gently.

“What? Oh. Right,” she glanced down at her notes. “We have two more meetings this weekend as we prepare for homecoming. Sandy will text you reminders…” she trailed off, her eyes traveling back to the door.

“I think that’s all for today,” Amber announced, taking a step forward. She gestured to the door. “Walk home with me.”

They didn’t talk for the first five minutes. Amber walked too fast - she was taller than Gabrielle, and her moves were more self-assured. Each step she took made Gabrielle feel small in a way she hadn’t noticed before. It made sense that Dennis would go to her for help. He knew her longer. Plus, Amber was gorgeous - sharp features that anyone would love, a determination that went unmatched.

 ”It’s ridiculous,” Amber mumbled, turning into the garden.

“What?”

“People think I’m stubborn,” Amber started.