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rewriting-thearrowverse · 2 days ago

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𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷 1 𝓔𝓹𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓮 8: 𝓥𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓪 (𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓽 2)

I’m kind of on a roll for finishing chapters this week, this one got done at 1:32am on November 27th

Laurel and Tommy were inside the restaurant, it was packed as people spoke around them. They had reached a half an hour wait time. He could sense her annoyance.

"Well, it's only been about half an hour. That's not too bad of a wait time." He said

"If they don't seat us soon, I'm going to write a horrible review online." Laurel said with an eye roll.

"Let me see what I can do," he said before walking up to the hostess sign.

"Hey, uh. I'm Tommy Merlyn. Do you think there's anyway we could skip ahead a few paces?" He asked

"Is there?" The blonde repeated hinting at money.

"Uh, just let us know when our table is ready," he said, remembering.

"Maybe you can eat some of those fancy peanuts behind the bar." He said

She gave him a look, "You better be joking."

Suddenly, Oliver called out to them, having recognized them.

"Hey!"

They turned around

"Hey Oliver- and someone." Tommy said

"Tommy and Laurel, meet Helena." He said

Laurel looked at her, was she even his type? Wait- why was she thinking about that?

"Nice to meet you." Helena said shaking their hands.

It *obviously* *wasn't* jealousy, but something about this girl felt off to her.

"Pleasure." Tommy said genuinely

Laurel's "Likewise." Was hiding mistrust, and maybe a small amount of jealousy. None that she would recognize though.

"You look beautiful," Oliver said to Laurel

"Thank you," she replied.

The hostess came over, "Mr. Queen, your table is ready."

"When is our table gonna be ready?" Laurel asked

"When it is." She replied

This bitch-

"Why don't you come with us?" Helena offered

Tommy and Oliver were trying to prevent that, "No, no we're just gonna have a drink and-"

"We'd love to." Laurel cut Oliver off.

"Are you sure?" Tommy asked closer to Laurel's ear.

"I'm sure that if I don't eat soon, I'll break something." She whispered back, keeping a smile so the other two didn't see the hostility.

"Noted." Tommy said

Oliver saw the real look, "Uh- that'll be great." He said to the hostess.

They walked off to their table.

𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕤ𖤓ꕤ𖤓

During the dinner, they were engrossed in conversations of the past. And longtime memories.

"I had forgotten about you filling your dad's pool with beer, how many kegs did that take?" Oliver asked Tommy

"Probably like a thousand," he said laughing

Helena chuckled,

"Man, your father was so pissed. I thought he was gonna drown him in it." Oliver chuckled

"Well.. death by beer, there are worse ways to go, right Helena?" Tommy said

As Helena moved her fork around her food, she responded, "Well, there are no good ways to die."

Helena directed the next question to Laurel, "So when did you and Tommy meet,"

"Well, actually we've all known each other since-"

"Forever." Oliver cut her off.

"Wow.. there must be a lot of history there." Helena inquired

"Sometimes I'd say too much." Tommy replied.

"So, how's the nightclub coming along?" Laurel asked Oliver

"Well, a little slower than I expected. I've been a bit busier than I anticipated." He said

"You must be happy to have the extra help." She chimed in.

He looked at her confused, "What do you-?"

"This is dinner, I'm sure Oliver doesn't want to talk about work stuff." Tommy said

"You didn't ask him?" She whisper/mutters at Tommy

"Ask him what?" Oliver butted in.

Tommy looked mad as Laurel spoke, "Tommy wanted- Well, he said he was gonna ask you about working at your nightclub."

Oliver laughed, this made Tommy feel more put down, unbeknownst to them.

"I didn't think you wanted any responsibility at all."

"Yeah, who'd believe that?" Tommy said in a stoic manner, causing Oliver to notice something was going on.

"You've always wanted to go into a business with Tommy. Don't you think this would be a good opportunity for you both?" Laurel said

"I mean, don't you remember when we went to Aspen and you wanted to open a ski lodge."

Helena was looking away, starting to realize just how close they once were. And she was getting uncomfortable.

"The only thing I remember from Aspen was your father threatening to shoot me if I did anything wrong, because we shared a room with one bed." Oliver said, the two sharing a laugh.

Realization hit Helena,

"Wait- you two used to date.. and now you're dating his best friend?"

Tommy had the hurt in his voice, and jealousy, "Yeah. We're just prime for a reality show aren't we?"

Laurel looked at Tommy and Helena as they both took larger than normal drinks from their wine glasses.

"Tommy, you working for me, that could be.. fun." Oliver said

Tommy stood up, "I'm gonna get some fresh air, I don't feel so good."

Laurel looked after him, "I should probably make sure he's okay."

"Helena, it was nice to meet you." Laurel said looking at them

The damage was already done for Helena, and now there was no going back.

Laurel followed after Tommy, knowing full well he was upset, but she didn’t get why.

“Hey! Cool your roll. What are you so upset about?” She asked

“You just *had* to bring it up to Oliver?” He replied in irritation

“I thought you had asked him.” She said

“Well clearly I hadn’t.”

“I was just trying to help.” She said with a sigh.

He turned around to face her, “No! You were trying to get your white knight to help.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” She asked with her hands on her hips.

“What do you think it means?” He questioned

“With you, it’s always gonna be Oliver and Laurel. And I am not going to be your second choice. I have a little more respect for myself than that.”

“Oliver and I are done, for good.” She defended

“If that was really true, I doubt you’d have such an issue with his new girlfriend.” Tommy replied

“Do I have to automatically like the girls Oliver dates?” She questioned in annoyance

“Also, she’s super sketchy.”

“She’s not sketchy, but I’ll tell you this. I’m not gonna sit around and wait as I lose something important to me.”

“So how about you do me a favor and quit. Because losing a fortune will be easier than losing this.” Tommy said before walking away.

➴◈◉◈➶◈◉◈➴◈◉◈➶◈◉◈➴◈◉◈➶◈◉◈➴◈◉◈➶

Helena was walking out of the restaurant and Oliver was following behind her, “I’m sorry- How was I supposed to know it was gonna get so weird in there?”

Helena stopped and turned around, “No. I’m sorry.”

“That I ever listened to you.” She began storming off, and Oliver looked confused.

“Helena what are-“

She looked at him, heartbreak. The worst kind of pain she could’ve felt in that moment.”You knew how damaged I was coming into this.”

“I told you I couldn’t be hurt again.”

He looked at her genuinely,”I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“So, how did you think me having dinner with the love of your life was gonna go?”

“She’s the girl you cheated on? The girl you can’t have. The girl whose sister’s grave you used to manipulate me.”

He looked taken aback and confused,

“I saw how you looked at her. I know true love when I see it. And I know, given the chance, you’d be with her.”

“I don’t love her like that anymore.”

She scoffed and turned away from him.

He took her by the wrist.

“Don’t! Don’t touch me.”

The righteous fury, an anger of 1000 men filled her eyes, “And I am done talking.”

She stormed off and as she left, he gritted his teeth, angrily mentally kicking himself

Laurel opened her door to find a downcast, remorseful looking Tommy.

“I came to apologize.” He said

She said nothing, and her expression was unreadable, but she did let him in.

“I know you were trying to help.. but I spit it back in your face.”

“I guess I wasn’t ready to face the reality of things..”

“All of this… you and me.. it’s all just so new.”

“And I just didn’t want you to see…”

She turned to face him, “Just how scared I am.”

“You know.. I’m a few years from 30, and I’ve never had to worry about something not being taken care of.”

“I mean, you’re beautiful, tough, driven and intelligent.” He said

“You’re a million times too good for me, and that was before I was broke.”

“So now.. I wonder if I have anything worthwhile I can bring to whatever we are.”

She smiled at him, “Money was never what was important to me.”

“And really, billionaire was the least attractive quality you had.” She said

“I’m so sorry if I pushed you too hard about the job with Oliver, I really just wanted to help you because of how torn up you were.”

“And he’s your friend, so I thought working with him would be a good idea.”

“It’s okay to ask a friend for help.. you know, you won’t lose your street cred.” She said

He smiled at her kindly, “I’m happy to lose my street cred as long as I don’t lose you.”

She looked at him for a moment before wrapping her arms around the back of his neck, “It might not be easy.. but nothing worth doing is.”

“And if you need someone to lean on.. I’m here. That’s what people who are together do.”

“Together like boyfriend-girlfriend?” He asked

She scrunched her nose, “Don’t ruin this moment, it was going so well for you.”

She said before they laughed together and she kissed him.

✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠♫✧𖣠

Oliver was brooding in the arrow lair, sharpening his arrow heads as he said in his suit, but with the hood down.

Diggle walked up on him, "I didn't expect to hear from you tonight."

He noticed something was wrong with Oliver's silence.

"Something happen?"

Oliver tilted his head back, letting out a tired sigh, "I think you were right."

He picked up an arrow and looked at it closely.

"Okay, about which part?" He asked

"All of it." Oliver said irritated as he stuffed an arrow into his Quiver.

He looked down and hurt before he spoke again, "I should've listened to you."

Diggle began to circle around to the front of the desk holding the arrows, "Oliver, you said you wanted to help her change."

"But the sad truth is.. she already did."

"When her father killed her fianc��..: she became something dark and twisted."

"You see that now, right?" He asked

Oliver looked at him, "The problem is, deep down, I already did. I just refused to listen to my own instincts."

"I was so caught up in the possibility of... She knew me as I am, and I thought maybe I could have someone I didn't have to push away. That after everything.. maybe the universe owed me one."

"But all I did was cause more damage."

"I looked into her eyes tonight.. I can't stop her from going past the edge. She's already jumped over it."

The triad was at a table, drinking and Gambling when one of their phones rang. Then another, than a third.

"Shénme?" (What?) Zhishan replied.

On the other end of his phone, a man said, "Yǒu de huà jiù chūqù ba!!" (Get out of there!)

The men looked up, and suddenly the oak doors slammed open. Helena entered guns blazing in her beta Huntress gear.

She fired two shots into the man, closest to the door. This knocked him and killed him instantly.

She fired a third, taking out a side man, her aim was much better than it used to be.

She kicked the next man, and grabbed him with her legs, using them to flip him down. She grabbed a hold of his arm and broker it before kicking him back again.

Zhishan was sitting and spoke directly to her as she stood back up, "Yù bàochóu, xiān wā liǎng fén.," (When you seek vengeance, dig two graves first)

"Yī fèn gěi nǐ de dírén, yī fèn gěi nǐ zìjǐ." (One for your enemy, and one for yourself)

((Author would like to take this time to remind everyone that she knows she's translations are likely barely accurate at all))

She looked at him and spoke, "I don't speak Chinese. So I'm just gonna assume you said goodbye."

She shot him twice as she held up two pistols, and he fell back in his chair to the floor.

She kneeled next to him as he groaned and bled out, "Tell your mistress, Frank Bertinelli sends his regards."

She smirked and walked away.

Felicity walked slowly to the glass door outside of Walter's office. She was anxious for her job security.

She opened the door and announced her presence, "You wanted to see me, Mr. Steele?"

"And uh- did I mention that it's almost Christmas. And many of the suicides this time of year are due to sudden job loss?"

He looked to the book on his desk and slid it forward as she walked in.

"I want you to find out what you can about that notebook, where it was bought, where it was made. And what it all means."

"Yes, sir." She said as she picked it up.

"Felicity," he looked at her

"I asked Josiah Hudson, the old head of security to check into some of this, and he died the next day, under questionable circumstances."

"What I may be asking of you.. this mystery... Are you sure you wanna do it?"

She looked at him, "I can't stand mysteries."

"They need to be solved."

She walked off, and as she did, he looked concerned of what secrets the book may be surrounding, and how dangerous they might be.

The Hood was walking through the warehouse the Huntress had been. And he discovered 4 members of the Triad dead, one was Zhishan.

He kneeled down to get a better look before dialing Diggle.

"What's the situation?" He asked

"War." The Hood replied bluntly.

𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕤ𖤓ꕤ𖤓

Frank was in his house on his phone, "Boss, we just got word. Zhishan was killed."

"Then we know what's coming next," Frank replied

"Tell everyone to strap up."

On the outside of the property, there were guards.

China White snuck behind a man, looking towards the opposite direction and slit his throat.

"Bù liú xià rènhé huókǒu," (Leave no one alive) She said to the group of men with her.

The people in the triad rushed around the property, slicing and killing people on their way.

A guard inside spoke into his walkie-talkie, “Ricco isn’t answering his, check it out.”

Before he himself was killed.

The Triad silently rushed through the lower front doors.

As a man rushed up the stairs, The Hood fired an arrow and he fell back down the stairs with a thud.

The Hood jumped over the railing and was going to make his way to Frank before he too, was murdered.

Frank was in another room as he heard the gunshots as more and more of his men were taken down and killed.

He rushed to his safe and began inputting the combination.

In it was a laptop, he took it out and placed it inside a brief case.

He carried his handheld firearm with him.

China lunged into a man protecting from behind, and took him out.

She held a knife to his head, “Frank Bertinelli, this is for Zhishan.”

The Hood shot an arrow, knocking the knife out of her hand.

He shot an arrow into her knee, and she fell down.

He held his bow up and Frank pointed his gun at him, he listened to the gunshots from the automatic behind him and repointed his bow, firing the arrow behind him.

“Run!” He called out.

As The Hood moved he punched down a man that tried to attack him and then he moved forward.

A man tried to sneak up on Frank, but he heard him and knocked him down with a single perfect shot.

He used a column to guard himself from incoming AK shots.

He fired back three times knocking down all three men who were trying to push him.

There was another using a lamp and table as cover, he couldn’t get a clear shot, so he ran through.

He finally made it outside, but he was being chased by the masked vigilante who held a crossbow and wore a mostly black outfit, but with purple spots in the tailcoat and the back of her shoulders.

She fired a shot into his kneecap and he fell over, yelling in pain. He dropped the briefcase.

He moved onto his back so he could face her as he held onto his knee.

When he turned around, the mask was off and he could see Helena. And her face.

"Oh-"

He was hurt and confused, "Helena?"

"What is this?"

"This- is payback for Michael." She said, her voice cold and callous.

"I know you had him killed. Salvati told me."

"I did it- for the family!" He yelled in pain.

Rage and tears filled her voice as she spoke, "I had to take everything away from you.. because that's exactly what you did to me."

She aimed the crossbow at him, "You finally know what it feels like to know your own blood is responsible for the death of your whole world."

As she prepared to shoot, she was crying as an arrow whistled and knocked the crossbow out of her hands.

She ragefully turned around and faced him.

She walked and anger and as she came to him face to face, she had nothing in her face but hate. And she attempted to strike him.

He moved back.

And as she tried to high kick at him, he dodged under it.

He had an advantage with his training and his right state of mind as he fought.

He kneeled down, grabbed her leg and flipped her over.

As he stood back up, she snuck back up and jumped on his back.

He flipped her back over as he evaded.

She threw another punch, almost landed it and he twisted around with another punch.

She knocked him to the ground and started punching at him, he avoided getting hit as much as possible. All while Frank reached for the crossbow.

As they got back up, the Hood noticed Frank aiming the bow towards the side of Helena.

"No!" He shouted as Frank hit her with a shot to the shoulder.

The Hood went over and knocked out Frank with a single punch.

He rushed over to her as he noticed her low breathing,

"Helena?"

There was a police siren in the background.

He picked her up and carried her before the cops caught him on the scene, leaving Frank there.

➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳ ➳➳

In his lair he watched Helena, waiting to see if she would wake back up. His hood was off.

She gasped as she woke up,

“Easy, you were lucky.” He said

“Am I supposed to be grateful?” She asked with venom in her tone

“He’s a criminal and he’s a monster.” She said as she got up, “Why would you save him?”

“I wasn’t saving him. I was saving you.”

“You think that because you’ve killed that you can understand and take the toll… but it’s not so easy. Especially when it’s your father.”

“I’m not going to stop.” She said

“The Police got him.” He said

“They don’t have evidence, it’ll never stick.” She said angrily

“They do now.” He said

“The laptop” she realized.

“Helena, he’s going away for the rest of his life. This… is justice.” He said even in this moment, still holding onto that last inch of hope.

Until it was destroyed again,

“Then I guess you were right all along. Revenge is more satisfying.”

She began waking off and over to the stairs, “And stay out of my way Oliver, or else people finding out your little secret will be the least of your worries.”

He stormed over to the stairs, but still tried to reach her humanity, “Helena.”

But she did look back at him,

“I never meant to… Everything I’ve done is because I care about you, and… I’m sorry.” He said

“Too bad I can’t say the same.” She said coldly as she left.

Diggle walked into the Big Belly Burger and saw Carly cleaning up the counter, “Hey, thanks for the call.”

“What are Ex-Sister-In-Law’s for?” She asked

He chuckled before walking over to the Table Oliver was at,

“Chili Cheese Fries with Jalapeño? That’s a cry for help if I ever heard one.” Diggle said as he took a seat.

“I’m not sure which hurts worse.. this, or a bullet laced with curare.” Oliver said

“Been there, done that. Definitely the bullet.” Diggle said

They both laughed some.

Oliver looked down and Diggle spoke up, “Now Oliver, I’m no expert at this… but I don’t think love is about changing or saving someone.”

“It’s about finishing someone who’s already the right fit.”

Oliver noticed Carly looking at Diggle as he said this.

“Someday you will.”

And that particular person may take a while to get back to, especially after everything he’s done and will do with that particular relationship.

“I burned that bridge.” Oliver laughed a little, “Napalmed it, actually.”

“So things didn’t work out exactly how you planned.” He said

“But you did save Frank Bertinelli’s life, and he won’t be seeing the light of day anytime soon. So I’d say justice won out.”

He let out a laugh, “Helena does *not* see it that way. At all.”

“You opened up. Took a risk with your heart. The you that I met never could have.”

“And when you meet the right person, she’ll be worth the wait.”

Oliver slid the fries and his cup of water to Diggle, and then they both started to laugh

𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕥ𖤓ꕤ𖤓ꕤ𖤓

Felicity came into Walter’s office and turned off the lights,

He took notice, “What are you doing?”

“It needs to be dark in here if we’re going to do this.”

“Aand, if I would’ve thought about that sentence before speaking just now, I never would have just said that.” She said as she handed him back the book.

“Now take a look.”

He opened the book and flipped through some pages, “I don’t see anything.”

From the side, Felicity pulled some Ultra light glasses.

“I got these from applied sciences, They're able to pick up the subvisible variations in the UV spectrum.”

He put them on his face, “Now, take another look.”

And through the glasses he saw that list of names on the pages.

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At the Queen Mansion, Oliver was in the common area, he was alone as he watched and listened to the rain.

And that’s when Tommy walked in.

“Uh, hey.” Oliver said

“Hey.. Uh look.. I’m sorry about last night.” Tommy said

“I’m sorry, us sitting at the same table- I never should have let it go so far, it was stupid.” Oliver said

“No. I was stupid.”

“And honestly… I was just upset because of something else I hadn’t been able to stomach telling you due to my own insecurities.”

“It’s uh, my dad. He cut me off.”

“Froze my funds.”

“Really?” Oliver asked surprised

“Why didn’t you say anything.”

“It’s just a cumulation of everything, jealousy, fear and shame among a few other emotions I’m not exactly used to feeling.” He admitted

Oliver smiled and patted him on the shoulder, “Tommy, my trust fund is your trust fund.”

“No. That’s the easy answer.”

“And believe me, I have loved easy answers.

“But if I’m gonna change, and I *need* to. I have to do things differently.”

“And that starts with me asking you if I can have a job?”

“It just so happens that I have a general manager position that is available.” Oliver said

“You're… probably the guy for the job.”

“Will I be getting dental? This smile wasn't cheap.” Tommy was *mostly* joking.

“I'll look into that.”

They laughed before Tommy hugged him.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

Tommy noticed something up with Oliver, “Ate you okay?”

“I will be.”

“Did something happen with Helena?” Tommy asked

“We… had a falling out.”

“I’m sure I’ll see her again soon enough.”

#arrow rewrite #arrowverse rewrite #arrow #arrowverse #dinah laurel lance #oliver queen #laurel lance #moira queen #quentin lance #thea queen #walter steele #felicity smoak #tommy merlyn #huntress #green arrow #helena bertinelli

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lainiespicewrites · 1 year ago

Text

Coach Syverson

Okay, Y'all I'm trying something new and posting one of my Henry Cavill Character fics. I haven't posted a fanfic in so long it's gonna be a short story probably only a two-parter maybe 3. Let me know what you think! I loved writing this. I think it's so cute!!!!

Warnings: None for Part 1 :) Definitely will be smut in part 2!

High school football coach Sy and school guidance counselor OFC

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I was locked in a trance, typing in progress notes from an early morning meeting I’d just finished with a student. The sounds of the office, which was just coming to life outside my door, fuelled me. I almost never came in this early. But, one of my seniors was having a crisis and this was the only time we could work into her busy schedule. It’s gonna break my heart when that girl graduates this year. I get so attached to the students. I can’t help working as a school counselor. It's hard not to.

“You’re in early,” The voice coming from the doorway made me jump. He chuckled softly. “Didn’t mean to scare ya.” After a brief heart attack, I finally looked up. I smiled when my eyes met his.

“No, it’s okay, I just didn’t see you! Good morning Coach, What can I do for you?” His soft blue eyes held my gaze, before shooting me a gentle smile. Coach Syverson and I had become good friends since he started working at the school a little over a year ago. Like many good high school football coaches, they made a history teaching spot for him. Unlike others, he’s actually a great teacher!

I met Logan Syverson for the first time in a staff meeting. Our principal introduced him at the beginning of the meeting going on and on about all the improvements he would bring to our team and our community. He certainly looked like a football player. The guy was huge! Tall, large muscles, and a full beard. His eyes were a deep blue. He had a winning smile and a southern accent. The English department was drooling. I hated him immediately.

I figured he was just going to be a self absorbed prick like the last coach. who only cared about the popular students, peaked in high school, and got fired because he got a little too close to one of the cheerleaders. We were not at all sorry to see him go. Well, those of us with half a brain weren’t anyway. Some of the community and staff were more worried about the football program. But I digress.

I was even more annoyed with him when I caught him falling asleep during the same meeting 30 minutes later when we were discussing the budget for new textbooks. I’m not exactly sure what came over me but I kicked him under the table. He was immediately alert. I expected him to glare at me. Or maybe even smirk. But the look on his face could only be described as apologetic. He quickly caught up to me when we were leaving the meeting. “Some first impression I made, huh?” When I didn’t immediately respond he added. “I swear I’m not some asshole that doesn’t care about education, that’s not like me, just didn’t sleep much last night. I had to take my dog to the emergency vet, she broke her leg in the woods late in the evening and didn’t get back until late and…”

“Is she okay?” I asked quickly. He looked completely dumbfounded.

“Uhm what?” He asked, clearly confused. I smiled sympathetically. I did exactly what I told my students not to do and judged him too quickly and I felt like an ass about it.

“You’re dog, is she okay?” He smiled softly and nodded.

“Yeah, Yeah she is. They got her all wrapped up and in a cast, poor pup, but she’ll be alright.” There was a brief pause and then. “I’m sorry, what was your name again?”

“The students know me as Miss Plummer, but it’s Alayna. And um.. Sorry I kicked you. I don’t know why I did that.” I smiled sheepishly.

“Alayna,” He repeated. And then chuckled and squeezed my shoulder “No need to apologize, I’m glad you did. That would’ve been embarrassing. Falling asleep in my first staff meeting doesn’t really look good. Thanks for saving my ass back there!”

We were fast friends from that point on!

Sy pushed off the door frame he’d been leaning against and walked into my office. “Brought ya coffee, I was gonna sneak in and leave it on your desk but I guess it’s you surprising me this morning,” He said, setting the cup from our local coffee shop down on my desk.

“That’s sweet of you!” I took a sip and almost choked. I expected just plain black coffee. He wasn’t the kind of guy to order fancy coffee. But this was actually my coffee order. “How did you know my coffee order?” He had a big grin on his face now.

“I remembered it from that morning when we ran into each other in line a few weeks ago. Thought I’d be nice and bring my work wife some coffee since I was there.” He shrugged. He really was such a sweetheart. He looked tough and scary. I know he did. When he and a few of the other teachers in the history hall gathered between classes they looked intimidating. At least from a student's perspective.I knew them all well though. I’ve talked with students failing his class because they wouldn’t ask questions. When I asked why, they said they were nervous. But he was certainly no one to be afraid of. Yes, he could yell, but he saved that for the football field. The man was a damn teddy bear.

“Thank you!” I smiled. I quickly looked out into the guidance office to make sure there were no students around. “But I know you didn’t walk all the way down here just to bring me coffee for the hell of it. You’re buttering me up for something. What do you need, Logan?” He laughed and shook his head plopping down on the edge of my desk.

“You know me too well, sugar. Two things!” He said. I rolled my eyes. “Hey now young lady, don’t get an attitude with me I’m not asking you to give up a kidney!” I hid my smirk behind a sip of coffee and nodded at him to continue. “First, Can you look up Ty’s grades for me just at some point by the end of the day. He came into my office this morning and was all nervous about his algebra grade, swearing up and down it’s because he failed one quiz. But, I’m pretty sure,” I cut him off.

“He’s not turning in his homework because he just started dating Caitlyn and they’ve been staying up texting all night.” He raised an eyebrow.

“Uh, Yeah, How’d you know?”

“Caitlyn stopped in to see me this morning and we had a chat about it, amongst other things. I’ll double check but I’m sure you’re right. I’ll email it to you so you can have a chat with him. I was going to call him in today but he listens better to you. When you talked about being a veteran and your time in Iraq at the Labor Day assembly, I think that really struck something with him. He looks up to you.” his eyes locked with mine and he smiled softly placing his hand over mine on the desk just for a second.

“Thank you for saying that,” He said before moving his hand and leaning on the desk again. I just smiled.

“What’s the other thing?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because you could’ve just sent me that in an email.” He smirked. And his nose crinkled a little. Oh no.

“So our first away game is tomorrow night,”

“I know,”

“And you’re a big football fan, and you love those boys don’t you?” He was deflecting

“What do you want, Sy?” I asked again. He let out a long breath.

“Carol was supposed to be a student chaperone for the student fans buuuttt well, you heard her kid is really sick? I need you to come chaperone. Actually. I kinda already said you would.” He quickly stood up from my desk and backed up to the other side, like he was afraid I’d hit him.

I just leaned back in my chair and groaned,

“ugh Sy! What if I had plans?” I cocked an eyebrow at him. He chuckled

“You don’t!” I scoffed

“You don’t know that?” I retorted. He smirked

“Yeah, what big plans do you have for Friday night?” He crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. I sighed.

“Okay I don’t! But I could’ve!” I argued. “Why, didn’t you ask one of the other guys? Like Nick or I don’t know Mike?” I asked.

“Nick’s an assistant coach, he’ll already be there. And we both know as much as Mike loves teaching…he does not want to spend his Friday night with the kids and at a football game making sure there’s no funny business. And you love the kids.” He was pleading now. Practically giving me puppy dog eyes. “And…Maybe I want you there,” He winked playfully. I looked down and jiggled the mouse on my computer to hide my blush.

Jessica, who works the front desk of the guidance office swears he flirts with me. But I know he’s not. We’re friends. Good friends. We tease each other to make work a little more fun at best. But that's all it is. A man like Logan Syverson would never look twice at a girl like me. He’s fit and strong and tall and handsome. I’m pretty but I’m short and round and a little too quirky for my own good. Girls like me only get men like him in the movies. And I’m not stupid enough to believe otherwise. Moment’s like these though. I do wonder a little. But I don’t let my thoughts wander too far.

“Oh yeah?” I joke, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I mean maybe you’re our good luck charm. You’ve been at all our home games this year and we haven’t lost a game.” He said with a cheeky smile.

“We’ve only had two Sy.” I say matter of fact. He just shakes his head.

“That doesn’t mean you’re not good luck, but okay,” He held his hands up in defeat. “If you don’t want to do it I’ll figure something out. I messed up and didn’t ask you first. I’ll tell the boys their favorite guidance counselor doesn’t want to come support them. It’ll break their little hearts sugar but I’m sure they’ll find,” He pauses and lets out an exaggerated sigh “Some way to pull through and play a good game of football.” He frowned, shaking his head. I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrows looking straight at him.

“Are you done?” I deadpanned. He snickered softly and nodded. “Fine, I’ll go,” He smiled and walked over squeezing my shoulder.

“You’re the best! It’s supposed to be chilly! Wear a sweater! And Free coffee,on me all night! I promise,” I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, yeah okay,” I chuckled.

“Seriously, I owe you sugar! I’m happy you’ll be there, I better get goin, class starts soon and I probably shouldn’t be late being that I’m the teacher,” He chuckled.

“Get out of my office Logan!” I laughed. He smiled.

“You’re the best!” He said one more time before finally walking out of my office. I shook my head and tapped at the keys on my keyboard to wake up my computer. I felt eyes on me and looked up to find Jessica standing in my doorway.

“Don’t start!” I warned her.

“Please, sugar. I really want you there!” she mocked. “He knows your coffee order, Alayna. How long are you going to ignore what’s right in front of you?” she asked exasperated.

“It’s not like that Jess, He was just being sweet because he needed the help.” I said.

“Like you wouldn’t have done it anyway. You were trying to play coy but we both know you would have done it anyway.” She laughed. I blushed. And threw an eraser at her.

“Get back to work!” She laughed.

“Whatever you say… Sugar!” I snorted and we both chuckled for a minute. “I mean it Alayna, He’ll be kinda busy during the game and yes you’ll be keeping an eye on the students but take the opportunity to flirt back, he likes you, I’m not wrong!” She turned and walked back to her desk before I had a chance to say anything. And before I could spend any more time thinking about it my email notifications went off pulling me back into my work.

The rest of my work day went by in a blur. I had meeting after meeting with students. My seniors were in panic mode, my juniors have early onset senioritis, and the freshman and sophomores came into vent about the daily woes of high school drama. Oh to be 16 again.

With a full schedule of meetings I barely had time to eat lunch even in my office. When my phone lit up with a group text from two of my girlfriends asking about our weekly Thursday night dinner. I was quick to respond.

(I’ll be there!) I sent the text, before packing up my desk for the evening. It had been a late night for me so it was just past 5. I didn’t bother going home first to change into something more casual. They were used to the office style by now. I felt my shoulders relax a little as I slipped into the booth next to skyler.

“Hey!” she said cheerfully, slowly pushing the glass of white wine they’d ordered for me closer.

“You know me so well!” I smiled at her.

“Long day?” Hayley asked from across the table, she picked up a tortilla chip and filled it with queso. I shrugged.

“Not long in the sense that it was rough, just busy,” Skyler nodded and took a sip for her wine glass.

“I feel that. I tried to get some school work done while the kids were down for a nap.” She runs an in-home daycare. She adores kids. But she’s also going back to school for a degree, Pediatric nursing. She’s a saint. I don’t know how she does it.

“I commend you babe. The school is asking me to take classes, they want someone to take on the position as school psychologist. They’ve been trying to nudge me toward it the past couple of weeks. It’d be a raise but, that on top of the current workload? I don’t wanna drown myself ya know?”

“I totally get it, it’s not easy! But you should think about it. You’ve talked about it before! At least consider it.” Skyler said.

“She’s got a point dude,” Hayley added. “Look at you guys moving up in the world while I’m stuck with an art block. If I can’t think of anything, my online shop isn’t gonna take off and I’ll be stuck at the factory forever!” She groaned and downed a quarter of her strawberry lemonade that was no doubt spiked. I looked sideways, meeting Skyler's eye. She was giving me the same look.

“You’re just getting started Hayley.” Skyler said.

“I know but if..”

“Ah, no buts!” I cut her off “We have to allow ourselves room for mistakes and error when we’re trying something new. You will get there. Give yourself the love you give your art! I don’t wanna hear anymore of that self deprecating bullshit from you! The people love their ghost fish!” I demanded, trying to hide a chuckle. She could be so stubborn! She was starting an online etsy shop for commissions and spreading the word through social media. She had all these fun ideas. She was a great artist. But of course it’s not an easy way to make money. And right now, things were slow. She would get there though! I know she would!

“Have I ever told you how annoying it is when you use your psychoanalysis shit on us?” she deadpanned.

“Everyday but I still do it anyway, and that’s why you love me!” She just laughed.

“Yeah okay buddy. Enough work talk, I lifted a bunch of heavy shit all day and I don’t wanna think about it. I just wanna eat my chips and queso and get drunk with my friends!” She said and scooped another chip through the queso. I laughed and held up my glass

“Cheers to that! Although we all know damn well it’s a Thursday night and we all have to get up early and we drove separately so drunk is relative but yes!” Skyler laughed and clinked her glass with mine.

“Let her have her moment. Cheers to drunk Thursday dinner!” she said.

“Fuck yeah!” Hayley added and added her glass in with ours. We all took a drink and it was quiet for only a second.

“So,” Skyler spoke immediately. “It’s been a week, what's new?”

“Nothing for me, just still considering the offer to go back to school. My job would pay for it. Love life is still dry and I’ve bought like 3 new spicy romance books on my kindle this week!” I said laughing.

“Fun!” Skyler smiled. “Hayley?” She asked and directed her attention across the table.

“I went to Target and spent an obscene amount of money on fall stuff. We have a fall party coming up at work that I volunteered to do face painting for, but that should be fun! Oh there’s this new movie that came out I want you guys to come see with me I was hoping maybe tomorrow night?” she said. I started to agree. But then remembered my conversation with Sy earlier.

“Oh tomorrow night? I can’t. I’m actually busy!” They both looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“Since when are you busy on a friday night?” Hayley asked. Here we go. This is gonna open a whole can of worms. If Jess was good at getting my hopes up about Sy, these two were going to have me down right delusional.

“There’s a football game. I like to support the team.” I said. Skyler snickered and a smirk spread across Hayley’s face.

“You like to support the coach you mean?” Skyler asked.

“That’s not true! I’ve always been a football fan!” I defended myself. Hayley chuckled

“Sure but since when do you go to away games? Isn’t it like 2 hours away?” She raised an eyebrow. I sighed.

“Coach stopped by the office this morning, one of the other teachers that was supposed to chaperone the roadies tomorrow canceled and since he and I are friends he volunteered me to do it. He buttered me up with free coffee this morning and practically begged me to go tomorrow and… I just can’t say no to him. Plus he said he really wants me to be there.” I swirled my wine glass and stared down at it. I knew the looks they were giving me. I heard skyler squeal.

“Shut up! He asked you to come because he wants to spend time with you! Watch, I bet next week he’ll ask you out!” She bounced in her seat.

“He does not! He’s going to be busy with the team! He’s not going to have time to talk to me or anything.” I said taking a big gulp of wine.

“Why else would he say he wants you there though. And clearly you want him to hang out with you. Or you want to hang out with him. Or you wouldn’t have given up your precious Friday night in!” Hayley smirked.

“Okay, so what if I do. He’s not into me like that. He’s just friendly. He’s southern, it's just how he is!” I said, trying to hold onto whatever sanity I had left.

“Really?” Skyler said. “Does he bring anyone else coffee? Ask if he can eat lunch in anyone else’s office?” Hayley but it

“Didn’t he get you a christmas gift last year?” she asked.

“He was my secret santa!” I stated. They both sighed.

“ I don’t know why you can’t see it but he likes you!” Skyler said. I started to object but Hayley cut me off.

“You don’t have to believe us. Just pay attention to how he acts around you tomorrow and the next couple of days. He's trying to make a move. And I know you have your little no coworkers rule,”

“Because if…”

“Ah, I don’t wanna hear it! He’s clearly trying to get your attention. And you work in a public high school it's not like everyone else isn’t hooking up.” She stated.

“She’s got a point, remember all the teachers when we were in school? And he’s not just trying to hook up. He’s playing the long game,” Skyler said. “All we’re saying is IF we’re right,”

“And we are,” Hayley added. Skyler gave her side eye but laughed.

“If he asks you out you should give him a chance. We’ve never met him but it’s clear he’s so into you. And he seems like a great guy. Don’t push him away because something COULD go wrong.” she said. At that point the waiter came up and we placed our order. I also ordered another glass of wine. But a wine buzz wasn’t enough to convince me they were right. Sy couldn’t like me. I wasn’t his type. But it didn’t matter. I will go tomorrow and have a good time watching the game and cheering on the boys and watching Sy in his element. And when it’s all said and done I’ll ride home with the student section and maybe catch the chance to say goodbye to my friend before we leave. And on Monday everything will be as it always has been. Sy and I are friends.

I repeat that to myself as I walk the hall toward the gym after school on Friday. I turned down the hall toward the locker rooms and found his office door open. Sy was leaning back in his desk chair watching the tape from a few weeks ago. He noticed me before I spoke. He paused the video and smiled.

“Hey you! To what do I owe the honor? You never venture down this way?”

“Just coming to double check the plan for tonight! We’re meeting back here at 5:15 and the bus leaves at 5:45?” I asked him. He nodded, running a hand over his beard.

“Yeah, but I was thinking, you got plans for dinner?” He asked and raised an eyebrow.

“Uh I was just gonna run home for dinner, why do you ask?” I leaned against the doorway and crossed my arms over my chest. I watched curiously as he chewed at his bottom lip for a moment.

“I was gonna grab a bite to eat in town before the game. I won’t have time to go all the way home. Do you wanna come with me?” He finally made eye contact with me again and gave me a soft smile.

“Oh um,” I hesitated for a second.

“I’ll buy,” He smirked. I rolled my eyes.

“You don’t have to do that, Sy,” I said softly. He stood up grabbing his keys off the desk.

“I know, I want to.” He smiled and brushed his shoulder against mine as he walked out the door. “Come on, I’ll drive.” I raised an eyebrow

“Driving me to dinner and you’re paying? Sy if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were flirting with me.” the corner of his mouth turned up into a smirk and he stopped walking. He turned toward me and bit his lip trying to hold back a grin.

“Alayna,” He chuckled nervously, “I find it hard to believe after all this time…” He was cut off by a loud whistle down the hallway.

“Well ain’t that a cute couple!” a voice said in a horrible mock southern accent “Get it coach!” One of Sy’s boys called from just outside the weight room. Another one of the football players popped his head out the door to see what was going on and started making kissy sounds with his lips. Sy dropped his chin to his chest and shook his head but his shoulders shook when he chuckled, giving him away. He loved those boys he couldn’t be mad if he wanted to be.

“Tyler you’re already on thin ice don’t make me bench you tonight! You too Matt. Don’t think I forgot about the little stunt you pulled in the parking lot last week!” He gave them a stern look

“Sorry coach!” they said in unison

“It was funny though,” Matt mumbled. Sy shook his head

“Sure, You boys get out of here and get something to eat, I don’t need you passing out on me on the field tonight.” He held Matt’s gaze.

“It was one time!” He stressed.

“And it’s only gonna be one if I can help it. Go eat!” He barked. The boys immediately straightened up and nodded.

“Yes coach!” Logan just chuckled and we kept walking.

“They adore you,” I said. He smiled

“Nah, they just know I’m not kidding’” I laughed.

“Oh come on Sy, you aren’t that mean, or you wouldn’t care so much,” We walked out the back door to the teacher parking lot and headed to his truck. “Hey… what were you saying earlier,” He raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about sugar,” He smirked.

“Sure you don’t cowboy,” I rolled my eyes and hopped up into the truck after he unlocked it. He slid in next to me and started the engine.

“Where do you wanna eat?” He looked over at me and raised an eyebrow. I shrugged.

“Doesn’t matter to me, you’re buying,” I said flatly.

“Sugar,” He threw his arm over the back of the seat, his fingertips brushing my shoulder, as he backed out of the parking spot. He left it there as he pulled out on the road. “Don’t be shy with me, I know you love food darlin. I’ll drive all around town and we’ll starve until you tell me what you want.” I looked over at him just in time to make eye contact before his eyes shifted back toward the road. He shook his head and tried to hide his smirk.

“You are so dramatic,” I teased, trying to play it cool but I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks.

“Oh, I’m dramatic? Weren’t you the one tearing up in her office because of a book you were readin?” He snickered. I reached over and playfully smacked him in the chest.

“Shut up!” I laughed. He held his hand to his chest feigning hurt.

“Ow!” He pouted.

“That did not hurt! I barely hit you!” he side eyed me still pouting but the corners of his mouth started to break into a smile

“Over here committing spousal abuse.” He shook his head. I laughed so hard I snorted.

“We’re not married Sy!”

“You’re my work wife, it's the same damn thing” He chuckled. “Seriously, where do you wanna eat, I’m starving.”

“My god Logan,” I laughed. “Um fine, I haven’t tried that new sushi and ramen place yet!” I said. He almost slammed on the break.

“You haven’t?! That place is right up your alley, all trendy and shit. It’s real good too!”

“You think I’m trendy?” I raised an eyebrow. He looked over for a moment and caught my eye giving me a gentle smile.

“I think you deserve to be taken out to nice places.” And here I was blushing again.

“Sy,” I started but my phone buzzed in my lap distracting me, I wasn’t really sure what to say anyway. It was a group chat with the girls asking me what time we leave tonight. They were going to have a field day with this. And instead of just replying I decided to start a fire. I tapped my screen to open my camera and held it up to take a selfie “Smile, cowboy.” He chuckled.

“What are you doin over there, sugar?” He smirked but glanced over at the camera quickly so I could snap a quick photo.

“Lighting a match.” I smirked. He bit his lip and chuckled softly.

“You’re something else,” He spoke as we pulled into the restaurant. I quickly sent the picture to the group chat and slid my phone into my purse.

Sy was right. This place was incredible. And very trendy.

“God I can’t get over how good this place is!” I said for like the 4th time. Logan smiled.

“I told ya, Darlin,” The waitress came and brought out our bill and I reached for my purse. “Hey, No, I told you, I’m paying.” He said pulling out his wallet and handing his card to the waitress.

“Thank you Sy, I appreciate it,” He grinned.

“Anytime, you deserve it,” I blushed, “ you’re really saving my ass tonight.” I forced a smile, so that’s what this is about. I told the girls this was all just because he needed something.

“It’s no big deal Logan.” I said. I pulled my phone out and checked my messages. There were like 10 from the group chat now.

“OMG YOU'RE WITH HIM?!”

“You didn’t tell us you were getting dinner with him.”

“UNLESS THEIR NOT GETTING DINNER ;)”

“What else would they be….oh”

“Alayna you better not be fucking the football coach right now.”

“Leave her alone Hayley she can fuck him if she wants to BUT IF YOU DO I WANT DETAILS”

“ALAYNAAAAA”

“GIRLLLL ANSWER USSSSS”

“Seriously dude you can’t just send us a picture of you with your hunky football coach man crush and just disappear.”

“OMG THEY’RE TOTALLY FUCKING”

I held back a smile and shook my head.

“It is a big deal,” He said and grabbed my hand across the table. “I’m glad you’re gonna be there tonight.” I smiled but pulled my hand back.

“Sure, because you needed another chaperone.” I joked. His eyebrows furrowed and he tilted his head catching my eye.

“Yeah, but I wanted it to be you, I like hangin out with you. And you’re really fun to watch in the stands. I didn’t know you could be so…aggressive.” He smirked.

“I’m just really passionate about football!” I argued. “And how do you know you like hanging out with me? We've barely seen each other outside of work.” I questioned.

“Well we should change that,” he said.

“Won’t your girlfriend get jealous?” I asked. I knew a lot about him but he never mentioned any relationship. I’d be stupid to think he wasn’t seeing someone. He laughed. God I loved that sound.

“Don’t have one sugar,” He said with a mischievous grin on his face.

“How?” It was my turn to be confused.

“Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” He retorted quickly.

“I … because…” I stuttered, unable to come up with an answer.

“Haven’t found the right guy yet huh?” He pauses, “guess that’s where I’m at, she just ain’t found me yet.” He smiled. Right then the waitress came back with his card. “Thanks honey,” He said, giving her his signature smile. He signed the receipt and stood from the table. “We oughta get going. Don’t wanna be late for the game!”

Sy drove us back to the school and parked his truck next to my car. “Oh no!” I sighed.

“What's wrong?” He asked.

“I was going to grab a sweatshirt when I went home and,” I opened my car, turning on the light to look in the back seat. “I don’t have an extra in my car.” I pouted.

“Is that all?” He chuckled. He reached into the back seat of his truck and pulled out a black hoodie. “Here. I always have an extra in the truck you can wear mine. Don’t want you to catch a cold.” I took it from him tentatively.

“Sy, this is your coach sweatshirt.” I said.

“One of ‘em yeah.” He smiled.

“I…okay,” I just shook my head and pulled the hoodie on. He bit his lip.

“Looks good on ya,” He smirked.

“Shut up,” I rolled my eyes. Before we could continue to tease each other the buses pulled up. And I could see some of the students' cars pulling into the student lot “We’d better head over there!” I said quickly. Logan nodded.

“Yeah, we better get going.”

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