Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sweet Pea was currently sat in last period, watching the clock. The numbers ticked by at a snail’s pace. It seemed to do that on purpose to get on the balloon’s nerves. Not like she really wanted to go home anyway, because that would mean taking the bus. Where Sea would be. And she really didn’t want to see her right now. Something twisted her gut at the thought of it. The way she shoved her away, the anger in her eyes, the way she spoke made the brunette wanna cry. And all over the boy she beloved. Strawberry saved her from his friends when they jumped her. He drove her home and back to school the next day. He’s not like his friends, he’s better than them. So why did Sea call him a threat? Why?

“Hey,” Some kid whispered from behind her, “Do you have the answer for number 9?”

The balloon clenched her fists before glancing down at her paper. She had the answer, but wasn’t in the mood to give it.

“No.” Sweet Pea whispered back.

The kid grumbled annoyed and huffed quietly.

“Come on. You always have the answers!” He whined.

“You can do it yourself. I’m not feeling well today.” She stated, trying to sound calm.

Her shoulders shook and breath came out shallow. Another exasperated sigh as the guy fumed behind her.

“Please?!” He pleaded, “I’ll do you a favor!”

“And what is that favor?” The brunette snarled.

“I have all the main’s phone numbers. Tell me which you want in exchange for the answer.” The kid bargained, clearly desperate for this answer.

Now, Sweet Pea considered herself to be pretty academically honest. She’d never shared answers, copied homework, and all the work she’s turned in was her own. But the second this kid brought up how he has all the popular kids’ numbers… that made her risk her clean academic record. Especially at a time like this. She forgot to mention how the class was taking a test that day, one that was kinda weighty in the grade book. Being caught cheating could end in a detention and a zero. But on the other hand was the chance of her getting Strawberry’s number. And she’s beat a jaguar in a race just to have him. So despite pleads from reason, she took the deal.

“7, now what’s Strawberry’s number.” Sweet Pea whispered very quietly.

The kid ripped a small piece from his scrap paper and scribbled the number. He waited until the teacher was staring at his phone before he slipped it into her loose curls. She shot him a glare and grabbed the note, hands shaking at the content.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

“No problem.” He smirked before writing on the test again.

The balloon went back to her test after shoving the note into her hoodie pocket. She made a mental note that this was just this once, only for a lucky opponent, and to never do this again. It was just too dangerous. She needed a clean record to get into an Ivy League college. And this, this could’ve fucked it up. Never again. Never again.

— — — — — —

Twenty minutes before the bell, the brunette went to the bathroom. She limped all the way there with constant paranoia that eyes were on her. Like everyone was judging her every breath. Her legs nearly gave out before she made it into the door. The bathroom seemed to echo her every footstep. She dragged herself into the last stall, collapsing onto the toilet.

“Oh god, what I’d do for this boy…” Sweet Pea groaned to herself.

Her fingers shook as they pulled out the note. They hesitated to unfold it, just cradling the paper like it had the secrets to love. And in some ways it did. It had her crush’s phone number scribbled in, the key to his heart right there. And fuck was the balloon desperate for it. Her heart was breaking her ribs with how fast it was beating. Every breath hung in the air, shallow and filled with fear. Her hands shook so much she could barely hold the thing. After a shaky deep breath, she opened the note.

“732-492-2069…” She read aloud.

The numbers felt heavy on her tongue, hanging in the air like a vow.

“Oh my god.” She whispered again, fumbling to grab her phone.

With a bit of struggle, she managed to grab it. She went to her contacts and typed the number in with her heart in her ears. The contact photo tripped her up bad. She knew she’d never be able to capture his beauty in one photo. So she’d just put a photo of her favorite flower: a forget-me-not. Even if it was a little childish, it felt special. Little giggles left her mouth as she made his contact. The only thing left to do was send the first text. She froze right then, mind going blank.

“Um… what do I do.” The balloon asked.

Her head felt like it was ready to burst. Each and every second felt like an eternity of longing. Her heart reached out towards the phone through her fingers, typing before her brain was ready.

Hi Strawberry, this is Louise. -SP

The brunette breathed a sigh of relief at the thankfully not too embarrassing text. But then text bubbles came immediately after.

Oh! Hi Louise! Are you taking the bus today? -S

That was unexpected. She figured that he’d never use his phone during school. But it was a little nice to know he’d answer so quickly. And the bus situation… yeah. No.

No. -SP

Well, can I take you home after school? -S

Why of course! -SP

The brunette could literally feel her face going bright red. She didn’t even think about the implications with Sea or Bruiser. She just accepted. After all why shouldn’t she? She has free will and Sea already proven she didn’t care about her.

Great! See you after school! -S

See you then! -SP

The brunette’s heart was ready to erupt. Blush shot across her face and glazed her eyes. Holy shit, holy shit. She could barely sit still, bouncing with excitement. Pure joy shot through her veins. Finally! Finally a few steps closer to the berry! Maybe she could be his girlfriend one day! Maybe even wife, but that was too far for now. She’s just be happy that she’s got his phone number. The balloon was practically floating as she skipped back to class. Her eyes sparkled with love throughout the rest of class, far happier than before.