Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A young boy was lying on the beach, looking like he was swept up by the waves. It was dawn, and he looked freezing and hurt. When he awoke, a human was standing above him. The first thing he felt was immense pain like his spine had been ripped in half. As the pain went through his body, he could only watch and choke on nothing as the human got closer.

He tried to grasp at his surroundings as much as he could, cold and dry sand in between his fingers. The water only reached new unfamiliar limbs. He really wasn’t in the ocean anymore.

He had been abandoned.

But that wasn't fair. It wasn't his fault, he hadn't meant to hesitate, it was a mistake. He wasn't weak. He didn't need to be here, he needed to get back.

The human had picked him up and wrapped something soft around him while he had been distracted, he’d panicked, but then it said something.
“I’ll help you okay? You’ll be back home before you know it.”
He needed to prove he deserved to go back. Maybe the human could help. It looked at him with longing. He could feel the want to help and take care of him.

“Sorry… mom, i lost you”
The word ‘mom’ felt weird, but his song had worked, of course. The wordless melody entered her mind as her eyes got hazy and she then looked at him with newfound recognition, pulling him closer.
“Don't apologize, I should have never left you here. Lets go home sweetheart”
He let his ‘mom’ take him away from the ocean, his real home, with the full intent to come back once he had proved himself capable.

☆

The alarm shook him from his dream, and he groaned. Another school day. Oh well, he always gets ready pretty quick, and before he knew it he could already see the entrance to his high school. His friends were standing nearby, Henry and Liam arguing about something while Drew was standing beside them looking at his phone trying to ignore them.

“ Sup guys! “
Drew turned with a slight smile on his face, happy to have someone he can brag to about getting that Lunibox earl- huh, good for him, must be nice having rich parents.

"Jake, back me up here! Tell Liam that Stacy is WAY hotter than her mom!”
"Uhhh...What??” He'd been snapped out of his thoughts by Henry, having been too focused on what Drew had wanted to say to focus on them.

He wasn't sure how to process or answer that question, so he just stared in confusion for a while until Drew talking to him brought back his attention.
He was bragging about that Lunibox and Jake muttered his earlier thoughts about it with a slight envy when Drew suddenly learned in and mock-whispered something.

It drew his attention to Daisy walking past, she waved and greeted him while he tried to respond back flustered. He wasn't sure he liked having a crush on Daisy, it helped make him feel like he fit in more but he always felt a bit of shame every time he saw her.

“Bro! You are so obvious, just ask her out already!” Liam’s voice made him turn around, as he was trying to not get caught up in his thoughts again. “Before i get there first” The joke made him scoff for a second.

“Fat chance. And i will! Im just, waiting for the right moment” he didn't think there ever would be a right moment, he knew Daisy wouldn't say yes, even if she would reject him as kindly as possible to not hurt his feelings. It's what he liked about her, even with all her stress of head girl duties and parental pressure she truly wants to help others in any way she can, she was so human, yet not at all.
“You’ve been waiting for the ‘right moment’ for years!”

“Just admit it, you’re a chicken!”
Henry started making mocking chicken noises and he was getting embarrassed by this quickly.

“Oh shut up” He knew none of them thought she’d ever say yes if he ever actually asked her out, not like it would be nice to say that when it hasn’t actually happened yet. Although they were right. Drew then noticed someone walking behind Jake, Hailey and Zander. Jake sighed a bit internally, he had hoped they wouldn't run into each other today, at least for a little while.

“Oh look, it’s the music freak duo”
Hailey looked immediately upset at Drew, it’s good her sarcastic exterior keeps her from taking it more personal and getting hurt more. Henry added another insult that was more teasing than anything before Hailey did her best to distance herself with assembly facts that, while mostly true, never really worked at stopping anything.

“Oh look, it's the monkeys who have nothing better to do than to look down on others because it's the only way they deal with their daddy issues” Does not really having parents also mean you have daddy issues? He doesn't think so. They ‘bantered’ a bit back and forth until it seemed he'd pushed her buttons a little too much.

“Why don’t you just admit that, deep down, you're just a very jealous boy who wishes he had half of our music talent. Have fun achieving nothing with your life” She walked away with a satisfied smile, as if she knew anything.

It made him angry. She didn't know what she was talking about. A voice was a weapon she could never know how to wield. Sure she was good at singing, but he was better. A prodigy. But that hadn't helped him like it was supposed to. He was still weak, even now, as weak as every other human. Couldn’t even hear the ocean.

“Whatever, music freak!”
There was a bit more venom in the words than he’d wanted. He needed to stop thinking like that, he needed to relax. This was his new life for a reason, he couldn't go back, trying would only make it worse. He could only accept his weakness. The bell rang, and he pushed his thoughts aside once again, wanting to forget about his past and try to enjoy this new life.

Chapter Text

He'd gone to the rooftop right after class, it was a good place to think since people rarely came up there. He was pretty sure most people forget there was access to the rooftop in the first place, but it was good for him. He’d wanted to have a moment alone with his thoughts, wanting to figure out his feelings about the current biggest problem he had. He did really have a passion for singing that wasn't just as a weapon.

At least part of him wanted to, because if he could start seeing it as just a hobby like the music club, maybe he would be able to fit in. But the music club didn't fit in, so a much larger part of him rejected the idea because anything involving becoming closer to the music freaks wouldn't help him.

But ignoring that small part of him sometimes seemed to help at all. No matter how he tried to tell himself that he was human now, their voice wasn't as important to them, they relied on other things to survive, he was still worried about it, which only got harder to ignore.

He’d started singing a song he’d written for moments like these, trying to show himself a more clear image of his wants that would maybe help. Using his voice on himself was different than with other things, he was mostly just creating illusions of whatever he wanted, a lot like daydreaming really.

He got interrupted when the image he had conjured abruptly changed into the dream of a familiar white-haired girl. He immediately stopped singing and turned around to see Daisy briefly having a hazy look in her eyes. She snapped out of it and seemed briefly confused, then she started clapping excitedly.
“Wow Jake, you’re an amazing singer! Why did I not know that before?”

He was thrown off guard by her being here, and the brief fear he felt when he saw her hazy eyes. So he could only respond rather nervously.

“Uhh, i don't.. really sing, i mean i can sing! Just don't sing very often, y’know”
He chuckled awkwardly for a bit.
“Why? You sing like an angel!”

It would have been weird if she hadn't thought that since he was literally made to sound ‘angelic’ to anyone who hears his voice, but the compliment still made him flustered. He really hadn't sung in front of others for a long time, this whole situation was really embarrassing. But also a reminder of his current problem, ironically.

“Hey, you should join the music club! They’re looking for new talent right now. You’d be perfect!”

Daisy’s want to help always made him feel better, but he hadn't wanted to make a choice on his problem when he came up here so he felt a little cornered.

“Oh, I don't know about that..’

The small part of him that wanted to say yes felt all sorts of wrong, and not just because of what others here would think. Even if he was still conflicted about ignoring it.

“But Jake, it would be such a shame for your talent to go to waste; I would’ve loved to see you perform on stage for the competition”

Daisy looked pleadingly at him, really thinking that joining the music club would be good for him. Maybe she was right, she always knew everything about this world, if she thought that learning to sing purely because he enjoyed it would help. Maybe it would be worth a shot, he’d try his best, for her.

“... I'll join’’

Daisy, oblivious to his dilemma, just smiled happily.
“That's great! They’re practicing after school today. Here, have a spare leaflet” She handed him one of the flyers the club had undoubtedly been hanging around the school, although he hadn't seen the poster before.

“Thanks Daisy, will you… be coming too?”
He wanted a bit of support to lean on, at least two of the club members wouldn't really want him there, and it would be nice to have someone to maybe ‘vouch’ for his sincerity.

But Daisy looked a bit shamefully off to the side, and he knew she wasn't. Not a big surprise really, she’s always busy with something. Before she could say anything, he just told her not to be worried about it and that he was fine on his own. She still clearly felt she couldn't be of more help, but was just as clearly grateful he seemed to really be in a better mood.

“I'll promise to try and swing by every now and then”

He waved goodbye to her as she left. The fear and nervousness was starting to sink in again, this really felt like he was ignoring the most basic of lessons. Treating a weapon like a toy always ended badly. But his voice wasn't meant to be used that way anymore, he needed to learn how to not see it that way. Because he had only ever proven he could never handle a weapon.

⁠☆

He seemed to have walked into an argument. A shorter pink-haired girl who apparently had the exact opposite taste in music that Zander had, going simply by their outspoken words for once. He wasn't exactly sure how to announce his presence so he threw out a sarcastic remark out of habit. Hailey rolled her eyes and asked what the hell he was doing here, thinking he came here to make fun of them. Which, fair enough. He kind of already did.
“Actually, I came to audition”

A guy in the back, apparently named Sean,who he was pretty sure was a year older than the others, or just more mature, answered first.

"Oh, finally! We’ve been waiting for someone to audition-”
He was interrupted by Hailey, who clearly thought this was just him trying to bully them again in a place that was very personal to her, so she was more hurt and angrier than usual.
“Is that supposed to be a joke? Are you and your friends just trying to waste our time because you have nothing better to do with your lives?”
He had expected the backlash, but it still hurt a little even if she had no reason to think that it wasn't true.

“No, it isn’t a joke! I'm here to sing.”
He wanted to try this, even just to see if it really would help to adopt their mindset. Hailey looked confused, she didn't think that a guy who looked down on them because of their musical interest wanted to sing of all things. The shorter girl, who might be named Milly? Or that's just a nickname, that had argued with Zander earlier and seemed confused by the whole interaction.

“Er… is this a classmate of yours or something?”
Zander snapped out of his confusion and his annoyance returned.
“Yeah he’s a classmate, and he’s also a massive douchebag. Get. Out.”

Ouch, he really does have trust issues. It was fair enough, but he really wasn't trying to hurt them in any way. Besides, didn't they want a singer for the competition? Hailey wasn't going to magically get over her stage fright. Although he probably should have let it go and just seen it as a sign that he would never get their way of thinking, he didn't want to just give up.

“Look, I'm sorry for being a jerk, but won't you just hear me out first? I swear im good”
Zander smiled smugly, thinking he’s got a way to get Jake to make his ‘plan’ backfire.
“Well, if you think you have what it takes, then step right up.”

Hailey looked shocked at her brother, while Jake smiled, he’ll be shocked when he realizes Jake can actually sing. It won't magically make Zander trust him, but maybe he’ll warm up one day. As Zander and Sean started playing, he took a deep breath. He needed to just focus on the sound of the music and his own voice, not the people around him. It would make him think of how he could influence them, and that wasn't why he was doing this.

His singing started slow, as he was trying to warm up, making his own little bubble. He got gradually more into it. He still couldn’t help but not notice the everyone around him and the way the lyrics influenced their emotions, even just making them slightly more relaxed than usual.

Despite failing slightly, it was fun, just singing. It's not like he’d meant to anyway. When the song ended, it was clear everyone had loved it. Obviously, although when the others mentioned wanting him to join, Zander still disagreed with now mild but resolute annoyance.

“Hey, c'mon. Shouldn’t we give him a chance, Zander? He’s a great singer, and he seems like he's passionate about singing.”

Luke seemed nice, although Jake didn't think his passion for singing is the kind he meant he appreciated his words anyhow. Zander left, it would definitely take him a while to ever accept him. If he ever did anyway.

Hailey came up to him shortly after, telling him he was allowed to join. She had valid worries and demands, her music and friends were important to her. He did admire her ability to chase her dreams and not give up easily, he didn't want to take that from her.

When she’d left to go after Zander like Luke had, Sean introduced himself and the other members with information he'd already gathered as they’d been here, but he appreciated the confirmation, not everyone’s feelings and thoughts match exactly. It always made him get little details wrong. He smiled at Sean, maybe this would go well.

Chapter Text

He had been on the edge of the playground, crouched over watching a bird trying to eat a tiny frog. The frog was somehow dodging all the birds' attempt at grabbing it, it was like one of those hammer games he’d seen at the fair. He was having fun practicing. Animals' wants had been a bit hard to grasp at first, their mind was so different from him and humans, but once he understood their need of survival it was much easier.

He felt much more kinship to them than the humans, they always wanted such useless things. A new toy, a guitar, their parents to watch shows with them, to be known by everyone. Stuff that he doesn't think would ever help. While he was in his thoughts, humming a tune, watching the bird try desperately to get the food it needed, the elementary teacher came up to him.
“Hello Jake! Are you having fun?”

All the small moments of contentment he has were always getting ruined by those human voices. He stopped humming and looked up at the woman, the scene of the two animals stopping abruptly. The teacher hadn't even noticed the animals, so she didn't pause.

“I noticed your singing while out here, have you considered joining the school talent show?”

A weird thing to ask, definitely an attempt at getting him to participate and interact with other kids more. He’d been intentionally alone, hating all these weak humans and that he’d been abandoned to live with them like he was just like them. Although it could be helpful, he loved any opportunity to sing. Besides he hasn't seen how well his voice would work in a large crowd yet.

“Yeah, i’d wanna do that”

☆

He was walking to his first music club meeting, ten minutes later than he should have been there. He’d gotten caught up trying to explain why he joined the music club to his friends, explaining how Daisy had convinced him. He also said he was planning on confessing to her which… he wasn't. But they didn't need to know the exact details of what about Daisy recommending it convinced him, besides if he didn't already know Daisy would reject him he probably would have! So really it would just be confusing if he didn't tell them that.

When he walked into the club room, Zander seemed busy arguing with the rest why it was a terrible idea to let him join their club, not surprising. He’d hoped maybe he would be at least somewhat okay with it, but his singing hadn't convinced anyone that’s all he wanted to do. Maybe he should have thought about that. No, that was a waste, he can convince them as simply Jake Sterling.

“Uh… did I come at a bad time?”
They hadn't noticed him yet, so he might as well announce himself.
“You're late. I thought I told you practice was at 12:30 sharp.”
Hailey was as punctual as ever apparently. Guess he has to make something up, they don't need to know about his conversation with the guys, it would just make them misinterpret it.
“Oh right, my bad. You know how bad the line is in the cafeteria!”
The line was a little longer, it could have just as well been that. Hailey was definitely still a little annoyed though.
"Uh Huh.”

Zander seemed to take his lateness as yet another sign of how little Jake apparently cared. He knew why he thought like this but it still got him upset that this was another thing he had to worry about.
“See what I mean? He can’t even take rehearsals seriously. He probably won't even show up for the competition. “
That was just offensive, implying he wasn't going to try just because he had no passion for it. He would never be that careless and stupid, even if the consequences wouldn't be fatal here.
“I was only 10 minutes late, look i promise i won’t be late again, it was an accident”
He was speaking to Hailey now, Zander wasn't going to believe him anyway.
He really hates my guts, huh? Sean thankfully interrupted them.

“... I think I found the perfect beat for our performance! You guys wanna hear it?” Milly, who had sat herself on the table near Sean to avoid Zander's pessimism, rolled her eyes and scoffed.
“Obviously! Dj, Hit that track!”
The melody played, and it sounded great. He already wondered what the lyrics were gonna be, and how the final product would turn out. Just what feeling he wanted to induce that would fit the song, what dreams he would see of everyone while he sang. He wondered if he would be friends with them by then, he hoped they wouldn't regret giving him a chance.

Finding the same passion and joy they get from music is something a part of him wanted. Sean stopped the song, and asked for feedback. Hailey was first to respond
“Sounds great Sean!”
Milly suddenly jumped off the table and grabbed her guitar
“Nice! Now i can finally try making a guitar riffs for thing."

“And i can't wait to practice on my baby again” Luke looked lovingly at his drumset. Okay, Jake didn't want to be that into music, he’d stick to his voice. But on the topic of the song…

“So, how do we go about making a song?”
He knew Hailey had written her own songs in her notebook, like he used to, but for very different reasons. He wondered how they did it in the music club now.

“Well, now that I've found a beat, I can play around with the melody, add everyone's instruments into the mix, and then you can write the lyrics for the song!” He imagined how all their different dreams would be displayed in the song. The Music Club as a melody. He briefly worried he would lose focus if he ended up feeling everything the whole club would be, he had always been easily overwhelmed when their had strong emotions. But that wouldn't happen, he’d get used to their feelings by the time of the competition.
“I’m usually the songwriter, so we can work on that together. Once we have a song written you can practice with Zander on the piano!” That wouldn't be met well.

“Him, practice with me? I’m not going to waste my valuable time on him.”
“Zander…” He couldn't blame her for hoping Zander would stop being stubborn, for the sake of the competition at least. He found it a bit funny that those words almost made him seem hypocritical.
“I thought you told me to take this competition seriously?” he might’ve also just wanted to mock him a bit for his earlier statement, it was petty but he wasn't about to get insulted by Zander’s ‘daddy issues’ that got him all defensive. He obviously got upset, but Jake didn't care to listen to his words, he was definitely being a bit dramatic anyway.

“What? Ignoring me? Fine, act smug all you want. You know, you’re not as clever as you think you are, i see right through you and your ‘passion’ ”
He doesn't know anything, he was trying to have passion, he wanted them to succeed. But Zander was just blind. He was almost about to just call him out for his insecurities to knock him down a peg or two, but Hailey stepped in first. “Zander, stop. You’re being unreasonable, he hasn't done anything yet to show he doesn't care for music and just wants to embarrass us. If he does, we’ll kick him out immediately. Just.. try and calm down?” At least that seemed to make Zander back down, although he still left the clubroom with annoyance. After a moment of silence Milly spoke up. “Well.. that was pretty dramatic wasn't it?” Milly didn’t get any answers, and she probably didn’t want any. But it did get everyone out of their stupor. Hailey sighed.
“Sorry about that, he can get dramatic, but can you blame him for not trusting you? You and your friends have given us both a difficult time for liking music” “I know, I don't blame him, I just don't know how I can get him to trust me. Isn't he your brother? Shouldn't you know?”
Hailey looked a little surprised he knew that, not thinking he paid attention to them beyond when he was bullying them. Which, he didn't really, it was just easy to pick up on when he was near them. Before she could answer the school bell went off. Practice was over now it seemed.
“I should go look for Zander, maybe another time” Hailey gave a brief slightly apologetic look at him as she left. She seems to think there was more to him than she thought, and he really could be trying. It was nice to be appreciated. As the others left too, Luke went up to him for a talk. He was Zander's childhood best friend, and while a nice guy, was pretty protective of Zander, so he wasn't entirely sure this wouldn't end in a vague threat even if he was being understanding.

☆

And that was exactly what happened, he might've deserved it. He was a little harsh on Zander, maybe even outwardly. While he was contemplating how to get Zander to trust him standing by his locker, Daisy came up to him.
“Having a bad day?”
He jumped up a bit in surprise, then immediately recovered before he blurted out anything. He really should get better at not filtering out outside thoughts completely. But it was hard to practice those things.
“… Daisy! Hi!”
She chuckled a bit, definitely still having noticed the brief shock on his face.
“Sorry, did I scare you?”
This was always embarrassing, he shouldn't be able to be so easily snuck up on. Of course, even if they had harmful intentions he could easily overpower humans by purely being stronger than them. But he didn't need to do that, this was a high school where normal people don’t try to fight others for no reason.

“... Jake?”
Daisy looked a little worried she might have really scared him, which wasn't good.
“Oh! Um, sorry Daisy, still a bit shell-shocked i guess” he laughed a hopefully not too nervous laugh until Daisy seemed relieved.

“So! How did your audition go yesterday? Did you get the part?”

“Of course i did”
He shot a confident smile, he really needed to stop thinking like that, he needed to let himself be human.

“That's great! Congratulations!” Daisy hugged him and he returned it. She was really happy for him, happy to have helped him hopefully find something to make him happy. He hoped it would, so he could finally leave it behind. But he might have to focus on gaining their trust if he doesn't want to get kicked out.

Daisy let go.”I can't wait to see your performance on stage! How has practice gone so far?” She could definitely help him.
“Oh, you know… Not well”
She looked a little sad.
“What do you mean?”

“Well,uh… Let’s just say I’m not exactly welcome by a few of the members” He also just wanted to talk about it and be annoyed with someone that wouldn’t wonder why he was even upset. Daisy always had a good perspective too.

“Oh, that's a shame… Well, it might take them a while to warm up to you. I’m sure they’ll treat you like family soon.” But always trying to see positives wasn't something he could do.

“I doubt it. I just wish there was something I could do to show them that I do care about this band competition.” Still, she could always figure something out.

“Hmm… Hey, I have an idea! How about you try getting them more support?” He went through her thoughts on instinct to find out what she meant. The members of the club weren't really liked or popular in any way (well, Milly’s fights were her own thing), so it made sense that no one knew about the competition, that really could help them. He could easily convince the other students to come.
“Like advertising for the competition and club? That could help! Thank you Daisy, you're amazing!” She blushed, a little surprised by the sudden praise.

“Oh, well… I know you’ll do great! Oh, I gotta get to my student council meeting now, good luck!” She walked away waving goodbye, and he waved back.

Convincing everyone would be easy, he didn't even need to use his voice, although it couldn't hurt. He just needed to talk to them briefly, and he could get them to spread the word for them. All while seeing and knowing their deepest wants and feelings, feel and want that too for a brief second. It brought back thoughts of something he wanted to forget.

He was regretting this a little, he hadn't had these feelings as often before. Well, that wasn't really true, they just used to be easier to ignore. It had been something that was always in the back of his mind, guiding every new choice he took to be someone different than the one he was. But the ocean was still silent, never answering his prayers, and he still felt that caving guilt. But maybe when this was all over, he’d never think of it again.

He should go promote the club. He knew just who to talk to.

☆

Lia and Zoey were sort of friends of his, although the only reason they talked at all was because Zoey was dating Drew who she would never approach if he couldn't always buy her whatever she wanted. He could have been closer to Lia, but the flirting always made it awkward, in Lia’s mind they were similar, and maybe if he was really human they would be. Nonetheless, her liking him would help him in this case.

“Good morning girls!”

“Oh, good morning Jake!” Lia blushed, he did want to be closer friends with her, but that was something he’d given up on a while back.
“Uh, good morning to you too?” Zoey immediately knew he came for something, it’s what she does, and they were unfortunately similar in a few ways.

“... What’s with the look?”
It couldn't hurt to act a little clueless, just for fun. Although Zoey didn't seem to care for his feigned confusion that much.
“Well, you don’t usually come up to us so casually just to say good morning to us. You clearly want something.” She had an amused smile on her face, wondering what it was he wanted.

“Wow, I can't believe you’d think that of me, I thought we were friends.” He shook his head as he spoke in an exaggerated tone , Zoey just rolled her eyes as Lia looked expectantly at him.
“Just tell us what it is”
He smiled and decided he should probably stop with the teasing for now.
“If you insist. I just want everyone to know about this.” He showed them the poster for the band competition, and they looked at it with confusion.

“The band competition? But why?” Lia understandably questioned, it did seem weird of him to care about something like that. But once she knew why, she’d definitely help him out.
“Don’t you know? I'm the lead singer.” This would still be a little shocking, he had never shown any musical interest.

“You’re singing in a band!?” Although Zoey seemed way more shocked, she has always associated band and singing with all the ‘losers’ of the school, and while she definitely thought he was a little annoying he was objectively a popular guy. Not someone she would expect to have such a hobby.

Their conversation continued, and Lia eventually got everyone in the school to know about the competition with a click. It was a good idea to ask for help, much faster and easier than if he had done it himself.

☆

He had been busy talking to some girls that had come into the club room, when Hailey and Zander came up to him. He had actually noticed them walk in, their confusion and distrust over what was going on. At least everyone else in the club was happy about it .
“Jake, can we talk? Outside?”

“Sure” When he tells them what happened, they’ll definitely appreciate it. Hopefully Zander isn’t that stubborn.
When he got out of the clubroom, Hailey and Zander were waiting for him, it felt strangely a lot like when his mom had given him all those talks about how he should talk to others. She couldn’t understand why he had hated being around his peers, he doesn't like thinking about what she’d do if she ever knew the reason.
“Care to explain why the music club is filled with people?” Hailey wasn't that distrusting of him at least.
“And why people are suddenly coming up to us about the competition?”
Well, it seemed he just had to live with Zander not trusting him. At least after he explained why Hailey was happy about it. And Zander could at least see that this was a help, and he even apologized! It was nice to see his efforts weren't in vain. Someone’s misuse of the piano got Zander back into the clubroom and he had a small talk with Hailey. She was thanking him for his help, and while they talked he glimpsed at her dreams.

Her dreams were nice. Being with close friends and sharing a passion, showing yourself to the world and not being outcasted but loved for your passion. The image of her and the rest of the music club as music stars seemed so nice, he found himself wanting to be included in her dream, as someone she trusts.

Chapter Text

It was his first day in middle school. He had been sitting on a bench at recess away from the others, writing ideas for songs in his notebook. While using his voice didn't require lyrics, it was simply a melody in the back of the victims mind they would always be able to hear no matter what other noise there was, humans thought of songs as an entertaining way to feel an emotion of theirs, and it really was the easiest way to manipulate their emotions, and make them feel just the right thing.

While he was writing, a boy that had been in the same room as him earlier came up to him and snatched the notebook out of his hands, two others as backup beside him. Seemed the glare he’d given him wasn't enough to scare him away. The boy looked at the lyrics he had been writing and laughed.
“You gotta be stupid if you think this will get you anywhere”

He wondered why the boy was bothering him, Jake could feel his jealousy over him having been used as an example for good behaviour when the boy was being loud in class. He had always been a troublemaker, and even his parents constantly compared him to his older brother that had never been that disruptive. It was hilarious that he continued to disappoint his parents in his attempts to act like he didn't want their approval. He actually laughed over the boy’s stupidity. The three boys stopped smiling and looked freaked out, others nearby had also started looking at the scene.

“Hell are you laughing? Weirdo.”
He looked up at him with a large grin on his face, it was too funny.
“What do you laugh at? Not when you see something funny? What, do you laugh and be loud to get the attention you desperately want? Come on, you know that's why they're disappointed in you.”
The two others looked at the boy with confusion, and then at him with more fear as they saw the boy's expression. How he knew who Jake was referring to, and how true it was that he felt those things. He threw the notebook at him and while obviously sweating and fear in his eyes all he could say was:
“Freak.”
The two others followed him as well, avoiding all the eyes that had landed on them, but the eyes mostly watched Jake sitting on the bench with an amused smile as he continued with his writing.

☆

He had been listening to some music when walking into school the next day, when he noticed a group of people running past him. A weird thing to see in the hallway, so he turned off his headphones. When he noticed a specific trio running off as well, he knew it was the “Pink-haired Devil” who had gotten into a fight. He wondered what Milly would think if she knew people admired her just as much as they avoided her. Her ego might get a little too big, best not to mention anything.

Guess he had to make his way between a crowd to get to class today, hopefully he wouldn't be late. But when he saw that Milly had pushed Zoey to the floor and was pulling her hair, angry she took something from her, he felt the need to step in. Not just to figure out what it was all about, he also wanted to stop the fight. This wasn't going to end well for either of them if it didn't. When he had run up to them, he had tried to hoist up Milly and get her off the floor, but she was resisting too much and he couldn't get her to move.

He struggled, despite his superior strength, which made him instinctively do something he shouldn't have.
“Stop!” He hissed it so low she barely heard it, but it was enough for Milly’s eyes to get hazy and her body to go limp. Guilt seemed in. He quickly got her off the floor, trying to make sure no one would notice Milly acting weird, and let the melody stop as soon as he let go of her. She then punched him in the face.

“Ow!”
Milly looked puzzled at being up from the floor, she then concluded that Jake had just pulled her up fast. Bringing down her fists, she looked a little awkward averting her eyes.
“...Sorry, it’s a reflex. I just don't like being manhandled, you know?”
He was still reeling a bit from the sudden pain and the black eye he was about to get.
“I know that now”
He tried to get a look at what it was that made her so upset at Zoey, but all he got was something about her diary before Zoey got him distracted. Drew had showed up and asked her if she was hurt. She was dramatizing the whole thing, but people had their rights to the theatrics he supposed. It definitely still hurt her.

But Milly seemed to be an avid hater of acting, before Milly could start a fight again, Luke grabbed her arm gently and she stopped with a roll of her eyes. The other members of the music club had appeared and he decided to simply watch as Zoey and Milly continued their argument.

But it didn't continue long as he saw the history teacher Ms. Jones stepping in and scolding Milly, ending with telling her she couldn't participate in the band competition if the fighting continued. That wasn't good, he really should figure out what sort of secret she doesn't want anyone to know. He also felt bad for using his song on her, it always got him a little sick if he made someone do something they were actively fighting against.

☆

They had gone to the library that class as they had been assigned to find a book to read. Everyone went off to find a book, or in Lia and Zoey’s case, gossip. This was a perfect time to do some old-fashioned eavesdropping, he went behind the nearest bookshelf as he heard them about Milly. They mentioned an embarrassing crush. He knew Milly had a crush on Elliot, the Gardening club’s socially anxious president. It had been surprising enough for him to remember it when catching a glimpse of all the students' thoughts and feelings when he walked in the halls. Opposites attract he supposed.

Before he could get more info, he saw Hailey walking towards him without noticing him. She was also here to eavesdrop it seemed. She did notice him when she got closer obviously, and seemed surprised.
“What are you doing here?” She was whispering to not draw attention, but there was still a harshness to her voice although she sounded mostly surprised.

“Wh- I’m trying to figure out what Zoey has on Milly” And he basically already had it, he was pretty sure that what Zoey took must have been a page from her diary or a love letter, some proof of who Milly's crush was, embarrassing and even humiliating for Milly if the school found out. Not sure it was something to fistfight her over, especially when risking expulsion, she really did have a short fuse.

“Well, that's what I’m trying to do!” Before their conversation could continue, someone who always managed to catch him off guard interrupted them.
“Um… I need to get a book between the two of you. Can you move?”
They let Sadie get between them with a nervous sweat, she really could scare people. She just looked creepy, with her long filtered black hair, victorian styled dress and straight face. He could feel her emotions and read her thoughts, knew she was just a normal quiet girl with a simple interest in old fashion styles that was avoided by everyone. He had a similar reputation to her in middle school, but that was because he threatened his would-be bullies with knowing their secrets, leaving everyone to be scared of him. She didn't do anything to deserve her reputation.

When she left, Hailey sighed.
“Seems we had the same idea, huh?”
He shouldn't have been too surprised, it was obvious she wanted to help her even if Milly had said she should stay out of it.
“Sure does, it seems like they know something about a crush of hers.”
Hailey then got a determined look on her face.
“I'm going to confront them myself.”
She started walking towards Lia and Zoey, but he grabbed her hand before they could see her. He didn't think they would listen to her, and he had a plan that he was sure was going to work.

“Wh-” Her feelings of embarrassment over the casual touch was a little overwhelming, and he let go quickly in mirrored embarrassment. He then cleared his throat.
“I have a plan that I think is going to work. Will you trust me?”
She didn't even hesitate.
“Sure, go ahead, I'll wait here.” She smiled at him, and he felt happy that she was trusting him with this.

“Hey girls! Whatcha talking about?”
Zoey immediately looked distrustful, as always, but Lia greeted him normally.
“Oh, hi Jake! Not much~”

“None of your business, why?” It was almost like she could tell he’d been eavesdropping, he definitely didn't do a good job at being inconspicuous.
“Well… I just happened to overhear something about somebody 's crush. Thought you might share the gossip.”
He did that with them sometimes, it was fun to talk about simple stuff like that sometimes, and they liked sharing it. Zoey immediately let go of her distrust, seeing that that's all he wanted.
“Well, if you're so interested… you know that little rat Milly from this morning, the one that yanked half of my hair out?”

“Yes… i remember” I have a black eye from her if you hadn't noticed

“Well, i may or may not have taken her diary and found some juicy information about her crush.” She held out a page of what was most definitely Milly's diary page describing her crush on Elliot.
Knew i was right
It was satisfying to know he still had great perception skills. Also to know why Milly was upset.

“I even have a page ripped out as proof”
Well, he should get back that page now. There was a way for him to convince Zoey to give it back without his voice, but he knew she’d try and get back at him if he tried blackmailing her with the fact she was cheating on Drew. Besides, she could always find some other gossip to spread, there were enough people with crushes they’d be embarrassed about at this school.
And he was doing this to help Milly, it wasn't hurting anyone, it was a tool as much as a weapon, and he was using it as a tool.

“You can just give me the page, I'm sure there's tons of other gossip to talk about. And you can just forget this interaction happened. ”
The melody wormed its way into the three girls' minds, Hailey would definitely have questions if they just gave him the page so he would just make her mind fill out the blanks on how he’d gotten it and let Zoey think she had simply lost the page. Their eyes became hazy, and he looked away from them. Zoey handed him the page and he walked back to Hailey, who he saw snap out of the haze.

“Mission success"
He still felt a bit of guilt over it, it may have been the easier and only way he could avoid whatever revenge Zoey would eventually plan, but seeing that look in their eyes didn't get easier.
“I can’t believe those girls, snooping into people’s diaries like that”
Hailey probably wouldn't approve of what he did if she knew, she valued integrity and he simply wasn't that. Well, that was something she didn't need to know, he still wanted to be friends with her.
“It wouldn't be the first time”
Then Hailey smiled and said something that really made him sure she could never know.
“Thank you, Jake. I really owe you”
She would hate him. For what he was, what he did. They’d all be rightfully afraid, and he wouldn't be able to leave. Just be alone in a world he tried so hard to get to feel like home.

No, everything was fine. They would never know. He wouldn't let that happen. He would deal with his grief and guilt on his own. Like he always had.

⁠☆

He only got an opportunity to give back the diary page the next day in between class.
“Hey Milly!”
She turned to look at him, slightly curious.
“Oh, sup”

“I have something for you”
She looked more confused now.
“You do?”
He held out the page, and her eyes widened in shock
“W-where did you get that!? Give it here”
She snatched the page out of his hands which, little rude, but whatever.
“Hey chill out! I was going to give it to you anyway”
She looked really embarrassed, man it really would have been humiliating for her if the whole school knew.
“I-if you tell anyone about this…”
He should reassure her.
“Don’t worry, I didn't read it. And don't worry about Zoey and Lia telling anyone, I… have my own dirt on Zoey so they won’t be saying anything” he did, he hadn't actually used it, nor had he told it to Drew, he wasn't sure it would go well, he didn't want to hurt his feelings and maybe it would be fine if was ignorant. He’d find out on his own eventually, Zoey wasn't as tactful as she thought.
“You...blackmailed your friend for me?”

“Well when you put it like that-”
Then she hugged him, which was unexpected. He wasn't sure what to do. But she let go quickly enough.
“Thank you Jake! I didn't know what to do… you really saved me.”
He was getting a little embarrassed by the praise, she really was grateful. He was glad he helped her.
“It was nothing, anything for a friend.”
She then looked a little ashamed.
“I’m sorry I didn't tell you guys, I was just… embarrassed. I thought I could handle those girls by myself but in the end I just made it worse. “
She then looked embarrassed.
“Oh, and I'm sorry for punching you. I really didn't mean to, I feel really bad about it…”
He sort of did that to himself if he was being honest.
“Oh this? Don’t worry, I know you didn't actually mean it. Besides, i think it kinda makes me look tough”
He ran his hand through his hair for comedic effect, and Milly did find it funny, chuckling slightly.
“Whatever you makes feel better about it”
He should make sure she really does stay out of trouble.

“So, you promise not to get into any more scraps?”
She looked resigned at least.
“Yeah, I promise”
There was a short pause until she looked at the page again.

“Man, I’m so glad you got this back for me. If the whole school found out who my crush was i think i might have had to change schools-”
Just then, Elliot greeted her. Speak of the Devil. Or ‘angel’ as Milly would see it.

“Oh, hey Milly! I just wanted to tell you that the orchids have started to bloom. You should come by the garden and see sometime.”
If only she knew that Elliot had similar feelings for her. Love was never not going to be weird to him.
“O-okay”
She was seriously red, him not noticing has to be willful ignorance at some point.
“Great! Well, see ya!”
As he walked away, Milly still seemed head over heels.
“Im surprised Zoey had to read your diary to find you who your crush was, you do not make it hard”

“Wha- Shut up man! It is so not obvious.”
He just chuckled.
“Sure”
It was nice being friends with them. But the episode in the library was still in his mind. He always felt a little silly when he worried about people finding out he wasn't human. The only talk of his species was wayward sailors that had managed to survive an ambush. Those sailors were all assumed to have gone insane from trying to make sense of the tragedy of waking up to your whole crew dead, stuck in a boat in the middle of the ocean. ‘Sirens’ were myths and legends. Barely anyone had heard of them, and those that did saw them as just part of a story. The people he knew wouldn't believe in sirens, or that he was anything more than a particularly perceptive and convincing guy.

Chapter Text

He hated the aquarium. Staring at the fish inside the large water tanks, it looked like you were beside the ocean looking in. Just observing, not allowed to do anything but watch. It was cruel to be sent here, to be forced to watch the imitation of his world. That wasn't his, because he was outside of the glass. Seeing the fish flee as he tapped at the glass made him feel better. He could be a part of it.

“Jake! You're not supposed to tap on the glass”
The white haired girl’s soft, concerned voice made him turn, as he saw her standing next to him with the other two he had been assigned to group with. The teacher for the field trip had made them split into little groups to go explore the aquarium, and they had been allowed to choose their own. Everyone had avoided him, except for that white haired girl.

Everyone called her Daisy, she even introduced herself as that. It suited her, she reminded him of a flower. Something beautiful and nice, a gift. Yet the happiness it would bring was fleeting. Her kindness always made him feel worse, it was so off. But nonetheless, he didn’t say anything about her concern of breaking rules, and just stopped. She looked happy enough and turned to look at the information board the other two had been looking at.

“What about clownfish?”
They had been sent out to find a fish in the aquarium and do a presentation on it with information and pictures from the aquarium. It was boring. Only Daisy seemed to actually want to do it. One of the other two was just spacing out, before seemingly remembering something.
“Wait! This aquarium has an Orca! Those are actually interesting, we should go”
Daisy smiled at the suggestion, glad they were at least participating. Although Jake knew they had definitely forgotten all about the project.

“Oh, sure! I think i saw the entrance to the tank earlier, what about you Jake?”
He would have rather stayed with the clownfish and their anemones, but he didn’t really care.
“Sure”
And they were off to see one of the ‘Ocean’s wolves’ as they were called on the information board at the entrance. They hunted the same, apparently. When looking at the whale in front of him, he could easily feel how it didn't want to be there. How it wanted to be back with the ocean, where it wasn't alone. It was trapped, just like him. Except, it wasn't. It could still return. This was why he hated aquariums, it only reminded him of horrid things.

☆

Daisy had come to the practice to hear him sing, and he wanted to really try his best. He wasn't trying to influence their emotions this time, just enjoying singing with everyone else. It was fun, but he still couldn't let go of how weird and wrong it felt. It wouldn't feel strange to him one day, he was sure. When he was done with the song Daisy was applauding him, very excited for him.

"Absolutely wonderful Jake! Your voice is just as beautiful as I remember!”
The complement still meant a lot to him, and left him flustered and stumbling.
“Oh, uh, t-thanks Daisy. I’m glad you're here and um, that you enjoyed it!” It wasn't easy to get him to trip up his words usually, but Daisy was always so sincere. Even when it was something that was obvious she would think, he still felt surprised.
“You all must be so excited for the band competition! You're all so talented!”
They were, even without him he was sure they would've won.

“Aww, thanks Daisy”
Hailey appreciated her compliments like he did, Daisy was just great like that.
“Well, Thank you for letting me listen. I won't interrupt you guys any longer; my parents are waiting to take me to dance rehearsals.”
She really was handling a lot. Sean seemed just as understanding of that.
“You dance? Wow, you really got your plate full, huh?”

Daisy looked away with a sad gaze, and as Jake looked between Sean and her, he saw a brief glimpse of them talking in a park at night. Sean comforting her and helping her with all the stress she was under, being someone she can lean on. Glimpses of the future like that were something he never could learn to do consciously. So it was the only way he could know he had started seeing someone as prey. When had he started seeing her like that? Had that day on the rooftop started it? Or was that what his feelings really were? Sean interrupted his thoughts, looking a little worried at him.
“Are… you okay? You look a little sick.”
The other members of the club were looking at him, Daisy stood in the doorway mirroring the concern of everyone else. Even Zander looked worried.
“It's nothing, I think I just caught a stomach bug, um you should hurry up if you don’t wanna be late to your dance rehearsals”
Daisy seemed to have forgotten about that and quickly left with an apologetic wave.

Everyone else seemed to shrug it off, but Sean still shot him a questioning look. Hailey sighed.
“Well, if you're sure. Hope you're not gonna get sick on the day of the competition.”
It was nice to see genuine concern from them, but it made it harder to shrug off.
“Wouldn't dream of it”
He shot a confident smile and winked, doing his best to shake off the revelation he just had. Hailey laughed, and the previous tension had disappeared like fog.

“Well, rehearsals for us are over, good work everyone! We’ll be here again at lunch time tomorrow. And Jake, remember, It's 12:30 on the dot”
He had still come late a time or two recently, but it wasn't his fault really, he kept losing track of time when he was talking to the guys. It was mostly Henry and Liam’s arguments that he didn't understand that made him forget. Okay, he might be using excuses.

He could think of more about their conversations that distracted him, but Luke’s obvious turmoil was a little hard to ignore. From what he gathered, it revolved around Luke’s feelings for Zander. Was he planning to confess and was losing confidence? He could help with that. He walked up to Luke who looked dejected.
“Hey, you okay? Seems like something's bothering you. It's not another stomach bug is it?”
Maybe he shouldn’t have given him that excuse, well he can’t use it if it's already been taken.

“No, it's not. It's… Well I guess you could say something's bothering me. You know, I’m a little jealous of you Jake”
It was weird to know there were people that were jealous of his singing. Luke definitely wouldn't be if he knew how he was so good at it.
“... I wish I could sing like you. Maybe then I would find it easier to convey my feelings to the one I love…”
Seems he was planning to confess, just didn't know how. He wasn't sure a love song confession was the right choice, it was obviously not him. Of course, Zander probably wouldn't care how he did it.

“Well, don’t think that will make it any easier. But maybe you should just tell hi- them how you feel. No matter how it goes, I'm sure you can still be friends.”
Luke looked surprised, then a little suspicious at him. He might've given it away, damn it. He should get better at that. Thankfully, Luke didn't seem to mind it.
“It’s not that simple, i-”

The topic of conversation then walked into the room. That could’ve been awkward.
“Luke! Hailey's staying behind with Sean for a while to work on technical stuff. I’m going home. You coming with me?”
He supposed it wasn't that obvious to Luke that Zander returned his feelings and vice versa. The things being in denial do to you. Luke agreed of course, and said goodbye to him. Maybe he’d be able to help tomorrow.

☆

Science. Not something he liked, learning about the water pollution still made him roll his eyes. The ocean was stronger than whatever humans made to harm it, but the utter lack of care felt sacrilegious. But there was nothing he could do.

He focused back on the task at hand. Which wasn't the batch of chemicals on the table in front of him but Luke's wave of dejection. He wondered how he could help Luke. Drew also took notice of Luke’s troubled face.
“What's Luke looking so depressed about? Had a falling out with his freak friends?”
Drew seemed mildly curious to what it was, and looked at him for an answer.
“No, he just has some issues in the love department”

“That’s tough, shame I can't relate.”
Drew taking any opportunity to brag, while annoying, always gave him a glimpse of his dreams. To be admired by everyone, something he’d already achieved yet always wanted more of. He admired a lot about Drew, but his utter confidence and belief in himself was something that might’ve been the first thing he liked about him. He had everything in his own mind, and Jake had wanted some of that utter assurance in his own security. He thought he’d gotten that, but he was starting to doubt it.

He turned away from Liam and Henry's usual banter to notice that Luke was still feeling dejected. His thoughts about Zander and how he felt that Zander would never like him back, and that his feelings were straining their relationship or whatever was really getting to him. Maybe Hailey could give him some clues on how to help. He turned towards her and tried to whisper as he got her attention.
"Hey, Hailey!”
She looked at him with a bit of confusion.
“Yes?”
Thinking about it, did he need advice? Well, it couldn't help to get a second opinion the normal way.

“I can’t help but notice that Luke is looking pretty upset today, he told me something about a crush… you don’t happen to know who it is, do you?”
She did, she had been around them for years of course she knew. He felt a little stupid for asking it. Hailey just smirked, he was already sighing internally.
“Why, are you interested?”
Now he felt even more stupid for asking that question. He just rolled his eyes and laughed sarcastically.

“Very funny. I just thought that, well, maybe I can help him out… Give him some advice y’know? I am quite the charmer after all”
He grinned. Hailey didn’t seem impressed. And assumed he was only referring to girls, which felt a little rude.

“Right… but I'm afraid that's not gonna do you any good in Luke's case.”
As someone that prided himself in his natural charisma that didn't involve his voice, he was a little offended.

“Hey, this charm is universal! I could win over guys just as well as girls”
Hailey just scoffed at his cocky reply, but she did find it funny and not insufferable so that was something.
“... Don’t think your charms are gonna work on this guy”
Okay, she was right. Zander thought he was insufferable. But he doesn’t think that of Luke, which was what mattered.
“What makes you so sure?”
Although he wasn't just going to admit that.

“Well… It’s Zander. he hates arrogance”
This was just slander. Well, she might have had a point.
“My charms aren’t just arrogance, okay? Ugh, whatever, we’re getting off topic-”
Just then, Drew interrupted.

“You are. Stop chatting with your music girlfriend and start helping already.”
He’d gotten so wrapped in their conversation, he had completely forgotten about everything else. Getting snapped back to reality almost made Drew's description of Hailey go over his head. Although Hailey seemed to have caught up faster than him, if the embarrassed look on her face was anything to go by.

“Don’t call her that.”
He would just have to come up with something himself, then. Maybe he should go with the first idea.
“I wouldn't have partnered up with you if I knew you’d just be talking to her the whole lesson. Now help out, it's not that hard to pour liquids.”
You know what, yes he could. It would be fine, he picked up the glass beaker and poured the chemical. But he noticed too late it had been the wrong one.
It exploded.

He had gotten detention. All that just to go with his original idea, oh well. No point in lingering. Luke wasn't standing far away as he had walked out of the classroom, so he decided now was the time.
“Hey, Luke!”
Luke at least wasn't so caught up in his feelings that he ignored him.
“Oh, hey Jake.”
Huh, it seemed they were becoming friends. He’d appreciate his help.
“Just noticed that you were looking pretty down in the dumps today. Is it something to do with Zander?”

Luke already knew that he had guessed, so no use hiding it. Although he still looked taken aback by his bluntness.
“You talk like you’ve known for years. Guess I don't hide it well enough, but I digress. I'm guessing you're here to give some advice, huh?”
Luke wasn't half bad with his observations either.
“Hey, just tryna help. You might not be able to sing yourself, but I'm sure you can still write a love song. And hey, I could perform it for you if you wanted!”
He looked surprised, but happy. He really didn't need that advice after all.

“You’d really do that?”
It suddenly hit that he’d become friends with people by helping them with their crush more than once. Well, Milly hadn't been planning to confess her feelings. Very much the opposite.
“Of course! I'm sure Hailey could sacrifice a few minutes for us doing rehearsal.”
With Zander being right there to watch, he really was a genius.
“That'll be great! I'll write one tonight! So, you'll sing it tomorrow during lunchtime rehearsals?”
Seems he was going to the deep end right away.
“Of course, but there's no need to rush-”
Luke didn't seem to hear him, just thanked him and ran off. Well, he was glad to have cheered him up. He was sure it would end well, they had both been in love with each other for years, Luke just had to make sure that Zander knew it was his song.

☆

He was late again. This was bad timing, hopefully Luke wouldn't be too upset. While he was about to walk into the music club, he noticed that Hailey was by the microphone singing the song Jake assumed was Luke’s love song. Seemed he'd gotten Hailey to sing it instead, well that's what he got for being late he supposed.

All well that ends well, now he got to actually hear her sing. He leaned against the door frame as he watched the same joy the others were. She really was a good singer, she really had a passion for it. He wondered if he could ever sing like her, like it was purely something beautiful. A brief glimpse of him and Hailey on stage, singing a duet, crawled into his mind. He knew what that meant. It made him terrified.

Chapter Text

Even when encased in water he felt no closer to understanding why the ocean had decided to abandon him here. Its song was clearer, but it didn't make it easier. He didn’t see how he could ever want anything from here.

His contemplating was brought to a halt by the insistent knocking of a 5-year old. His ‘little brother’ named Milo. The small human child had done nothing but scream and cry ever since his mom had brought it home. While at first he felt a little threatened that the thing would replace him in his moms dreams and make her realize he was never her son, after the newborn still couldn't move on its own after 3 months he was just confused on why they still kept it when it probably wouldn't survive long.

Even 5 years later, despite being able to communicate and move around on his own, he was still just as loud and defenseless. The knocking turned into banging.

“Open the door! I know you’re just in the bathtub again. Mom says you can’t use up all the water!”

Jake let himself rise up from the metal floor and let the water in his mouth back to the filled up bath tub. The ocean would never drown him, even if he now had to leave it to breathe. Doing this made him feel hollow, and angry. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to get why he was even here. Or why he couldn't do what he needed, even to the animals that were considered prey here. Not after the first time. Maybe it would be different one day.

“Did you fall asleep or something? MOM SAYS YOU HAVE TO LEAVE!”

Jake rolled his eyes and got out of the bathtub, and got ready to leave. Milo would probably always annoy him, even if he wasn't loud the fact he never contributed anything and was more of a leech that no one seemed to care was there still felt ridiculous to Jake. He put on his usual grey Hoodie and unlocked the door.

Milo was already running off when he'd opened the door. Typical of him. He’d figure out why his mom wanted him to leave so badly. She usually never bothered him unless she needed to say something. When he looked out of the window he noticed the car was gone, she was probably at the store and wanted him to be able to keep a watch on Milo.

It figures he didn’t want to say anything. Guess he has to do something with him, maybe he should make him help with finding that ring mom had lost in the backyard a couple days ago. It was an important ring to her, and she was definitely upset that she had lost it. It was a chance for the little leech to prove he could be more than that.

“What are we looking for again?”

They were outside in the backyard, near the large trees. When he’d told him that they were helping mom find her missing ring, he’d initially not wanted to because it was boring and hopeless. But turning it into a competition made him run outside immediately. Of course he immediately forgot about the goal when all he was thinking about was beating his brother at something.

“Mom’s ring. Even you could see that she’s upset about losing it.”

Milo looked offended and looked like he was about to say something, but just began searching the grass again.

“Bet I’ll find it before you”

He wouldn't, not alone. Good thing Jake had a plan. There was an owls nest in the backyard, and the little fledgelings had just learned to fly. They'd be useful for spotting a shiny object, although the crows that used to live there would have been more optimal, he’d take what he could get. He got closer to a large tree where the owls had their nests and started singing quietly. The actual words were usually unimportant, but it seemed the song he'd written in his notebook about admiration got someone else’s attention.

His brother looked up at him and the now flying owls that had started searching their lawn, and stopped in awe and confusion over what he had just witnessed. He’d never seen owls fly in the daytime.

“How’d you do that!?”

The question threw him off a little, but he quickly recovered and came up with something.

“It takes some time and skill. Not something you could do.”

Milo was obviously offended by that, and while Jake had expected him to just sulk or insult him, to his surprise he took something from the grass and walked up to him. When he was right beside him, he held out his now opened hand that revealed a tiny frog.

“How'd you do it?”

He foolishly wanted to try. But he couldn't wield his voice the way Jake did and never would. No humans truly could. Their voice could never be as important to them as their heart. But he crouched down to get eye level with him anyway.

“When you look at that frog. Do you know what it wants? Why it wants that? If it ever gets it?”

Animals were different from humans, but their need for survival carried wants all the same. Milo just looked confused before staring intensely at the frog. Trying to see anything beyond its beady eyes. After a couple seconds he looked defeated, and looked back up with pleading eyes at Jake.

“Can you… give me a hint?”

Jake just shook his head, and Milo deflated instantly. He seemed a lot more upset about it than he thought he would be. Looking at him, he realized all Jake's talks and attempts to teach him what he himself had known instinctively at that age. It had an effect on him, he wanted to be able to help mom out and do things himself like Jake always implied he should be able to. That pit in his stomach had returned, but it felt strangely different.

He noticed one of the fledgelings flying towards him, and he stood up again. It dropped the ring in his outstretched hand. Milo looked at him confused as Jake just stared for a couple seconds, and then he handed him the ring.

Milo just stared back and forth between him and the ring in his hand, before dropping the frog back on the ground and taking the ring and running back to the house where his mom's car had just appeared.

Maybe that was why he kept hesitating. Giving second chances to a leech, acting like he wasn't just that. He should try harder to ignore that voice in his head that only seemed to get louder. It was the reason for his hesitation. He hated it.

☆

It had been a normal lunch, Henry had started talking about the weird thing that was his craving for lettuce of all things. He was trying to listen to their banter, and act like everything was normal, but that sinking feeling in his chest was still there. He had to go to rehearsals soon, and he couldn't stop thinking about the vision.

About Daisy, he’d thought he would stop viewing people like that. He was a normal human person that didn’t view people like prey and puppets to ensure his own survival. Humans didn't need to think like that. The affirmations didn't quite work as well as he’d hoped. He still felt guilty, because he’d thought like that for the longest time. Until he realized that wasn't how it worked here, and thinking like that only made it worse.

“JAKE!”
Drew's yelling stopped his train of thought. He must've been asking something.
“Huh? Oh, Yeah. I agree, you're totally right”
Drew just looked unimpressed at him.
“You haven't been listening to a word I've said, have you?”
Jake just looked apologetic.
“Yeah, sorry Drew. I was just zoning out a little”
Drew then started to smile.
“What’s wrong? You miss your freak friends or something?”
This really wasn't helping him forget about everything.

“Don’t call them that.”
Drew just looked annoyed, Jake knew he was upset over him being distant, and he knew why.
“Which part? ‘freak’ or ‘friends’? Y’know, I’m starting to wonder whether you actually prefer their company over ours.”

He honestly wasn't sure. It could be worse to be friends with them, but he'd been close with Drew for years without anything happening, maybe it would be fine? but he’d always avoided singing then. No. It would be okay, nothing has even happened. This would be fine. At least he hoped so.

Henry had said something that made Drew embarrassed.
“Shut up. I'm just saying, you used to care to listen to me.”
He did, had that changed just because he was more caught up with the music club recently? But that couldn't mean he didn't care to listen to him anymore. He still had his fears over how much of his admiration and want to make him happy was and is solely out of admiration and just valuing his opinion, but he didn’t want to think about that right now.

“Come on, don’t be like that Drew. You guys are my homies, of course I prefer you guys. I was just… thinking about how good the cheese sandwiches for lunch were.”
He laughed awkwardly. Drew definitely didn't buy it, but he knew Jake didn't want to answer .

“Right… Well, I suppose you won't be hanging out with those nerds once the competition is over. I mean, you're only doing this for Daisy. And then you’ll leave the club, right?”
He was doing this because of Daisy. She was the one who’d encouraged him to try, that it would work out. He should believe in her, even if he didn't believe in himself.

“It is. I’ll leave the club after the competition.”
If he hadn't gained a passion for music like Hailey had by then, then he probably never would. He would leave after, and just not engage with music or singing anymore. And then, he wouldn't have to worry about all these thoughts. Although he was hoping to still be friends with the club even then. But could he?

“Shoot! I forgot the time! Sorry guys, gotta go to rehearsals. Later.”
He took his tray to drop off and walked away in a hurry. He really needed to fix that habit. Hopefully Luke would be okay with it, even if Jake wasn't there to sing his love song.

⁠☆

The others complimented Hailey's singing, while he stood in the doorway trying to ignore how it felt like he was about to sink through the floor. They were his friends, she was his friend. He thought it would be fine, but this made him doubt if he shouldn't have just ripped up that flyer as soon as he realized what he’d agreed to. He was breathing quicker now, and he did his best to calm down. He needed to not think about it. Deep breaths. Everything's fine.

He stopped leaning on the doorway and walked into the room with a grin. He noticed Sean looked suspicious at him, he’d definitely noticed his expression. He probably wouldn't say anything now, but he could tell he'd confront him about it eventually. Which made it a problem for future Jake.

"That was beautiful Hailey! You can really sing, huh? Sorry i couldn't be here to sing it, but you've probably done a better job than I ever could”

Hailey's face got redder, before she realized what he'd said, the words directed at Lukke, and started looking accusatory at him.

“Speaking of, where were you exactly? I believe this is the fourth time in a row you've arrived late, Jake.”

Damn him and his need to compliment others. He wasn't sure what to say to her. She probably didn't want to hear about any of his other friends' opinions, either on her and her friends or lettuce. Luckily the bell rang before he had to come up with something. They didn't even get any actual rehearsal done, there was always another day he supposed. It was time for some exercise.

⁠☆

The girls were finally beginning their baseball match. He’d noticed Hailey was the one starting with the bat, and noticing her made him think back to the vision. He still dreaded the implications, and still wondered if he should have just torn up that poster right when he’d realized what he'd signed up for.

It was more fear that he could never fit in here. But Daisy was so sure it would help. And he wanted to believe her, that all his doubts and dread were temporary, and that the visions would no longer mean anything if he embraced Hailey's passion and made it his own. But the fear he would never be able to have such a human emotion was weighing on him.

“Jake! The ball!”

He had completely forgotten he was still in a game, and while he tried to pass on the ball the opposing team caught it easily. Liam and Drew came up to him, with Liam looking annoyed that he was making them lose. He wasn't sure how he should word this.

“Sorry Liam, my bad”

Hopefully a decent apology, but Liam was still fuming. Drew said something instead.

“What’s up with you today? We’re losing because of you!”

Guess it wasn't a decent apology.

“Alright! I'm sorry. I just… have things on my mind.”

Drew seemed curious, and the man looked over at Hailey. He thought he had a crush on her. Which he was pretty sure wasn't true, even if he did have feelings for Daisy and he was still scared that they were a byproduct of a part of his instincts thinking of them as prey. But he was sure his feelings for Daisy were completely separate, so he didn't want to entertain the idea.

“It’s not Hailey.”

Drew and Liam looked a little surprised at the answer, but of course they assumed that meant it was. He should have worded that better.

“Sure it's not, you were just staring at her because baseball is so interesting to you. I’m sure the fact you were talking to her through the entirety of science class yesterday was also just because of your love for chemistry”

Drew's teasing tone and him and Liam's now matching smirks were causing him to blush with embarrassment, which was definitely not helping his case.

“Seriously, It really isn't like that. It's just rehearsal stuff.”

They didn't look convinced in the slightest.

“Oh Sure, “Rehearsal stuff” whatever you say.”

They walked away and Jake knew he couldn't do anything to change their minds. He just had to hope they wouldn't bring it up much.

⁠☆

The school day had ended, and he was just leaning on a locker when he noticed Zander was running away with tears in his eyes. Then Luke and all the other club members came running after him and before he could fully comprehend what was happening Milly had dragged him along too. It all happened too fast for him to understand what the hell was going on. He wondered what sort of dramatic misunderstanding happened between the two.

They somehow managed to run all the way to the park near the school, and everyone decided to hide in a nearby bush to watch the dramatic love confession between Zander and Luke. Milly kept shoving him to try and get closer to hear what they were saying, but it was of no use. While he couldn't tell what they were actually saying, he could figure it out by their thoughts and emotions pretty well.

It seemed Zander thought Luke was in love with another girl, which was the misunderstanding. Luke quickly denied it and finally confessed his feelings. Good for him. There was more talk about their feelings for each other until they kissed. It was very sweet, definitely not the worst thing he's been dragged to.

When the coast seemed clear, they all got out of the bush as the others talked about how happy they were that Luka and Zander finally realized their feelings and got together. Hailey was even crying, she was the one who had to witness their oblivious pining for each other the longest.

“Must be a relief, huh?”

The question was directed at Hailey, but Milly answered instead.

“Yeah, maybe Zander will finally stop being so grumpy during rehearsals now he's got himself a boyfriend”

He probably would, although having just analysed their feelings for each other, there was a good chance they were going to be all lovey-dovey for a while. And that might just be worse for Milly. Hailey then seemed to remember something.

“Oh, that reminds me! Would you be free to come over to my place next week for band rehearsal?”

She wanted to get some more practice in, there had been a lot of disturbances this past week. She wanted everything to be the best it possibly could, the music club was like family to her. When he looked at her dream, it was the music club that was part of it. But there was a new figure as a member of her band. Him. For a brief moment, he was overjoyed that he was now included as part of her family. But being a part of her dream, made him think back to the first person dreams he had been a part of.

Someone he’d thought of as prey, the reason he knew he could never view people like that again. He had the same passion for music as her.