𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰

lauren had spent the past two days isolating herself away from the eagles on the soccer field. the girl had recieved a call from her father informing her that there would be a spot for her on a national team next year if she trained hard enough. isn't that what she had been doing for the past few years? obviously he didn't seem to take notice of all her hard work. at the rate she was going she'd much rather be a ballet dancer instead of a soccer player. at least then she'd get some recognition for all the work she'd done.

although, the greenhouse wasn't a place where soccer was that important. but marcus had the field made for her especially after finding out about her goals, it was all due to her being like a second daughter to him. but it was finally night and she'd have to go back to the common room and get ready for bed. on her way back she wasn't looking where she was going and bumped into a certain brunette she wasn't too fond of.

"i'm sorry, i wasn't looking where i was going" hayley apologised not even looking up and her shoes had caught her focus.

lauren tilted her head in confusion noticing the large bag she had on her back, "you going somewhere, woods?" she asked in a curious tone.

"home" hayley said lifting her head making lauren's eyes widen in response. sure she didn't like her, but why was she going home?

"what about alex?" and obviously the first person that would consume her thoughts were the green eyed, curly haired boy.

"it doesn't matter, it'll be better this way" hayley shrugged not giving off too much information to the redhead on why she was going home.

"clearly you're not thinking of the others feelings. what about leo?" although she hadn't spoken to him in days she could tell the cruz boy was forming a crush on hayley. he had done the same to aspen for her and now he was doing it to lauren for hayley.

"nothings going on between me and leo?" hayley asked in a more questionable tone as lauren scoffed knowing she was lying.

"well, listen here. you stole my not boyfriend who was basically my boyfriend and now you're going to leave and break his heart. not to mention your own brother who i consider my friend. so you better stay and i better see you tomorrow" the redhead crossed her arms with a nod before walking back to her common room.

upon arriving she didn't see anyone in the main room and decided it'd be best to just go to bed and hope that hayley stayed. not that she cared if she left. but alex would want her to. so she would also want her to.

――――

the girl stood in the female part of their changing rooms as she searched through her locker for a hairband to tie her hair into its usual high ponytail. she didn't have time to neaten it up as brooke grabbed her hand dragging her to the boys changing rooms.

upon arriving she saw parker stood in his eagles uniform which had turned pink and daniel and the other boys having annoyed expressions on their faces. she couldn't help the giggle that left her lips as she took a space next to alex.

"parker, i didn't know you joined the wnba" brooke joked making lauren place a hand on her mouth to stiffen the growing sound.

"very funny, brooke" parker said in an annoyed tone as he began looking around "help me get this off" he ordered as lauren rolled her eyes in amusement.

"you okay?" lauren asked turning to alex as she kept her voice low not wanting anyone else to hear.

"yeah, why wouldn't i be?" he asked trying to act as though hayley leaving didn't affect him. he had told all of the eagles that morning before they got ready about his sister leaving.

lauren tilted her head as though she were waiting for the truth from him only receiving a shrug making her hit his shoulder slightly "stop acting all macho man, you're allowed to be upset" she admitted making him grin slightly.

"she was in my way anyway, this will make it easier" he lied as she rolled her eyes again, clearly not getting through to him.

"you know, talk to me when the toxic masculinity is gone" she huffed out as she crossed her arms and walked out of the room. alex could only stare at her feeling bad that she was just trying to talk to him before deciding it was better to go after her.

"lauren! wait" he called out as he began speeding out trying to make sure she would stop for him. a smirk crossed her lips as she turned around trading it with a frown.

"ready?" she asked as she began tapping her foot on the ground making it echo throughout the empty room.

"what will i get if i tell you?" he asked cheekily as he walked forward making lauren tilt her head in amusement. was he flirting with her?

"lemme think about it" she said as she took a step forward so that they were now only a few inches away from each others faces.

alex didn't know where this new found confidence had come from and wanted to back away not sure what he was doing. but he knew if he backed away now that she'd think he was a loser, and he wanted her to think highly of him.

"how about you get to hang out with me?" she offered although they hung out a lot anyway.

he chuckled slightly as he tilted his head down so that they now held eye contact, she could feel his soft breaths hitting her nose and she didn't know what to do. sure she kissed boys, sure she'd slept in the same bed as them but alex was making her feel a certain way.

"i always hang out with you" he countered making her let out a soft breath as she thought of something else.

"i'll help you with your homework for a week" she added on knowing what he wanted her to say, but she wasn't going to give in.

"what about a kiss?" he asked before adding something on seeing her face change "on the cheek" he calmed her down making her breath in.

"deal. but only if you win the match and then you'll tell me about hayley" she made him promise as she stuck her pinky out.

"deal" he said interlocking hers with his before turning around and silently congratulating himself. he was making progress, he began walking away before feeling someone tug on a strand of his hair pulling him back.

"wait, wait, wait" she stopped him although his back was still to her, she still held onto his hair as she didn't want to let it go. "if you lose... you have to help me with my ballet" she smiled knowing she didn't need help, but seeing him try would be funny.

his eyes widened as he silently cursed himself. now he had to win. "deal" he nodded making her let go of his head as he slapped a hand to rub the spot.

"good luck" she smiled as he began walking away again. he chuckled before turning around and silently saluting her and turning around again.

he would get a kiss from lauren dayners if he won. he'd only been thinking about this moment since he joined the school. even before. he didn't expect to become such good friends with the girl when he first joined and the fact that they were at their current stage made him smile in content.

――――

the girl had changed into her cheerleading uniform and had half of her hair tied up with a purple bow. she had been stretching before seeing brooke and sophie talking and deciding to involve herself.

"how are my two favourite people ever?" she asked with a huge grin as she threw an arm around each of their shoulders.

"thought alex had replaced us?" sophie asked with a laugh as she noticed lauren's cheek slightly turn pink.

"you've been spending a lot of time with the kid. please don't make it another leo situation" brooke begged the girl not wanting to see her friend get hurt again.

"a leo situation will never happen again" she pushed out with a grimace "trust me" she nodded as she looked down at her shoes.

"i like him, you'll be good together" brooke said in support as she placed a hand on lauren's arm making the redhead give her a soft smile.

"me and alex are friends" she cleared up as she kept the smile and blush on her face. she turned to see the boy on the court practising before catching his eye and exchanging smiles.

"i gotta go, see you after the game" she turned back to her friends before running off back to the cheer team ready to get them prepared.

( NOTE )

i'm sorry this was so short and shit and i haven't updated in ages, but i kinda forgot about this and wasn't bothered as i was trying to update other books. but there is some non-platonic development between my babies.  but anyway thank u for reading