Original Stories Fan Fiction / Romance Fan Fiction ❯ Hostile Engagement ❯ Chapter 1

Standard Disclaimer : This work, it's characters, etc. are all the property of the author. (Author - Candace Olufs)

 

 

She looked around the campus as she walked in. Everywhere she looked, nothing but pampered boys from upperclass families. She really disliked them all from the moment she laid eyes on them. Any one of them could be him, her so called fiance. She didn't know what he looked like, didn't even know his name, but she knew he went to this school. Her parents had bragged about that much at least before she'd forgotten herself and opened her big mouth. She'd sworn to convince him to break the engagement and her parents had refused to tell her any more. But they were seriously underestimating her. Surely there weren't that many guys in this school who were engaged. If she could just find out which ones, she could get them to talk about their fiance and they'd probably reveal themselves to her. High school was three years. She had that long to find him and convince him to break it off. Well, she might have less than that if her parents found out what she'd done. She'd cut her hair a bit shorter and gone for a pretty-boy look, since it was the only one that suited a girl really. That was why she was wearing a boy's uniform, entering an all boys school. She lifted her bag onto her shoulder and walked in as confidently as she could. Everything would work out just fine. She was smart enough to pull this off. She tripped on an uneven stone in the pathway and went down on her hands and knees. She winced and started to pick herself up.

“Are you all right?” She looked up. The boy who offered her a hand was more handsome than the average guy. He gave her a friendly smile. She immediately slapped his hand away. She didn't want to make friends here. For all she knew, he could be the one. That would be bad. She wouldn't fall for some guy just because he was cute. She was determined.

“Don't help me. I'm fine by myself.” She told him, not bothering to be polite. He looked surprised and perhaps a little hurt. She heard another voice.

“Geez. You're pretty full of yourself aren't you.” She got to her feet and brushed herself off, glancing in the direction of the newcomer. She nearly recoiled in shock. Another handsome guy. He crossed his arms over his chest. “He was just trying to help you.” He told her. She readjusted her bag and said.

“I don't recall asking for help.” The first boy said, obviously not wanting to cause trouble.

“It's all right Keith. It's his own business. I should have left him alone.” Sabriel fought feelings of guilt. He was too nice. How bad would it be to have a fiance like that? She steeled herself. No, she wouldn't lose this fight. He was just one of hundreds of boys. He was very unlikely to be her fiance. He gave her another friendly smile and she felt herself melting just a bit. He looked really sincere, and why should he deceive her. Guys were usually themselves around other guys. She looked away and sighed.

“You're obviously a nice person. It's all the more reason you shouldn't get involved with me. You'll just get your feelings hurt.” She started walking away. She wouldn't say any more than that. It was a good way to end the conversation, not too mean, but not nice, and not apologizing. She heard the other boy, Keith comment.

“That must be the transfer student huh. Looks like he'll be a perfect match for Gabriel.” She couldn't imagine what they could mean, until she met with the dorm supervisor.

 

“But I made arrangements for my own room.” She said, extremely annoyed as she walked along beside the dorm supervisor, Senior Leslie, as he liked to be called. He crossed his arms over his chest and told her.

“We don't have enough rooms to afford that privilege to many students and you're a transfer student, besides being a second year. You're just going to have to deal with it. If you want your own room, you'll have to work for it at this point.” Sabriel swore to herself. Hopefully her roommate was either stupid or just plain apathetic. Senior Leslie knocked on a door and waited several seconds before there was an answer. The guy who answered the door was just too handsome. Dark hair, sexy glasses. He looked every inch the intelligent, aristocratic poster child. He looked at Senior Leslie and then at Sabriel.

“Is this him?” He asked. Senior Leslie nodded and looked at Sabriel.

“This is your new roommate Gabriel Aries.“ He looked to Gabriel and said. “This is Sabin Selwyn. See that he knows his way around.” Gabriel raised a brow and asked Sabriel.

“You're not related to the Selwyns who own the hospitals are you.” Sabriel wasn't surprised he'd recognized the name, but it was annoying that he'd mentioned it.

“Somewhat.” She told him. Senior Leslie said.

“I'll leave you two then.” This seemed to interrupt Gabriel's train of thought, which was fine for Sabriel. He nodded to Senior Leslie and turned away from Sabriel, leaving the door open. She walked in behind him and closed it. The room was surprisingly nice. It seemed Gabriel had made a few private touches to it. He told her, going to the desk on his side of the room.

“Don't touch anything that belongs to me. Some of these things are surprisingly expensive, and who knows if you could pay for them. Right?” She glanced over at him as she went to the boxes stacked on her bed and told him.

“Likewise for me. It would be even better if you pretended I wasn't here. I don't really want to talk with you.” She wasn't sure if she was being too rude, but having someone so handsome as a roommate, it would be bad if they got friendly. He told her.

“That's fine with me.” The room was incredibly silent as Sabriel unpacked her things and made her bed. She finished putting away her things and finally felt able to relax. She took off her school jacket and looked at herself in a mirror across the room. She still looked like a guy, even without the jacket. She was all right. Thank goodness she had a slim figure. She flopped back on her bed. Putting this plan into motion had been somewhat exhausting. She closed her eyes and sighed.

 

He glanced back over his shoulder when he realized his roommate was being awfully quiet. He'd expected to have the room to himself but now he had to deal with this newcomer. He was one of the cutest boys Gabriel had ever seen, he really looked like a girl. And what an attitude. From the way he'd avoided questions, he probably didn't have the family connections to back up all that talk either. He was going to be in trouble at Daimon Academy if he wasn't careful. But it wasn't like it was Gabriel's place to interfere. He looked at his roommate's sleeping form. He looked a lot less fierce when he wasn't awake. He watched as his roommate rolled onto his side and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to his chest. It was so girlish it was almost amusing. But at least, with that attitude, he didn't have to worry that his roommate was going to hit on him.

 

“Sabin, wake up.” She opened her eyes slowly but jumped back when she realized there was a guy standing over her. She banged her head against the wall and looked around her, realizing that she was in her dorm room after a moment. She rubbed her head and frowned.

“What do you want?” She asked crossly. He turned away and told her.

“The cafeteria here in the dorms is only open from six to eight in the evenings. I just thought I'd tell you, it's already seven.” Sabriel nodded sleepily and yawned, covering her mouth.

“Oh, thanks. Can you tell me where it is?” She climbed out of bed and tried to adjust her tie, since it had gotten messed up, but she couldn't do it. Gabriel told her.

“I'm obligated to show you around, since it's your first night at the dorms. Don't worry about your uniform, we're not required to wear it to meals.” Sabriel took the tie off and threw it off onto her bed in annoyance, glaring at it. She got to her feet and tucked her shirt back in. She could at least do that. She ran her fingers through her hair and said.

“Let's get this over with then. I want to go back to bed.” She followed her new roommate out of the room, not paying much attention to her surroundings. She felt a hand sliding over her shoulder and froze before grabbing the hand and yelling.

“Don`t touch me!” She threw the offender over her hip and onto the floor in the hallway. Gabriel, walking in front of her, dodged deftly. He looked back at her and raised a brow.

“What are you doing?” Sabriel pointed at the offender.

“He was touching me! It creeped me out!” The stranger got to his feet and dusted himself off, but he didn't seem too offended.

“My my. You look as delicate as a girl, but you're so strong. That's so attractive.” He looked up at her and smiled. He was fairly good looking, and his hair was something any girl would have been envious of. Gabriel asked.

“So can I take this to mean that you were hitting on the newcomer before you even said hello Leo?” The stranger brushed back his hair.

“Of course. After all, with you as his roommate, I have a lot of competition.” Gabriel told him.

“Don't think of us as being the same type.” Leo sighed and said.

“Don't be so cold. It's because you're like this that girls are afraid to approach you.” Gabriel sniffed.

“I have no need for that sort of thing. Sabin, let's go before the cafeteria closes. Otherwise, Senior Leslie will accuse me of neglecting my duties.” She nodded and followed him, watching Leo suspiciously as they walked away. He covered his smile with his hand and seemed to be amused about something.

 

The only familiar face in the cafeteria was the guy who'd offered to help her that morning and his friend, Keith. Sabriel supposed it was safer to sit with her roommate at the moment. He told her as they sat down.

“I would tell you to watch out for the seniors, since they like to pick on younger students sometimes, but it seems like you can probably take care of yourself just fine.” Sabriel told him.

“I actually prefer to avoid conflicts. If I hit people, it will hurt my hands, and I won't be able to play as well. I only did that earlier out of instinct.” She took a sip of her water and Gabriel asked.

“Play? Is there a particular sport that you're into?” She sat her glass down and told him, noticing his perfect table manners, not particularly unusual among the people around her.

“I don't play any sports. I was talking about playing the violin. It's sort of a tradition in my family.” He looked at her hands and said.

“Oh, I see.” She supposed he probably didn't really care. She asked him.

“Is there an orchestra club or something like it at this school. I'd like to go and introduce myself tomorrow, if that's the case.” Gabriel nodded.

“Yes. Actually, that senior who we met in the hall earlier, he's a member I think. So is Ray Hoshi, from our class. But you wouldn't want to ask him about it, you'll get a bad reputation if you hang out with that guy. You should ask Fredrick Tarin. I think he's in that club too, though I heard he goes to the track and field club too.” Sabriel asked.

“Our class?” He looked at her.

“Oh, you didn't know? We're in the same class. I thought Senior Leslie would have mentioned it already.”

“Gabriel, is this your new roommate. How are the two of you getting along?” Sabriel looked up at the stranger. He was giving both of them a friendly smile. Gabriel looked up and then turned his attention back to his meal, saying.

“We get along fine, Rick. Did you want something?” Rick sat down beside Gabriel, brushing his blond hair out of his face.

“Actually, I was thinking about recruiting your roommate for the martial arts club. Leo said he might be good at it.” He looked at Sabriel and she told him.

“I have no intention of joining any club which involves spending my time hanging around with a bunch of sweaty guys. I'd rather spend time with my girlfriends.” She said it seriously, even though she was half joking. She did have a lot of girl friends. She preferred them over these guys any day.

“Sab? Is that you.” She froze at the familiar voice and dropped her fork onto her plate with a clatter. Gabriel looked at her in surprise and Rick looked a little surprised as well. Sabriel got to her feet slowly and turned to look at Verity. He was Anita's older brother. She hadn't realized that he went to the same school. It was the worst luck. He crossed his arms over his chest and asked.

“Do you mind telling me what you're doing at an..” Sabriel dashed forward and clasped a hand over his mouth.

“Don't say anything in front of these people Verity. I'm begging you, if you love your sister just do this for me?” She released the hand over his mouth and grabbed his wrist. “Come with me.” She led him away from the others and he followed her with a sigh of resignation. He asked as they walked away.

“What are you guys up to this time? You'd better explain or I'm going to call your parents.”

 

Verity sighed and looked at her, commenting.

“So you came here just to find your fiance and convince him to break up with you?” Sabriel nodded.

“That's right. So you won't tell anyone will you?” He rested his arms on the picnic table. Since it was dark and getting late, not many people were outside of the cafeteria.

“Do you really think it's possible for you to do such a thing without causing trouble? This school contains the sons of all the most influential families. Do you think they won't recognize you if they see you later? Not to mention, there are probably plenty of people here who you've met before.” Sabriel told him.

“It's all right. I've got things worked out. Besides, who would really expect to see me here, and I haven't done much socializing since I cut my hair. I still can't believe you recognized me so fast.” He told her.

“You looked very much like yourself when you were talking to those guys. Besides, I was curious when I heard there was a transfer student called Sabin Selwyn. So I guess Anita knows about this escapade of yours.” Sabriel nodded.

“She didn't mention that you go here.” He told her.

“We don't talk about that sort of thing very much.” Sabriel leaned forward and asked.

“So you won't say anything?” He sighed again.

“You're such a troublemaker Sab. I won't say anything, but if I don't like the way things are going, I'm going to call your family. By the way, I heard rumors that your roommate is engaged to someone, but not who. You might as well start out by finding out if he's the one you're looking for, although a coincidence like that would be a little much.” He got to his feet and Sabriel glanced back into the cafeteria. It looked like it was closing.

“Damn, I forgot I just left him there like that.” Verity looked in that direction as well.

“It's all right. I'll take you back to your room.”

 

“So which one is Fredrick?” She asked Gabriel. It was the end of class, so she wanted to find out before the person in question left. She had her bag and her violin case both in her right hand as she leaned over Gabriel's desk. He simply pointed to a slightly chubby student across the room who was packing up his things and then got up and gathered his things, pretty much ignoring Sabriel. She sighed. He was such a difficult person. She wondered if he even had any friends. She didn't have time to think about it though. She went to the student who he'd pointed out and stopped in front of his desk.

“Excuse me, are you Fredrick?” She asked. He looked up in some surprise.

“Me? Uh, yeah. Do you want something from me?” He looked a little nervous, like maybe he expected to be bullied. Sabriel gave him a friendly smile. She had been pretty rude to everyone most of the day, but she didn't think this guy was anything to be afraid of.

“I'd like to join the orchestra club. Would you mind taking me there?” He looked surprised at her polite request. His cheeks flushed a little and he quickly packed his things and stuttered.

“Uh, sure. I'll do that.” Sabriel told him.

“I'll be waiting in the hall.” She heard a couple of snickers and one of the students in their class, the one with the red highlights in his black hair, put his arm around Fredrick.

“Looks like you've made a cute new friend Fredrick. You seem to be a little flustered. But I guess it can't be helped. He does look so much like a girl.” Sabriel glared at this newcomer and turned away, saying coldly.

“I'll be waiting.” She left the room and waited outside, standing by the door. That guy, what was his problem? Saying she looked like a girl. Of course, it couldn't be helped, but still, to say it in such a way. It was as if he was trying to insult her. She looked up when Fredrick joined her. Their annoying classmate with the highlights stood next to him, holding an instrument case. From it's size, Sabriel guessed that he played the clarinet or something like it. This must be the student Gabriel warned her about. He even had an earring in one ear. Just that morning the teacher had made him take it out in class. He must have put it back in as soon as class was over.

“You must be Ray right?” She asked. He raised a brow.

“Am I that famous?” He asked. Sabriel replied.

“More like infamous.” She looked at Fredrick and said. “Shall we go?” Fredrick glanced at Rick and then nodded.

“Yeah. Let's go. It's this way.” As they walked, Fredrick chattered on about basically nothing, obviously trying to dispel the rather cold atmosphere between Ray and Sabriel. He opened the door to the club room and as soon as he did Sabriel could clearly hear the sound of instruments being tuned. The music room they were in was several times the size of the normal classrooms and she supposed that since she couldn't hear anything until the door was opened, that it must be sound proofed. Thank god it was. Ray brushed past her as she paused in the doorway with Fredrick and quickly joined a small group by the window in the far left corner of the room. They looked like first year students. Fredrick told her.

“Mr. Welsch is in charge of the orchestra club, but he usually leaves everything to the club president, Leo.” Fredrick motioned her to follow him an they walked across the room where several older students were all taking out their instruments. “Leo, we have a new club member.” The student who looked up was, unfortunately, familiar to Sabriel. He was that guy who she'd thrown in the dorm hallway. She frowned as Leo rested his Cello in it's case next to his chair and got to his feet.

“So it's you. I expect you to join the martial arts club or something.” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a rather amused looking smile. “Well then princess, show us what you've got.” Sabriel stared for a minute and then her face flushed.

“Princess?” She demanded. He chuckled slightly.

“Yes, that's what I've decided to call you. If you don't like it, you can leave the club. But it would be a shame for you to leave without giving us a chance to see how good you are. So come on, I want to hear.” Sabriel supposed it couldn't be helped. She should be glad he hadn't ordered her to leave as soon as he saw her face. This was probably his revenge. She said.

“My name is Sabin. Sabin Selwyn.” She looked at the other members sitting near him. They were all watching the exchange, waiting expectantly. She sighed. “Fine. I'll play.” Sabriel went to a vacant chair not far from their grouping and sat her bag down next to it. She sat her violin case down on top of the chair and opened it, taking out her violin with a gentle touch. It had belonged to her grandfather before her so it was pretty old. She was told she was the first girl that the violin had been passed on to. She settled it under her chin and didn't even have to decide on the piece. Her favorite had always been Ave Maria. Her father used to play it for her when she was little and couldn't sleep so she knew it by heart. When she heard the notes of that piece, it was like something inside her melted every time. It was like she was a little girl again, with her father watching over her kindly, a smile on his face. She finished playing and realized that everyone was silent. Leo smiled at her and clapped.

“Not bad at all. I wasn't expecting you to be that good.” He stopped clapping and looked over at two of the other guys sitting there with violins. “Mikael, Seth, it looks like there's another rival for the best violin in the orchestra club. You won't mind letting the princess play with us will you.” Her pleasant mood after playing her favorite piece was broken the instant he called her princess again. She glared at him.

“Don't call me princess.” She told him. He looked over at her.

“You have a problem with it? It think it's fitting. But like I said, if you don't like it, you can leave.” He teased. Sabriel took a deep breath to calm herself a little but told him.

“Like hell I'm leaving.” He smiled and patted her on the shoulder.

“Very good. Welcome to the orchestra club.” Fredrick interrupted, looking apologetic.

“Excuse me, but I have to get going. I'm supposed to join the track team for a run today.” Leo waved him away.

“I know, I know. You'd better hurry. Thanks for bringing our new member.” Fredrick nodded.

“Sure.” He looked at Sabriel and told her. “Good luck.” She waved casually.

“Yes, yes. Don't worry.” Leo seemed to forget about Fredrick instantly.

“Well now. Let me introduce you to our best members. Mikael and Seth, of course, are your rivals. They often act as a duo. Mikael is the vice president of our club and Seth is our secretary.” Sabriel looked at the two and nodded politely. Mikael was a bit taller, and was the exact opposite of the other violinist. He was dark haired with dark eyes, whereas Seth had pale blond hair and light gray eyes. They did make an interesting pair. Leo motioned to yet another of their members.

“This is Loren, my self-proclaimed rival in the cello department, but you can feel free to ignore him, as he's rather annoying.” Sabriel saw the other celloist glaring at Leo's back and supposed at least she wasn't the only one to be bothered by Leo's teasing as she said.

“Hello.” She was ignored though since Loren was only looking at Leo.

“Leo, you…” Loren's voice trailed off as the flutist next to him patted him on the back.

“Now, now Loren. He's just teasing.” He said. Leo motioned to the flutist.

“This is our treasurer and excellent flutist, Yuki.” Yuki looked up and gave Sabriel a smile. She stared at his eyes for a minute. They were such a pretty green. She realized she was staring and her cheeks flushed as she said.

“Nice to meet you.” Leo chuckled.

“How cute. Do you have a crush already princess?” Sabriel glared at him.

“I'm not into that sort of thing!” She proclaimed loudly. He shrugged, but still had an amused smile on his face.

“Fine, fine. It's no concern of mine what sort of relationship you prefer. Now, back to my introductions. This is Kiran. He plays the French horn absolutely wonderfully, but unfortunately has no aspirations of playing professionally, unlike most of us here.” Sabriel looked at his face and realized he looked a great deal like that troublemaker from her class. She glanced toward where said troublemaker was sitting with some of the other first years and then back to Kiran. He gave her a friendly smile.

“That's my brother over there. Appearances aside, there's not much we have in common.” Sabriel nodded.

“Oh, I see. It's nice to meet you.” Leo drew her attention back to her, saying.

“Unfortunately, there aren't many talented clarinet players among us, since our best graduated last year, but there are some talented first year students that we're trying to get up to our level.” Sabriel asked.

“So do you actually have concerts. Are there more people?” Leo nodded.

“Of course, we wouldn't be much of a club if we were the only ones who played. Not everyone is as dedicated as we are though, some of them have multiple clubs, so they don't come all the time. The rest will be trickling in gradually. Actually, we were planning on performing Eroica for a charity concert here at the school.” Sabriel asked.

“A charity concert? Who for?” Yuki spoke up.

“For the East End Children's Orphanage.” Sabriel couldn't help but smile.

“That's such a nice thing to do.” She commented. Yuki replied.

“Isn't it?” Sabriel nodded and Kiran said.

“Seems like the two of you will get along well. Leo, aren't you going to ask him to perform with us. We could use more violins.” Leo replied.

“Well it's a given that he'll join us now that he's part of the club. Right?” He looked at Sabriel and she shrugged.

“I guess. I'd be happy to join, so long as there's time for me to practice.” Mikael told her.

“Don't worry about that. We have an entire month before the performance. But I think someone should warn you, Leo does these charity things quite a bit, so you'll be dragged into a lot of his projects if you don't stand up to him.” Sabriel smiled faintly.

“I appreciate the warning, but I enjoy these sorts of things. There's no way I'd refuse.” She was surprised when Leo grasped her and hugged her close.

“Oh, you're so cute Princess.” He kissed her forehead, which was even more surprising but she came to her senses immediately and tried to pull away.

“Come on, stop that. You can't just hug people whenever you want.” She hoped he didn't notice anything when he hugged her but she couldn't do much about it unless she wanted to damage her violin. Yuki commented.

“Leo, don't get too carried away.” Lorin turned away and snorted.

“So shameless.” He muttered. Leo finally released Sabriel and put his hands on her shoulders. She asked.

“Can't you please stop touching me?” He only smiled, looking amused again.

“But your hands are full right now so it's my only chance. Am I right?” Sabriel told him softly, glaring.

“I could still kick you.” He chuckled faintly.

“You're so spirited Princess.” But he let go and backed away after saying that rather provoking remark, so kicking him was no longer an option.

 

“Yo! What's up over here?” Sabriel looked up as a stranger opened the door to the club room and waved to everyone. Leo smiled brightly and went to join the newcomer.

“Phil, how are you?” Sabriel turned to the others.

“Is that another club member?” She asked. Lorin told her, coming out of his state of inverted rage with the lack of Leo's presence.

“Sort of.” Seth took his time getting to his feet and spoke in a rather soft voice.

“Phil plays the trumpet, so he spends most of his time with the marching band. They started their own club and they play before some of the sports teams' games. Only the big games though, otherwise it would be too much.” Sabriel asked.

“Are the sports programs in this school all that good?” Mikael told her.

“Of course they are. This school is top class in just about everything.” Kiran nodded.

“That's right.” Sabriel turned and asked, glancing back at Leo.

“There's just one more thing I'm curious about…” She lowered her voice. “How did someone like that get to be president?” Seth just laughed slightly and said.

“Who knows?” Then he left to join Leo and Phil, waving to Phil enthusiastically. Kiran got to his feet as well.

“He does have an unusual personality, but he's also a very kind person and he has a lot of passion for music.” Sabriel watched as Kiran also joined them. Lorin sat back in his seat.

“That guy really pisses me off. Don't ask me why he's the president.” Sabriel didn't really know what to say about that so she just smiled a little uncomfortably. Mikael got to his feet.

“You'll probably understand eventually.” He gave her a faint smile and she looked at Yuki and Lorin, the only two still remaining. Yuki patted the now empty seat beside him and said.

“You'll get tired if you keep standing like that. Why don't you have a seat?” She sat down beside him and sat her violin on her lap.

“Thanks.” Yuki smiled.

“No problem. So do you do anything else besides violin?” Sabriel couldn't really say that she used to enjoy choir, since her voice ranged from a high alto to soprano. Those were tones no guy could sing, at least no guy over twelve. She told him.

“Ah, well, I guess you could say that I practice martial arts pretty frequently.” She waved her hands and said defensively. “It's only for self defense though. I don't really enjoy fighting.” He smiled and told her.

“It's not like it would matter if you did. There are plenty of nice people in the martial arts club after all.” Lorin looked over at the group around Phil and sighed.

“Are we actually going to practice today at all?” He looked over at Yuki and Sabriel and told Sabriel.

“If you're going to do the concert with us, don't forget to get a copy of the sheet music.” Sabriel nodded but then looked up as she heard Leo.

“Princess! Princess!” He called. She gave him the darkest look she could manage and then turned her head away, refusing to answer to that nickname. She was caught off guard as he came around behind her chair and put his arms around her.

“What's wrong Princess? Did I do something to upset you? I just wanted to introduce you to someone.” Since she had her violin on her lap Sabriel was able to reach up with one hand and push at his arms.

“I told you not to call me that. If you call me that, I won't answer.” Leo released her.

“Don't fight it. It's the perfect name for you. But I guess we can take care of that later. Phil, this is our new violinist.” Sabriel looked up and waved at Phil, who said.

“Geez Leo. You're giving him a hard time on his first day?” He greeted Sabriel. “Nice to meet you. I'm afraid I didn't catch your real name.” He offered her his hand. Sabriel accepted the hand he offered and told him.

“It's Sabin Selwyn. Nice to meet you too.” He released her hand and said to all of them.

“Well, I'm afraid I was just stopping by to see how everyone is doing. Gotta get back to my own practice now. See you later.” He waved and everyone said their farewells as he was walking away. Leo turned his attention back to all of them and said.

“Shall we all begin practicing now?” Lorin said, his tone demeaning.

“Sabin doesn't even have the music yet. Do you expect him to practice without it?” Leo paused and then smiled.

“Of course not. Seth, you're the secretary, please go fetch a copy for my princess.” Seth looked a little bit disappointed to have been assigned such a duty. He went to put away his violin with just a nod. Sabriel felt a little bad.

“I'll go with him, since I can't do anything yet anyways.” Leo told her.

“Do as you wish.” Sabriel got up from her seat and put away her own violin. She joined Seth as he finished. Leo was gathering up some of the other club members and directing them into rooms off the main music room, each with a member of the small circle Sabriel had been sitting with attending. The violins and cellos seemed to be staying in the main room to practice together. Seth told her.

“We only all practice together in the last two weeks before an event usually.” Sabriel followed him into a small room off to the side of the main club room and he closed the door on the noise from outside.

“I'm sure I left some extra copies around here somewhere.” He opened a cabinet and began rifling through.

“I'm sorry to have troubled you like this.” Sabriel apologized. He told her.

“It's no problem. I am the secretary. It's not like the others don't do any work.” He found what he was looking for and pulled out a copy, closing the cabinet and handing it to her.

“Here you go.” She took it with a quick.

“Thank you.” Seth went to the door but paused.

“By the way. If I were you, I'd just let Leo do as he pleases. He's never going to stop calling you Princess now that he's decided. He doesn't mean anything by it. It's true, he likes guys, but you don't have to worry that he'll ask you to do something that you don't want to. I hope… you don't have a problem with people who are gay… do you?” He glanced back and Sabriel thought he looked a little embarrassed. The fact that he looked embarrassed made her feel a little embarrassed herself. She felt her cheeks flushing faintly and told him.

“No, not at all. Are you perhaps, that way?” Seth laughed as if to cover his embarrassment.

“You've guessed exactly right. Mikael and I have been seeing each other for a while. But it's sort of like one of those open secrets. People around school know, but our parents have no idea.” Sabriel told him, wanting to return his honesty.

“Actually, I'm… sort of that way too. Even though I have a lot of friends that are girls, I don't actually have any girlfriends. I just hang out with them because they're fun to be around… girls that is. But, don't mention this to anyone. I don't have any intentions of having a relationship right now, so I wouldn't want anyone to get any ideas.” Seth looked a bit surprised and then relieved. He smiled.

“I won't say a word, not even to Mikael.” Sabriel returned his smile.

“Thanks.” He opened the door and they rejoined everyone. The violins and cellos were already practicing together in the club room but they stopped when Seth and Sabriel came back out, since Leo stopped playing and got to his feet, holding his cello in front of him.

“Found it already? The two of you want to join? I'm interested to see how well you read sheet music Princess.” Sabriel started to glare but then she gave in, remember Seth's words.

“Yes, yes, of course President. I'll play with you.” He smiled and Sabriel thought he looked pleased for a moment but then he was right back to normal.

“Good. You can sit with our duo.” He was referring to Seth and Mikael. She nodded and joined them, pulling up a chair next to them. Well, at least she wouldn't be bored in this group.

 

She sat down on the far side of the cafeteria, her plan to eat by herself like she usually did. It was fairly crowded, since she'd come earlier than she had before. She leaned back in her chair. She'd managed to get a shower in before coming down. Her roommate had pretty much ignored her the way he always did. She still hadn't asked him about his fiancé. He was such a hard person to approach. She was surprised when someone pulled out the chair beside her.

“So you were here after all Princess. I stopped by your room but you were already gone.” She looked over as Leo joined her with a smile. “Are you happy to see me?” She wasn't necessarily happy, but she doubted he'd leave even if she said she wasn't.

“I wouldn't say happy exactly.” She told him. She was surprised when several other members of the orchestra club appeared. Kiran, Seth, Mikael, and Yuki. All of them arrived one after another. Yuki joined them.

“Leo, are you picking on Sabin again?” He asked. Sabriel said.

“Yes.” At the same time Leo said.

“Of course not.” He sounded completely innocent. Yuki sat down on the end of the table as Mikael and Seth sat next to each other on the opposite side of the table from Sabriel. Kiran sat on the other end of the table. It was a little cramped, but everyone seemed to fit just fine. Yuki commented, looking at Sabriel's plate.

“You know, with how small you are, I really expected you to eat nothing but salad.” Sabriel made a disgusted face.

“I hate salad. I might eat it if there was a lot of ginger dressing on it but otherwise, there's no way.” Leo commented.

“That must be why our princess is so strong. The first time I met this guy, he threw me down the hall.” Kiran raised a brow and commented.

“What were you doing at the time? I wonder.” Leo told him, looking not the least bit hurt at the accusation.

“Me? Just saying hello. But you know. Our princess is so sensitive, he takes everything seriously.” He put his arm around Sabriel's neck and leaned toward her.

“It's so cute.” Sabriel still had her fork in her hand. She managed to fight off the urge to act without warning.

“I'll stab you.” She warned him. He let go and laughed.

“See, just like that.” Yuki covered his mouth and coughed. Mikael and Seth didn't seem to notice the exchange at all, Mikael was holding his fork up in front of Seth.

“Come on, why don't you try it?” He asked, leaning toward Seth. Seth turned his head away.

“No way. I don't like peppers. I've told you that before.” Mikael smiled faintly and backed off.

“Well, I guess that's fine.” Seth gave him a dirty look and Mikael commented. “I'll make sure you taste it later.” Sabriel supposed, after that remark, that it was better not to get involved in their conversation. They were obviously in their own little world. Kiran got to his feet.

“Excuse me, I forgot something.” He got to his feet and left them for a minute. Yuki commented.

“Looks like he forgot his tea.” Leo smiled faintly and said.

“He's so simple.” A moment later Kiran returned with a not quite full cup of tea and a handful of creamers. Sabriel watched in amazement as he poured about five creamers into the cup. She asked.

“Is that still considered tea?” Kiran looked a little embarrassed.

“Of course it is.” He said. Leo put an arm around Sabriel's shoulders and said.

“This is one case where you simply shouldn't ask.” Yuki added.

“It's a very sensitive issue. To date, I think it's Kiran's only fault.” Kiran gave the two of them dirty looks and Mikael joined the conversation with a chuckle, showing he had been paying some attention to everyone else.

“Everyone has at least one strange habit.” Kiran seemed to decide to ignore them. He sat back in his seat with his tea and place the cup in front of him, breathing deeply. Seth commented.

“There he goes, in his own little world.” Yuki shook his head and said.

“I've always wondered what he's thinking of in this moment.”

“Who cares. Just let him enjoy it.” Leo told them. He still had his arm around Sabriel. She'd forgotten in her fascination for Kiran's tea habit. She glanced at the arm as she realized it was still there and motioned at it with her fork.

“Hey you, don't get any weird ideas.” She told Leo. He smiled and moved his arm.

“Sorry, sorry. It just moves on its own sometimes.” She seriously doubted that.

“Like hell it moves on its own.” She muttered.

“Are you doing this again Leo?” They all looked up as an older student joined them. He rested his hand on the edge of the table and looked down at Sabriel as though she were the worst sort of person in the world. Leo looked surprisingly cold.

“It seems like you're assuming things again Rafe. This is our new orchestra club member, Sabin. But everyone calls him Princess.” Leo smiled as Sabriel glared at him.

“Don't you dare tell other people to call me that. It's bad enough that you do it.” Leo looked at Rafe.

“You see? There's nothing unusual about our relationship.” Rafe seemed to back off a little. He straightened and crossed his arms over his chest. Sabriel had to wonder what was normal about a guy calling another guy princess, but Rafe seemed to have no problem accepting it as normal.

“Well, I guess if that's all it is.” He directed his gaze at Sabriel and told her. “Don't get any ideas, all right.” Leo looked amused.

“You're so cute when you're angry Rafe. I promise to stop by later if you'll show me your angry face.” Rafe suddenly looked embarrassed.

“Don't say those sorts of things in front of other people. I'll… I'll be waiting for you.” He left pretty quickly. Leo laughed as he left.

“He's so easy to figure out.” Yuki asked.

“Isn't that why you like him so much?” Leo nodded.

“Of course.” He said. Sabriel glanced back at the disappearing Rafe.

“So was that….?” Leo told her.

“That's my boyfriend. He gets jealous so easily.” Sabriel raised a brow and Kiran commented, obviously having rejoined them.

“I thought you seemed to be putting quite a bit of effort into making him jealous these days.” Leo sighed.

“I suppose it isn't as easy as it used to be.” Yuki just shook his head. Seth commented.

“I'm so glad my relationship isn't that stormy.” Mikael smiled faintly.

“Only Leo can handle that kind of intensity.” He said. Leo leaned toward Sabriel, resting his elbow on the back of her chair and resting his head on his hand as he looked at her fairly closely.

“That reminds me Princess. I've been wondering if you're in a relationship with anyone?” Sabriel leaned away and rested her arms on the table. She glanced at Seth. She'd told him part of the truth. She glanced back at Leo and then down at her plate. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to tell the truth.

“My parents have… arranged for me to get married after high school. It's not something I want to talk about. Other than that, I have no serious relationships.” Kiran sat forward and said.

“My condolences.” Leo sat back in his own seat.

“You should have fun while you still can Princess. If I were you I'd get a boyfriend or a girlfriend really quick. I'm sure your fiancé is doing the same thing.” Sabriel glared at him.

“It's not that easy. I wouldn't deceive someone like that.” She told him. Mikael told her.

“I wouldn't think of it that way. Even if you have a fiancé, it's not like a relationship that you start now will last till the end of high school. There are plenty of people who are only interested in short term relationships anyways.” Sabriel shook her head.

“No, I can't do it. I'm planning to break of the engagement if I can. After that I'll think about that sort of thing.”

“I think it's admirable. You care about other people's feelings that much.” Yuki's remark felt like a compliment but since Sabriel was deceiving all of them, she couldn't feel too good about it. She smiled anyways, feeling uncomfortable.

“Thanks. I'm really not that nice though.” She saw her roommate pass by with Rick, the fencing team vice captain, and was a little bit surprised. She supposed they actually were friends, despite the cold way Gabriel treated Rick. But perhaps since that was how he treated everyone, she shouldn't consider it as a factor. She got to her feet and smiled at everyone. “I'm about done. I'll see you guys tomorrow.” She left them and breathed a sigh of relief. What a difficult bunch, especially the club president. They weren't that bad though, they were well intentioned at the very least.