#bergen_county

"Mm." A grunt of approval. "Can't lie, man, kinda regret the road not taken there but.... hey, you're my bro. I don't really mind."

"Thanks man" A smile

"Nah." a casual shoulder-punch.

A grin "So, Piper ask you out for the Sadie hawkins?"

"Yeah." He plays it off casual but there's a real happiness in his tone and expression. "Figure it should be cool. I mean, I like spending time with her so...."

" 'Sides, she's always trying to grab the check or whatever, so I figure this time I'll let her have it all."

"Sounds reasonable. Me? I'm okay with letting the women folk spoil me" A grin

"Oh, I don't mind it! I just figure, you know, I have a job and money and all. I can spring for stuff, and I like treating her."

"I know, but Piper's not so big in the having the guy do everything. So let her treat you back now and then and she'll be happy"

"Hence, Sadie Hawkins." A pause. "Glad she asked me."

"Glad too" A nod

Adam drums his fingers along the wall a moment. "You going?"

"No one has asked me out yet. Maya might but.. that's harder to hide from her folks, you know?"

"Like changing her clothes isn't??"

"She switches them before leaving school" he says

"Who's switching clothes now?" Piper asks, stepping out of the classroom. A quick pat on Adam's rear! "Nope, those are his this time."

"Why is the Sub acting like she's got company in her pants?" Zane asks her

"Hey....." he grins, eyes shining with pleasure at the addition to the company.

"Maybe that sub needed to get a little dominated." A smirk. "Got my phone back, though."

"Ha." Zane says "That explains so much."

His interest sparks at this turn of conversation.

"All this talk about subs is making me hungry. Zane, I bet you could go for a foot-long."

Adam snerks, hard.

Zane laughs "Sure, what's one more?"

She laughs! "I wonder what mystery gunk is on the cafeteria menu today." Her nose wrinkles a bit. "They'll throw a handful of wilted iceberg and some birds-eye medley frozen veg on a tray and call it the vegetarian option."

"Wanna bust out, go for lunch somewhere?"

"What do you think, Z? Or are you gonna mope up and down the halls until some pretty girl notices you're single for the dance?"

"Har har. I can get the ladies interested... I Just want to sample before I decide which"

"A decerning gent." Adam says in a faux British accent.

"Well, if there's anyone you have an eye on, it's not cheating to have someone nudge them in your direction." She grins. "I'm a damn fine double agent."

"You -know- I'm your wingman, Zane."

"Thanks guys" He puts arms around them both as they sneak out "But I'm actually feeling pretty good about life again. I didn't DIE. That's a plus"

"Always!"

"Damn good thing, too. If I had to go to hell to drag you back, they'd try to recruit me to work for them. I already have the look going." A pert flick of her tail.

"You and Nab" A joke

"She's got a better tail on her, I have to admit. And those wings? Call me Smuckers, cuz I am jelly!

"I think your tail is sexy as -hell-, Piper." Honestly, and experience teaches he's speaking the truth. "Nab's tail is ... different. Not better or worse."

"The man appreciates variety in tail" Zane nods

She snorts, but looks amused. "C'mon, now I want a veggie sub. You coming, Zane?"

"Right behind you. You gonna be okay if I have some meat on my sub?"

"I don't kink shame, you know that. " A grin.

A laugh "Right."

"I'll drive." He offers. They duck out of school and head for the parking lot.

(End scene)