How Green Becomes Wood

"Um, okay," Milo replied, adjusting his bag over his shoulder and scurrying after Austin, pausing only briefly to take a quick photograph of the fight before hurrying along, very glad to be forgotten. Following Austin to an unknown location knowing he was going to have to answer a question spiked his anxiety, but he was able to somewhat mediate those fears by repeating to himself, it's about the project. he said it's about the project. it's just about the project.
 
Once they'd put a bit of distance between themselves and the fight - Austin's entire reason for moving, he ambled to a slow stop and faced Milo nervously. "So, I was wondering if you could look over what I have for the written part of my half of the project," he said, digging out a folded paper and holding it toward Milo. "I was at the bottom of the class for English and writing and stuff at my last school, and I know you're, like, an English nerd, so I was wondering if maybe you could look at my outline and tell me if I'm going in the right direction?" He was quick to add, "It's just the basic outline, and I'm going to fill it out more, I'm not asking you to do it, just... am I on the right track?"
 
"Oh," Milo replied, taking the paper from him and opening it up to glance at it, "Um, sure. Okay. Yeah, no problem. Did you want me to look over it now, or bring it back to you tomorrow? And, um, could I, you know, right on this? Or would you prefer me not to. I just, that's how I edit my own papers best."
 
Austin looked down sheepishly. "It's only a couple of paragraphs," he mumbled, "and I know that's the part that's going to take me the longest, so I was hoping you could look over it now? You can write on it if you want. Sorry if I'm asking too much. Am I asking too much? I'm asking too much, aren't I?" He held out his hand, ready to take it back.
 
"n-no, it's okay," Milo promised, leaning against the wall so he could look at it better, "It's okay, I don't mind doing it. Um. It's my grade too, right?" He scratched the side of his face and dug in his pocket for a pen, fishing it out after a moment and taking the time to read over it, making careful marks of small grammar mistakes ('their' used instead of 'there' and 'to' where it should say 'too', for example), but also of where he could write a stronger sentence and when what he wrote wasn't exactly clear. It took a little while, because Milo was thorough, but not unkind. Then he handed it back awkwardly, worried he had been too harsh, but he tried not to be.
 
"Thanks," Austin said, shocked Milo had been so thorough with a mere outline of an idea. He was a little intimidated to think what Milo would do with a fully written-out paper. He looked it over with the same care Milo had taken in writing all of the corrections. "You ever thought of doing work as an editor? I bet you could make some good money doing that around here, especially for senior papers." He waved the paper a little. "Thanks for the help. I think I know what I'm doing now. See you Thursday?"
 
"I dunno. Maybe at college." Milo replied, rubbing the back of his neck, "I don't think high schoolers would pay, and I, um, you know. Wouldn't want to have to... talk... to them. Or advertise." He shoved his pen into his pocket and shifted his weight uncomfortably, "Yeah. See you Thursday. Glad I was able to help."
 
Austin wondered briefly how college would change the fact that Milo didn't want to talk or advertise, but he just nodded to Milo. "Thanks again. This'll be a lot better thanks to you." He headed off for his next class, still looking over the paper as he walked. He didn't really have to look where he was going as most of the other kids moved quickly out of the way, many with nervous looks.
 
Milo just figured he'd sign up to a tutoring service and be assigned people. Seemed much easier. He gave a little nod to Austin and went off to where he needed to be, looking down at the ground and walking as quickly as he could without running. The less time spent in a crowded hallway, the better.
 
Xander and Alec looked up curiously when they spotted Milo. He was late! In that he wasn't the first one in the classroom. They didn't have time to ask any questions before class started, though, and Milo didn't seem any more or less anxious than usual, so they didn't suspect he'd been in any kind of trouble.
 
He sat down in his chair and took out his stuff, only dwelling a bit on his conversation with Austin. The rest of the day was easy and soon enough he was at home, doing his side of the project.
 
After school, the twins headed out for their usual activities. Xander went to Judo, and Alec to Cyr wheel practice. Afterward, they both had homework, but then hung out with the family for a while. The twins were still a bit stiff with each other, but that stiffness was gradually working itself out. It was nice to be able to spend time with the family without arguing.

Wednesday went much the same as Tuesday, but instead of working in his shed on his merchandise like he normally did when Alec was at his second Cyr wheel practice, Xander spent time working on the science project and trying to get it to come out right. It was going decently well, overall, but he was feeling the pressure. Alec worked on his project as well as other homework when he got home, and he was texting Emma about it a lot. They were serious texts, Emma was not playing around, but Alec couldn't help a little smile when he heard her text tone. And then he had to take a moment to seriously question himself. They hadn't even gone out on ther kind-of-not-really-a-date yet, why was he acting so dopey?

Thursday morning, as they were getting ready for school, Alec asked Daizi, "Is it alright if I go to Emma's house directly after school? We need to put together our science project, and she said her mother is more than happy to drop me off at peaceful Petals right after."
 
The return of some level of peace was a comfort to both Dark and Daizi, and Ivy was as happy as she ever was. It was easier to maneuver throughout the house now, and there was a level of peace which came purely from knowing things were improving.

Thursday morning, Daizi said, "Sure, if her mom is willing to drop you off. I want you to be able to finish your assignment."
 
Alec hurried over to her and gave her a quick hug. "Love you, Mama!"

"Come on!" Xander scolded. "We're going to be late!"

Alec ran back to the door and pulled on his shoes. "Hold your horses. One love you is not going to make us late!"

Xander grumbled and ushered them both out of the house. "I still have to track down my partner. I haven't hurt jack from him since Tuesday."

"Fun times!" Alec remarked as he let Xander usher him to the car.
 
"I love you too," She replied, squeezing him and walking them to the door, holding Ivy on her hip, and speaking quickly to try to get it out before the door shut added, "Have a good day, I hope you get in contact with your partner. If you can't tell your teacher!"

Then she bounced Ivy one more time on her hip, and went into the living room to play with her while they waited for Dark to emerge. The fact it was Thursday made her so anxious, but it was too early in the day to call anyone to triple check things were in place for Saturday, so she just had to sit with those fears.
 
When they got to school, Xander instantly started scanning all the faces for his so-called partner. Where was he? This project was due tomorrow! He finally spotted the guy leaning against the lockers and talking to a couple of other preppy-looking dudes. They noticed Xander as he marched toward them, but none of them fully lost their smiles.

"We need to talk about the project," Xander growled.

"You're right, we do," the guy said in a weak voice. "Look, I've been really sick the past few days. That's why I haven't been able to get in touch with you. Look, can you finish up the project? Here's what I managed to get done." He handed over a few crumpled pages.

Xander stared at him. "This is it?"

"I'm lucky to even be here, man. Cut me some slack," the guy whined.

Xander took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This kid was so lucky this hadn't happened a couple of years ago. "Fine. I'll finish it up."

"Great! I promise to help polish it up so we can get a good grade," the guy assured him.

Xander walked away. This was so stupid. But he wasn't going to let this die just like this. As much as he wanted to punch the guy, he wouldn't, but he still had other means and methods.
 
Milo knew he needed to meet back up with Austin, but rather than searching for him, he just waited for the period of time when they were in the classroom before first period, but class hadn't started yet. It just made things easier, he thought, and less stressful. He had been working hard on his part, so he didn't have too much left on his side to finish up.
 
Austin almost didn't see Milo, but he spotted the hunched teen at the last second and veered toward him. "Hey," he greeted him. "Um. Last day for the project. I'm a little behind, but I think I can get it all done in time. How about you?"
 
"Um. Yeah. I think I'll finish it. I was able to get a lot done last night." He shrugged his shoulders, looking briefly up at Austin before averting his eyes again, "We should probably, uh, coordinate again."
 
"Yeah. Do you want to meet after school?" Austin asked. "It's not that cold today. We could go to the park or something. Or I guess we could maybe do it during lunch period if after school doesn't work for you."
 
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