i can't take it

Tess walked into Classroom 34b with her best friend, Andie, trailing behind. Apologising to their teacher with a weak smile, Tess exhaled as she saw the only seats left were just in front of the two brattiest members of their History class, Michael and Luke. "Great," she murmured quietly to Andie as she lead the way to the table, dumping her bag onto the floor and sitting down, leaning forward slightly so the usual suspect, Michael, couldn't grab her - the boys had a habit of torturing herself and Andie, pulling their hair, tugging their jackets, kicking their chairs, there had always been some sort of childish teasing throughout the whole of their school years, and if Michael wasn't so damn gorgeous, Tess was sure she'd of hit him by now. Getting her history book out, Tess opened it to the relevant subject - World War I, and stared straight ahead.

Luke nudged Michael with a smirk as Andie and Tess walked into the classroom, only slightly late, but still, it was usually himself and Michael that were late. "Look who's here." He murmured as the girls apologised to the teacher. Offering Andie a a sweet smile as the girls sat at the table in front of theirs, Luke leaned back in his chair, acting innocent. Once the teacher had began to speak, Luke kicked the back of Andie's chair with a smirk. "Hey, Andie," he murmured. "Do you have a pencil I could borrow?" He grinned. Despite Luke's constant teasing, Luke had always found Andie incredibly beautiful, and all he ever wanted was for her to notice him in the way he had noticed her - he couldn't deny that her whole demeanor, her whole being, was attractive to him, from the way she spoke to the way she smiled, Luke wanted all of it to himself, but unable to find the words to tell her, Luke opted to tease her instead.

Michael grinned slightly when Luke motioned to the girls and he leaned forward, his gaze settled fully on Tess. Despite everything he did to her, he never really meant her any actual harm. It was just hard to really think of any other way to get her attention or stand out to her when he knew she got a lot of attention from other guys, and the only way he'd been able to get any sort of attention from her in return, as far as he was aware, had been when he'd started to annoy her and he just never let up on it, enjoying her attention to much, regardless of whether it was the attention he wanted or not. Leaning forward, he leaned across his table to rest his hands on her chair, shaking it gently and playing it off as just trying to get her attention by asking, "Hey, Tess, any chance I can borrow some paper?"

Andie had felt her heart drop when she and Tess walked into the class and the only spots to sit were in front of Luke and Michael. She knew exactly how this class was going to go; any time they got stuck around the boys, they were pretty much tormented. Breathing out, she swallowed her nerves and sat down, pulling out what she needed to focus on taking notes, but almost immediately, the problem started. Clenching her jaw when she felt Luke kick her chair, she glared back at him, wishing in that moment that Luke didn't have an attractive bone in his body - because, admittedly, he was just about the most attractive person she'd ever met. "No, I don't," she told him quietly, "Maybe ask your buddy." Determined to ignore him, she settled her gaze back ahead.

Luke stuck his lower lip out into a joking pout as Andie turned to face the front again. "But Michael's boring. You're not boring. Andie. Andie." He repeated quietly, knowing damn well just how awful he was being, but a part of him hated it when she wasn't talking to him - even if the interaction was negative, Luke loved the sound of Andie's voice, he loved everything about her. "Surely you have a spare pencil, I'm not asking for a date." Although, God dammit, he wished he could master up the courage to try that, although he was almost sure Andie would decline at the first chance she got. Leaning forward to tug a piece of her hair, Luke grinned and settled back in his chair as the teacher turned around for a moment.

Tess sighed as she felt her chair shake, turning around to face Michael for a moment. "Knock it off." She whispered to him, not wanting to get herself into trouble by being too loud. And although his grin gave Tess a feeling that she wasn't quite familiar with - something she could describe as butterflies, she frowned at him. "And knock that smile off your face, before I knock it off for you." She warned, scrunching up a piece of paper from her binder and throwing it at him, turning her attention to the front once more, turning the page of the text book she shared with Andie when it was needed.

Andie swallowed hard, trying to ignore the warm feeling that flowed through her when Luke said her name like that, and she tried to push it away before looking back at him. "No, I don't have a spare pencil," she repeated quietly, "And, if you were asking for a date, the answer would still be no, because, chances are, any date with you would either be one huge prank or it'd just end in disaster." She turned her attention back ahead, but hissed quietly when Luke tugged her hair and shot a glare back at him before she tried to focus her attention on the class.

Michael grinned slightly. "Why do I have to knock it off, though?" he asked quietly, "It's the only way to get your attention, since you're so good at ignoring me." He pouted slightly with the thought, hating the moments where she wouldn't acknowledge him. Of course, he knew he deserved it with the way he treated her, but he just couldn't help it; he wanted her to pay attention to him in some way and he just wasn't brave enough to tell her that or to really confront her about his feelings for her. "I'm pretty sure you like this smile, why would you want me to knock it off, too? Unfair, Tess, completely unfair." He grinned slightly, watching her but leaned back in his seat, lightly tapping his foot against the back of her chair every now and then.

Luke frowned as Andie turned back to face the front, his heart dropping slightly at her thinking that their date would be a prank. Still, he tried to shake off his disappointment, lightly kicking the back of Andie's chair, yet his movements were gentle, trying to put a grin back onto his face. "Oh, come in, Andie, lighten up." He teased. "I think a date between us would go amazingly. We'd make a great couple, don't you think?" He kicked her chair once more, still gentle, wanting Andie to turn around just so he could see her beautiful face again - her whole existence giving him happiness.

Tess turned to look at Michael. "I'm so good at ignoring you because you're so great at being annoying." She spoke quietly, not knowing why she was even bothering to entertain him with a reply. Still, hearing him say he was sure she liked his smile, Tess blushed slightly and turned back around, not giving him another reply, frowning as she realised he was right - Tess loved Michael's smile. Sighing as he tapped his foot against the back of his chair, Tess ran a hand through her hair as she began to take notes.

Andie frowned slightly after feeling him kick her chair again and she rolled her eyes slightly, peering over. "No, actually, I don't. You're an ass," she reminded, "So, please, just stop." Because, as attractive as he was, as much as his grin made her heart race, she had no interest in putting herself in a position to get hurt by him when she already dealt with his trouble enough at school. Sighing, she settled her gaze back ahead, trying to refocus.

Michael chewed on his lip when he heard Tess's words, wondering if she really thought that about him. He knew he would deserve it and that he went out of his way to annoy her as often as possible, but he wondered if it would make any difference if she knew why he did that - not that he had the courage to bring that up, of course. "Who knows, maybe I'd change for you," he told her as casually as he could, grinning at her, though he sighed when she turned around and he returned to kicking at her chair lightly, hoping to just regain her attention in any way.

Luke frowned as Andie called him in ass — he knew he deserved it, of course he did, but hearing such a callous word come from her, aimed at him, hurt him deeply. “Oh, c’mon, Andie.” He tried to perk up. “You’re beautiful, you’d make me look better in the long run.” He continued to kick her chair. “Imagine us, King and Queen at Prom. Sounds good to me.” He smirked.

Tess sighed, shaking her head. “I never see you changing, Michael.” She murmured, loud enough for him to hear. “Why should I be a motive when you hate me so much?” She cast her eyes down to her notes, chewing her lip in annoyance as Michael continued to kick her chair, but focused entirely on the text book, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

"Sounds a lot like a horror film, actually," Andie replied easily in response, not bothering to look back at him this time as she focused on taking notes. "In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if a scenario like that ended with me being covered in pig's blood on stage. So, no, thanks." She fell silent, then, taking notes quietly, doing her best to focus.

Michael felt his heart ache with hearing her words, his heart twisting slightly. He knew why she believed that, she did, but he hated to think that it was what she truly thought. "I could never hate you, Tess," he told her quietly, not even sure if she could hear him or if she was even listening to him anymore. "I mean that. I really don't hate you." It was completely the opposite, actually.

Luke pouted slightly at Andie’s words, although his heart ached to hear them. Luke wanted, nothing more, than to be able to call Andie his, whether or not 5 Seconds of Summer made it big time. He watched Andie, the way she moved, the way she ignored him, and felt his heart sink in his chest. “I would never do that,” He promised, although he was unsure if she could hear him over how meek he suddenly became, and for a moment, his kicking stopped. He frowned though, determined not to stop now, and leaned over to pull her hair gently.

Tess heard Michael’s words, ignoring the small ignition of hope within her chest, but still, she continued to ignore him, working on her notes, praying that the end of class came soon so she could get away from Michael, as far away as the school would allow. Gently nudging Andie, Tess raised her eyebrows to her best friend, silently asking if she was okay.

Andie frowned to Luke's words but she was determined not to react to him anymore. Her jaw clenched when she felt him tug her hair, because of course he'd expect her to believe anything he said despite his every action proved otherwise. Huffing quietly, she looked to Tess but rolled her eyes to signal that she wasn't believing Luke for a second, but arched her own brow, worried about her friend.

Michael frowned at the fact that Tess was ignoring him completely and he sighed quietly, watching her. He leaned back in his seat, wishing more than anything that he could prove to her what she meant to him, but he knew the only way to do that was to outright tell her and to stop being an ass. He was worried about how that would go, though, doubtful she'd believe him, and he resorted to kicking her chair lightly again.

A few years had passed since Andie last saw Luke or any of the members of 5 Seconds of Summer. At first, it'd been like a breath of fresh air, being able to go so long without Luke annoying her, but, in silent moments, she found it feeling rather lonely. As the years had passed, she and Tess had begun to work together, as close as ever, and Andie was waiting for Tess outside their workplace so that they could go get lunch on their break.

Michael, over the years, had absolutely loved being a part of 5 Seconds of Summer. The band had made it big, just like they'd always wanted. Every day, though, he found himself missing Tess - missing her beautiful face, her amazing voice, missing just seeing her. He never got to tell her how he really felt about her, but he wished he'd had the chance to, that he'd had the courage to. As Michael walked with Luke after coming home from touring, the pair heading to get coffee, he found his thoughts encompassed by Tess, by his missed opportunity. "It's been a while since we've been in this area," he mentioned lightly, knowing they'd sometimes hang around here just to see Tess and Andie, aware the girls had spent a lot of time in this area because one of their parents' had a business around here. A part of him wondered if that was why he'd subconsciously walked towards this area today, but he tried not to think about it.

Years had passed since Tess had seen Michael last, and as much as she enjoyed being able to turn a corner without bumping into him, she couldn’t deny that she missed him. The bigger 5 Seconds of Summer had gotten, the more Tess had seen of them on telly and heard of them on the radio, and she was happy for Michael, she was, but her own selfish needs made her heart yearn for him. Meeting up with Andie outside their workplace, Tess grabbed Andie’s sleeve and dragged her along. “Go, go, go.”

Luke nodded along to Michael’s words, although his mind was elsewhere. Coming home from tour felt incredible, it did, but whenever he was back home, all that occupied his mind and heart were thoughts of Andie. “It has,” He confirmed, his voice quiet. He wondered if Andie still worked with that family owned business, and although Luke had missed his chance a long time ago, he wondered if, and it was a big if, if he ran into Andie again, he would have a chance at redemption.

Andie blinked but laughed quietly as she followed after Tess, letting her friend tug her along without complaint. "You worried they'll sell out of coffee?" she teased lightly, grinning slightly, though she picked up her pace to walk next to her friend so Tess wasn't wasting the energy dragging her. Admittedly, though, Andie was grateful for the distraction, not wanting to think about Luke or the years that had passed since she last saw him.

Michael nodded slightly to his friend's words, staring ahead as they walked, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Yeah," he murmured quietly, mostly to himself as his thoughts wandered to Tess, wondering how her life had been since he last saw her, whether she was happy, if she was okay. He chewed on his lip with the thought and sighed. "What are the chances Tess still hangs around here?" He arched a brow, peering at his friend. He wasn't sure if she would even still be in this city or even in Australia at all. She was such an amazing person, it wouldn't surprise him if she'd gone to explore the world or done amazing things by now.

Tess laughed. “Yes! And I told Mom that you and I were having a separate break today, so expect to be yelled at when we get back.” She grinned, walking down the street in a quick pace with Andie. “And I kinda wanna ditch the coffee. For a hot chocolate. With cream.” She grinned, trying to distract herself from thoughts of Michael, wondering if he’d ever come back from Australia.

Luke patted Michael’s shoulder, understanding what turmoil his friend was in. Still, as they entered the coffee shop, Luke looked around and his heart sank when he couldn’t see any familiar faces - still searching for Andie, always. “I don’t know... Let’s get some coffee.” He smiled weakly, wanting to turn his thoughts away from Andie, choosing a seat at the back of the cafe, not quite ready to order.

Andie blinked with her words, though she laughed quietly. "Your Mom's gonna kill us both," she said with an amused grin, shaking her head slightly. "Ooh, a hot chocolate does sound nice, though. I think I might go with a mocha latte this time. Or anything mocha, really." She grinned to her friend, hoping to avoid her thoughts returning to Luke.

Michael nodded slightly to his friend's words but he tried not to worry about the possibility that he wouldn't see Tess, instead trying to assure himself that there was a chance, no matter how small, that he'd find her. Hell, he was sure he could convince himself to search high and low for her if he gave himself the chance. "Right, coffee," he decided, nodding as he followed his friend inside and debated for a moment before he looked to Luke as he followed him to the table, sitting down as he tried to decide what he even wanted at this point, too distracted with his thoughts of Tess to really focus. "Want me to order for us?"

Tess smiled. “You’re such a caffeine fiend.” She teased, linking her arm through Andie’s. “I’m just glad to get out of that place, come Hell or high water.” She ran a hand through her unkempt hair as she entered the coffee shop, instantly relishing in the warmth. “I love this place.” She breathed out happily.

Luke sat opposite Michael, although his eyes scanned the coffee shop, knowing that, subconsciously, he was looking for Andie. It was quiet, and Luke was glad of the stillness, having had a hectic tour. “Uh,” Luke toyed with his lip, not even knowing what he wanted. “Sure, if you want.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Get me a doughnut.”

Andie grinned at her friend. "What can I say, caffeine gives me life," she teased lightly, nudging her friend gently, though she nodded slightly. "I know what you mean. I won't complain, of course, but it can get a little crazy." She smiled, though. "So do I. It's amazing, peaceful and calm." She shrugged but shifted, pulling out a bit of money. "Um, you want to get the drinks and I'll grab our usual spot?" She arched a brow, holding the money out to Tess to pay for her drink.

Michael nodded slightly with the mention of it as he breathed out. "Alright, I'll be right back," he promised, still trying to think of ways to find Tess if he didn't run into her by chance. He peered out the window for a moment, hoping to spot a glimpse of her, anything, but he eventually made his way up to the counter to get what he and Luke came for. He found himself distracted, though, while he waited for his order, his mind still wrapped around Tess, even after all this time.

Tess pushed Andie’s hand back to her with a grin. “My treat.” She insisted, but nodded to Andie’s words. “Sure, table by the back, as always. Mocha latte, right? Any snacks?” She offered, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear as she got into the line. “I really want a shortcake, you in?” She stood behind a tall man, folding her arms across her chest.

Luke watched as Michael walked off, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Focusing on his hands for a moment, Luke wondered now, if he saw Andie, what would be his saving grace with words he could say to make things between them right again. Sighing, Luke pushed his hair from his face, feeling like the world around him was moving in fast motion. However, he paused, as a familiar figure caught his eye, and he blinked, wondering if it was her. “Andie?” He asked in surprise, wondering if she’d remember him — because he never forgot her.

Michael had been waiting for his and Luke's order when he heard a familiar voice, one he knew he could never forget, because it was all he'd longed to hear for a long time. Turning, forgetting his order momentarily, he swore he lost his breath when he saw Tess standing there, right behind him. "Tess?" he asked in shock, his eyes wide, a broad grin spreading across his face despite that he knew that their reunion might not be a happy one for Tess or that she may have completely forgotten him. "No way - is it really you?" It was, he knew it was, but a part of him wondered if he was dreaming.

Andie grinned to Tess's words and rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine, but I've got it next time," she told her friend in a hum, "But, sure, shortcake works!" She nodded and had turned to head to hers and Tess's usual seat before she'd heard somebody call her name. The voice made her heart race despite that she wasn't quite able to place it at first. It was only when she looked over towards where the voice came from and saw the face it came with that she realized partially why her heart rate had picked up - because it was Luke. She just wasn't sure if her heart racing was from nerves or excitement. For a moment, she was stunned, unsure of what to say or do, but she cleared her throat. "For the millionth time, Luke, I don't have an extra pencil." She tried to be as casual as she could to let him know that she recognized him but also tried to stay on guard, certain this wouldn't end well.

Tess blinked in surprise for a moment, feeling a rush of love run through her as she recognised the man in front of her. “Michael?” She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Michael Clifford?” She repeated, studying the man in front of her, her heart swelling when she saw the smile she’d wanted to see for so long, but then she remembered all the hard times he’d put her through, and she pulled her gaze away. “Just don’t kick my chair.” She warned, moving past him to put in hers and Andie’s order, seeing she had the opportunity to.

Luke grinned, relaxing in his seat when she recognised him, although his heart ached when she didn’t take much notice of him. “It’s good to see you again.” He smiled, although he tried to think of a way to show her that he’d changed, and he wasn’t the immature little boy that he was in school. “Just as beautiful as ever.” He complimented.