A/N: This is totally rewritten and revamped. As a writer who has been publishing stories on here since 2007, this was like a nightmare for me to go back and read. I've taken the time to revise it, hopefully for the better. The plot has been changed, as have chunks of text and certain characters, some of it has remained the same though. If you've read this story before, you might want to take a second look at it. - 8/3/14

Absurdity: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion

Buzz, buzz, buzz, talk, talk, talk, giggle, giggle, giggle, clang, clatter…

Warren laid his head against the cool table in front of him, ignoring the piercing fucking sounds of the busy cafeteria. He had the worst headache ever, and no, he wasn't being dramatic. Even worse than that time Lash had gotten a sucker-punch in at him during gym, and all the chatter around him wasn't exactly helping either.

So far, his day wasn't going as well as he'd originally intended. It was a month into the school year and it was drama once again, he wasn't shocked. After Homecoming, the year had went on as usual; boring, irksome, and tiring. Will and Layla were constantly fondling each other – which, would never not be cringed-worthy – the others never left him alone, and he still had a penchant for leather and scowling. All in all, it hadn't been all that different from previous years.

The only completely different thing that had happened was the little fact that he had breached his introspective walls and went out with Katelyn Good.

She was tall, blonde, thin and leggy, wrapped in ice powers. Basically perfect. Until now. They had dated – he used the term loosely – on and off since Homecoming, always breaking up and always getting back together. The others couldn't stand her, he couldn't blame them.

Warren had made his fair share of mistakes, and while it sounded trivial and dramatic, the biggest by far was not going out with Katelyn Good, but breaking up with her.

She was hot, beautiful if he was feeling generous, and they had truly gotten along. But, that had been it. They talked, they kissed, they fought, they broke up. Always in that order, always right on schedule. He wanted more than just someone standing next to him, he wanted more than just a pretty face. He wanted a girl that knew what it was like to be feared, to come from a broken home, to crave an existence that would unfairly never be yours. He had just been unable to do it anymore, he hadn't been able to deal with the nonstop chatter about cheerleaders and fashion, homecoming elections and what her perfectly respectable parents had said about him this time.

She had driven him mad, and if there was one thing he would not succumb to, it was the notion that he could potentially end up like his father. So, he had done the most logical thing that he could think to do when those thoughts started filling up his mind, he broke up with her. He had tried to get her away from her bitchy friends, tried to pry her away from the crowded lunchroom, but she wouldn't budge. When she was with them she was a whole other person, she was better than him, she was a bitch.

He had tried, he really had. He stood beside her as she sat with her friends, her cold blue eyes staring up at him with her signature piercing look. So, he had told her, right then and there, in front of all her perfect friends and the rest of the school. And that was why he was in this current position, with his head down against the cool table, with the worst headache in history. He knew she planned to make his life a living hell for deigning to embarrass her – that's actually what she had said to him when he broke it off, right before throwing a mean ice ball at his face.

He was walking to his fourth period class this morning when he saw her from the other side of the hallway. She was with her friends, the same ones she tried so desperately to impress, the same ones that had looked down at her for dating him, the same ones she had deemed more worthy than him. They were pretty rich girls with a mean streak, and main power was spending daddy's money. They were hot and got what they wanted most of the time, overachievers in a different way than Layla. They were the type of petty little girls that made you feel less than with a single withering look, and possessed sharp tongues that cut through you.

He hated them.

Warren had honestly let the notion fester that Kate was going to be different. She hadn't been like the others when they first started talking, she wasn't like that during those first few hang outs, those first couple dates. She had been different, for a while.

They walked in a group, hips swaying, heals clicking, eyes cutting. She had eyed him as he passed her on the other side of the hallway, she was their head mean girl now. She had a flare about her, and that flare was revenge. She was going to get him back for hurting her like that, for embarrassing her in front of the whole school. He didn't doubt her.

He hadn't noticed the way she iced part of the hallway where he was walking, distracting him while their gaze was connected. He slipped and fell on his back, hard, his head cracking painfully against the tiled floor. As he laid there, trying so hard to keep up his Zen and not show his true emotion, all he could hear was laughter and gasps spreading throughout the hallway. He had opened his eyes and looked at her, her smug smirk was growing as he pushed himself up and growled. Zack had sprinted over quickly, helping him to the nurses office, not asking Warren anything in fear that he might take out his pent up rage on him.

So, here he was now, sitting at the same table he'd sat at forever, waiting for the gang, as they liked to call themselves, to show up. He was really considering going home early... or maybe just try and get some sleep. As he started to drift off there was a loud thump on the table, causing his previous drowsiness to fade quickly. He lifted his head, fully prepared to murder whoever it was that had disturbed him, and found that it was Layla. He sighed, it was only harmless, giddy, excited fucking Layla.

"Hey, Warren, you okay?" She asked with an air of genuine concern. He believed her only because he knew that she wasn't capable of faking it, she unfortunately was that perpetually perky. He noted the concern and pity in her hazel eyes, pushing away the uncomfortable feeling it left him with.

I'm fine, just tired." He laid his head back down on the table just as Zack bounded over and dropped his belongings next to Layla.

"Yeah, if you call getting a beat down by Katelyn Good in the middle of the hallway fine, then yeah, he's just dandy."

Layla's mouth dropped a little, her brows furrowed as she looked at him. He strongly disliked when she looked at him as though he were a kicked puppy. He may have lost a bit of his street cred by hanging out with their motley crew, but he was still someone who underclassmen were scared of and most people didn't think twice about crossing. He wasn't a wounded domesticated house animal, he didn't need Layla fucking Williams and her large hazel eyes to look at him as though he were such. But, he just sighed and held that annoying gaze, he wouldn't tell her not to care, he knew she'd never be able not to.

Since the Homecoming fiasco, Layla and Warren had become close. Close enough that he could tell her most things that bothered him, and she could tell him her fears and dreams about Will. He was like her older brother that she'd always wanted, and she was like the twin sister he had definitely never even thought about. She could tell when something was bothering him and he could tell when she was lying, none of it bothered Will, so it didn't bother him.

He avoided her gaze as the others showed up and listened as Zack proceeded to delve into great detail about exactly what had transpired earlier in the hallway. They all at least had the decency to avoid saying anything remotely derogatory while he was in their presence, they had learned that one the hard way. When enough time had passed that the silence had become basically awkward, he decided to speak up.

"So, what's up?" His voice only slightly muffled by the table.

Layla was of course the one to speak first, "I'm pretty sure Mag and I aced that History exam, I mean, we studied all weekend for it, so I'd be pretty shocked if we got less than a B." Magenta responded noncommittally before Layla continued on. "Oh! And, Principal Powers asked me to show the new student around today." It was stated proudly, because Layla would be proud of that fact. It made Warren crack a small smile.

She was the good girl, the only one who enjoyed school, and learning, and doing the right thing. She was basically the Gwen of tenth grade, pre super-villain thing. She had been promoted to Hero classes after Homecoming and was reunited with Will, she even had some with him. In addition to her new Hero classes, she was on the year book committee, the service club, and even the school store. So, really it was no shocker that they asked Layla, of all people, to help out the new student. He certainly wasn't shocked.

"That sounds so enthralling, that I think I might throw up."

Layla cut her eyes to him, her gaze narrowed slightly. "Not even you can ruin this for me, Peace." She turned back to the others, her brow furrowing in confusion, "Wait, where's Will?"

At the mention of her boyfriend and his best friend, he turned his head on the table so his check was pressed against it and his eyes moved to look at her. "Sorry, babe, I haven't seen him since this morning."

Layla seemed confused by that notion, looking around the lunchroom to see if he was hidden among the masses. He could see the thoughts turning in her head, thinking back on if he had told her that he wold be late to lunch.

Shockingly, they had all become pretty close last year and hung out most of the summer. Will was that star kid you always see in movies, the one where all the hero wants is to be normal, but he never could be because he's the main character. That was Will. He had become pretty popular with the masses after saving everyone's life, but he seemed content with his ragtag group of misfit friends, truly. That's why him and Will were close now, they were so close that they'd even done the whole "sleepover" thing. Although, they'd never admit it anyone, they were just too manly, it would ruin the image; but it was nice to be able to have someone to hang with.

There was a loud yell and a crash from outside the cafeteria that caused his inner monologue to cease.

"Put me the fuck down!"

The whole cafeteria went silent. Well, that was certainly a first. It made Warren pick his head up and stare at the door with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows, awaiting the arrival of what was to come. There were some thuds against the door, like someone was kicking at it. Most of the students had gathered around the other entrance to the cafeteria and out into the hallway to see what was going on. Warren couldn't help but do the same and made his way through the throngs of people and out into the main hallway. It was certainly a sight, that was for sure.

Will was attempting to burst through the main school entrance doors, carrying a pissed off girl who was thrashing steadily against him. He had her back against his chest and was picking her up with ease, but keeping her to him seemed to be the hard part.

"For real, if you don't fucking put me down, I'll have you in a body bag."

Her hands were clawing at Will's arms, and Warren watched as the smaller boy finally made it past the threshold of the school doors and brought her over to the empty bench outside of the Main Office. The entire building it seemed started breaking out in whispers and hushed conversations at what was happening before them. The girl, who all those whispers were about, landed with an oomph on the bench,her hair falling about her shoulders and in front of her face. She blew them away as stared at Will menacingly. From behind them came Principal Powers and Coach Boomer, both looking flustered as ever.

"Everyone, may I have your attention. Everyone."

But, everyone in question was still talking, still preoccupied with Stronghold carrying in a new student who had the audacity to curse in school. "QUIET." Coach Boomer managed, causing everyone to pause.

Principal Powers simply gave him a look. "Thank you." She brought her gaze back to the crowd forming in the hallway. "Everyone, please return to your classrooms, there is nothing to grasp your attention any longer. Thank you." And with one stern look, everyone went shuffling back into their respective classrooms, still whispering.

He stood his ground, Layla beside him. They were waiting for Will, who was standing with Principal Powers and Coach Boomer, and the girl. They shuffled over to the trio slowly, Warren couldn't take his eyes away from the girl who was now sitting idly on the bench Will had tossed her down on. She looked different without the anger contorting her face, passive almost. But, he wouldn't been fooled enough to believe that the fire in her blood had stilled, no, she was a ticking time bomb and he hoped he'd manage to get out of the way before she detonated.

"Hey." Layla tentatively called as they approached Will and their teachers. "Principal, Coach."

They nodded at her and Powers smiled down at the auburn haired girl, "Ah, Ms. Williams, just who I needed to see." The older woman made her way over to the girl on the bench, who stood as the Principal approached. She spoke to the girl in a hushed whisper, "I hope you use this opportunity wisely, Ms. Evans. If I find that you've used any of your powers on anyone, you will be unfortunately taken back. Do you understand?"

The girl gave her a serious expression, one that conveyed that she not only understood, but entirely grasped the concept. She gave a curt nod, "I understand."

Powers lead the girl over to where they stood, smiling down at the two of them and Will. "Layla, this is Misha – the new student." She turned to address the girl to her left, "Misha, Layla here is going to show you around. Am I correct in assuming that you two can get along nicely without supervision?"

It was painfully clear to everyone standing in this pow-wow circle that Powers was only addressing the girl – Misha – with that statement. Misha stared back at Powers with an unflinching gaze that even he had yet to master. She clucked her tongue, "Yup."

"Good." Powers' stare was just as unwavering, making them all uncomfortable. "Well, then – Layla, why don't you bring Ms. Evans to the rest of lunch and then show her to the rest of her classes."

Layla nodded quickly, "Of course, Principal Powers."

Powers gave Misha one last lingering look and a slight smile before walking into the Office with Coach Boomer, "Have a good first day, Ms. Evans. And, try not to get into any trouble."

Once the adults left them, an awkward silence descended over them in a rapidly fast pace. No one was quite sure where to look or what to say, even Layla was having trouble speaking when Misha's unwavering ocean colored eyes pinned her.

Layla cleared her throat and mustered up a peppy smiled, "Well, I'm Layla." She stuck out her hand to the girl, "It's nice to meet you."

Misha eyed it for a moment before taking it quickly and releasing it. "Misha. Likewise, I'm sure." She couldn't help but look the girl over, auburn hair that was braided into weird twists, hazel eyes, a bright smile. This girl was definitely too nice for her, and she wondered if that was what the Principal had been implying. Was this school filled with girls like Layla? She wasn't the type she'd usually associate herself with, but if she was being totally honest, she didn't associate with anyone, so it didn't really matter.

"I'm sure you're hungry, come on, we'll get you something to eat and introduce you to the rest of the gang." Layla paused, looking at the two boys beside her. "Well, this is Will – my boyfriend, I'm assuming you've been acquainted." She couldn't suppress an awkward chuckle and looked at both Will and Warren for help as Misha's brow furrowed at the sound. "And, uh, this is Warren."

With that she turned on her heel, clearly embarrassed by her lack of social grace that had never mattered before now, and started to lead them back into the cafeteria. Misha quietly followed behind her, and Will and Warren took up the rear, falling in line behind the two red heads.

The lunchroom was heavy with chatter once they reentered, and Misha could feel the stares on her as she followed Layla to a table where a few others sat. She took a seat on the bench, looking around at all the other kids that filled the room, they all met her eyes for brief seconds before looking away entirely. She felt a presence sit beside her and watched as a tray of food was slid in front of her, she looked to her right and found Will – the kid with a mean grip – beside her, a small smile on her cute face.

"A peace offering."

She looked down at the sandwich and chips that he'd grabbed for her, "Thanks, Stronghold." She could see the look in his warm eyes, the questioning they held. She'd always been good at reading people. "We're good, as long as you keep your hands to yourself."

He smirked and she mirrored the image, Layla sat down to her left and handed her a bottled water, a smile on her pretty face. "So, this here is Zack." She pointed at a tall boy at one end of the table with obnoxiously blond hair and even brighter clothing. He leaned across the table and stuck his hand out to shake. She eyed it, and simply quirked a brow. Zack retracted it quickly, clearly embarrassed. She almost felt bad, but she didn't. "Over here is, Magenta." The girl sitting beside Zack gave a tilt of the head and expressionless eyes stared back at her. Misha could get behind this girl, there was no hand shaking or fake smiles, she was liking the magenta haired girl already.

A small boy with glasses smiled at her from next to Layla, he gave a small wave and made direct eye contact. "I'm, Ethan."

She gave a nod, "Misha."

It was after the introductions that she popped open the chips and began to eat, ignoring the way she could feel the stares on her back. The kids at the table she was seated at were talking about something or another, uninteresting drabble she didn't care for. She felt his eyes on her though and looked up. He was seated across from her and when their gazes connected, she felt a flush of heat hit her. She vaguely wondered if he felt the same.

Warren had been staring at her this whole time, intrigued by her and attracted to the blasé nature in which she approached the situation. She was attractive and interesting, yes, but a time bomb never the less. He knew that beneath her calm facade, she was a simmering mess just waiting to explode. And he had no interest in getting caught in the crossfire.

She looked different without the angry contorting her face, passive almost. But, he wouldn't been fooled enough to believe that the fire in her blood had stilled, no, she was a ticking time bomb and he hoped he'd manage to get out of the way before she detonated.