Vincent Academy - Morning Arrival
POV: Third Person (Sam-focused)
The air shifted before the car even stopped.
Sam felt it in his spine - that too-familiar bond tugging like a thread unraveling in his chest.
He didn't need to look.
Noah was here.
But Sam didn't turn. Instead, he stood at the far side of the courtyard with Axel, Damon, and Reese, pretending to listen as Jett and Aria bickered about something pointless.
He needed this school to stay untouched. The only place where he could pretend he wasn't who he was. Where people didn't look at him like a Vincent, or worse - like someone breakable.
🚘 Across the Courtyard
Max and Silas stood near the front steps, watching as Lucien's car pulled to a stop.
The engine cut.
Noah stepped out.
Their bond flared immediately - undeniable.
Silas (under his breath):
"He actually came."
Max (calmly):
"I told you he would."
They'd already warned their friends, braced for the chaos. But nothing could truly prepare them for how everything stopped the second Noah stepped onto the courtyard stones.
He didn't hesitate.
He walked directly to them.
Noah (to Max):
"Still calm as ever."
Max (nods):
"Someone has to be."
Noah (to Silas):
"Still watching everything like a soldier."
Silas (flat):
"Still running your mouth like it won't get you punched."
Noah smiled.
But as his gaze swept across the schoolyard, his eyes locked on Sam - standing across the courtyard, half-turned away.
Sam didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Didn't acknowledge him.
Noah's voice dropped.
"Still pretending you don't feel it?"
Max and Silas exchanged a look but said nothing.
💬 With the Friends
Back at the benches, Axel stood as Noah approached, flanked by Damon and Reese.
Axel (flatly):
"You're not exactly subtle."
Noah (cool):
"I'm not trying to be."
Damon (to Max):
"Gutsy move bringing him back here."
Max:
"He came on his own."
Aria's arms were folded, her eyes flicking between Noah and Sam with cold calculation.
Aria:
"He doesn't belong here."
Silas (cutting in):
"He does now."
Jett (half-grinning):
"This is going to be fun."
💥 Sam Walks Away
The moment Noah turned toward him, Sam spun on his heel and walked toward the building, heart pounding, nails digging into his palms.
He could feel the bond burning in his chest - and the part of himself that wanted to turn back.
But he couldn't.
He wouldn't.
This was supposed to be his space. The only place he could breathe.
He didn't notice that Silas was watching him closely, eyes narrowed.
Silas (quietly, to himself):
"There's more to this."