Songs mentioned in this chapter: 

Wait for you - Tom Walker and Zoe Wees

Perfect Harmony - Julie and The Phantoms

Edge of Great - Julie and the Phantoms.

*******

"Well, well well, look at what we have here," Davina looked down at them, the ever-present smirk not leaving her face.

Before Declan could even react, Tessa pushed him off herself. She got up and dusted herself down.

"I thought I'd find you two here,"

"How did you even get here? I was driving us today," Tessa asked her friend as she held up a hand for Declan to use to pick himself up.

"Dominic dropped Arya and me off here. It is the end of the school day, you know, not that you two seemed to have any idea what time is it, given how busy you seemed,"

Declan coughed, trying to cover the awkwardness. Davina's green eyes were gleaming as she looked between Tessa and him. Tessa herself was merely frowning, trying to cover up the blush creeping up her neck.

Arya made her way over to stand next to Davina. The both of them wore the same wry smile. Arya tutted. "Missing three whole lessons to go gallivanting off with some boy, I thought we raised you better than this,"

Tessa rolled her eyes as Davina muttered. "Karma's a bitch,"

They skated off the ice and joined the others. As they headed back to Tessa's car, Arya and Davina filled them in all the work they missed and the charity fundraiser everyone was signing up for.

"Don't worry, Tessa, I signed you up to be part of the decorating committee," Arya said. "I, on the other hand, am going to be baking desserts to sell."

"That sounds like a lot of work," Tessa turned to Davina. "What about you?"

"Performing for the fundraiser, which reminds me I need to ask you a favour Romeo," She turned to Declan as they got to Tessa's car. He quirked his eyebrow up, wandering if the nickname was going to stick...

"You take music theory, don't you? Miss Daniels says you're a pretty good singer. What do you say? Wanna duet for the fundraiser?"

"Uhhh," Declan began. He didn't know how to let her down easily. He was going to let her down. There was no way he would be singing in front of half the school, not even if he had a partner. Not even if the world depended on it.

"It would be fun," Davina began, though the glint in her eyes made Declan wander what her idea of fun consisted.

"Yeah, you guys should. It would liven up the fundraiser having some live music," Arya commented.

Declan still wasn't going to be budge. He began his protests.

"Come on, Declan. I'm sure you guys would sound great together," Tessa supported. "It's for charity after all,"

Declan thought it over. Well, if she's encouraging it, he'd love for her to hear him sing. "Okay, I'll think about it,"

The girls rejoiced in their little win. He shook his head, smiling. He then leaned forward towards Tessa. "You're going to be the death of me," He whispered in her ear, causing a slight blush up to her neck.

Both of them missed the eye contact Davina and Arya made in the rearview mirror.

*******

The days leading up to the fundraiser found everyone busy with the tasks they had been set. Bennett had found himself being volunteered to help bake the deserts that were being sold on the day. He soon learnt he was working alongside Arya.

"Hey, I didn't know you baked," She said, walking up to him, holding a clipboard.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, Naomi signed me up," Bennett answered distractedly. They both watched as Naomi and Dominic ran around organising the others.

"That's great, so here's what we got," Arya started listing the deserts they should make.

On the other side of the classroom, Bennett spotted Jordan staring at Arya. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Jordan was supposed to be assisting Tessa put the banner up. He was holding the ladder steady as she taped one half of the banner onto the wall.

When he found out Arya was volunteering, he freaked. This was his one opportunity to ask her out. Maybe he'd run into her at the fundraiser and hang out together there. They could spend the day there, or maybe get coffee someplace else afterwards?

Jordan wasn't watching his surroundings. Well, he was, just the wrong ones. The ladder buckled as Tessa leaned forward, he was too late to steady it, and she fell.

Declan caught her just in time. He couldn't help but smile down at her as she held onto his arms for dear life. Her eyes were closed braced for the impact, tentatively they opened, and she saw her surroundings. The whole class watched them.

Still looking at her, he leaned in once again, taking in the sweet scent of vanilla. Declan didn't think he'd ever like that smell, and yet here it was, one of his favourite scents.

Love has you doing and saying things you said you never would.

"I think you just...I think you just fell for me," He smiled down at her, eyes shining.

She closed her eyes and sighed. "Put me down."

Chuckling as he did, he could tell she was trying to shake the embarrassment off as she turned to yell at Jordan for letting the ladder go.

Declan gave him a threatening look, indicating he should be more careful. Tessa stalked off, muttering about getting some more tape, with Jordan following behind, apologising profusely.

Turning his attention elsewhere, Declan was about to ask Naomi what he should be doing when Davina called out for him.

"Yo, Romeo,"

Bennett looked up upon hearing her voice. He found himself becoming hyperaware whenever she's near, whenever she walks into a class, when she's in line for lunch, even when she's studying in the library. He finds he can't concentrate on anything but her.

Confusion laced Bennett's face as he watched her make her way over to Declan.

Davina leaned against a desk, studying Declan. "Have you had a chance to think about what I asked?"

Declan sighed. After the conversation in the car, he began having doubts. Even if it meant singing in front of Tessa, he'd still be performing in front of everyone else, and Declan had built himself a reputation at the school. He hid his musical abilities well and wasn't willing to give up the secret easily.

"Listen, Davina. I don't think I'm the right person-"

"Of course you are. You're the only person who can sing in the correct register," Davina cut him off, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I think you'll have to go and find someone else,"

"You could give it a try? See if we're compatible. If we can sing in harmony first? I, for one, think we'd sound amazing," She tilted her head in hope.

"I don't doubt your skills for a second, but I just think I'm not the right person... for you," He told her slowly, hoping she'd get it.

Davina stopped leaning on the table. She nodded, understanding what he meant. "It's okay, Declan, I understand your apprehension," She began walking away, she stopped to look over her shoulder. "But so that you know, you weren't the wrong person."

She walked off past Bennett and Arya. Bennett turned back to Declan and raised an eyebrow. Declan seemingly got the message since he sighed and called after Davina.

"Wait, what song did you have in mind?" He went after her.

Arya turned to Bennett after watching the interaction. "How did you make him do that?"

Bennett smiled down at her and shook his head, shrugging.

Last night when they found out the girls were also helping with the fundraiser, the guys wanted to help too suddenly, but their skill sets didn't match the girls.

So, in the end, they decided that Jordan would spend time with Tessa, getting to know her and hyping (Jordan gagged at this) Declan up. Simultaneously, Bennett and Arya would spend time together, and Bennett may pepper in the fact Jordan is a good guy. That left Davina and Declan, and the perfect opportunity presented itself. Declan was taking one for the team.

As they were working, planning and prepping, Jordan made his way over to Bennett and Arya. Bennett nodded his head, indicating he hadn't spoken to Arya about Jordan yet. He believed Jordan should pluck up the courage and tell her himself. He couldn't fathom how Jordan was already so sure of his feelings for Arya. They hadn't had a single functional conversation yet.

"Hey, Arya," He managed out.

Deep breaths, Wallace, you got this. Just remember everything you wrote down.

Arya turned around, and again the air in his lungs had been knocked out. He looked away from her as she greeted him.

"I was wondering- I mean- I wanted to ask- if you're going to the, you know since you're baking- I can't wait to taste your cupcakes - I've heard they're good - Tessa said something about baking," He rambled.

Bennett wanted to facepalm himself as Arya tilted her head, looking up at him in confusion. Jordan wanted the earth to swallow him there and then. He was sure he was blushing. He was sure she could see him blush. Arya laughed lightly, smiling at his adorable attempt at making conversation.

"If you're asking if I'm going to be there, then yes, I will be," She answered to Jordan's relief. "I guess I'll see you there?"

"Yeah, of course, I'll see you there!" Jordan smiled, his signature Jordan smile.

Did that really just happen? Did he manage to ask her out?!

Jordan walked out of the classroom out of sight of everyone before he started celebrating in the hallway, jumping up and down and fist-bumping the air. He eventually came back into the classroom when he gathered enough composure.

In a couple of days, the two will be walking around the event, trying out all the food, playing the games and maybe going somewhere afterwards. This was it, the start to the rest of his life. He could just imagine the sequence of events, going on dates, asking her to be his girlfriend, falling in love, going to college together - the rest of their lives was in his grasp.

*******

"Do I look good?" Jordan asked Naomi for the third time that day. Naomi rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to snap her clipboard in half.

They had arrived early to the fundraiser thanks to Jordan's impatience and were left helping set up.

"Where are you thinking about taking her?" Declan asked, looking through the decorations out of boredom.

"To get coffee, you know, something casual," He said, trying to play off how nervous he was.

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "You? Casual? I haven't seen you casual since the day you met her?"

Both she and Declan laughed.

"Let me get this straight," Declan said after composing himself. "You're taking the girl who works in a cafe out for coffee?"

They laughed again.

"At least it's not ice-skating where I almost flatten her and cause minor head injuries," Jordan bit back.

"Hey! At least I went out with my w-"

The two began arguing back and forth, though this time, Jordan was at a vast disadvantage.

"Hi, Naomi,"

Naomi turned to come face to face with Arya, who was carrying boxes of sweet treats.

"Naomi, where do you want us to put these?" Bennett followed after her, carrying boxes too.

"Oh, just over there, by the table,"

They both went over and placed the boxes and started setting up the deserts. A couple of other students actually volunteered to run the stand, so Arya and Bennett were free to enjoy the fair with the others.

Jordan cleared his throat. This was it. "Hey, Arya,"

Arya turned back to him and beamed. "Hi, Jordan, good to see you here,"

"What do you want to do first?" There were a couple of games, some information booths, mini-presentations, food, dancing and the, of course, the performers.

"We wanted to hit the booths first, see what kinda games they're offering,"

"We?" Jordan's confusion was clearly evident on his face.

"Yeah, you know Tessa and Dominic, Davina would have joined, but she's busy setting up her equipment," Arya went on, not noticing his deflated demeanour. She stopped short, looking at his friends. "Why? Aren't you guys hanging out with us?"

"Well, I'll be here for a bit before joining Davina," Declan started.

"Yeah, we are hanging out as a group," Naomi chirped, greeting Tessa and Dominic as they had just walked in.

"That's great," Arya commented. The group began talking amongst themselves.

Naomi leaned back towards Jordan and whispered. "This isn't so bad, plus I think it would help you if you had other people there, so you're not as nervous,"

Jordan gave her a small smile, thanking her for being there. "She didn't realise I meant a one on one date," He sighed. How was he supposed to get alone time with her?

"Before I forget, let me take these cupcakes to Davina, she said she wanted some," Arya told the group picking up a plate of assorted cupcakes.

Naomi slightly pushed Bennett forward. Girl was out here doing God's work.

Bennett cleared his throat. "I'll take them to her," he said, taking the plate from Arya. "I'll meet you at the game booths,"

The rest of the group went on their way. Bennett walked in the opposite direction towards the back of the stage.

This was his chance to make a proper conversation with her. The least he could do was be on friendly terms with her. Otherwise, he'd be at just as much as a disadvantage as Jordan.

There was the faint sound of music playing. Bennett couldn't tell if it were live or recorded music. The closer he got, the more he heard, he didn't mean to, but he was positioned behind one of the heavy-duty fire curtains, wholly hidden in the shadows. From his advantage place, he could see, well, rather hear Davina play an electric guitar.

She sat perched on one of those big costume boxes, her guitar attached to a speaker, but the volume must have been down low because you could barely hear it from the hall.

The tune she was playing sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place the song she was playing. He liked it; watching her play was ethereal, her whole demeanour changed. It was as if she came alive.

Her usually sharp features were softened as she plucked at the strings, a small, sincere smile playing on her lips, unlike the slight smirks she's usually spotted wearing if she wasn't completely sporting a blank face. In the dim lighting, she truly looked human. Someone who loved, laughed, cried, and made mistakes, someone who wanted what everyone else wanted, someone who bled, someone who had friends and family and a story, someone who had lived.

He couldn't help admiring her there. He was thankful for the window into her soul, knowing there was something she was passionate about, something her heart beats for, something she would come to do years into the future.

Estelle played.

He couldn't help himself. He imagined mother and daughter playing together. The home they will come to share together will be filled with music, and love and light. He will make sure of that.

She started singing softly, and his lips parted in wonder, watching, listening, witnessing her being vulnerable, playing what her heart was screaming.

"I know it's hard for you to talk, bare your soul and open up.

I will wait for you

I will wait for you

Can't pretend to understand. I'll be here to hold your hand.

I will wait for you

I will wait for you,"

She played effortlessly, her voice melting in their surrounding, picking him up and carrying him forward into the future as he imagined their relationship. This would be alright.

He knew he shouldn't be eavesdropping. This was wrong. Closing his eyes, he stepped out of the shadows expecting the music to come to an abrupt stop. However, he was mildly surprised when she continued to play.

Davina eyed him, watching him as she continued playing.

"Cause only you could make this into something beautiful. Only you could make a bitter song so sweet."

She didn't break eye contact. She was singing at him, like she wanted him to know what she meant, the lyrics coming to mean much more to them as their relationship blossomed.

The song eventually ended, and she put the guitar down, looking up at him expectantly.

Bennett cleared his throat. For the first time since they met, she was looking at him with anything but hostility. The coldness seemed to have temporarily melted. Maybe this was the time to make a second or third impression.

"Uh, I brought you some cupcakes," He managed out, showing her the plate of desserts.

She blinked, coming into focus. She looked down at the plate of desserts he was offering her. It felt like some sort of peace offering, maybe for both of them, it was. She smiled shyly and took a frosted strawberry cupcake.

"Thank you,"

Bennett felt like he should say something else. "You're really good. Is that the song you and Declan are singing?"

She took a bite of the cupcake and nodded. "No, actually, that was just something...I was warming up,"

Bennett was panicking slightly. He didn't know what to say next. He usually didn't dabble in small talk.

"This is good too. Is this yours or Arya's cupcake?"

Relieved at the idea she was also trying to make small talk, he stepped forward to check the cake and nodded slightly, smiling at her. A slight blush crept up the back of his neck. He was thankful she couldn't see. "Yeah, I made that one,"

"It's good," She told him sincerely.

He could make those cupcakes for her for the rest of his life.

She then laughed. Her confidence never faltered once. She didn't know why suddenly she was hyperaware of the shy, emo looking boy in front of her. Her heart was picking up, leaving the rest of her wandering what hit it.

He looked at her, mildly surprised by her outburst.

"Sorry, I don't usually get caught singing like this. You have really quiet footfalls,"

He chuckled slightly. "I've been told that,"

"What? You usually listen to people play?" She challenged playfully.

"Only Declan,"

She snorted, not expecting him to meet her humour. She knew what she was doing, pushing him away from. She wasn't usually at a disadvantage, but she realised quickly he would be her downfall. Better keep him at arm's length.

"You take any driving lessons yet?" She quirked an eyebrow.

The air had completely changed. Although they were at a friendly ease, the awkward atmosphere from before had dissipated entirely, which was what Davina wanted. She could laugh and joke with him. She wasn't ready to be vulnerable, but maybe-

No, she wasn't going to, they were there for a reason, and no matter what Tessa and Arya did, she wasn't going to stray.

Bennett scoffed lightly. She smirked at his reaction. This was precisely what she wanted.

Declan walked into the two of them. Davina looked up and smiled at her partner.

"Uh, hey guys," Declan looked between Bennett and Davina, hoping he didn't interrupt anything. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"No," Bennett said just as Davina said, "Yes,"

They both looked at her. She rolled her eyes. "I'm kidding,"

Slightly deflated, Bennett cleared his throat once more, patted Declan on the shoulder and wished them both good luck.

He needed to get out there and revise the interaction he just had with her.

*******

Throughout the entire fair process, Jordan's mood soured and soured. Not once did he manage to have a meaningful conversation with Arya. He knew it was good that they were becoming friends with each other's friends. He managed to put up with Dominic for the sake of Arya and to anyone else; it would have been a wonderful evening.

Not for Jordan, though.

All his dreams came crashing down. Nothing seemed to have been going the way he wanted. He was always good with words. He was good with people, especially the ladies. So why was it? The one time he needed to be him, he made a complete fool out of himself. He couldn't form coherent sentences around her, and it was evident Arya thought nothing more of him other than a new friend.

They all sat around a round table waiting for the performers to start. Jordan slumped in his seat, no longer bothering to hide his disappointment. He stared straight ahead of him, focusing on nothing.

"You alright, Jordan?" He thought Naomi had asked him. He couldn't tell over the noise.

"Yeah, positively overjoyed," He deadpanned, his arms crossed, and lips pouted.

"Oh, is there something wrong?" The voice had asked him. This time the voice sounded much clearer, and Jordan's eyes widened in realisation.

He turned back to meet Arya's concerned eyes. He looked away immediately, knowing if he looked at her face, words wouldn't form.

"No! No, nothing is wrong," He laughed humourlessly. "I was just kidding. I thought you were Naomi."

"Oh, alright then," Arya thought it over and turned away, though her eyes never left him for long. He just couldn't see.

The lights dimmed, the crowd quietened down, there was a gap between the stage and the tables. It was created for anyone who wanted to dance along to the music.

Jordan and the others clapped as Davina and Declan were introduced to the crowd.

Declan tried putting off thinking about the crowd until the last possible minute. He looked over at Davina, watching the way she didn't seem fazed. He could feel the sweat trickling down his back. This could end horribly. He looked up to see the blinding stage light. These would be the lights that illuminate him to his whole school.

The curtains were pulled back, and Declan looked out at the crowd. His eyes scanned for waves of red hair. He found her quickly. They were all seated together on one of the tables nearer to the front.

The clapping died down, and Davina began playing the first few chords of the song. His part was up first. The first song the duo were singing was a ballad, a slow, somewhat romantic type.

"Step into my world, bittersweet love story about a girl, shook me to the core, voice like an angel, never heard before."

He could tell his voice was slightly shaking. He kept looking out to the crowd trying to gauge their reaction. He just needed to get to her chorus and breathe a second.

"Here in front of me, shining so much brighter than I have ever seen, life can be mean, but when he goes, I know he doesn't leave." She sang.

Davina could tell Declan was nervous. If she didn't do something then, he'd completely break down in the middle of the song. She turned to face him, singing towards him and not the crowd. He looked at her questioningly as they sang the pre-chorus.

"The truth is finally breaking through. Two worlds collide when I'm with you, our voices rising so so high, we come to life when we're in perfect harmony."

She didn't break eye contact, her eyes urging him to look at her and only her. That way, he could imagine it only being them and not have to worry about the crowd. They sang their high notes as both broke out into grins.

Declan was thankful that she was there in the moment, something about her gave off comfort, yet she had this subtle confidence he had only seen on one other person; Declan knew then exactly why Bennett and Davina would work out. 

She would bring Bennett out of his shell as she did with his own. 

"You set me free, you and me together. It's more than chemistry.

Love me as I am,"

Davina looked out to the crowd during the second chorus, and she made eye contact with Bennett.

"We say we're friends, we play pretend, you're more to me, we're everything, our voices rise and soar so high, we come to life when we're in perfect harmony."

Bennett couldn't help but have a small smile play on his face. He was proud of her- of them. They sang naturally, their voices intertwining expertly, and their stage chemistry radiated in waves.

The first song came to an end, and they prepared for the second livelier song. Declan picked up a bass guitar, letting Davina lead.

The second song started, and Declan was much more comfortable. His eyes met hers, and they both held the same passion.

"Running from the past, tripping on the now, what is lost can be found, it's obvious, like a rubber ball, we come bouncing back, we all get a second act inside of us,"

Declan's voice relaxed as he eased into the second song, much more confident than the first. His talent and drive were clearly evident to anyone having the pleasure of listening to him, and Davina could understand why Tessa was smitten with him. She could see the passion burning in their eyes, a strong desire in anything they did. 

The crowd began getting up to dance, with most singing along.

"Come on!" Tessa got up, dragging Bennett onto the makeshift stage. He was used to her antics, and the nostalgia hit him. He laughed freely as he twirled her around.

Dominic convinced Naomi to join him. Tessa's enthusiasm must have been contagious since she laughed and accepted his offer.

Arya watched her friends singing and her other friends dancing. Not wanting to miss out, she looked to Jordan.

"Hey," She asked him tentatively, not knowing what his answer would be. "Want to dance?"

He must not have heard since he didn't have any reaction. His facial muscles seemed to have stopped working, and Arya cringed internally. She should have known he would reject her idea.

"It's okay, never mind," She turned back to face the front, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Hey, wha-" She couldn't finish her sentence. He was pulling her onto the dance floor.

She laughed, happy to see his usual smile back on his face. She could stare at that smile forever- She shook off her thoughts, getting lost in the music.

Jordan held her close, spinning her smoothly. He saw stars in her eyes as they shouted the lyrics at the top of their lungs, their eyes never leaving each other.  

This was really happening!

The ache in his bones finally released like a waterfall as they descended into something new. Something worthwhile, something worth the wait. She was worth the wait.

They danced to all the upbeat songs the following performers had to offer.

*******

It was already dark when they all left the building after helping clear up. Dominic was dropping the girls off, and while he got his car out of the parking lot, Jordan found himself walking alongside Arya.

"I really enjoyed today, thank you," She started, not knowing where this sudden nervousness was coming from.

Tonight she got to see Jordan for who he really was. He was cracking jokes with the others when he thought she wasn't around, people came up to him, and everyone seemed to like him. Everyone wanted to be his friend. He was light and laughter, something refreshing, something comforting. She wanted to be his friend, know him, talk to him, have inside jokes - confusion clouded her mind.

"I'm glad you had fun Arya,"

"How could I not? I was with you," She beamed, hoping he would mirror her smile, hoping she could see him smile again.

He broke out into his glorious smile, not expecting the compliment. And Arya's heart warmed. She didn't understand why just yet.

Jordan was overjoyed at her response.

"That means a lot. It was nice dancing with you," He managed to get out without stuttering. 

 The rest of the night went by like a dream, they managed to converse between the dances, but he replayed memories of the dances themselves that night.

"You're a great dancer," She laughed, remembering the way he held her. 

"As are you," He complimented, his eyes not leaving her lips.

She stopped for a moment. "I hope you weren't too downhearted earlier today. Is everything okay?"

Jordan's eyes widened. "Yeah, no, I'm fine, thank you for asking anyway,"

She had noticed his mood.

She had no idea how much she affected his mood. Just a smile from her would have his heart spinning. 

Arya shivered, and Jordan noticed her trying to keep warm in the chilly night's air. He took his black denim jacket off and handed it to her.

"No, I couldn't, you need it, plus I'll be going home in a car," She protested, but he just hung the jacket off her shoulders, loving the way it swallowed her.

"Don't worry about it," He dismissed. 

"Thank you then. I'll be sure to remember it for you sometime,"

Dominic's car pulled up in front of them, and Arya, followed by the other two, got in. She waved him goodnight as Dominic drove off.

The rest of the Musketeers joined him on the front steps. They were watching as the car drove off into the distance.