Rebel at Spruce High

I stare at the pair of us, dead-eyed. We look like we’re about to crash Comic-Con, except I haven’t seen a single episode of the show we’re dressed for, nor do I know the names of any of its actors. Yet the amount of effort Toby put into these costumes—mine, more specifically—is nothing short of impressive.

“Wait.” I eye him. “We can wear these costumes to school?”

“Yep! Well, except for the sword, like I said.”

“You guys get away with murder out here in the country.”

“Couldn’t do this up in New York City, huh? Well, you can do it here. They even encourage costumes. Oh, and tonight, we’ll put to use some stage makeup, too,” Toby decides. “That’ll provide the finishing touch. I mean, how can we not win the costume contest? We’ll look awesome! What do you think?”

I smirk at myself, puff up my chest, then quirk an eyebrow. “I think I look pretty hot in a breastplate.”

Toby considers it. “Might need to put a shirt on underneath.”

“Why bother with that?” I turn to face him completely. “We can be whatever we want today. We’re a pair of rebels.”

“A pair of rebels,” Toby agrees with a happy sigh. Then his eyes light up. “Oh! I forgot the best part.” He grabs something off his desk, clicks it around his neck, then hands me a leash. “As your half-demon, half-elf familiar, I’m kinda your pet in a way. So you get to hold this and tug me around.”

I hold the leash, then smirk darkly at him. “You sure you want to give me this much power, Toby?”

He at once assumes the role of an overly obsequious servant, bowing his head slightly and peering up at me. “You hold all the power, Master Dread Knight. Do whatever you wish.”

I give his leash a gentle tug, bringing his face to mine. “I need to play this damned game before the sequel comes out.”

To that, Toby grins, then kisses me deeply.

Now imagine the wicked sight of us on my motorcycle—a half-armored knight and his demonic, elven sidekick guy—slicing down the streets of Spruce while burning rubber. After parking the bike and pushing through the doors of Spruce High, every head turns as we pass them by down the hall. Me, the dark paladin anti-hero with a superior smirk, and Toby, who strolls proudly at my side, his leash hanging loose in my grip.

Today, we own Spruce High, and nothing can stop us.

We’re not the only ones who got creative today. I see a decent number of vampires, fairies, kittens, zombies, mermaids, and one hazmat-suit-wearing Walter White. In third period when Toby and I reunite, we even have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Schubert in a big green frog onesie complete with a hood bearing bulging frog eyes. From the completely relaxed look on Toby’s face, I guess his second period went by without any issue from a certain someone. Maybe the dark vibe of his character scared off the jocks.

“I’m surprised there are so many people in costumes this year,” Toby remarks later as we’re changing into our gym clothes. “Just something in the air this year with Halloween, I guess. Do you need help?” he asks suddenly, wincing. “I didn’t think about this part of our day, when you’d have to take the armor off.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Go ahead.” I nod toward the door. “I’ll be out in five.”

Toby winks at me, then heads off, jogging in that cute, athletic way he does, springing from foot to foot as he rounds the corner. I sit down on the bench and start working my feet out of the heavy boots, taking care not to damage the greaves.

A shadow falls over my efforts. I look up.

Hoyt stares down at me. “Hey,” he greets me, smirking. I rise up at once. “Hey, now,” he says, lifting his hands in surrender. “I was just comin’ on over here to say a few things. Just us.”

With a quick glance, I notice that dumbass number one and dumbass number two aren’t with him. Everyone else has changed already and is gone, leaving me and Hoyt to ourselves.

Hoyt comes up close to me and lowers his voice. “I just wanna know what he told you.”

My eyes are as hard and dark as coals. I don’t answer him.

He shifts uncomfortably, then folds his arms. “Look, whatever he said, that stays between you guys and me. I don’t need no rumor mill runnin’ around here sayin’ things that aren’t true.”

“Is that really what you came all the way over here to say? To tell me to keep silent?”

Hoyt shrugs carelessly.

“And why now?” I go on further, annoyed. “Why’d you wait a few weeks to ask me this?”

“I could never get your ass alone. Toby’s glued to your side like an arm. Look, I know Toby will keep his word. He won’t tell anybody. But you?” Hoyt gives me a onceover. “I think it’s fair to say you don’t trust me, and I don’t trust you. But I need your word that at tonight’s party, you’ll stay quiet.”