Not The Lunch He Expected (Nolan tag any)

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Nolan was looking forward to lunchtime. How could he not when he potentially had a lunch date with a very pretty girl? Or at least maybe had a lunch date. Nolan could barely concentrate in class and could only think about Sloane. She was definitely different than any girl he had ever met. She was incredibly confident in herself, for good reason of course, and unbelievably sexy. And there was something behind all that, something in her eyes that made Nolan think there might be another side to her. He found that captivating.

But there were down sides, too. She was the kind of pretty where you know other guys will be eye humping her, and Nolan didn't like the thought of being with that kind of girl. And how many guys had she been with? It was always impossible to tell, but with moves like hers there was a possibility it was much higher than Nolan's zero. And that was another thing... she may want something physical very soon. Nolan wasn't opposed to that, but he was afraid she would laugh if she found out he was a virgin. He was recently 16, and a guy that age should probably know a lot more than he did. Whenever the topic came up in the locker room, Nolan did his best to disappear.

Just before lunch Nolan hurried to his locker. Once there, he took his time putting his books away, just waiting for Slaone to show up at her locker. It was made difficult by the shuffle of students heading down to the cafeteria, and Nolan hadn't seen any sign of the auburn haired girl he was waiting for. The halls slowly cleared, and yet nothing still. Nolan was beginning to lose hope when the sound of gunshots reverberated through the halls.

Nolan wasn't sure what it was at first. A chemistry experiment gone wrong? It sounded like gunfire, but he thought that impossible until an announcement over the intercom corrected him. Kids were shooting up the school? Gould? He could only imagine the gory proceedings. The fact that it happened the first day Silver was back here was too coincidental, Nolan figured. These psychos must want to get the most bang for their buck.

Students were dashing everywhere looking for a hideout. Nolan stood still, trying to figure out where the fire had originated from. Classrooms could be locked, but the attackers would no doubt search every one. Same with bathrooms. And the stairways were too risky. Depending on how many of them there were, they could have the exits guarded. Leaving out a main entrance was a terrible idea, but maybe one of the windows on the back side of the school could be safe. Or at least safer.

Nolan moved quickly down the hall away from where he thought the shots came from. Creeping up to an intersection, he peeked around the corner. Clear, good. Nolan was confident if one of the attackers did spot him, he could outrun them. But he couldn't outrun a bullet, so he had to be as sneaky as possible.

His sneakers squeaked as he stepped lightly down the hall. He wanted to move quicker, but that made too much noise. He at least wanted the advantage of hearing them before they heard him. He also wasn't very sure how to get around Gould. He vaguely remembered the layout, but he soon found himself in an unfamiliar area. And when he heard footsteps around a nearby corner, the combination of being lost and being on guard panicked him. He threw open the nearest door to find a hiding place, throwing caution to the wind. The door clicked behind him. Nolan cursed his luck. He was in the gym with nary a hiding spot to be found. All he could do was stand by the door and hoped if someone followed him in the opening door would hide him.

He waiting, his own breath making much more noise than he wanted.

The footsteps got closer.

[Sloane Taylor]

Sloane wasn't sure if he would be waiting at her locker. Sloane wasn't even sure if he was going to show up and bump into her in the cafeteria. But she was going through the halls anyway, looking around. The hall was deserted and she was grateful. She might not have been experienced in a shooting before but apprehension was a fickle fiend and she knew it might creep up in her at any time. She wasn't fearless, she was just clueless.

She checked the whole stretch of hallway and was about to give up when she thought she heard the gym door click close. Slowly, she approached the gym and looked inside. There wasn't anyone incriminating inside so maybe it could be another student scared shitless by the whole situation. With Nolan temporarily at the back of her mind, she quickly entered the gym and grabbed some rope for the court nets and tied the door up as tightly as she could but with the ease to open it if a friend were to want to come in. She didn't even check if the person in the gym with her was one of the shooters until she was done tying the knot.

When she turned, she was pleased to find that it was Nolan. What a damn coincidence. "Wow...it's you."

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

The door opened and a very familiar skirt and pair of boots flew into the gym. Before Nolan could even speak she had grabbed a rope to tie the door shut. Nolan hopes for seeing Sloane for lunch had died, so when the red haired beauty flew through the gym entrance he was absolutely speechless. It wasn't until she turned and spoke to him that his tongue began working again.

“Stalking me now?” Nolan hoped a joke would get some of the tension out of his body. He hadn't thought of it, but the combination of being tense because of a school shooting and nervous over impressing a girl was something he did not ever expect to deal with. “You must have really wanted that lunch date.” His voice wavered a bit on the word date, his apprehension at the situation starting to show through. As selfish as it may sound, Nolan knew a bullet could easily end any chance of ever playing professional football, and that was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.

Nolan took Sloane by the hand. “I have an idea, come with me.” Nolan guided the pair across the gym and down the hallway that led to the locker room. It was doubtful any of the gunners had gone all the way around the gym, and if they were followed a maze of lockers could be the key to avoiding danger. “I don't think anyone will find us back here.”

[Sloane Taylor]

Sloane had to admire how Nolan was handling the situation, albeit with a little fear. His joking around told her that it was his own way of dealing with things. She shrugged it off without saying anything else as she let him lead her through the lockers. She bit back her own bit of sarcasm for the moment until they stopped in the middle of the boy's shower room.

Turning to face Nolan, she gave him a pat on the shoulder before indicating to the bench. "Wanna sit down?" She asked before she sat herself down. Truth be told, her own apprehension was starting to creep in and for once, she wanted someone to tell her it was going to be okay and hold her not for anything else but comfort. But she wasn't going to let Nolan be the one to do it. Not yet. No...not ever.

"So you know what's going on? I mean, I know it's a shooting but...who's doing it...and why...do you know?" Sloane's voice was a little low, holding no hint of arrogance or anything else. She busied her hands by pulling her skirt down a bit to hide her exposed thighs. Then she ran her fingers through her hair, playing with the ends, twirling it around her finger. She wasn't exactly sure if it was out of panic or what.

Sloane wanted to stop feeling worried. It wasn't as though she was a potential victim. She knew she could run if the need arises. She was the star of the track and field of their school. Even without her being cocky, she knew she was the best. She tried shaking the morbid thoughts from her head and settled to entertain herself with Nolan.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Nolan didn't want to sit. He was anxious, not knowing what was going on. On the other had, sitting on a bench next to a beautiful girl would be a great way of distracting himself from the more serious situation at hand. Nolan checked back out into the locker room to make sure no one had followed them. They area was shrouded in silence, which was a good sign. They were safe for the time being.

“I don't know,” Nolan turned back towards Sloane. “I heard about some gang trouble, but that's all further south. They have no reason to come up here.” Nolan saw Sloane fidgeting. Was this incredibly brave and confident girl cracking? Nolan walked over to the bench and sat next to her. Not sure exactly what to do, Nolan simply put his hands on hers to still them. “Hey,” he said softly, looking up into her eyes. “We're going to be okay. We'll be able to hear if anyone is coming this way.” He smiled, hoping to calm her, and he found that focusing on her helped calm himself. Her hands were warm, and Nolan heart began beating a little faster. It was just the nerves, he told himself, just the nerves. He turned towards the petite girl and ran his other hand through her hair. It was all to calm her, he tried telling himself, but he realized he was fighting a lot of urges right now. He wasn't sure what to do, so he just kept stroking her hair.

[Sloane Taylor]

Looking at him move calmed her down somewhat. He had a certain grace about him despite his physique. Sloane couldn't quite put her finger on it but there was something about Nolan that made her feel...safe.

When Nolan sat beside her, Sloane almost jumped out of the seat. His warm body beside her made her all sorts of jumpy despite her previous thoughts of him being her safety net. But the moment he set his hand down on top of hers, she calmed down once more. Her reactions were because of the fear she was starting to feel, she reassured herself. But hell, why was she even reacting to it?

Nolan's words of reassurance brought a small smile to the redhead's pale face. The last time anyone had ever said it was going to be okay to her was when they were about to christen a motel bed. Sloane could have settled nicely with the hand on hers but when Nolan started stroking her hair softly, she stiffened. Why? She was having flashbacks on when guys did that to her, it was usually a pretext to the big bang theory. She hardly thought Nolan would be the kind of guy to immediately try to imply something physical with her after just brief moments together.

She told herself it was all because of the adrenaline rushes they were getting due to the situation. She wanted to blame her sudden infantile urges on that as well. But how could she deny that Nolan's hands had a calming quality to it none of her many conquests ever had? Why did she have the need to comply to his every whim just because he was stroking her hair? Did it make sense that all she wanted to do was grab Nolan and never let him go, despite the fact that they had just met a couple of hours ago and were now in a literal life or death situation?

Sloane didn't know exactly what came over her but her next move could be something she would regret for the rest of her life. With her head tilted to the side, she let her face move close to Nolan's, her lips just inches away from his. Her hand went up to his in her hair only to pull it down, resting it on her cheek. Her heart was beating a bit too quickly and her breath came out a little staggered. Softly she whispered the Silver student's name as her eyes fluttered close.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

Shivers ran down Nolan’s spine. Was this really happening? Was he about to kiss one of the most gorgeous girls he’d ever met? The thought of whether it was a good idea or not disappeared from his mind as Sloane’s lips moved closer. He could feel her breathe on his neck. His heart sped up to an incredible speed, and if he didn’t do something soon his whole body would be shaking.

Nolan kissed Sloane.

He was no longer in control of himself, passion had taken over. It was if the rest of the world had dissolved into nothing and the only thing in existence was the two of them, together. Her smell, her taste, everything about this girl was incredible. Finally Nolan’s body was in sync with his desires, and relaxation washed over him. He pulled Sloane even closer, his hand moving to the back of her neck. The other reached around her body, holding her in a tight embrace. Everything felt right.

Except it wasn’t. Nolan didn’t know this girl, he had only met her this morning. He knew nothing about her besides the fact that he wanted her. Was it a purely physical desire? Nolan had no clue. He had never felt this way about a girl before, and that scared him. He ended the kiss, though he felt his body scream when he did. He opened his eyes and his gaze met hers. It was almost enough to make him lean back in, but he resisted. He stood, rushing away from Sloane.

“This… we can’t. It’s a bad idea, it’s… no. No. I’m sorry Sloane.” Nolan was babbling, anything to keep his mouth busy. He sighed and turned back towards her, though he was afraid to look at her. “We’re in a messed up situation and emotions are high. We…” He glanced up at her, and he froze.

[Sloane Taylor]

She was not expecting this. The kiss was not what she thought would happen. Nolan was supposed to push her away, she was supposed to shrug, get over it and never...ever look for him again. But he had a flash of confidence; he kissed her. He pressed those seemingly innocent lips on to hers. And then his arms were around her, pulling her closer as if to meld their bodies together.

She should have moved away; chalked it all up to mixed emotions brought on my confused hormones and the by the situation they were stuck in and never speak of it again. But for some reason she couldn't. She felt the need to want more of him and she stayed in his tight embrace.

Just as she was about to delve deeper, Nolan moved and started to babble about being in a messed up situation, that they were not supposed to be doing this and then he froze. Confusion, a bit of anger and a whole lot of frustration built up in the petite redhead in a matter of seconds. However when she spoke, her tone was calm, her face disguising the thunderous mix of emotions bubbling under her immaculately placed face. "We...what, Nolan?" she asked, standing up just to have something to do.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

A thousand thing were flying through Nolan’s head and he could barely keep any of them straight. He knew he really wanted to just forget everything else and hold Sloane in his arms, but his mind kept getting in the way of that. There were a million and one things he was afraid of if that were to happen, including what would happen after.

“Sloane…” Nolan started, but he was having trouble finding the words. It was as if his mouth was trying to keep him from making a big mistake. “This, us, it’s not a good idea.” Nolan tried to sound serious and confident as if he truly believe that, but he felt as transparent as a window. “I’m sorry for… what just happened.”

Nolan couldn’t seem to look Sloane in the eye for long. He kept glancing around the room, focusing on anything but her. He wasn’t good at deception, and it was hard for him to pretend like this is what he really wanted. But it was better this way, wasn’t it? Nolan had too many other things to focus on, and talking to this girl was just to prove something to himself. He didn’t think it would lead to anything like this. It had to be because of the situation they were in. His gaze moved from a showerhead back to the bench. He caught a glimpse of her skirt, her legs. His eyes moved slowly upwards, and his mouth was dry before his eyes met hers once again. He tried to speak, but it was difficult. He managed to sound out a sentence, but his voice crackled, giving away his emotions.

“I’m sorry if I led you on.”

[Sloane Taylor]

The situation. The stupid situation. She had half a mind to get out of the locker room, find the jackasses who were shooting up the school and grabbing the gun and shooting them. Of all days to come, did they have to arrive then? She had such a good morning albeit it starting with her having a mighty hangover. God...that seemed like ages ago.

And Nolan doing a one eighty on her? What was he trying to prove? Was she a platform for him to gain a bit of confidence from his shyness? Was he just using her the way she had always used the boys who were into her? She couldn't let this boy ruin her.

She started chuckling, running her fingers through her hair, looking at everything else but Nolan only because if she looked at him, she knew she would just glare at him or worst, maul him. And not even the good kind. "You lead *me* on, Nolan?" she asked before slowly approaching him, her heels making soft clicking noises on the greasy linoleum floor. "Are you trying to tell me that these..." she lowered her gaze down at her chest, "And these..." she tugged her skirt up just high enough so her thighs showed. "Did not tempt you in any way possible?" Sloane raised her sky blue eyes up at Nolan, fixing her gaze on his handsome face.

"Do not lie to yourself, Nolan. Doesn't fix your real problems." Sloane said softly. She was finally inches away from Nolan but not touching. "Do not tell me that it never crossed your mind even once to go further than a kiss." She then pushed him backwards until he was trapped between the locker and the petite junior. Sloane braced both her hands in either side of Nolan's arms and craned her neck to look up at him. "Do not deny the fact that however much or little it is, you are attracted to me." Sloane pushed her body up against Nolan's.

She was tempted to kiss the Silver student once more, remembering how sweet he had tasted before, but she pulled back, once again crossing her arms under her chest, stepping backwards until they were no longer touching. "But if you think you have led me on..." she paused to shrug. "I should leave then. No use for me hanging around here." She said, feigning disappointment. She turned on her heels and made her way out of the maze of lockers to head to the main gym.