Chapter Text
Briseis had brought a specially packed salad with copious feta cheese cubes the way Patroclus loved it. The whole school had heard Agamemnon’s vocal rejection of five people at wrestling tryouts, including the blow up between him and Patroclus the previous day.
She and Patroclus had no classes in the morning half, so she wanted to make their lunch hour the happiest distraction possible. She knew Patroclus needed extra credits from a sports activity to fill up his Junior, and possibly, Senior year as well. With the wrestling option out, he had to check something else that the Atreides weren’t attached to.
He’ll figure it out. Pat’s not going to give up with one moron yelling at him.
Unfortunately, her way to the cafeteria was blocked by the villain of this story.
“Briseis, heyyyy!” Agamemnon exclaimed, as though he hadn’t nearly run into her.
She scowled. “Go away.”
“Aw, don’t be like that. I miss you.”
“We never hang out. Check yourself.”
“What about the time I gave you my pudding cup?”
“I left it behind,” Briseis huffed, walking around him. “What’s Nestra gonna think about you hitting on every girl except her?”
“Hey, I don’t do that!” he complained. “You’re just special, Bri.”
She shook her head. “Eff off.”
“Come on, you’re not even giving me a chance!” Agamemnon asked, now annoyed.
Briseis didn’t respond, jogging away and taking a longer route to the mess hall. Even if Agamemnon hadn’t been dating anyone, Briseis would never give him the time of the day. Especially not after he kicked her best friend out of tryouts after insulting him a bunch.
Luck was on her side when she saw Pat, speaking to someone behind the lockers, a deep frown cutting into his face. She slowed her steps and listened.
“... and I don’t care, okay?” Patroclus whispered furiously. “You’re the one who has to deal with him on a daily basis. You’re going to college with a football career in tow. Pissing him off messes up your life trajectory and all that shit. So, fine!”
“Pat, please,” the other boy whispered and Briseis did a doubletake, recognizing the school’s golden boy pleading.
“No,” Patroclus said abruptly. “You can keep your mouth shut and your head down. But don’t ask me to do the same. Goodbye.”
“I’m so sorry--”
“Save it.”
Patroclus walked away and Briseis caught a glimpse of utter desperation on Achilles’ face. It was odd and terrifying to see someone like him watching Patroclus’ retreating back, so devastated.
Almost like there was something else going on there.
All Briseis knew was that Patroclus and Achilles were Biology lab partners. But did they have an actual problem beyond homework and sports team selection?
No… Briseis shook her head, chastising herself and reigning in her runaway ideas. Agamemnon’s shouting must have frightened his team, who were all depending on his satisfaction to stay in the high leagues. They had to beat Ilios High in the first round of interschool competitions that would be held in just a few weeks.
Briseis followed him a distance, finally catching up to Patroclus who awaited her in the cafeteria. His face lit up when she offered the packed bowl of fresh salad and she smiled in return.
“You good?” Patroclus asked.
She shrugged. “Just brushed off a busybody. You know the type.”
Patroclus nodded, concerned. “Let me know if this guy can’t take a hint.”
She patted his arm and smiled.
Looks like they were both hiding stuff.