Atlas
I pulled into the driveway of our mansion, still grinning like an idiot as I thought about Phoenix's snarky texts. Man, that kid was something else. Not afraid to throw reality checks my way — definitely not like most people I've met. Usually, they're either scared of me or trying way too hard to impress me. But Phoenix? He didn't give a damn about who I was. Kinda refreshing.
As I stepped inside, the familiar scent of vanilla and freshly baked bread hit me, and I couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. I slipped off my shoes and made my way into the living room, where Mom was sitting on the couch with a book in hand. She looked up the moment she saw me, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smile.
"Oh my, look who's smiling like a lovestruck teenager," she teased, setting her book down.
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "It's nothing like that, Mom."
"Uh-huh, sure," she replied, clearly not buying it. "You came home with a grin plastered on your face. Care to share what's got you in such a good mood?"
Before I could answer, Dad walked in, probably lured by Mom's playful tone. He looked between the two of us and smirked. "Did our boy finally find someone to keep him on his toes?"
I huffed, trying to sound annoyed, but they both knew me too well to take it seriously. "It's not like that. Just... met someone interesting at school. That's all."
"Interesting, huh?" Mom said, giving me that all-too-familiar knowing look. "Someone caught your attention? Must be special."
I thought about Phoenix's sharp comebacks, his unimpressed expression when I flirted, and his stubbornness. A smirk tugged at my lips. "Yeah, guess you could say that. Just... different from what I'm used to."
Dad patted my shoulder, giving me one of those supportive looks. "Just be yourself, son. If they're that interesting to you, don't let 'em slip away."
I shot him a look. "It's not that serious. Besides, I'm pretty sure he hates me right now."
Mom chuckled, clearly entertained by the whole situation. "You always did like a challenge. Just don't push too hard, okay? You've got that habit of bulldozing your way into people's lives."
"I know, I know," I muttered, though I couldn't help but feel a little defensive. Was I really that intense? Maybe. But it wasn't like I could help it. When I wanted something — or someone — I didn't know how to hold back.
Dad chuckled too, heading to the kitchen to grab a drink. "Just take it easy, Atlas. You've got plenty of time."
I nodded and dropped down onto the couch, running a hand through my hair. My phone buzzed again, and I checked it, only to see a message from Xavier complaining about his latest headache of a business deal. I sent a quick reply, promising to help him out later.
But even while I texted, I couldn't get Phoenix out of my mind. Confident, grounded, and not the least bit phased by my usual charm. Maybe this new school wouldn't be so bad after all. I smirked to myself, ignoring my parents' curious glances, and leaned back on the couch.
Yeah... things were definitely about to get interesting.
I leaned back on the couch, phone still in hand, debating whether or not to text Phoenix. Sure, he'd probably give me one of those sassy replies, but honestly? That just made it more entertaining. I unlocked my phone and pulled up our chat, typing out a quick message.
Atlas: Yo, Little Nixy. You survive the big brother scolding, or did Ace rip you a new one?
A few seconds later, the typing bubble appeared, and I couldn't help the smirk that formed on my face.
Phoenix: Surprisingly, no. He's too busy drowning in his notes or something. Guess I got lucky.
I chuckled to myself. Ace? Drowning in notes? Guess the guy really took his job seriously. That's dedication, I suppose. I couldn't resist pushing Phoenix's buttons a little.
Atlas: Lucky you, huh? Though I bet your pretty face would've gotten you off the hook either way.
A longer pause this time. Did I catch him off guard? Man, that'd be a first. I was about to text again when his reply popped up.
Phoenix: Is your ego really that big, or is it just an act?
Ouch. I actually laughed out loud. Kid didn't hold back. I typed back just as fast.
Atlas: Nah, it's just my natural charm. Though I guess it doesn't work on stubborn little crows like you.
Another pause. Longer than before. I almost thought he'd left me on read, but then:
Phoenix: I'm not stubborn. You're just bad at flirting.
I nearly dropped my phone. Bad at flirting? That was new. I bit back a grin and decided to play along.
Atlas: Ouch, Little Nixy. You wound me. I'll have to practice harder just for you.
Phoenix: Don't bother. I'm immune.
God, this kid was something else. Immune, huh? Now that sounded like a challenge.
Atlas: Guess I'll just have to break through those defenses of yours. Wouldn't want my future boyfriend to be immune to my charm, after all.
I almost choked on my own boldness. Probably went too far, but it was worth it just to see his reaction. I waited, staring at the screen, but his reply didn't come as fast this time. Just as I was about to text again, my phone buzzed.
Phoenix: Delusional much? Get your head checked.
I couldn't help but snicker. He didn't deny it, though. Intriguing. This was gonna be fun.
Atlas: I'll keep that in mind. Better get used to it, Little Crow. I'm not going anywhere.
After sending that, I tossed my phone onto the couch cushion and stretched out, feeling way more satisfied than I probably should. Phoenix was definitely one of a kind. Immune to my flirting, huh? We'll just see how long that lasts.