[SCT] It Wasn't What I Planned

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Sitting curled up in a cozy chair with a blanket made of... well, whatever, Erika had an open book in her lap, though her brown eyes were glued against the cozy fire in the firepit. She had come to love this place when she was young, and it didn't cease to amaze her that it caught her off guard whenever she came here. Sure, this year -- or rather, last year, hadn't been perfect, with both its ups and downs, but she couldn't really complain. She was looking forward to a new, better year, with well, everything good, she hoped.

As usual, the brunette was worried, like she always was. There was something nagging at the back of her mind, and she wasn't entirely sure what it was, or why it was there to begin with. Maybe it was the slow paced planning, or maybe the absence lurking and tugging at her heart, or maybe she was simply worried for no reason.

It didn't matter though, because this trip wasn't about that. It was about relaxing and unwinding from the stresses of Christmas and the holidays -- and well, running the school, obviously.

Ah, how she missed being free to do as she pleased. Luckily, few people treated her differently -- well, her friends didn't. Everyone else did, but that was to be expected, right?

Lifting the cup with hot cocoa to her lips, Erika closed her eyes as a warm smile spread across her lips. Ah, she really did love this place.

[François Laffont]

It was the first year Franck went to the ski trip. Before that, he always feared he might not have enough control on his power and didn’t want things to go out of hands. He might be harmless to others but going crazy because of someone else’s feelings was not something nice to experiment. Not to add that he preferred being with his father for the holidays. This time however, he thought he earned the right to spend several days away from the school to relax and have some fun. And fun, he had loads of. Whatever worries he might have before coming here, he did felt like he left them behind. He knew they would still be here when he’ll return but for a few days, he was allowed to forget about it.

Franck had spent some part of the day skiing but decided to head back to the cabin. He just wanted to sit somewhere. No, lounge. He wasn’t doing that often, he thought he could allow himself to do it. He was looking around for a spot, preferably one near some heat source, when he saw Erika. At least he thought it was Erika. It was hard to tell as the twins were... well, twins. Either way, he believed he was good friends with both of them and didn’t think Elsa would kick him away from her if he chose to come and say hello.

As he approached, he did get some of her worries. He didn’t like feeling that his friends were worried, whatever they may be worried about. There was more than this, something more positive too, so he tried not to think too much about it as he joined her. “I would’ve thought this trip would make you happier. You’re free for a few days, you should enjoy it, not be stressed,” he said, smiling to his friend as he took a seat near her.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Opening her eyes, Erika looked up to find a familiar face. Her smile turned wider and much warmer. "Franck," she greeted him, placing the cup down on the table after taking a sip of the hot liquid. She sat up straighter and turned to properly face him. She was glad he had come, and from what little she had seen of him, he had seemed to be enjoying himself. That made Erika happy, because if anyone deserved it, it was Franck for sure.

"Oh you know me," she shrugged. "Always worrying about this or that." She grimaced a little at that, but laughed nonetheless. "How are you enjoying the trip so far? Frank's not driving you too hard, is she?" She knew all too well how exhausting their mutual friend could be, but still, so darn lovely it was hard to fault her for being who she was. She was energetic and lively, but that was also some of her better traits. Traits Erika envied and loved equally.

Folding her arms in her lap, she turned her gaze towards the fire, watching it in silence for a moment before stifling a yawn. "All this outdoorsy stuff is really making me tired," she smiled. "I usually get really lazy during winter, as opposed to how active I am during the summer," she explained. During summer, she was usually up as early as she could, getting a good workout in before classes and what not....though, she didn't have classes anymore.

[François Laffont]

At her smile, and the emotion he got from her as she saw him, Franck understood he got Erika. He wouldn’t have minded either of them and what he said about worries could fit for the two of them but he was happy he got Erika and not her twin sister. He had nothing against Elsa but he obviously was closer to Erika. He chuckled when she said she was always worried. “You’re too happy right now, you fear something wrong might happen? Everything seems to be going well though. You’ve found someone incredible and decided to marry him, things are going back to normal at school. Even the Dirty Laundry is struggling so hard to find drama around you that they’re hoping for some,” he replied, still chuckling a little at the mention of the Laundry. “You know, I’m starting to think that psycho blogger has a crush on you. Can’t get enough of you even when there’s nothing to say.” He was glad of that, that there was nothing to say. Nothing bad, that is. She might keep saying she didn’t care, constant rumours on your account mustn’t be something nice to deal with. He was glad they barely mentioned him, even if last time it sounded like he was going after every guy of this school. Playboy. As if he looked anything remotely close to a playboy!

He laughed again at the mention of their mutual friend. “I’ve dealt with her too often before, I’m starting to get immune to her craziness,” he let out as a joke. He didn’t know if anyone could ever get used to her and the wild ideas going through her head at times. “I like it. I was worried it would be too much at first, but everyone just feel relaxed. It’s a break for everyone, it makes it very easy on me.” Franck didn’t like complaining about his side-effects. It sounded silly to claim people felt too much and it was hard on you. All he had to do was walk away and it would eventually go away unlike those who had to feel these emotions.

“You’re like bears then? You want to hibernate,” he teased her. He looked outside through a window. “It’s true that it’s a temperature to cuddle with someone by a fire... Not that it’s why I’m here, mind you,” he added, laughing at the end since they were together, near a fireplace, and he just said that. He knew they were both not exactly the one they’d want to cuddle with.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Well," she began, frowning. "I suppose... I'm so used to things screwing up when I reach the stage where I feel like I can finally be happy, but I've also learned that it's because I've made a lot of mistakes and bad choices and those tend to haunt us." She looked over at Franck. "But... I'm sure of what I want now, and what I want is Everett. I want to marry him and this time, this time I'm ready to commit fully to that and our relationship." She chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing slightly. As for Dirty Laundry... Erika simply rolled her eyes. "I think DL has learned that I'm no longer the top dog. I'm not in high school anymore and well, despite always being in the spotlight, I'm old news. I no longer bring about the same audience as I did months back."

And that was a good thing too. Erika had matured, and that was a good thing. She didn't seem to be a magnet towards drama anymore. Her life had been easier after she had quit school.

"Yeah, she kinds of grow on you," Erika said, smiling warmly. Frank was adorable. There was no way around it, and how someone couldn't grow fond of her, Erika would never understand. Erika had liked her from the first time they had met and shared a room together on the cruise ship. She didn't ever, not once, regret befriending her. "I'm glad to hear it." She didn't doubt that Franck's power was hard to have. She had her own struggles with her power, but at least, she didn't have to feel what everyone else was feeling.

Smiling, she followed Franck's gaze. "Something like that," she admitted. She didn't really mind snow. She just didn't like the cold. "Hey, you never know what the future might hold for you. For all you know, Mr. Right might be right around the corner." She winked at Franck; no she didn't doubt that Franck would find someone, and when he did, she was going to be right there, congratulating him.

[François Laffont]

Franck had been there to support Erika during a few of those past mistakes and moments when things went out of hands. “I say that’s why you should really be happy that things are going so well. You deserved it,” he replied, giving her a warm smile. Of course, it sounded so easy when Franck said it. He was always trying to look on the brighter side of things and promise there would be nicer days after all the trouble they went through. He just needed to believe it so he had everyone around him believe it also. His smile grew wider at her words. “I’m really happy for you.” Again, there was this desire to touch her arm to give more impact to his words but he knew it was best not to. It wasn’t always easy for him but she was a friend and even if Erika knew of his power he didn’t like using it on her, even by accident because he could not ‘turn it off’.

He shrugged as they talked of the psycho blogger. “I’m sure they’ll come up with some things now and then, even if they have to create something out of thin air. I wonder who’ll be their favourite target now. Then again, as long as it’s not me, I don’t really care.” Again, Franck didn't think he was interesting enough to have rumours flying on his account but he was mentioned before so he supposed everything was possible.

He knew all too well what Erika meant about Frank growing on people. It was hard to be mad at someone who was such a bundle of good energy and positivity. She made your head spin faster than a tornado sometimes but she was adorable. He understood however why some people found her difficult to handle.

Franck had no problem with the snow or the cold. He liked it. At least, it made it a good excuse to cuddle someone or get a cup of warm cocoa. “Well... I don’t know for mister Right but I know Jasper asked me out,” he confessed. He looked at her and even though he was smiling, he raised a hand to stop her before she got too excited at the news. “Don’t rejoice too soon though. He’s not exactly the dating type. He doesn’t want to share me but he can’t really promise not seeing elsewhere,” he added. It made telling her somebody asked him out all for nothing now. It was a shame that the one guy who asks him out cannot really give him what he wants. Yet Franck was still debating whether he should agree or not. He sighed, thinking that the drama might have left Erika but went all on him. He didn't say it out loud however.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Shrugging, Erika smiled. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see," she said. She didn't doubt that DL had plenty of people to choose from. If Bellefonte was known for something, it was it's ability to attract drama. Regardless, Erika didn't care. She had been its target for years on end, and she had gotten out okay. Sure, it hadn't been easy, but it had still helped make who she was today, and for that, she actually thanked the blog.

Quirking a brow, Erika looked at Franck. A sheepish smile formed on her lips as she let a slight 'oooh' escape her lips. "Is that so?" She couldn't quite hide the playful smirk that followed. "Well, then why don't you date others too? I mean, I get how it can be stressful, but for all you know, you might come to enjoy it, and hey, at least there's another experience right there." Pushing herself up, Erika reached her hand down for Franck. "What's the worst that can happen?" she asked, smiling. "I mean, if anything, you can just call it quits, right? It's not like you're signing a contract."

Besides, Franck might actually learn a thing or two, and Erika probably wasn't the only one who thought the boy deserved to be happy. Whether that meant being with someone who wanted to be exclusive, or not, was entirely up to Franck to decide. She would never make such a commitment for herself -- she thought -- but she wasn't going to judge.

Then again, that was coming from the girl who was about to get married, and hopefully never date anyone new ever again.

[François Laffont]

Franck had no doubt the Dirty Laundry would try to go against Erika again. With the wedding and all, no doubt they would hope to find her at fault. But she had pretty much everything thrown at her in the past and made through so he was even more certain that she would again. After a while, DL will have no choice to find a new target. Franck was only hoping the damage will not be too severe.

Franck could just guess what would happen next. Erika would admit that it was not exactly the kind of person you really want to be asked by, that he was right not to rejoice about it so much and that he could obviously find better. It wasn’t like anyone could imagine Franck in an open relationship. He knew he couldn’t. But he also knew that he was not against having Jasper around. Having someone, even someone who might be going after other people, still sounded better than having no one. Whoever first said that it was better to be alone than in bad company clearly never had been alone for a long period of time, or had said bad company wanting to be with him. Franck was ready to justify his hesitation at saying no to him.

Instead, Erika surprised him by saying maybe he should date others too. His eyes opened wide. Now, he didn’t see that one coming. He blinked a few times as she kept going. The worst that can happen? The worst, in his opinion would be to fall in love with Jasper and have to accept he cannot be the man of one man only. Not that Franck really wanted to force him. They were teenagers, he could understand why Jasper didn't want something too serious. But he also knew that he was not likely to date around and finding out Jasper was would hurt him, even if he said he was allowed.

But right now, he was not thinking about the worst that could happen, he was too surprised Erika thought it was something he should try. “... I actually thought you’d talk me off it,” he admitted after a moment of silence. A timid smile appeared on his lips. If his friends were not against, then maybe he should stop worrying so much. “I was tempted, to be honest. I mean, I’m not expecting to get what you had with this but...” Franck didn’t finish his sentence, simply shrugging as if it explained what he didn't have the words to express. “I thought I might have to justify myself, because you wouldn’t believe I could say yes to that.”

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Laughing, Erika nodded. "Yeah, I thought I would too," she admitted. "I guess you could say that I've experienced enough to know that nothing lasts forever, and that you gotta have fun while you still can." She mused a little at the thought before turning to look at Franck. "I mean, yeah, you might end up getting seriously hurt, but you won't know until you try, right? And for all you know, you might actually come to enjoy it." The brunette was a little against not trying out new things just because someone said it was a bad idea. The best way to learn about yourself and what you liked was to actually try out new things and put yourself out there.

And that was exactly the opportunity Franck was presented with here.

"I'm not here to judge you, Franck. Just like you never judged my choices. We're all different and we want different things. Only you can decide what's right for you. I've always hated people telling me what to do, so what right do I have to do the same thing to you?" Yes, Erika liked to believe that she had grown a lot the past year. She had a whole different view on life than what she once had.

Besides, if anyone deserved some fun, it was surely Franck. He always seemed to get the short straw, and Erika wanted nothing else for him than him being happy, and if something like this could make him happy, then well, why shouldn't he?

"If this is something you want, you should definitely do it, and not worry about what everyone else thinks. It's your life, after all."

[François Laffont]

Considering Erika decided to marry Everett, to live with him only, it seemed odd that she would suggest Franck to be in an open relationship. He never thought Erika would consider this a good idea. Especially when it came to Franck. The boy didn’t strike as one who would sleep with someone only to forget about them the next morning. “Yet you and Everett chose to marry each other,” he pointed out. But Franck got her point. He had no one right now to live something remotely close to what Erika was living with Everett. He had, however, someone who was both good looking and willing to spend time with him. Franck did like Jasper and he already knew what it was like to sleep with the guy. He supposed he could still end it if he finally found someone who wanted a relationship with him, a serious one, where none of them slept with others as well.

The thought he might enjoy it made him chuckle. “I’m not really afraid of being hurt. It can happen with something more serious too. I just... I know this isn’t like me. At all. But, at the same time...” Franck sighed heavily as he was simply not sure how he could explain. “I’m tired of always being the one people expect me to be, you know?” For once, Franck wanted to think of himself first. It was a change for the guy.

Franck did try not to judge people. Sure, Erika made some bad choices before, before she already made them by the time she told him about it, he couldn’t really whine over her mistakes, only try and help her correcting them. “Yes, I know. Though, I suppose, in my case, it’s more me who tell myself I shouldn’t. It’s against what I learned as a child, but I’m kind of tired of always following the rules. Besides, no one will get hurt, right?” He really sounded as if he asked her, for real, if someone could get hurt, as if he might be punished for this. Hey, he was already a sinner for many and far more important things he could not change about himself, it’s not a bit of action that will make a difference.

He smiled to her. It was good to have someone on his side, especially one he thought might be upset about it. It was not how her little Franck should act, after all. But, as he told her, it was just another motivation for him to do it. “Thanks.”

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Just because I'm getting married, it doesn't mean everyone else should," she pointed out with a small smile. "Each to their own." Erika would never purposely force her own beliefs on anyone else, let alone Franck. Even though she truly believed he deserved a happily ever after, she still believed it was alright to have fun and explore. After all, experiences was an important part of life as well.

Erika understood what Franck meant; Nodding, she chuckled softly. "Trust me, I know all too well what that feels like." Sighing, she averted her gaze for a moment before pursing her lips. "You should do whatever you want, Franck. Regardless of what everyone else thinks of it. It's not their life; it's yours." Erika had people trying to control her her entire life, and what had she gotten out from that? Sure, after she decided to do her own things, she had found herself with plenty of friends shorter and ironically felt more alone than ever, but she didn't regret her decision.

"The possibility of getting hurt is always there, Franck. But that fear shouldn't keep you back. It has to rain for there to be a rainbow." After everything Erika had been through, she probably knew that better than most people. She still wasn't alright, and maybe she never would be, but at the very least she was still fighting. And even if Franck got hurt, she was sure he would come out stronger because of it. "As long as you don't force yourself to do something you don't want to, you should chase the stars." She chuckled softly at that, turning her head to look at Franck for a moment.

"Don't thank me, Franck." She offered him a wry smile. "I'm always going to support your choices, even if I don't necessarily agree with them."

[François Laffont]

He chuckled but Franck still agreed with Erika here. Not everyone had to get married. It might sound weird coming from the mouth of a catholic who had always been religious but he started to realise his religion might have some flaws. He wouldn’t force people to get married. “Does Montana allow gay marriage anyway?” Franck had really no idea. It wasn’t like he ever took the time to ask himself that, let alone find out the answer. He accepted marriage might just be something that would never happen in his life when he understood he was gay. He was fine with that. Well, not entirely but he wouldn’t get depressed over this.

“Speaking of the wedding, as your parents finally accepted Everett?” Erika had told him they didn’t approve of her choice. With the wedding approaching, it must only cause more tensions within the family and he was sad about it. For a moment, he forgot how Erika had been forced into quite a few things in her life. She was such a strong-willed person, and she had a beautiful love story she didn’t intend to let anyone ruin for her that he forgot it had not always been easy for her. He gave her a smile as she reminded him. “It’s funny, right? It’s exactly what I told you, what I’m sure I told you too at some point, yet I never seem to do it myself.” This made him laugh a little but it really wasn’t as funny as he claimed it to be. More the sad kind of funny. Maybe it was time he did as he preached.

Just like Erika, he had been hurt before. But Franck was a hopeless romantic and it wasn’t a few bruises that would make him put a cross on love. He wasn’t used to act out of lust however and felt like it was a bit what he wanted to do right now. It was weird to him. But it was such a comfort to find out his friend was on his side. “Thanks for the advice. And don’t do like me, don’t just say it, do it too,” he replied with a laugh.

At her words, Franck frowned slightly. Did that mean she didn’t totally agree with his choice? But she was the one who told him to do it in the first place. Maybe it was the guy he wanted to do it with? He tried to ignore that. It might not even have to do with Jasper anyway. “I think that deserved to be thanked for. People aren’t always grateful enough for the good things happening in their lives.”

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Uhm... Good question." Erika had never actually thought of that. Mostly because the school they were all so connected to seemed to have its own rules, and the outside world didn't seem like it was a part of it sometimes. "That should be easy enough to find out though," Erika added with a smile. She wasn't too worried though. Even if Montana didn't allow gay marriages, it wasn't hard to get married in another state and then come back. Right?

Snorting, Erika rolled her eyes. "As if," she said, sighing. No, she didn't think they ever would, but she was fine with that. She barely had any contact with them as it was, and they weren't going to ruin this for her. She had made that overly clear several times. Besides, her parents had already forced her to do so many things against her will. This was not going to be one of those things. This was something Erika wanted to do for herself, because she knew marrying Everett was going to make her happy, and she sure as hell deserved a little happiness.

"It often ends up being like that. We're all great at giving advice, but not always as good at following them," she mused, shaking her head.

"That's true," she agreed. "But still; We're friends, and that counts for so much more than disagreements," she added with shrug. No, this was one of those cases where Erika didn't disagree, but it was no huge secret that she and Franck hadn't seen eye to eye on absolutely everything. Still, she liked to believe that their differences only made their friendship stronger.

[François Laffont]

“Not that I’m in any hurry, mind you. But from what I understand it’s not even every state that allow it,” he let out. He would need a lot of things before ever considering marriage. Starting with a future husband. That might be important. Besides, even if they did not allow it in Montana, they might by the time he found someone he might wish to unite his life with.

Franck was ready to wait a long time before tying the knot. Deep inside, he was still a little catholic boy and he considered this very seriously. He didn’t view in high regards those who married out of impulse, thinking they could just divorce if it didn’t work out. Not that he thought Erika did it. Maybe, a little, but she was his friend and she was too happy for him to send a grey cloud in her perfectly blue sky. He frowned, sorry for her when she said her parents still not approved. You’d think they would come to accept it. “They won’t... oppose themselves, at the ceremony. You know, the ‘if someone has a reason to be against, speak now’ thing.” That would just be the worst thing to happen. He might be for respecting your parents but when parents acted against your happiness in such a way, he was ready to bend the rules.

He nodded at her words. “In French, we say cordonnier mal chaussé. I think it translates to... shoemaker ill shod?” He had no idea if they said something similar in English. Expressions were really hard for him. Franck knew they didn’t agree on everything. They were not raised the same way, they had a different way of viewing certain things and reacting to them. “We don’t have to agree on everything. It’s normal not to be on the same page all the time. And I’m glad we were able to remain friends, even though you became headmistress, or co-headmistress. It would’ve been sad if it had changed anything between us.”

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"I'm sure that will change with time," Erika replied with a faint shrug. She wasn't too worried though to be perfectly honest. When the day came, Franck could easily enough figure out a way. And Erika would surely do everything in her power to help him. Besides, the times changed constantly. For all they knew, the world could suddenly grow all accepting tomorrow. She doubted it, but there was always a chance, and Erika liked to believe that the future held many wonders for all of them.

Erika mimicked the boy's frown and averted her gaze. She simply shrugged in response. It was the last thing she wanted to think about, and even if it happened - even if they were invited, she didn't really think it would change anything. She was stubborn to a flaw, after all.

If this wedding and potential marriage was going to burn, it would be at her hands, and not her parents.

The expression however distracted the brunette and she looked back at the boy, her head tilting to the side. "I've never heard that one before," she admitted. Not that something like that meant it didn't exist of course. "I suppose you're right," she chuckled softly. She combed her fingers through her hair then and sighed. "I hope it never will," she said, looking at him. "Because I don't know what I'd do if it did."