Of course, Emery's made fun of for the makeup and Cinderella costume.

I can see a couple meatheads gossiping loudly about him near his locker the next day.

The next thing I know I'm charging at them.

I have absolutely no tolerance left for bullying, and they learn that flat out on their backs staring up at the ceiling in a daze.

Although I'm suspended for another three days, Em makes it better by coming over every day after school. He is up to his ears in work, practicing violin, rehearsing his lines, and studying to keep on top of his classes, but we still find time to cuddle and watch TV on the couch.

That night, I lay on my bed in just my pyjama pants, aimlessly twirling Emery's hair around my fingers. Soft. Everything is soft, the lighting of my bedside lamp, the bedsheets, the pillow, Emery's hair, his skin. I smooth my hand up and down his back while he lies on his side playing a game on my phone.

"Aly beat me on the bio test," he murmurs sleepily.

"Mm." I wrap my arm around him and get into our quintessential spooning position.

"Also, I saw you looking at Cassidy in chem."

"She's smokin', Em. She and Vanessa. Way too hot to play the sisters."

Emery chuckles.

"Yeah..."

I lean over him to switch off the beside lamp, nipping his ear in the process.

"Goodnight, princess."

Emery giggles and snuggles back against me.