S.G.I.D
(or Scarlet Gets Info-Dumped)
Summary: Scarlet's going on a date, but not before her friends ask her for advice. Masterlist Words: 3.2k AO3 Link A/N: it's literally just the title. i couldn't think of a better one, sorry. but, yeah, if you have gossip, go to scarlet!
Scarlet yawned obnoxiously, already knowing that the small noises she made weren’t going to wake anyone up. She kneeled in front of their barely functional mini fridge, debating on getting a Hawaiian Slush or Cotton Candy flavored energy drink. The bright colors of the first caught her eye. Hawaiian Slush it is.
She yawned again, absently playing with her single braid she’d hastily tied earlier that morning.
She took three sips of her drink before the door to her suitemates’ room opened. Cinder walked out looking more disheveled than usual. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her hair stuck out in every direction.
“Rough night?” Scarlet asked, offering her an energy drink.
Cinder jerked, obviously startled. “What are you doing up?”
“Wolf’s taking me to the Farmer’s Market. All the good stuff gets taken in the morning, so we have to leave soon.” Scarlet remembered the last time she visited in the afternoon, and all of the honey packets were gone. She promised herself to never feel that level of disappointment again.
“Wanna come with?”
Cinder shook her head, rubbing at her temple simultaneously. “No, I don’t want to interrupt your date.”
“You wouldn’t be interrupting anything. It’s more of a chore than a date. Besides, Kai’s coming.” Scarlet had to hide her smirk behind the can while she gauged Cinder’s reaction. Like always, her head ticked to the side a bit as she subconsciously attempted nonchalance.
Scarlet had purposely made sure Kai snuggled up next to Cinder on Friday night. She was also responsible for getting him to drink. He’d gotten a little too drunk, though; she’d only wanted him tipsy enough to get touchy.
He’d been all over Cinder that night. Scarlet’s mission had succeeded.
“Oh.” Cinder chewed her lip before changing the subject. “I–I need your advice on something.”
Ah, about Kai, right? “Of course.”
The brunette bashfully looked at the hands she was anxiously wringing together. “So, hypothetically, someone shares a… a moment with someone they consider close.”
Scarlet frowned and furrowed her brow. “Okay… What kind of moment?”
“Uh.” Another nervous pause. “An intense moment.”
“Passionate?”
“You could say that.”
Scarlet’s lips quirked. “A kiss, then?”
Cinder jolted. “I– Yes. Yes, a kiss”
“Okay, I understand.” She couldn’t hide her smile. So Kai had made a move after all. Scarlet’s memory was a bit fuzzy as well, so she didn’t have all the details. “Well, did you like it?”
Cinder’s brow furrowed. “This is a hypothetical.”
“Right, right.” Sure, Scarlet would play along. “What’s the issue?”
“So… what if, during the kiss, that person started thinking about someone else?”
Scarlet nearly snorted. “What?”
“Yeah. Tough position to be in, right?”
“Who’d you–they think of?”
“Another friend.”
“Close?”
“I guess you could say that.” Maybe this really wasn’t about Cinder.
Scarlet hummed to herself. “So, what’s your question?”
The bashful mechanic chewed her lip worriedly. “I guess–I mean, what do you do in that situation? Do you confess your feelings, cut off the other guy, or dig a hole big enough to hide in forever?”
Scarlet laughed. In all honesty, she didn’t have any advice. “Definetey the hole.”
She sighed into the tall metal can. “Well, I was only in a love triangle once, back in high school. I didn’t like either of the guys who were fighting over me, and I’m pretty sure it was all a big joke.”
She hesitated, watching Cinder in front of her stare at the floor.
“I’d tell that someone to go with their gut. They don’t have to ‘choose,’ nor do they owe anyone anything. But if they really want to be with one of them, then they should go for it. Does that make any sense?”
Cinder’s face relaxed a little bit. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“Good thing this is all a hypothetical, right?” Scarlet joked. Cinder laughed but there was no humor behind it.
“Right.” She looked away, seeming to ponder for a moment. What could she possibly be going through?
“Have fun at the Farmer’s Market, I’ll see you for dinner?” She framed the second half like a question.
“Yes, of course. I’ll probably go to the kitchen to cook anyways, you’re more than welcome to join.”
Cinder grimaced. “I promise, you don’t want me anywhere near a stove.”
Scarlet laughed as she watched the tall brunette walk out of the common space. Her heart felt for the girl. Cinder had wrung her hands nonstop throughout their conversation, and the worried look never left her face. Part of Scarlet wanted to press the matter further, but she knew Cinder well enough to let it be. Cinder wouldn’t elaborate anyway, at least not yet.
Sighing, she left their dorm and made the short walk to the boys.
To her surprise, Carswell “I need my beauty sleep” Thorne answered the door. Her shock must have been evident on her face because he responded with, “What, think I’m not capable of waking up before ten?”
“You purposely chose classes after eleven so you could get over your hangovers peacefully, so yeah, I didn’t think you were capable.”
“Think again, Scar. I’m full of surprises.” He eyed her drink. “You want the rest of that?”
She thought it over for a moment. “Nah, you can have the rest. I’ll probably get a coffee later anyways.”
She passed it over. He downed the rest in seconds. “Thanks.”
“Am I allowed to come in now?” She was tired of standing in the hallway.
Thorne’s eyes widened. “Oh, jeez, sorry. Yeah, yeah, of course.”
He moved out of the way for Scarlet to easily slip pass. At the same time, Wolf stepped out of his room into the shared space.
His intense green eyes immediately sparkled with surprise and happiness. She could only imagine her own expression as something similar. They walked towards each other like opposite poles of a magnet. She threw her arms around his broad shoulders and smiled while his hands fit comfortably around her waist.
“Good morning, you.” Scarlet greeted, lowering her voice as he grew closer.
“Good morning.” Their foreheads pressed after they shared a quick kiss. “Sorry, I couldn’t see you much yesterday. Practice went long. How did you sleep?”
“Like a rock. And don’t apologize; I know how tedious practice can get.”
Wolf chuckled. “I’ll make it up for you today. Also, Kai cancelled last night. He’s not feeling well.”
“Okay, just us then.” She gently kissed him, already missing his lips. He responded by slowly kissing her back. She fought down a smile as her fingers found the familiar curls of his hair. His hands began to wander upwards. Then they were unfortunately reminded of their audience.
Thorne coughed awkwardly in the corner of the common room. “Oh, don’t mind me.”
They pulled away. Scarlet bit back a groan. “Oh! Thorne that reminds me, I have to tell you something.” She giggled to herself as she left Wolf’s warm embrace to reach the lesser man.
Thorne raised an eyebrow. “Nothing good, I’m guessing.”
She punched his side. “It’s good news, actually. Remember our plan Friday night, you know, the one that you left me to do alone while you partied at the frat?”
His jaw clenched as his face tightened. “Mhm.”
First Cinder, and now Thorne was acting weird. She wasn't one to pry, but their reactions were starting to nag at her curiosity.
“Well, it worked! They were cozying up all night together. I didn’t ask what they were talking about, but Cinder was flustered all day yesterday.”
“And today?” He blurted. Scarlet scrunched her brows. “How–how was she today? Is she awake?”
She bit her lip. “Well, she was acting a little strange today. I mean, she asked me weirdly specific questions.”
“What type of questions?” He grew more adamant by the second.
“Why is it your business?” Scarlet crossed her arms. “What’s going on, Thorne?”
He froze, then anxiously searched the room. When he decided Wolf was out of earshot, he beckoned Scarlet to come closer. “You cannot tell anybody this. Don’t even let Cinder know I told you.”
The puzzle pieces began to slide together as he spoke. The hypothetical, two close friends, kissing. Scarlet thought of an outcome–a crazy, impossible outcome–and she hoped it was merely speculation. “...Okay.”
He sighed, dragging a hand through his hair, looking very much in distress. “I– We– uh, I can’t do this.”
“No, you’re not going to start telling me then back off at the last minute.” She huffed. “What is going on?”
He stared at her for a few heartbeats before blurting, “Scarlet, we kissed. Cinder and I kissed.”
Nevermind, Scarlet was right. Still, the answer was absolutely shocking. Her jaw dropped, leaving her speechless..
Thorne looked almost ashamed, resolving to look away.
After recollecting herself, Scarlet cleared her throat. “What? I– Thorne! You have feelings for her?! After you pledged to get her and Kai together?! I’m so confused.”
He shook his head. “No, no, I don’t have– well–”
“Don’t finish that.” She shut her eyes. “Was it like a peck? Or something more passionate?”
“Passionate? I guess?”
“Oh my stars, did you sleep with her?” Scarlet accused.
“No!” He accidentally raised his voice, causing Wolf to glance at them in curiosity. Scarlet returned a weak thumbs up. He cocked his head, wanting to be in the loop, but resigned to sit himself down on the couch instead.
“No, I would never– she would never.”
She dragged her hands slowly across her face, from her forehead to her chin, stopping to massage them deeply into her eyes. Definitely too early for this drama. And to think Cinder was at the heart of it? She almost giggled. “Have you told Kai?”
“Aces, no! He’d kill me.” He looked away, almost ashamed. “Plus, I kind of promised to help him with Cinder… last night.”
Scarlet actually laughed this time. “You just keep making it worse. And Cinder?”
“She ignored my calls last night and I’ve been left on read since then.” Thorne huffed. “She clearly doesn’t want to talk.”
“It would be an uncomfortable conversation to have, anyone would be hesitant.” She bit her lip pensively. “Still, I would make an effort to talk to her. For her sake, at least.”
A few seconds of silence passed between them. Thorne chewed anxiously on his lip while Scarlet lost herself in thought.
“Thorne…” She murmured, lowering her voice and repeated her question. “Do you have feelings for her?”
He didn’t respond, waiting a little too long for him to deny it and make it sound believable. She sighed, receiving her answer. “I don’t know.” His blue eyes moved from hers to stare at the floor. She did the same. Well if that’s the case, then…
“Good stars.” She finally commented. “I think you’re in deep shit.”
He snorted. “Really?” His voice softened, making Scarlet hear vulnerability she never heard from him before. “Hey…”
“What’s your question?” She already saw it coming.
“You think there’s a chance…?” He trailed off, not finishing his sentence.
“That she’ll pick you?” She turned to look at his side profile. “If I’m being completely honest, yes.”
He whipped his head, eyes wide open. “You mean it?”
“I do. But she’ll probably end up with Kai. I mean, you’re asking her to pick between three years of mutual yearning versus one makeout session.” She huffed. “Though, I can’t deny the fact that there’s a possibility that she might have feelings for you. But–”
“Her feelings for Kai might be greater.” Thorne finished, shutting his eyes. She couldn’t help but feel bad for the rascal. “It’s just not fair though.”
“Why? Because you two have been best friends since you met and have been with each other through thick and thin?”
“Yes! And Kai, as smart as he is, makes stupid-ass decisions. I told him dating Jade was a bad idea, and he still did it, despite him still having feelings for Cinder.” Thorne groaned. “He made her overthink and try to push down her own feelings, and now it's exploded. He told her that he only dated Jade because she reminded him of Cinder, and Cinder’s going crazy right now.”
Scarlet gasped, swallowing the new information. “He said that?”
“Yup, Friday night. Then Cinder came to me freaking out, and I–I don’t know why I kissed her.” He sighed. “But she kissed me back.”
“I wouldn’t get hopeful.” She could see sparks beginning to shine in his eyes. She knew what he was thinking. Maybe, just maybe if they got together… “You caught her at a very turbulent time. Like I said, she probably does have feelings for you, but she’s had feelings for Kai for much longer. And she was thinking about him all day. Her mind was probably all jumbled.”
“I keep telling myself that, but she wouldn’t kiss me back if she didn’t want to.”
“Or she could be confused.”
“It’s Cinder we’re talking about. She doesn’t give her kisses out like that.”
“Thorne, you of all people should know that a kiss doesn’t mean you’ll end up together forever.” She bit her lip. “This conversation is getting confusing.”
“Yeah, I can’t tell if you’re rooting for me or not.”
“I’m rooting for Cinder, and we’re both not sure what she wants.” She patted his shoulder. “There’s also a chance she doesn’t get with either of you.”
He snorted. “But you think if she had to choose, she’d choose Kai.”
“Well, yes.”
Jacin came out of his room at that moment, yawning as he raised an eyebrow at Wolf lounging on the couch. Wolf shrugged in response. “Good morning, sunshine.” Thorne greeted.
Jacin grunted. “I thought you would be gone by now,” he said to Scarlet.
“Uh, we’re leaving soon.”
Jacin nodded.
“What time did you sleep last night?”
Jacin sighed. “‘Don’t remember. I need coffee.” He immediately started brewing a pot. Wolf told her that nobody abuses the coffee machine like Jacin did. In fact, he’d broken twice because of how much he overused it.
“Is Thorne going with you, or is he staying here?”
“You know, you can talk to me instead of asking her,” Thorne deadpanned.
“No, Wolf and I are actually going on a date. Just the two of us, now." Scarlet answered.
The smell of fresh coffee brewing almost made Scarlet ask for a cup, despite having already downed an entire can of caffeine. At that moment, the door to Thorne’s room opened, the topic of their previous conversation himself walking out. He was still in his pajamas, rubbing one of his eyes out of sleep. “Oh, thank the stars.” He mumbled, yawning. “Before you go, can you do me a favor?”
The question was directed at her. Scarlet blinked. “Depends on the favor.”
“Oh, nothing crazy. I just need something from the Farmer’s Market,” Kai explained, scratching his neck. “Sorry I can’t go anymore.”
“It’s totally fine, we don’t mind. What do you need?” She asked.
He suddenly looked shy, a small blush covering his ears. He looked away. “Flowers.”
Thorne flinched, turning away. What a mess. “Any specific type?”
“Peonies. Please? I’ll pay you. Just text me the price.”
Thorne sighed next to her. “You’re so obvious, dude.” Thorne walked up to Kai and slapped his back. “At this point, the whole world’s gonna know before her.”
Really Thorne? Is being a double agent the way to go? Scarlet thought. “Okay, I got you. Z, you ready?”
Wolf looked up from his phone, glad to end his doomscrolling. “Yes.”
“Can I drive?”
“Of course, but please be mindful of speed bumps.”
Kai beamed at Scarlet. “Thank you so much!”
“I’ll make sure to get the prettiest flowers.” Scarlet winked. She wasn’t going to pick a side either.
His blush deepened. Wolf made his way towards the door, popping his joints as they did. Right before they left, Scarlet grabbed Thorne and hauled him outside of the room, away from Kai. “Hey– What?”
“Why have these feelings now, after you kissed her?” She asked.
He blinked. “I think it’s because I kissed her… I’m thinking of her like this.”
“Exactly. You’re letting attraction get in the way. You love Cinder, you are attracted to her, but can you really commit to her romantically?”
He furrowed his brow, glancing at Wolf nervously. Thankfully, Wolf didn’t ask any questions. “I haven’t thought that far yet.”
“You know who can?”
Thorne lowered his gaze to his feet. “I do.”
“Figure it out, Thorne. If you want something with her, then be serious about it and pursue it. If not, then step aside. No need to make her life more complicated than it is.”
She’d never seen Thorne like this before. He was genuinely disheveled, mumbling about like a person who went forty eight hours without sleep. He sure looked like one too. She felt a surge of pity for the man, in spite of how much he got on her nerves.
“Look, I would advise you to not get too involved with Kai. You’re still figuring your feelings out, and so is he. Unfortunately, it is about the same person and that’s bound to create tension. The less drama the better.” Scarlet patted his shoulder in support, her voice taking a motherly turn.
“I’m not going to sit here and give my opinion on who is better for Cinder because that is not my place. The decision is entirely up to her. I also won’t treat any of you any differently no matter the consequence. Just try to handle this with some grace? You’re all adults; put that maturity to use, okay?”
“Okay.” Thorne repeated. His posture straightened and Scarlet could see his confidence spark back into his demeanor. “I won’t start anything.”
“Oh, and above all, do not pressure Cinder into anything. If you want to converse with her, be my guest, but do not make her uncomfortable.” There was a bit of a bite in her last sentence. She loved her guy friends very much, but they would never compare to her beautiful girlfriends. It was in her blood to always favor the woman, as a woman herself.
“I know that! She’s my best friend.” His face began to crack again. “I fucked upppp.”
At that, Wolf coughed awkwardly to signal their departure time. To be honest, Scarlet didn’t want to play caregiver any longer–especially not for Carswell Thorne. “Hey, I have to go, but we will speak more on this when I get back, alright?”
Thorne smiled. “Alright. Thank you so much Scar. You’re the only person I’ve talked to about this.”
She smiled back. “Of course! Come to me about anything anytime. Okay, I’m leaving for real now, byeee!”
“See you! Bye Wolf! Be safe!”
Scarlet followed her boyfriend down the hallway, biting her lip in thought. What a mess. She sighed somewhat dramatically, catching Wolf’s eye. “Do you want to talk about it?”
She scrunched up her nose, hiding her smile. “You’re such a gossip.” She teased.
Wolf chuckled but hugged her side reassuringly. “No, I just hate to see you stressed.”
“I’m ready to start this date.” She mumbled, nose scrunched up.
Her boyfriend laughed in agreement.
A/N: i love how the fandom decided she was the mom friend of the group, and in my eyes, that means everyone goes to her for advice and gossip. like yes, her hair is so big because it is full of secrets. also, shoutout to elle for beta reading!! she's the best, i swear!!
Tagging: @just2bubbly @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @the-wee-woo-royal @deprivedmusicaljunkie @crescentchat @wheresmymom-imlost @salt-warrior @rapunzelfromthemoon @briggycat @impossiblesuitcase @kaider-is-my-otp @definitelynotisabel @therealkaidertrash21 @cinderswirecutters @cyborgcourt @alsedoesart @asters-28 @sarabankesley @fuck-is-going-on @chronicles-rampion @gaiabythesea (i'm going to be tagging each new ch so let me know if you'd like to be added or removed <3)
