The Joining of Four and Seven (I Am Number Four/NCIS Crossover)

Chapter Three

Paradise, Ohio

 

John entered the main office at Paradise Senior High School and handed the information the secretary needed for a schedule. She nodded in recognition. "John Smith. Just sit down over there and I'll get this printed out for you."

John nodded his thanks, turning to sit down. As he did, someone else entered the office behind him. He turned, raising an eyebrow at her. The girl was about two years younger than him, so probably fourteen to his sixteen, so she must have skipped a grade. Her hair, long and black with interesting turquoise highlights, was twisted into a French braid down her back, and she was wearing simple jeans with a pretty green blouse, her jeans tucked into black boots. She barely gave him a glance as she brushed by him, her backpack nearly hitting him. She looked at her papers, handing them to the secretary as well. "Annalise Ramaya," she introduced herself.

The secretary nodded. "I'll get your schedule printed out."

"Thanks." Annalise turned, then raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you new here, too?" she asked.

John nodded, shuffling on his feet awkwardly. Henri had told him to blend in, so he might as well talk to her. "Just moved here from Santa Fe."

Annalise raised an eyebrow. "New Mexico." She smirked. "Explains the tan."

John rolled his eyes. "You don't seem like a beach girl."

She shook her head. "No, I'm not." She sat down on one of the benches, and John sat down next to her. "I came from Washington D.C. I'm here while my adopted father's out in Iraq."

John blinked. "Your father's in the military?"

Annalise shook her head. "No. My real father died while he was in the army. My mom died when a drunk driver hit her car. My adopted father's a scout sniper for the Marines."

"I'm sorry."

Annalise shrugged. "I'm used to it. Moving from town to town isn't new for me." Her phone went off, and she frowned, taking it out and texting something back to someone.

The secretary cleared her throat. "John? Annalise?" she asked.

They stood up and took their schedules, then peered at each other's. Annalise noticed it first. "We've got lockers right next to each other," she noted.

John smiled as he opened the door for her, and they walked out. "Same lunch periods, too." 

Annalise grinned. "Sweeeet."

John laughed as she said that, and as they passed through the hall, they both caught the eye of girls and boys alike. John mainly noticed boys who were obviously the football team were following Annalise with their eyes. "You know you've got a few admirers," he whispered to her.

Annalise turned her head and stuck her tongue out at the football players, who instantly looked away. She smirked. "Not anymore."

John's own phone went off, and he looked down at the caller ID. Henri. "I'm fine," he said into it before turning to his locker. Annalise set to work at the combination, and then he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, raising an eyebrow, and came face to face with those football players.

"What's up?" the obvious ringleader asked.

John shrugged. "Not much."

The guy grinned. "You and your friend new here?"

"Gee," Annalise drawled. "What gave you that idea?"

John laughed as the guy blinked in obvious surprise. "Yeah, we're new. Why do you ask?"