Title: Some Things Never Change

Author: Rose

Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles

Pairing: Predominantly Kai/Cinder

Cover image: Shanlightyear on tumblr

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don't own them.

Summary: The Rampion Crew in college during the Twenty First Century, Second Era.

Kai loved his school. He enjoyed the sweeping landscapes and the towering buildings and the student body so large there was always someone new to meet. He never regretted his decision to attend university, unlike some of his peers who only saw the large classes and challenging courses. For him, it was his kingdom.

Kai grew up as the son of a senator who was very well liked and even more well respected. He had spent his life on tour with his father, waving in photos and making appearances at political dinners. He had grown up in his father's limelight but the older he got, the more Kai became aware of the attention that he was getting himself.

"Hey man," said Liam slamming his bag down next to Kai, "What's got you so bummed out?"

"It's been a really bad day. What about you?" Liam just shrugged and slumped into his seat. He was the kind of person who seemed perpetually pissed off which, paired with his hobby of training for triathlons and good genes, made him both very handsome and very standoffish. A few of the girls also seated in the classroom started stealing glances of him over their shoulders. Well, Liam and Kai. They both had a tendency to attract attention.

At that moment Cress burst through the door, distracting the ogling girls. She was so small in comparison to the massive stack of books she was saddled down with. Kai waved her over and she sat down between them.

"Sorry guys! I'm so sorry! I got caught up in lab and then as I was walking over my bag spilt and these books went everywhere!"

"It's ok, Cress, you still got here before class." Kai placed a reassuring hand on hers, which she squeezed. The three of them had first met their sophomore year in a history class several hundred people large and had grown to be close friends. Since then they always made sure to cut time for each other into their schedules. This quarter though, they had even managed to get another class together and they always got there early to chat.

"How are you Liam?" He shrugged.

"Me and Jefri broke up." Both Kai and Cress started.

"What?"

"It's ok. I could tell it was heading there for awhile." Cress leaned over and wrapped her arms around him, to which Liam simply patted her on her back.

"Are you going to miss her?" He shrugged.

"I will miss having a training buddy, though." Kai rolled his eyes.

"Of course. But not, you know, the affection or companionship or the romance," said Kai, mocking. Liam held Cress close and mouthed over her shoulder 'Or the sex'. Kai glared, shook his head and shot a glance at Cress who was completely oblivious of this exchange.

Both Kai and Liam were very fond of short little Cress with her round face and big blue eyes and kind heart. They both wanted to protect her and see her happy. Kai in particular saw Cress almost as a little sister and he had held her a number of times while she cried. Despite being two years younger than both of them she was a senior as well, mostly due to the fact that she was a genius or something. But because she was always younger than her classmates and raised by an elderly couple on the outskirts of her town, she had always been an outcast growing up. Kai was happy to be her friend and reveled in the way her eyes saw the world with wonder, but he would never discuss things like carnal desires with her.

Cress pulled herself away and smiled sympathetically at Liam.

"Well it seems we've had bad days all around today," said Kai.

"Aww, what happened to you?" She asked, turning to him.

"My car broke down on 21st and I can't get it restarted." Cress made a face and Liam sucked in a breathe.

"Ouch. That sucks man." Kai nodded.

"Yeah and my mechanic is back home, I don't know who to go to here in the city." Cress raised her hand like class had already started.

"Ooh, that I can help with. I know somebody. I have a class with a guy who works at the shop down on Union. I've heard they're really good." Liam pointed at her.

"That Linh kid? Yeah I've heard that too." Kai scrunched his nose in disbelief.

"Let a college kid fix my car? I don't know . . . "

"I've only heard good things about their service down there. Plus they give discounts to students." Kai stuffed his hands in his pockets as the teacher down at the front of the room pulled the class to attention. Cress however, leaned closer to him and spoke in a whisper.

"Just go down there and chat with them. If you still feel iffy about it then you don't have to go there, but you should at least check it out." Kai gave her an undecided shrug and turned towards the lesson.