Even Though: A StarKid/Joey Richter Fanfic

Chapter 7-I Am Not A Prude

Why in the hell am I here?

This was my initial thought as I rang the doorbell to Joe Walker's house that Friday night. Somehow Jaime had agreed to come with me in exchange for our usual Friday night, which surprised me slightly. I knew she was more open-minded than me, but still.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" I said, feeling the pulse of music, "I mean, we could go home-"

Even with my apprehensiveness, I still felt the tingle of excitement coursing through me. The steady club music beat made my heart thump in rhythm, and I looked down at what I was wearing, quite satisfied with the outfit I had chosen: a black V-neck, an olive green pencil skirt, and black combat boots. Still, I was shockingly timid about diving right into the snake pit.

"You can't hate them forever, you know," she said, matter-of-factly, "Maybe it really is time to bury the hatchet. With all of them."

I sighed heavily, knowing she was right. But I was too prideful to let my guard down so easily. Just then Joe opened up the door, beer in hand.

Classy, I thought to myself. But I tried not to judge. I had done enough of that for a lifetime.

He greeted us with a sly smirk. I prayed to God he wasn't totally drunk. I so did not deal with people who couldn't control their blood alcohol level. But before Joe could say a slurred word, Joey pushed him out of the way, smiling widely.

"Hellooooo ladies," he said, in an attempt to be smooth as he gestured for us to come in. The attempt failed, and I rolled my eyes. But because of my mixed feelings, I had resolved to not to speak to him outside of rehearsal. Damn me and my conflicting emotions.

Maybe my feelings will be resolved tonight, I thought to myself as I entered the house, putting on my best movie star smile.

"Hey, Joey!" Jaime said brightly, "Excited for the show?"

"Of course!" he replied, actually sounding genuine, "I mean, it's still a long ways away, but I have a feeling it's gonna be totally awesome."

She smiled and walked away, and started chatting with Jeff and Denise across the room. Joey and I were left awkwardly standing next to each other, the music blaring around us.

"So, you've finally stopped being an asshole, have you?" I remarked, my tone slightly condescending, yet still playful. I watched his brown eyes dance as he stared into mine, no doubt racking his brain for a witty comeback.

"Despite your bias, I really think you've been overlooking how nice I've been this year," he said, "Even you can't deny that."

"Don't worry, you have plenty of time to fuck up you turning over your new leaf, Richter," I said, patting him on the chest. He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off, "I'm gonna go get a drink; don't wait up, 'kay?" I gave him a flirty wink and sauntered off. Believe it or not, it was way easier being civil and flirty to Joey than concentrating hatred on him. Maybe this was a good idea.

I scanned the room, spotting my brother. He was in the corner, in a heated argument with Lauren. I smirked to myself. Maybe they were finally going to break up soon. The less time I would see her bitchy face in my vicinity, the better. I watched as some of the football jocks bet on who could chug their beers the fastest. Our world's future at its finest, ladies and gentlemen, I thought, smirking at myself. I made it into the kitchen and grabbed a soda. I didn't have any intention of getting plastered that night. As always, I was going to stay professional.

"Hey, stranger," I heard Dylan's voice from behind me, making me jump and almost spill my drink. I spun around and hug him tightly.

"Dylan! What are you doing here?!" I said excitedly. He never went to parties. "I mean, I don't mean 'what are you doing here' like I don't want you here, but I'm just...surprised." He half-smiled, and I pushed my stupid bangs out of my face, feeling blood rush to my face.