-ON HOLD- Fast Friendship, Slow Love *ImmortalBabs*

Prologue

Aleksandr Marchant sat impatiently on the bus stop bench, his foot tapping to an unknown beat. Today was the first day of Junior year for the students his age. He was new, however, and he didn't know anyone here. His stupid step-father had him and his mom move here with him for his work. It wasn't a big move, only three hours away. But, whenever you leave all your friends behind and move three hours away to a place with no friends, yeah, it's a big move; Aleks did not like it. The school bus of horror arrived and Aleks slowly entered, several students staring. He spotted some seats in the back. He sped while walking to the last one, sliding into it, and sighing in relief.

Aleks hated switching schools. What made it worse this year, the people in his grade are already two years into high school. People knew people. Even the shy outsiders would have had friends already. Aleks frowned. The bus came to it's last stop and several kids entered. One, the only one in Aleks's grade, walked towards the back. He wore a blue beanie and hooded jacket. The kid's eyes softened when he saw the new kid sitting alone. He walked over to him, tapping the seat. Aleks looked up at him.

“Can I sit here?” The boy asked Aleks nods, moving over to give him room to sit. The kid does and faces Aleks. “My name's Jake. What's your name?”

“I'm Aleks; with a 'ks'.”

“You're new here, huh?”

“Yeah. Easy to tell?"

Jake chuckled, “Sorta. I've never seen you around before. That's why I kinda figured.”

“Ah, okay.” Aleks felt comfortable around Jake, like they've been friends forever. Jake felt the same, but, also felt something else. The two conversed all the way until the bus reached a stop at the school. Jake and Aleks both stood, following the line of students off the bus.

“Jakey!”

Jake looked towards the sound. “There's that idiot. Hey, hopefully I'll see you around later.” With that, Jake walked away to meet with his friends, leaving Aleks behind. Aleks frowned small, slightly disappointed Jake wouldn't show him around. Shrugging, Aleks made his way to the office to grab his schedule and school map. I guess I'll have to find my own way around. He thought, Time to get lost. Great. Aleks headed to the office doors, schedule and map in hands, and bumped into someone; who was walking in. He stumbled back a bit and looked up.

“I'm sorry.” He apologized. The boy he bumped into smiled and adjusted his orange hood.

“Nah, it's okay. I should have been looking where I was going.” He reassured. Aleks's face heated up as he quickly made his way around the other and out the door. Embarrassed, Aleks found his was down the second hall and to his locker. He entered the combo that was written on the top of the page and put everything but a binder and a notebook away. Aleks scanned the map and started walking to his first class; Social Studies.

It's going to be a long day. Aleks thought.