The Adventure (Tomark)

Chapter 2

„So, you guys finally hooked up?" Travis casually wants to know while refilling his glass with iced tea. The two friends are spending the afternoon at the Barker's house, more precisely in their spacious kitchen, one of the few places that makes the Californian heat bearable at the moment.

Once he understands what his best friend is hinting at, Tom instantly regrets just taking a sip from his cold beverage as he immediately chokes on it. He usually likes Travis' big mouth, however, the way Tom sees it, allegations about the time he spends at his tutor's house are definitely uncalled-for. He just doesn't like revealing too much about himself, and there are no beans to spill anyway. Yes, Anne Hoppus is one of the few girls to pay attention to him, but that pretty much is it. There were no approaches so far, no accidental touches or tender smiles. Just plain old, boring equations. And to be perfectly honest, Tom feels kind of relieved about the platonic relationship he and Anne established since his tutoring started one week ago. He won't let Travis know that though.

„I told you that this is strictly about maths, T..."

„Not even first base?" Travis pouts, shortly afterwards almost getting hit by the kitchen towel Tom throws at him. „Nah, man. My parents pay for the tutoring, too. So... Funny business would be kinda weird, you know what I'm saying?"

Travis contemplates for a moment before bursting into laughter. „Yeah, sure. Doesn't sound that absurd though. If you continue walking around with that stick up your ass, you'll probably have to get used to paying in order to get lucky anyways~"

This time, the kitchen towel doesn't miss its target.

„It's just... not a good timing, okay?! I really need to work on that stupid math grade. Besides, her nosy brother is kinda being a cock-block," Tom argues, causing a raised eyebrow.

„Mark Hoppus is there?"

„Yeah. Guess he enjoys being pampered after one year of hard college life," Tom remarks. „And he probably is supposed to keep an eye on his sister as long as their parents are on vacation. They have a huge pool in their backyard, too, so... I get it."

Travis' beams with joy for a moment, probably fantasizing about Anne's swimwear, but fortunately refrains from asking awkward questions about Tom's female tutor this time. Instead, he focuses on her older brother. „Damn! And did he tell you about it? I mean, did he really bang Mrs. Martinez?"

Tom rolls his eyes and impassively replies, „Didn't ask him yet. I'll let you know once I find out."

To tell the truth, he doesn't really care about these things – neither making out with Anne nor speculating about their hot Spanish teacher's sex life. He isn't a big fan of such rumors, too, most likely due to the fact that the ones about him have never been that beneficial. Tom does, however, take a certain interest in Mark; even though there hasn't been much talking so far, he is somewhat impressed by the older boy's upbeat demeanor and his self-confidence. Them sharing several hobbies or digging the same bands draws his interest as well. Tom senses that he could gain a lot of agency by hanging out with the popular college student and his group of friends; and yet he knows perfectly well that there is no reason for someone like Mark to spend time with him, an unremarkable and boring high schooler. But hey, one can dream, right?

„So... You think he's cool?" Tom wants to know after a while, staring into his glass. Travis shrugs. „He's aight. But I never liked his stupid ass jock friends."

Tom laughs. „Yeah, those morons almost beat our asses!"

„I was pretty damn relieved that we made it to junior year alive." By that time, Tom had already been 6' 2", which lead the bullies to slowly lose interest in him.

„Hoppus never got his hands dirty tho," Travis notes. „And he used to throw wicked parties at their house including hella fine chicks... I think." Of course, neither of them have ever been invited to one of those events. „So yeah. He's cool I guess."

***

Two hours later, Tom sits in his tutor's room and tries to focus on her explanations. Anne really does her best and he appreciates that, but the summer heat makes concentrating difficult. Tom slowly spaces out, his gaze lingering on the family's swimming pool that he can spot from here. Mark and a few of his friends are playing beer pong next to it; Mark's team seems to be in the lead. It looks like fun and, in view of the fact that lightly dressed college girls and barbecue are involved, a tad bit more exciting than Tom's occasional 'getting smashed' session with Travis and that nerd he met when he still was in marching band. Tom sighs. He never really cared about being popular or having many friends, but he has to admit that the small party downstairs seems nice.

„And that's how you solve the equation," Anne contentedly says before adding, „Hey DeLonge, are you even listening to me!?" with a compassionate smile.

Tom, finally awakening from his daydream, blushes slightly. „Um, sure, yeah. You just need to add–... err, this number and then–..."

Anne, who is clearly amused by Tom's stuttered attempt, interrupts him. „Oh, come on! How about we call it quits for today and do something that's a bit more enjoyable? Like, attending the pool party you're constantly staring at?"

„What!? You think we can join them?"

„Are you kidding me? We have to, Tom! I'm starving and they just fired up the grill. I could use a beer, too."

Tom is all smiles now and nods. „Gnarly."