Sophomore Slump: Bandom Ships (Mainly Petekey)

Chapter Three: A Familiar Face

[Pete's POV]

I walked into the science classroom almost nervously, as the bell had already rung when I found it. Of course, the teacher and every student immediately looked to me. “New student, I presume?” The teacher asked. I just nodded. “Name?” “Pete Wentz.” “Oh, yes. Find a seat.” I was getting some drastic Severus Snape vibes from him.

I walked towards the back of the class, sitting next to a kid who had been grinning in my direction since I said my name, like he knew me. He did seem kind of familiar. “Hey Wentz.” He started. I recognized the voice instantly. “Ryan?” He nodded. “Yep, Ryan Ross. Long time no see, huh?” I couldn't keep myself from smiling. Ryan had been on of my closest friends, and we were each others ‘gay awakening’. “Yeah. How did you end up in Jersey?” His smile fell. “After what happened, my aunt was the only one who would take me in. You know, the car crash?” I nodded. That was how he lost his parents.

“What about you?” Ryan added, trying to redirect from the sensitive subject. “My dad had to move here for his job.” Ryan nodded. “So what's been up with you, Pete? Any partners I should know about, any assholes I should run back to Illinois and beat to a pulp for you?” I grinned at Ryan's words. He was always very protective of those he cared about, which was something we had in common. “Yeah, actually. I'm with Joe now, but long distance is tough. I already miss him and his stupid hair. And you?” Ryan flushed.

“A couple of assholes, but they don't matter. Right now, I'm actually chasing somebody. His name is Brendon, I met him when my aunt dragged me to church with her. He's cute, but as far as I know, straight. With a girlfriend.” I grimaced. Crushing on someone who was taken or unable to feel attraction to you, or both, was tough. “Yikes. But, you were able to at least become friends with a church boy? How many lies did you tell the guy?” Ryan laughed. “Didn't have to, but he doesn't know I’m an atheist. Just that I like dudes. And, he has the voice of a freaking angel, man. Sings like nobody’s business. I’m jealous.” I couldn't keep myself from laughing. “I bet he doesn't sound better than Patrick.” “Maybe, but Brendon is actually understandable when he sings.” “Did you really just go there?” “Sure did, Wentz.” “Wow. But I really shouldn't be surprised.”

Ryan just grinned. His eyes had lit up like stars when he spoke about Brendon. He was really screwed over. Or not screwed, considering that Brendon probably doesn't swing that way.

“What is so important to you two that you feel the need to interrupt the class with your incessant chattering?” The teacher asked. Definitely getting Snape vibes. Ryan and I stayed quiet until the teacher sighed and went back to his rant about the theory of evolution. We then grinned at each other.

Ryan ripped a piece of paper out of his notebook and wrote something on it, passing it to me. Notes, the classic way of silent classroom communication. I read it quickly. “So how’s your first day going?” I grabbed my pencil from my binder and started writing my reply. “It’s been okay but I’m so nervous that I can't even act like myself. I almost shook a guy’s hand! I mean, he offered, but still. I’m so out of it.” I passed the paper back to Ryan, and watched as he held back a laugh when he read it. “Being polite? Yeah, really not like you.” I rolled my eyes. We continued talking like this until the teacher handed out a worksheet, and gave me a textbook. Then we just worked together.

ryro is here!!! Yay