Even Though: A StarKid/Joey Richter Fanfic

Chapter 14-We're Falling Apart to Half Time

"Are you just gonna stand here all night?"

"Jesus Christ, Walker, you scared the ever loving shit out of me," I screamed over the music blaring from the center of the gym. He was wearing khaki pants, an orange tie, and blue shirt, which matched the aqua in his eyes. "Interesting fashion choice."

"Thanks," he said smugly, fixing his tie, "So, are you gonna answer my question?" I stared at him blankly, the beat of some pop song pounding in my ears, "Are you just gonna stand here all night?"

"Probably," I muttered, "I don't feel like...grinding."

"Aw, come on, this isn't about Richter, is it?" he asked.

"No," I replied defensively, "Why would it be?"

"Because you guys obviously have it for each other," he remarked, smirking, "Or did you forget your little make out session at my party?" I flushed, feeling my blood boil. Obviously Joe didn't know about last night and the fact that Joey had kissed me again, so I couldn't hold that comment against him. But bringing up the party incident didn't lessen my hatred for him or Joey. I folded my arms over my chest, as if I were a bratty six-year-old.

"Yeah, well, I'd like to repress memories of that night, thank you very much," I snapped, "And maybe I just don't feel like having some hormonal guy pushing his crotch into my ass as some stupid slow jam plays in the background." Joe raised his hands defensively.

"Alright, got it," he said, flashing a devilish smile, "But if you ever change your mind, my crotch will always be available."

"You're a pig!" I yelled weakly, knowing he couldn't hear me over the blaring music. I huffed and rolled my eyes, stomping over to Jaime, who was watching the 'dancing' circle that had formed in the middle of the gym.

"How do they even move their hips like that?" Jaime asked, clearly entranced by a random sophomore rubbing against a senior. I rolled my eyes for the millionth time that night.

"Probably lots of practice," I snapped, grabbing her arm, "Come on, I'm thirsty." We turned to the drink table, but my eyes immediately locked with Joey's, who was standing 20 feet away in a huddle of other football guys. I absentmindedly waved, and he awkwardly waved back. He was wearing a green tie with a black shirt and pants.

"What?" I said, ripping my gaze from him. Jaime had spoken to me, but the music was drowning her out.

"I said, 'I'm guessing you two want some alone time, huh...?'" she teased.

"Oh please, J," I said, grabbing a drink, "That's the last thing I want from Joey Richter."

"Well, you two are matching," she said, hardly able to contain her laughter. I looked down at my green dress and looked back at Joey, feeling heat rush to my cheeks yet again.

"Shut up," I replied, holding back laughter from the sheer irony of the situation.

"Maybe it's fate," she goaded, laughing harder now.

""I hate you."

All of a sudden a loud noise grabbed my attention. Darren and Lauren were screaming from across the gym, their voices fighting against some Fall Out Boy song. I watched as Darren threw up his hands in exhasperation, leaving angrily through the double doors. Lauren sat down on one of the poorly decorated tables, crying obnoxiously. I would be lying if I said watching her cry didn't give me some sort of satisfation, but I couldn't help but feel a miniscule sense of pity for her. Darren was usually the one taking the verbal abuse, not dishing it out. I turned to leave the gym and see what was going on, but I quite literally ran into Joey. Again. God was punishing me.