Stucky: My Blood Red Heart

5 - Orientation

an: I introduce a few more characters in this chapter, but they won't all get equal screen time :( sorry for not uploading in a while!

James and Steve weren't the only late ones, evidently. The gym was normal enough, a raised stage in the middle and half-full bleachers on either side. The walls were painted the school colors of blue and orange (a terrible choice, in James' opinion), and lined with sports awards. There were lots of freshmen milling around, including Sam and Clint, who walked up to the pair.

"Early birds?" James said with a grin.

"Oh haha, robocop," Sam said, returning his smile and elbowing him. 

"Any teachers so far?" Steve asked, directing his question at Clint.

As if I can see through this mob, Clint signed with a chuckle. I did see your sister, Bucky. Over there. He signed the letter B for James' nickname and gestured vaguely behind them. 

James nodded and nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice came on over the speakers.

"All freshmen to the bleachers. All freshmen to the bleachers..." 

James turned to his friends, Sam who had his hands over his ears, and Clint who merely looked confused. "Should we find seats?" They all nodded and followed him up the closest steps. They all sat down just before the lights went off, Steve sitting between Sam and James per usual. A spotlight illuminated a figure in a dark blouse and suit pants.

"Good afternoon, freshmen. I am Principal Maria Hill, and I would like to personally welcome you to Brooklyn College. This year will be very important to your college careers..."

James tuned her out completely, opting to scan the other bleachers for people of interest. 

The first was the guy he had met earlier that day, Scott Lang. His roommate Luis was next to him, apparently whispering furiously. Luis had a baseball cap on and a simple white tee. There was also a girl on Scott's other side. She had black hair cut in a bob style and a jacket displaying the BC Wasps, their volleyball team. She was glaring at Luis and it looked like Scott was trying to listen to the principal. 

James turned away from this amusing sight to scan the bottom row. He picked out a man sitting alone who was fidgeting in his seat. Dark curly hair and square glasses, and a t-shirt that James had to squint to read. I lost an electron. Are you positive? James bit his lip trying not to laugh. A science joke t-shirt. This man was also listening in rapture to the principal. 

The third was directly across from him and was watching the principal respectfully, but even from the distance, James could see his eyes were glazed over. His hair was cut short like Sam's but this man was at least twice as handsome as his friend. He had a regal look and a collared black shirt. He was fingering a necklace with what looked like... Shark teeth? James wasn't sure from the distance. He was flanked by two females, both with the same chocolate skin. The one on the right had a green tank top on and kept stealing glances at the man in the middle. The left one had a bored expression on her face and close-cut, almost shaved hair. She was tapping the bottom of her seat impatiently like she'd heard the speech already and was just waiting to get out of there.

"...And with that, you are free to leave. Good luck!" Principal Maria called over the clatter and scraping of benches. 

James shook himself out of his daydreaming, accepted Steve's hand, and help up. "How long was she talking for?"

Thankfully, not that long, Clint answered, checking his watch. I have somewhere to be tonight, can Sam hang with you guys?

"Of course," Steve said, ignoring James' protests.