Disclaimer: I own NOTHING.

A/N: This is a Todd/Charlie pairing, and my first DPS fic. There will be more chapters to come, and I'm not sure how many exactly, but I doubt this will be very long. Also thought I might mention that this is, without a doubt, the fluffiest story I've ever written. I'm usually much more of an angst-muffin. Anyways, I hope you enjoy, and of course, feedback is MUCH appreciated XD

"Exasperation Never Met My Tongue: Chapter One"

"Hey, new boy."

New Boy blushed. I smirked. New Boy fidgeted in his shiny brown shoes and ruffled red tie. I smirked again.

"So."

He looked me in the eye. A shy glance and flutter of long, dusky eyelashes, brilliantly highlighting the sweet blue of his eyes. He bit his lip.

"Are you gonna tell me your name, or am I going to have to force it out of you? Or I could continue to call you New Boy all year, would you prefer that?"

The red that had settled on the apples of his cheeks flushed darker. "It's T-Todd. Todd Anderson."

"T-Todd, huh? Rather odd, but I suppose it was your parents choice, hmm?"

"Charlie!"

I cocked my head. It was Neil, with that irksomely goody two-shoes expression set firm in his jaw. This was his "Charlie's-childish-behavior-is-severely-disappointing-and-so-now-I-must-make-this-face-that-is-supposed-to-be-intimidating-but-it-actually-just-makes-me-look-like-a-constipated-idiot" face. Oh dear. I'm nearly shaking in my Tom & Jerry stockings.

Neil came forward, his brown eyes narrowing in my direction. "Charlie, why are you pestering the new boy? Todd, I'm sorry if he's bothering you. I'm Neil, if you don't remember from Registration. We're roommates." Neil flung an arm over Todd's shoulder, which Todd's fleeting glance caught nervously before he returned his gaze to its comfortable place admiring the rotten moss between the cobblestone.

"Dear Neil, I'm am not 'pestering' him! How dare you make such a ridiculous accusation. I was simply welcoming him to the glory that is Hell-ton!" I spread my arms wide, emphasizing the cobwebs that took residence above every arch and doorway, the frigid weather of the corridors, and of course, the ever-so-lovely stone goblins on the rooftop. Hell-ton. Such a glorious institute.

Todd bit his bottom lip, an endearingly innocent gesture which brought a smile to my lips, a true, genuine smile, not my standard mischief-brewing lip quirk. His baby blue eyes flitted in every direction, and his hands continuously twisted unto themselves.

Neil's eyes simply rolled towards the heavens, which I imitated. He punched my arm.

"Todd, come on, I'll show you where our room is…" Neil managed one last scornful glare in my direction, before taking Todd by the hand and dragging his dare I say it – delicious – little body away from me. I pouted. That Neil would get his comeuppance. Just you watch.