AN: *sees the favourites, follows, and reviews* "Fuck, I should update." So here is another boring chapter. I swear on my boss Zefron poster and all my Red Vines that this will get better, less slow, and less boring once I plow through how they met and get to the actual plot of the story. I also hope to write past 2010 and more into the present if I can get some solid ideas.

I thank you all for your kind reviews, by the way! I honestly didn't think that it'd be getting so much attention this early on, but I'm glad people are reading it!

Anyway, before I get around to rambling more, I present to you: chapter two!

(Warning: There are many superfluous words in this chapter. Oh well.)

oOo

-2010-

"Mr. Wage? Who's that?" The crooked-jawed friend who had interrupted with this inquiry tilted his head to the side questioningly and continued, "I don't remember him..."

"That's because you never got to meet him, you goof. I'm getting to that." Darren's reply was followed by his own short sigh at his friend's confused expression, when a taller, muscular man spoke up.

"See, Joey, since you and A. J. got into U-M two years after all of us, except Nicky and Brolden of course, who you were three years behind, you two never got to meet Wage."

"That makes more sense. I was wondering who he was talking about, but I had the respect to not interrupt." A. J. said, grinning at a still confused Joey.

"Well then what the hell happened to him, Mr. Know-It-All Walker?" Joey ignored A. J. and was now questioning Joe, keeping his tone teasing in an attempt to lighten the damp mood. Instead of answering, Joe turned to Darren, a certain emotion showing in his eyes that he was clearly struggling to smother.

"I think Darren should include that in his story." Darren gave a short nod in agreement, his dark, curly hair getting into his face with the slight motion. He shot Joey a look before speaking again.

"Now if I could continue without being interrupted, that'd be fantastic."

"No need to be snarky, Dare, I was just wondering."

"I'm just messing with ya, and you know it." He smirked at his pal before launching back into story-telling mode. "Now you've made me lose my place, Joey. Thanks a mil-"

"You were talking about how Wage told you about Basement Arts," a girl piped up from her seat; a beanbag chair on the apartment floor. "Maybe you should skip our first meeting, though. We only have so much time left until we have to be at the airport. Wouldn't want you to miss your flight."

"Damn the flight! A good story must be told all the way through. Besides, the only reason I want to leave is because I'll be living in a bigger apartment. This one is total shit. Other than that, I'm grateful for any opportunity to stall a little longer." Darren wiped his eyes free of tears and addressed the group once more, "I think we should all copy Jaime and sit down. This might take a while."

They did as Darren told them to, sitting themselves on the various pieces on furniture around the room. Those that didn't get seats crowded together on the floor. Once everyone was settled and hushed, which took a little longer than usual with people fighting over beanbag chairs and unceremoniously shoving each other around, they refocused their attention to Darren. He had claimed a spot on the arm of the long couch and a smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth, "Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by Joey here..."

oOo

-2005-

A nice breeze rolled across the campus, but not many students were outside to enjoy the fresh air. After all, most of them were still in classes, but the lucky few that had a free period decided to enjoy the calm spring weather. A small group stood in the shade of a tree, clearly involved in a causal discussion. An average sized man that appeared to be in his mid-thirties jogged up to them, catching one of the shorter boys in midsentence.

"I've said this a thousand times already! She can too-"

"Matt! I'm glad I caught you." The man was slightly out of breath from his light jog and paused for a large breath before speaking again. "Oh, were you busy? Sorry to interrupt, but I need to discuss something with you."

"No, it's fine, Mr. Wage. I'm sure they won't mind if I leave. By the way, I know you've read Harry Potter and I was wondering if you could help me convince my friends there is nothing in any of the books that says Hermione can't-"

"There's no time for that. You're next class starts in five minutes and this is important." Mr. Wage was already dragging his student away as he spoke.

"Alright, alright, what's going on then?" They had stopped walking and were standing about ten yards from a gaggle of giggling girls.

"I wanted to know if you'd be interested in joining Basement Arts. I know I've spoken with you hypothetically about it previously, but we're actually bringing it back. You brother doesn't work with me on Wednesdays, so I won't see him today, but I had to get to one of the Langs. You two are the best directors and writers in this University. We'll need the both of you in order for this to succeed."

"Well, sure, but you know I'm not much of a performer…" When Matt looked at the girls over his companion's shoulder, it seemed that they had moved slightly closer. It wasn't hard to tell they were eavesdropping. He bit his lip and lowered his voice, leaning in closer to his instructor so the girls wouldn't hear. "You know I can't sing or dance."

"Excuse my language, but that's bullshit and you know it," Mr. Wage chuckled, "I suppose if you really prefer working behind the scenes, I'm sure we can work something out."

"You really think we can get enough talent to bring the program back, though?"

"Of course we can. One of my other students knows a few people who are decent singers. I'm sure that you and your brother can find some performers as well."

"I know a few." Names were running through Matt's mind even before it was suggested he find people to join. A grin split across his face. Maybe we really can do this.

"Fantastic! I'll introduce you to the two other students I work with one on one. They're the performers. They'll probably know more people like them than you will, though, considering you and Nick mostly talk to other aspiring directors, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Actually, you'd be surprised. I have this friend, Jaime, and her voice is fabulous. She's been dying for a theatre group to come here since the beginning of the year. You'll love her, trust me. I have a few more names in mind as well."

"Do you have their cell phone numbers?"

"Um…" Matt hesitated for a moment, "Let me check…" He let his backpack drop from his shoulders and propped it on his knee as he searched through the pockets. When he found his phone, he flipped it open and pressed a few buttons. "I have them, yeah."

"Could you shoot them all a text later explaining what we plan to do?"

"Sure, I'll do it after my last class this afternoon." He slid his phone into his pocket and zipped up his pack, slinging it over his shoulders again.

"Speaking of which," Mr. Wage checked pulled up his sleeve and checked his watch, "It's nearly time for your class. Better get going so you're not late. If your professor asks, just tell them to see me about it."

"Shit, you're right. See you tomorrow!" Matt turned and jogged towards the science building and called over his shoulder, "Thanks for bailing me out, too. I owe you one!"

"You can pay me back by remembering to text your friends!" Mr. Wage laughed, shaking his head. When he turned around to walk back to the performing arts building, he walked right into the group of girls. "I'm so sorry! I didn't know you all were standing there, my apologies!"

In silent unison, they flipped their hair, turned up their noses, and walked away, leaving a bewildered professor in their wake.