Disclaimer: Bully/Canis Canem Edit belongs to Rockstar

Disclaimer: Bully/Canis Canem Edit belongs to Rockstar. Original characters belong to their respective owners.

A/N: Another chapter! With a bit of Benji and Roxy in it. And how WILL Adrian and Jimmy fare for their performance? Please enjoy and don't forget to leave a review! Sections in complete Italics are flashbacks.

Observation Twenty-Three: Saint of Liars and Cheaters

"Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice, is also great, and would suffice."

- Robert Frost, Fire and Ice

Human emotion was always an interesting thing to think about sometimes. It was ever so complex, always the basis of art and prose, always the center of love and hate, and always the most dominant force behind all actions.

Benji knew this all too well. But being a boy his age and his situation, he never had the time to think about it, or at least explore it further in the artworks and stories he would produce in his free time. After all, he had to deal with all sorts of trouble from school, particularly from one Adrian Aquaberry.

Or Ace. Or whoever he was at the present timeline.

He made his way downstairs, finally done with his deed, but his growing anticipation for that steaming mug of chocolate goodness was cut down instantly when he saw a familiar freckled face standing there in the front of the house, shrugging off his coat and doing away with the black beanie on his head.

Squinty eyes looked up to shocked brown ones, and thin, cracked lips stretched into a smile. "Hey Ben. Merry Christmas."

"Hey… Jimmy."

Meela could see the obvious discomfort between the two boys (which baffled her somewhat, for over time she had come to know of Saint Jimmy and his relationship with her dear son, and she had thought that the two were very close friends). Coughing nervously, she stepped in between the two and quickly offered, "Why don't you take a seat, Benji? I have some drinks heating on the stove—they should be almost done by now. Would you like one, Jimmy?"

The boy, in return, smiled politely. "Yeah. That'd be great."

--

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

It went on like that for what seemed like forever. Each tick…each tock…it made the intensity of the silence between the two boys that much greater. Even the dead could sense the uneasiness, the whole "male pride getting in the way" sort of scenario.

Benji in all honesty didn't want Jimmy sitting in his living room. For once it wasn't personal—the small boy didn't want anyone from school sitting in his living room. He just wanted to spend time with his momma, with the one woman who really, truly gave a damn towards him. Maybe even the boarders too, strange as they might be.

He wanted to let go of Bullworth Academy and the string of problems that came with it for this one little break. That was all he asked for, really, and with Jimmy being here, that one small miniscule wish couldn't be granted. And to think that the day had started off so well. He had almost relaxed to the point of tolerating even his deadbeat father, but now…here they were. Sitting on the living room couch, neither of them having taken a sip of their drinks. Both boys stared uncomfortably at their mug of cocoa while their ears mindlessly lingered on the laughing that came from the kitchen.

In the end, it was Benji who broke the silence, tired of the waiting game, tired of hearing that damned clock in the corner, and tired of listening to Loretta's laughing (which, in all honesty, did get a bit obnoxious over time).

"How'd you find me, Jim?"

It was a simple enough question, and one the wheat-blond boy wanted to know the most. He had never revealed his address to anyone, including the school (for apparently, they had mistaken his '5' as an '8', so the neighbors had to deal with the menial task of delivering some of the mail to them). Only one person actually knew where he lived, and she would never tell.

She wouldn't. Would she? No. She wouldn't…

"Jim…?" Benji prodded on, not liking the boy's silence. In fact, the silence actually scared him, because Jimmy was a man of actions and was never good at words. It usually meant something bad when the older boy would just clam up and not say anything.

Finally, Jimmy let out a soft sigh. "I found out from this office clerk, okay? He didn't say much, but y'know, I poked around." It was really the truth, for he found out of Benji's New York origins from an office kid. However…he more or less asked around and eventually got an address from Roxy, or rather a general area of where he stayed.

"You liar," Benji muttered, narrowing his eyes. His tone was harsher and much colder than he intended it to be, but he was in no mood to humor Jimmy at the moment. He wanted to be alone, and he wanted to get his point across once and for all. "Tell me who it was."

"It…it was just someone around school."

"It was Roxy, wasn't it?"

Ouch.

Jimmy didn't know why, but he could feel something stab right through his very being. Perhaps it was the way Benji spoke, but the older boy was getting more and more surprised at the feelings he himself displayed these days, and this moment certainly wasn't an exception.

Guess you aren't such a runt, after all.

"I should've known better." Benji smiled bitterly to himself. "She's always such a worry-wart. Did she send you?"

"No, came here on my own. She told me, though I think she felt really bad about it afterwards."

"She promised herself not to break anymore promises." The younger boy mumbled, looking down in annoyance. "Damn it Roxy…"

"She was worried about you. And I—" Jimmy held his tongue. Dare he mention he spent the whole day worrying over the little brat, despite the curses and less-than-pleasant language he used when he asked about the boy? "I mean…what I meant was…I mean…ugh."

Way to go! Now you look like a pussy in front of a kid. Ten stars to you Jimmy, ten stars!

He was trying his hardest to save face, but Jimmy never got that chance to regain whatever pride he let scatter away. Benji cut off all chances of that when he smiled and simply said, "It's okay. I guess I should've told you earlier."

Okay…? How is this okay?

"How do you know that Roxy girl?" Jimmy pressed on, frowning at the small boy in irritation. "Why didn't you tell me about her?" Don't you trust me? Man, way to make a guy feel low, Ben, I mean really!

He didn't answer immediately, but whatever explanation that Benji would give, Jimmy could care less, so as long as he got a plausible reason.

"I've been meaning to, really, but I didn't think you two would've gotten along," Benji took his mug, finally taking a sip and staring mindlessly into space. "You're all… tough, and she's really a big crybaby."

"That doesn't make sense though, when'd you meet her and shit? I thought I knew you first." Jimmy wanted to slap himself for saying that, for it sounded very much like something two jealous girls would say to one another before a catfight, claws and pawing abound. But he had a bit of a reason, he thought, for the hurt feelings that he felt whenever Benji would reveal these secrets that everyone but him seemed to know; he felt his seniority challenged, that it was made null and void. Essentially, he did a lot for the little brat ever since he first landed in Bullworth grounds.

Damn it, didn't Benji appreciate anything he did for him?!

"Orientation," It was a simple answer, the younger boy preferred his answers simple, but a little elaboration never hurt, "She was with Darcy's parents. Apparently she knew Derby. You should know her."

"I should, but I don't."

--

"Doll face!" Benji could hear some of the older boys saying those two disturbing words, especially when they leered at him with a glint in their eyes. That never meant anything good, ever. And it scared Benji witless when they kept staring at him.

So he found himself a moment of solace when he stumbled upon a fountain, the tranquil sounds of flowing water with rustling leaves put his nerves at ease, and he could forget about those weird boys for now. Taking out a sketchpad and a pencil from his beaten bag, he began to draw rough drawings of random heads and fantastical looking people.

And he was doing a mighty damn good job of it, until a very quiet voice said, "Her arms look too long."

He whipped around, nearly dropping his book into the water with fright, when he was met with two large blue eyes staring at him, never mind the smile this girl wore was sweet and kind.

"I said her arms were too long, they should be shorter. I'm no artist, but I study anatomy." The girl said with a giggle, shy and apologetic, "Sorry to impose, I'll go back to my own business and—"

"No, no, no! It's okay, really. I mean, thanks. You just sorta scared me there for a minute," Benji adjusted his glasses and stared at the girl up and down, with her strange mix of leather and argyle clothing. He extended an arm out, both of them never taking their eyes off one another. "I'm Benji, what's your name?"

"Roxy, but most of my friends call me Nightingale."

He could see right through her, and he knew she could do the same back to him, what with her knowing smile and right choice of words.

"Nightingale, that's… that's kinda pretty. Have you heard of that story about the mechanical nightingale by Anderson?"

"Everyone has, dear."

"It's a classic, it applies so much of real life to it, don't you think?"

She smiled, and he gave one in return. Knowing the metaphor, 'The Nightingale' was a famous story, known for its moral on appreciating something as itself, for what it really was, rather than something forced and fake. It was a story most knew, a story most understood, but so very few people applied the lesson, and lived their lives under watchful eyes of society.

Ever since then, they had been friends and grew closer, through Peace Onmite's cheating ways, through Stewart's disturbing smiles, to the moments where Gary and Jimmy would piss him off.

She was there for him when no one else was, she was there to listen and care for the young boy, and proud little Benji liked it, for many of the newer students didn't know about her.

Even if the older Preps would look at her scornfully and call her a traitor, and the older greasers would pretend that nothing had happened, it was okay. They were friends, close friends.

No one was going to take that away.

--

He thought it was silly Jimmy was hurt at him knowing Roxy first.

It wasn't as if they were lovers, they were friends. She was just a little caring than most, more sympathetic and always optimistic even if she did possess a rather dry sense of humor. Jimmy was a 'tough love' sort of person, and because of this it became hard to relate to things with him over time. Some things were never discussed, while some things were dealt with fists and punches (when simple words would have sufficed).

They were standing outside on the front porch now. Jimmy had excused himself, saying that he wanted to get some practice in for his performance tonight. It was a tricky song to play, with ridiculous licks and riffs, and Miss Hydee was certainly a woman of perfection.

Anything less and heads would definitely roll.

"So… are you coming tonight, Ben?" Jimmy scratched the back of his head, glaring at the small boy from the corner of his eye. "It's nothing special, but, y'know…it'll be a morale booster and stuff."

Benji shrugged. "Don't know, Jim. But Adrian's there, and I don't want any trouble with him later on. I'll just stay at home."

"I know, I know… He's a bitch to deal with though."

The small boy snorted. "Jimmy…you have absolutely no idea."

There it was again, tense silence, but nothing as severe as the one that happened between them in the living room. For a moment, the two boys simply stared at the falling snowflakes as they covered up the footprints that Jimmy had left in the snow just a few hours prior. In the distance, they could hear Meela laugh as Loretta and Mr. Sai sang in an off-key voice, "Three cheers for the red, white, and blue…YAY!"

"I think I better go now," Jimmy mumbled, breaking the silence. "Don't wanna waste the time I've got." As he turned away and headed towards the direction of a bus stop, he was frozen in his tracks when he heard Benji say:

"Good luck, Jim."

For a moment, the older boy was stunned. Then, with a smile curving at the edges of his lips, he turned back and grinned at the small boy. "Thanks kid."

--

Roxy never usually stayed late in school, so this was one of the few, far-fetched moments that she was still mulling over books and articles in the early evening. In the time that she had been enrolled in Bullworth and had started a relationship with the new greaser leader, Larry Romano, she had slowly taken up one of the unused garages as her small little hang out.

At least there weren't so many tools lying around, there was even a small couch to the corner (even if it was old and worn) and the smell of grease and metal weren't as noxious, it was pretty mild, actually. Over time, she had the habit of leaving some of her books there in a neat pile, to the point that it looked like something out of a bookworm's dreams.

This was the first stop she would make before classes, and the place where most greasers would try to find her first, as she was always alone with her books, maybe sometimes with Peanut (which would be when the greasers would quickly mutter an apology and walk out flushed red).

So it surprised her when she saw Ace coming into the area, looking rather shocked at seeing her sitting there with an open book resting on her lap.

"Hello there," she said with a smile, "Larry looking for me again?"

Ace looked around, seeming very scared and confused.

She's not supposed to be here, he thought in a panic. Doesn't she usually go home at this time?

"Ah, can't say Nightingale. Heh, I ah, I thought you went home already."

"No, I haven't. I thought I'd talk with Larry for a little bit before leaving for home. Besides, my parents won't be back till late, I won't mind spending some time with my friends before I go home."

"Oh."

She patted the spot next to her, motioning for him to sit beside her, but he declined, "You sure? You seem a little jittery, Ace. Something up?"

"No… no, nothing's up. I just ah, I just thought I could get a little breather in here for a minute."

"Really?"

"Yeah, those girls can't seem ta keep their hands off me."

"I beg to differ." This was a cutting remark, but one she said with a smile. "But really, you look work out, and a bit shaky. Are you alright?"

He jerked away when she got up and reached over to his forehead, "Really! I'm fine. I just… I just thought I needed—"

"Who are you trying to fool?" Roxy said suddenly, getting up from her seat and frowning as she placed her hands on her hips in an attempt to look intimidating. "Honestly, stop lying so much, you bloke! You think I haven't noticed?"

"What the—I—I don't—" Ace sputtered indignantly, trying to maintain his composure. "I don't know what'cha talkin' about!"

"I know who you are. Stop trying to kid yourself, Adrian, I know that's you."

"Adrian? That preppie? Naw, you gotta be kiddin' me. I ain't no prep-scum, I work on bikes all day, I listen ta Buddy Holly and shit. Ponyboy stays gold in MY books."

"You're wearing Aquaberry loafers. Derby Harrington wears the same pair, actually."

And here, Adrian's jaw dropped, and his voice returned to that of an authentic English accent. "H-how did you…?"

"Why do you think those 'prep-scum', as you refer to them as, call me a traitor when I pass by?"

He was about to say something to this, when he heard the door open, with the leader standing there, "Nightingale, you wanna go around for a walk? Hey Ace," he acknowledged the younger boy's presence.

"Of course I'll go with you. I don't want to spend all my time alone at home."

"I'll be seein' ya around, Ace." Peanut saluted the boy.

"Yes, see you tomorrow."

How does she know?

--

Lady Jacqueline was known for her finicky attitude when it came to schedules and time slots. So, she had set up a performance schedule for all of her music students, and punctuality was a must if one wanted to avoid getting docked of any points.

The time slots were based on the difficulty of the songs and the musical experience of the student himself. Students with little experience playing an instrument, or those playing relatively easy songs were slotted to play earlier in the day. Those with more experience, who were playing more difficult pieces, were arranged to play at later times to allow them a few more hours of practice.

Luckily for Jimmy, his performance was one of the last ones scheduled; set at a serene time of 8:00 P.M. Surprisingly, Adrian was also scheduled to play in the night, and was slotted to perform just before Jimmy. No one knew why Lady Jacqueline allowed Adrian to play amongst the masters, but everyone agreed on one thing: the Aquaberry heir needed all the practice he could get.

Still…a pair of earplugs was definitely a must.

But Jimmy didn't complain. Other unfortunate students were forced to play at six in the morning. The morning! The rumors of desperation for the unlucky ones were rampant—Jimmy heard that Parker had dumped an entire bucket of icy cold water on his head before his performance in order to look livelier, and there were mentions of Thad having consumed several pots of coffee in order to have enough energy to play the tuba-based song, Flight of the Bumblebee.

"Thi-th th-ong," Thad had lisped to him in the past, "ha-th too many note-th. The horror, Jimmy! The HORROR!"

And indeed, the song had FAR too many notes. How Thad ever managed to get a B grade from Lady Jacqueline was inconceivable, if nothing short of a miracle in everyone's books.

In Jimmy's opinion, Thad should have been slotted at Adrian's time. Flight of the Bumblebee was a horrendous song to play, and for the rest of Christmas Day, Thad was lisping so terribly that not even the Nerds were able to understand anything he said. Which said quite a lot, especially since their little group had developed something of a skill at understanding the poor red head whenever he was pressured or tense.

It was already seven in the evening, and there were no signs of Adrian anywhere, and Jimmy gulped at the sight of a very irate looking Miss Hydee, sitting in the front row of the auditorium, tapping her pen against the clipboard and wearing a very sour expression.

This isn't going to end well…

THUMP! BANG! CRASH!

Jimmy and the other musicians stopped their practices and turned to the source of the noise, even some of the curious onlookers from the front of the stage heard the commotion, and some tried to peer behind the heavy, navy blue curtains.

And no surprise it was the infamous Adrian Aquaberry, looking a little less polished than he normally was. His long black hair wasn't as neat as it used to be, with stray hair coming every which way, he looked frazzled, tired, and certainly like he came from somewhere in an awful rush.

Playing make-believe again, Adrian? Tch.

Gord was, naturally, on the young heir's tail, "Are you alright? Did those horrible greaser scum hurt you?" He said, trying to coo his lover and soothe him, "Oh don't think about them anymore, they're nothing but riff-raff trash, they turn the elite into one of them, how horrible is that!" The auburn haired boy gently massaged the other boy's shoulders, "Don't feel tense, you're a wonderful pianist."

"Thank you, ever so much Gord," Adrian spun around and held the boy around the waist, pulling him close and staring deeply into the other's bright brown eyes, "You're always there for me when I need it the most, you're so precious to me."

"A-Adrian! We… oh, you dirty thing, it feels strange with everyone watching."

"Let them watch, as I profess my deepest love towards you, my heart, my soul it all—"

"GROSS!" Jimmy interrupted them rather loudly, wearing a cocky grin as he drummed his fingers on the guitar's sleek red body, "Whoops. Did I say that out loud?" He said in a mocking voice.

"Hopkins!" Adrian never really liked the boy, and he had even more reason to, "Can't you respect a little personal space?"

"It's a little hard to, I mean, you're about to French the guy in public. I think we have kids here too," the freckled-face teen noted a young Melody Adams from the corner of his eye, watching intently at the couple, "Shame on you."

"Filth!" He stuck his nose up the air, smoothening his hair and attire, returning to the cleaned up look he was so famous for, "I have a performance. Out of my way!" As he walked on stage, a young, lithe boy with a banjo on his arms, and Adrian's notorious older twin siblings (in possibly the most dandiest out there) followed behind.

"Our next performance is from Adrian Aquaberry, with his rendition of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'! Let's hear it for him!"

As he took his seat and greeted the applause he received, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

You can do this.

Though, he did find it insulting, when he saw a pack of ear plugs sitting innocently by Miss Hydee's side, and by other students as well.

I'll show them.

The first few notes hit, everyone squeezing their eyes and ears shut for the ear-shattering experience. But as their ears weren't quite bleeding yet, they let up and much to the surprise of practically everyone who attended, Adrian was actually… very good. In fact, the audience kind of enjoyed it too. Especially since he was backed up by two attractive twins and a talented banjo player.

'Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are…'

The new Aquaberry diamond earrings mother bought.

It just boggled the minds of everyone who came. It was one of the most pleasant surprises that was held in store for the night.

'Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky…'

A very polished and expensive one at that.

'Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are'

Jimmy had to hand it to Adrian, he did know how to entertain. He took a sweeping bow and blew kisses, uttering words of thanks to the enthusiastic crowd. And he couldn't be more pleased, as he noticed Lady Jacqueline scribbling something down on her clipboard with a smile.

--

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