Devin was shaken from his sleep from a very strong pair of hands. When he opened his eyes all he saw at first was blonde hair. As he started to move around a bit more, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and look up. With his eyes now starting to adjust he saw that Trent was standing above him. He didn't know why Trent was in his room, but then he heard the shrill sound of his alarm clock. He rolled over and turned it off before sitting up on the side of his bed.
"Sorry if I spooked you" Trent said as he stood next to Devin's bed. "I was just getting sick and tired of hearing you damn alarm going off. It's been ringing since I went in to take a shower."
"I guess I stayed up too late last night" Devin said as he started to scratch at the back of his neck.
"What classes do you have today?" Trent asked trying to keep the conversation going. Devin thought about it and realized that he had gym today, and he knew that Kirby would be there. As he thought about Kirby, he thought about what had transpired last night. He quickly shook the memory away and started to stretch.
"Doesn't matter, I don't feel like going today" Devin replied as he stood up to finishing stretching.
"Mister Straight A isn't going to classes today?" Trent asked as he started to laugh.
"Even a diligent student misses' classes" Devin said as he walked over to his closet to get an outfit ready. He decided on one of his tight-fitting button downs and khakis pants. Since he wasn't going to be in class, his best bet was to get off campus and head into town. He remembered the conversation he had last night with AmyLee and decided he was going to try and spend the day at the boxing gym. Eventually Gord would be there for him to try and wow with his brand name clothes. Trent just watched him as he pulled out his outfit and a pair of boxers.
"Well I guess if you're sure about skipping, I'll see you around. Some of us can't afford to miss a class." Trent said farewell and went on his way as Devin made his way into the bathroom to shower. Since classes were just about to start the bathroom was completely empty. He hopped into the shower and started to clean himself off. The constant pressure of the water out of the showerhead felt nice and hypnotizing to Devin. He leaned against the wall and thought about last night again. He brought his hand up to his lips and touched them. 'Why did he kiss me?' Devin thought to himself as he went back to finishing up his shower. Once he was done, he pulled on his clothes and gave himself a once over in the mirror. He felt unstoppable in his outfit as he grabbed his shower stuff and took it back to his room.
As he stepped outside, he looked around to see if any of the prefects were around. Again, he was lucky enough to not see any, so he made his way out of the front gate. He was surprised to see other students around in town while walking around to find the gym. AmyLee forgot to tell him exactly where the gym was, so he was practically on a wild goose chase. While trying to find his way, he ran in Duncan and a few of the others from the townie clique.
"Yo Devin, what are you doing in town?" Duncan yelled over to him as he started to approach him.
"Am I not allowed to be a bad apple for once?" Devin joked with him as the townie smiled.
"I guess you are a student at the prestigious Bullworth Academy" Duncan mocked as he shook his head laughing. Devin laughed as well before he looked around at Duncan's friends.
"I don't mean to say hi and bye, but I'm looking for the preps boxing gym. Do you think you could point me in the right direction?" Devin asked as he gave Duncan his best smile. Duncan smiled back before looking up as if he was thinking.
"I think I might know where it is, but it'll cost you" Duncan said as he smiled back at Devin.
Devin, thinking on his feet, told Duncan that he would clear most of the tables tonight to give him a chance to relax in the back. Duncan didn't see a problem with that and accepted the deal before pointing in the direction of the gym for Devin. Devin thanked him and told him that he would see him later. The direction that Duncan told him to go, in fact led to the boxing gym so Devin was thankful. Once he entered, there were already a few boys there punching at some punching bags. Devin made his way around and a bit perplexed. The boys never took their attention away from what they were doing, so it was like he had never entered the gym to begin with. Devin decided to look around the place to get an idea of what the boxing gym was like. There weren't very many punching bags, and they had a ring, but there were hardly any chairs around it. One would think that a boxing gym for spoiled rich kids would like a bit better, but beggars couldn't be choosers.
Devin was looking over a poster when he saw a shadow looming over him. "Can I help you?" asked someone in a rather venomous tone. Devin turned around and was staring up at a really tall red head.
"I was just looking for someone" Devin spat out at the taller boy with a hint of his nerves showing. "From what I've been told, your name is most likely Bif"
"Well we both know who I am, but who the hell are you?" Bif asked easing back a little.
"The name is Devin. My friend told me that I could find a guy named Gord here."
"What the hell do you want with Gord?" Bif asked a little surprised that this kid knew their names, yet he hadn't seen him in any of his classes.
"Word on the street is he's the guy to go to when you're interested in brand name clothes" Devin lied as Bif started to give him a once over.
"I don't know who you've been talking to, but Gord is in biology right now. He won't be here until after his class is done" Bif stated as he started to walk away.
"Wait!" Devin called after him, making the big guy turn around to look at him. "Another reason why I came here is because I want to learn how to box." Upon hearing this, Bif cocked up one of his eyebrows and gave Devin a hard look before shrugging.
"I don't know if you'd want me teaching you, but I could give you some pointers. Go grab a uniform and meet me at the punching bags." Devin smiled as he ran over to where the uniforms were and got changed into one. He slipped on the gloves and struggled to strap them on. Bif realized this and walked over to help him secure his gloves. Bif giggled to himself when he realized how inexperienced Devin was and made a change of plans for the kid.
"Hey Parker" he called out as another prep came jogging over to them in his boxing uniform. "Go get in the ring and show our rookie the ropes."
"I thought you were going to teach me over at the punching bags" Devin insisted as he looked at up at Bif.
"I changed my mind. I have to know what you're working with before I can help you" Bif said with an evil grin before he pushed Devin towards the ring. Devin reluctantly climbed up into the ring and stared over at his opponent. His black hard has combed over to one side, but his face was covered in sweat from practicing his punches earlier. Devin looked over at Bif, who rang the bell signaling the two in the ring to start. Before Devin could even make sense of what to do, Parker landed two jabs and a right hook, causing him to fall onto his ass. Devin picked himself back up and saw Parker go in for an uppercut, so Devin blocked and was knocked back at little bit. Devin continued to block the next couple of punches unsure of when to make his move. Parker was quicker than him and had experience in the ring; however, Devin seized his opportunity when Parker reeled back was a big hit and missed Devin as he knocked.
With his opponent's balance offset, Devin landed 3 jabs in a row, followed up by a hook, and then he ended the set with an uppercut. The force of his blows knocked Parker back, and gained the attention of the few people who were in the gym at the time. Parker was angry about being deceived, so he beat his gloves together and charged at Devin. Devin managed to block the first two punches, but then Parker hooked him in the side, causing him to lower his arms to his exposed side. Parker landed a straight jab before the bell rang to signify the end of the round. Devin walked over to a corner and sat down for a quick second. He strategized a good combination, but he needed to get Parker to attempt more big hits. It was going to be his only chance of winning the match.
"Gonna give up champ?" Bif asked in a smug voice as he looked at the cut above Devin's eyebrow.
"No way in hell" Devin spat out before he turned his attention back over to Parker. Bif laughed as he walked back over to the bell and rang it to announce the beginning of the second round. Devin stood up and made his way to the middle of the ring, where Parker met him. Devin got the upper hand in the beginning of the round by landing a jab and two hooks. One of the hooks made Parker lean towards Devin a little exposing more of his face. Devin took advantage of the opening and landed another three jabs before pushing parker away. Parkers left eye was starting to swell a little bit as he danced around the ring a little to psych himself up. He feinted with his right, making Devin protect his right side, before he came in with a hook from the left. He followed up the hit with an uppercut sending Devin back a few steps.
Parker ran up to try and gain momentum and reeled back for another big hit; however, Devin saw it coming and ducked out of the way. With his balance once again offset, Devin hit Parker in his side with 3 hard jabs. The prep moved to try and protect his side and left his face completely uncovered. Devin hooked Parker on both sides of his face before watching the boy teeter a little. Devin reeled back this time and landed a hard uppercut sending Parker to the mat. The boy surrounding the ring could hardly believe what they had just watched and started to cheer. Devin was so proud of himself. His first time in the ring and if ended with a knockout. Bif stared on in complete shock as Devin climbed down from the ring and walked over to him.
"Did you get an idea on what I'm working with?" Devin asked smugly. Bif just grumbled to himself as he watched Devin strut over to change out of his boxing uniform. While he was changing, Devin washed up and tended to the cut about his eyebrow. He hissed as it started to sting and heard a chuckle come from behind him. He turned around quickly and was looking at a boy not much taller than him.
"I'll take it you're the slugger Bif said was looking for me?" the boy asked as he started to approach Devin.
"You must be Gord then?" Devin asked as he grabbed a towel to dry his hands off.
"That would be me" the boy said as he started to laugh. He continued to stare at Devin and smiled to himself and the boy got a very unnerved feeling. He raised his eyebrow and asked Gord if he saw something he liked.
"Just admiring the view" he replied smugly as nodded towards the mirror enticing Devin to look. Devin turned to the mirror and realized he had only but his boxers and undershirt on. The boy blushed so hard that his ear felt like they were on fire. He quickly pulled on his pants and shirt, but left his shirt unbuttoned for the time being so he could cool down. Gord had approached him at the point and started to walk around him and check him out.
"Bif said you wanted to talk to me about brand names, but it seems to me that you're quite familiar with brand names. Why don't you tell me why you're really here?" Gord stated before pushing Devin up against the wall. It wasn't a threatening push or anything, it was just Gord's way of having a little bit of fun with the boy. Devin started to feel a little hot as his face flushed again. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours and he already had another boy dangerously close to him. He could feel his heart start to beat a little faster and felt Gord place his hand on his chest.
"My, my, my" he chuckled, "You're like a mouse caught in a trap with a hungry cat lying in wait. No need to be nervous, I'm just wondering why you specifically wanted me I didn't even know that you existed until today." Devin closed his eyes as he felt Gord move in close and made sure that his head was a few inches away from his. "Fear never smelled so good" Gord said as he pulled his hand away from Devin's chest. Devin swallowed hard as he found his voice.
"My friend told me about you and said that you had a liking for brand names. She knew that I liked brand names too and suggested I talk to you about them." Devin sighed a breath of relief when he felt Gord pull away from him and giggle.
"How interesting that someone knows me so well, yet I've probably never given your friend the time of day" Gord gloated. "Your friend would be correct, and I do have to say that I'm impressed with the brand names that you are wearing. They let me know that you're not from this area, because I know all the brand names in this area." Devin started to smile. Even when he was nervous, the minute someone started to talk about clothes, it was like nothing else mattered.
"I wouldn't mind getting familiar with the brand names in this area" Devin stated as he started to button up his shirt.
"Play your cards right and I might be willing to show you where they are and how to get the best deals" Gord said as he watched Devin button up his shirt. As he was getting closer to the top, Gord walked over and grabbed his hands. "Leave a little open. You don't want to overheat after the fight. Chad told me you were quite the heavy hitter out there."
"Chad?" Devin asked as he looked down at his chest to see that his shirt was making a perfect 'V' and the bottom point was right in the middle of his chest.
"One of the onlookers. He also said Bif was pretty upset that Parker lost" Gord chuckled as he motioned for Devin to accompany him out of the room. Devin walked with him and started to talk to him about his struggles in the beginning of the match. Gord nodded as he listened which surprised Devin because he didn't think Gord would be that interested in it. As they started to approach the ring, they heard the door open and in walked Jimmy. Devin's voice got caught as the Gord seemed pleased and started to walk towards Jimmy.
"I'm surprised you came" Gord said as he laughed at Jimmy.
"Don't get too excited" Jimmy said as he scanned the room and looked at Devin. "What the hell is he doing here?"
"He was engaging in the royal art of boxing" Gord said as he turned back to Devin and smiled.
"I think I should get going. I'll see you around Gord" Devin said as he rushed past Gord and Jimmy. Gord watched him leave a little perplexed as Jimmy decided to walk around the gym and look around. Once he was outside, Devin leaned up against the side of the gym and signed.
"Hey man!" he heard a familiar voice yell as he looked over to see Trent with Rose and AmyLee. As the got closer, Devin said hello back and tried to hide his face. Unfortunately, Trent was stronger than he was and immediately pulled his hands away.
"Dude, what the fuck happened to you?" AmyLee asked as she watched Trent grab onto Devin's face to examine the wound.
"It's just a scratch from a fight" Devin replied trying to push Trent's hands away.
"You should probably have the nurse patch you up" AmyLee said as she slapped Trent's hands away. He brought them to his chest defensively and shot her a look.
"Who did you fight?" Rose asked as she walked over and laid her head on Devin's shoulder and started leading him back towards the school.
"Bif was supposed to teach me using the punching bags, but instead put me in the ring against Parker."
"I'm surprised you walked away with just a cut" Trent said as he started walking with them back to the school.
"Usually people joke around about how you should see the other guy, but this is one of those times where it is the truth" Devin said as he started to chuckle.
"Please tell me you fucked his rich ass up" AmyLee exclaimed as she thought about how she would be seeing Parker in her afternoon class tomorrow.
"I don't know if he'll have any bruises, but I do remember his left eye was starting to swell up during the fight" Devin replied with a toothy smile. AmyLee smiled back and Rose gave a little chuckle.
"Hard to believe a little runt like you beat Ethan, can take down Kirby, and you now have knocked out a prep like Parker" Trent said as he ruffled Devin's hair.
"Be careful who you call a runt" Devin said as he pulled away from Trent. They all started to laugh as they arrived back on campus. Devin checked his watched and noticed that he had an hour and forty-five minutes before he had to head to work. He made his way to the nurse to get patched up like AmyLee suggested as, Rose, her and Trent waited outside for him.
"You know, you never told us why you ratted on Devin's whereabouts" AmyLee said as she looked at the wall in front of her.
"I always see you guys together and figured you would be wondering where he was today" Trent replied as he rubbed his arm a little. "You guys have been inseparable since classes started. You barely even knew the kid and yet here you two are."
"Well I did tell him on day one that he and I were going to be best friends" AmyLee said as she turned to Rose. "This one is just a leech who clings to me wherever I go, so she was bound to start hanging out with us."
"You say that like it's a bad thing" Rose whined as she started to pout.
"You know I love your company" AmyLee said as she gave Rose a hug. "I mean who else could make me look smarter than you." Rose started to smile until she heard the last part and started to pout again. Rose's pouting face made Trent and AmyLee start to laugh as the three of them sighed.
"I guess what I should be saying to you is thank you" AmyLee admitted as she looked down the hall in the opposite direction of Trent and Rose. "I kinda was pissed when Devin didn't come to English today, but then he never showed up to help theater to help Rachel. I had a moment of panic that he got in trouble or something."
"He keeps knocking kids out, he just might get in trouble" Trent joked making them all laugh. Trent wasn't too good with sentiments and emotions. He wanted to try and change the conversation away from where it was heading. The hallway got kind of quiet as the three of them waited for Devin. They didn't think it would take so long for the nurse to take care of one cut.
"So how long have you liked him?" Rose asked out loud getting a confused look from both AmyLee and Trent.
"What the hell are you talking about Rose?" AmyLee asked annoyed that she would even fathom the idea of her liking Trent.
"Trent liking Ethan" Rose simply stated as she now received a shocked look from AmyLee and a deer in headlight look from Trent.
"I..uh..I don't know what you are talking about" Trent muttered as he nervously pushed his hands into his pockets.
"You could've fooled me" Rose said as she started to giggle and look up at Trent. AmyLee looked over at Trent as well and then back at Rose. Apparently, she bought what Trent was saying, because the airhead went back to her own little world. AmyLee was about to say something when the door opened and Devin walked out. He had a big band-air covering his cut and was smiling as he thanked the nurse. Once the door was closed, Devin started to roll his eyes and shake his head.
"You would think the nurse would know where her band-aids would be located since she is the only one in there" he said in an annoyed tone. He looked over at his friends and thanked them for waiting. He didn't want to upset them but he excused himself from them so he could go and shower before work. Devin was still feeling a little disgusting after working up a sweat from boxing. Rose decided to head off with him and AmyLee was about to follow them when she heard a sigh. She turned to see Trent with his head in his hands. She watched as the others were leaving, and felt it best to stay so she slid down the wall next to him. The two sat in silence as the only sound they heard was the ticking of the clock on a nearby wall.
"I don't know anymore" Trent sighed breaking the silence.
"What don't you know anymore" AmyLee asked as she looked at the blonde as he ran his hands down his face.
"Sometimes I feel like I do like him, but then there are times when I just like being his friend" Trent admitted. "It's just so confusing because I thought the same thing about a few others here at school."
"Like who?" AmyLee asked as she hoped that this was the correct way to take the conversation.
"I don't think I'm comfortable enough telling you that" Trent chuckled softly as he shook his head. "Do you think there's something wrong with me?" AmyLee turned to face Trent as she saw a pained look spread across his face.
"I think there is a lot wrong with you to be honest," AmyLee started as she shook her head," but I don't think there is anything wrong with how you are feeling." Trent leaned over and rested his head on her shoulder making AmyLee tense up. Human contact like this was foreign to her and she was started to get a little uncomfortable.
"I don't know if you're saying that just to make me feel better, or if you are actually being serious" Trent said as he felt himself start to get a little heavy.
"Believe what you will, but you will never find someone who is blunter than me" AmyLee said as she tried to push Trent off of her, but failed epically as the bully started to get heavier. "Don't you dare fall asleep on me" AmyLee growled out as Trent sat back up and giggled.
"What do you think I should do?" Trent asked as he looked at the doors expecting someone to walk in and see him as he was.
"I think you should check yourself to make sure you still have a set of balls" AmyLee suggested.
"I meant about the situation you bitch" Trent said to her.
"I guess you could ask one of these guys you like on a date. It doesn't have to be Devin if you don't want it to be" AmyLee suggested again as she shrugged. She wasn't really sure what to tell the kid. She had never felt anything towards anyone like this. She looked over at Trent and saw a small smile start to appear on his face.
"That sounds like a good idea" Trent said as he got up and offered a hand to AmyLee. She grabbed it and allowed Trent to help her up as she brushed herself off.
"Come on fugly" AmyLee said as she started to head towards the door. "We have dinner to get ready for and I can't really take all these feelings and shit. I think I'm starting to break out in a rash from it." Trent just started to laugh as he followed her out to go and get ready for dinner. As they walked Trent thought about what AmyLee had said and figured he should definitely try and take someone on a date. As the two broke away towards their respected dorms, Trent thanked AmyLee one more time before going inside to change.
Devin had already left for work and started busting table. He hadn't seen Duncan yet so he figured the poor kid was running late. He was starting to clear another table when he felt a set of arms wrap around him. He wanted to jump back but couldn't with a bucket full of dirty dishes.
"You smell nice" came the familiar voice of Rose as he felt a set of hands trying to pry her off him.
"I haven't quite house broken her yet" AmyLee said as she struggled to break Rose's grip around Devin.
"Remind me to get you a leash for her for Christmas" Devin suggested as he started to laugh. Once AmyLee had Rose de-attached from Devin, he turned around to see the rest of the group started to file in. He saw Kirby, who immediately tried to look everywhere in the room but him. It upset him a little, but he didn't let it bother him. AmyLee dragged Rose with her to the back with the others as Rose fought her thinking that AmyLee was trying to play around with her. Devin didn't know how AmyLee had not killed that poor girl yet. He shook his head and laughed as he finished clearing the table and made his way to the back of the restaurant.
"I see you're already getting into the swing of this" came a cheery voice that Devin recognized.
"Nice to see you're finally here Duncan" Devin said as he started to separate the dishes.
"Hey, you did say that you would clear extra tables tonight" Duncan said as he threw his hands up in defense.
"I did, didn't I" Devin said as he turned around. The minute that he did he regretted it because Duncan was basically on top of him. Duncan had cupped his hands around Devin's face and aimed it up so the light was shining on the band-aid. Duncan softly ran his hand over it as he asked what happened. Devin winced a little and pulled away, unruffling his apron.
"I beat one of the preps in a boxing match" Devin said as he went back to sorting the dishes. Even though there was barely any in the response, Duncan still picked up on Devin's annoyance.
"Sorry about grabbing you" Duncan said as he started to slip on his apron. He tried to tie his apron in the back but was struggling with it. Devin picked up on it and walked up behind him.
"It's okay" he said as he started to tie the apron. "I just wish everyone would stop worrying about me like I'm some precious toy that can't be broken." As Devin was tying the apron, he made sure to put emphasize on the word broken by pulling hard on the strings.
"I don't think you're some precious toy" Duncan chuckled as he turned to face Devin. "I think you're a good guy with a few tricks up his sleeve. I would've never pictured you to be someone who would want to box. I honestly thought that you weren't there and did that to you. Not that it was done in a match. I bet ya gave the other guy hell though."
Devin started to smile as he got to relive the whole experience again by telling Duncan about it. Duncan listened intently as the two of them waited for the dishes to finish drying. As they were putting them away, Mr. Spair popped his head in the room to let the boys know they had some table to clean up. The waiting staff was underhanded today, so he was helping them out. As they boys continued to work, Devin remembered what AmyLee talked to him about. He decided to get Duncan on the topic of Grottos and Gremlins. The minute the words rolled off his tongue he thought that he could literally see Duncan's ears perk up. The boy started to go on a tangent about the game and how much he liked it. He told Devin about a few of the things that his character had done in the game, and some of the benefits of playing the game in his opinion.
The night went on with the two having interesting conversations about various things. When the last customer left, Duncan and Devin quickly wiped down all of the tables and returned their aprons to the back. The two said their goodbyes and headed off in different directions. Devin smiled as he started to make his way back to the boy's dorm. AmyLee had provided him with some great advice, and he was starting to feel his bonds growing closer with people. He knew Duncan was definitely good with him, and working together was only going to improve their friendship. He wasn't going to hold his breath with Gord though. He didn't think the he could trust the prep as far as he could throw him. While he was heading inside he saw Kirby again, but he was in the living area with Trent so he thought it best to just leave him alone for now. Trent waved to him as he passed, so he waved back and went into his room to get ready for bed.
While he was undressing he heard a faint knock on his door. He finished pulling his shirt over his head before he turned around to see Petey. He smiled and then blushed as he felt a little exposed in just his pants. It wouldn't have been so bad it his room was cold. He decided to cover his hardening nipples as he said hello to Petey.
"Haven't stopped by in a while, so I thought I would come and see how you were doing" Petey said meekly.
"I've been doing pretty good, just trying to get accustom to things around here" Devin replied as he turned back around to find a night shirt.
"I figured" Petey chucked as he sat down on Devin's bed. "Jimmy said he ran into you at the prep's boxing gym. I guess that's why you have that band-aid about your eyebrow."
"Parker got me good" Devin said as he threw on a baggy shirt and slipped off his pants. "But I got him back just as good." Petey smiled when he heard that and the two talked about how each of their classes were going. Petey seemed to be enjoying his classes and was on top of his academics like Devin.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the two love birds sitting together in their nest" came a venomous voice from the hallway. They both let out a sigh as Gary stepped into the room. "Are we having fun whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears ladies?" he asked with an evil look in his eye.
"Gary, why the fuck are you in my room?" Devin asked as he pinched the brim of his nose and closed his eyes trying to restrain himself from flipping out.
"Figured I could waltz on in here since so many others do. I mean you've had Petey and Trent and Kirby in here. Hell, even Jimmy has been in here. You can't pick and choose just because you like them" Gary replied as he started to pace around Devin's room. Devin felt disgusted that Gary knew all of that. It was as if the boy was keeping tabs on him.
"To set the record straight, I haven't allowed anyone to come into my room except Petey. Jimmy, Trent, and Kirby all let themselves in like you have. Maybe if you weren't such an egotistical asshat, I would actually invite you in."
"Guys I think we should cool down" Petey interjected, but was shut up by Gary.
"Oh, so the runt wants to use big words to try and get to me?" Gary jested as he started to make his way back towards Devin's door. "I'll make sure to remember that when I rule this school!" Gary made sure to put emphasizes on the word 'I' as he pointed to himself. Before Devin could even fire back with a response, Gary was already out of his room and down the hall.
"Fuck that kid" Devin said as he shook his head.
"I used to be okay with dealing with his behavior because Jimmy and him would actually include me in stuff. Now I just get left behind" Petey said with a bit a sadness in his tone.
"You could hang out with me, if you don't mind my friends and the weird shit I get myself into" Devin said as he tried to alleviate the situation for Petey.
"I'll have to think about it" Petey said as he started to get up from Devin's bed.
"If you change your mind, you can join us at my work tomorrow. It'll be Wednesday, so I'll be performing. It'll be fun" Devin offered as he started to lay down. Petey hesitated before leaving the room and heading to his. Devin hopped that he would show up. 'That boy needs to break away from those guys' Devin thought as he started to drift off to sleep.