Chapter Two: Meet Tony Rydinger

*3:40 am*

Wilbur work up early at beating his alarm clock which was supposed to beep at 5:30. He took the chance to watch at least two episodes of season two of KonoSuba and while taking the moment to clean up the messy room he made yesterday. It did not take long for him to clean up and replace a few items that were destroyed during his rampage. Then he took the moment to be on his nightstand and begin repairing his broken phone with a big victory smirk on his face. Now, the reason behind that smirk of his was because of the sneaky stunt he pulled with his mom.

He for once in his life has outsmarted two of the smartest people he will ever know in his lifetime. In which it was his dad, Cornelius, and his best friend/crush, Violet. Granted, he had no idea whose reaction that he would be more afraid of when it comes blowing up in his face. Wilbur remembered the last time he broke a promise to Violet is when they camped out at the mall for Gamestop to go buy 'Halo vs Call of Duty 4' together. She told Wilbur to wake her up when the doors of the mall were open, but instead, he went in and came with the games in hand and got introduced to a pissed off Violet. And during that time, Violet gave him the silent treatment both in-game and anywhere else which was quite difficult for Wilbur since she did it for two whole weeks. He tried everything to apologize to Violet and making the effort to break her silence but, the shy girl would not budge for anything. On top of that, Wilbur ordered Violet her usual meal at Super Burger which was a triple burger with large fries and a large coke, and with a large royal new york cheesecake ice cream blizzard.

Now, Violet did forgive Wilbur for what he did by snapping at him and cursed him out as if she was in the navy. It made Wilbur feel so guilty that he could have cried on the spot. But he did learn one very important lesson that day. Which is to never piss off Violet Parr when it comes down to playing some Halo games. Now, as for his father, on the other hand, Cornelius was the ideal father when it comes down to putting up with Wilbur's mischievousness and sneakiness. But even his own father can get so angry when it comes to discipline or acting rebellious against someone's authority, and which last night just proved that. Needless to say, both Violet and his dad can be harsher than anyone when it all comes down to Wilbur doing something bad.

"And done!." Wilbur grinned when seeing his phone is operational again. "Now, since I'm up, I can go eat me some breakfast."

Wilbur got up and set his phone down while letting it charge up a bit. Then he headed to his private bathroom that is located in his room to begin his quick shower. Wilbur smiled while humming to himself when washing his head as he can not wait to start his friday morning at school with his number one girl, in which was none other than Violet. In truth, Violet is the only person that can help him keep his grades afloat since he for many years can't stay focus in any of his classes that he and Violet go together. The reason for his lack of focus in his studies was because of being too distracted by both looking and thinking about Violet. Yes, ya heard me correct. Wilbur can not keep his mind off on his shy best friend since elementary as he loved everything about Violet. He loved how she sticks her nose in those books in class or watch her fumble her words when she speaks to the class both standing up in her seat or standing in front of them. Now, Wilbur can get pretty angry when hearing a few whisper laughs or hear nasty comments of his peers, when every time Violet speaks to them and have to speak up or repeat herself when the teacher can't hear her. That alone is one of the main things that Violet hates about school as it is a big grade to participate in a class.

After trying to keep his anger at bay and accidentally punch the wall of his shower, Wilbur reminded himself of next week's plan that he and Violet have planned for weeks. You see next week, all the schools of Todayland will be close due to all the teachers are going on strike for two reasons. One was for a better minimum wage and benefits, and Two is wanting to do virtual learning classes since the teachers thought that it would be a great idea for kids to attend their classes online at home to learn some responsibility. Both Wilbur and Violet did not mind that idea which means for them they can come over to each other's house and hang out, and while doing their online classes with ease without having to worry about going through the hallway rush hour just to get to the next classroom. Once cleaning up his bathroom shower and putting on his usual clothes, Wilbur then grabbed his bookbag before going down the stairs and head for the kitchen that was through the dining room. In just five seconds he came right back out with a bowl, a box of family-sized Honey-Nut-Cheerios, a gallon of cold milk, and a spoon.

Wilbur took his time eating his breakfast while taking the moment to put on his wireless earbuds and begin playing some music from his phone. He then went through his playlist and played R.Kelly's 'Ignition (Remix)' while instantly nodding his head to his favorite Rhythm and Blues artist before continuing eating. The boy loved some R.Kelly and always binge-watch the man's greatest music videos including his best work, which was none other than the famous chapters of Trapped in the Closet. Now, this was something that both himself and Violet like to watch together when they get bored or wanting to watch something good. Wilbur knows the reason why his crush loved that certain work of R.Kelly's is that it was played out like a read-aloud only except you can both see and hear what is going on in the story. To his surprise, Violet took the liberty of buying them hardcover copy books of the Rhythm and Blues opera-themed video, since she just loves to dig her nose in some literature. A smile grew on Wilbur's face when remembering that it is one of the things that he loves about his crush. To him, she was perfect in his eyes.

With no time wasted he finished his cereal just before cleaning up his mess along with putting the milk and the cereal box back. Then he quickly grabbed his bag and exit out of the mansion without delay. Wilbur jogged his way to the bus stop that was located just around the corner near his street and stopped to wait for the bus to come. Usually, he would have been picked up by Violet's mom who did not mind doing so since she been doing that when the two were in elementary but, decided to give the wonderful kindhearted women a break and just take the bus. With that in mind, Wilbur pulled out his phone and started going through his contacts, and found Violet's contact picture which was her sticking her tongue out for Wilbur to take the picture. In exchange, Wilbur has to do the same by digging up his nose with his right index finger and caused Violet to laugh.

"Call Violet," Wilbur ordered his phone through voice command before hearing the calling sound.

Back at the Parr household, Violet was at the table eating her regular breakfast of ham and eggs and taking her sweet time doing it. Suddenly, her phone started ringing "2 Bad" by Michael Jackson. Without hesitation, Violet picked up her phone on the table while quietly singing the following lyrics of the song before herself and not letting Dash hear her before answering.

"Hello?." Violet begin.

"Morning Vi. Hey, tell your mom that I'm taking the bus today. Don't want to feel like a rich mooch to you guys. Should have cash app both your mom and dad for letting me hitch a ride with you and Dash." said Wilbur, feeling honest to his best friend/crush and himself.

Making a laugh in her throat, Violet shook her head from hearing the reason behind why her best friend decline to ride with her and her brother. "Oh, Wilbur Robinson, none of us thinks you're a rich mooch. Just like your whole family, you are without a doubt are a down-to-earth person. Despite being extremely rich."

"Oh, good." Wilbur sigh in relief knowing for sure that he is not a snob. "Cause I would freaking hate to make you or your family feel like my servants or living in the life of poverty."

This put a smile on Violet's face. Knowing that she has a true friend that is always thinking about others and their way of living. Just by itself just makes her feel so super intimate with Wilbur. As a matter of fact, Violet had a constant build-up feeling of another intimacy for years since meeting the cowlick hairstyle boy. Something like feeling a bit more than just being old and forever current best buddies. Violet shook her thoughts out of her head once remembering that she has Wilbur on the phone, but still, her yet identified emotions were currently running through her body.

"Oh, nonsense, Wilbur!. Listen I have to hang up so I can finish eating my breakfast. See you by our locker. Cool?." Violet said in her famous shy voice.

"Uh, yeah, cool. Bye. Love...I mean...see you soon!." Wilbur hangs up his phone quickly with a slight sweatdrop. "Man, that was a close one. Too close if I might add."

Violet paused completely after hearing what she thought she heard that escaped through Wilbur's mouth. Was he about to say love you?. The possible thought of it all just makes the beating core within her pulsing hard in a happier way. This is strange to the shy girl and wanted to pounder on it. This is not the first time that Wilbur changes his sentence on what he wanted to say to her, but wanted to say something that only she wanted to hear. It secretly both pains her to not hearing what her best friend wanted to say badly to her and thinking that she might feel uneasy around him after saying it. With the motivation building inside her, Violet was about to voice command her phone to speed dial Wilbur and politely asked him what he truly wanted to say to her.

"Vi let's go, young lady," Helen informed her when grabbing her car keys and grabbing Jack-Jack out of his baby high chair.

"Yeah, Vi, I have a math test to take," Dash spoke to his older sister with boredom in his voice, as then started walking out of the house and head to the car.

"Guess I will think on that later I guess?.". Violet thought to herself and grabbed her bag before exiting the house.

Back to Wilbur. The bus arrived just in time as it pulled up in front of Wilbur. After waiting for the double doors to open, Wilbur ran up the steps too fast and accidentally tripped himself onto the bus driver, and somehow tripped a few other students as well. It resulted in some students pointing and laughing at Wilbur to which he did not pay that much attention. He sat down in any available empty seat while still hearing them laugh as if he was a famous clown in a fun circus.

"Geez, is it so funny to laugh at someone who fell down on accident?. Huh, looks like Violet was right. Not everyone is mature in their appropriate ages." Wilbur thought to himself.

Suddenly he became distracted by a bunch of fangirls. Not his fangirls in which he only gets them through his father's fancy business parties at his company or their house. No, the fangirls he saw in front of him that were currently circling around the seat. Sitting in front of him is the school's new student/new quarterback by the name of Tony. Tony Rydinger. The only child of the recent traded NFL quarterback player who won five super bowls for the New England Patriots and now playing for the hometown's NFL Todayland Warriors. Wilbur sighed in frustration about this and have to stop his music.

"He and his family just moved to Todayland just a week ago and ya praising him as if he found the gateway entrance to the land of Oz or discovered the location of where to find the skeleton of the 1954's Godzilla. Besides, his dad is famous and not him." Wilbur thought to himself.

"Oh, Tony, you are so cute..." one of the girls on the cheerleader's squad said with a giggle.

Wilbur grunted frustratedly in hearing those girls talk so cutely to their new potential boyfriend. Was this another 'Mr? I'm So Hot'?. Wilbur took it upon himself to get up from his seat to have a look at the new kid in the block. Tony was the complete opposite of him. Tony seemed like a nice guy to be friends with, let alone being too polite, and being a total guarantee teacher's pet. AKA...Mr. Perfect!. Wilbur did not try to go introduce himself to the new teen since he thinks that it is not super worth it and just about to return to his music. But Tony, however, made the first move on Wilbur.

"Hi, my name is Tony Rydinger." Tony Rydinger smiled friendly at Wilbur before looking concern. "Hey, I saw what happened to you when you came onto the bus. Are you alright, buddy?."

"Yeah, yeah...I am okay." Wilbur smirked at the idea of playing the fake rich snob attitude to help reduce the pretty boy's self-esteem. "By the way, my name is Wilbur. Wilbur Robinson. As in the only son and child of Cornelius Robinson. You know the man who is highly known for being the greatest investor of all time, let alone own and run a number one best multi-trillion dollar company. Plus, invented a bunch of famous and never-before-seen things, that cost beyond more than what your fancy-schmancy clothes are worth. Yeah, I admit that I'm ultimately rich with no shame or guilt on how you feel right now. Oh, and did I mention that I too own a few inventions that you've barely even heard of?."

Wilbur still kept his victory smirk in place with his arms folded while leaning back into his seat. Sure, he let his unlikeable ego get the best of him, but in his own right, it was worth it. Especially when seeing the look on Tony's face. But unfortunately, it backfired on Wilbur. Instead of hurting Tony's self-esteem and attempting to hurt his feelings by making him think his poor, the boy returned with a cheerful smile and spoke with great respect.

"Wow, it is an absolute honor and a privilege to meet you, Wilbur. Do you do autographs?. Because I would love to have one from you." Tony smiled and was getting ready to pull out a piece of paper and pen from his bookbag.

Wilbur's right eye slightly begins twitching. Even though he was bragging his butt off to this guy, he was still being nice regardless.

"I know it's an honor and a privilege to meet me. I get that a lot from everybody." Wilbur greeted through his teeth. "And no, I do not do autographs. Sorry."

"Oh, no biggie." Tony nodded in understanding. "But it's still awesome to meet you anyways."

"Oh, go screw yourself," Wilbur spoke in his mind and resumed playing his music throughout the whole morning bus ride.

Sometime Later...

Violet and Wilbur met up by the hallway stairs and not by their lockers, due to a huge super excited crowd blocking all sections of the hallway. It was a struggle for the two best friends to get around and meet up since this sorta thing has never happened to them before. Unless it was the end of school and the start of summer break. Wilbur was relieved to see his Violet both safe and not injured which made him happy. Violet, on the other hand, was too distracted and curious to see the cause of the hyped crowd, and just wanted to see the source of it all.

To get a better view of things, Violet stood on the metal stair banister and saw the source. She stopped dead at what her sight was showing her. There making its way through the hallway, she saw the most gorgeous boy that she has ever seen. The boy had light green eyes, pretty red hair, and a smile that was simply to die for. And of course, on top of that, the boy is surrounded by all the top pretty popular girls that attended Violet's school. But that did not phase Violet one bit. No. Instead, she too looked at the boy dreamily just like all the girls. No one at that time did not notice her lovesick facial expression. Except for Wilbur that is.

Wilbur got closer to Violet to see the direction that she was starring at. Sadly, he could not identify what his best friend is seeing and had no choice but to break her concentration. "Hey, Vi?. Vi?...Violet?. Hello, earth calling Violet Parr?. Can I please speak to my best friend, Violet Annie Parr?..."

Wilbur's multiple attempts have halfway grabbed Violet's attention as she slightly looked at him for a few seconds and then back to starring at the other boy. This time, Violet broke her silence. "Who is he, Wilbur?."

Wilbur managed to look back in the direction that his best friend is looking and pointing at and saw who with disappointment and irritation. He can not believe that his best friend/crush has her cute beautiful eyes on Him. Of all people!.

"Oh, him..." Wilbur said a bit annoyed, "I think his name is...Tony...Rydinger...Donalinger?. No, it's Tony Rydinger. Yeah, that is his name. Tony Rydinger. He is the new kid and the son of our new NFL quarterback for the Todayland Warriors. Why do you ask?."

Violet smiled at Wilbur, "Oh, no reason, Wilbur." Violet looked back at Tony who is currently signing a few girls' notebooks and smiled. "No reason at all."

Wilbur quickly understood his crush's look upon the new kid. This by itself just lit the first fire in his jealous fireplace. "Oh, come on, Vi!. Please do not tell me that you automatically liked the new kid at first sight!?. Every girl around here is already having a sick crush on him!." He complained.

Violet instantly snapped out of her goofy lovesick moment after hearing what Wilbur just said. She looked at him in disgust at the idea of being one of those nincompoop girls. "Pfft, as if Wilbur!. And no, I do not have a crush on the new guy. I just find him cute and all but...his not my cup of sweet ice-cold lepton tea."

"His sweet tea got nothing on your sweet tea, Wilbur. Your sweet tea is all I need in my life." Violet shook up in surprise at what she just said in her head. This is not the first time that she thought of Wilbur in a more romantic way than a friendly way.

"Right, and that look on your face does not say 'I love you, Tony Rydinger!'?." Wilbur said, mimicking Violet's lovestruck facial expression.

Violet laughed in her throat and said, "Hell to the no it does not." with a smirk.

"Actually, my lovestruck face is saying...'I love you more than just my best friend, Wilbur Robinson!'. Crap!. Why am I freaking thinking like this to my best friend!?. Wilbur is my childhood and forever current best friend and nothing else!. Then again...we can be...soulmates!. Damn it I did it again!." Violet shook her head once more to remove those thoughts from her head.

The idea of her being Wilbur's "Girl" is impossible. He will never look at her in that way based upon her logical thinking. Still, it does not hurt to fantasize about the idea. Even if it won't become a reality. Violet noticed Wilbur looking at her with concern as she paused herself when thinking to herself and managed to break the uneasy moment, by reminding him that the two had a bullfrog dissection day in science class today which excited the two of them as they headed that way. The first few hours in school have gone by and all the girls were still following Tony like Walkers chasing runaway people when being attracted to either smell or sound. And of course, Tony, having already the reputation of being the nice guy, did not take the advantage of his handed popularity.

At least it did not seem like it. Unlike the other boys, he was telling them that he was not interested. Now, some of the girls even claimed that the way he rejected them is the sweetest thing that they ever experienced in their lives. During lunchtime, after hearing the gossip from what her friend girls told her, Violet immediately became fascinated with Tony. And she didn't even dare hide it this time around. During lunch, Violet and Wilbur sat at their usual table that is located in the back of the cafeteria along with their other friends. Violet was still smiling at Tony behind her face, which was always covered with her hair. When every time Tony got a glance at their table, Violet would quickly blush and turned away. Wilbur saw her quick-away glance and felt his slight pang jealousy starting to heat back up again.

"...Who're you looking at, Violet?." Wilbur rhetorically asked.

Violet took a few second glances back at Tony and then looked back at Wilbur, only this time she stared at him for more than a second and felt her heart beating hard. A slight blush has shown on her face.

"...I'm looking at the most perfect and most handsome guy in Todayland high school..." Violet whispered to herself, thinking that no one had heard her super low low voice.

"Well, I wouldn't say that I'm the most perfect and most handsome guy in Todayland High school, Vi, but thanks anyway," Wilbur smirked.

Violet almost jumped out of her seat at what just happened. Feeling fear of losing her best friend by accidentally making things weird by saying how she honestly felt for him.

"Did...Did you hear what I just said?." Violet asked, and being mentally prepaid for the aftermath.

Wilbur rolled his eyes. "Nah dip, wannabe Hermione Granger, of course!. Vi, you're totally hooked on this guy!. Buddy, please don't tell me that you are now officially one of his silly fangirls?."

Violet relaxed in relief to know that Wilbur did not comprehend that she was talking about him. Let alone their friendship is saved by a landslide.

"Pfft, he wishes. Unlike the other girls, I have an actual functional brain." Violet smirked proudly. "Besides, a guy like Tony Rydinger will never go for me."

"...A guy like what?." Wilbur asked with great interest as he listened closely.

Violet shrugged her shoulders. "Uh, you know...funny, strong, smart, loves video games, and cute."

"What am I chopped liver?!." Wilbur lifted his arms up in the air. "Okay, Vi, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I was voted as the school's number one class clown. Through my mom, I have a black belt in kung fu and I'm a hundred percent cute overall. I mean look at this."

Wilbur began showing Violet his famous and adorable puppy dog eyes and pout. Violet slightly tilt her head and grinned cheerfully with a quiet laugh in response.

"Okay, Wilbur, I'll give you that one. But you know what I mean. Close to perfect guys will never go out with me. Let alone love me." Violet said, having a sad look of disappointment.

"Well, I wou-." Wilbur stopped himself from talking any further.

Violet looked back at him with alertness as if something important is going to happen. In truth, Wilbur was about to say 'Well, I would not hesitate in going out with you and being your forever boyfriend/soulmate', but stopped himself instantly. Sure, ever since he first saw Violet back in elementary, he can not help but stare at her gorgeous sky blue eyes. And plus, he always wanted to start smiling whenever she starts smiling. But she had a crush on a guy he can not compete with outside of wealth status. On top of that, he did not want to put Violet in an uneasy weird complicated situation feeling. Especially after he broke his promise to her.

"I mean, you are an attractive young lady." Wilbur sees Violet relaxed in a none relief way to his surprise. "You just have to be a lot less shy," Wilbur spoke with a not so forced smile.

"Hell no!. That is a damn total lie!. I don't want for you to be less shy, Violet. I want you to be yourself and nothing more. Because every since I met you, I have always loved you just the way you are. You are my yin to my yang. Like the song from the music group 'New Edition', you are my 'Candy Girl'." Wilbur thought to himself sadly, wanting to just lean over and kiss Violet's slight chapped lips.

"And it won't hurt for you to talk to him and maybe ask him out on a movie date. You will never know if he'll say yes and might have your foot at the door of multiple dates with him." encouraged Wilbur, "Oh, God, please don't talk to him, Violet. He's no good. He's going to do something evil to you, I just know it." He thought with worry.

"Violet smiled with joy. "Yeah...yeah, you're right!. Thanks for the outstanding advice, Will!. What would I do without you?. You know what, I'm going to go find Starla so she can give me some useful tips on asking guys out!."

With that in mind, Violet got up from the table before giving Wilbur her food to eat and then ran out to find their flirtiest friend, Starla. Wilbur smiled when watching Violet walk out with great confidence within herself. Still, he hated himself. He just could not understand why on earth he was smiling. The girl that he loved since elementary just claimed that she wants to go out with the other guy that everyone just met today. But he was smiling regardless. Why?. Was it because he loved her enough to be happy?. Or is it because she was so happy and the fact that her smile has made the pain of telling her to go out with Tony Rydiner is just worthwhile?.

Wilbur doesn't know, but honestly, seeing her so happy just makes him happy. He didn't seem to care. But he did and now he's definitely regretting it.