Hi I'm just adding a little contribution to the Bare fictionless world. This is my first fanfiction. Ever. So be nice, please! This is a work in progess, and with school and marching band it may be a little while between each chapter, but please have patience! After all, what's the point of writing if no one's going to read it? Please review, it's nice to know what people think. Anyway, this story takes place from when they all first meet, to the end of highschool. So yes, I will cover the musical. Some of these chapters will be quite long, but I'll try not to bore you too much. The title, which I had a hard time thinking of, was taken from the lyric "I loved you from the start" from the title song. It's quite fitting, no? So yea, if you have no idea what this is, or what it's about, it's slash, so if you don't like that, then turn around. Anyway, I won't keep you any longer, enjoy!

There was something about this building. This old, towering building that truly terrified him. Why was he here? Why was he sent to this dismal looking place? There was just an air it gave off. The way it cast its looming shadow over everything near it, and the way it hid the sun behind its towers just made it look more and more like a prison. Well, that's technically what it is, isn't it? Actually, it was a boarding school. St. Cecilia's was a prestigious Catholic boarding school that kids from all over the country were sent to. Why he was one of them, he had no idea. Peter had gone to Catholic school all his life, but even his extended family was surprised when they found out his mother was shipping him to boarding school. He fought tooth and nail at first. What could he possibly expect from a boarding school? He already has religion shoved down his throat everyday, but now it's going to be non-stop, 24 hour, Jesus action. He could just imagine the math class "Now if you have 13 apostles and one traitor, how many apostles are going to hell?" he shuddered at the thought. He didn't hate his religion. In fact, he loved it. He loved going to church on Sunday and he always felt safe at night after he prayed. But he didn't need this much. He could have religion in his life, but he didn't want it to be his life. How could anyone have fun? Did they have fun? That's why he loved his old school. They all led normal lives. They had a family to go home to, just like everyone else. But now, all you have is a roommate. Oh God. Peter had nightmares over who his roommate was going to be. He imagined a short boy with glasses( they always have glasses) who went to bed as soon as the sun went down, and only listened to religious music. Ugh, he was probably one of those who managed to fit a bible quote at the end of every sentence. All he could do was hope that there were some sane people there. He felt bad for the ones who lived across the country. He allowed himself to have the comforting thought that his mom would only be an hour away. Still though, he knew that was not a drive she would not be willing to take everyday. He knew he was going to miss her. By the way, the original question was never answered: Why was he here? Boarding schools were never cheap, and his family wasn't exactly rich. But his mother was adamant. She got the financial support of the whole family, even his father's in order to send him here. He knew there was no escape. What a way to start middle school.

Claire stepped out of the car and popped the trunk to get his bags. "Out. Now." she mouthed at him through the window. Slowly, he opened the door and stepped on the pavement. "Come on, pick up the pace. Grab the rest and let's go. We're already running late." she said sharply, with several bags hanging on her shoulder. He grabbed what was left and they took the hike to the front gates. "Don't they have someone here to help? How do they expect us to carry all this ourselves?" she said breathlessly as she set the heavy load down. After the gate, the walk only got longer. She found the intercom button by the gate, and pressed it impatiently. A loud voice boomed out of the small box "Please state your name and purpose". He held back a laugh as the who situation just reminded him of ordering at McDonalds. "My name is Claire Simmons. I'm here with my son Peter who's starting here next year." his mother yelled into the box. She might as well have said "I'll have the number 6 with extra onions please". "I'm sorry, please state your child's name again." the voice returned. "PETER. HIS NAME IS PETER SIMMONS" she yelled. "Wait one moment." the box answered. Slowly, the metal gate started to creak and open. He might've found this ominous, but he couldn't get over the humor of what just happened. They dragged his things up the long walkway, his mother cursing the school staff the entire time. He was tempted to say "Well, it seems terrible doesn't it? You know, I bet the teachers are bad too" but he knew he would just get scolded, so he didn't bother. When they finally got to the front door, a young a man came to greet them. "Allow me to take your things." he said politely. He was followed by another young man who took the rest. His mothered heaved a sigh of relief, but seemed more indignant then happy. "Finally." she growled. "Do you know where the front office is?" she asked exhaustedly. "Just follow us, ma'am." they said calmly, Peter supposed that they must be used to all the poor parents who had to trek all the way there with their child's luggage. They walked down the wide, locker covered hallways passing numbered doors and numerous staircases. Why were there lockers and classrooms here, wasn't this the dorm building? After a couple of twist and turns, they arrived at the front office. The two men held the door for Peter and Claire and they stepped inside. They walked up to the front desk and the woman up front greeted them with a forced smile. "Welcome to St. Cecilia's, how may I help you?" It was obviously the same woman who they talked to at the gate, so why she was asking this, he didn't know. "I'm here with my son Peter Simmons. He's starting here next year and we need to move him into his room." his mother said, as calmly as she could. The young secretary typed at her computer quickly then said "Wait one moment. Please have a seat." she said, as she got up and went into a door behind her desk. "I swear, if I hear 'wait one moment' one more time…" his mother growled as she took the closest seat. They waited for quite a bit longer then a moment until the young woman returned. Behind her was a tall, cheerful looking woman who looked excited to see them. "This is our guidance counselor Chantelle, she'll be more then happy to escort you to his room." Somehow, Peter believed that. He could tell that she was genuinely interested in meeting him. The African-American woman pushed past them and walked into the hallway. "Well, follow me please." she said and they got up and continued on their hike.

"Thank you so much for this, we would've been so lost." his mother said, trying to start a conversation. "Oh it's my pleasure, I enjoy helping the fresh meat." Chantelle said with a smile. They walked through the winding hallways and even ascended a staircase or two. He noticed that once they got on the second floor, the lockers and classrooms disappeared, replaced with numbered dorms and realized that the school and the dorms were connected. He saw a few other kids walking around with guides and tried to smile at them, but none even met his eyes. "You'll have a great time here." their guide said. "Of course, it'll be even better once I take my final vows." she beamed. "Oh you're going to be a nun?" his mother asked. "Well, if I ever can." Chantelle answered. "I've been working at it for quite some time, but hopefully I'll get it before your boy here graduates." she continued. "Does it really take that long?" Claire asked. "Longer then you think." she replied. "I don't mind counseling for now though. Peter, I want you to know that if anything's up, you can always come to me." she said, smiling down at him. "You'd be surprised at how many meltdowns we get from the 6th graders. It's no surprise though, it's tough being away from your family." she continued. 'Well I feel better' Peter thought as they continued through the hallways. "Ah, here we are, room 524. I think I helped your roommate here already. He seems nice." she said as she slipped in the key and opened the door.

Peter had visions of what the room would be like. A stark white room with two beds, a toilet and a blown up picture of the Virgin Mary above their heads. Fortunately, the real thing was quite different. It was a quaint room, similar to an apartment. It opened into a small living room with a couch, a love seat, and a small TV. It lead into a little kitchen with the essentials, even an oven which Claire looked at quizzically. Along a narrow hallway there was the bedroom which was quite large with two queen sized beds on either side, two desks, and two sets of drawers. No toilet. No giant Mary picture. They set his things down and looked around. Now, the room was plain, which made plenty of sense. However, the random John Deer sign above one of the drawers was a little off putting. Then Peter saw that the desk and drawers on one of the room were already filled. Books were randomly set where ever, and clothes were peaking out of the drawers. Oh Boy. Not only was he going to room with a religious freak, but a messy religious freak. If there was anything Peter hated more then messiness, he didn't want to find it. "Where's his roommate?" Claire asked, sitting on the spring mattress. "Oh he's probably just looking around some more or visiting his sister." Chantelle replied. "Bill, Tim, you can go now." she said, addressing the two men that helped them. "There's probably some more poor souls waiting for you." she continued, shooing them off. "Thank you very much." Claire said. "It was no problem ma'am" one of them replied. "Well, I suppose I should get going too. Claire, are you going to join me?" Chantelle asked, already knowing the answer. "Well…maybe I should help him unpack. Do you want help Peter?" she asked, looking for any excuse to stay longer. "Yes please." he answered, buying into it. Suddenly, Claire burst into tears and hugged Peter close. "Oh my dear, sweet, baby boy." she said as she clung to him. "I love you so much, you hear?" she asked, finally letting go. "I love you too mom" Peter replied, holding back his own tears. How embarrassing would that be? "I don't want to hear anything about you getting in trouble, go that? You behave." she said, her voice shaking.

Bill and Tim went to open the door to leave, and as they opened it, there was a young boy behind it, waiting to enter. "Ah hello there." Bill said. "Your roommate's in there with his mom and Chantelle, he seems nice." he continued. "Thanks guys." the boy replied, entering the dorm. "Well, there he is now." Chantelle said, walking into the living room followed by Claire and Peter. "Jason, it's about time you showed up." Chantelle yelled at the boy. "Now this is your roommate, Peter. He's nice, so I don't want to hear nothing about you bothering him, okay?" she demanded. "Hi." Peter said with a shy smile, holding his hand out. As soon as he saw him, his face lit up. No glasses. Plus, he seemed a bit taller then Peter. He had the feeling that boarding school wouldn't be so bad after all. Though he wasn't sure how he formed this impression just by looking at the boy. "Hi." Jason replied, taking the boy's hand. What was wrong? Jason had been prepared for the worst when it came to his roommate. There was nothing wrong with this boy from what he could tell, but then why was he so scared? He felt his heart race a thousand miles an hour as he shook his hand, and could hardly meet his gaze. God, he could barely breathe. Quickly, he let go, and Peter's expression fell. "I'm his mother, Claire." she said she shook the bewildered boy's hand. "Perhaps you'll be so kind as to help you're roommate unpack?" Chantelle asked. Though it was more of a demand then a question. "Sure." Jason quickly responded. They walked back into the bedroom and started opening Peter's bags. What happened? Peter could tell something was wrong. He could see the boy was flustered. What did he do? All he did was say 'Hi' and shook his hand. Did he really give such a horrible first impression?

They started to put his things away, all the while Claire continued with light conversation. "So where are you from?" she asked. "Not far." Jason replied. Peter knew that he was barely listening. He was deep in thought, but about what? Peter had felt an instant rapport with his roommate. Even if they just met, he felt a connection. He decided it was like brotherhood. After all, what else could it be? He felt like his whole day was ruined now that Jason was upset. But why? It's not as if Peter was never disliked before, but why did this one sting so much? His musings were interrupted as he saw Jason take a neatly folded shirt and just shove it into one of the drawers. "Ah!" He quickly ran up to him and grabbed the shirt. "Please, like this." he said timidly as he took the shirt, refolded it, and gingerly placed it back in the drawer. Jason couldn't help but laugh at the display. He knew it took the poor boy every ounce of his courage to correct him. It was cute. In a little brother sort of way. Right? Right. "What's so funny?" Peter asked, genuinely confused. "Peter! Don't be rude! I'm sorry, he does that to everyone." Claire said, clearly embarrassed. "It's okay." Jason replied. 'Great, I get to spend the next seven years with a neat freak' Jason thought. But for some reason, he wasn't annoyed.

Claire sat on the bed going through Peter's books, but stopped as she saw the interaction between her son and this boy. All of a sudden, the reason came back. She felt her throat clench as that anxiety returned the very reason he was here. But why? He just corrected this boy. That's all. She decided it was just her mind trying to find an excuse to bring her baby home, not to leave him so far away. 'It's for his own good.' she thought to herself. 'Everything will be fine' and she relaxed.

"Well, now I really should get going." Chantelle said as they finished unpacking. "I'll help back to the front Mrs. Simmons." she said calmly, not trying to rush the poor woman. Claire heaved a sigh and tightly hugged her son again. "Alright. I love you. I want you to call me if anything happens." she said. She followed Chantelle out into the hallway. "I think they'll get along just fine." Chantelle said, trying to assuage Claire's apparent discomfort. "Yea. This school, it's a good school, right? It'll teach kids the right way to live, won't it?" she asked. "Of course." Chantelle said proudly. "Don't you worry your pretty little head, we'll take good care of him." she continued. Claire smiled. "Thanks."

Now what? "You can have the bed next to the window." Jason said, trying to clear the tension in the air. "Thanks. You know, back in my house my bed was next to my window." Peter said as he lay down on his bed. Damn, he was smiling again! Jason leaned against the wall next to his drawer and looked out the window. Anything to avoid looking at him. Finally, after several long moments of silence Peter couldn't help himself. "What's wrong?" he asked, sitting up. "Huh?" Jason exclaimed, snapping out of his stupor. "What's wrong? Is something bothering you?" Peter asked again. He hoped to get an honest answer, but already he could tell he would have to pry it out of him. Why did it matter so much? Why was this killing him? "Do you miss your family?" he asked, looking for any reason. "I don't think I miss my parents any more then they miss me. You're lucky you know, I could tell your mom was crying over leaving you here." Jason answered. This was the most Peter had gotten out of Jason. "I'm sorry." Peter said. Jason was confused. Why did he seem so sad? It's a typical response to someone who said something like 'My family doesn't care about me' but for some reason, he knew Peter genuinely felt sorry for him. He could tell by the look on his face that he could sit there and listen to him all night and be completely enthralled. "Eh it's nothing. Plus, my sister's here, so it's not so bad." Jason said trying to add some positivity to keep the poor boy on the bed from crying. "You have an older sister?" Peter inquired. "No, she's my twin."

"Really? Cool."

"Why is it cool?"

"Well, I don't have any siblings, so a twin just sounds like it would be cool."

"Yea, it's not all it's cracked up to be."

"At least you don't get lonely. Do you guys get along?"

"Yea, she's pretty cool. Kind of shy, though. She's never had a lot of friends."

"Oh. Well, neither have I."

"She'd like you, I think."

Peter gave a small laugh "Why?" he asked. "Cause you're cute like that." Jason replied. He did not just say that. Oh well, maybe he didn't notice. Scratch that, he defiantly noticed. "What?" Peter asked, baffled. Jason felt his face get hotter and hotter. "I meant she'd think you're cute." he said nervously. What the hell is going on? "Well…okay then." Peter said, still confused, and a little disappointed, but by what he couldn't tell. "Just forget it." Jason said, and left the room quickly. What's wrong now? Peter was getting tired of this. What in the world was he doing to upset him so much? All he did was try to be nice. He didn't do anything he didn't normally do, so what's wrong here? He was fully prepared to not like his roommate and for the feeling to be mutual. But for some reason this devastated him. His mind wandered back to that last comment Jason made. 'Cause you're cute like that.' he had said. Why didn't that seem as weird as it should be? Normally he would've freaked out if he heard that, but for some reason he felt kind of…he wasn't sure, really.

Jason walked into the bathroom next to their room and closed the door. He turned on the sink and dunked his hands then wetting his face. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. 'Look at me' he thought. 'I'm a mess.' the pink was still in his cheeks and he found he was breathing rather heavily. What happened in there? What's wrong with him? He couldn't get over the expression on that boy's face. He looked so completely confused by what he said. Jason decided that maybe he just shouldn't say anything anymore. That way he won't have to worry about his reaction. No that's stupid. Peter would just ask 'What's wrong' again with that same sad look. That face! What was it about that boy that made him lose his equilibrium? He was just a short kid with a head of neatly combed brunette hair. That's it. Nothing special. It was just the way he said things and the way he looked when he said them. He was contagious. The moment they first met Peter had such a big smile on his face, Jason could barely resist breaking out one himself. But there's no problem with smiling, right? Then why was he so hesitant to return it? Why did he would change if he did? Why were there so many God damn questions?

Peter gave up and got ready for bed. Yes, the sun was barely down, but it was a long day and he was just drained. He turned off the lights and crawled into his bed. He peaked through the cracks in the Venetian blinds and saw a sliver of the moon. He sighed. What a way to start a new school. When did they start school, anyway? That's right. Worry about school. There are more important things then a disgruntled roommate. Plus, if he really didn't like him, he could just switch rooms, right? The more his mind raced the more the pull of sleep loosened its hold. 'I've got to relax' he thought. Sleeping would just be an excuse not to deal with Jason, right? He sighed again. Why was it so easy, yet so hard to talk to him? He closed his eyes, and the image of Jason leaning against the wall earlier materialized in his mind's eye. His troubled blue eyes looking a thousand miles away, and the reds and magentas of the sunset dancing on his golden hair. All this before the moment was ruined. Peter sighed. What "moment" exactly? What was he thinking? All of a sudden the peace he felt before was starting to evaporate. God, what was wrong with him? Oh yea, God. He looked at the cross above the bedroom door. He knew he would feel better after he prayed. He made the sign of the cross "Now I lay me down to sleep.." he continued his silent prayer before adding a little P.S. "Please, tell me what's going on. I know you know. But I don't, and it bothers me. I know you won't let me down. I just need to figure out this whole thing before I go insane. I don't want it to be like this. I just wish I could understand him. Amen." after he was done, he felt the calm he knew he would feel. He knew everything was going to be fine. He would get to know Jason, and Jason would get to know him. The thought of Jason in the sunset returned, and he fell asleep.

Jason turned all the lights in the dorm off and got changed for bed. Yes it was early, but what else could he do? He lay on his bed and turned on his side. Now why did he do that? He should've known that Peter's sleeping form would be right there. He didn't have to worry though. The only expression on his face now was the expression of sleep. How could he be so peaceful? Why wasn't Peter as bothered as he was? He did Peter know that he didn't? This was driving him crazy. At the same time he had to ask himself, what was he fighting? What was this terrible thing that was waiting for him if he gave in? He looked at the boy across from him and was hypnotized by the rise and fall of his chest. He felt himself sinking further and further into sleep. 'Just do it, let yourself go. Sleep is a good thing.' he thought. 'Should I really?' he asked himself. He said a quick prayer and closed his eyes, the image of the sleeping Peter returned, and he fell asleep.

So what do you think? I really am anxious to know. The next chapter will be more about introducing the other characters. I won't dwell too much on the time before their relationship, I'll just try to get a few points across that I think are important. See you in the next chapter!