The bell rang and you rose from your chair as the teacher dismissed you and recited that nights governmental homework to the rest of the class. You had made it through first hour (Physiology) without any additional problems rather than that first run in with the boy who you had later learned was named Lovino. It seemed that all of his friends called him Romano though, a nickname that you figured had to be an inside joke as he blushed slightly and started swearing whenever they used it to tease him. You had drawing second hour and it seemed okay. It was a small class and the teacher seemed pretty carefree. The hour had been mostly spent doodling in your notebook. Next was civics. From what had been discussed today, it was not going to be a challenge. You had completed a way more advanced curriculum for government online already. You knew everything that the teacher had covered, so you spaced out halfway into the hour.

During the beginning of lunch, you discovered that the school had a large field outside for recreational use that you could get to by leaving the cafeteria through the back doors. There were several groups of people scattered over the grass, some were goofing off while others simply talked and ate. There was a very large maple tree towards the middle of the open meadow and you decided it looked like an okay place to eat, seeing how it was currently unoccupied.

Your back pressed against the smooth bark of the shady tree and you let yourself slide to the ground. You set down the food you had grabbed, and payed for, off of the buffet in the lunchroom. There was a dry looking peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of Cheetos that was probably half full of air, a rice crispie treat, and the only apple that had, miraculously, not been bruised by the rough treatment of being washed (and probably dropped). You studied your sandwich warily as you unwrapped it. Better than anything I've got at home, I guess...

"Excuse me, miss?" Your eyes flicked up to see who was speaking to you. He was taller, with long blonde hair that had an odd looking, long curl sticking up from it, and light violet colored eyes. He just looked at you for a moment, not saying anything. The silence felt awkward and it bothered you. Finally, you took the initiative and spoke. "Is this your spot?" His face flushed slightly and he laughed quietly, pushing his wavy hair out of his face with one hand. "No, I don't own the tree. But I do sit here occasionally. Would you mind sharing the shade?" Tilting your head to the side, you considered for only a moment. Well, it's not like I own the tree either. You scooted over pointedly and nodded. He sighed with what sounded like relief, almost as if he expected to be rejected, before smiling and moving forward to sit down cross legged several feet away from you.

Neither of you spoke for a long time. But after awhile, the silence no longer bothered you. This guy had an air to him, quiet, calm, collected, and peaceful. With swift, hidden glances, you studied him. He seemed to just be enjoying the world around him, taking it all in as is he were studying something fascinating to him. The sun, the tree, the other students running and playing Frisbee in the field. Hm, I guess shallow waters do run deep. He turned and caught you staring at him red handed. You felt blood rushing to your face and looked away. He laughed, not meanly, but with a kindness and understanding that high schoolers should not have been able to posses (or master) as he had.

There was a teasing tone to his voice when he spoke. "If I am to be so honored as to be studied with such great intensity, then perhaps it would only be fair to share my name. I'm Mathew. Mathew Williams. Care to return the favor?" he extended his hand, like it was some sort of peace offering. You hesitated before placing yours tentatively in his. "My name is (f/n) (l/n)."

He smiled again. "It's nice to meet you." And then he withdrew his hand and settled back, beginning to eat his food. The two of you stayed like that for a while. Just enjoying each others presence and the warmth of the day. It was nice.

He collected his trash and stood, turning to you he said "Well, lunch is almost over. Care to walk with me?" You smiled and started to pack up your stuff as well. You reached for his out stretched hand and he pulled you to your feet. Woah, he's a lot stronger than he looks. The two of you walked back towards the main building.

You stopped at your locker. "Thank you for walking with me." He smiled softly. "Anytime... I'll see you around, (y/n)?" You returned the smile. "Yeah, that'd be nice. I'll see you around." He turned and walked away, swallowed by the students now crowding the hallway.

-Lovino-

Lovino stood at the end of the hall with his hand clenched tightly around the frame of his locker door. He didn't know why he felt this way. His head pounded with frustration. This emotion could almost be... jealousy? Why should I be jealous?! He told himself furiously. I just met her today. She can walk with whoever she wants... But... why was she smiling? He slammed his locker closed.

"Woah! Romano, what's got you so worked up?" Lovino grumbled, "Go away Antonio." Unhindered, Antonio continued to trot happily after Lovino as he stormed off down the hallway. "Ah, mi amigo, what's got you down? Girl troubles?" Lovino sputtered and blushed. "What?! No! Estupido!" Antonio's face lit up with a large grin and he increased his pace to stride confidently beside Lovino. "Ha, ha! Romano you can't fool me. Just listen, and I'll give you a great lesson in the ways of women..."

15 minutes and one black eye later, Lovino was seated in his 4th hour. He had decided to double up on math credits, therefore he had Algebra 2 this semester and Calculus the next. He hated this class. Honestly, he felt his IQ go up by just by walking through the doorway. Sitting towards the middle of the room with his brother and Antonio, they watched probably the most infamous delinquent in the county terrorize their frightened looking teacher. Snorting, Lovino turned to look at his brother and leaned forward, whispering quietly, "Mio dio, Allen is such a idiota..."

"You got something you need to say, shitface?" Of course he heard Lovino. He always did. "Io non stavo parlando con te." "SPEAK F*CKING ENGLISH, DUMBASS!" Mrs. Brasie scurried out of the room in search of help for what had to have been the 6th time that week. Lovino smirked... but only slightly, he wanted to keep his face arranged the way it was. "Non ti piaccio." Allen's face turned into a deep snarl, his maroon colored eyes gleaming, and he jumped to his feet. "YOU WANNA GO?! YOU LITTL-" The vice principle stormed into the room. "ALLEN! DETENTION ROOM. NOW." Allen froze for a fraction of a second before snorting and bending over to scoop up his bag. As he left the room his eyes returned to Lovino and glinted savagely. His face turned into one of his famous shit eating grins that showed off his missing canine. Later. He mouthed.

Lovino shuddered. He was going to have to watch his back. Wonderful. That's just great. Of course, he was not what one could call a coward. He was a lot of bark, but only bit if necessary. It was unclassy to fight without cause, after all. He'd be okay though. He always managed somehow. Lovino sighed and let his attention return to Feliciano and Antonio. "So, what were we talking about?" Antonio smiled deviously. "Why, your crush, of course."

You'd think one black eye a day was enough for him, honest to God.

*Writer's Note- Man, this story is coming along! Personally, I really like how this chapter turned out :) I'll have more soon! Pinky promise... Peace-Berries and Beans

*Translations (to the best of Google translates abilities, that is):

- Io non stavo parlando con te- "I wasn't talking to you..."

- Non ti piaccio- "I don't like you..."