Chelsea Visions Academy. The halls are filled with the pattering and squeaks of shoes against linoleum. I used to shrink into the crowd but bonding with Havoc has made me stand a head above most of them. It's weird to get accustomed to people looking my way.

My skin feels sensitive after last night. Mom and Dad told me I reeked when I got home so I spent an hour scrubbing in the shower until Hav complained we were chafing. My eyes droop from tossing and turning all night, as I take my seat in class.

I could have helped you sleep.

I know, Hav, but I needed to think.

Gwen's reaction last night. I can't blame her for that. Having your secret identity outed like that must be jarring. But it needed to be said, otherwise it would feel like I was taking advantage of info I'm not supposed to have.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see her enter the room. Her golden hair sways from side to side, its style having changed since her 'extended school leave', as she stumbles wearily towards her desk.

Guilt sits in my chest, knowing it's my fault. But, as Hav reminds me when my teacher starts the lecture, there's nothing I can do about it now. We've never talked in school, so it's unlikely she even suspects me as Havoc.

The end of day bell rings sharply, annoying Hav in my head. Our classmates chat and gather their things while my gaze turns to Gwen again. Curiously, she remains sitting, seemingly unconcerned about leaving class.

With subdued steps, I walk over and see that she's completely out, her chin resting on her propped up arm. I hesitate but gently nudge Gwen's shoulder to wake her.

"Class is done," I say, my voice soft.

Gwen jumps slightly, her eyes focusing and searching around. "Ugh," she mutters, rubbing her eyes, "Sorry, must've dozed there. Thanks for waking me up."

"No worries," I say, "You're… Gwen, right?"

"Uhm, yeah. Gwen Stacy." Our eyes meet and she suddenly pulls some locks of hair behind her ear, her cheeks a bit flush. "Sorry, I, uh, don't…"

I chuckle. "Coryn. Coryn Andrews. We've… actually had a few classes in the past but it's nice to finally talk to you… You're part of MJ's band, right?"

Gwen furrows her brow with surprise. "Yeah, The Mary Janes. I'm their drummer."

"I know," I say with a chuckle, "To be honest, I'm a fan. I saw you guys play at the community center last month. I actually picked up learning bass after that."

"Wow, um, I'm flattered," Gwen says, her cheeks a faint pink, "I'm sure MJ would love to hear that."

I pause, wondering if I should even ask after everything that happened last night. But the words leave my lips anyway. "Hey, I know this is sudden, but would you maybe like to jam sometime?"

I can see Gwen pondering the idea in her head, her eyes turned away. She bites her lip and her gaze meets mine again. Then my heart stops as she answers, her voice soft, "That… sounds nice, actually. Maybe this weekend before our next show?"

. . .

The next thing I know, Dad's telling me not to scratch up the car and I'm driving over to the community center building where Gwen said we'd meet.

You're nervous, Corny.

How can I not be, Hav? Considering everything that's happened, I say while mentally gesturing in a general area.

But your nerves are uncomfortable. I can dull them for you while you're making a racket.

Do you mean 'playing music'?

It is all loud noise to me.

Aren't you resistant to loud noise now?

That may be but that does not mean I enjoy it. I will just sleep or something during.

Alright, grandpa Hav. I'll make sure to treat you to some chocolate later.

There's a silence before it responds, Much appreciated.

I park the car and sling my bass around my shoulder. My steps echo as I enter the auditorium where I see Gwen adjusting the height of her hi-hats.

Gwen looks up and waves at me with a smile that sets my heart racing. "Coryn! You made it!"

"Don't sound so surprised," I say with a smile, noticing the leather jacket and dress she's wearing for the show, "I wouldn't have wanted to miss this. You look great by the way."

Gwen's cheeks turn red as she looks down at her outfit. "U-um, thanks. Anyway, ready to play?"

"Was looking forward to it all week," I say as she takes a seat behind her drums. "So, where do we start?"

"How about you give me a bass line and I'll show you what I've got," she says with a smirk.

I take a moment to think about the song, then place my fingers along the fret. Hoping to ease us into this, I start the solo intro of a track by an older band.

"Woah, Feel Good Inc? Alright, Coryn, I see you," Gwen says as she joins in.

So we jam together, my low notes accompanying her beats, slowly getting used to each other. Our eyes meet occasionally and it feels like my nervousness around her begins to fade.

"What music are you usually into, Gwen?" I ask during a lull.

She presses her palm to her chin, drumsticks in grasp. "The Mary Janes usually play punk rock or metal. But, lately, I've been venturing out a bit. You?"

"Alternative mostly, but I do listen to anything that sounds good," I answer.

"Alright then, I've been really feeling this song. Give it a guess," Gwen starts tapping her drums, the beat light before opening more clearly. My head bobs to it. Yeah, I know this song. It's by one of the greats.

She loops it and I join in singing. Gwen's eyes widen, the beat still going. Then, her voice joins in as we continue playing Love.

When we finish, Gwen looks over at me, a smile tugging at her lips. "Someone didn't mention he could sing."

I joke, "You're one of the lucky few to know."

Dramatically, she places her hand against her chest and says, "Consider me honored then." Then her gaze lowers from mine. "We're supposed to complement each other, you know?"

"Okay, you have nice eyes," I tease.

Gwen's lips curl even though her eyes widen and roll above pink cheeks. "I meant drum and bass, you dork… but thank you."

"Wanna give it a try?" I ask, my eyes pointing to my instrument.

Gwen nods with a smirk. "Swap with me?"

We change spots, helping each other get comfy behind unfamiliarity. My bass hangs loosely over her shoulder. She pulls her hair forward, exposing her neck as I adjust the strap. Then she hands me her drumsticks and shows me what she finds comfy in the driver's seat. I lean toward her, my hand over Gwen's as I move her fingers along the frets, feeling her eyes on me. Then, she shows me an easy beat and we try a song together this way. It's clunky, but more fun than awkward and her laugh is better music than anything we've played so far. Our eyes meet again as the music softens to a close. It's like we're waiting for the other to say something first. And she beats me to it.

"This was…really fun. You're good company, Coryn," Gwen says, her gaze almost expectant as it meets mine.

"You too. I really enjoy spending time with you," I say, the next words just feeling natural to ask, "Would you like to do this more? Maybe… even go on a date?"

Gwen bites her lip as she collects her thoughts that are interrupted with the clank of a door. A girl with fiery curls steps into the room. "Early for once? Are you really Gwen?" her voice calls out before her brow rises with intrigue. "And who's… this?"

"MJ!" Gwen shoots up from her seat. "This is Coryn… he was… helping me warm up for the show!"

"By playing your drums?" MJ counters dryly.

"Yes?" Gwen says.

"Whatever," the redhead says, as a couple more people walk in with their instruments, "Well, we've got our sound check for us to finish. Coryn, you staying for the show?"

"I'd love to but I couldn't grab tickets before they sold out," I answer.

MJ looks over at Gwen then back to me. "Stay anyway. You're already here."

"Oh, you don't have to if you don't want to, Coryn," Gwen says, "Don't feel obligated to."

"No, I want to. Told you, I'm a fan, remember?"

"Enjoy the show," MJ says, patting her friend's back.

Oh good. More noise.

I'll double the chocolate, Hav. Just, please.

Heh. Easy.

As MJ heads to the stage, I feel a squeeze on my arm. "Sorry about that," Gwen says, "MJ's a bit…"

"Much?" I finish, "I get it. Lead vocal vibes, right?"

"You said it, not me," Gwen playfully says.

I nod for her to go on. "Break a leg, I'll be here."

Another squeeze on my arm, and she steps toward the stage, turning with a wink. "Enjoy the show!"

It's not long before the auditorium is filled to the brim with a standing crowd. The Mary Janes erupt on stage with powerful beats and riffs to accompany piercing vocals. Throughout, I watch Gwen lost in the music, giving it her all. When the show comes to an end, we share gazes while I applaud.

Backstage, The Mary Janes celebrate a great show. Gwen runs off stage, still buzzing with energy. A thud against my chest and I realize her arms are around me as she laughs giddily from her performance high. A moment goes by, my arms tentative before wrapping around her waist, a chuckle escaping me.

Gwen's eyes widen with realization and she steps back, tucking loose locks behind an ear. Her eyes dart to the side then meet mine again. "What'd you think?" she asks before biting her lip in a soft half-smile.

I smirk, Gwen looking down at my hand squeezing her arm. "Hmm, it felt like you were pouring your feelings into that show then hitting them with sticks." Then I chuckle. "You guys absolutely killed it in the best way."

"Hey Gwen!" MJ calls out. "Bring your guy over, let's have fun!"

. . .

The Mary Janes celebrate hard and I'm caught up in the punk rock speed of their afterparty. I lose track of whether I'm sticking close to Gwen or if she's the one keeping me by her side. When we finally wind down, Gwen is stepping out of the car's passenger side.

We grab her bagged drum set from the trunk then head up to her apartment, sneaking the bags into her room while her dad is asleep on the couch. With a gentle touch, Gwen closes the door behind us as we enter the hall again. "Thanks for the ride… and helping with my drums."

"Yeah, of course, Gwen. Least I can do for such a great night," I say with a chuckle.

Her eyes fall to the side and I catch a glint of pain in their blue.

"Something on your mind?" I ask.

"No… just… it feels like it's been so long since I last enjoyed spending time with someone like this. Not since…" Gwen lets her words trail.

My voice softens. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Gwen thinks about it for a moment then she nods.

We head up to the rooftop now. The last time we were on one together it didn't end so well. But it's different now. No masks. It feels better. Feels right.

I join her, leaning against the banister, Gwen's elbow touching mine as we gaze into the New York street with a breeze accompanying us.

Gwen's voice is just above a whisper as she speaks. "It's strange… opening up. Letting people in. My friend, Peter, was the only one I could be myself around, as close to it as possible anyway. I used to think I was special. But, when he died, it changed. I didn't deserve it, but it was nice to feel wanted, special… like I did with you tonight. It feels easy with you."

Memories that don't belong to me stir but I fend them off. I focus on Gwen and try to share in her pain. "I knew Peter a little," I say, feeling Gwen look up at me. "He and I… we weren't close enough to be friends, but I guess there was a sense of solidarity we had thanks to the guy who targeted us." I stand up and stop behind her, Gwen turning to me. "But what I do know is, I thought he'd make a great photographer someday. He seemed like a good guy. And he also seemed to think the world of you... you deserve to feel special, Gwen."

She places her head against my chest, her arms tight around my waist. I wrap Gwen in mine and just hold her.

"Why didn't you say anything before? About knowing Peter?" she asks.

"It didn't feel right... the thought of even getting to know you using his memory."

She's silent so I give her time. Then she encircles her arms around my neck while my hands fall to her waist, holding each other close in something that doesn't feel like just friends. Gwen looks up at me, smiling softly, "Let's try it… dating."