Chapter Text
“They're poor saps. They beg off the streets for their lunch money!” A Prep by the name of Bif chortled.
Charles felt a little uncomfortable from that as he looked over to the teacher to make sure he was still giving his lecture then looked to Seth.
“It's..kinda ahm..rude to mock people behind their backs..”
Seth stared at him. Blinking before letting a posh laugh leave his lips.” Oh yer funny! He thinks the Greasers are people!” Seth leans in. So close he could almost feel the breath on his skin. “They aren't people. They're poor saps. They'd be living in gutters if it wasn't for Bullworth Academy giving them accommodations.”
“That…doesn't sound..good to mock someone's home life.”
“Oh please. Do you hear that Bif?” Seth landed a rough pat to Charles’ shoulder. Turning his attention to the teacher, a sneer crossed his face. “The new kid has so much to learn. After classes, Charles. Harrington House.”
“Okay…”
After the classes he was nervous. Who wouldn't? He had to make up for music with Mr.Knubbler for the whole conversation that transpired between him and the Preps. But it wauna selfish thing to want to go. Be curious about how the higher ups lived compared to the Dorms.
Just as he reached the threshold between the school and the Harrington House he was stopped.
“Hey Charlie.” Magnus. The voice was so clear. Shit was he still angry about the other night about puking on him? He didn't seem to look angry. Which was a relief in itself as he flicked a cigarette to the ground and wrapped an arm around Charles.” What's Charlie up to? You know this is where the Preps hang out right?” He asked as Charles gulped. Might as well tell him. Right?
“Well…ah..I was invited by Seth to take a tour of the Harrington House..because my parents are..wealthy.” Not that he needed to know the whole ‘my stepfather is the rich guy not my mother’ spiel. But it was enough to earn a slight brow raise from Magnus.
“No shit? Funny I don't see you as a Prep. If I were you. I wouldn't take it..no matter how..enticing it might be..” He whispered into Charles' ear as they rounded a corner. Coming face to face with what looked to be a mansion more than a house. Just outside the building was Seth with a girl dressed nicely in a prep girls uniform as she stood there texting on her phone.” Remember what I said..” was all Magnus said before he shoved him. Almost knocking Charles over. His eyes narrowed as he turned around to protest.
He was gone..his eyes scanning the foreground and background. No sign..where did he-
“Charles! Are you coming or what?” Seth asked. Turning around abruptly to see him getting impatient. Best not see him get pissed. Walking over he was offered a welcoming smile that seemed all too fake. Fixing his glasses Seth gestured over to the girl.” Charles. This is my lovely Girlfriend Amber. Amber, this is Charles. Our potential new recruit into the Preps.”
The girl looked up from her phone for only a second to study Charles. Then looked back down without so much as a word. Charles’ frown strengthened as Seth opened the door to the house. The front looked like the entrance to a fine log cabin. A fireplace in the background. Paintings of a woman hanging on the walls and so on so forth. Charles was in awe. It felt so much warmer than the Dorm. A place that could accommodate its Clique..it had its own library. A museum of sorts on the first floor.
Seth noticed Charles' awe as he looked around and approached the nearest object. An ornate vase most likely imported. It looked legit enough to be considered actual Japanese pottery. He was Standing in a place worth more than his stepfather's business. And he was too scared to touch anything.
“Common. Let me show you around.” Seth said as he hooked his hand around his girlfriend’s waist and pulled her along. Though she didn't seem to mind as long as she had her phone in hand. Leading him to a back room where a bunch of games were displayed. A pool table, a table full of checkers and chess. And a piano in the corner closest to another fireplace that was burning. It's warmth made Charles smile slightly.
After the lounging room he was brought up stairs where the bedrooms were. Most of the doors were closed obviously for privacy reasons. A room directly to the right of him was however. Open. Looking in his eyes widened. The room was a bit bigger than his dorm room. A nice king sized bed with fine sheets and covers. A wardrobe in the farside of the room with a dresser and a large mirror above it facing the bed with a trunk in front of the bed.
Walking in Charles approached a door beside the dresser and opened it. Although it was small. It was a bathroom. A shower, a toilet with toiletries..everything he could hope for in a stay at Bullworth. He could…almost say yes. Almost.
“It's..amazing..but..” The use of the word ‘But’ made Seth lose his facade slightly as Charles cleared his throat.
“I'm going to have to..decline. I have frien-”
“Do you have any friends?” Seth interrupted as his girlfriend sighed. Walking away from them.” I assure you. You don't need them. Not here anyway. You're posh aren't you? Common being a Prep is your true calling despite not being a member of the board.”
“I..” He stammered. Charles was at a loss for words. The things Seth was saying was asinine. Completely crazy. He couldn't keep his friends? Magnus was..strange but he considered him a friend in this hellhole. And Toki? He was the sweetest kid. But before he could protest the door had an unexpected guest.
A Prep. A tall one, possibly the tallest of all of them, stood in the doorway with his arms crossed. Icy blue eyes and long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail as he glared at Seth. Surprisingly not at Charles.
“Who ams this..Seth?”
“O..oh Skwisgaar. Hey. This is Charles. I'm trying to convince him to join the Preps.”
“Ohs?” Skwisgaar looked over to Charles then back to Seth. His eyes narrowed deeply.” Ands dids you comes to mes for permiskins?”
Charles cringed slightly towards Skwisgaar’s miss pronunciation of ‘Permission’. But kept his mouth shut. He sounded different to Toki but also similar? It was hard to pinpoint his accent. But he could almost say Swedish.
“I..uh..no..”
“Yous. Charles ams it?” Skwisgaar’s attention was solely on him at that point.
“Y..yes?”
“Leaves. Now.”
Charles didn't need to be told twice. He rather had not come to begin with at that point as he took his leave. As Skwisgaar approached Seth.
“How's many times?” He hissed towards Seth. His girlfriend was still typing away on her phone to a mindless tune as the new kid left. His blue eyes narrowed deeply as he looked over Seth.
“Many.. look I thought he was perfect. His parents are rich. It's not lik-” a sharp crack exploded across his face. Skwisgaar backhanded him hard.
“Nos. Yous spots a candidates. Yous comes to mes. Ams tells you dis so manys times..” He hissed.
“Right right! I get it! I was a fool!” Seth said as he rubbed his cheek to settle the pain. His lip was bleeding slightly from one of Skwisgaar’s manicured nails.” Kid isn't Prep material anyway..crying about his poor delinquent friends..”
“Ams don'ts cares if he's headsmasters Salacias. Yous ams not leaders of de Preps. I ams. Bests to remembers dat..ja?”
“Yes Skwisgaar..”
As Skwisgaar walked away Seth glared at him. His eyes narrowed in a deep hatred as he clenched his fists.” Who does that swede think he is huh!? I'm a far better leader than he could ever be. And all he does is sit in his room all day doing hell knows what in silence!”
“Who knows. Maybe he's doing his homework? You know? Like all of us should be doing?” Amber asked as she merely glanced up from her phone to acknowledge her boyfriend.
“Homework is for the lower class. It's why I pay the Nerds to do my homework for me, Amber.”
“I don't know. Maybe peek in on him? See what he does?”
Seth smiled as he looked at her.” You're a genius, baby! I'll do just that.”
Amber lowered her phone as she shrugged. “Not now, y’know? Tonight. When it's lights out. It would be less..mm..intrusive?”
“Right you are. I wonder what dirty secrets the swede is hiding from us!’
_______
As Charles walked into the dorm he could see Magnus flicking the back of someone's head. Getting a closer look he could make out that it was Toki watching a show. Oddly enough it was My Little Pony on the old box TV they had sitting in the lounge-room. Slight giggles erupting from Magnus as he got up.
“You know I didn't expect you to be such a bitch Toki. My little pony? Tell me Pipsqueak..is it the magic that makes your mind go crazy or is it the fact you'd like to fuck a horse?”
“Quits Magnus..ams tryings to watch this!” Toki waved his hand a few times as he tried to lean on the couch to catch a better view of the terribly rendered show on the television. Only to get up and sigh.” Why ams you likes this? Ams just wants to watch The shows in peace…”
“Maybe you should stop watching girly shows. It makes you look gay. Oh here. I can show you how to grow a vagina. You get a nice fresh kick to the BALLS!” The kick was swift and painful as Toki crumpled to the ground in a heap. His eyes watering slightly as he let out a high pitched moan of pain. As Charles walked in, Magnus shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Oh hey Charlie. How'd your little tour go?”
“It ah…was…eventful..” that was a word for it as he shrugged.”I declined.”
“Atta boy. Now how's about you and me go and leave something Nathan's locker..?” Magnus whispered lightly into his ear. Holding a glass bottle in his hand. It looked green and relatively sickening. It made Charles cringe.
“What's that..?”
Magnus rolled his eyes. “‘Guhh duhhh what is dat’? Its a stink bomb. Snagged it off one of the nerds. It will be perfect to get back at him with considering he fucked up your shit yesterday.” Magnus smirked as he rubbed his fingers together. Handing Charles the stink bomb with a smirk before he made his way over to the entrance to the dorm and waved his hand.” Common while the school's still open.” He said.
Charles reluctantly looked at the bomb and rolled his head as he looked back at Toki.” I'm sorry Toki. Want to ah.. practice reading after this?”
Toki smiled “Wowwie! Really?!I'ds loves to!”
Magnus looked back.” Coming moron? Or do I gotta carry you?”
“Coming..” He muttered as he followed. His body Tensing slightly as they made their way to the school The Prefects were busy with some rowdy students by the parking lot So it made for the perfect cover to slip into the school leading him over to a side corridor Magnus Peeked around the corner to see Nathan punching his locker. His eyes filled with such anger as he sneered.
“Stupid fucking locker!” He kicked it. Denting the metal almost instantly as his long black hair twisted and shook. Till he noticed Magnus watching him. His green eyes narrowed as he stomped over to him. Then took notice to Charles next to him. Slipping the stink bomb into his pocket before he was noticed he gulped and coughed.
“Oh hey big guy.”
“...you..lunch money. Now.” He pointed to Charles. His eyes widened as he looked at Magnus. Then back to Nathan then sighed.
“Alright..here..” He pulls out his wallet and withdraws five dollars And handed it to Nathan. His arm wrapping tightly around Charles’ neck his fist roughly rubbed against the top of his skull in a violent noogie that made his head spin. Charles couldn't Think straight as Nathan walked off to leave the school.
“Okay the dildo is gone. Go. Pick his locker-”
“I..don't know how to-”
Magnus rolled his eyes deeply as he approached the spray painted locker. Crouched down and put his ear to the locker. Twisting the dial a few times the locker popped open with a positive ‘click’. Revealing the contents of his locker to the free world as Magnus smirked. Grabbing a old jock jacket from the locker and showing it to Charles.
“Looks like the big guy was a Jock at one point.” He hummed. however this didn't sit right with Charles. He was a rule follower. Not a rule breaker. But something about doing these things with Magnus brought a thrilling sensation to his Life. He never got detention or worse from Any of his schools. Straight A student with the academic history of a soon to be pro in the business industry. At least that's what his stepfather said. A positive outcome hopefully in his future despite this whole start being…negative.
Magnus tried on the sweater and tightened it around him. It was baggy and too big for him to properly wear. But he nodded and Looked to Charles with a shit eating grin.
“Magnus No. it's not yours….he'd find out eventually-” he was cut off by a sharp Charlie horse to the arm. His eyes widening in pain as he gagged on his vocal cords in a attempt to not scream in pain as he glared at Magnus who was glaring back.
“It's.not like he's with them anymore. Besides, Looks good on me don't you think?”
“It ah..looks a little big on you..” Charles retorted as Magnus smirked.
“Thanks.”
“That wasn't a compliment..”
Magnus casually waves his hand nonchalantly as he raises a brow.”Whatever. Where's the stink bomb I gave you.? Put it in his locker. I mean throw it in there.”
“But..it will break-”
“That's the point, dumbass. Christ, I thought you were smart!”
His brows furrowed. Dammit. His teasing was something to get on his nerves and it was showing on Charles’ face as he kept his eyes on Magnus as he tossed the stink bomb into the locker. Magnus quickly shut the locker and locked it up tightly.
“Now that's more like it, Charlie boy~!” He hummed as he patted his shoulder.”Common before the Prefects catch us wandering the halls.”
A slight hum left Charles. His smile faint. He couldn't describe it. It was all surreal. It was revenge that didn't even need to happen. But it did and it felt..exhilarating to his core. His body tense with excitement and confusion mixed into one. He's never done anything like this before and it felt…so damn right..
Walking back into the dorms Charles laughed with Magnus. Something Charles rarely did. Always focused On his work rather than friendships. And those he did keep as friends were mostly study groups. But now he felt almost..like a kid. Despite doing things that could result in a beating he felt alive.
“Yo Toki. Get your ass over here! We're celebrating tonight!”
Toki was still in the lounge room. His head perked up as Magnus called him. A smile on his face. That innocent smile kept Charles doing the same. He radiated positivity like uranium radiates radiation. And as he got closer Magnus wrapped his arms around the both of them then started leading them down the hall to his room. A quaint little two bed bedroom.
It was strange. Because Charles had his own room with no need to share but it seemed Magnus had to share his room with none other than..Toki.
One side of the room was covered in posters of metal bands and various memorabilia from Playboy Magazines pasted to the wall while the other hand coloring book pages pasted to the wall. As well as a teddy bear with devil horns on it sitting on a well made bed.
Magnus kicked the door shut and flopped on his bed. Reaching under the bed he pulled out a case and exposed the contents. A metal straw with a small round case that looked big enough for lip bomb. As he opened it the scent of weed filled the air. Making Charles squint.
“Wax? Ams Yous sure, Magnus?” Toki asked. It seemed that Magnus rarely took this out and it showed by Toki’s reaction. A wide grin spreading on his lips as Magnus looked to him.
“Of course I'm sure. This is the best shit I got from my source! I insist. After what Charles pulled off?” He paused as he pulled out a blow torch and started up the music player which started lightly blaring Metallica throughout the dorm room. He waved the flame from the blowtorch over the metal straw and gently placed it over the small case of the jelly-like substance and took a few puffs. The smoke filled his lungs as his eyes rolled back in a state of ecstasy.” I say he's earned it-”
He passes the two items to Charleswho looks at it then back to Magnus who in turn waits in anticipation. A sigh leaving his lips as he placed the straw against the contents of the case and inhaled. His eyes going big as he pulled away to instantly start coughing. A loud laugh leaving Magnus’ lips as he pointed at Charles. His glasses barely clinging to his face as the puff of smoke left his lips in increments with each cough.
“You just keep getting better and better Charles!” Magnus laughed as Toki took the two items from Charles and did the same. Joining them in the high as they all started to relax.
At first Charles didn't feel much of anything. Just the burning in his chest from the puff of smoke he took earlier. Then slowly. His mind started to get foggy. His eyes slowly turned red and then. The giggles. Everything felt funny. Everything was funny as he laid on Magnus’ bed. His eyes pinned on the ceiling as song after song played on the music player.
“You know Charlie..” It felt like a long time before anyone spoke. Time felt so slow as he tilted his head to look at the tall kid who was playing the role of a bad influence in his life now.” Your..kinda cute..”
Charles froze. His eyes still lidded. Still processing the words he just spoke to him. And instead of saying anything he just listened to Magnus ramble.
“These..fuckin stupid meds they got me on..this school is a shit show..but you..you and me..? We can take over this shit hole..”
“Take it over..?” Charles asked curiously as Magnus let out a drugged snort.
“Yeah man..like..make the Cliques our bitches..starting with the bullies..then.I don't know..”
Toki was barely conscious but still managed to speak his mind from his bed.
“How's abouts..a ahhg..bands…?”
“A band? Bullshit. None of these kids got musical talent if it slapped their asses. Not like me anyway.” Magnus chortled as Charles sat up.
“You play..?”
“Guitar. Electric guitar. But playing it in the dorms is A fuckin no no.” He rolled his eyes then shut them. His hair hung in his face as he sighs.”Fuckin Stupid..”
“I ah..think a band is a great idea..music brings everyone together..”
“What's with this ‘Peace’ bullshit? I'm talking about ruling the school, not making a marching band..” Magnus said sluggishly. His red eyes pinned on Charles as he tried to get a sip of water From a water bottle left on his night stand. Something about weed made his mouth feel like it had a Cotton ball in it. It was uncomfortable but not painful. More or less annoying.
“Cottonmouth?” Magnus asked.
Charles furrowed his brows ever so slightly with his swinging of the water bottle.
“Wh..?”
“It's when you get a dry mouth from smoking weed. Feels like a cotton ball is in there.” He explained as he chortled.
“Yeah..sure does feel like it..”
“It goes away.” Toki retorted with a slurred tone.” Ams annoyings but..How ams supposed to gets mad..?”
“Listening to toki talk while high is an acid trip..” Magnus laughed.
“Heys! Ams..laying rights here…”
“Yeahhh? And my name is Mr.Salacia.”
“What..?” Charles was too out of it. But something told Charles that he would remember this more than he'd likely to admit. A low grumble leaving his lips as Magnus grabbed the switch to the lamp next to his bed on the end table and switched it off.
“Cuddle with me..”
Charles blinked. “Wh..?”
“Cuddle..with me.” Magnus repeated with a hum this time. Charles body lax and limp on the bed till he felt Magnus’ arm wrap around him pulling him close.
Charles had always been secretive about his attraction towards men. His sexuality was secret for a reason out of genuine fear his parents would reject him. This? It felt nice and welcoming despite the state his mind was in right now. No worries. No problems. Just the first day of school complete with a prank successfully Pulled off (Aside from the awkward moment with the Preps).
His eyes shut blissfully. A moment of rest wouldn't hurt..would it?
______
“Ey Boss.” It was silent in the auto shop as usual. The red headed boy working away on a bike with a sneer on his face. His eye still slightly blackened From the fight in the Girls attic.
Larry or better known as ‘Peanut’ was standing beside him with a dry expression on his lips. Unmoved and unreadable as Pickles looked up at him. His four brow piercings glowing slightly as he put the oil can down.
“Yer drums are fixed. Made sure to oil up the cymbal's for ya.”
Pickles got up. Compared to the other greasers he was quite short. Standing around five foot six at the most as he slicked his hair back and pulled out a cigarette. Taking a puff of smoke before lightly blowing it into the air.
“Doochbags Won't know a good night's sleep if it slapped em with a dick.” An evil smirk on his lips as he looked at his right hand. Sadistically enthused by the news hievent friend had given him.”Got tha drums set up behind tha house?”
Peanut nodded with a cocky look.” Took a bit to get it set up but yeah. Right on the back of the pickup as you wanted.”
His eyes narrowed. Teeth clenched unconformably tight as he nodded.” I want dat asshole to see who fuckin threw a brick at his window. Rich fuckers..”
Pickles was a kid With more issues than he could count. Not once but twice he had his drum kit smashed to bits by the Preps. Mostly by the orders of his brother rather than their actual leader, Skwisgaar. His guitar smashed to bits as he was tied down to a telephone pole forced to watch as his car was totaled and left abandoned in the ghetto with his guitar.
His brother was always treated better than him. Given an allowance. A home to stay in. A manipulative dickhead was what he was. Seth..that none stained his mind like a damn curse and the thought of waking him up so early in the morning made Pickles laugh.. harmless mostly. Till the Greasers start throwing eggs at Seth through his bedroom window.
He could picture it now as he grabbed his leather jacket and slung it over his shoulders to make his way to the back room to leave. Bullworth Vale wasn't far from the academy. The rich kids mostly prefer to go home than take the time to stay at the school where the Harrington house was. And considering he was related to the asshole. He knew exactly where he lived in Old Bullworth Vale.
His thoughts swam in his head as he petaled his way to his old neighborhood. He didn't miss it. The closed gates and the scent of rich perfumes was just too claustrophobic to him. Not to mention the pompous rich kids that would mock him for how he dressed.
Needless to say, being kicked out of the family was the best thing that could have happened despite being forced to live in an old abandoned apartment complex left to rot years ago. It was that or the Boys Dorm. And he'd rather live with the rats than associate with them. And with Norton being the senior with a pickup. He took advantage of it. And set up his drum kit on it for a speedy get away.
He knew the layout of the house. His brother's room was just up front above the living room. So he pulled up to the house. Norton was waiting with the rest of the greasers who had already spray painted the outside of the house in insults towards the Preps. The egg cartons are ready.
“Ready Norton?”
“Ready as I ever will be, Boss.” The large dark skinned Greaser said as he got into his truck and started the engine. It wasn't too loud, thankfully. Nevertheless the plan was working Well so far. Taking his drum sticks from Peanut who kept them on hand from the school to the destination he smirked. Climbed into the bucket and got on the drum kit.
He started with the cymbal. Three taps to announce it. Then loudly started to play them. A loud cacophony of beated music echoed through the yard like a montra. Each beat leaving a reverberated sense through the air that excited the Greasers more and more as they watched the window in anticipation.
The light turned on in the bedroom. And as the window opened, Pickles stopped his musical assault and pointed his drum sticks at Seth who glared at him from the window. Half asleep.
“Dis one's for you ‘bro’!”
The eggs flew. Being pelted with at least fifteen eggs at once. Some missing and some making their mark perfectly as eggs ran down Seth’s face. His face slightly bloody from the impact as The other Greasers scattered. And with a few pats on the back of Norton's truck he sped off down the street With Pickles in the back still. A big smile drenching his face as he roared in victory.
“Dats right Doochebeg! I'm tha fuckin king around here! Fuck you Seth!”
After returning to the Tenements Pickles gave a thankful pat on Norton’s shoulder. His eyes wide with a sense of pride as he clapped his hands towards the other Greasers who gathered around him.”Boys..boys! Let tha boss speak!”
“Thanks Peanut. Now..tha asshole I call a brother got what was comin to him. And with our team work we fucked him up! These preppies won't know what hit em.” Cheers rippled through the abandoned Tenements from the Greasers. Norton patted backs and pumped his fist.” Alright alright ya bunch of dip shits! Calm yer tit's! Tomorrow…We hit them hard.”
“But how!? We got their second in command house. How else are we gonna one up dat!?” Ricky asked as he rubbed his chin.
Pickles took a moment to think. A smirk crossed his pale lips as he snapped his fingers. “Easy. We get the new kid to do a little favor for us.”
“That Charles kid? He's weaker than a nerd! What do ya think he's gonna do?”
Pickles shut his eyes. Already cooking a plan in his head. “We get him to start a war between the trust fund fairies and those dimwitted Bullies.”
Now that was it. Get the Preps Off their back for a while so they can enjoy some time without getting violated by egg throwing and beatdowns. But some of his fellow Greasers were skeptical of the plan.
“How are you gonna do that, boss? We have Lefty in the hospital and We all got auto class tomorrow. How we gonna convince the new kid to help us?”
“Easy.” Pickles chortled as he withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket.” I'll tell him to give this to the Preppies since they're so close. While class is goin’ on you,” He points to Norton. Handing him another piece of paper ”Give this to Nathan. He's gonna be so pissed. Then. Enjoy the show.”
The boy's unfold the paper. Norton's eyes widening at The contents as he smirks.” I ain't much for starting wars with other Cliques. But this has gotta be your best plan yet, Pickles..”
In the said piece of paper folded in Norton's pocket sat a photo of Nathan naked in the boy's shower. Privacy violated unknowingly. As for Pickles?
Amber. Seth's girlfriend getting dressed in the Girls dorm. In her underwear for all to see. Written under each is the corresponding Clique. The Bullies had ‘supposedly’ taken the photo of Amber while the Preps snuck a photo of Nathan exposed. A fool proof plan as long as the new Kid took the papers and didn't open it. Everything would fall into place.
Pickles smirked as he stretched his arms.” Alright boys. Tomorrow…We start the plan. Remember Norton. Slip it into his locker. He'll know who it's from.”
“Right on you boss. Good night!”
“Night boys.” He waved as he walked down the decrepit halls of the Tenements to his makeshift bedroom. In which held posters of countless rock and roll bands. And in the corner. A broken guitar. A memory that Pickles remembers well.
“You'll get yours Seth..”