Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

charlie dalton: SUP FUCKWADS

steven meeks: charlie what the fuck.

knox overstreet: omg is this a dead poets gc!!!

charlie dalton: no shit sherlock!!!

neil perry: hi everyone!

charlie dalton: before any of you fuckers reply, change yoir names

charlEEZ NUTS: your names are so lame

meeksie: AND YOURS ISNT

charlEEZ NUTS: STFU

obKNOXious: where are pitts and todd

pittsie: wtf do you want

obKNOXious: jesus christ???
obKNOXious: why so hostile???

pittsie: meeks and i are working on our radio, we were in the zone before he went on his phone

neil :): is it working yet!!!!!!!

pittise: no :(

meeksie: no

charlEEZ NUTS: that nice but where tf is todd

neil :): the baby is sleeping
neil :): i stg if you morons wake him up ILL KILL YOU

meeksie: THE BABY??? TF???

neil :): have you ever seen that boy sleeping? hes so fucking cute
neil :): like a lil baby

obKNOXious: i am so single

charlEEZ NUTS: PAUSE.

neil :): what

meeksie: ???

pittsie: why

charlEEZ NUTS: why tf is todd asleep at 7pm
charlEEZ NUTS: fuckin grandpa ass

neil :): leave him alone :(
neil :): he had an anxiety attack and wanted to sleep

obKNOXious: omg? is he ok?

neil :): daddy issues
neil :): and mommy issues
neil :): parental issues

meeksie: so issues in general

neil :): yeah p much

charlEEZ NUTS: poor toddy :(
charlEEZ NUTS: WAIT IS THAT WHY YOU DIDNT LET ME IN 20 MINUTES AGO

neil :): perhaps

charlEEZ NUTS: BITCH IM COMING OVER

neil :): DONT YOU DARE

pittsie: should we stop him

obKNOXious: i fear its too late.

richard cameron: what the hell did i miss

meeksie: oml i forgot cam was in here

cam: i was studying for the latin test tomorrow

pittsie: LATIN TEST?!

meeksie: oh shit i forgot abt that

cam: do you want to look over my study sheets?

pittsie: OMW TO YOUR DORM SO IS MEEKS

cam: i should warn you, theres a war going on across the hall

obKNOXious: ...what

cam: yeah charlie ran out of here and started knocking on neil and todds door and neil came into the hall and started screaming at him
cam: charlie tried to bite neil

meeksie: tf

todd anderson: is that whats going on outside?

obKNOXious: TODD!!!

pittsie: TODD ANDERSON IS HERE

meeksie: are you okay todd?

toad: no :(
toad: i sad :(

meeksie: aww todd :(((

cam: do you need anything?

toad: i need neil and charlie to shUT THE FUCK UP
toad: i want my bf :(

pittsie: jesus, todd cursing is alarming to see

cam: ill take care of it, todd

pittsie: cam????????
pittsie: cam wtf does THAT mean
pittsie: r u gonna KILL THEM

obKNOXious: HAHAHAHA CAMERON JUST OPENED THE DOOR AND SHOVED NEIL INSIDE HIS DOOR AND SLAMMED THE DOOR SHIT IJBOL

meeksie: shit

pittsie: shit

toad: thank you cameron :D

charlEEZ NUTS: fuck you cameron :D

cam: youre welcome todd

neil :): i would like to formally apologize for attacking you charlie

charlEEZ NUTS: sorry i bit you, i got hungry

neil :): what the fuck

charlEEZ NUTS: guys wait

meeksie: what

pittsie: tf you want now?

charlEEZ NUTS: i made this chat cuz i wanted to know if we could have a meeting tomorrow

neil :): can we lowkey invite keating
neil :): i love that funky old man

obKNOXious: ok daddy issues

neil :): bitch we ALL have daddy issues

obKNOXious: im not the one who accidentally called him dad in class last week

neil :): BITCH THAT WASNT EVEN ME THAT TIME, IT WAS TODD

obKNOXious: OH SHIT IT WAS???

pittsie: bro turned RED it was hilarious

toad: NEIL WTF YOU SAID YOU WOULDNT BRING THAT UP AGAIN

neil :): im sorry baby angel pookie love of my life
neil :): wait omg idea

charlEEZ NUTS: oh god what

neil :): todd should invite keating to our meeting tomorrow, that man literally cannot say no to todd

meeksie: no one can say no to todd, his big eyes are just so sad

toad: im not doing that

charlEEZ NUTS: PLEASE TODD

toad: why cant one of you ask? he literally gave all of us his number in case of an emergency, remember?

obKNOXious: he'll say no to us :(

pittsie: ya youre literally his fav student, he wont say no to you

toad: i am not

meeksie: he literally lets you sit in his office to read books while he grades papers

toad: he said i could when i need quiet time

meeksie: none of us got that offer

charlEEZ NUTS: ILL TEXT HIM JESUS

charlie: MR KEATING COME TO OUR DPS MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT

Mr. Keating: Charlie, I told you my phone number was for emergencies only.

charlie: PLEASE COME TO THE MEETONG MR KEATING

Mr. Keating: I appreciate the invite, but no.

charlie: fine have it your way

charlEEZ NUTS: he said no :(((((
charlEEZ NUTS: todd PLEASE ASK HIM.

obKNOXious: please todd? itll be so fun if he comes!

pittsie: the og dead poet needs to come to the meeting

toad: no.

charlEEZ NUTS: FUCK YOU TODD

toad: HEY. >:(

neil :): hang on yall i got this

meeksie: wtf does that mean neil

cam: i dont think i want to know what it means

neil :): todds texting him :)

charlEEZ NUTS: HELL YEAH

todd: hi mr keating :)

Mr. Keating: Hey, kid! Feeling any better?

todd: yes much, thank you
todd: we wanted to know if you wanted to come to our meeting at the cave tomorrow
todd: but you dont have to

Mr. Keating: Did Charlie put you up to this?

todd: no, neil did :)
todd: but i want you to come too, you can read a poem for us!!!
todd: you always pick the best ones in class

Mr. Keating: Fine, I'll be there. But don't get your hopes up, I'm not bringing a Whitman poem!

todd: aw what :(

Mr. Keating: I'll bring an original work instead.

todd: OMG?

Mr. Keating: Don't tell the others, it'll be a surprise!

todd: i wont, thanks mr keating!!!

toad: KEATINGS IN

charlEEZ NUTS: FUCK YES I LOVE YOU TODD

obKNOXious: KEATING AT THE MEETING WE WON

pittsie: IS HE GONNA READ SOMEHTING

charlEEZ NUTS: I WOULD DIE FOR YOU TODD

obKNOXious: SAME

meeksie: the real hero here is neil for convincing todd to ask

cam: fine ill bite, howd you manage that neil? todd is stubborn as hell

toad: he promised to read an extra chapter during cuddle time tonight :D

pittsie: CUDDLE TIME???
pittsie: IS THAT CODE FOR SEX???
pittsie: IN FRONT OF MY FUCKING SALAD???

cam: jesus pitts

neil :): wtf no we cuddle and read together literally every night
neil :): or really, todd lays on top of me while i read my book to him and then he falls asleep

meeksie: you guys are such an old married couple

obKNOXious: stop making the rest of us feel like single losers

meeksie: hey guys

obKNOXious: wtf do you want.

meeksie: bitch
meeksie: i was gonna ask if everyone wanted to gather since we're all in our fuckin dorms anyway
meeksie: like why are we texting when we're all in the same hallway

charlEEZ NUTS: oh shit meeksie got a point

neil :): come hang out in our room!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: COMING

cam: sure, i could use a break from latin

meeksie: pitts and i are coming

obKNOXious: aight fine gimme a sec

toad: hooray!!!

Chapter Text

neil: hey baby whered you go after chem

todd: bathroom

neil: everything okay?

todd: yeah im fine

neil: are you sure?

todd: yes??? i had to pee

neil: OH THANK GOD i was worried about you pookie

todd: lmaooooo no im fine, i just drank too much water during breakfast

neil: thirsty much? ;)

todd: yeah bitch im dehydrated

neil: LMAO DEADASS???

todd: yeah lol i had a headache when i woke up

neil: todd :( why didnt you say something :(

todd: neil. honey. im fine now, i just needed to drink something.

neil: are you sure :(

todd: yes im sure, pinkie promise <3

neil: youre so fucking cute i need to kiss your stupid face right now

todd: :D

pittsie: hey babygirls

cam: ew

pittsie: ew YOU, richard.

cam: fuck you GERARD

pittsie: WIAH WOAH WOAH

meeksie: sometimes i forget your name is gerard

pittsie: tf ???

toad: no no hes right

pittsie: todd.
pittsie: i love you.
pittise: but TF ???????

charlEEZ NUTS: well we all call you fucking PITTS, no one calls you gerard

obKNOXious: youre just ~pitts~

neil :): arm pitts haha

pittsie: i hate you all

toad: even me?

pittsie: yes, TODD, even you rn.

toad: :(

neil :): HOW DARE YOU, GERARD.
neil :): YOU TAKE THAT BACK.

meeksie: holy shit neil

charlEEZ NUTS: im with todd rn and hes just giggling to himself lmao

obKNOXious: wait where tf are you
obKNOXious: we literally have our next class in 5 minutes

neil :): todd said he went to the bathroom

toad: yeah i ran into charlie on the way back and we went to keatings office to remind him about the meeting tonight

cam: hes still coming right? he didnt change his mind?

charlEEZ NUTS: he almost did when he opened and saw me, but then todd made those sad puppy eyes at him and he couldnt say no

toad: we're still in his office lol, charlie is showing him the lava chicken song from the minecraft movie

neil :): WAIT I NEED TO SEE THIS IM OMW

cam: keatings probably so confused haha

pittsie: no way you just said "haha"

cam: stfu gerard

pittsie: DICK

obKNOXious: omw to keatings i must know his thoughts on the minecraft movie

meeksie: why are you all going to keatings WE LITERALLY HAVE LATIN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING IN 2 MINUTES
meeksie: im not covering for you bitches today

toad: charlie told him you guys were coming and he kicked us out :(

meeksie: todd every time you use the frowny face a piece of me dies inside

toad: HUH???

meeksie: youre so wholesome and cute i wanna shrink you and carry you around in my pocket

neil :): stop flirting with my boyfriend

meeksie: bitch im not flirting im stating a fact
meeksie: not my fault your boyfriend is so precious

pittsie: retweet

obKNOXious: this is a todd fanclub

charlEEZ NUTS: todds face is pink rn help

obKNOXious: todd is OUR boyfriend now

neil :): you cant just claim my boyfriend

toad: we're all going to be late for class if you guys dont shUT UP
toad: and no thanks id rather die than date all of your ugly asses <3
toad: ill stick with neil

neil :): bitch you make it sound like a chore…

cam: dramatic ass

toad: noooooo ily

neil :): ily too angle <3

meeksie: ANGLE

charlEEZ NUTS: ANGLE IM YELLING

pittsie: ANGLEEEEE

obKNOXious: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

neil :): yes, angle. because hes acute

toad: STOPPPPPPP

cam: stfu neil you are NOT that smooth

meeksie: did you google that one to save yourself

neil :): mayhaps

toad: well its the thought that counts

cam: the bell just rang and knox and charlie arent in latin, yall are screwed

charlEEZ NUTS: keating and mccalister are besties, if we tell him we were with keating he wont be mad !!!

cam: stfu class is starting

charlie: what time are we meeting to to go the cave

knox: dude???

charlie: what

knox: we're literally in keatings class rn and youre making group chats???

charlie: well when else was i supposed to do it

knox: AFTER CLASS

charlie: yo why is no one else answering

knox: because we're IN CLASS you absolute idiot
knox: wait whats that noise

charlie: idk probably someones phone buzzing

pitts: GUYS

knox: OH SHIT
knox: WE'RE DEAD

Mr. Keating: Gentlemen, anyone up for weekend detention?

knox: MR KEATING NOOOOO
knox: IT WAS CHARLIES FAULT

charlie: ...so THATS whos phone was buzzing

knox: youre such an idiot holy shit

(AFTER CLASS)

neil: oh my god???
neil: i was wondering who was texting keating during class, i shouldve known it was charlie

todd: charlie is always at the scene of the crime fr

meeks: TODD LMAO

cameron: ok but keating lowkey ate with that reply

knox: youre only saying that because youre not the one with detention.

Mr. Keating: Relax, Knox. Neither you nor Charlie are getting detention. I found this situation to be rather funny.

knox: THANK GOD

charlie: oh word
charlie: youre so slay mr keating <3

Mr. Keating: Next time, however, I won't be as forgiving!

charlie: damn

knox: aye aye captain

neil: so what time are we going to the cave

todd: why cant we just go the time we usually go?

charlie: because we have mr keating today

todd: so?

charlie: old people go to bed early

neil: oh my god

knox: i can hear laughter coming from meeks and pitts' room help

Mr. Keating: How old do you think I am?

charlie: idk like 60

meeks: NO WAY

pitts: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Mr. Keating: Good Lord.

charlie: well how old are you then

Mr. Keating: 40. And I should fail you for that insulting answer.

charlie: oh

cam: pitts and meeks are you guys okay

knox: you guys actually sound like youre dying

todd: charlie i know you have no concept of time but theres no way you thought mr keating was 60

charlie: well i dont know, he looks 60

Mr. Keating: That's what teaching students like you does to a man.

neil: mr keating also does not sleep charlie

charlie: what, like, ever?

neil: NO OMFG CHARLIE
neil: i meant early

pitts: sorry we're back

meeks: that was so fucking funny charlie

charlie: bold of you to assume i wasnt being serious…

knox: are you nocturnal mr keating

neil: no way

todd: i cant believe you people are real sometimes

Mr. Keating: I know you boys leave at midnight, so that's when we'll head out tonight.

neil: well thats settled! now if youll all excuse me, im gonna go ram my head into a wall to pretend this entire conversation didnt happen!!!

todd: can i come to your office after dinner for a bit?

Mr. Keating: Sure thing, kid. Everything alright?

todd: yes im okay, i just wanted to discuss a poem i wrote with you
todd: i think it needs some help lol
todd: i got stuck

Mr. Keating: Then we'll get you unstuck! Grab your things after dinner and we'll meet in my office.
Mr. Keating: Is this a poem for the D.P.S. meeting?

todd: idk maybe? if we can get it to where i want it, then maybe i could read it, but idk i hate reading out loud
todd: especially my stuff

Mr. Keating: That's alright, we can work on it. Practice makes perfect, son!

todd: thanks mr keating :D

neil: hi mr. keating! i was wondering if i could come talk to you after dinner tonight. i need some Fatherly Advice™

Mr. Keating: Hello, Neil! Are you okay?

neil: no yeah im fine sorry, its about the next play at henley hall, idk who to audition for
neil: i am terrible at decision-making !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Keating: We can absolutely meet and discuss! However, I'm fully booked for the night already. Would tomorrow work for you?

neil: aw what, who took my mr keating time

Mr. Keating: Todd.

neil: oh well thats fine then, if it was anyone else i wouldve been sad
neil: OMG WAIT can i also run some ideas by you for his birthday present
neil: im trying to write him a poem and its Not Going Well!

Mr. Keating: Of course! I'd be happy to take a look at it with you.

neil: youre the goat mr keating thank you

charlEEZ NUTS: is this the chat without keating

pittsie: yeah lol why

charlEEZ NUTS: THERES NO WAY THAT MAN IS 40

pittsie: LMAO

meeksie: no he is, we've seen his school annual. we know what year he graduated. therefore, we know how old he is. which is 40.

pittsie: wow you sound so smart you wanna make out???!!!

meeksie: we literally just were

charlEEZ NUTS: AYO????????
charlEEZ NUTS: WTFDYM YOU WERE MAKING OUT???

neil :): charles... meeks and pitts have been dating for months

meeksie: yeah lol where have you been

charlEEZ NUTS: DID EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS

obKNOXious: yes

toad: yes

cam: yeah

pittsie: yes :)

charlEEZ NUTS: wtf guys

meeksie: is it national charlie makes a fool out of himself day or something

obKNOXious: national charlie is a flop day

charlEEZ NUTS: stfu guys i swear its just something in the oatmeal i ate this morning
charlEEZ NUTS: i bet nolan POISONED ME

neil :): ok drama king

cam: anyone know whats for dinner tonight?

charlEEZ NUTS: SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS <3 <3 <3

obKNOXious: FUCK YES

pittsie: RACE YOU FUCKERS TO DINNER

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Lovely meeting last night, boys! The poems you chose to read aloud were excellent! Very proud of you all!

neil: omfg thanks dad

charlEEZ NUTS: neil omfg

neil: stfu charles

todd: thanks for coming mr keating!!! :D

cam: your poem was awesome mr keating!

obKNOXious: pls come again!!!

meeksie: YES PLEASE MR KEATING

Mr. Keating: I'll think about it.

pittsie: HOORAY!

charlEEZ NUTS: HELL YEAH

neil: this is so exciting!!!

todd: hey

neil: ???
neil: im sitting 6 feet away from you

todd: i know but im scared to say this out loud

neil: baby whats wrong :(

todd: nothings wrong
todd: NO TURN BACK AROUND YOU CANT LOOK RN
todd: thanks
todd: i just wanted to thank you for holding my hand when i got nervous to read my poem last night

neil: BABYYYYYY :(((
neil: i will ALWAYS hold your hand when youre nervous
neil: why didnt you want to say that out loud?

todd: its embarrassing
todd: like im 17 years old i shouldnt be freaking out over reading out loud

neil: todd, you have anxiety. freaking out over reading out loud is just something that happens for you. and when it does, i promise ill always be there to hold your hand or to read for you or whatever you need to get through it, okay?
neil: why are you sniffling are you sick?
neil: WAIT BABY ARE YOU CRYING

todd: NO
todd: IM NOT

neil: YES YOU ARE OMG TODD :(

todd: youre the best boyfriend ever i love you <3

neil: fuck the chem homework we're gonna make out now

meeksie: GUYS IM GONNA KILL MYSELF

obKNOXious: wtf why

pittsie: please dont

charlEEZ NUTS: NO NO HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO, IM GOING TO TOO

cam: okay what is going on

meeksie: CHARLIE AND I WENT TO GO GET THE CHEM NOTES FROM NEIL
meeksie: AND WHEN WE WENT INTO HIS ROOM

charlEEZ NUTS: NEIL WAS ON TOP OF TODD AND THEY WERE SHIRTLESS AND KISSING

obKNOXious: WOAH WOAH WOAH ARE THEY HAVIBG SEX IN THEIR DORM

neil :): well we arent anymore.

meeksie: were you guys actually

neil :): NO WTF
neil :): if you really must know, we stay above the belt

charlEEZ NUTS: damn yall dating and aint even getting any?

neil :): stfu loser, im getting more than your single ass is!!!

obKNOXious: wait but todd lowkey deserve to make out with neil after that poem last night

pittsie: i deadass thought neil was gonna pounce on todd after he finished his poem

neil :): if keating wasnt there i totally wouldve lol

charlEEZ NUTS: LMAO NOT KEATING COCKBLOCKING YOU

neil :): its like kissing in front of your dad bruh, i would NEVER kiss anyone in front of my dad, and that includes father figures

charlEEZ NUTS: neil i lowkey love your daddy issues

neil :): glad one of us does!

obKNOXious: aNyWaY
obKNOXious: todds poem was literally the best poem ive ever heard
obKNOXious: AND HE ACTUALLY READ IT OUR LOUD ALL ON HIS OWN!!!

neil :): SEE KNOX GETS IT

meeksie: todds poem SLAPPED
meeksie: deadass todd like that shit was GORGEOUS

neil :): todds not answering rn

pittsie: bruh what why, his poem was so good

neil :): hes hiding under his blanket in embarrassment from being walked in on

charlEEZ NUTS: todd we could barely even see you considering the fact that you were UNDER neil

pittsie: todd come back we need to congratulate you on your poem

neil :): hang on hes getting his phone

meeksie: YAY

toad: did you actually like it or are you just saying that

pittsie: DAMN WHO HURT YOU

cam: seriously todd, your poem was really good! if you agree, say aye

obKNOXious: AYE AYE AYE AYE

pittsie: AYE !!!!!

meeksie: AYE

charlEEZ NUTS: AYE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

neil :): AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

toad: guys :(

meeksie: todd are you okay
meeksie: like actually

neil :): hes not used to having people complimenting him
neil :): or being proud of him
neil :): and thats on ~️parental issues️~

toad: yeah, what neil said

charlEEZ NUTS: i have important business to attend to rn, dont have any fun in here without me OR ELSE

obKNOXious: tf???

pittsie: well since i dont wanna die, bye guys?

charlie: MR KEATING!!!

Mr. Keating: Mr. Dalton.

charlie: man you gotta match my energy here
charlie: try again
charlie: MR KEATING!!!

Mr. Keating: MR DALTON!!!

charlie: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Mr. Keating: What do you want, Charlie?

charlie: hypothetically speaking, if you had a friend who had like... ZERO self confidence, what would you do to help him out

Mr. Keating: Is this about Todd?

charlie: how do you ALWAYS know

Mr. Keating: I'm a teacher, it's my job to always know.

charlie: we were all telling him his poem was really good and he thought we were all just saying that to make him feel better
charlie: so what can we do to like make him more comfortable and confident in his work

Mr. Keating: Encouragement goes a long way. Keep encouraging him to write more and try reading his poems out loud. If he sees how much you care about what he has to say, he'll be more inclined to read. Did you tell him via text or in person?

charlie: we were texting

Mr. Keating: Well, make sure all of you tell him to his face as well. I know he struggles with interpreting words over text. Tell him to his face that you liked his poem so he can see that you're being genuine, and he'll know you aren't just saying it to make him feel better.

charlie: we cant do it all at the same time though right?

Mr. Keating: Definitely not. He'll feel ambushed and that you all plotted to tell him at the same time. It'll probably make him feel worse, and like you're not being genuine. Tell him the next time you see him one-on-one.

charlie: dude. todd is literally impossible to get alone. neil is always there.
charlie: sometimes i think todd hates us because hes literally never with us without neil being there lol

Mr. Keating: You'd have to ask him about that.
Mr. Keating: And I know that's not true, you and Todd came into my office the other day and Neil wasn't there. So you CAN get him alone.

charlie: you know something

Mr. Keating: I do. But he told me in confidence, so I will not repeat it.
Mr. Keating: Just know that he doesn't hate you boys. He cares very deeply about you all.
Mr. Keating: You really need to talk to him about this, Charlie.

charlie: as usual, youre right ugh
charlie: thanks for the help mr k!!

Mr. Keating: Of course, kid!

Mr. Keating: Todd, I didn't want to say anything in front of the others because I know you would have been uncomfortable, but I'm extremely proud of you for reading your poem last night! You did an excellent job! You've come such a long way since the beginning of the school year, you should be very proud of yourself! Congratulations, my boy!

todd: can i come to your office right now

Mr. Keating: Of course, is everything okay?

todd: yes everything is fine, im omw

charlie: is everything okay???
charlie: why did todd just run out of your dorm crying???

neil: mr keating texted him that he was proud of todd for last night and todd started crying, hes going to see keating now
neil: my boyfriend is such a sensitive soul i am so in love with him
neil: he got emotional when i said i was proud of him too
neil: its just cause his parents yknow

charlie: is there anyone at this school who doesnt have parental issues

neil: yeah stick

charlie: im sorry WHO???

neil: stick? he sits behind todd in keatings class? he literally sits with us at lunch?
neil: tiny blonde with round glasses???

charlie: HIS NAME IS STICK?
charlie: this whole time ive just been calling him twink in my head

neil: no fucking way

charlie: well everyone in this school has weird fucking names
charlie: knox. stick. spaz. hopkins.

neil: knox's name is 100% weird
neil: stick and spaz are just cruel nicknames that stuck which is unfortunate
neil: and hopkins is his last name

charlie: then what are their real names???

neil: stick's name is oliver
neil: spaz's name is daniel
neil: and hopkins' name is jonathan

charlie: why are those names lowkey worse

neil: bruh your name is fucking CHARLES

charlie: wait go back so stick DOESNT have daddy issues OR mommy issues???

neil: I KNOW RIGHT, I DIDNT THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE
neil: hes literally just a normal kid
neil: i asked him about it and he said his parents were trying so hard to have a kid but kept having miscarriages, so when they finally had him, they cherished him because hes like a miracle for them

charlie: no way he used the word cherished

neil: IM PARAPHRASING BITCH
neil: we talked about it last year

charlie: so this kid just like
charlie: walks around and enjoys life?

neil: yeah pretty much. i mean hes terrible at math tho so that must count for something

charlie: dude
charlie: im gonna go talk to him
charlie: i feel like i need to know his lore

neil: wait can i come
neil: im bored without todd

charlie: codependent FREAKS
charlie: yeah you can come

meeks: yo

pitts: yo

meeks: you wanna go up to the tower and test the radio

pitts: dude gimme like 5 minutes

meeks: why

pitts: im in the lounge watching neil and charlie torture stick

meeks: lmao what

pitts: theyre literally sitting there making him tell them everything about his life

meeks: why??????

pitts: idk, they literally came in an hour ago, sat down next to him while he was in the middle of the trig homework, and started asking him about his childhood

meeks: should we like,,, save him???

pitts: nah, hes just rolling with the punches atp
pitts: like hes just sitting their answering every question he has with a smile on his face
pitts: hes lowkey insane

meeks: hes literally the nicest kid at this school

pitts: bitch im telling todd you said that

meeks: bitch i mean EXCLUDING todd. i think even stick knows that todd is the nicest kid here.

pitts: HELP WHY DID CHARLIE JUST STARE AT STICK AND SAY "so there's really nothing wrong with you?"
pitts: AND STICK GOES "i mean, right now im a little warm, but other than that, im great!"

meeks: i feel like i have so many questions
meeks: but i dont want the answers?

pitts: stick is a fucjing riot man
pitts: love that guy
pitts: k neil and charlie left, ill meet you in our room to get the radio

meeks: hell yeah pookie see you

neil: mr keating is my boyfriend still with you

Mr. Keating: Yes! We talked for a bit and then Todd fell asleep on the chair in the corner. He's still asleep, I didn't want to wake him.

neil: ugh hes so cute
neil: is he okay tho

Mr. Keating: Everything's going to be fine, kid, no worries.

neil: thank you for taking care of him for me

Mr. Keating: You know you boys are like my own kids, I'd do this for any of you. Except maybe Charlie, he's a little feral.

neil: HELLO????
neil: MR KEATING WITH THE JOKESSSS
neil: i cant with til charlie finds out you roasted him

Mr. Keating: Did you want to come by and talk about your next audition? If you don't mind Todd being here, that is. If you'd rather have privacy you could come back later.

neil: nah ill come over now, it gives me an excuse to take more cute pics of him.
neil: omg i also have to tell you what me and charlie did today

Mr. Keating: Hopefully nothing dangerous, I assume?

neil: no no nothing dangerous
neil: hang on im omw

cam: what did you do to stick

charlie: bitch

cam: he just told me he didnt do any of his trig yet and i was supposed to help him study
cam: he said he was talking to you and neil

charlie: oh yeah
charlie: we needed to know the lore

cam: what lore?

charlie: did you know his real name isnt stick
charlie: its literally oliver

cam: yeah i know his name is oliver, we've been friends since our first year here
cam: he was literally my roommate last year

charlie: neil said stick doesnt have like any issues

cam: whats that supposed to mean

charlie: i mean like how all of us have parental issues and anxiety problems and depression and we're all fucking insane
charlie: like stick literally doesnt have any of that
charlie: hes just a chill guy

cam: yeah hes a chill guy
cam: a chill guy who didnt do his fucking trig homework so now i cant tutor him

charlie: well damn. youre certainly not a chill guy.

cam: one of these days im going to smother you in your sleep.

charlie: thanks queen!!!

obKNOXious: where are you all
obKNOXious: its weirdly quiet in the dorms and i dont like it

cam: im in the student lounge with stick

charlEEZ NUTS: stick, my boy! tell him i say hi!!!

cam: stfu

obKNOXious: did i miss something

cam: yes

charlEEZ NUTS: no

pittsie: me and meeks are vibing with our radio

obKNOXious: IT WORKS?!

meeksie: YES!!!

obKNOXious: congrats kings!

charlEEZ NUTS: im hanging out in the luggage room by myself

cam: where are neil and todd?

neil: keatings office
neil: wait look at this
neil: *sent an attachment*
neil: look at him, all sleepy and cute

meeksie: is he asleep in keatings chair?

neil: yeah, hes a sleepy lil guy
neil: and im here talking to keating

charlEEZ NUTS: todd looks so much less anxious in his sleep
charlEEZ NUTS: ive literally never seen him so relaxed before

pittsie: yo you guys wanna come vibe on the tower
pittsie: we're listening to elvis

obKNOXious: OMW

charlEEZ NUTS: im cumming

cam: is that necessary

charlEEZ NUTS: always <3

cam: can stick come?

charlEEZ NUTS: PLEASE BRING STICK

pittsie: YES BRING STICK I WANT TO HEAR HIS LORE

meeksie: neil (and todd) if you guys want to come feel free!!!

neil: in a bit, thanks!

Chapter Text

charlie: hey girliepops happy sunday

knox: dude this is the gc with keating in it

charlie: i know

pitts: HAHAHA

charlie: he deserves to have a happy sunday too smh

neil: happy sunday everyone!

charlie: HAPPY SUNDAY NEIL I LOVE YOU

neil: I LOVE YOU TOO

meeks: whats everyone doing today

charlie: oh yknow just some shenanigans

knox: classic charlie

cam: study group anyone?

charlie: NO
charlie: FUCK OFF

cam: hello??????

charlie: i am not studying on a sunday

pitts: meeks and i are going to hang out on the dock and listen to music rn

knox: im watching conspiracy theory videos

charlie: ooooo im coming to your room rn

knox: please dont.

Mr. Keating: Hello, boys! Happy Sunday!

neil: YAY MR KEATING
neil: what are you doing today!!!

Mr. Keating: Finishing up some grading and heading out for a stroll around campus. How about you, Neil?

neil: todd and i are watching the muppets
neil: hes not texting cause hes like laser focused on the movie lol

charlie: THE MUPPETS!? LMAO

neil: what about the muppets, charles?
neil: answer carefully.

charlie: i am scared of neil but specifically when hes protective of todd

neil: as you should be!
neil: hes so cute
neil: here wait
neil: *sent a photo: a selfie. neil, wearing his glasses, smiles at the camera. todd, laying his head on neils chest, eyes wide as he stares at neils laptop screen. the laptop is propped up on neils lap, playing the muppets (2011)*

meeks: stop hes so cute
meeks: IN A NON-FLIRTING WAY, NEIL

pitts: HE LOOKS SO FASCINATED BY KERMIT THE FROG

knox: can you blame him? kermit the frog is an icon

charlie: has he ever seen the muppets before? he literally looks like hes experiencing the muppets for the first time

neil: no hes seen this before, hes just fascinated

Mr. Keating: Looks like you boys are having fun! Enjoy your Muppets!

neil: thats such a Fatherly™ thing to say

charlie: OK DADDY ISSUES

knox: anyone want to go raid the kitchen, i want ice cream and i KNOW the cooks have a stash hidden somewhere

cam: can i come

knox: YES BECAUSE I KNOW YOURE GOOD AT FINDING STUFF

cam: ???

charlie: remember when i lost my saxophone

cam: yeah i still dont understand how you managed to lose a saxophone in the VENTS.
cam: WHY DID YOU PUT IT IN THE VENTS.

charlie: hell if i know

knox: cameron come to my room rn

charlie: I WANT IN

knox: fine you can come
knox: anyone else?

neil: no thanks knoxy!!

meeks: feel free to join pitts and i when youre done with your quest!

charlie: YOOOO STICK!!!

stick: hi charlie! whats good!

charlie: do you want to join me, cameron, and knox on our quest to find the cooks secret stash of ice cream

stick: when

charlie: right now

stick: yeah sure, im game

charlie: bruh how are you SO chill

stick: idk i just vibe

charlie: i want to be you when i grow up

stick: thanks
stick: i think

charlie: come to me and cams room

stick: alright!

charlie: youre so fucking cool

meeks: toddy boy!!!
meeks: are you done watching the muppets
meeks: when neil sent that pic in the gc i could tell you were like halfway through so i made sure to wait long enough for the movie to end before texting lol

todd: yes! we finished like 10 minutes ago
todd: whats up?

meeks: we found a station that only plays olivia rodrigo on the radio, you guys wanna come to the dock and listen?

todd: omfg yes pls
todd: i love herrrrr

meeks: i know you do lol
meeks: shes literally always playing on your spotify

todd: can neil come?

meeks: well yeah, i thought that was implied lol

todd: oh cool, we'll be out in a few!

charlEEZ NUTS: WE FOUND THE ICE CREAM

obKNOXious: CAMERON IS A GOD

pittsie: omg save some for us

cam: who are you with? meeks?

pittsie: todd and neil are here too, we're literally just sitting on the dock blasting music and vibing

obKNOXious: wait thats so fun its like a double date

charlEEZ NUTS: well we have stick so we're cooler

meeksie: no way youre still bothering him

charlEEZ NUTS: BOTHERING?!
charlEEZ NUTS: i literally asked him if he wanted to find the ice cream with us and he said sure
charlEEZ NUTS: stick is my new best friend
charlEEZ NUTS: sorry neil youve been replaced

neil :): first of all, fuck you
neil :): second of all, FUCK YOU

obKNOXious: no stick is literally so chill its almost funny
obKNOXious: like he straight up just goes with the flow with no hesitation

toad: hes so nice we always work on our history homework together during study hall

pittsie: why is this lowkey turning into a stick fanclub
pittsie: you people need to STOP

obKNOXious: ok enough about stick
obKNOXious: lets talk about how you guys fully built a radio even tho spotify exists
obKNOXious: like why did you build a whole ass radio when all the music you could possibky want is at your fingertips

pittsie: god forbid a girl has hobbies smh

neil :): GUYS MR KEATING JUST SHOWED UP

charlEEZ NUTS: WHAT

neil :): he was literally taking a walk around campus like he said and he passed us and now hes hanging out with us!!!

toad: hes literally laying down on the dock singing along to the beatles with us

neil :): i need this man to adopt me
neil :): im so serious

charlEEZ NUTS: damn neil back at it again with the daddy issues eh?

toad: literally same can he pls be my dad fr

charlEEZ NUTS: he basically adopted all of us lmao
charlEEZ NUTS: hes just has such dad aura

meeksie: guys come to the docks rn pls
meeksie: this is so fun

cam: whats happening now?

meeksie: we're literally all just dancing around to twist and shout

charlEEZ NUTS: CAN STICK COME

meeksie: hell yeah bring stick!!!

cam: we're on our way
cam: except stick, he said he had to finish up his history paper
cam: but he said to thank you for the invite

pittise: bruh hes so nice wtf

toad: MR KEATING LOWKEY CAN DANCE, GET HERE FASTER YOURE MISSING IT

charlEEZ NUTS: SHIT ALRIGHT WE'RE RUNNING

Mr. Keating: Hope you all made it back to your dorms safely!

todd: yes we made it, thank you for hanging out with us!!!

neil: literally please do it again

Mr. Keating: Thank you for having me! That was an excellent way to seize the day! It's nice to see you kids having fun without worrying about the pressures your parents and Mr. Nolan put on you.

charlie: that was so fun im so sad the weekend is over :(

meeks: ugh, i completely forgot it was sunday :/
meeks: boooo class tomorrow

cam: fun weekend >>>>> chem test tomorrow

Mr. Keating: Do you boys want to go outside for class tomorrow? Would that help lift your spirits?

neil: arent we reading our poems tomorrow though?

Mr. Keating: Who says poems can't be read outside?

neil: HELL YEAH

todd: can we go to the garden!!!

Mr. Keating: Ah, yes! No better place to read poetry than a garden! Meet in the classroom as usual and we'll all walk over to the garden together.

knox: mr keating you are literally the best thing that couldve happened to us this year
knox: besides todd ofc

charlie: i second that!!!

pitts: its so nice not having another old smelly teacher like hager

meeks: and a teacher who actually cares about his students

Mr. Keating: Thank you, boys. And it's nice to have students who are truly passionate about what I teach!

neil: i would literally die for you mr keating

todd: NEIL NO

charlie: BAD NEIL

Mr. Keating: Let's all stay alive, please.
Mr. Keating: But I appreciate the sentiment.

knox: mr keating fan club

charlie: YES

Mr. Keating: NO.
Mr. Keating: Go to sleep!

pitts: booooooo

neil: guys come to our room

pitts: yaaaaaaaay!!!
pitts: meeks and i are coming

cam: what are we doing

todd: playing mariokart

cam: IM IN

charlie: OMW

knox: ill bring my extra controllers

neil: THANK YOU KNOXY

Mr. Keating: It's 10pm on a school night, is this really a good idea, gentlemen?

charlie: ALL OUR IDEAS ARE GOOD IDEAS

Mr. Keating: Alright, then. Enjoy your game!

Chapter Text

pittsie: anyone know whats for dinner tonight

obKNOXious: we JUST finished breakfast dude

pittsie: and??? i wanna know about dinner

obKNOXious: what about lunch

pittsie: im not a big lunch girlie
pittise: dinner foods are better

cam: is there a difference?

pittise: YES.
pittsie: spaghetti and meatballs is a dinner food, you dont eat spaghetti for lunch
pittise: a blt is a lunch food, you dont eat subs for dinner

cam: that makes no sense

pittsie: YOU MAKE NO SENSE

neil :): stop texting rn, todd forgot to turn his phone off of vibrate and i can hear it buzzing in his pocket
neil :): he literally looks like hes going to cry

charlEEZ NUTS: dr hager is so old theres NO WAY he hears it
charlEEZ NUTS: todd will be fine

neil :): todd literally looks like hes going to have an anxiety attack
neil :): text later or face your death for causing my boyfriend stress

(after class)

charlEEZ NUTS: SEE TODD WE TOLD YOU HAGER WOULDNT NOTICE

toad: WELL IM SORRY I WAS NERVOUS
toad: GOD FORBID I HAVE ANXIETY

charlEEZ NUTS: dramatic ass, you spend too much time with neil

neil :): he doesnt spend enough time with neil

cam: youre literally together right now.

neil :): STALKER MUCH???

pittsie: CREEPER ALERT

cam: we're literally all sitting in chem. i can see everything you guys are doing.

obKNOXious: how many fingers am i holding up

cam: 4

obKNOXious: you cheated

cam: I CAN LITERALLY SEE YOU

meeksie: do we have soccer practice today

neil :): idk ask keating man

meeksie: no im asking you guys cause i dont want him to know that i dont wanna go lmao
meeksie: i wanna take a nap after classes end

toad: wait actually i did too, im so tired today

neil :): wait baby why :(
neil :): actually hang on

toad: ???

charlEEZ NUTS: i bet all my money neil is texting todd outside the gc rn

neil: baby why are you tired today

todd: didnt sleep well, it was too cold in our room

neil: even with 5 blankets?

todd: yeah and i wore a sweatshirt to bed
todd: im just always cold theres literally nothing else i can do about it

neil: welllllll
neil: there is one thing

todd: what?
todd: cause i will literally do anything if i means actually being able to sleep

neil: you could sleep in my bed :D
neil: or i could sleep in yours :D

todd: PLEEEAAAASE
todd: but you actually have to stay all night, i know you sneak back to your bed after i fall asleep on you

neil: its literally just cause our friends suck at knocking on doors
neil: and because im scared of dr hager tbh

todd: you wake up like a half hour before he dies every morning

neil: DIES

todd: NOOOO THAT WAS A TYPO

neil: TODD WANTS DR HAGER TO DIE!!!

todd: i mean

neil: AYO???

todd: i think everyone at this school does atp

neil: the seniors have a bet going on whether or not hager will die before they graduate
neil: i think they have one for nolan too LMFAO

todd: WAIT THATS SO FUNNY???

neil: I KNOW LMFAOOOO

meeks: mr keating do we have soccer today

Mr. Keating: Aren't you in Latin class?

meeks: yeah but mccalister gave us a study period

pitts: and no one is studying obviiii

Mr. Keating: Yes, we do have soccer practice today.

meeks: UGH
meeks: WHY

neil: are you suuuuure we have soccer practice today

Mr. Keating: Yes, it says so on the schedule. You know, the schedule I made, color coded, and printed for all of you so that you can see it yourselves.

charlie: damn mr k with the sass

knox: ok but hypothetically speaking, what if none of us wanted to have practice today

Mr. Keating: I'm not canceling practice because three of you don't want to go. There's still other students on the team, you know.

neil: fine. i guess we're doing this the hard way.
neil: TODD

todd: mr keating can you please cancel practice?
todd: pleeeeeaaaaaseeeee???

Mr. Keating: I will think about it.

meeks: YES

Mr. Keating: I'll let you all know during class later.

meeks: THANK YOU

knox: i <3 mr keating

neil: i <3 todd

charlie: i <3 charlie

cam: why did you say your own name

charlie: i wanted to be included
charlie: i hate rowing you guys are so lucky you get soccer with mr keating smh

pitts: HAHAHA LOSER!!!

meeksie: TODD I OWE YOU MY ENTIRE SOUL
meeksie: IM NAMING MY FIRSTBORN AFTER YOU
meeksie: YOU CAN BE THE GODFATHER

charlEEZ NUTS: yOu CoMe To Me On ThE dAy Of My DaUgTeR's WeDdInG

pittsie: *boos loudly*

charlEEZ NUTS: stfu

toad: pls do not name your child after me
toad: thats not a blessing, thats a burden

obKNOXious: HELLO?????
obKNOXious: WHO HURT YOU?????

neil :): todd really saving the day with the power of his puppy eyes

cam: i did not think that would work so easily on keating
cam: he took ONE look at you and just sighed and canceled. insane skills, todd.

neil :): todd is just straight up everyone's weakness, like i have yet to encounter one (1) person who can say no to him

toad: my parents, dr nolan, dr hager, the entire balincrest faculty, i could go on.

neil :): ok 1. thats really sad
neil :): and 2. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT

cam: what are you guys going to do with your free afternoon while charlie and i are stuck in rowing?

meeksie: NAP TIME

toad: sleep

neil: tbh probably homework or going over lines for my audition tomorrow

pittsie: to be determined

obKNOXious: shower

charlEEZ NUTS: you have an extra hour today and youre going to use it to SHOWER?

obKNOXious: yes, charlie, because unlike your dirty ass, i actually enjoy being clean and taking care of myself!
obKNOXious: and im tired of the rushed cold showers in the morning, i want a nice long hot shower

neil :): ok self care king! i see you!

obKNOXious: i knew you would get me neil <3

charlEEZ NUTS: k well i guess cam and i will see you all later :(
charlEEZ NUTS: no having fun in the chat without me!!!!!

neil: what are you doing rn

pitts: trying to figure out how to take off meeks' glasses without waking him up
pitts: he fell asleep wifh them on

neil: oh just leave them at this point
neil: its not worth it

pitts: alright then
pitts: what are you doing

neil: watching todd sleep

pitts: oh!

neil: IN A NOT CREEPY WAY
neil: he just looks so soft

pitts: alright then???

neil: do you want to hang out with me :D

pitts: yes!!! what did you have in mind!!!
pitts: save me from meeks' snoring please
pitts: like i love him but holy fuck he snores SO LOUD

neil: bitch SO DO YOU

pitts: shhhhhhhhhh

neil: ...okay anyway!
neil: do you wanna bike down to the far side of the lake and skip rocks!!!

pitts: thats so random???
pitts: BUT YES PLEASE ITS SOUNDS SO FUN

neil: HOORAY! let me leave a note for todd and then we can go :)

charlie: dude.
charlie: the guy who sits in front of me for rowing SUCKS.

cam: and youre telling me this because?

charlie: i dont want you thinking that its me whos fucking up the rowing
charlie: dont need you telling the others im awful at rowing when its literally the freshman who sits in front of me

cam: well i dont even think you suck at it

charlie: YOU DONT?

cam: no, am i supposed to? youre really good at keeping the time.

charlie: omg??? thank you???

cam: youre welcome???
cam: but yeah that freshman is awful
cam: i dont know how nolan let him on the team

charlie: THANK YOU.
charlie: like he doesnt keep the rhythm AT ALL
charlie: AND NOLAN NEVER CALLS HIM OUT ON IT

cam: you dont think this kid is related to nolan in some way, do you?
cam: cause if it was anyone else throwing off the rhythm, we'd get fucking demerits.

charlie: HES A NEPO BABY
charlie: HE MUST BE
charlie: you wanna break into the secretary's office after lights out and look thru her files?

cam: normally i would say no
cam: but im genuinely too curious
cam: i need to know who this kid is and why he never gets yelled at

charlie: sweet we'll go like an hour after lights out then

cam: cool
cam: im working on trig until then, you want help?

charlie: yes please holy fuck

knox: dude i just walked by your room and theres no shouting???

charlie: okay

knox: well its just that usually you and cam are arguing

charlie: oh no hes just helping me with trig

knox: YOURE BEING CIVILIZED!?
knox: WITH CAMERON?!

charlie: hes super chill when hes not so uptight

knox: gee
knox: i wonder why hes so uptight all the time
knox: maybe its because his roommate constantly teases him!
knox: just a thought!

charlie: bruh leave me alone smh
charlie: now im not gonna tell you what cam and i are doing later

knox: YOURE HANGING OUT TOGETHER?!

charlie: oh my god knox
charlie: you know what
charlie: im gonna let you in on the secret
charlie: cameron and i dont hate each other

knox: WHAT

charlie: its literally just a bit lmao
charlie: we've been civilized pals since last spring, we just kept up the appearance

knox: theres no way
knox: did i die and wake up in an alternate universe

charlie: see bitch this is why i dont tell you stuff
charlie: dramatic ass

knox: do you wanna come to my dorm and watch cinemasins videos
knox: when youre done with trig

charlie: fuck yes omfg

meeks: todderson!
meeks: are you still asleep

todd: no, i woke up like 10 minutes ago
todd: how was your nap

meeks: fucking STELLAR hbu?

todd: 10/10 nap

meeks: omg slay!

todd: neil gave me one of his sweaters cause i said i was cold
todd: i love him sm
todd: OH speaking of neil, he left a note saying that he and pitts went to the lake

meeks: i was literally just gonna ask if you knew where my bf was lol
meeks: were you gonna go to the lake?

todd: fuck no, its too cold
todd: and its literally going to start raining, look at the clouds

meeks: LMAO YOU SOUND LIKE MY DAD
meeks: do you wanna hang out while our bfs are hanging out

todd: come to my dorm, i was just about to put on b99

meeks: YESSSS
meeks: omg do you want me to bring any pillows or blankets

todd: OH MY GOD YES BRING THEM ALL
todd: oh this is gonna be so fun

neil :): tell me why me and pitts just got back from hanging out at the lake to THIS
neil :): *sent a photo: Todd and meeks asleep together on Todd’s bed. Todd has his head resting on meeks' shoulder, and meeks has his head resting on top of Todd's. Todd's laptop rests on their laps, the screen illuminating their faces. The light is off in the dorm, but the light from the hallway lights the room. the boys are under blankets are surrounded by pillows*

pittise: our bfs being best friends is so important to me

obKNOXious: wait thats so cute
obKNOXious: *cries in single*

charlEEZ NUTS: what were they watching lmao

neil :): one of the heist episodes of b99 was playing, but i paused it and shut off todds laptop

charlEEZ NUTS: THE HEISTS, OMG THEY HAVE TASTE

cam: there must be something in the air today, literally half the dorms in our hall have people sleeping in them

obKNOXious: its sleepy season

charlEEZ NUTS: or seasonal depression

pittsie: or both

obKNOXious: damn

neil :): ...ok then!
neil :): pitts and i are going to the lounge to go over some chem, anyone want to join before dinner?

obKNOXious: nah, charlie and i are watching youtube videos

cam: ill join if you dont mind, i just finished the trig and now im bored

charlEEZ NUTS: bro are we still on for later

cam: yes oh my god, go back to whatever youre doing with knox

neil :): wait what are you doing later???

charlEEZ NUTS: youll find out soon enough.

neil :): well now im scared

charlEEZ NUTS: you should be!

neil :): oh!

Chapter Text

charlEEZ NUTS: ATTENTION POETS!
charlEEZ NUTS: richard cameron and charles dalton would like to make an announcement!

cam: you do NOT have to be doing all that

obKNOXious: what on earth

pittsie: ???

meeksie: charlie its 5am.

neil :): dude i have my audition this afternoon. i need SLEEP.
neil :): wait is this about your weird excursion that you guys were going on

charlEEZ NUTS: YES.

neil :): oh shit im sat
neil :): spill the tea

charlEEZ NUTS: is everyone here
charlEEZ NUTS: i dont see todd

neil :): hes fucking SLEEPING
neil :): you know, the thing you should be doing.

charlEEZ NUTS: WAKE HIM UP THIS IS IMPORTANT

cam: i definitely think it can wait until breakfast

charlEEZ NUTS: NO ITS CANT

neil :): todds awake, hes gonna read off of my phone cause his is across the room charging and we're cuddly rn
neil :): is that good enough for his royal highness charles dalton?

charlEEZ NUTS: yes thats fine
charlEEZ NUTS: as you know, cam and i snuck out last night and broke into the secretary's office

obKNOXious: uhhhhh????
obKNOXious: we most certainly did NOT know that

charlEEZ NUTS: you didnt?

meeksie: NO

pittsie: no

neil :): i did not know, and neither did todd

cam: ILL START THE STORY THEN.
cam: yesterday after rowing charlie and i were complaining about that freshman whos on the team

charlEEZ NUTS: he totally sucks

cam: yes he sucks
cam: and we thought it was unfair that nolan NEVER calls this kid out like he does the rest of us

charlEEZ NUTS: so we decided to break into the secretary's office to read her files and find out who this kid is

obKNOXious: ok that makes sense

meeksie: whos the kid
meeksie: whatd you learn

cam: his name is andrew NOLAN

charlEEZ NUTS: HES MR NOLANS GRANDSON

neil :): MR NOLAN HAS A GRANDSON!?!?!
neil :): todd says: "MR NOLAN HAS A FAMILY?"

obKNOXious: WHAAAAAAT

meeksie: theres no way mr nolan even has a wife let alone a grandson

pittsie: THERES A NEPO BABY AT THIS SCHOOL
pittsie: SOUND THE ALARMS

cam: gerard. most of us are nepo babies.
cam: a decent amount of welton is made up of nepo babies
cam: YOURE A NEPO BABY

pittsie: oh shit youre right

neil :): todd update: he is giggling into his hands at pitts' nepo baby texts
neil :): ^thought you should all know

meeksie: stop thats so cute
meeksie: pitts im screaming how did you forget

pittise: idk it just be like that sometimes

obKNOXious: wait so what do we do about this nepo baby?
obKNOXious: are we even supposed to know hes nolans grandkid?
obKNOXious: SURELY we wouldve heard about it by now

cam: hes been using a fake last name
cam: thats why no one clocked it

neil :): todd says: "what are we supposed to do with this information"

charlEEZ NUTS: uhhhhhh nothing i guess?
charlEEZ NUTS: you cant tell anyone tho cause theyll know cam and i broke into the office

meeksie: so we just have to live with the knowledge that nolan has a grandson???

cam: yes.

charlEEZ NUTS: and with the knowledge that nolan canonically has had sex

obKNOXious: WOAH WOAH WOAH
obKNOXious: CHARLIE, GROSS.

pittsie: hey so i did not need to know this!!

meeksie: "canonically"
meeksie: youre insane charlie

neil :): IM GONNA THROE UP I DID NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT

meeksie: what does todd say

neil :): todd says: "tell charlie to sleep with one eye open from now on"
neil :): hes so mad you made me wake him up just to tell us that nolan has had sex before
neil :): todd says: "my demisexual ass does not want to hear about this"

meeksie: my ace ass also does not want to hear this!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: the point of this was NOT that nolan has fucked before
charlEEZ NUTS: the point was that nolan plays favorites for his grandchild when he wouldve given us demerits
charlEEZ NUTS: the sex thing was an added bonus

cam: hey! lets not call it that!

charlEEZ NUTS: what? sex thing?

cam: ADDED BONUS, DUMBASS.

neil :): todd says: "im going to push charlie today when he least expects it"
neil :): beware, charles.

charlEEZ NUTS: jokes on you todd, now i know to expect it

meeksie: are we done here, charles?

charlEEZ NUTS: ugh fine. yes we're done here.

neil: can i talk to you after class quickly?

Mr. Keating: Of course, Neil. Is everything alright?

neil: nervous for my audition

Mr. Keating: Ah, today's the big day! Of course you can see me after class.

neil: THANK YOUUU

meeks: yo mr keating! i finished the copy of the picture of dorian gray that you loaned me, can we discuss after classes gst out today?

Mr. Keating: That would be lovely! What did you think of it?

meeks: SO GOOD!!! i literally couldn't put it down!!!

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it! Come by my office after classes end, I'll make some tea and we can chat!

meeks: would it be alright if i invited todd? i know he really likes the book, its one of his favorites
meeks: plus i think itll help keep his mind off of neils audition. i swear that boy is more nervous about it than neil is lol

Mr. Keating: Of course he's welcome! The more the merrier!
Mr. Keating: Just don't bring all of the boys, my office isn't big enough to fit everyone.

meeks: trust me, i wont. i dont even think the others have read dorian gray, other than neil.
meeks: alright see you in class!

Mr. Keating: See you in a bit!

meeks: hey do you wanna come with me to keatings after classes end today?
meeks: he let me read his copy of dorian gray and im going to talk to him about it
meeks: i know its your favorite book so he said you could come along if you want!!

todd: oh really? thats so nice, thanks meeskieeee
todd: id love to tag along :)
todd: if you dont mind

meeks: course not! id love if youd come!

todd: okay then yes ill be there!!!

meeks: hooray!!!
meeks: ok bestie see you after chem!!!

meeks: mission success
meeks: todd will be with me and keating after school

neil: THANK YOU MEEKS
neil: i literally know he wouldve just spent the afternoon stressing and pacing holes in our floor until i got back lol
neil: thanks for conspiring with me xoxo

meeks: wow i get hugs and kisses from neil? i must be special

neil: i appreciate everything you do for todd, youre a really good friend to him. he never had any friends before coming here, and i know hes friends with all of the guys, but hes clicked with you the most and i think thats super awesome. so thank you for being a good friend to him :)

meeks: bro not you making me tear up in chemistry rn
meeks: todds like the little brother i always wanted

neil: dont you have a little brother???

meeks: yeah but hes an asshole
meeks: he breaks my glasses for fun.

neil: oh! well!

meeks: therefore todd is my lil bro

neil: hes the same age as us

meeks: ERM ACTUALLY HES THE YOUNGEST BY 6 MONTHS
meeks: HES THE BABY OF THE GROUP

neil: hes MY baby <3

meeks: bro youre so in love its disgusting

neil: please, as if i dont listen to pitts gushing about you all the time

meeks: my bf does not gush

neil: BRO YES HE DOES
neil: literally yesterday we went to the lake and he talked about how cute you looked when you fell asleep with your glasses on
neil: HAHAHA I JUST WATCHED YOUR FACE TURN RED

meeks: im blocking you

neil: love you too pookie!!!

neil: CHARLIE IM FREAKING OUT

charlie: WHATS WRONG
charlie: WHO DO I NEED TO KILL

neil: uh
neil: i appreciate how will you are to kill for me, but please dont kill anyone
neil :): im too broke to bail my best friend out of jail lol

charlie: then whats wrong

neil: im freaking out about my audition

charlie: i thought you were excited?

neil: i was but like it just settled in that i have an audition and its a HUGE deal
neil: like its fucking HAMLET.

charlie: wait i thought you were trying out for horatio???

neil: no i forgot to mention that when i talked to keating on friday we decided on hamlet instead

charlie: wait pause what

neil: i wasnt really dead set on horatio so i asked keating if he could listen to me read the pieces for some of the other characters and he LOVED when i read hamlets famous soliloquy, he told me that id be a fool if i didnt audition for hamlet, so we practice that for a while and im auditioning for hamlet
neil: which is TERRIFYING.
neil: hamlet is a huge role, very intimidating

charlie: okay but dude. youre an incredible actor. like,,, we all saw you as puck, youll KILL IT as hamlet
charlie: and we'll all go to the show again and when you bow at the end in your little hamlet costume we'll all YAWPPPP

neil: i have to get the part first, charlie

charlie: you will

neil: you sound so sure of it

charlie: well yeah, youre neil perry
charlie: you can do anything you set your mind to

neil: charlie thats so sweet :(
neil: can i give you a hug bff

charlie: RIGHT NOW?

neil: WAIT NO NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF LATIN
neil: SIT BACK DOWN
neil: CHARLFHDLFHFOEKD

charlie: youre welcome!

neil: mccalister is going to give you demerits for that i BET

charlie: naaahhhhhhh itll be fine
charlie: do you feel any better?

neil: a little yeah, thanks char

charlie: :3

charlEEZ NUTS: NEIL
charlEEZ NUTS: YOUR BOYFRIEND IS A MENACE

neil :): i know ;)
neil :): but what specifically did he do this time

obKNOXious: HE JUST PUSHED CHARLIE DOWN THE FUCKING STAIRS

neil :): WHAT?
neil :): TODD???

meeksie: i mean he did say he was gonna push charlie

charlEEZ NUTS: I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED
charlEEZ NUTS: I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED

toad: i pushed you from the last step. one single step. and you barely even stumbled. youre fine.
toad: DRAMATIC ASS

charlEEZ NUTS: AND NOW HES USING MY OWN WORDS AGAINST ME
charlEEZ NUTS: WHAT HAPPENED TO SWEET, QUIET TODD WHO WOULDNT HURT A FLY
charlEEZ NUTS: NEIL YOUVE CORRUPTED HIM

neil :): i did no such thing
neil :): todd was always feral like that, it just took us a while to discover it :D

pittsie: all the quiet ones are the most feral

toad: im not feral im jsut mad charlie woke me up at FIVE OCLOCK IN THE MORNING for absolutely no reason

neil :): get to lunch faster i need to see todds grumpy face

pittsie: BRUH

neil :): he looks like an angry kitten its so cute

obKNOXious: todd is literally stomping down the hall muttering under his breath "one of these days, charlie. one of these fucking days."

cam: wiat todds ACTUALLY mad at charlie?
cam: i thought he was just doing a bit???

todd: it is just a bit, dont tell the others or i will push you down the stairs too <3

cam: HELLO???

obKNOXious: no todd is literally pissed rn

cam: oh!
cam: well at least hes not mad at me

neil :): todd sweetheart do you wanna take a break from charlie today?

charlEEZ NUTS: WHAT
charlEEZ NUTS: IM LITERALLY THE ONE WHO WAS PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS AND YOURE BABYING TODD?!?!?!

meeksie: todd supremacy, sorry dude!

charlEEZ NUTS: this is HOMOPHOBIC

neil: i know what youre doing todd you are not slick

todd: im sitting right next to you, why are you texting

neil: so charlie doesnt hear lol

todd: charlie actually thinks im mad at him, its so funny
todd: i thought we could all use a good laugh today :)
todd: especially you since i know youre nervous about hamlet

neil: you are so sweet my precious little angel

todd: you are insane with the pet names

neil: oh please you love them, you blush every time

todd: no i dont

neil: baby
neil: SEE YOU JUST TURNED PINK
neil: sweetheart
neil: SEE

todd: OH MY GOD STOP IT PEOPLE ARE GONNA THINK YOURE SEXTING ME

neil: no one is gonna think that todd lmfao
neil: ANYWAY
neil: thank you for making me laugh (at charlies expense)

todd: youre welcome
todd: i demand a kiss now

neil: ask and you shall receive

charlie: EVERYONE SEND NEIL POSITIVE VIBES BEFORE HIS AUDITION
charlie: HES LEAVING RN!!!
charlie: POSITIVE VIBES NEIL YOURE GONNA BE AWESOME

knox: BREAK A LEG NEIL

pitts: we love you neilio!!!

meeks: and we're so proud of you!

cam: you got this man :)

Mr. Keating: Break a leg, kid!

todd: NEIL I LOVE YOU

neil: i love you too todd
neil: and thanks everyone :)
neil: i shall carry this energy into henley hall
neil: see you on the other side

(after the audition)

Mr. Keating: Boys, come to the classroom!

charlie: ?

todd: NEILS ON HIS WAY HE TOLD ME TO GATHER EVERYONE

knox: OH SHIT DID HE GET IT!?

todd: I DONT KNOW HE JUST TEXTED AND SAID "get everyone together, im on my way" AND YOU GUYS KNOW I SUCK AND INTERPRETING TEXTS SO I CANT TELL IF THIS IS GOOD OR BAD

pitts: omw
pitts: idk where meeks is

meeks: already there wifh todd and keating

charlie: ill grab cam, hes not on his phone rn

knox: OMW!!!

(a few hours later)

Mr. Keating: Hope you all got back to your rooms before curfew! If not, let me know and I'll send a note to Dr. Hager to get you out of detention!

charlie: we all made it back with one minute to spare

Mr. Keating: Good to hear! Goodnight boys! And congratulations again, Mr. Perry! I look forward to seeing you shine as Hamlet!

neil: THANK YOU MR KEATING :D
neil: AND EVERYONE ELSE

todd: you juuuust fell asleep, so i wanted to leave you a text to wake up to :)
todd: i knew you could do it, neil. you shine brighter than all of the stars in the sky. im so so proud of you and i love you dearly <3

Chapter Text

todd: you juuuust fell asleep, so i wanted to leave you a text to wake up to :)
todd: i knew you could do it, neil. you shine brighter than all of the stars in the sky. im so so proud of you and i love you dearly <3

(morning)

neil: BABY
neil: YOU ARE THE SWEETEST
neil: you are the greatest thing thats ever happened to me
neil: every time you smile, my world gets brighter
neil: i am endlessly in love with you

todd: i love you so much <3

neil: i love you too <3
neil: now that i know youre awake, can i give you a big huggg

todd: yes pleaseeeee
todd: where even are you???

neil: finishing up in the bathroom
neil: be right there my love <3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pittsie: happy wednesday everyone!

cam: whats so happy about it?

pittsie: damn
pittsie: are you good

cam: fine, thanks.

obKNOXious: cameron are you sure?

cam: yes.

neil :): hes punctuating his texts somethings wrong

charlEEZ NUTS: he bombed the latin test from last week, grades were posted on canvas

cam: CHARLIE.

charlEEZ NUTS: dude, its really not that big of a deal. so you flunked one test, just do better on the next one

toad: charlie, i dont think youre helping
toad: itll be okay cam
toad: maybe you could ask mcalister for some extra credit?

cam: no, it is most certainly not okay. my father already called me demanding to know why my latin grade dropped a whole letter becasue of this test.

neil :): maybe you could do a retake?

cam: no, i can't. mcalister doesn't allow retakes.
cam: just drop it. i dont want to talk about it.

neil :): okay cam
neil :): we love you buddy

charlEEZ NUTS: soooo...
charlEEZ NUTS: see you guys at breakfast then!!!

meeks: hey cam, i know youre upset about latin, so i wanted to know if youd like to do our latin hw together every night. not to brag or anything but i have the highest grade in the class, so id be more than happy to help you out. maybe we could do the hw together and then spend an hour or so every saturday going over the lessons. do you think that might help?

cam: are you sure?
cam: i really dont understand what we're learning in class right now, it might take a while to get the hw done.
cam: i dont want to keep you from doing other stuff.

meeks: no its fine, dont worry! i dont mind helping you out at all! sometimes i help todd with latin too, i swear its no big deal
meeks: and i dont do much on the weekends anyways, so i have plenty of time to help you with latin :)

cam: then i would really appreciate your help, thanks

meeks: ofc! come to my room when you get back from rowing and we can start whatever homework we gst tonight!

cam: thank you steven, really

meeks: no problem
meeks: richard

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charlie: not coming to trig today, can you take notes for me

knox: yeah sure

charlie: ...
charlie: thats it?

knox: wdym?

charlie: youre not gonna ask me why i wont be in class?

knox: fine, ill entertain you.
knox: why wont you be in class

charlie: cause i dont feel like going :D

knox: ...
knox: thats it?

charlie: wdym?

knox: HOW ARE YOU SKIPPING CLASS THIS IS THE STRICTEST SCHOOL IN THE STATE

charlie: i have my ways.

knox: ok fine but if anyone asks, i did NOT know about this!!!

charlie: you got it dude

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

toad: charlie where are you
toad: why did you just log the lego movie on letterboxd

neil :): HUH???

toad: GO LOOK, HE LITERALLY JUST LOGGED THE LEGO MOVIE
toad: HIS REVIEW IS "i wish i was a master builder so i can build a tunnel system under my boarding school and convince people that its haunted"

neil :): LMAOOOOO

pittsie: wait i kind of love that idea

cam: why are you watching movies when youre supposed to be in trigonometry

charlEEZ NUTS: oh im just in our room

cam: why???

charlEEZ NUTS: didnt feel like coming to trig so i went to the nurse and told her i had a headache and wanted to lay down so after 10 minutes she gave me a note to explain why im late to class and instead of going to class i went to watch the lego movie

meeksie: thats so valid tbh

charlEEZ NUTS: thank you meeks

obKNOXious: are you coming to lunch

charlEEZ NUTS: YES.
charlEEZ NUTS: I WOULD NEVER MISS LUNCH.

obKNOXious: youre not skipping keatings class are you

charlEEZ NUTS: no, thats the one class i actually like lol
charlEEZ NUTS: im so hyped to hear the rest of your poems
charlEEZ NUTS: its so unfair that i had to do mine in class yesterday and he didnt pick any of you guys
charlEEZ NUTS: at least stick had to go before me

obKNOXious: my poem is shit lmao
obKNOXious: trust me, you dont wanna hear it

meeksie: mines about our radio LMAO

pittsie: WAIT I WROTE ABOUT THE RADIO TOO WTF???

neil :): thats what happens when you date, you share a brain lol
neil :): my poem is a secret

charlEEZ NUTS: todd hbu?

toad: oh its a secret too

charlEEZ NUTS: OOOOOOOOO
charlEEZ NUTS: aight see yall at lunch ig!!!

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todd: mr keating

Mr. Keating: Todd, is everything alright? I saw you abruptly leave the dining hall.

todd: hacing a oanuc attock
todd: cnt typr, sjaky hansd

Mr. Keating: Do you need me to come help? Just type Y or N if you can.

todd: Y

Mr. Keating: The bathroom just outside of the dining hall?

todd: Y

Mr. Keating: I'm on my way, hang on.

neil: youve been in tje bathroom for a while, are you feeling okay?
neil: todd?
neil: baby do you need me?
neil: im coming, so if you see this, just hang tight okay?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: hey
neil: i can see all of your texts but i thought itd be easier to just make a gc and reply to everyone all at once
neil: todd left lunch because he started having a panic attack
neil: i guess he texted keating cause he was sitting on the floor trying to calm todd down when i got there

cam: oh geez

charlie: shit is he okay???

meeks: what set him off? was it us?

neil: he was upset about his poem
neil: he didnt like that we all kept asking him about it, it made him nervous to read it in front of the class and then he spiraled
neil: so keating told him he didnt have to and that he could just give him a copy of it instead
neil: so please dont mention it to todd when you see him, hes really upset and embarrassed

meeks: aww todd :( tell him we're sorry we upset him
meeks: and that we love him <3

pitts: we love you todd!!

knox: wait i have a question
knox: but i dont wanna seem like insensitive

neil: whats up knoxy

knox: how come he was able to read his poem at the meeting the other day?

charlie: prob because we see him all the time so he knows we sont judge him

neil: that plus we're also a much smaller group than our english class. theres like 24 guys in our class but there was only 7 of us plus keating at the meeting on friday. the larger the crowd, the more anxious he gets. he doesnt want people judging him or laughing at him. he knows we wont because we're his friends and we love him, but he doesnt know that the others wont.
neil: and hopkins still makes him a little nervous because hes always laughing at everyones poems

knox: oooohhhhh i see
knox: thank you for explaining neil

neil: ofc!
neil: but yeah, todds still coming down from the attack so hes not going to be in history class. keating has his free period next so hes going to take todd back to his office to recover

charlie: are you coming to history?

cam: i can take notes for you guys, if you want

neil: no its ok cam, ill be in class
neil: i dont want to leave todd but i know he'll be safe with mr keating

charlie: keating will probably let him take a nap in his office
charlie: i know todd really likes that nice armchair keating has in the corner
charlie: he says its soft

neil: yeah he does, he'll probably sleep for a while. he's exhausted
neil: hes trying to catch his breath rn, i feel so bad his chest is heaving so much :(

knox: could you give him a hug?

neil: he doesnt want touch right now

meeks: oh shit its really bad then

neil: yeah
neil: hes literally only allowing us to sit next to him
neil: he let mr keating put a hand on his shoulder too, but thats it

pitts: oh wow, it hasnt been that bad in months

neil: i know :(

charlie: lunch just ended, we're heading to history
charlie: do you want us to let mr edwards know youll be a few minutes late?

neil: could you? only like 5 minutes or so

charlie: we got you man
charlie: and todd too

neil: thank you guys, seriously
neil: see you in a few

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: how is he?

Mr. Keating: He's sitting on his chair in the corner with a cup of chamomile tea, and I put on some classical music for him. A few more tears were shed when we first got here, but other than that, he's doing much better.

neil: talking yet?

Mr. Keating: Not yet, we've been using the thumbs up/thumbs down system for now.

neil: tell him to take a nap, his panic attacks usually take a lot out of him

Mr. Keating: He gave me a thumbs down when I asked if he'd like to get some rest. He's not going to be in class, though. He let me know that he would prefer to stay in the office today instead.

neil: ok ok ok
neil: thank you again mr keating, seriously
neil: you take such good care of him
neil: youd be a great father

Mr. Keating: No need to thank me for something like this. I'd do anything to helo you kids out. In a way, I am already a father.

neil: and todds your favorite son

Mr. Keating: Your words, not mine!

neil: its ok, todds my favorite too

Mr. Keating: When you get to the classroom, come back to the office. Todd just indicated that he wants to see you.

neil: got it, thanks

Mr. Keating: You get back to learning now, alright? Only 30 more minutes and then you can come see him.

neil: 30 more minutes... ugh!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: rowings done, yeah? you still coming for latin?

cam: yeah, i just have to stop by my room and grab my books

meeks: cool, just come right in. pitts is at the library with knox so its just me

cam: alright, be there in a few, thank you again

meeks: stop thanking me or i wont help you with latin

cam: damn ok fine, omw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pitts: come to the library!!!

charlie: why are you in the library

pitts: knox and i were looking through old school annuals cause we were bored and we found nolan's senior annual
pitts: he looks so fucking funny

charlie: YO WHAT IM OMW
charlie: should i bring a marker to deface him?

pitts: dude. do you have a death wish?

charlie: yes <3

pitts: ...then yeah bring a marker

charlie: WOOHOO

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: sorry for not talking

neil: its okay toddy, i know youre still working through things in your head
neil: you dont always have to speak, you know
neil: i enjoy your company whether or not you talk
neil: and believe it or not, im really enjoying reading my script and knowing that youre all cozy in bed under your weighted blanket 6 feet away listening to whatever youre listening to. i like your presence and knowing that youre just here

todd: its really okay if i dont always talk?

neil: of course its okay sweetheart, if youre not up for talking or dont think you can talk, dont force yourself

todd: okay, thanks

neil: always
neil: what are you listening to?

todd: nothing
todd: i have my headphones set to noise cancelling but im not playing any music, i just needed some quiet time

neil: thats alright!
neil: can i get you anything? you didnt eat lunch, are you hungry?

todd: not right now. dinners only an hour away, ill eat something there

neil: okay good. is there anything else i can do for you? or do you want to be left alone for a while?

todd: could you
todd: never mind actually

neil: no, what is it? what do you want?
neil: dont be afraid to ask me for whatever you need

todd: could you just like
todd: sit on my bed
todd: like do exactly what youve been doing, just on my bed instead
todd: i wanna be near you but i still dont want to be touched just yet

neil: thats okay, of course ill sit with you baby, move your feet and ill sit at the foot of the bed, is that good?

todd: yes please

neil: anything for you :)

todd: :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Keating: How are you feeling, son? Any better?

todd: yeah, still not up for talking much though

Mr. Keating: That's alright, you take all the time you need. I'm glad you're doing better though!

todd: thank you for helping me earlier
todd: i know i have neil and the guys, and theyre always willing to help when i need it, but its nice knowing that i have like,,, an adult in my corner
todd: i know you know my parents suck, but whenever i had panic attacks, they just yelled at me and told me to stop acting like a baby
todd: so its nice to have someone that doesnt yell at me and lets me just let it all out
todd: sorry i know thats weird

Mr. Keating: It's not weird at all, Todd. You've been alone for a long time, but you're not anymore. As you said, you have Neil and the rest of the boys, and you will always have me. Even after you graduate from Welton next year, I'll always be here for you to lean on.

todd: thank you, mr keating :)

Mr. Keating: You're very welcome. Get some rest tonight, alright? You could use it!

todd: you too mr keating!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Keating: Hello, boys. It's been a bit of a crazy day today, just wanted to check in and make sure everyone's doing alright before you head to bed for the night.

knox: all good over here mr k! was just about to wind down and watch some videos before bed

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it, Knox!

meeks: cam and i just finished going over latin, so now me and pittsie are gonna watch a few episodes of parks and rec

Mr. Keating: Excellent, Steven. How about you, Cameron? Did your day improve?

cam: yeah, it got better, thanks. im going to sleep early tonight, all this latin is making me tired

Mr. Keating: Good, get some rest then.

charlie: im watching the lego movie 2 and then im gonna watch the lego batman movie

knox: charlie wtf

Mr. Keating: I hope you intend to sleep tonight, Mr. Dalton.

charlie: sleep is for the weak!
charlie: but yes i will eventually

Mr. Keating: Good, good. How about Neil?

neil: neil is cuddling with his boyfriend and reading him poetry to put him to sleep

Mr. Keating: Ah, poetry! Any of the biggies?

neil: uncle walt! todds favorite!

Mr. Keating: Excellent choice, boys!

neil: hbu mr keating?

charlie: YEAH YOUR TURN!!!

Mr. Keating: I'm finishing up some writing and hitting the hay.

knox: WHAT ARE YOU WRITING

meeks: pls tell me its another poem for our next meeting

pitts: we still have to plan that btw

meeks: we'll do that tomorrow

Mr. Keating: It could be a poem. You'll just have to wait and see, gentlemen!

charlie: YOU TEASE

Mr. Keating: Get some rest, boys! Goodnight!

charlie: night mr k

cam: goodnight guys

knox: night!

pitts: sleep well boys

meeks: sweet dreams everyone :)

neil: todd says goodnight too!

charlie: GOODNIGHT TODDY WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH <3

neil: todd says (very quietly): "tell them i love them too"

charlie: AWWWWWWW

neil: go watch your legos, charles

charlie: fiiiiiiine

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Good morning, Todd. Just checking in with you—how are you feeling this morning?

todd: much better, thanks. i slept really well too, which definitely helped. still a little anxious though

Mr. Keating: That's understandable, but I'm glad to hear you slept well! Would you like to stop by my office before your first class? I found a book I thought you might like to borrow. I didn't see it listed on your GoodReads, so I assume you haven't read it yet.

todd: ooo yes please!
todd: can i walk back with you after breakfast?

Mr. Keating: Sounds great, see you then!

todd: see you :)

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charlEEZ NUTS: yo whats the deal for tomorrow night? we having a meeting or no?

pittsie: MEETING

obKNOXious: wait does neil have his first rehearsal tomorrow

neil :): yeah but i should be back at welton by 9, we dont usually have meetings until midnight lol

charlEEZ NUTS: SO WE CAN HAVE A MEETING TOMORROW?

neil :): YES

obKNOXious: HOORAY

pittsie: whos turn is it to bring snacks

meeksie: literally yours lmao

pittsie: oh
pittsie: are pretzels good with everyone?

toad: what shape pretzels?

charlEEZ NUTS: TF DO YOU MEAN WHAT SHAPE

pittsie: theyre pretzel shaped???

toad: no i mean like are they normal, are the sticks, are they the waffle shaped ones, like what shape are they

pittsie: i dont know???
pittsie: i just know theyre pretzels

meeksie: theyre the waffle shaped ones todd
meeksie: and theyre called snaps

cam: does it even matter what shape they are

toad: yes it does

neil :): todd ONLY likes the snaps ones

toad: they taste better

cam: they all taste the same???

toad: no they dont

neil :): todd youre with keating right? you should ask him if hes coming to the meeting!

charlEEZ NUTS: PLEASE ASK HIM
charlEEZ NUTS: I FEEL LIKE I HAVENT SEEN HIM IN AGES

obKNOXious: we literally see him every day for at least an hour

charlEEZ NUTS: yeah but thats not the same as at a dps meeting
charlEEZ NUTS: totally different vibes my dude

meeksie: ask him!!!

toad: ill ask

pittsie: oh hell yes

toad: he says he cant this time but hopes we have fun

pittsie: BOOOO

charlEEZ NUTS: gonna go throw tomatoes at him rn

neil :): damn thats unfortunate
neil :): his poem last week was so good
neil :): im dying to know what other stuff he has written

obKNOXious: im gonna write my own poem this week methinks

meeksie: oh word knoxy
meeksie: we should all write our own poems this week

pittsie: YES IM SO DOWN FOR THAT

neil :): me too! ive been working on a little something in my free time

charlEEZ NUTS: HELL YEAH NEIL
charlEEZ NUTS: im gonna do another ~poetrusic~ poem
charlEEZ NUTS: i need to find my hat

meeksie: your HAT

charlEEZ NUTS: you know, the little black hat that i wear to like all of our meetings???

meeksie: its a beret, charles

charlEEZ NUTS: tomato, tomato

pittsie: that doesnt work over text cause i just read it as tomato twice

neil :): i read it both ways

charlEEZ NUTS: thank you neil, youre my favorite person

neil :): ABOVE STICK?

charlEEZ NUTS: no, thats pushing it

neil :): :(

toad: its ok neil, youre my favorite person

neil :): :)

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todd: do you think everyone would be cool if i didnt read a poem tomorrow

neil: you dont have to do anything you dont want to
neil: if you dont want to read a poem, you dont have to
neil: no one will be upset with you if you dont want to read

todd: promise?

neil: i do promise, no one will bother you about it, okay?

todd: i love you

neil: i love you too <3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: todd doesnt want to read at the meeting tomorrow so please nobody ask him about it!!!

charlie: because of yesterday?

neil: yeah

charlie: no prob!

meeks: i figured he wouldnt want to

neil: yeah hes just still a little upset about what happened yesterday, i told him not to push himself to read just because everyone else is

knox: yeah thats fine dude
knox: if he doesnt wanna read, he doesnt have to

pitts: we dont expect him to every week just cuz he did last week
pitts: we know it takes him a while to get comfortable with this kimd of stuff

neil: thank you guys for being so understanding

cam: neil, todds our friend
cam: we'd do literally anything for him

charlie: yeah id kill a man for him

neil: alright thats enough of this then!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pittsie: i never thought id say this about a keating class... but i am so bored rn

obKNOXious: ok yeah me too, this lesson is not being retained lol
obKNOXious: i will forget it in 20 minutes

neil :): BORED?!
neil :): NO WAY YOU THINK SHAKESPEARE IS BORING

charlEEZ NUTS: willy shakes is laaaaame
charlEEZ NUTS: literally what is he even saying with all those words
charlEEZ NUTS: im just sitting here reading a fanfiction instead <3

neil :): NO WAY
neil :): NO FUCKING WAY
neil :): THIS IS HIS MOST FAMOUS SONNET

toad: i just turned around and neil literally looks like smoke is about to come out of his ears

meeks: LMFAO I THINK KEATINF JUST NOTICED TOO

charlEEZ NUTS: NEIL LOOKS LIKE HES GONNA THROW HIS PHONE ACROSS THE ROOM HAHAHAHA

pitts: its ok neil i appreciate the shakespearean sonnets

neil :): thank you pitts youre my new best friend
neil :): fuck you charles

charlEEZ NUTS: its ok i still have stick

cam: have you and stick even spoken lately

charlEEZ NUTS: i was literally talking to him in latin
charlEEZ NUTS: stick is so cool

cam: charlie i cant with you

neil :): stop texting and distracting me from shakespeare

obKNOXious: damn ok diva

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: MR KEATING
charlie: i sUpPoSe i couldve asked you this after class but i found a really well written 60 chapter fanfiction and really really wanted to get back to my dorm to finish it because i stopped on a cliffhanger
charlie: but i have a question about that essay you assigned us yesterday
charlie: the one where we have to write about our favorite poet

Mr. Keating: Of course, Charlie. What can I do for you?

charlie: does the poet we write about have to be dead

Mr. Keating: Good heavens, no! There are many extraordinary poets living today, you can absolutely write about a living poet! In fact, I encourage you to!

charlie: coolio thanks mr k

Mr. Keating: You're welcome!
Mr. Keating: How's that fanfiction you speak so highly of?

charlie: OH MY GOD ITS SO GOOD

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it, kid!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

knox: dude im gonna finally watch fantastic mr fox and i know its in your four favorites so you wanna come and watch with me

meeks: YES PLEASE YES
meeks: just give me like 10 more minutes, cam, todd, and i are just finishing up the latin worksheet

knox: sounds good man!
knox: i got a bag of smartfood popcorn too

meeks: oh what kind

knox: white cheddar DUHHHHH

meeks: you want me to grab some juice boxes from my dorm omw?

knox: are they fruit punch?

meeks: obviously, im not insane

knox: this is gonna be so fun oh man

meeks: wait i forgot we cant watch it NOW, dinner is in 30 minutes

knox: so? we'll just pause it and go back after dinner

meeks: PAUSE IT!?!?!?
meeks: NOOOOOOOO
meeks: YOU CANT JUST PAUSE A MOVIE AND FINISH IT LATER THATS SACRILEGIOUS

knox: i forgot youre a filmbro ewwwww

meeks: I JUST TOLD TODD WHAT YOU SAID AND HE JUST LOOKED AT ME AND SAID "knox is fucking insane, tell him i said that"

knox: BRUH
knox: hold on, this needs to be discussed in the group

obKNOXious: guys.
obKNOXious: is it okay to pause a movie in the middle to do something else and then go back to it when youre done.

pittsie: HELLLLL NO
pittsie: thats like a massive no no

neil :): why would you start watching a movie knowing that you dont have time to finish it
neil :): like we have dinner in 30 minutes so i wouldnt start watching a movie now, id wait until after dinner

meeksie: THANK YOU NEIL

charlEEZ NUTS: is this an argument youre having @knox @meeks

obKNOXious: no

meeksie: YES.

toad: what movie are we even talking about

meeksie: FANTASTIC MR FOX

toad: YOU CANT JUST PAUSE FANTASTIC MR FOX
toad: THATS A MOVIE YOU NEED TO WATCH FROM START TO FINISH IN ONE SITTING
toad: i mean i feel that way about every movie really
toad: BUT ESPECIALLY MR FOX

meeksie: THANK YOU TODD THIS IS WHY YOURE MY BESTIE

neil :): YOU WERE GONNA PAUSE FANTASTIC MR FOX TO GO EAT DINNER?!?!!?!?!

obKNOXious: i did not think this was such a big deal???

charlEEZ NUTS: dude. i love you bro, but youre insane.

pittsie: knox im grounding you rn

obKNOXious: youre not my mom lmao

pittsie: as the oldest person in this friend group, i am now the mother and i hold the power to ground you

cam: i second this, please ground knox

obKNOXious: damn wtf

charlEEZ NUTS: wait we should have a fantastic mr fox watch party tonight
charlEEZ NUTS: AFTER dinner, knox.

obKNOXious: damn has everyone seen this movie

cam: i have not
cam: but i know everyone else has

neil :): i will gladly rewatch that movie a thousand times
neil :): why dont you guys come to our dorm at like 8 and we can all watch it
neil :): todd is it cool if everyone comes over? i should checked with you first sorry

toad: no no its alright darling <3
toad: yeah come at 8 and bring pillows and blankets and we can watch it on someones laptop

charlEEZ NUTS: or i could just bring the tv into your room

pittsie: why dont we just go to charlie and cams room then

neil :): wait thats a way smarter idea lmao

charlEEZ NUTS: cam is that cool

cam: yeah, fine by me

charlEEZ NUTS: YESSSSSS

meeksie: this is so exciting i cant wait omg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: charlie.
neil: why did mr keating just ask you about FANFICTION

charlie: i told him i was reading during class lol

neil: did you teach him what it is–

charlie: nah he knew alr
charlie: he said that when he was in college he and his friends used to write fanfiction about the two main guys from lord of the rings

neil: WHAT

charlie: I KNOW

neil: mr keating is def a lil fruity theres no way that man is straight

charlie: have you seen him and mcalister together? there is SOMEHTING going on there

neil: you think? i just thought they were good friends
neil: plus doesnt mcalister have a WIFE

charlie: oh yeah i guess so
charlie: either way tho keating is definitely not straight
charlie: thats a bisexual man if i ever saw one

neil: wait isnt keating literally dating a chick bavk in england
neil: he would not be flirting with another man while hes actively in a relationship

charlie: yeah thats true
charlie: EITHER WAY MY POINT STILL STANDS
charlie: he radiates bi energy like knoxy does
charlie: the only difference is that we actually know knox is bi

neil: this is so fascinating im so glad im not the only one who noticed that about keating

charlie: hes a hard person to get a read on tbh
charlie: hes such a mystery
charlie: like why did he end up at welton as a student?
charlie: why did he move to england to teach?
charlie: whyd he come back to welton?

neil: we could just go ask him about his lore like we did with stick

charlie: OH SHIT YOU RIGHT
charlie: thats our mission tomorrow

neil: i love when you call these random side quests "mission" i feel like a spy

charlie: wait i kinda like side quest better now

neil: we can workshop it after dinner

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil :): since toddy fell asleep and i dont wanna wake him up, WHATD YOU THINK OF THE MOVIE KNOX
neil :): ANSWER HERE NOT OUT LOUD YOU ABSOLUTE BUFFOON

obKNOXious: oh sorry, i liked it

meeksie: thats IT?
meeksie: thats ALL you have to say?

obKNOXious: yeah

meeksie: i hate you so much im leaving

pittsie: LMFAO BABE COME BACK
pittsie: that's what you get for insulting his favorite movie knox

obKNOXious: it was really good, im just not a filmbro

charlEEZ NUTS: we prefer ~cinephile~
charlEEZ NUTS: its much more distinguished

cam: i, for one, really enjoyed that movie
cam: claymation is so good we need more claymation films

meeksie: YES CAMERON
meeksie: i cant believe todd fell asleep, he loves that movie

neil :): hes just a sleepy boy leave him alone!!!
neil :): (hes still a little anxious from yesterday, it takes him a little while to bounce back from panic attacks THAT bad, he'll be back to his usual state of anxiousness tomorrow)

pittsie: do you need helo getting him across the hall?
pittsie: as tallest friend and mom of the group, i volunteer to carry todd back to his own bed

neil :): yes pls, carry my boyfriend like a damsel in distress
neil :): ill grab his blanket

pittsie: bruh you dont think i can carry a BLANKET?

charlEEZ NUTS: toddersons got one of those 15 pound blankets
charlEEZ NUTS: theyre awesome but theyre SO heavy when the weight isnt evenly distributed

obKNOXious: wow charlie yoy sound so smart rn

neil :): ive got his blanket dw pittsie!!
neil :): thanks queen!!!

meeksie: wait someone take a vid of this i wanna see

obKNOXious: boo hoo, shouldnt have left so early

meeksie: STFU

charlEEZ NUTS: *sent a video: Neil carefully stands up, lowering Todd's head, which was previously rested on neils shoulder, onto a pillow. Neil takes the gray weighted blanket off of Todd and gathers it up in his arms before stepping to the side to let pitts closer. Pitts slides his arms under Todd's knees and around his back and slowly lifts him into a bridal carry. Todd's head lulls onto Pitts' shoulder as he gets out a soft whine at being moved, so Neil runs his fingers through Todd's hair to soothe him. When he's sure Todd wont wake up, Neil gives Pitts a thumbs up and they begin to walk out of the room. Neil turns to wave goodnight to the camera before pulling the door shut.*

meeksie: im crying my bf and my bff are so cute
meeksie: and so is neil

cam: neil the way you look at todd when hes asleep is insane
cam: its like you invented love or something

neil :): i love him a lot :)
neil :): i cant wait til he wakes up and sees that video
neil :): someone make sure it gets played at our wedding

charlEEZ NUTS: bold of you to assume i didnt already add it to my anderperry wedding album

neil :): ALBUM?!?!!?

charlEEZ NUTS: oh yeah i recird you guys doing cute shit all the time and you have no idea

neil :): well thats slightly alarming

charlEEZ NUTS: GOOD

cam: this was a fun night guys, we should do it again

meeksie: i second that!
meeksie: more movie nights!

pittsie: AGREED
pittise: MAKE DEAD POETS MOVIE NIGHTS A NORMAL THING

obKNOXious: can we do this in the morning, i am so tired rn

charlEEZ NUTS: bitch go back to your dorm then

neil :): goodnight my dear friends!!! i love you all!!!

cam: night neil!

meeksie: KNOXIOUS OVERSTREET
meeksie: YOU ONLY RATED FANTASTIC MR FOX 4 STARS?!?!?!?!?

obKNOXious: uh oh

charlEEZ NUTS: HAHAHAHA
charlEEZ NUTS: BETTER SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN KNOXY

obKNOXious: sigh.
obKNOXious: i hate having filmbro friends.

Chapter Text

neil: hi mr. keating! could charlie and i come by your office before classes start this morning? we wanna have a q&a with you!!!

Mr. Keating: I'm sorry, you want to have a Q&A with me? Why?

neil: we wish to know your lore

Mr. Keating: My lore?

neil: yes!
neil: you know a lot about us because you always let us come and talk to you, but we dont know like anything about you other than the random stuff you casually drop into conversation
neil: like we know your favorite books and music, we know youre super smart and have a lot of experience because you drop the most insanely wise advice like all the time
neil: but we wanna know how you got here!!!

Mr. Keating: I suppose that's fair. Come by after breakfast!

neil: hooray thanks mr keating!!!

Mr. Keating: Should I be scared of these questions you're going to ask me?

neil: definitely

Mr. Keating: Oh. Great.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: why on earth did charlie and neil just book it out of the dining hall after keating lmao

todd: remember how they just went up to stick last week and started like interviewing him about is life?

meeks: yeah

todd: thats what theyre doing

meeks: TO KEATING?

todd: yeah

meeks: that poor man has no idea what hes being roped into
meeks: do you think we should save him

todd: if theyre still there 5 minutes before the first bell, ill go rescue him

meeks: rescuing him from YOUR boyfriend i have to laugh

todd: let it be known that my bf did NOT instigate this
todd: it was charlie again

meeks: "again"
meeks: this happens way too much
meeks: they need to be stopped. both of them.

todd: i fear for the day they ask hopkins for his life story. that kid lowkey scares me

meeks: no neil wouldnt do that, he knows hopkins makes you unfortunate
meeks: *uncomfortable

todd: those two words arent even remotely similar
todd: HOW DID YOU MESS UP THAT BADLY

meeks: stupid text suggestions lmao
meeks: i accidentally clicked the wrong word

todd: oh thats uncomfortable
todd: *unfortunate

meeks: see i know youre making fun of me because i can see you smirking from across the table.
meeks: you aint slick!!!

todd: wait meeks?

meeks: whats up toddy boy?

todd: not to be weird and sappy and emo or anything but i love being your friend

meeks: TODD???

todd: YES???
todd: stfu stop looking at me like that
todd: god forbid a guy values his friendships

meeks: TODD STOPPPP I LOVE YOU OMG???
meeks: I VALUE OUR FRIENDSHIP SO MUCH TOO
meeks: i mean the other guys are great but me and you?
meeks: man youre my brother

todd: youre the brother i wish i had <3

meeks: youre the brother i wish i had too <3
meeks: literally fuck our real brothers

todd: FUCK THEM THEY SUCK

meeks: wait is there a reason youre telling me this now

todd: idk we were making jokes about autocorrect and suddenly i was filled with this very intense wave of wow i love being this guys friend

meeks: bro
meeks: i love being your friend too
meeks: hang on im getting up to give you a hug

todd: :D

pitts: *sent a video: Meeks stands behind Todd, who is sitting at the table with a plate of toast in front of him. Meeks has his arms wrapped around Todd, hugging him from behind. Todd's hands rest on Meeks' arms as meeks rocks them back and forth. They both have large smiles on their faces. Knox, who is sitting next to Todd and keeps getting bumped into, looks at them strangely. Meeks gives Todd one last squeeze before ruffling his hair and saying, "Love you brother." Todd smiles wider at meeks as he says, "Love you too man."*
pitts: i think our boyfriends are gonna dump us for each other lmao

neil: STOP THATS SO CUTE???
neil: DID THEY JUST START DOING THAT???
neil: LIKE UNPROMPTED???

pitts: they were both texting so i figured they were texting each other from across the table lol
pitts: and they both looked like they were gonna cry
pitts: and then steven got up and hugged todd
pitts: they were hugging for like a good 2 minutes before i started recording them

neil: what were they talking about ???
neil: that made them bro out like that ???

pitts: idk i didnt wanna look at stevens phone and invade his privacy

neil: oh god no i would never ask you to do that LMAO

pitts: here wait i just asked him and all he said was "we just had a friendship breakthrough"
pitts: cryptic as fuck

neil: im literally gonna start crying in front of charlie and keating rn
neil: i LOVE that theyre such good friends

pitts: i would suggest going on a double date this weekend but i think me and you would just end up third and fourth wheeling them LMAOOO

neil: THE WAY YOURE LITERALLY RIGHT
neil: i showed keating and charlie the video. charlie laughed and said we were about to get dumped. keating said "that's what true brotherhood is like"
neil: so i guess they DID reach a friendship breakthrough

pitts: theyve evolved from friends to brothers

neil: hey tell everyone we're on our way back to breakfast, keating just got a phone call and shooed us out of his office when he saw the caller id

pitts: oh??? who called him???
pitts: wait why were you even in his office

neil: asking him about his life

pitts: what like stick

neil: YES

pitts: you guys are insane

neil: as for who called him, i didnt see the name but i assume its his girlfriend(?) back in england cause he smiled at the name

pitts: oooooooo tea

neil: ikr, charlie and i wanted to ask him about her but we didnt get that far in the q&a

pitts: damn. im so curious now.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

toad: uh
toad: guys

neil :): whats up love of my life

cam: ?

obKNOXious: you sound nervous what happened

toad: i went to keatings office to drop off a book i borrowed cause i finished reading it during chem and his door was shut, which i thought was weird because its always opened unless someone else is in there talking to him, and when i got closer to knock, i could hear him crying?

meeksie: wait what? is he okay?

toad: i dont know, i just left because i felt weird interrupting him while hes upset you know

neil :): charlie you dont think...

charlEEZ NUTS: I DO, NEIL
charlEEZ NUTS: I DO THINK

cam: whats happening here?

neil :): i think mr keating mightve gotten dumped

obKNOXious: oh my god?
obKNOXious: why do you think that?

pittsie: THE PHONE CALL

toad: what, the one you guys said he got which is why you came back to breakfast?

neil :): YES. I THINK IT WAS HIS GIRLFRIEND BACK IN ENGLAND CALLING HIM
neil :): HE GOT THAT LOOK ON HIS FACE, LIKE THE ONE I GET WHEN TODD TEXTS ME
neil :): I LITERALLY THINK MR KEATING JUST GOT DUMPED

charlEEZ NUTS: or maybe she died

meeksie: woah charlie. woah.

obKNOXious: should we like,,, check in with him before his class later?

cam: i dont think we should let him know that we know yet. lets see how he is during lunch, and if he doesnt look like hes okay, we'll try to talk to him before english

neil :): thats a good idea cam
neil :): keeo each other posted, if you happen to see him, let us know how he is

charlEEZ NUTS: aye aye neil

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: dude.

charlie: DUDE.

neil: ill literally feel so bad if he got dumped
neil: like he was literally in such a good mood this morning

charlie: i know, he even put up with our shenanigans

neil: lunch is in 20 more minutes so hopefully hes alright

charlie: literally all class ive been thinking about this
charlie: im surprised dr hager hasnt yelled at me for not paying attention yet
charlie: like bruh trigonometry is not important right now

neil: we'll just have to wait and see i guess

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

cam: KEATINGS NOT HERE
cam: HE ALWAYS GETS TO LUNCH BEFORE ME AND HES NOT HERE RN

obKNOXious: lets not lose our heads just yet, maybe hes running late

meeksie: give him 10 minutes after the late bell, if he doesnt show up then somethings definitely wrong

toad: i just passed mcalister in the hall, he was heading toward keatings room

charlEEZ NUTS: uh oh

pittsie: this is not good

neil :): okay everybody stay calm. lets wait for 10 minutes like meeks suggested and see if he shows up. dont panic yet

(10 minutes later)

neil :): OKAY NOW YOU CAN PANIC

charlEEZ NUTS: SHOULD WE DO SOMEHTING

cam: DEFINITELY NOT
cam: i really think we should give him a day before bombarding him with questions

pittsie: shit ok lets just see how he is in class
pittsie: maybe he got carried away talking to mr mcalister
pittsie: cause he wasnt here either

toad: im really worried about him
toad: he sounded so sad when i heard him crying

neil :): he'll be alright baby
neil :): i hope

toad: thanks neil, i feel completely reassured!

meeksie: next is his free period, maybe he'll sort things out then and he'll be okay during out class?

obKNOXious: brother i hope youre right

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: hey mr keating, we see the note you wrote on the board about having a study period instead of class and just wanted to check in on you
charlie: like are you good?

neil: you always check in on us when we're not okay so we wanted to make sure you're okay

Mr. Keating: I'll be alright, boys. I just need a day, that's all.

cam: we noticed you weren't at lunch earlier

Mr. Keating: I was not, that's correct, Cameron. Not much of an appetite is all.

knox: do you like,,, want anything? i have a bag of chips in my desk if youre hungry.

meeks: pitts and i can sneak to the kitchen and get something for you

Mr. Keating: No, thank you. I'm truly alright, I promise boys.

todd: mr. keating you really dont have to pretend that youre okay when youre clearly not. youre allowed to feel whatever youre feeling. its better to let it all out than to let it fester and build inside of you. you can talk to us

Mr. Keating: Wise words, Mr. Anderson.

todd: i learned from the best

Mr. Keating: That's very kind of you, Todd.
Mr. Keating: Alright, I'll bite. If you kids really must know, my fiancee just called off our engagement because she met another man two months ago and is in love with him.

todd: oh nooooo

charlie: OH SHIT

meeksie: thats horrible, im sorry mr keating :(

neil: aww :( im sorry

knox: wait, fiancee?
knox: youre engaged?

Mr. Keating: Well, I was until about 7:45 this morning.

knox: shit sorry

Mr. Keating: No, don't be. It's alright.
Mr. Keating: I was supposed to fly back to London after the school year ends. We were supposed to be getting married in July.

charlie: jesus christ man

pitts: how long were you together for???

Mr. Keating: Five years, engaged for one.

pitts: damn

cam: thats really sad mr keating. im sorry it didnt work out for you

Mr. Keating: I am too.
Mr. Keating: At least now it'll be easier working here at Welton. Won't have to worry about flying back to London every summer anymore.

neil: hey i have an idea
neil: are you busy tonight?

Mr. Keating: No, why?

neil: why don't we all go down the cave after dinner and hang out? not a dps meeting, just a hang out. we can listen to music and bring snacks and curse your ex

todd: neil.

neil: ok fine we'll do all of that minus the cursing your ex part

charlie: youre not supposed to go through a breakup alone, so we're offering our services to you

knox: you should take them up on it, and i say this as someone who has. these guys know how to cure heartbreak
knox: youll feel so much better in the morning

pitts: i can bring the radio and we can listen to the beatles station! i know theyre your favorite!

cam: ill sneak some of the ice cream from the kitchen since i know where its hidden

Mr. Keating: I suppose it couldn't hurt.

charlie: YAY!
charlie: we can walk over after dinner!

Mr. Keating: As long as you kids are back to your dorms by curfew, got it? It's a thursday night, you still have school tomorrow.

neil: yes we promise we'll be back by curfew

Mr. Keating: You boys are awfully kind.

neil: youre always there for us, now its our turn to be there for you.

Mr. Keating: Is everyone in class?

todd: yeah everyones here, no ones really doing anything.

Mr. Keating: Then I suppose I should start on the lesson for today! Let's look at some Uncle Walt!

charlie: YAY MR KEATING

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neil: did i do a good thing?
neil: lile do you think i overstepped earlier with keating?

todd: what no
todd: why would you think that?

neil: idk i just feel like maybe i was too pushy
neil: like idk
neil: im worried i mightve cornered him into coming to the cave with us.

todd: neil honey, if keating didnt want to come, he wouldve said no
todd: he really appreciates it, trust me
todd: do you think he wouldve come out to teach class if we hadnt all texted him?
todd: you cheered him up

neil: i just didnt want to see him wallowing in self pity. hes like the greatest man ive ever known, hes always so bright and alive. its weird seeing him down like that. he puts a smile on my face every day, i just wanna be able to do that for him too

todd: and you do, believe me
todd: what youre doing for him tonight is really good neil
todd: and i know it'll make him feel better

neil: i really love you

todd: i really love you too

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Mr. Keating: Thank you, son.

neil: anytime mr keating! we all love you!

Mr. Keating: And I love you kids as well.

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Good morning, gentlemen! Happy Saturday! I hope you all slept well. Just wanted to let you know that I will be grading your essays on your favorite poet today! Grades will be uploaded to Canvas by the end of the day. Feel free to let the other boys in the class know as well.

charlie: mr k youre gonna LOVE mine

Mr. Keating: Oh, I'm sure I will, Mr. Dalton.

charlie: i can see the sass all over that text

knox: lmfao he got you

charlie: youre annoying as shit knoxious

knox: BRUH

Mr. Keating: Gentlemen.

charlie: sorry mr k
charlie: knox is the least annoying person in the whole world

cam: charlie is physically cringing at that sentence, knox. it pained him to type.

neil: how are you doing today mr keating?

Mr. Keating: I've certainly been better. The heartache is still there of course, but you boys definitely lifted my spirits last night.

neil: yay!!! glad we could help!!!

Mr. Keating: You boys up to anything interesting today?

neil: i have rehearsal from 12 to 5

meeks: me and cam are going to do some latin before lunch

pitts: and after lunch me and meeksie are gonna take a stroll around campus

Mr. Keating: It's going to be lovely out today, albeit a little chilly! Bundle up and enjoy the sun!

knox: im having a relaxing day today
knox: hang out in my room, watch some shows, take a nap, read a book, relaxing stuff

neil: SELF CARE DAY!!!

knox: I KNEW YOUD GET ME NEIL

Mr. Keating: All of you boys should take a page out of Mr. Overstreet's book!

cam: ill relax after latin with meeks
cam: wait wheres todd

neil: sleeping! its saturday, he wont be up until lunch
neil: plus we stayed up late last night rewatching steven universe

meeks: GAY ROCK SHOW!!!

neil: YESSS!!!
neil: we like that show cause steven has mommy issues just like us :D

charlie: neil. get that smiley face out of here.

neil: damn ok smiley face revoked
neil: what are you doing today charles

charlie: hanging out with stick

pitts: no fucking way youre still bothering him

charlie: BRO
charlie: ALL I DID WAS INVITE HIM TO MY DORM TO PLAY SUPER SMASH BROS
charlie: SMH

Mr. Keating: I think that's a swell idea, Charlie. It's always great to surround yourself with different people!

charlie: see mr k is on my side

Mr. Keating: Enjoy your day, kids! Carpe diem!

charlie: YAWP!!!

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Mr. Keating: Hello, Knox! Sorry to interrupt your self-care day, but I wanted to tell you that I loved your favorite poet essay!

knox: thank god
knox: i was worried that you wouldnt think he qualified as a poet

Mr. Keating: Of course he qualifies as a poet! And an incredible one at that!

knox: no yeah ik hes definitely a poet
knox: i just wasnt sure if you wanted us to write about one of the ones we studied like whitman or frost

Mr. Keating: I said your FAVORITE poet, your favorite poet never has to be one we've looked at in class! I loved what you wrote!

knox: thank you!

Mr. Keating: How's the relaxing going?

knox: amazing. its so nice not having to worry about homework or studying for one day and taking the time to chill out

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it, kid! Have fun!

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Mr. Keating: Mr. Pitts! I wanted to let you know that your grade is in for your favorite poet essay, you did an excellent job!

pitts: thank you mr keating!
pitts: did you like the subject? i was worried youd fail me for not picking someone from like the 1800s tbh

Mr. Keating: I did indeed, a very interesting choice! I would never fail you for choosing the poet you chose! If he's your favorite, who am I to stop you from writing about him?
Mr. Keating: I also love your writing style. You would make an excellent short story writer!

pitts: omg thanks!!! hows your morning been so far?

Mr. Keating: Oh, just lovely, thank you for asking. Getting some of this grading done while I listen to some classical music.

pitts: did you make tea

Mr. Keating: Of course I did!

pitts: i cant believe you prefer tea over coffee youre insane

Mr. Keating: That's what happens after spending six years in London!
Mr. Keating: And how is your morning so far?

pitts: pretty good! meeks is still with cameron in the library so im just listening to music in my room

Mr. Keating: Ah, anything good?

pitts: queen!

Mr. Keating: Excellent choice! I love Queen!

pitts: omg next time you find us at the dock with the radio ill put the queen station on then

Mr. Keating: Sounds fun! Have a wonderful day, Mr. Pitts!

pitts: you too mr keating!

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Mr. Keating: Mr. Cameron, hope your morning is going well!

cam: yeah it is, thanks! i just finished latin tutoring with meeks, just in time for lunch

Mr. Keating: How's the Latin coming? Have you seen an improvement in your studies yet?

cam: it's getting there. thanks again for talking to Mr. McAlister about extra credit. that also helped pull my grade up a little

Mr. Keating: You're very welcome, Cameron! If he gives you any other problems, come see me and I'll talk to him.

cam: thank you!

Mr. Keating: I wanted to let you know that I put in the grade for your essay, you did a wonderful job! It is very well-written! I have to ask, what made you choose this particular poet to write about?

cam: thank you mr keating! and i just really like his poems. like i said in my essay, i love the language he uses and the topics he writes about. poetry comes so naturally to him, and you can feel his passion for poetry in his writing.
cam: im sure you can agree with me

Mr. Keating: I absolutely do!

cam: thats the kind of poetry i wish i could write

Mr. Keating: You're getting there! You've come far in these past few months! The improvement in your writing is clear. Keep your head up, son!

cam: thanks mr keating!!
cam: im going to head to lunch now, see you there!

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meeks: i saw you put in my grade for the essay

Mr. Keating: I did indeed, I was just about to reach out about it actually.

meeks: you were?
meeks: does that mean you didnt like it?

Mr. Keating: Sheesh! Have some confidence, Mr. Meeks!

meeks: damn ok
meeks: let me try again
meeks: you were?
meeks: i take it that means you liked it!

Mr. Keating: Much better!
Mr. Keating: I did love your essay! I love how personal you made it.

meeks: it was kind of hard not to considering who i chose to write about lol
meeks: but thank you for the 100!

Mr. Keating: No need to thank me, you've earned your grade! Keep up the good work!

meeks: thanks captian!

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Mr. Keating: You know, when you asked me if you could write about a living poet, I did not see this coming.

charlie: LMAOOOOOO
charlie: did you like it tho

Mr. Keating: Very much so! I'm glad you chose to write about someone you feel that passionate about. You went well above the recommended length!

charlie: once i started i literally couldnt stop
charlie: sorry fir making you read a bunch of extra words, i yapped too much

Mr. Keating: Never apologize for talking more! Talk as much as you'd like!

charlie: thanks o captain my captain
charlie: you have no idea what beast youve just unleashed

Mr. Keating: Alright, let's put a little note on that, then. Talk as much as you'd like, just not during my class unless I call on you!

charlie: sounds like we have a deal, boss man!

Mr. Keating: Excellent. How's your day with Stick?

charlie: hes a hoot! he says hi btw!

Mr. Keating: Hello, back!

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Mr. Keating: Hi, son! I know you're still at rehearsal, but I wanted to tell you that I loved your favorite poet essay!

neil: we're on a water break right now! and thank you captain! sorry its so gushy, i just got so excited!

Mr. Keating: I could tell!

neil: im just so passionate about poetry you know

Mr. Keating: And clearly the poet!

neil: BROOOOOOO
neil: i suppose you could say i might have a little crush on the poet

Mr. Keating: Ah, yes, a "little" crush!

neil: HEYYYYYYYY
neil: speaking of crushes and love and shit
neil: its been a day since your breakup, how are you doing?

Mr. Keating: I must laugh at how ungraceful that transition was!
Mr. Keating: I'm hanging in there, kid! As much as losing a five-year relationship hurts, I know that it's better we split before we were married. A divorce is much more complicated than a breakup, legally.

neil: yeah i get that
neil: but i mean like how are you feeling on the inside? you dont have to censor yourself around me, you tell me that all the time

Mr. Keating: Honestly, kid, I do feel better than I did yesterday. The wound still stings, but it will heal with time. I miss randomly texting her during the day, and I'm sure I'll miss our weekly calls come tomorrow night, but right now, I'm feeling alright.

neil: you could always find someone else to hang out with during your usual phone call time so that you dont miss her
neil: like mr mcalister, i know youre friends with him

Mr. Keating: Indeed, he's a great friend. He was the only faculty member to welcome me back to Welton, as a matter of fact.

neil: literally go smoke with him or something!!!
neil: water breaks over, i gotta get back to rehearsal
neil: but take my advice go hang out with mr mcalister!!!

Mr. Keating: I'll take it into consideration. Have a good rehearsal!

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Mr. Keating: Todd! Son, your essay on Walt Whitman was extraordinary! Your incredible writing skills go well beyond poetry!

todd: thank you mr keating!! :D
todd: you didnt think it was too much did you?
todd: i wasnt sure how much would be too much vs how much would be too little you know

Mr. Keating: Believe me, my boy, it's perfect! In fact, I wanted to ask you if I could save a copy and use it as an example to show the class in the future, anonymously of course.

todd: yeah sure thats fine

Mr. Keating: Great.
Mr. Keating: What are you up to today? You missed the group texting this morning.

todd: yeah neil let me sleep later than usual, i slept so long i nearly missed lunch lol
todd: im just sitting in my room writing

Mr. Keating: Poetry?

todd: i was but i got stuck and had to put it down so now im just writing/venting in my journal

Mr. Keating: Are you okay? Do you want to talk?

todd: no thanks, im good
todd: its just like about school and the annoying workload the teachers give us

Mr. Keating: Yeah, the workload is way too much for you kids. Especially since they force you into at least three extracurricular activities as well.

todd: LITERALLY
todd: this school is so fucking annoying
todd: OMFG SORRY

Mr. Keating: Never apologize for being right, Todd!

todd: HAHAHAHA

Mr. Keating: I'll see you later, kiddo! Enjoy your writing! And again, spectacular work on that essay!

todd: THANK YOU MR KEATING!!!!! :D

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Mr. Keating: Did you boys all do your essays together?

charlie: no why lol

knox: i wrote mine yesterday during chem class

meeks: i did mine the day you assigned it so i wouldnt forget about it

pitts: i did mine at like 1am two days ago

cam: why do you ask?

Mr. Keating: Well, I found it interesting that all of you, with the exception of Todd, wrote about the same person.

todd: damn who did you guys pick lmfao

neil: NO WAY
neil: ARE YOU SERIOUS?

charlie: YOU GUYS STOLE MY IDEA?

meeks: uh technically YOU stole MY idea, i wrote mine first!

knox: theres no way
knox: theres just no way

todd: hello??? who tf did you write about? literally name a better poet than walt whitman, ill wait

Mr. Keating: Well, Mr. Anderson, they all chose to write about you!

todd: ME?!?!?!

charlie: we ALL wrote about todd???
charlie: i hate that we all share a brain cell sometimes

pitts: thats what happens when we spend too much time together

todd: go back for a minute
todd: you all wrote about ME as your favorite poet???

meeks: yeah, it appears so

todd: WHY?
todd: im not even a real poet

neil: todd, you absolutely are a real poet
neil: you write the best poetry ive ever read
neil: and getting to watch you write it? youre magnificent. its like watching da vinci paint the mona lisa

charlie: i dont know how you do it man, but the poem you read at the meeting last week? i havent been able to stop thinking about it cause it stuck with me that much

cam: youre a really great writer todd, seriously

knox: and you put so much effort into your poems to make them exactly like what you envisioned them

pitts: i picked you cuz of when keating made you improv a poem, remember that?
pitts: it was insane that you just got up there and it just spilled out into something so beautiful without you even giving it a second though
pitts: only a true poet could do that

meeks: youre a much better poet than you give yourself credit for todd

Mr. Keating: The essays were wonderful, Todd. You should ask the boys to send them your way.

todd: guys wtf
todd: i did not expect to be crying on a random saturday in january at 4:12pm but here we are

neil: AWWW TODDY BEAR DONT CRYYYY

charlie: ITS OK TODD SINCE NEIL ISNT HERE ILL BE YOUR NEW NEIL
charlie: just without the kissing

neil: charlie wtf

todd: DONT COME IN RN

knox: tf are you doing???

charlie: DUDE ARE YOU JERKING OFF

todd: CHARLIE HOLY SHIT YOU CANT JUST SAY THAT IN THE GC WITH KEATING IN IT
todd: AND NO THATS NOT WHAT IM DOING I DONT EVEN LIKE DOING THAT
todd: I JUST DONT WANT YOU TO SEE WHAT IM WORKING ON JUST GIMME 5 MINUTES TO PUT IT AWAY

meeks: todd i would like to apologize to you on charlies behalf
meeks: i am so sorry that charlie is an idiot

pitts: what are you working on tho
pitts: cause now im all curious

cam: chat lets not force todd into saying anything he doesnt want to say challenge!!

todd: THANK YOU CAM

charlie: NOOOOO TELL US

knox: WE MADE IT A WHOLE THING YOU HAVE TO TELL US NOW

neil: todd. baby. sweetheart. love of my life. the moon to my sun. the peanut butter to my jelly. my better half.
neil: you do not have to tell them anything that you dont want to. youre allowed to have secrets.

todd: no its fine, its not that big of a deal anyways. i was just writing poems for you guys and i had them all out on my desk

charlie: WHAT
charlie: YOU WROTE US A POEM???

todd: no, not A poem. i wrote each of you your own poem.

neil: baby im gonna cry oh my god???
neil: you are the sweetest person in the world???

charlie: ok now you have to let me in so i can hug you

pitts: I SECOND THAT

meeks: toddddd :(((
meeks: see this is why youre our favorite poet

knox: WHEN CAN WE READ THEM??? NOW???

cam: thank you todd omg? thats so nice

todd: not now cause neils still not here
todd: maybe after dinner you guys could come to our dorm and i can give them to you?
todd: i have one for you too mr keating, i can see youre still reading the chat

Mr. Keating: Just observing the strong brotherly bond amongst you kids! And thank you, Todd, that's so very kind of you!

todd: :)

neil: yeah guys come to our dorm after dinner! you too mr keating!
neil: wait is that even allowed lol

Mr. Keating: It is not, for obvious reasons, unless there is an emergency. Why don't we all go to my classroom instead? We can walk over together after dinner.

todd: yes thats good
todd: thanks mr keating

neil: im so excited omg

charlie: WOOOOHOOOOOO

knox: CANT WAIT

pitts: !!!!!!!!

cam: :D

meeks: todd, thank you for this really
meeks: i think you just made all our day

todd: AND ID DO IT AGAIN

(later that night, after curfew)

neil: can whoever took the selfie send it pls!!!

meeks: ^

knox: ^^

charlie: *sent a photo: A selfie. Charlie is front and center, the one taking the selfie. The other poets and Mr. Keating stand close around him. Everyone is smiling widely at the cameras, and they all have tear streaks down their faces, clearly crying. The boys (minus Todd) and Keating all hold up pieces of paper in one hand with messy handwriting on them—the poems Todd wrote for them. They all have their arms thrown across each other's shoulders.*

meeks: we look insane with the crying lmfao

pitts: insaneLY HOT AND SEXY!!!

neil: im posting it on instagram rn thanks charles

todd: we should frame it and give it to keating for fathers day

neil: EXQUISITE IDEA TODDY

charlie: ofc youd say that neil omfg

cam: you do realize this is the chat with keating in it right
cam: and that we're not even in school on fathers day

todd: MR KEATING WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Mr. Keating: March 23rd

neil: EXCELLENT
neil: *rubs hands together maniacally*

todd: neil i love you but i hate that you just texted that

neil: damn can i give you an apology kiss

todd: yes pls

knox: i hate being single so badly

Mr. Keating: Me too, Knox.

charlie: MR KEATING NO WAY

meeks: YOOOOOOOOOOO

pitts: I ALMOST JUST CHOKED ON MY WATER HELp

neil: its been one (1) day and the captain is already making single jokes
neil: i think weve healed him

Mr. Keating: What's the point in going through a breakup if you can't make jokes about it? What's the point of life if you can't laugh at it?

cam: damn
cam: thats insightful

todd: mr keating casually dropping insane, life-altering wisdom right before bed
todd: this is going to keep me up all night i fear

neil: do some more!!!

Mr. Keating: Sleeping is wonderful and you should all do it right now!

charlie: THE SASS

meeks: nah hes right sleeping is wonderful, im clocking out for the night
meeks: toodles besties!!!

pitts: i second that, im going to sleep (im not going to sleep im watching a super paper mario full game walkthrough)
pitts: night everyone!

knox: night!

cam: goodnight all!

neil: goodnight from me and todd
neil: he already plugged his phone in on his desk so hes done texting

Mr. Keating: Goodnight, gentlemen! Sleep in tomorrow! You've earned it!

charlie: goodnight babygirls!!!!

Chapter Text

charlie: dude i have to tell you something

neil: whats up? it cant wait until after breakfast?

charlie: trust me, you wanna hear it now

neil: oh?

charlie: me and stick made out for like 5 minutes yesterday

neil: HUH????

charlie: yeah LMAO

neil: charlie i need you to start from the beginning

charlie: we were playing super smash bros and just talking and we got on the topic of dating and shit and he said hes never kissed a boy before and i said that i have and he asked what it felt like so i just straight up said "idk how to describe it, you wanna kiss me and see?" and we kissed and then we started making out and then after a few minutes he was like "that was cool" and we literally just kept playing super smash bros

neil: charlie
neil: charlie
neil: charlie.

charlie: yeah?

neil: what the actual fuck

charlie: LOL

neil: do you have a crush on him charlie
neil: AND NOT TELL ME

charlie: wtf no i dont like stick like that
charlie: and he doesnt like me like that
charlie: we agreed to keep it as a one time thing like responsible adults
charlie: we're just friends who kissed once
charlie: like me and you in the 5th grade LOL
charlie: and he said i was a good kisser so there, HA!

neil: charlie... is he even into guys

charlie: DUDE HE LITERALLY TOLD US HES PAN WHEN WE AMBUSHED HIM LAST WEEK REMEMBER
charlie: I LITERALLY SAID OMG TWINSIES TO HIM AND YOU SMACKED ME UPSIDE THE HEAD
charlie: he has a pan flag on his desk in his room too

neil: OH YEAH THATS RIGHT
neil: are there any straight people in this school lmao

charlie: 100% hopkins

neil: yeah youre so right
neil: BACK TO STICK

charlie: what more is there to talk about

neil: you literally just told me you made out with him while playing super smash bros and you dont think theres anything more to discuss?

charlie: exactly

neil: thats literally it?
neil: thats all youre gonna say?

charlie: yep!

neil: i hate you

charlie: luv you too!

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pitts: meeksie do you have access to a printer and photos of the people at welton

meeks: the library has a ton of printers and yeah the school annuals

pitts: excellent

meeks: can i ask WHY you need to know this

pitts: i had an idea

meeks: a good one or a bad one?

pitts: a good one

meeks: i guess this means your sneaky trip into town was successful?

pitts: just you wait

meeks: why am i lowkey scared rn

pitts: i need you to do a super important job

meeks: ok???

pitts: go to the library and take photos of all of our friends and some of the other guys in our class and the teachers and nolan

meeks: why???

pitts: BABE TRUST ME

meeks: yeah alright youve convinced me
meeks: do i have to do anything with the pics

pitts: not til i get back

meeks: ok!

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cam: do you need help with whatever homework youre trying to do?
cam: i can hear you throwing your pencils next door

knox: bruh

cam: what are you working on?

knox: history

cam: the worksheet?

knox: yeah
knox: who the hell assigns a fill in the blank sheet with NO WORD BOX
knox: AND ITS MOSTLY DATES

cam: yeah its kind of insane, it took me a while to get through

knox: can you please help me please please please

cam: yeah ill come over, charlie was annoying me anyway

knox: whats he doing

cam: hes playing mariokart loudly

knox: yeah he does that
knox: my doors open so just walk in lol

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meeks: dude its been an hour where are you

pitts: oh i stopped for snacks
pitts: im bringing a bag full of snacks to eat while we work on our project

meeks: what fucking project gerard

pitts: BRUH

meeks: BRUH.

pitts: fine you win
pitts: i bought a game of guess who
pitts: like the one with the people and you guess who the other person has
pitts: but we're gonna take out all the people in the game and replace them with photos of welton people

meeks: OH MY GOD WAIT
meeks: THATS SO FUNNY
meeks: PLEASE GET HERE FASTER

pitts: i am literally walking as fast as i can

meeks: THEN RUN

pitts: dude my hands are full

meeks: SO???

pitts: i have like 4 bags
pitts: im not running with 4 bags

meeks: fine i guess i can wait
meeks: im so excited about this omfg
meeks: wait how are you texting of youre carrying 4 bags

pitts: cant talk rn, im carrying 4 bags

meeks: YOURE SO ANNOYING LMFAO

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todd: hey do you know where neil went?
todd: i literally got up to go to the bathroom and hes gone

charlie: yeah he told me he got a call from daddy dearest and he was going out to the dock to take it

todd: uh oh

charlie: yeah ik

todd: should i like,,, go to the dock

charlie: he specifically told me to tell you you should stay here and wait for him

todd: oh ok

charlie: come sit with me while i play mariokart

todd: yeah alright fine

charlie: i have another controller you can be toad!

todd: i love toad!!!

charlie: bowser jr for life

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cam: knox and i can hear you and pitts giggling from across the hall, what the hell are you doing

meeks: science project

cam: ...are you sure?

meeks: no

cam: what the hell is that supposed to mean

meeks: pittsie swore me to secrecy until we're done working on it
meeks: so legally, i cannot tell you

cam: ...alright then

meeks: what are you and knoxy doing

cam: we finished history like an hour ago and now we're just shit talking about the teachers here

meeks: HAHAHAHA love that for you

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todd: hey lovey
todd: are you okay?
todd: youve just been laying in bed with your earbuds in listening to piano man by billy joel on repeat for 45 minutes now and im worried
todd: i wanted to give you some time to sort through your thoughts because i know you had a call with your dad
todd: but you literally just listened to piano man 8 times in a row i can see it on your spotify activity so clearly youre not okay

neil: my dad is such a fucking dick

todd: what did he say?

neil: my mom literally made him let me keep doing the henley hall plays so he has no right to complain, yet he still calls me up to tell me that im wasting my time and his money and he threatens to call up the director and order me to quit
neil: god forbid i have ONE thing for myself that doesnt involve him
neil: so i told him that i didnt understand why i couldnt do something that i love doing, especially since the plays arent affecting my grades at all, and he just got mad at me
neil: and then he started going on about how he wanted the perfect son who was a doctor and has a wife and 2.5 kids and a house with a white picket fence and a beagle, and instead he got stuck with a gay kid whos into theater
neil: except he used the slur instead
neil: and he said im never going to amount to anything and theres no chance in hell i make it as an actor

todd: honey im so sorry :(
todd: first off, he should NOT have called you that word
todd: and second, you ARE allowed to have things that you love outside of school. you dont owe that man anything, no matter what he tells you about "wasting money and time." doing what youre passionate about is NEVER a waste. and you will make it, neil, i believe in you so much. if anyone has the capabilities to achieve their dream and make it big, its you. dont listen to him, hes so insanely wrong about you.
todd: i think you should talk to your director and tell her that no matter what your father tries to do, you ARE still doing the play.

neil: youre right, i know you are, its just ugh
neil: my stupid fucking father
neil: i just always hear him in whatever i do and it pisses me off that he has that power over me
neil: i just wish my mom would fucking divorce him, but she doesnt believe in divorce.
neil: i literally almost tried to kill myself a month and a half ago and its like they dont even care
neil: i dont understand why i got stuck with such shitty parents
neil: what did i do to deserve this

todd: you didnt do anything, neil. none of this is your fault. your parents are just cold hateful people, and thats on them. you have never done anything wrong, darling. youre absolutely perfect, you dont deserve to be treted like that.

neil: you want to know why i keep listening to piano man?
neil: that one verse

todd: you mean the one about john?

neil: you know me too well
neil: it goes
neil: he says, "bill, i believe this is killing me," as the smile ran away from his face, "well, im sure that I could be a movie star if i could get out of this place"
neil: and i feel that so much
neil: if i could just get out of welton, out of vermont, then i could be free from my father and i could do whatever i want. i could be an actor without him constantly breathing down my neck and telling me that im wasting my time on something so foolish.

todd: neil :(
todd: could i come lay with you for a bit? is that okay?

neil: can you please? i could really use a hug

todd: of course love
todd: i also think you should go talk to keating when youre up for it
todd: i could come with you if you want or you could go alone, but i really think you should talk to him about this too, he'll probably have some better advice

neil: i will later, i just want you right now :(

todd: im coming, just let me mark the page in my book and we can cuddle

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charlie: what the hell is going on in meeks and pitts' room

knox: theyre working on a project but wont say what it is
knox: why?
knox: can you hear them?

charlie: no, i just walked back from the bathroom and they have a sign taped to their door that says do not enter

knox: what ths actual fuck are they working on in there?

charlie: have they been doing that all day???

knox: YES. me and cameron have been sitting in my room for hours now trying to figure it out
knox: meeks says hes "legally obligated to not tell us"

charlie: WAIT CAMS BEEN WITH YOU ALL DAY?

knox: yeah lol he was helping me with homework and then we just started hanging out

charlie: bruh can i come in

knox: yeah get over here

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: are you busy right now?

Mr. Keating: Not at all, what can I do for you?

neil: can i come talk to you? i could really use a dad right now

Mr. Keating: Of course you can, Neil. Come to my office, I'll get the tea ready.

neil: thank you
neil: todds coming to walk me down because he doesnt want me to be alone, but hes not going to stay

Mr. Keating: That's alright, son. Just get here safely.

neil: k, on our way

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pittsie: GENTLEMEN.
pittsie: MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE.

obKNOXious: are you finally gonna tell us what the hell youve been doing all day

cam: PLEASE TELL US

charlEEZ NUTS: omfg is it time!!!

meeksie: you are all cordially invited to me and pittsies room after dinner...

pittsie: to play guess who: hellton edition!

meeksie: TADAAAAA

cam: what

obKNOXious: what does that even mean

charlEEZ NUTS: WAIT LIKE THE GAME WHERE YOU GUESS PEOPLE

meeksie: YES

pittsie: WE TAPED WELTON STUDENTS AND FACULTY TO THE GAME TO PLAY WELTON GUESS WHO

charlEEZ NUTS: OH MY FUCKING GOD IM IN

obKNOXious: WAIT THAT SOUNDS SO FUN

cam: yeah alright ill play, i can only imagine the chaos itll bring

meeksie: after dinner, please come with us to our room and we can all take turns playing

pittsie: @todd @neil you guys in?

charlEEZ NUTS: where even are they

knox: idk me and cam havent seen them all day

toad: sorry guys, me and neil are out
toad: he just got back from keatings, we're in our room
toad: hes having a shitty day and isnt up for anything right now, im staying with him

charlEEZ NUTS: aww neil
charlEEZ NUTS: thats ok, we can all play again when you guys are up for it

meeksie: yeah definitely, this isnt a one day thing, the game will always be here whenever youre ready

toad: neil says thanks and that he loves you guys and that hes sorry he isnt up for seeing you guys right now
toad: (i did not want to type that last part bc he shouldnt be apologizing, but hes watching and made me)

obKNOXious: neilio you dont have to be sorry, we all understand what its like to have bad days

cam: you just rest up and focus on yourself, we'll all still be here tomorrow

pittsie: we love you neil

charlEEZ NUTS: love you buddy!! feel better!!

toad: he says he love you guys too :)
toad: enjoy your game later

meeksie: thanks guys!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: you were my character in guess who hellton edition and i was playing against charlie and he used his FIRST QUESTION to say "is your character probably autistic" and i hesitated to answer because he caught me off guard bc who tf asks that??? and he goes "ITS TODD ISNT IT"

todd: BRUH DONT DO ME DIRTY LIKE THAT
todd: i mean hes right BUT STILL LMAOOO

meeks: either way, i told him to steer clear of questions about mental health and such
meeks: the guys insist we keep the questions about daddy issues though but whatever

todd: yeah thats probably for the best lol
todd: the daddy issues one cancels out a large majority of the students tho lmfao

meeks: its how we’ve been distinguishing students from faculty

todd: …what if the faculty members have daddy issues too???
todd: why cant you just say “is your person a fully grown adult”

meeks: because we’re stupid and didn’t think of that

todd: yall are so dumb without me omfg

meeks: we literally are todd, it’s kind of insane
meeks: wait can i ask you a personal question

todd: is it why i havent gotten an official diagnosis?

meeks: yes

todd: parents wont let me!!!
todd: because they suck!!!

meeks: i hate your parents so bad

todd: same!
todd: im lucky they let me see a therapist, but thats all i get from them
todd: and my therapist gave me a quick screening questionnaire for autism and when we discussed it more in depth back when i first started therapy, she said i most likely am (which i thought was pretty obvious) but would have to go get tested if i want an official diagnosis and accommodations for school
todd: and mom and dad said no!!!

meeks: thats actually insane wtf is wrong with your parents

todd: i ask myself that every single day of my life
todd: but it is what it is i guess. my therapist is so awesome, so ill take what i can get

meeks: todd :(
meeks: i can tell you dont want to talk about this anymore so instead ill ask how neil is doing
meeks: that boy worries me

todd: thanks meeksie
todd: neils been sleeping since you guys snuck us dinner
todd: its definitely a restless sleep, i dont think hes having very pleasent dreams

meeks: geez, what happened? he seemed fine this morning

todd: his dad called earlier

meeks: ohhhh
meeks: jesus

todd: yeah, we talked for a bit and then he spoke to mr keating
todd: obviously i want him to feel better tomorrow, but you know how he gets when it comes to his dad. he'll probably be like this for a few more days.

meeks: man :/
meeks: make sure he knows we've all got his back, yeah?

todd: always
todd: thanks for checking up on us, it means a lot

meeks: ofc man, i love you bro

todd: love you too :)

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Mr. Keating: Hi, son. How are you feeling? Wanted to check up on you before bed.

neil: could be better
neil: could definitely be better
neil: but our talk earlier really helped
neil: and todds been great as usual

Mr. Keating: I'm glad it helped, and that you have Todd. Are you sure you don't want me to try speaking with your mother? I could call her in for a parent-teacher conference. I think without your father's presence, it'll be easier to get through to her.

neil: could i sleep on it for a few nights?

Mr. Keating: Absolutely, take all the time you need. Whatever you need, that's what we'll do.

neil: thank you mr keating
neil: i seriously dont know what id do without you
neil: like genuinely, thank you for everything

Mr. Keating: Neil, you never have to thank me for helping you or supporting you. I care very much about you, and all of you boys, and you need someone to lean on. I'm more than happy to be that person for you.

neil: i love you mr keating, youre the best teacher ive ever had. youre more than a teacher really, you saved my life

Mr. Keating: Love you too, kiddo. You're an incredible kid, don't let your father tell you otherwise. I know it hurts and I know it's hard to ignore, but just remember that you have me, Todd, and your other friends to lift you up whenever he puts you down. You are so loved.

neil: thank you captain

Mr. Keating: Try to get some sleep tonight. Ask Todd to stay with you, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. And sleep in a little longer, you don't have to be up at 5:30 if breakfast starts at 7. Sleep until Todd gets up, you could use the extra minutes!

neil: i will
neil: goodnight mr keating :)

Mr. Keating: Goodnight, kid!

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Don't forget, boys, we have soccer practice today!

meeks: NOOOOOOO

Mr. Keating: Love the enthusiasm, Mr. Meeks!

meeks: i did not want to be on the team
meeks: nolan made me
meeks: i hate running

Mr. Keating: I won't put you in as a starter today then.

meeks: THANK YOU

charlie: this is so unfair
charlie: you got soccer with keating and you dont even like it
charlie: while im stuck in rowing with nolan
charlie: despite the fact that i GREW UP PLAYING GOALIE

knox: do you want me to call the fucking waaaambulance

pitts: do you want a little cheese with that whine?

todd: do you
todd: wait hang on

neil: todd–

todd: wait give me a second

meeks: take your time

todd: yeah i got nothing

neil: its ok baby good effort!

charlie: todd im yelling rn that was so funny
charlie: it ALMOST made me forget about how much i hate rowing

cam: ok but at least we know about nolans grandson

Mr. Keating: MR. NOLAN HAS A GRANDSON?!

charlie: YOOOOOO
charlie: YOU DIDNT KNOW EITHER?

Mr. Keating: Nolan having a grandson implies that he has/had a wife... I cannot believe that someone actually loved that scum of a man enough to produce a child.

charlie: MR. KEATING DID SOMEONE STEAL YOUR PHONE OR IS THIS ACTUALLY YOU

knox: QUICK WHAT POEM DID WE READ IN CLASS ON FRIDAY
knox: ONLY THE REAL MR KEATING WOULD KNOW THAT

Mr. Keating: Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost.
Mr. Keating: And no, not only I would know that. The entire class would know that.

knox: damn ok thats the real mr keating

meeks: this is so fucking funny

pitts: how did you not know he has a grandson?

Mr. Keating: How did you know that he does?
Mr. Keating: Surely, with a last name like Nolan, we all would have noticed sooner.

charlie: his last name isnt nolan, hes been using a different name so no one knows
charlie: its in his file

Mr. Keating: ...Mr. Dalton?

charlie: yeah?

Mr. Keating: How did you gain access to his file?

charlie: shit
charlie: IT WAS CAMERON

cam: WHAT
cam: IT WAS LITERALLY YOUR IDEA

charlie: YOURE THE ONE WHO GUESSED THE SECRETARY'S PASSWORD

cam: IT WAS 12345, ANYONE COULD GUESS THAT

meeks: wait
meeks: the secretary of the entire school made her computer passsord, with information on every single teacher and student in this school, 12345?

cam: yes and im literally not joking. it was the first thing we guessed.

pitts: WAIT THATS SO FUNNY HELP

todd: guys... did you all just forget that we're literally in chemistry rn??? SOME OF US are trying to learn

knox: you literally answered before

todd: yeah,,, while i was waiting for class to start

knox: class started?

todd: wtf YES.

charlie: is that really important rn tho

todd: i hate you all im muting this chat

charlie: SHEESH

meeks: ok but the password to the biggest database on property being 12345 is so fucking funny

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Keating: How are you feeling today, kid?

neil: definitely better. i slept an extra hour this morning which definitely helped, and todds been great
neil: it was hard getting out of bed this morning tho. not really in the mood to face the music today

Mr. Keating: I'm glad you were able to sleep longer. And it's alright to admit that you're not ready to take the day by the horns. I used to have days like that as well, where I just felt so heavy that I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. I missed quite a few of my World History courses in college. But you DID get out of bed this morning, you should be so proud of yourself.

neil: thats exactly how i feel sometimes. its easier to give into the feeling on the weekends. if it was a sunday, i wouldnt have gotten up tbh. but i cant miss class because theyll call my father
neil: finding the motivation to get up was rough

Mr. Keating: But you did it anyway.

neil: yeah, i guess i did

Mr. Keating: I'm proud of you, son.

neil: mr keating you cant just say that
neil: im still eMoTiOnAl and im sitting in latin class rn
neil: i cannot afford to start crying
neil: actually yes i can hang on

Mr. Keating: Oh, sorry, kid!

neil: mcallister saw me crying and let me excuse myself from the room
neil: im so glad he knows you have a soft spot for us cause last year he would not have let that fly
neil: I AM COMING TO SEE YOU
neil: ME AND MY TEARS
neil: so i hope you have tissues cause i actually cant stop crying over being told that youre proud of me

Mr. Keating: I'll find my tissue box!

John: Hello, George. Just wanted to let you know that Neil Perry is with me and will not be returning for the rest of the class.

George: I was hoping he would go to your office. I excused him from class because he was upset.

John: Yes, bit of a disagreement with his father. I'm helping him through it. He appreciates that you let him leave the class.

George: I will make sure one of his friends takes his books with them when they leave.

John: Todd Anderson. Have him take Neil's belongings.

George: Got it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: yo meeks

meeks: why are you texting me

charlie: im boooooored

meeks: its trigonometry. its supposed to be boring.

charlie: can you pls send me the worksheet answers PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

meeks: dude. im sitting right next to you. just copy off of my paper.
meeks: but dont let hager see!!!

charlie: this is why i love you

meeks: stfu and do your trig

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeksie: chat i really dont wanna go to soccer
meeksie: can someone figure out a way to like,,, hack the bell system so the bell doesnt ring and keating doesnt end class
meeksie: id rather sit here for another hour listening to him talk about the romantic poets than go to soccer practice

obKNOXious: dude. if anyone here has the skills to hack the system, its you.

charlEEZ NUTS: why do you hate soccer so much omfg

pittsie: he has trauma leave him alone

toad: i hate soccer too meeks its ok
toad: i tried to switch to rowing at the beginning of the year but nolan wouldnt let me cause i did soccer at balincrest
toad: AGAINST MY WILL

meeksie: why are we stuck in soccer against our will this is so unfair
meeksie: why do you hate soccer todd

toad: i have fucking asthma lmao
toad: why do you think im always so out of breath after practice

neil :): YOU HAVE ASTHMA???

pittsie: yo since when do you have asthma

toad: did i forget to mention that?

neil :): YES.

toad: oh
toad: surprise?

charlEEZ NUTS: no way this guy just said surprise after telling us he has asthma

toad: its really not that big of a deal lmfao
toad: i keep my inhaler in my pocket, and keating knows and has one of my spare inhalers
toad: the kids at balincrest used to make fun of me when i had asthma attacks during games
toad: i only played soccer because my parents made me because jeffrey played

neil :): i hate mr first name anderson and mrs first name anderson so bad

toad: doug and judy

neil :): FUCK DOUG AND JUDY

toad: why do you hate soccer meeks, i shared my soccer trauma now its your turn

meeksie: before i started at welton my parents signed me up for club soccer in our town and the other kids ON MY OWN TEAM used to have competitions to see who could kick the ball into me the most
meeksie: do you have any idea how many pairs of glasses i broke because i got hit in the face with soccer balls every practice

obKNOXious: damn wtf
obKNOXious: children are so cruel

charlEEZ NUTS: WHY WOULD ANYONE WANNA HURT BABY MEEKS :(

pittsie: ill find them and ill kill them

meeksie: and now at practice i duck every time the ball comes my way :D

toad: you know, i did notice that
toad: i just didnt question it

neil :): tbh i just thought it was a thing you did

meeksie: it is a thing i do
meeksie: because im scared im gonna get a soccer ball to the nose :D

pittsie: ill protect you from balls

charlEEZ NUTS: LMFAO

obKNOXious: now did you HAVE to word it like that

pittsie: yes because now i get to watch you all try not to laugh during keatings class

neil :): does he even know we're all on our phones

charlEEZ NUTS: minus cameron because hes being a goody two shoes rn and actuallt taking notes

meeksie: he definitely knows cause he can see me and todd

neil :): you know why he hasnt yelled at us?
neil :): because todd
neil :): that man will not yell at todd

obKNOXious: i love having todd as a secret weapon to use against keating

toad: well now im gonna put my phone away so you cant use me :P

charlEEZ NUTS: TODD NO COME BACK

pittsie: BRUH NO WAY
pittsie: NO FUCKING WAY HE JUST TOLD US TO PUT OUR PHONES AWAY AFTER SEEING TODD STOP TEXTING

obKNOXious: we should rally against him for his blatant favoritism

neil :): todd is my favorite too so i have to side with keating on this

meeksie: yeah lowkey same

pittsie: ...i have to agree as well

charlEEZ NUTS: fuck you todd for being so cute and likeable

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

cam: that fucking kid i SWEAR
cam: I AM SO TIRED OF THE NEPOTISM
cam: LIKE WE GET IT HES YOUR GRANDSON BUT HE SUCKS AT ROWING
cam: WHY ARE YOU JUST LETTING HIM THROW US ALL OFF RHYTHM

charlie: I FUCKING HATE HIM SO BAD
charlie: FUCK YOU MR NOLANS GRANDSON

cam: FUCK HIM I HATE HIM SO MUCH
cam: I HOPE HE FALLS INTO THE FUCKING LAKE NEXT PRACTICE
cam: FUCKING NOLAN REALLY HAD THE AUDACITY TO BLAME ME FOR HIS OWN GRANDSONS MISTAKE

charlie: WE SHOULD FUCKING FIGHT HIM

cam: YEAH WE FUCKING SHOULD
cam: do we know anyone in his grade that can give us the dirt on him

charlie: YES
charlie: STICK
charlie: STICK KNOWS LITERALLY EVERYONE IN THIS SCHOOL, HE MUST KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THIS KID

cam: WE NEED TO AMBUSH STICK

charlie: TOMORROW. BREAKFAST. ME AND YOU. AND STICK. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.

cam: I WILL SO BE THERE

charlie: EXCELLENT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: FUCK SOCCER
meeks: and im sending this in the gc with keating because he too needs to know how much i hate soccer

charlie: what happened???

todd: he skinned his knee :(

charlie: bruh

meeks: DONT BRUH ME CHARLES, IT HURTS SO MUCH
meeks: FUCKING HOPKINS PUSHED ME TO GET THE BALL AND I FELL AND IT HURT

todd: does it still hurt?

meeks: YES. I HAD TO GET ICE FROM THE NURSE ON MY WAY TO MY DORM AFTER PRACTICE

Mr. Keating: Steven, I am terribly sorry you got hurt during practice.

meeks: see i cant tell if youre being genuine or sarcastic rn cause you ended the sentence with a period

Mr. Keating: All sentences should be punctuated.

charlie: no i cant tell either meeks

pitts: its ok tho cause i got to carry meeks off the field like a damsel in distress after he fell

knox: yeah that was so funny
knox: meeks' face was red

neil: i too enjoyed watching that part
neil: but im sorry you got hurt meeksie

meeks: soccer trauma never leaves you

cam: at least you didnt get yelled at for someone elses mistake
cam: nolan yelled at me for throwing off the rowing when it was literally his own fucking grandson that was the problem

charlie: WE HATE THAT KID SO MUCH GUYS

cam: FUCK HIM

neil: whats even his name

cam: dont know dont care, he still SUCKS.

charlie: tbh i didnt even look on his file. i looked at the photo and his last name
charlie: he doesnt need a name hes just the nepo baby

knox: dhsldhlshdksgs

pittsie: you guys wanna come to our room and play more guess who: hellton edition?

knox: YES
knox: cameron say yes pls you were so funny yesterday

cam: yeah ill come

charlie: IM IN LET ME GET CHANGED REAL QUICK

neil: todd just went to go shower so me and him will be late if we decide to come
neil: im still kinda weird from yesterday so i think i just want to hang around and read for a while

meeks: thats okay neil! you do whatever you need to :)

neil: thanks guys <3

pitts: no ned to thank us dude

charlie: ned

meeks: ned

knox: ned

cam: ned

neil: ned

Mr. Keating: Ned.

charlie: NO WAY KEATING DID IT TOO HAHAHA
charlie: our virus has infected keating

knox: please never say that again lmfao

charlie: yeah i know
charlie: as soon as i hit send i was like
charlie: ew

knox: HAHAHAHA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: hey just wanted to let you know that me and neil arent coming to do whatever you guys are doing
todd: we wanna have a quiet night

meeks: thats alright! ill let the guys know!
meeks: whatcha up to?

todd: just cuddling and reading
todd: hes reading through hamlet and im rereading percy jackson

meeks: YOU WERE A PERCY JACKSON KID TOO?

todd: YES OMFG

meeks: WHY HAVE WE NOT TALKED ABOUT THIS SOONER

todd: IDK CAUSE WE'RE STUPID

meeks: OK MAKE SURE YOU SIT NEXT TO ME AT BREAKFAST TOMORROW SO WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT
meeks: i dont want to take up more of your reading time!!

todd: this might be the first time im excited to go to breakfast now omg

meeks: and i will make sure you actually eat something too
meeks: breakfast is the most important meal of the day

todd: i am a breakfast hater
todd: eating too early makes me feel nauseous

meeks: THATS WHY YOU DONT EAT BREAKFAST?

todd: yeah lmao

meeks: my mom is like that actually so i cant even judge
meeks: see you at breakfast bestest friend in the whole wide world!!!

todd: see you in the morning bestest friend in the whole wide world!!!
todd: I LOVE YOU

meeks: I LOVE YOU TOO

Chapter Text

charlie: STICK!

cam: STICK

stick: hi charlie! hi cameron!

charlie: WE NEED YOUR EXPERTISE
charlie: but its top secret and the other guys cant know yet which is why we're texting even tho youre right next to us

stick: ofc! what do you want to know?

cam: we demand to know more about the freshman on the rowing team
cam: we dont knos his first name though

stick: can you describe him?

charlie: shorter than me but taller than you, dark hair, brown eyes, skinny legend, uhhhhhh
charlie: idk really i mostly see the back of his head

stick: no thats good ik who youre talking about
stick: thats andrew nichols

cam: what else do you know about him

stick: well, ik we all started at welton in the 6th grade but he didnt start here til this year because he wanted to keep going to public school with all of his friends, and once he graduated 8th grade, he came here for high school.
stick: his grades are alright i guess, ive heard hes got a C in whatever math class the freshmen take though.
stick: his roommate is spaz's brother teddy but they hate each other, apparently they got into some big argument during the first week of school, but no one knows what its about. allegedly, andrew is blackmailing teddy. teddy ig found something out that he shouldnt know, so andrew is holding something over his head to make sure the secret doesnt get out. idk what dirt andrew has on teddy though.
stick: andrew isnt very liked among the freshmen, and the upperclassmen dont like him because there seems to be favoritism happening with the teachers.

cam: ok wait...
cam: we found out some information about him

charlie: I BET ITS WHAT TEDDY KNOWS

stick: omfg pls tell me what you found out

charlie: his real name is andrew NOLAN.
charlie: hes nolan's GRANDSON.

stick: WHAT THE FUCK
stick: NO WAY

cam: YES WAY

stick: HOWD YOU GET THAT OMG?

charlie: we broke into the office and hacked the secretary's computer

stick: holy shit man
stick: so the favoritism is probably because the teachers know hes related to nolan

charlie: HERES THE THING.
charlie: MR KEATING DIDNT KNOW EITHER

stick: OH WHAT

cam: wait maybe nolan only told the older teachers since hes known them longer?
cam: keating is a new teacher this year, and nolan doesnt seem to like him very much, so it makes sense that nolan wouldnt tell him

stick: this is so fucking crazy
stick: i think we should talk to teddy
stick: i definitely agree that the secret teddy found out is probably this

charlie: alright i say we hunt him down after classes today and ambush him

stick: wait but ive heard hes got like a lot of anxiety
stick: like todd level anxiety
stick: ambushing him would probably scare him

cam: we can invite him to study with us!
cam: thats how we got todd in our group, we asked him to study with us and he said yes

stick: according to spaz, teddy sucks at latin. we could offer to help him out since i know we all have As in our latin class

cam: that sounds great actually

charlie: ok, after keatings class lets all go to the freshman dorms and wait for him

cam: sounds like a plan

stick: great!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: are you starting to get the feeling that charlie and cameron are up to something nefarious?

pitts: oh thank god
pitts: i was getting SO suspicious but i didnt think anyone else noticed so i didnt say anything
pitts: like did you see them during breakfast?

meeks: YES. were they texting each other?
meeks: i noticed they were both obviously texting, but i was talking to todd about percy jackson

pitts: i know you were, youre cute when you nerd out like that lol

meeks: you cant call me cute and end the sentence with an lol, gerard.

pitts: bitch says who

meeks: SAYS ME

pitts: ANYWAY
pitts: what the fuck are charles and richard doing
pitts: even rn theyre flashing looks and hand signals at each other from across the room

meeks: tbh im shocked mcalister hasnt noticed it yet

pitts: i definitely think he has

meeks: wtf are they planning
meeks: actually this isnt even planning, this is straight up evil scheming
meeks: like dr doofenshmirtz level scheming

pitts: DOOFENSHMIRTZ EVIL INCORPORATED

meeks ~AFTER HOURS~

pitts: the superior doof jingle

meeks: REAL
meeks: but charlie and cameron

pitts: something sinister is afoot
pitts: something sus is happening
pitts: i just know it

meeks: NOW THEYRE PASSING NOTES

pitts: dude
pitts: babe
pitts: steven

meeks: SPIT IT OUT

pitts: ARE THEY DATING?

meeks: DTAING?!?@?!
meeks: TEHRED NO FUCKING WAY DONT THEU HATE EACH OTHER?@?!?@?

pitts: I MEAN???

meeks: wait this is definitely not love notes, charlie is literally rubbing his hands together and doing an evil laugh under his breath
meeks: i dont think he realizes we can hear it

pitts: wait
pitts: waaaaait a minute
pitts: oh no

meeks: WHAT?

pitts: stick is 2 rows behind you so you cant see him, but stick is involved in this

meeks: NO FUCKING WAY THEYRE SCHEMING WITH STICK

pitts: HES NODDING TO WHATEVER CAMERON IS MOUTHING AT HIM

meeks: WHAT ARE THEY SAYING

pitts: IDK I CANT READ LIPS DAWG

meeks: no fucking way

pitts: WDYM NO FUCKING WAY, YOU KNOW I CANT READ LIPS

meeks: im leaving i cant with you

pitts: NO COME BACK
pitts: I LOVE YOU COME BACK
pitts: DONT GLARE AT ME STEVEN

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knox: neilio

neil: knoxious

knox: how are things with you and todderson

neil: super great! why?

knox: idk he just looks like a lost puppy rn, i thought it was relationship troubles

neil: lmfao no thats just his normal expression
neil: oh wait
neil: no he looks troubled hang on lemme text him

neil: hey baby boy <3
neil: you okay over there? you look a little bothered

todd: i dont understand this stupid trig lesson
todd: i feel like im doing math homework at the kitchen table with my dad and tears are about to start falling onto my paper
todd: except that never happened to me personally because my dad hates me #daddyissues!!!

neil: todd
neil: sweetheart

todd: yes?

neil: please dont cry over trig! trig doesnt deserve your tears!
neil: do you want me to help you out after keatings class later?

todd: YOU UNDERESTAND THIS STUFF?
todd: i thought you didnt get trig, cam is always helping you

neil: i actually understand this chapter, its much easier than what we did last chaptef imo!
neil: we can do the homework after classes end later and ill explain it to you okay?
neil: would that make you feel better?

todd: yes it would
todd: thank you lovey <3

neil: ofc baby angel cutie pie

todd: neil omfg just pick one (1) name

neil: NO
neil: wait lemme tell knox youre okay, he was worried lol

todd: SORRY KNOX

neil: hes ok!
neil: he just doesnt understand math
neil: its cause hes gay

knox: oohhhhhhhhhh
knox: he literally looked like someone killed his dog i was CONCERNED

neil: no hes okay, im gonna help him with the homework, he'll be fine

knox: this math IS garbage tho
knox: fuck math all my homies hate Nathan

neil: WHOS NATHAN

knox: *MATH
knox: FUCKING AUTOCORRECT

neil: SHUT IT OFF THEN BITCH

knox: IDK HOW

neil: lmfao youre so dumb
neil: ill show you during lunch lol

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charlie: guys... i think meeks and pitts are onto us
charlie: im tryna chow down on this samwich and theyre GLARING at me

cam: "samwich"

stick: is that a bad thing?

charlie: YES, OLIVER, IT IS A BAD THING

stick: oh damn, not the government name
stick: sometimes i forget that oliver is my name lol

cam: how???

stick: everyone calls me stick all the time

cam: i get that, everyone calls me cam so when someome says richard im like WHO

stick: haha yes!!! thats exactly what it feels like

charlie: stop bro-ing out WE HAVE A CRISIS
charlie: MEEKS AND PITTS ARE ONTO US
charlie: THEY KNOW WE'RE UP TO NO GOOD

stick: why cant they know?

charlie: becAUSE
charlie: THEY JUST CANT
charlie: THIS HAS TO BE A TOP SECRET OPERATION UNTIL WE GET ANSWERS FROM TEDDY

cam: ALRIGHT FINE CHARLIE

charlie: GOOD.
charlie: now we need to figure out a way to get the guys off of our backs
charlie: i was gonna suggest telling them we're a threesome, but then i remembered that i dont like either of you like that so i crossed that off the list
charlie: then i thought we could tell them we're doing a study group, but theyd probably ask us if they could join
charlie: so i have nothing!

stick: hold up.

cam: PAUSE.

charlie: so if anyone has any other suggestions, PLEASE throw them out

cam: no, can we go back to the threesome thing

charlie: no we cannot

cam: what on EARTH made you think that would be a good cover story
cam: like genuinely

stick: yes id also like to know why that was the first thing you could think of

charlie: idk i couldnt think of anything else
charlie: which is why SOMEONE NEEDS TO SUGGEST SOMETHING.

cam: stick and i do our trigonometry hw together sometimes, why dont we just say we're planning on a tutoring session and you needed help to?

charlie: why did you abbreviate homework but not trigonometry when trigonometry is the longer word

cam: would you shut the fuck up
cam: lunch is over in 2 minutes we need a PLAN

stick: trig is a good cover! i know that some of the guys are aware that cameron and i study together sometimes, so they'll buy it!

charlie: alright fine, trig study group it is
charlie: we'll reconvene after keatings class to go to teddys dorm

cam: excellent

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meeks: chat i wasnt gonna say anything but like
meeks: @cam @charlie what the fuck are you guys up to.

pitts: ^
pitts: why tf did you BOLT out of keatings classroom so fast
pitts: WITH STICK

Mr. Keating: I, too, would like to know what you boys are up to. Don't think I didn't notice the note passing.
Mr. Keating: Why did you even pass notes when you could have texted each other?

charlie: planning a study group
charlie: and notes are more fun than texts DUH

cam: yeah we're doing trig

neil: oh cool, so are me and todd! i guess trig is giving everyone problems

cam: who else is struggling with trig

todd: me :(
todd: i almost cried in class :(

meeks: aww bestie :(

charlie: wait that makes me so sad todd
charlie: why did you almost cry

todd: i dont understand math
todd: like at all
todd: im an english girlie not a math girlie
todd: i literally cannot tell you how many math classes i cried during at balincrest
todd: they had to move me down a math level cause i kept failing the tests and couldnt keep up with the pace of the class, they moved me from the accelerated class to the remedial class
todd: actually i should not even be in trigonometry! but nolan is an asshole and so are my parents!

neil: baby :(

knox: nolan is such an asshole wtf

todd: no its ok, neil said he would help me, we're going to the student lounge rn

pitts: oh, thats good at least! maybe youll see cam, charlie, and stick there!

charlie: no i dont think they will

pitts: ???

knox: you literally just said youre doing a trig study session

charlie: we are
charlie: the location is top secret
charlie: we dont want any of you there

meeks: ?????????????

neil: ok something smells fishy here

Mr. Keating: You boys aren't doing anything that will get you into trouble, will you?

cam: nice going, charles

charlie: BITCH.

cam: no, mr keating, we are NOT doing anything illegal or detention-worthy
cam: we're literally just studying

charlie: yeah, no scandalous deeds here

cam: CHARLIE.

Mr. Keating: Yeah, that doesn't make me feel any better. What are you boys dragging Stick into?

charlie: excuse you, stick is a WILLING ACCOMPLICE
charlie: HE LITERALLY AGREDJFKFKDJDKD

knox: HELLO???

cam: charlies phone is currently unavailable :)

knox: did you take it?

cam: yes.

pitts: okay someones got some 'splaining to do
pitts: yall are being shifty as HELL rn

meeks: AGREED. TELL US.

cam: so basically ive been sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal what we're up to at this particular moment.

neil: cameron what the hell did charlie rope you into

todd: i bet all of my money this has something to do with nolans grandson

meeks: WAIT
meeks: TODD I THINK YOUVE GOT IT

cam: we'll (hopefully) have some answers for you at breakfast tomorrow so stay tuned
cam: just carry on with your regular business

knox: ...okay then?

meeks: aight well since theyre doing illegal things and anderperry are studying, @pitts @knox you guys wanna hang out in the lounge and work on our poems?

knox: yeah sure im in

pitts: yesssss lets get this bread

Mr. Keating: Happy writing, gentlemen!

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pittsie: guys im crying look
pittsie: *sent a video: Shot from across the room, the camera zooms in on Neil and Todd, who are sitting next to each other, books and notebooks on the table in front of them. Neil is explaining math to Todd, using a pencil to point at the numbers. Todd sits next to him, listening intently, but is clearly upset, as tears are visible in his eyes. Neil looks up at him and asks, "Does that make any sense, or do you want me to explain it again?" Todd looks at him sadly and begins to cry. Neil puts his pencil down and wraps Todd in a hug. He kisses Todd's forehead and says, "It's okay, baby. I know it's tough and I know you're frustrated, but we'll figure out a method to help you get it, I promise." Todd lets out a pitiful sob and says, "I'm sorry for taking up your time. My parents were right, I'm so stupid." Neil looks sad as he rubs Todd's back and says, "You're not stupid, Todd. Don't call yourself that. Everyone has subjects that are harder for them. You know I suck at history. Your tough subject is math, and that's okay. You are so far from stupid, Todd. You're so smart it's insane. Every day, you impress me with how smart you are." Todd looks up at Neil, his face red and teary, and says, "I love you." Neil tilts his head down and plants a quick kiss on Todd's lips before saying, "I love you, too. You wanna try this again?" Todd nods as he wipes his tears with his sleeve, and they resume working on their trigonometry homework.*

obKNOXious: watching this live with my own two eyes was literally the sweetest thing ive ever seen

cam: oh my god???

charlEEZ NUTS: ADDING THAT TO THE ANDERPERRY WEDDING ALBUM
charlEEZ NUTS: THEY ARE SO CUTE

toad: you recorded me having a breakdown over math???

pittsie: no, i recorded you and neil being cute as shit
pittsie: i clearly did not know you were going to start crying bro

neil :): we're so cute toddy

meeksie: neil was literally so gentle with you
meeksie: even when he was teaching you math he was explaining it so gently

toad: i love my bf hes the best
toad: also what is the anderperry album that charlie mentioned???

obKNOXious: omfg i forgot todd was asleep when we first brought it up
obKNOXious: charlie records you guys doing cute shit and puts it in an album thatll be played at your wedding

toad: oh???

charlEEZ NUTS: and this video is going in it

toad: charlie, you scare me.

charlEEZ NUTS: thanks, i try <3

obKNOXious: so what the deal, todd? do you get math now?

toad: getting there!
toad: i understand the first half of it, but the second half is still giving me trouble
toad: we only stopped because i was starting to get a headache from all the numbers

obKNOXious: yay todds starting to get it!!!

meeksie: good job todd!!!

cam: crongrats!

neil :): @cam @charlie are you guys still doing your top secret mission

charlEEZ NUTS: yes, we're taking a quick break rn tho
charlEEZ NUTS: but dont expect to see us, we'll be out til literally curfew

neil :): if you need us to cover for you, let us know!

charlEEZ NUTS: thanks neilio!!!

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cam: stick did you make it back to your dorm?

stick: yeah! luckily my roommate covered for me with hager and said i was finishing up in the shower haha

charlie: who even is your roommate?

stick: jonathan

charlie: WHO???

stick: yknow, kid who sits in the back corner in keatings class, closest to the door?
stick: super tall?

charlie: i didnt know he has a name

cam: everyone has a name, dumbass

charlie: you know what i fucking mean
charlie: hes just not a main character so i didnt knkw his name

stick: did you guys get back alright?

cam: yeah, hager didnt even realize we were gone
cam: we literally got back in the nick of time

stick: good!

charlie: im so ready to tell the guys about what we discovered
charlie: but im tired so its gotta wait until tomorrow
charlie: goodnight charlie's angels

stick: night guys! this was fun! we should definitely do it again sometime!

charlie: I AGREE!!!

cam: night stick!

Chapter Text

charlie: GUYS ITS TIME

meeks: FINALLY

pitts: thank god, cause me and meeks did not sleep at all last night
pitts: this was genuinely keeping us up all night

neil: why cant you just say it out loud
neil: we're literally all sitting together eating breakfast like a big happy family
neil: and stick is literally at the table too

charlie: no stick said we can deliver the news without him since it was me and cams idea
charlie: we only got him involved because he knows literally everything thats going on at this school

cam: we also have to do it in the chat because of mr keating!

todd: hes not even looking at his phone rn
todd: hes literally talking to mcallister

knox: should we like,,, wait for him?

charlie: SAM HIM
charlie: *SPAM

knox: sam

neil: sam

meeks: sam

pitts: sam

todd: sam

cam: sam

Mr. Keating: Sam.

charlie: STFU YOU HOES
charlie: OH WAIT MR KEATING IS HERE

Mr. Keating: I can leave if you'd like, since you just told us "hoes" to shut up!

neil: AHAHHAAHHAHA
neil: mr keating has been spending way too much time with us, hes absorbed our sass through osmosis
neil: next he'll type in all lowercase letters, and then he'll lose the punctuation

Mr. Keating: It drives me nuts that you kids type like that, as an English teacher.

charlie: BUISNESS.
charlie: cameron and i have made important developments in out mission to figure out who exactly nolans nepo baby grandson is!

knox: OH WORD?

neil: SPILL
neil: WHAT DO YOU KNOW

meeks: PLEASE TELL US

charlie: cam you want to do it since you type faster than me?
charlie: ill chime in when necessary

cam: fine
cam: save ALL text reponses until i say DONE
cam: captain, that includes you

Mr. Keating: Damn ok then.

charlie: HAHAHAHA
charlie: ok go cam

cam: yesterday charlie and i talked to stick to get some info on nolans nepo baby grandson. his name is Andrew Nichols, nichols being the cover hes using to hide his real last name Nolan. stick also told us that hes not very liked among the other students here INCLUDING ME BTW! and that apparently hes been blackmailing his roommate, spaz's brother teddy. after english yesterday, me, charlie, and stick went to find teddy to ask him about the secret he knows about andrew.
cam: we found teddy in the library. he was all the way in the back corner, which was perfect because no one would be able to hear us gossiping. he was confused, but when we explaiend to him what we already knew about andrew nolan, he confirmed that it was the secret he found out. apparently he got back from the first academic decathlon practice this year 20 minutes before practice was supposed to be over, and we he got to the dorm, nolan was in there talking to andrew about not fucking up their family's reputation and how he needed to get his act together. nolan was PISSED and gave teddy a detention and left.
cam: then apparently andrew told teddy that if he told anyone that nolan was his grandfather, he would tell the entire school that teddy cried himself to sleep every night of the first week of school and called his mom begging to come home. teddy doesnt want that getting out because he thinks people will make fun of him, and they definitely would because the guys at the school are real assholes, so hes not telling anyone about nolan.
cam: teddy also made us swear that that information about him would not leave this groupchat, so you guys arent allowed to tell anyone. not that i think you would, but just so youre aware, dont mention it

charlie: MY TURN CAMERON
charlie: then we got some more information out of teddy... the BIG one.
charlie: teddy was able to piece the story together by overhearing conversations and with google lol
charlie: allegedly over the summer, andrew was a party and his 15 year old ass got WASTED, like totally drunk, and did weed, and while he was drunk and high, he went home, stole his dad's car keys, and crashed his car into the front of a cvs pharmacy
charlie: his family paid to have it all covered up and his dad took the fall for it, saying he fell asleep at the wheel, so andrew faced ZERO CONSEQUENCES FOR IT

cam: yeah, and they sent andrew here to get him into shape with his behavior because they dont want him ruining the nolan family name anymore than he already has
cam: and allegedly nolan might be giving bonuses to the teachers that give andrew A's even though he doesnt deserve them

charlie: and thats the tea

cam: DONE.

meeks: what the actual fuck
meeks: he CRASHED A CAR?!

charlie: I KNOW

pitts: DID HE KILL ANYONE?!

cam: no, he got lucky as shit man
cam: but stick had thought andrew came here for high school after finishing up middle school with his friends, but the real story is that he wasnt supposed to come here at all because his grades are shit, but after wrecking the car and a cvs, they sent him here for discipline

Mr. Keating: I can't move past the fact that Nolan is paying teachers to give him higher grades...
Mr. Keating: SURELY, That cannot be legal. Or morally correct.

charlie: we also figrued out that nolan hates you

Mr. Keating: Oh, I'm well aware!
Mr. Keating: He doesn't like the way that teach, he hates that I don't follow the textbook, he doesn't like that I'm open about my sexuality, he doesn't like that I encourage you kids to make your own lives and not the lives your parents choose for you, he doesn't like that I make my office a safe space for my students, he thinks I baby you all, I could go on, really.
Mr. Keating: I don't even know why he hired me, if I'm being honest!

charlie: HOLD UP
charlie: ARE YOU NOT STRAIGHT?!

Mr. Keating: No I am not.

neil: DUDE
neil: when you're recovered from your heartbreak and ready to try dating again, you HAVE to let me and charlie make you dating profiles so we can find you the best partner

Mr. Keating: Oh boy.

charlie: BRUH
charlie: wait this means that we no longer have a token straight person in our group

meeks: and thats a problem because...?

Mr. Keating: You kids didn't honestly think I started an underground poetry club to read works from authors like Whitman and Wilde and assumed I was straight, did you?

todd: you know, i was picking up a vibe but i wasnt gonna ask about it

pitts: QUEER MR KEATING LFG!!!

knox: wait we should get a pride flag for the cave!!!

Mr. Keating: I'll order one for you boys.

neil: YAY!!!

Mr. Keating: But we need to get back to Nolan PAYING THE TEACHERS TO NOT FAIL HIS GRANDSON!

cam: yeah its super fucked up

charlie: we need to find proof and get his ass fired

neil: charlie...

charlie: what?

neil: i think you just had your first ever good idea

charlie: HELLO????

pitts: no no hes right charlie
pitts: this is your first good idea

todd: we should celebrate this monumental occasion

knox: how are we supposed to catch nolan though?

meeks: hack his emails, duh
meeks: hes an old man. he probably keeps everything written in his emails
meeks: hell he probably sent an email about his grandson and just didnt include keating because he hates him

charlie: OKAY WAIT MEEKS, YOURE OUR MASTER HACKER. ARE YOU UP FOR THIS CHALLENGE

Mr. Keating: Hold it, boys! If you're plotting something like this, I would recommend doing it NOT with me in the chat. I need to maintain plausible deniability.

cam: hes right, we dont want him to get fired

charlie: talk out loud but quietly so no one around us can here
charlie: WE'RE KEEPING STICK IN ON THE MISSION THOUGH CAUSE HES A CHARLIES ANGEL

todd: im not even going to ask what that means
todd: but bye mr keating!

Mr. Keating: See you later, son!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeff: hey Todd, just wanted to let you know that mom and dad are going up to welton this weekend for a meeting with Nolan.
Jeff: i dont think anything bad happened, based on what mom told me over the phone. i think theyre just coming to make sure youre grades and extracurriculars are good enough.
Jeff: i just didnt want you to be blindsided by it when they show up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: PROBLEM
todd: BIG PROBLEM

Mr. Keating: What's wrong, Todd?

todd: MY PARENTS ARE COMING THIS WEEKEND

Mr. Keating: Oh no, that's not good.
Mr. Keating: Did they say why?

todd: i havent spoken to them, jeffrey texted me during chem last period. he said its to make sure my grades are good enough
todd: i am terrified!!!!!

Mr. Keating: Stay back after class later, we'll go to my office and talk about it.
Mr. Keating: Is that okay?

todd: yes please
todd: thank you

Mr. Keating: Don't thank me, kid!
Mr. Keating: Just try to keep your head on your shoulders until then.

todd: i will certainly try, but i make no guarantees

Mr. Keating: If you need anything before we meet later, please let me know and I'll come get you out of whatever class you're in, got it?

todd: yes captain

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knox: you doing anything this weekend?

charlie: not unless something comes up with the charlies angels

knox: wtf does that even mean, this is fourth time ive heard you mention it today
knox: clearly youve been waiting for someone to ask you about it

charlie: i have!
charlie: its me, cam, and stick
charlie: its the name of our scheming gc

knox: OHHHHHHH
knox: okay so if nothing comes up with the charlies angels, are you free on saturday?

charlie: yeah why

knox: do you wanna maybe go into town and see the new superman movie?
knox: i know you like comic book movies

charlie: WAIT YES CAN WE
charlie: IF ANYTHING COMES UP WITH THE ANGELS ILL RESCHEDULE
charlie: I WANNA SEE SUPERMAN

knox: yay!!!
knox: i feel like its been so long since me and you have hung out

charlie: well thats cause you were busy spending the first half of the school year chasing after chris, and ive been busy with my daily tomfoolery

knox: well now that chris has been out of the picture for weeks, we need to hang

charlie: what even happened with you two? she was literally there at the cave after neils play and we saw her like once after that

knox: didnt work out
knox: she wasnt really into me like i was into her

charlie: oh, sorry man

knox: nah its cool
knox: ancient history

charlie: it was like 2 months ago but ok

knox: besides, i have my eye on someone else

charlie: OH???
charlie: WHO???

knox: classified

charlie: YOU SUCK

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: have you noticed that pitts went to the bathroom during literally every class so far?
todd: like he went during chem and latin, and he literally just asked hager if he could go again

neil: i love that youre so observant but why did you notice that

todd: i just thought it was odd
todd: these classes are an hour long, hes been going to the bathroom every hour

neil: ok yeah thats definitely weird
neil: you dont think hes doing drugs or something do you

todd: i was thinking uti tbh

neil: should we like,,, ask him if hes okay?

todd: maybe we should wait it out? if he goes during lunch and history, we can text him during keatings

neil: ok yeah sounds like a plan

todd: oh also im staying with keating after class to talk to him about something and i want you to be there too

neil: sure ofc i can stay :)

todd: thank you love <3
todd: i hate this classssss

neil: do you understand any of it today?

todd: more than yesterday
todd: see i had this really great tutor

neil: oh really? tell me about him ;)

todd: well, he was very kind and patient
todd: and probably the most gorgeous boy ive ever laid my eyes on
todd: and he has the prettiest eyes, i swear i thought i was going to drown in them
todd: aaaaaaand hes a really good kisser

neil: ohhhhh reeeeeaaaaalllllyyyyyy?

todd: mmmhhhhmmmm ;)

neil: thats so crazy because yesterday i tutored a boy who was super shy and timid but is so insanely smart
neil: he's the prettiest boy ive ever seen, his hair is all sandy-colored and sooo soft, and his eyes are this insane blue, i think its my new favorite shade of blue
neil: and he was also a really good kisser, hes got these plump lips that are so kissable and so soft, i swear kissing him was the best feeling ive ever felt
neil: YOURE BLUSHING SO HARD RN OH MY GOD

todd: SHUT UP

neil: YOUR LITTLE EARS ARE ALL PINK

todd: STOP IT

neil: YOURE ADORABLE

todd: you wanna go to our room during lunch and make out for a bit?

neil: baby, i thought you'd never ask ;)

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charlie: phase 2 of our plan has to wait until next week

cam: why?

stick: i thought we agreed on saturday

charlie: knox asked me to hang out

cam: to hang out?

charlie: yeah

cam: like a friends hang out or like a date?

charlie: what
charlie: a hang out obviiii

stick: do you want it to be a date?

charlie: hello???

cam: do you like knox, yes or no?
cam: cause sometimes you look at him like you do

charlie: oh look at that, lunch is over!

stick: im taking that as a yes lol

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toad: pitts are you okay
toad: you keep leaving class to go to the bathroom

obKNOXious: you werent at lunch either pittsie
obKNOXious: neither were yiu guys @todd @neil

neil :): todd and i were having a quick make out sesh leave us alone

meeksie: AYO???

charlEEZ NUTS: "quick" you missed all 45 minutes of lunch

toad: we got distracted

charlEEZ NUTS: by what? your dicks?

toad: HDLSHFSKDHCL NO CHARLES.
toad: we only made out for like 10 minutes and then a bird crashed into our window so we went outside to make sure it was okay

neil :): we adopted a bird basically
neil :): hes our son now
neil :): its not in our dorm, before any of you weirdos ask.
neil :): we made it a little nest for it in the tree closest to our window :)
neil :): and the making out was really great thanks for asking charlie

charlEEZ NUTS: i dont recall asking

meeksie: did you name the bird?

neil :): todd did!
neil :): go on baby, tell them what you named him!

toad: horatio :D

meeksie: thats so fun!!!

cam: as fascinated as i am by this bird, can we get back to pitts? he has not replied yet to todds question

charlEEZ NUTS: @pitts

pittsie: sorry yeah ive been going to the bathroom cause my mom needs to call me

obKNOXious: why is your mom calling you so much

pittsie: cause my grandma died lol

neil :): UM
neil :): ARE YOU OKAY??????

toad: omg pitts im sorry :(

meeksie: babe holy shit? why didnt you say anything?

cam: sorry for your loss

charlEEZ NUTS: pittsie i love you but i dont think thats a sentence that should have an lol at the end of it

obKNOXious: i have ti agree with charlie on this one

pittsie: oh no its fine, its my evil grandma, not the one i actually like

meeksie: i feel like i have more questions now than i did before

neil :): please tell us more pittsie

pittsie: this grandma used to hit my dad, so when i was born my dad kept her far away from me because he didnt want her to hit me too which caused a rift in the family
pittsie: but then she started inviting herself to our house for holidays and she actually hates us all and yells at my dad the whole time
pittsie: and when she found out im gay the first thanksgiving after i came out to my parents, she went on a homophobic rampage and broke a ton of shit in our house
pittsie: ive been praying on her downfall for years so like
pittsie: DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD

neil :): oh my god????

toad: this reminds me of when the queen died and wicked made the announcement saying theyd carry on with the show as written and they started singing "GOOD NEWS SHES DEAD"

pittsie: YOOOOO HAHAHAHAHAH SHDKSHSKDHSLDH
pittsie: todd youre so funny please dont die

toad: ill try not to!

meeksie: do you need anything pitts?

pittsie: no im ok babe dw, we can talk later tho
pittsie: i do havd to leave school on friday tho, thats why my mom keeps calling, cause shes making the plans
pittsie: after keatings class my mom is gonna pick me up for the weekend cause the funeral is gonna be saturday
pittsie: so i wont be here for the dps meeting on friday :(

charlEEZ NUTS: NOOOOOOOOO
charlEEZ NUTS: i hate this for you
charlEEZ NUTS: i wrote a really swag poem i was gonna read

pittsie: NOOOO IM GONNA MISS A CHARLIE POEM 3

charlEEZ NUTS: dw pookie i wont read it, ill save it for next week

obKNOXious: tbh we should just cancel fridays meeting cause its gonna fucjing thunderstorm and i am not going to a cave in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm

cam: i second that

meeksie: i third that

toad: I FOURTH THAT

neil :): aight no dps meeting this week then, next friday we shall reconvene

charlEEZ NUTS: oh fuck todd just put his phone back in his pocket, see you guys later im not letting keating yell at me again for texting during class

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neil: CHAT WE HAVE A CODE RED
neil: WHOS HERE ON SATURDAY

pittsie: not me

charlie: im not gonna be here saturday either

knox: same

cam: ill be here

meeks: i will also be here

neil: wait @knox @charlie ???

charlie: me and knoxy are going to the movies :)

neil: ah
neil: i see

knox: why, whats going on?

neil: todd and i just got back from keatings office, apparently TODDS PARENTS ARE COMING ON SATURDAY

meeks: OH SHIT

pitts: OH???

charlie: oh no

knox: thats not good

cam: what do you need us to do neil?

neil: i was thinking that whoevers around could come hang in our dorm with us
neil: hes gonna be a nervous wreck so i thought maybe we could all keep him company so he can lean on us you know

meeks: yeah sure! ill be there

cam: same, anything for todd

charlie: me and knox can come by after our movie

knox: yeah definitely!!

pitts: ill be there in spirit

neil: thank you boys, will keep you posted

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todd: mr keating i meant to ask earlier, but did you mean to out yourself in the chat earlier?

Mr. Keating: I did not, but I also figured it was obvious. You figured it out, after all!

todd: well yeah cause i notice everything
todd: and you literally left your pan flag bookmark in a book you let me borrow in october lol

Mr. Keating: I did that on purpose, you know.

todd: YOU DID?
todd: why?

Mr. Keating: A more obvious way to let you know that I wasn't a homophobe.

todd: no way you clocked me THAT fast

Mr. Keating: You are not very subtle!
Mr. Keating: I could see how you looked at Neil, I'm not blind.

todd: bruh

Mr. Keating: Don't "bruh" me, mister! You know I'm right!

todd: youre always right about everything smh
todd: after i graduate next year we should go to pride!!! obviously neil would come, and we can invite the other poets too!!!

Mr. Keating: That sounds fun! I assume I would be supervising to make sure you boys don't get into trouble!

todd: maybe if you dont find a partner before then, we could help you find someone!! im a really good judge of character!!!

Mr. Keating: You're also oblivious when it comes to relationships, kiddo!

todd: NO IM NOT SMH

Mr. Keating: All I'm going to say is that when Neil finally asked you on a date, you asked him which of the other guys were also going to be there.

todd: IN MY DEFENSE! i did not realize he meant it as a date!!!

Mr. Keating: Changing the subject, would you like to hang around the office on Saturday while your parents are here?

todd: actually neil said he would stay with me all day, we're gonna do either a movie marathon or play mariokart :)

Mr. Keating: That's good! It's great that you two have each other, you're good for each other.
Mr. Keating: And I'd love to be invited to your wedding some day!

todd: DUH!!! you have to stand in for my dumbass father
todd: or neils dumbass father
todd: you have to stand in for BOTH of our fathers!!!

Mr. Keating: Then who's side should I sit on?

todd: we'll make sure there's a special seat in the middle for you :D

Mr. Keating: I would be honored.

todd: that sounds so sarcastic, can you spice it up a bit so i know its genuine lol

Mr. Keating: i would be so honored! #wedding!

todd: GDKSGDKSGDLSSGD

Mr. Keating: How did I do?

todd: EXCELLENT. 10/10 NO NOTES

Mr. Keating: Are you guys doing a D.P.S. meeting this week?

todd: no not this week, pitts' grandma died so hes not going to be here and its going to storm anyways so we canceled

Mr. Keating: Oh goodness! Is he alright?

todd: yeah he hated his grandma, apparently she was a bitch

Mr. Keating: Oh... well, good riddance, I suppose.

todd: DGAKDHSKDHDLDH
todd: since we arent meeting though that means i have another week to workshop my next poem
todd: and by that i mean i have another week to get your help perfecting it

Mr. Keating: Come by my office whenever you're ready and we'll go over it together!

todd: thank youuuu
todd: youre the best!!!

Mr. Keating: I know! It's late, you should get some rest now! Have a good night, son!

todd: you too captain!!!

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neil: so
neil: you and knox huh?

charlie: i cant hear you im sleeping

neil: CHARLIE AND KNOXY SITTING IN A TREE
neil: K I S S I N G
neil: FIRST COMES LOVE

charlie: SHUT UP

neil: THE COMES MARRIAGE

charlie: IM GONNA MURDER YOU

neil: THEN COMES A BABY IN A BABY CARRIAGE

charlie: EAT SHIT!!!

neil: love you too!!!

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Good morning, Mr. Pitts. I was made aware that your grandmother passed and wanted to check in with you. How are you doing today?

pitts: oh thanks cap
pitts: im okay, my grandma was like,,, the spawn of satan lowkey
pitts: my family has been waiting for her to die
pitts: according to my mom, dad is a wreck. she treated him like shit his whole life so he tried to cut her off and hes relieved he doesnt have to deal with it anymore, but like its also his mom, you know?
pitts: my mom told me hes been weirdly quiet and closed off which isnt normal for him because hes usually very open about how he feels
pitts: but hopefully he'll be okay

Mr. Keating: I'm very sorry to hear about your father.
Mr. Keating: How are YOU doing though? Will you be leaving Welton for a funeral?

pitts: yeah, my mom is picking me up tomorrow after classes end and i wont be back until sunday evening. the funeral is on saturday because my dad and his brothers just want to get it overwith and we can all he there for the weekend
pitts: im alright? i guess?
pitts: actually idrk how i feel rn tbh

Mr. Keating: Why don't you walk through what you're thinking? Maybe that'll help.

pitts: i guess its just weird because she treated my dad and his brothers like garbage, they say all the time that she should have never been a mother and i agree because the way she treats her kids is evil. and she treated me like shit too, especially when she found out im gay, so like im glad none of us have to deal with her anymore
pitts: but i also feel guilty for not being upset that shes dead.
pitts: like shes my grandma, arent i supposed to be sad that she died?

Mr. Keating: You're not "supposed" to be anything, son. Whatever feelings you're feeling are valid. Everyone grieves differently, and in some cases, you might not grieve at all. You and your grandmother had a complicated relationship, its okay to have complicated feelings towards her death.

pitts: so its okay if im not like upset or something?

Mr. Keating: Of course it's okay! If you don't feel upset, then you don't feel upset. No one can tell you how to feel, son.
Mr. Keating: How about you come to my office? We've got about a half an hour before breakfast, let's have a chat.

pitts: yes please that would be great
pitts: im omw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: so i didnt want to say anything in front of everyone else, but you were 15 minutes late and your eyes are all read, are you okay?
meeks: also please finish that pancake or youll be starving by the time we get to trig

pitts: ok mother hen smh
pitts: and yeah im okay

meeks: you wanna tell me where you went this morning?

pitts: keating texted asking how i was so i went to his office to talk to him

meeks: about your grandma?

pitts: no about the weather
pitts: yes about my grandma lmfao

meeks: can i ask about your talk or do you not want to talk about it

pitts: nah it cool babe
pitts: its just what i told you last night about how i felt weird about her death yk

meeks: oh so like a second opinion type thing

pitts: yes!!
pitts: hes a great person to cry to
pitts: i swear i didnt even think i had to cry and he said something to me with that look that he usually gives to todd, the comforting dad look yk, and i started bawling like a baby
pitts: now i get why todd and neil go see him all the time lol

meeks: did the talk and the crying help?

pitts: yeah, i feel like a lot better actually
pitts: i guess i really needed that

meeks: good, im glad :)

pitts: thank you for last night too
pitts: you always know just what to say

meeks: stfu

pitts: no seriously steven, thank you for being so supportive it means like everything to me

meeks: i love you, id do anything for you and ill always support you <3

pitts: i love you too <3
pitts: and thanks for checking up on me

meeks: i always will :)

pitts: romantic ass bitch

meeks: see thats how i know you really are feeling better

pitts: LMAOOOO

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charlie: angels! attention!

cam: please stop calling us that
cam: its fine to have that as the gc name but PLEASE stop calling us angels

stick: personally i dont mind it lol

charlie: ok fine
charlie: angel (and cameron)! attention!

cam: i take it back just call me an angel again

charlie: ok fine
charlie: angels! attention!

stick: bro just spit it out stop edging us

charlie: unhinged response, love it!
charlie: i have the next part of our plan!

cam: oh boy here we go

charlie: we need to break into nolans office to get on his computer, and i happened to find out that he and his wife the secretary are going out to some big fancy dinner party on sunday night at 7pm and wont be back until 1am

stick: how did you find that out omg

charlie: right place at the right time

stick: ?

charlie: i overheard him telling hager while i was passing the teachers bathroom and when i realized who i was i hid behind the wall to eavesdrop

cam: are you sure we have to actually break into nolans office? why cant meeks just hack the computer from one of our dorms

charlie: because meeks said no to being the master hacker which means that we have to go to nolans office
charlie: he did however provide me with a list of nolans most likely passwords

stick: howd he figure it out?

charlie: his exact words were "this is a list of passwords that old people are most likely to use. nolans password is probably on this list."

cam: HAHAHA

charlie: so yeah meeks is out
charlie: stick can be our lookout guy
charlie: and me and cam will do all the hacking

stick: when and where are we meeting

charlie: come to our room at 6, we'll go over than plan some more and then sneak down at 8
charlie: is everyone in?

stick: yes!

cam: yeah im in

charlie: excellent, gentlemen!

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todd: heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

neil: heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

todd: i wrote somethinggggggg

neil: OH?!?!?!?!?!
neil: CAN I SEE?!?!??!?!

todd: yesssssss
todd: its only the first 2 lines butttttttt
todd: I cower in fear as the rolling thunder grows louder and louder, the echoes ricocheting off the walls like bullets.
todd: is that good like do you think it could be something or should i just scrap it?

neil: I LOVE THAT
neil: i feel like i can see those sentences so vividly in my head ykwim?

todd: yes i know what you mean, that acronym is trash tho

neil: SMHHHHH
neil: but i really think youre onto something great with it!!!

todd: truth be told i have a couple more notes jotted down but they dont come directly after the ones i sent so i cant show you yet

neil: boooooooo
neil: tomato tomato tomato

todd: why are you saying tomato?

neil: IM THROWING THEM AT YOU
neil: BOOOOOO

todd: omfg CALM YOURSELF
todd: i cant show you yet cause 1. its nit finished being written and 2. im gonna read it at the meeting next week :)

neil: BABY!!! YOURE GONNA READ? IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

todd: hehehehe
todd: can you hold my hand again though like last time? i just get nervous and you ground me

neil: of course i can, i told you ill always be here to hold your hand and i meant it

todd: thanks :)

neil: i cant wait to hear it <3

todd: i love you i love you i love you

neil: i love you too i love you too i love you too
neil: now start paying attention to trig or ill have to tutor you again!

todd: good ;)

neil: GDKDHSFKSHKD

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knox: are we still on for tomorrow?
knox: cause you have that look on your face like youre up to something and i just wanna know if whatever youre up to is taking place while were supposed to be at the movies

charlie: you know my scheming face?

knox: charlie. your scheming face is SO obvious.

charlie: rude
charlie: YES we are still on
charlie: my scheme is taking place sunday night, so on saturday im all yours

knox: oh
knox: thats great :)

charlie: :)

knox: :P

charlie: :D

knox: =]

charlie: 8=======D

knox: why is it so long

charlie: thats what she said

knox: omfg i hate you

charlie: oh please you love m

knox: yeah i do

charlie: oh?

knox: youre my best friend :)

charlie: oh
charlie: same

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: how did you know pitts liked you back

meeks: hello???

charlie: ANSWER THE QUESTION NERD!!!

meeks: OH MY GOD?
meeks: idk it was just natural progression?
meeks: like we started as normal friends but we got a little touchy like hugging and always holding hands and then one day we just kissed and we were like yeah lets keep doing this
meeks: there was no like,,, big hallelujah moment

charlie: oh

meeks: why?

charlie: no reason

meeks: is this about knox?

charlie: WHWHWHWHWH NO

meeks: ah, so it IS about knox

charlie: i cant tell if he thinks im flirting or not

meeks: whatd you say to him

charlie: we were texting and i sent him a dick emoji

meeks: A WHAT

charlie: yknow
charlie: 8==D
charlie: except much larger than that so he knows im packing

meeks: ew dude
meeks: did not need to know that
meeks: also if THATS how you flirt, no wonder youre single

charlie: YOU TAKE THAT BACK

meeks: youre a lost cause
meeks: sorry charlie

charlie: YO WTF MEEKS

meeks: if you want real help with knox, ask neil or todd

charlie: eh
charlie: that can be a later problem

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

knox: psst
knox: psssttttt

cam: ?

knox: youre roommates with charlie

cam: yeah no shit

knox: does he talk about me at all

cam: yeah he talks about all of us
cam: hes a chronic yapper remember

knox: no i mean like does he ever talk about just me

cam: oooohhhhhh
cam: youre trying to ask me if he likes you

knox: yes!!!!
knox: does he?

cam: bros before hoes sorry!

knox: hello???????
knox: so can i take that as a yes?
knox: cause if the answer was no, you wouldve just told me

cam: wink wink
cam: (but dont tell him i told you)

knox: THANK YOU CAMERON I OWE YOU ONE

cam: just keep all making out in your dorm, not ours!

knox: deal!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlEEZ NUTS: rather boring day at hellton innit?

neil :): agreed

pittsie: yessss
pittsie: like go girl give us nothing!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: im actually so bored of today i might lose my mind

meeksie: i think its just the vibes
meeksie: like i think keating is bored of today too cause why are we literally just sitting here listening to a recording of a guy reading romeo and juliet

obKNOXious: todd looks like hes about to fall asleep

neil :): robotic voices do that to him

obKNOXious: LMAO????

neil :): like when he watches those storytime videos on tiktok with the robotic voice, like the reddit story ones yk, he starts dozing by the time the video ends

toad: dont expose me like that omfg???

cam: you watch reddit story time videos??? todd what grkshfdlhd

toad: theyre the ones that are like "am i the asshole for proposing at my sister's wedding after she broke her promise of making me her maid of honor" and shit like that

pittsie: WAIT I LOVE THOSE ONES
pittsie: i saw one that was like "am i the asshole for hooking up with my sister's husband while she was pregnant" and when i tell you i was on the edge of my seat

charlEEZ NUTS: THATS INSANE CAN YOU SENT ME THE VIDEO

pittsie: yeah after class ill find it lol

neil :): we should all say a fun fact about ourselves that we havent shared with anyone!!!
neil :): LORE DROP!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: OH ME FIRST
charlEEZ NUTS: when i was a kid i used to eat dirt

cam: that explains SO MUCH about you

neil :): what cam said

charlEEZ NUTS: STFU
charlEEZ NUTS: just for that, you can go next neil

neil :): i listen to rock music but i do it on a different app so no one can see it on my spotify

pittsie: OMG DROP YOUR FAV BAND

neil :): ive been into acdc lately

pittsie: YESSSSSSS

neil :): pittsie your turn!!

pittsie: i have a secret meme instagram account with like 500k followers
pittsie: and NO IM NOT TELLING YOU MY USERNAME

obKNOXious: i feel like thats so on brand for you
obKNOXious: like if anyone here was going to have a famous meme account, it would 100% be you

meeksie: i have to agree

toad: same

neil :): same

pittsie: bruh
pittsie: ok someome else share then

obKNOXious: i ate my twin in the womb

charlEEZ NUTS: lmao not the pitch perfect reference

obKNOXious: no im being serious
obKNOXious: i was deadass a twin
obKNOXious: until i absorbed it :D

neil :): HELLO??

meeksie: LMAOOOOO

cam: i cannot imagine a world where there are two (2) knoxes so i think it was for the best

meeksie: yeah cams right

obKNOXious: i fully agree
obKNOXious: cam your turn

cam: when i was a kid my parents used to enter me in puzzle competitions

charlEEZ NUTS: HUH?

cam: like where a bunch of people put puzzles together at the same time and whoever puts it together the fastest wins

charlEEZ NUTS: fucking LOSER

cam: -_-

charlEEZ NUTS: ew

toad: can it be my turn!

neil :): yes it can baby boy go ahead!!!

obKNOXious: you guys are gonna give me a cavity

toad: i started a fire in our kitchen when i was in the 4th grade because i got 2nd place in a spelling bee and lit the ribbon on fire :)

neil :): my boyfriend, my little arsonist <3

meeksie: i love that for you todd

pittsie: little todd setting fires to feel joy

toad: thats not why i did it :)

pittsie: damn ok #daddyissues

charlEEZ NUTS: HEY MEEKS I THINK ITS YOUR TURN

meeksie: okay!
meeksie: i once made my mom dye my hair blonde because the kids on the soccer team that hated me made fun of me because im a ginger lol

toad: meeks every time you drop new soccer team lore i am FLABBERGASTED
toad: WHY DID YOUR PARENTS MAKE YOU STAY ON THE TEAM

meeksie: BECAUSE THEY WANTED ME TO BE A SOCCER STAR

toad: meeks no offense but you suck at soccer worse than i do

obKNOXious: todd everyone sucks at soccer worse than you do because youre the best player on the team

toad: stfu im leaving goodbye
toad: im putting my phone away so keating yells at you guys mwahahahaha

obKNOXious: TODD NO

pittsie: TODD COME BACK

cam: todd just entered his evil era

charlEEZ NUTS: ig thats what we get for telling him hes good at soccer

pittsie: NO FUCKING WAY
pittsie: KEATING STOP PLAYING FAVORITES CHALLENGE
pittsie: TODD WAS TEXTING TOO
pittsie: its so funny tho so like i have to laugh

neil :): todd really IS in his evil era omg
neil :): EVIL TODD!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pitts: john middle name keating.
pitts: youve got some splaining to do.

charlie: yeaaah we used your full government name, GET USED TO IT

knox: WE DEMAND ANSWERS

neil: bitch who's WE

Mr. Keating: "Middle Name" is not my middle name.

pitts: its probably like francis or some shit

Mr. Keating: I'm not disclosing that information.

knox: we demand to know why you only tell us to put our phones away AFTER todd already puts his away

charlie: YEAH!!!!!
charlie: its like you sit there and wait for todd to put his phone away just so you can tell the rest of us to stop texting in class

pitts: the blatant favoritism!!!!!

Mr. Keating: You kids do know that I do it just to annoy you, right?

knox: what

Mr. Keating: Excuse my language, but I truly do not give a single shit if you're texting during my class.

charlie: OH WORD??

neil: i alr knew that mwahahaha

meeks: mr keating, you jokster you!!!

charlie: mr keating in his silly goose era

neil: you guys should know todd is sitting in bed under a mountain of blankets giggling like a madman

meeks: would you say... a sweaty-toothed madman?

neil: i get the reference but no hes actually giggling its so cute

todd: HEHEHEHE ME AND MR KEATING SCHEMED AGAINST YOU GUYS HEHEHEHE

pitts: SCHEMED?!?!?!

todd: EHEHEHHEHEE YESSSSS
todd: WE THOUGHT ITD BE FUNNY
todd: AND IT WAS

neil: GUYS IM CRYING TODD LOOKS SO CUTE RN HERE WAIT
neil: *sent a photo: Taken from across the room. Todd lies on his bed under multiple blankets. Only his head and his hand, holding his phone, stick out from under the blanket. He has a big smile on his face, teeth showing as he clearly laughs at his phone screen.*

pitts: damn.
pitts: its hard to be mad at evil todd when hes looking like a kid in a candy store.

meeks: bruh i love you todd

todd: I LOVE YOU TOO MEEKS!!!!

cam: todd and keating scheming together makes so much sense
cam: like i cant even say im surprised

Mr. Keating: Yes, it was all a ploy to see how long it would take for you guys to crack. I truly don't care if you're texting during class as long as you're quiet.
Mr. Keating: Just don't make it a habit!

charlie: dont worry captain, we actually LIKE your class
charlie: we only text during your class if theres major tea

knox: not today tho
knox: we were just bored

Mr. Keating: Yeah, sorry about that! I honestly did not feel like teaching today.

neil: are you okay?

Mr. Keating: Hit a wave of post-breakup blues, I suppose. But I'm alright!

neil: are you suuuuure?

Mr. Keating: Yes, Neil, I'm sure.

neil: ok good

Mr. Keating: Now, all of you should be getting to bed soon! It's nearly curfew!

charlie: boooooooo

Mr. Keating: Oh, and Mr. Pitts? You were right, it's Francis.

pitts: YOOOOO HAHAHAHA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: i have a big fat crush on knox help

neil: I KNEW IT

charlie: how did you know that todd liked you back?

neil: honestly? i didnt. i talked it all out with keating and he told me i had a really good chance with todd, but i didnt believe him. i didnt know that he knew todd liked me back.
neil: i guess i really realized it when we were rehearsing lines for midsummer together on the dock. he sent me a look and i just knew that he felt the same way so i kissed him and he kissed me back.
neil: and the rest is history :)

charlie: so youre saying i need to talk to keating

neil: thats not at all what im saying, but it would probably help. hes like a relationship expert. he probably knew you liked knox before you knew it tbh

charlie: the way youre probably right
charlie: thanks neilio
charlie: you can go back to cuddling with your boyfriend now
charlie: goodnight man, love you :)

neil: love you too charles!!!

Chapter Text

meeks: @neil is todd ok??? he seems quieter than usual and hes not eating much

neil: i was just gonna text
neil: todds a little off today, i think the impending weather and his parents coming tomorrow are starting to make him anxious
neil: he was tossing and turning all night too
neil: so just try not to bother him today, hes not up for much talking and i saw he muted the groupchats

meeks: aww :( poor todd

cam: is there anything we can do?

neil: just dont mention his mood, his parents, or the storm

knox: wait whats the deal with the storm?
knox: i feel like i missed something

pitts: bro the NOISE

knox: what about it?

charlie: toddy doesnt like loud noises, hes sensitive to them
charlie: i thought you knew that
charlie: he literally jumped when that kid dropped his plate in the cafeteria and it crashed on the ground the other day remember

knox: ooohhhhhhhhh

neil: does anyone know when the storm is actually supposed to start cause im lowkey worried abt him

cam: i think around dinnertime

pitts: oh good ill be gone by then
pitts: but that sucks for todderson

neil: could you guys just keep an eye on him throughout the day? i sit across the room from him in latin and way behind him in trig, so whoever sits clsoest please just lmk if he looks like hes doing worse

charlie: we got you man

neil: thanks boys

pitts: you sound like mr keating pls never say those words again

neil: damn ok

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pitts: dude its so fucking dark out
pitts: look out the window

meeks: WOAH
meeks: those clouds look insane
meeks: you wanna sneak out after lunch and get some pics?

pitts: YES.
pitts: ill run up and grab your camera after trig

meeks: HOORAY
meeks: im so glad i have a bf who supports my love of taking sick cloud pictures

pitts: the pics you take are lowkey insane
pitts: like they belong in a museum

meeks: i cant wait to get some in the spring when the weathers nicer and its sunnier
meeks: the clouds always look way better in the spring

pitts: we should make a date out of it
pitts: we could lay out on the lawn and do some cloud watching too

meeks: AND A PICNIC

pitts: WITH CLASSIC PICNIC SANDWICHES

meeks: ok we have to remember this conversation in like april or may
meeks: but ill put it in my notes app and star it so its always at the top :)

pitts: my boyfriend the genius
pitts: now i wish it was springtime

meeks: not to abruptly change the subject but please text me this weekend if you need anything while youre away

pitts: babe. DUH.

meeks: no but i mean like
meeks: funerals are hard, especially when your feelings toward the deceased are complicated. its going to be a lot and its going to feel heavy.
meeks: i just want you to know that like,,, im here if you need to talk to someone
meeks: literally call me and ill pick up on the first ring

pitts: i love you so much stevennnnn
pitts: youre such a good boyfriend
pitts: and a really great best friend

meeks: i love you too gerardddddd

pitts: ewwww dont call me that lmao

meeks: what are you gonna do on our wedding day when i have to say your full name of gerard john pitts, huh?

pitts: did you just propose to me

meeks: no way man we arent getting engaged until we have degrees and a steady income

pitts: so like 6 years?

meeks: yeah probably

pitts: hell yeah
pitts: so we're pre pre pre pre pre pre engaged!
pitts: one pre for every year

meeks: HAPPY PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE ENGAGEMENT

pitts: YES HAPPY PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE ENGAGEMENT!!!

meeks: ok now shoo
meeks: i have to finish up this worksheet before mcallister collects them all

pitts: oh yeah i forgot about that oops

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todd: i cant do class today

Mr. Keating: My office instead?

todd: please

Mr. Keating: Of course. Can I ask what's wrong or are you not ready to talk about it?

todd: everything is wrong but i dont wanna talk about it rn

Mr. Keating: Oh, dear. Well, I'll make some tea and leave it for you when you get here.
Mr. Keating: Unless you'd like to go to my office now, that is. I can walk you back after lunch is over, and then let your history teacher know you'll be missing class.

todd: ill be fine
todd: thanks tho

Mr. Keating: If you change your mind and want to leave class, let me know and I'll come get you, okay?

todd: ok

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charlie: dude todd is really starting to freak me out
charlie: ive never seen him like this before

neil: yeah hes really on edge today
neil: tap on his back and tell him to stop biting his nails please

charlie: why did you make me do that he looks so sad now
charlie: his eyes are all shiny like hes gonna cry

neil: oh geez
neil: if hes this bad today, i cant even imagine how he'll be tomorrow

charlie: sorry i wont be there to hang out with you guys

neil: no!!! dont be sorry!!!
neil: youre finally going on a date with knox!!! you deserve to enjoy yourself!!!
neil: youve literally been waiting for him to give you a signal for months

charlie: im so excited imma kiss him
charlie: if the opportunity presents itself that is

neil: CHARLIE YAY
neil: but he'd definitely lay one on you first lmao
neil: you suck at making the first move

charlie: YOU TAKE THAT BACK

neil: :P

charlie: 8=D
charlie: ^ thats you.

neil: is that supposed to be a dick

charlie: yes.

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todd: can you come get me from history

Mr. Keating: On my way, just hang in there for a few more minutes.

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meeks: why did keating just pull todd from class

knox: i think keating has a 6th sense for this kind of stuff or something

cam: he probably noticed todd wasnt okay during lunch

neil: todd texted him an sos

pitts: damn i really thought keating could read minds for a second there

neil: todd wont be in english either
neil: i know he still wants to come with us to see you off pitts

pitts: aww i love todd

neil: i do have a favor to ask everyone though

charlie: wassup my dude

meeks: ask away

neil: ik we were thinking about doing like a game night in my dorm tonight since we had to cancel dps but i dont think its the best idea rn

knox: dude ofc, we can have a game night literally any other time, dw!!

meeks: we understand this is a bad time for him
meeks: im worried about his parents being here tomorrow,,, like based on some of the stuff hes mentioned about them, i really think we should try to keep him far away from them

neil: we're planning to stay in the dorm all day so hopefully they dont come up
neil: but theres a good chance they do

cam: jesus

neil: yeah ik :/

cam: well meeks and i will be here so like you said the other day, if you need us, just ask and we'll come over

meeks: what cam said

neil: thanks guysssss
neil: UwU

charlie: EW

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charlEEZ NUTS: PITTSIE WE MISS YOU ALREADY

pittsie: i literally JUST left

charlEEZ NUTS: SO???
charlEEZ NUTS: god forbid a dude loves his pals

obKNOXious: I ALSO MISS YOU ALREADY PITTS

pittsie: thank you?

obKNOXious: insane response
obKNOXious: DONT YOU MISS US BACK.

pittsie: i miss meeks

meeksie: i miss you tooooo

pittsie: if anything interesting happens while im gone pls tell me

charlEEZ NUTS: only if you tell us if anything interesting happens at the funeral

obKNOXious: wtf do you think is gonna happen at a funeral

charlEEZ NUTS: they could object

pittsie: object to what? being dead? cause i think its a little too late for that now

charlEEZ NUTS: noooo
charlEEZ NUTS: i mean like the whole speak now or forever hold your peace thing

pittsie: AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

meeksie: no fucking way

charlEEZ NUTS: what???

cam: thats at a WEDDING
cam: dumbass

charlEEZ NUTS: oh

obKNOXious: LMFAO???

neil :): charlie. i genuinely wonder how you got into this school sometimes.

charlEEZ NUTS: my family is rich that's how

cam: how have you not failed out yet

charlEEZ NUTS: im smart when i want to be B)

pittsie: charlie, the way you simply exist amazes me
pittsie: 0 common sense
pittsie: like how do you survive

meeksie: HAHAHAHAHA

charlEEZ NUTS: im sorry, i didnt know it was national bully charlie day SMH

neil :): erm anywaysssss
neil :): toddy and i are going to our dorm, whats everyone else doing?

meeksie: probs just working on homework

cam: i was gonna do latin in the lounge

meeksie: oh can i join you? i was also gonna do latin

cam: yes! anyone else?

obKNOXious: ME
obKNOXious: ill come too

meeksie: charlie?

charlEEZ NUTS: fuck latin
charlEEZ NUTS: im going to take the best fucking nap of my life
charlEEZ NUTS: im going all out, im talking soft blanket, asmr in my earbuds, lights off, sleep mask on

neil :): that sounds excellent charlie
neil :): enjoy your nap time!!

charlEEZ NUTS: oh believe me, i will

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neil: are you busy rn

Mr. Keating: Not at all, what's up?

neil: can you come to my dorm, i cant get todd out from under his bed to come to dinner
neil: the storm started earlier than i thought it was going to so we werent prepared and that loud thunder just scared the crap out of him

Mr. Keating: I'll be right up. Does he have his headphones?

neil: no, i have them. he wont take them from me, hes using his hands to cover his ears
neil: i got the window taken care of though so he cant see the rain or the lightning

Mr. Keating: Well, it's good that you got that window covered up at least!
Mr. Keating: I'm nearly there.

neil: hes crying now so your presence will be greatly appreciated

Mr. Keating: Poor kid

neil: i know :(

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meeks: hey, everything alright?
meeks: youre not at dinner so i assume something happened?

neil: todds having a meltdown rn, we wont be at dinner at all
neil: do you think youd be able to grab a couple of water bottles for us before you come back upstairs?

meeks: yeah of course, do you want me to bring anything for you guys to eat?
meeks: its chicken parm tonight

neil: no food, thanks. the smell will only make things worse rn i think. we have plenty of snacks up here anyways so if either of us get hungry later we'll be fine

meeks: how bad is it?

neil: well it took me and mr keating 20 minutes but we finally managed to get him out from under his bed
neil: we fianlly got him to put his noise cancellers on which helped calm him a little
neil: we were able to get him onto his bed and under his heavy blanket, and we got him to stop hitting his leg, hes still stimming a lot though
neil: he was shouting for a few minutes when we were trying to get him onto the bed but its mostly just been like super intense crying
neil: he was really anxious all day and on the verge of sensory overload, that first big thunder is what pushed him over the edge

meeks: god

neil: mr keating is still here tho
neil: we have to keep the door open since hes in here according to hager, so the extra noise from the hall isnt helping much

meeks: is todd doing okay with both of you present?

neil: surprisingly yes, im sitting next to him and keating is reading one of todds books outloud
neil: todd seems like hes really trying to focus on his voice and stay grounded yk
neil: its going to be a long night though

meeks: and theres still his parents tomorrow
meeks: he just cant catch a break :/

neil: any chance youd be able to let the other guys know to try and stay quiet when passing our room?

meeks: yeah ofc, ill let them know
meeks: is there anything else we can do for you guys?

neil: not that i can think of, but thank you

meeks: if you do think of something later, just let us know, we're more than happy to help

neil: thank you so much
neil: seriously
neil: i know todd really appreciates everything you guys do for him

meeks: we love him, thats what friends are for

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knox: the storms nearly over, hows todd doing @neil ???

neil: better for sure

meeks: is keating still with yiu guys

neil: yeah, hes going to stay until curfew and then he'll be back in the morning to check in with us
neil: todds still coming down from the meltdown, not talking right now, minimal touch
neil: he wanted his headphones off though since we told him the thunder stopped, hes just laying here listening to me and mr keating talking now
neil: hes got that weighted dinosaur plushie that charlie got him on his chest
neil: he'll probably fall asleep within the hour, it was really bad this time so hes pretty drained

charlie: im so glad he likes that dino
charlie: i literally bought it as soon as i saw it helps with anxiety

neil: charlie he LOVES that thing
neil: he doesnt mention it because he doesnt want anyone making fun of him for having a plushie, but he loves it so much
neil: hes really glad you gave it to him

charlie: :)))

knox: im glad hes doing a little better, after meeks told us what was going on during dinner we were worried

pitts: is it still raining at welton?
pitts: im already back in massachusetts

cam: its a light rain right now. the thunder and lightning stopped about a half hour ago

pitts: wow it thundered for hours huh

meeks: yeah it was like really loud thunder too
meeks: the pitcures on the walls in the dining hall were rattling

pitts: wow
pitts: no wonder todd was so scared
pitts: im glad hes doing better though
pitts: and that welton didnt get struck by lightning and burn down

meeks: HUH???

pitts: well yeah cause if welton burned down, so would the people inside of it aka you freaks
pitts: im glad everyones still alive!!!

meeks: i love you but thats so unlikely

charlie: chances are low, but never zero

knox: THE POINT is that were all okay and todd is doing better

neil: yes thank you everyone!!

cam: if youre thanking us for being good supportive friends again im going to push you just like todd pushed charlie the other day
cam: we're friends, of course we're going to help you and todd

neil: NO DONT PUSH ME DOWN ONE (1) SINGLE STEP
neil: i take back my thanks
neil: i just love you guys a lot and want you to know how much i (and todd) appreciate you

charlie: we love you too!!!

knox: yes we love you guys sm!!!

pitts: ily guys!

meeks: and make sure you let todd know we love him too

neil: i will <3

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charlie: so mr overstreet

knox: so mr dalton

charlie: what is the dress code for tomorrows outing

knox: idk, whatever youre comfortable in is fine

charlie: what are you wearing?

knox: probably jeans and a polo shirt or something

charlie: dont wear green, im going to wear green so you have to wear something that goes with green but isnt green

knox: is blue good?

charlie: blue is perfect knoxy
charlie: i think you look pretty in blue

knox: oh
knox: thank you :)

charlie: heh heh yeah

knox: do you wanna maybe take a walk around the lake after the movie?

charlie: yeah id really like that :D

knox: yayyy :D
knox: see you tomorrow then

charlie: yeah see you
charlie: goodnight knoxy :)

knox: night charlie :)

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Good morning, son. Just seeing if you're up yet. Let me know when you'd like me to come check on you boys.

neil: im up!

Mr. Keating: Hey, kiddo!
Mr. Keating: How was Todd after I left?

neil: he slept until like 3am and then he woke up a litte. he was pretty disoriented but asked me for some water and then went right back to sleep after he had some
neil: hes still asleep now

Mr. Keating: That's good, glad to hear that he slept!
Mr. Keating: And how are you doing, Neil?

neil: im alright, i just hate that he has to go through this :/
neil: and im really worried about his parents coming. his brother called him so i answered it just to let jeff know what was going on and he said their parents were planning to be here around 11ish
neil: theyre going to be here in 3 hours and todds not even awake yet so i cant even try to figure out how hes feeling
neil: and im worried theyll try to come into our dorm to see him and im not going to be able to do anything to protect them
neil: you know how i am around dads, like i cant stand up to them at all
neil: so if his dad demands to see todd, what if i freeze up and let him walk all over me like i do with my own dad
neil: i cant let anything happen to todd, especially after what he went through last night
neil: i dont know what to do and im kind of freaking out
neil: can you pls come upstairs, we can talk quietly while todd sleeps but i just really need to talk ughdjdhsldhdk

Mr. Keating: Of course, I'll be right up. I put some tea on for you boys, I just need it to finish and I'll bring it up and we can chat.

neil: thank you mr keating, seriously
neil: you go above and beyond for us and we really appreciate it

Mr. Keating: You never have to thank me for supporting you, Neil. Never.

neil: :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pitts: u up?

meeks: bruh
meeks: good morning to you too

pitts: LMAO
pitts: good morning meeksie <3

meeks: pittsieeeee <3
meeks: hows massachusetts?

pitts: the vibe is terrible
pitts: moms def coping better than dad is
pitts: dads just like
pitts: idk how to describe it
pitts: he looks like a cartoon rain cloud

meeks: yeah i know what you mean
meeks: like its just raining over only him

pitts: no
pitts: i mean like he is the cloud

meeks: oh
meeks: yeah i get that
meeks: did his brothers all get there?

pitts: yeah everyones here, they had like a bro moment last night
pitts: no ones cried yet though
pitts: mom thinks the funeral is gonna be when the crying starts

meeks: when is the funeral?

pitts: 2 hours
pitts: we're all heading over early tho

meeks: do you want to talk for a little bit?

pitts: yes pls i miss your stupid voice
pitts: calling rn

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: dude

cam: i am sitting right across the room from you

charlie: no dude this cannot be spoken out loud

cam: whats wrong?

charlie: IM NEEEERRRRVVVVVYYYYY
charlie: im literally so nervous for my date with knox ARGH
charlie: i dont even know if it is a date he never said

cam: dude its just knox, theres nothing to be nervous about
cam: hes about as intimidating as a baby bird

charlie: does he think this is a date
charlie: have you talked to him

cam: yeah

charlie: YEAH ITS A DATE?!

cam: no, yeah i talked to him
cam: he didnt say if its a date or not

charlie: well what did he say

cam: he asked me if you ever talk about him

charlie: AND?

cam: i gave him a subtle hint

charlie: YOU TODL HIM?!?!

cam: NO, i said i gave him a subtle hint
cam: i never said he picked up on it

charlie: praise
charlie: omfg im so nervous

cam: dude youre going to be fine
cam: youre going to see a movie, youll onky half to talk on the way there and the way back

charlie: we're going for a walk around the lake too, he asked last night

cam: ...

charlie: what?

cam: thats literally a date, charles.
cam: a movie and a walk at sunset? thats LITERALLY a date.

charlie: IT IS?!
charlie: SHIT YOU GOTTA HELP ME CHOOSE A BETTER OUTFIT THEN

cam: whats wrong with the one you picked last night?

charlie: EVERYTHING
charlie: UP AND AT EM CAMERON LETS GO

cam: oh boy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

meeks: hey man, how are you and todd?

neil: im okay
neil: todd not so much

meeks: are his parents here yet?

neil: theyll be here in like an hour

meeks: oh yikes, thats earlier than i thought

neil: yeah, his brother called him while he was sleeping so i answered and he let me know
neil: idk why his parents didnt give todd the heads up that they were coming, like why have his brother do it?
neil: theyre such assholes

meeks: god
meeks: thats terrible
meeks: did todd sleep at all last night?

neil: oh yeah he slept pretty much all night
neil: hes not getting out of bed now though
neil: hes awake, he just cant get himself up
neil: which is okay, i get like that sometimes too so i get it

meeks: aww :(
meeks: is there anything i can do?

neil: actually, do you know if breakfast is still out?

meeks: yeah, i was jsut down there like 10 minutes ago
meeks: they hadnt started cleaning up yet
meeks: you want me to bring you guys something?

neil: could you? that would be great

meeks: sure thing! panckes, muffins, rolls, cereal, what do you want?

neil: could you get me some pancakes and then a chocolate chip muffin for todd? he hasnt eaten much in the past 24 hours so i want to get some sugar in his system yk
neil: keatings here too but he already ate so he said hes fine
neil: thank you SO much meeksie

meeks: no problem! ill head down now!

neil: can you text and walk at the same time or are you like charlie?

meeks: LMFAO NO I CAN TEXT AND WALK

neil: good then
neil: hows pitts? have you heard from him yet?

meeks: yes! he said hes alright
meeks: hes mostly worried about his dad
meeks: we spoke on the phone and he sounded fine and was making jokes and stuff but i also know that he uses humor to cope sooooo...
meeks: but he also said he'd update me after the funeral

neil: when you talk to him lmk how he is, i would text him myself but i dont want to be blowing up his phone while hes with his family yk

meeks: yeah i get that, he told me he muted the gcs for the day just so that he can be more present
meeks: he hated his grandma but he loves his dad and his uncles so he wants to be there for them
meeks: but i know hes got a lot going on in his head that he isnt saying so hopefully the funeral helps him sort through his thoughts

neil: i hope so too
neil: this is such a shitty weekend for our boyfriends :(

meeks: i hate this for them :(

neil: i hope charlie and knox have a better weekend than our boys are

meeks: I FORGOT ABOUT THEIR DATE OMG

neil: ok wait we need to gossip about this so get here faster

meeks: IM NOT EVEN AT THE DINING HALL YET

neil: THEN RUN
neil: mr keating will get the tea too

meeks: HELL YEAH GOSSIP SESH WITH CAPTAIN KEATING!!!

neil: doors open so just come in when you get up here!

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charlie: knoxy!!!

knox: hey char :)
knox: are you ready to head out?

charlie: yes so ready!!!
charlie: do you want me to come to your room?

knox: no its okay, ill come get you :)

charlie: oooo okay thats hot
charlie: fair warning though, cameron might try to give you The Talk

knox: like... the birds and the bees?
knox: cause i hate to break it to you but i already know all that

charlie: NOOOOOOOOHAHAHAHDJSHSLFH
charlie: I MEANT LIKE "if you hurt him, i hurt you"

knox: OOOOHHHHHHHHH
knox: that makes more sense

charlie: hes my wingman so he has to do the whole "bring him back by 11pm" dad thing

knox: you guys are so weird
knox: ill be there in a sec :)

charlie: :)

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neil: hi jeffrey its todds friend neil, we spoke on the phone earlier
neil: i thought i should update you on the situation
neil: its not great!

Jeff: hi Neil
Jeff: what's going on?

neil: your parents just tried to get into our dorm. our english teacher mr keating wouldnt let them in, but we could hear your parents shouting outside the door and that made todd really upset
neil: i honestly didnt even know what they said because todd was crying so much so my attention was more on him
neil: our friends meeks and cam were in the room with us, cam says that your parents were screaming about how todd wasnt good enough and a disappointment because he has a B in trigonometry, and todds really been struggling in trig
neil: cam said he also heard them call todd a slur, and i think todd heard it too because he just kept repeating the word under his breath
neil: they eventually left and mr keating came back inside and we got todd to calm down a little, but hes still crying and very shaken up from everything
neil: and he had a pretty bad meltdown last night too so he already wasnt doing well this morning

Jeff: did Todd end up seeing them at all?

neil: no. they knocked on the door and mr keating took care of it because he didnt want them in the same room as todd
neil: none of us did tbh, todds said a lot of things about them in passing that raised red flags so we made multiple plans for in case they wanted to see todd

Jeff: yeah, Mom and Dad aren't the best when it comes to Todd
Jeff: they tried with him, but he's not the easiest person to work with.

neil: that's a horrible thing to say about you own brother
neil: and i KNOW he has complicated feelings toward you too. i did NOT want to reach out to you, but i figured you should know what your parents do to him and how much hes suffering.

Jeff: he knows Mom and Dad have high expectations for us, and that includes getting A's in all our classes.

neil: no, they have expectations for HIM, not for you. youre the reason they have such high expectations for him, they want him to BE you.

Jeff: no they don't, that's just ridiculous.

neil: yeah idk why i bothered to update you on todds state because clearly you dont care about him.
neil: youre a shit brother.

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pitts: hey

meeks: hey, everything okay?

pitts: are you busy rn?

meeks: no, im justing in todd and neils room, whats wrong?

pitts: can i call you? im outside at the funeral luncheon

meeks: of course
meeks: let me go back to our room for some privacy, ill call you when i get there

pitts: k, love you

meeks: love you too

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todd: hi

Mr. Keating: Hi, son. No talking yet?

todd: no

Mr. Keating: How are you feeling?

todd: tired and sad

Mr. Keating: Understandable, you've had a rough weekend.

todd: thanks for staying all day
todd: and last night
todd: and for taking care of me and neil
todd: it means everything to me

Mr. Keating: I'd do anything for you boys. I'm more than happy to help whenever you need anything, you know that.

todd: i know
todd: but still
todd: after getting degraded and neglected by my parents for so long, its nice to have someone actually looking out for me and taking care of me and not putting me down for being autistic and having anxiety
todd: sometimes i wish you were my real dad
todd: STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT

Mr. Keating: Like what? I'm not looking at you, I'm looking at my phone!

todd: you just did that proud dad look
todd: like your eyes get all shiny and you have that smile, the proud dad one

Mr. Keating: I am proud of you, Todd. I hope you never forget that. And as for your parents, fuck them. You are worth so much more than the way they treat you, and you dont deserve that kind of treatment.

todd: :,)
todd: thank you
todd: i love you mr keating

Mr. Keating: I love you too, son.

todd: can i give you a hug

Mr. Keating: Of course you can, kiddo.

todd: :)

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charlEEZ NUTS: *sent a photo: A selfie taken by Charlie. Charlie and Knox are standing in front of the lake at sunset. Their lips are locked in a kiss.*

meeksie: HOLY SHIT
meeksie: CONGRATS KNARLIE!!!

neil :): AAAAAHHHHHH
neil :): OHMYGOD

toad: YAY!!!!!!

pittsie: WOAH CONGRATULATIONS GUYS OMG
pittsie: so glad i unmuted the chat in time to see this

cam: I TOLD YOU CHARLIE

charlEEZ NUTS: KNOX IS MY BOYFRIEND!!!

obKNOXious: CHARLIE IS MY BOYFRIEND!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: RAAAHHHHHH!!!
charlEEZ NUTS: WE MUST CELEBRATE THIS MONUMENTAL OCCASION

neil :): come to our dorm!!!
neil :): cam and meeks are already here
neil :): and so is keating
neil :): hes hapy for you guys (i gasped audibly at the picture and he asked what was wrong so he knows now)

charlEEZ NUTS: ON OUR WAY

obKNOXious: wait todd is that cool with you?
obKNOXious: we can all stay quiet if you need us to :)

toad: no its fine with me dw!
toad: thanks for checking though, i appreciate it

obKNOXious: no prob man

pittsie: this is so sad :(
pittsie: i cant join the hang :(

meeksie: what are you doing rn?

pittsie: driving home from the funeral luncheon. it lasted way longer than expected lol

meeksie: facetime me when you get home and you can hang out with us

pittsie: MY BOYFRIEND THE GENIUS!

neil :): @knarlie the door is open so just come right in!

obKNOXious: got it!

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neil: how is the noise level in here rn for you baby? do you want me to tell the guys to lower their voices?

todd: no im ok!

neil: if you change your mind, just squeeze my hand 2 times ok?

todd: k :)

neil: im sorry youve been having such a shitty weekend sweetheart :(

todd: yeah it definitely has sucked
todd: but at least i have you <3

neil: aww baby <3

todd: seriously neil
todd: like i cannot thank you enough
todd: you knew exactly what to do during the storm last night and you knew exactly how to handle the situation with my parents
todd: you made sure there was an adult to check on me
todd: you got all of our friends to help out
todd: you made sure all of the stuff i usually need after a meltdown was here for me like you could read my mind
todd: you just knew me and my needs

neil: of course i did todd
neil: i want to be with you forever, so ofc im going to learn your needs and how to respond to them

todd: well i just want you to know that it literally means the entire world to me
todd: like there will never be enough words to describe how grateful i am for you

neil: hey, its the same for me too <3
neil: you are insanely good at dealing with me when im having a bad mental health day
neil: we're there for each other and we know each other so well, thats what makes us strong

todd: i love you so much neil

neil: i love you too todd
neil: and i was thinking
neil: maybe tomorrow if youre up for it we can watch some studio ghibli movies?
neil: i know how much you like ponyo

todd: i do like ponyo!!!
todd: we can watch ponyo but only if we watch kikis delivery service after because i know its your favorite

neil: YESSS WE CAN DEFINITELY DO THAT
neil: how about we make a deal

todd: oh no

neil: oh yes
neil: if you eat breakfast tomorrow, we'll watch the movies and ill read you a poem i wrote for you :)
neil: but you have to eat at least half of a plate of pancakes
neil: you've barely eaten anything since thursday, you have to get something into your system

todd: i knoooooowwwww
todd: i just lose my appetite when im anxious

neil: i know you do, i do too so i understand
neil: but all youve eaten today is a muffin and a handful of pretzels
neil: so tomorrow, we're gonna try to get through at least half a plate of pancakes
neil: what do you say?

todd: fiiiiiiiine
todd: i think ill feel a little better tomorrow anyway, since my parents are gone
todd: and i like the pancakes here theyre yummy

neil: good!!!
neil: youre yawning, do you want me to tell everyon to leave so you can sleep?

todd: no its ok
todd: i like listening to them
todd: their voices are calming
todd: can i lay on you

neil: of course you can, come here baby
neil: still not talking?

todd: no i can now i think
todd: i just dont want to rn
todd: cuase then everyone can hear us, i like the privacy of secret texting

neil: comfy?

todd: yessss
todd: your heart is beating faster than normal

neil: well yeah, im sure yours would too if you had a cute boy laying on your chest

todd: :D

neil: ok if i play with your hair?

todd: yes pls

neil: you look like youre about to crash, put your phone away and go to sleep

todd: kaaaayyyyy
todd: love you loads

neil: i love you too

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meeks: dude
meeks: being surrounded by anderperry and knarlie without pittsie here SUUUUCKS
meeks: all the couples cuddling and then its just me and no pitts
meeks: is this what you feel like

cam: lol i get that
cam: but not really, im perfectly content with not having a partner

meeks: wait thats just reminded me, do you have any pride flags for your room yet?

cam: i have a small ace flag in my pencil holder but i dont have an aro one yet

meeks: ill buy you one then :) you deserve to have your flags!!!

cam: you dont have to
cam: but thank you!!!

meeks: mr keating is leaving, you wanna come to my room and watch some shitty soap operas?

cam: please
cam: cause i alr know charlie and knox are going to be annoyingly in love in my room

meeks: dude SLEEPOVER!!!
meeks: take pitts' bed for the night he wont mind :)

cam: SLEEPOVER!!!

meeks: alright knarlie is leaving and half of anderperry is asleep, thats our cue to leave

cam: right behind you!

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Mr. Keating: Hope you're all back in your rooms and ready for bed. I know it's been a hard weekend for some of you, so get some rest and try to sleep in tomorrow. If anyone needs anything tomorrow or during the night, you know where to find me, so don't be afraid to ask for help!
Mr. Keating: Goodnight, boys!

charlie: night mr k!!!

knox: night captain

pitts: goodnight everyone! see you tomorrow!

meeks: night guys

cam: goodnight

neil: night guys! and thanks again
neil: love you guys

charlie: we love you too

cam: stop thanking us or ill push you down one (1) single step

neil: OH THATS RIGHT
neil: night everyone! :)

Chapter Text

pittsie: GUESS WHOS COMING BACK TO HELLTON TODAY!!!

meeksie: PITTSIE!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: WHEN WILL YOU BACK BACK KING!!!

pittsie: probably around dinnertime

obKNOXious: yay pitts!!!
obKNOXious: how was the funeral?

pittsie: a bummer lol
pitttsie: and no charlie, nobody objected to my evil grandma being dead

charlEEZ NUTS: BRUH
charlEEZ NUTS: i swear you say the wrong thing ONE time and suddenly it becomes a whole bit
charlEEZ NUTS: SMH!!!!!!

pittsie: howd todderson doing?

neil :): todderson is out of bed!!!
neil :): hes in the bathroom freshening up rn :)
neil :): we're getting ready to head down for breakfast

meeksie: yo can i come

cam: come now, im already down here

meeksie: ALREADY?
meeksie: i was wondering where you disappeared to

cam: i didnt wanna wake you up lol

pittsie: woah woah woah
pittsie: did you guys have a soap opera sleepover WITHOUT ME?!?!?!

meeksie: IM SORRY PITTSIE

cam: wait is this a normal thing you guys do???

obKNOXious: as someone whos been to soap opera sleepovers, yes
obKNOXious: theyre so fucking fun

charlEEZ NUTS: wait i want in on this

pittsie: I CANT BELIEVE YOU HAD ONE WITHOUT ME

meeksie: IM SORRY

neil :): oh yeah those sleepovers are so fun
neil :): omfg we have to do a big group one some day

pittsie: WHOS FREE TONIGHT

charlEEZ NUTS: NO!!!!!
charlEEZ NUTS: NOT TONIGHT!!!!

meeksie: damn you answered that fast, go a hot date?

charlEEZ NUTS: NO
charlEEZ NUTS: ITS PART 2 OF OPERATION NEPO BABY
charlEEZ NUTS: WHICH ALSO MEANS CAMERON IS BUSY TOO

obKNOXious: god not this again lmao

neil :): what is going on lmfao

cam: me, charlie, and stick are breaking into nolans office while hes out tonight to get some dirt on the situation

charlEEZ NUTS: we're trying to find proof that nolans paying the staff bonuses to give his grandson higher grades
charlEEZ NUTS: also we also want proof on him excluding keating from knowing about the grandson thing because our captain deserves better

toad: youre breaking into NOLANS office now?!
toad: you guys are literally going to get expelled

charlEEZ NUTS: oh im sorry, i dont recall ordering a PARTY POOPER!!!!!

pittsie: oh wait is this the thing you asked meeks to help with

charlEEZ NUTS: yes
charlEEZ NUTS: and we wouldnt HAVE to break into nolans office if SOMEONE had just said yes to being our master hacker

meeksie: im sorry that i dont want to get expelled smh
meeksie: im surprised you managed to get cam in on this

cam: oh trust me, normally i wouldnt have
cam: im just so tired of nolan yelling at me for andrews mistakes during rowing practice
cam: it happened FIVE times this week
cam: so hopefully we can expose nolan and get his ass fired so i dont get yelled at anymore <3

neil :): alright enough of this
neil :): the less we know, the better
neil :): in case you get caught
neil :): does anyone wanna join me and toddy for breakfast!!!

toad: me :D

neil :): baby youre already coming

toad: i know :D

neil :): youre so cute

meeksie: im in

obKNOXious: me too!

charlEEZ NUTS: ugh fine, but only since knox will be there <3

obKNOXious: aww <3

cam: eww
cam: im trying to eat my breakfast

charlEEZ NUTS: oh just wait until we get to the dining hall
charlEEZ NUTS: MWAHAHAHAHA

cam: great.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: good morning captain!!!

Mr. Keating: Ah, good morning, son! You seem cheerful today!

todd: i just had breakfast!!! :)

Mr. Keating: That's great! You were able to eat?

todd: yeah, cleaned my plate :)
todd: i didnt realize how hungry i was until we got to the dining hall lol

Mr. Keating: That's great to hear! I'm glad your appetite has returned!
Mr. Keating: How are you doing aside from that?

todd: im okay, i slept well and i dont feel too anxious or overwhelmed or anything
todd: i kind of thought it would be another bad day but i actually feel pretty good???

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it, son! Any big plans for today?

todd: yes actually!
todd: neil and i are going to head outside for a while and take a walk, and then after lunch we're going to watch a few movies
todd: he promised me a movie marathon if i ate at least half of my breakfast, but since i ate it all, he said we can do 3 movies instead of 2 :D

Mr. Keating: That sounds lovely! I was just out for a quick walk myself, it's chilly out so be sure to bundle up!

todd: we will!!!
todd: what are you doing today?

Mr. Keating: More grading, boo. After I finish up, though, I might go sit in the garden and read for a while.

todd: that sounds like funnnn
todd: not the grading part tho :/

Mr. Keating: Comes with the job, I'm afraid!
Mr. Keating: You have a good day now, kid!

todd: you too mr keating!!!

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charlie: angels!
charlie: are you ready for tonight?

cam: yes!!!

stick: YES
stick: ive deadass been looking forward to this all weekend
stick: also congrats charlie!!! i forgot to tell you and knox at breakfast

charlie: omg thank you sticky boy!!!

cam: EW????

stick: ...yeah thats not a good nickname LMFAO

charlie: i was just trying it out, but i hated it as soon as i hit send
charlie: BUT THANK YOU STICK

stick: is knox joining in on our plan?

cam: no, he doesnt want to get expelled

charlie: knoxy will not be joining us :(

stick: well, thats alright! this is a risky business we have here!

cam: charlie what time did you say we're going?

charlie: i originally said 8 but i think thats too early. how about 10?

cam: cool

charlie: stick come to our dorm at 8 and we'll go over our plan

stick: cool! see you then!

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Mr. Keating: Hello, Mr. Pitts. Wanted to check in on you after this weekend, how are you?

pitts: im okay, you were definitely right about the whole itll hit me at the funeral thing
pitts: it was so weird
pitts: like i didnt even like my grandma but i guess i was mourning over what could have been
pitts: yknow,,, if she wasnt a piece of shit

Mr Keating: I know the feeling. I didn't get along with my grandfather and all I could think about was how I wished we could've had the kind of relationship that he had with my cousins. It's a hard thing to work through. But if you ever need to talk about it, please feel free to come to my office. You shouldn't have to go through it alone.

pitts: thank you captain, it means a lot to me

Mr. Keating: Of course! Have a good Sunday now, we're looking forward to your return!

pitts: YAY!!!

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charlie: knoxy

knox: charlie

charlie: where are you

knox: library!

charlie: EWWWW
charlie: you should be with me rn
charlie: aka your boyfriend who misses you very much

knox: im doing chemistry hw :/
knox: also we literally just saw each other at lunch

charlie: SO???
charlie: and fuck that, i wanna see you again

knox: babe i literally failed the last test, i have to study lmao

charlie: ugh fine ill just come to the library then

knox: no you probably shouldn't

charlie: wtf why

knox: bc youll distract me!!

charlie: the way youre literally right
charlie: PLS I MISS YOU

knox: fine ill come to your dorm

charlie: YAY

knox: but to STUDY

charlie: BOO

knox: and youre going to study too!!!

charlie: EVEN LOUDER BOO

knox: DO YOU WANT ME TO CALL THE WAAAAAABULANCE

charlie: STFU WITH THE WAAAAMBULANCE ALREADY

knox: you will have to pry that joke out of my cold dead hands

charlie: or your warm alive ones

knox: please never say that again that was SO weird LMAOOOOO

charlie: WALK FASTER YOU HEATHEN!!!

knox: JESUS FINE IM ON MY WAY

charlie: HOORAY

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cam: fuckin look at this
cam: *sent a photo: Taken from across the room, Charlie and Knox are on Charlie's bed cuddling as they study. Charlie rests his head on Knox's shoulder, and Knox's head lays on top of Charlie's. Knox holds his chemistry textbook on his lap and Charlie looks at it with him.*
cam: THIS is what i have to deal with now

meeks: bruh lmao
meeks: are they really that bad

cam: YES.
cam: charlie unironically called knox "pookie" and now theyre making out

meeks: UNIRONICALLY?!?!?!?!?
meeks: JAIL.

cam: I KNOW
cam: AT LEAST YOU DIDNT HAVE TO HEAR IT

meeks: wait are they making out BECAUSE charlie called knox pookie???

cam: knox said "youre so stupid" and then they started making out
cam: where are you

meeks: theyre so dumb omfg
meeks: im waiting for pittsie! he said he'll be here in 10 minutes
meeks: COME HERE
meeks: SAVE YOURSELF FROM KNARLIE

cam: THANK YOU
cam: MY FAVORITE FRIEND

meeks: i am honored
meeks: cause i know you hate us most of the time

cam: bruh thats not true
cam: ever since you guys stopped teasing me i have been living la vida loca

meeks: bruh get outta here with that song

cam: SHES IN TO SUPERSTITIONS, BLACK CATS AND VOODOO DOLLS

meeks: IM UNIVITING YOU FROM COMING DOWN HERE

cam: NO
cam: PLS DONT LEAVE ME TO SUFFER WITH KNARLIE

meeks: fine come down here

cam: good cause im already halfway there LMAO
cam: but doooont worry i wont stay long, just enough to say hello and then im heading off to the lounge to get some work done

meeks: i wasnt worrying actually
meeks: you can hang with us as long as you want :)

cam: you and pitts probably have some things to talk about, i dont want to take up much of your time
cam: like funeral things i mean

meeks: that is true yes

cam: plus i have to get the rest of my hw done before charlie and i break into nolans office

meeks: i still think youre fucking insane for that btw!

cam: thank you!
cam: (i am so tired of andrew nolan getting me in trouble for something he did wrong)
cam: (im one day away from crashing out)

meeks: THAT WASNT A COMPLIMENT???

cam: TOO BAD!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pittsie: *sent a photo: A close-up selfie of his face, Meeks is slightly visible in the background making a confused face.*
pittsie: I LIVED BITCH
pittsie: (unlike my grandma)

neil :): HELP????

meeksie: so THATS what the selfie was for

obKNOXious: charlie is laughing so hard he nearly fell off his bed

toad: PITTS?!?!?!
toad: THATS INSANE

pittsie: see i was gonna send it to the dps chat with keating in it but then i was like hmm maybe its slightly too unhinged for his eyes

toad: no he wouldve laughed
toad: ive literally been in his office with him while you guys text that gc he laughs at like everything

pittsie: HE DOES?
pittsie: ill show him when i see him later

charlEEZ NUTS: pittsie im literally crying from laughing so hard at your text

pittsie: THANK YOU!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: youre so funny pitts pls dont die

pittsie: i wont
pittsie: cant say the same about my grandma tho

charlEEZ NUTS: YOOOOOOOO
charlEEZ NUTS: HDLSHFLSHFLEH

toad: pitts came back to welton significantly more unhinged than when he left

pittsie: the dead grandma jokes write themselves

neil :): i love that for you tbh
neil :): but are you sure youre like,,, healed
neil :): have you grieved enough to be making dead grandma jokes

pittsie: talking to keating later dont worry!!

obKNOXious: we're glad youre back pitts we missed you

cam: meeks was hardcore moping while you were gone

meeksie: i hate you richard

cam: hate you too steven

toad: hows your family pitts?

pittsie: everyone was in better spirits today :)

toad: good :)

pittsie: how are you doing todd?

toad: better! thanks for asking!

pittsie: :D

meeksie: @neil i love when our bfs are best friends

neil :): i will literally cry

cam: oh brother

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: i know youre going to ask for a check in so im beating you to it
todd: yes i had a good day today
todd: neil and i just finished our movie marathon and are getting ready for bed
todd: ik its like 8:30 but im kinda drained from the weekend so we're having an early night
todd: we're gonna read for a while probably
todd: but today was a surprisingly good day :)

Mr. Keating: SO glad to hear it, kid! I know it's been a hard few weeks for you recently, and I'm proud of you for making it through.

todd: thankssssss

Mr. Keating: That's a lot of S's, did I just make you cry?

todd: DHDLDHDLSHDLS
todd: you know me too well
todd: yes, but only a little
todd: im not used to hearing people say that theyre proud of me, especially adults, so every time you say it im like wow its crazy that an actual adult actually cares about me

Mr. Keating: Todd, that's sad :(
Mr. Keating: I'm sorry you haven't had anyone in your life before. I hate that you've had to suffer as much as you did. I hate that for all of you boys.
Mr. Keating: I promise I will always be here for you, son. If you ever need anyone, just give me a call. Doesn't matter if it's tomorrow or in 10 years, you can ALWAYS call me.

todd: im so glad you came to welton

Mr. Keating: I am too, kiddo.
Mr. Keating: Even though Nolan sucks.

todd: REAL.
todd: by the way charlie, cam, and stick might need you to bail them out later

Mr. Keating: Um. Why?

todd: well you didnt hear this from me but theyre breaking into nolans office later to find proof that hes giving bonuses to the teachers who give A's to his grandson

Mr. Keating: Oh dear.
Mr. Keating: Well... we'll have to cross that bridge when we get there, I suppose.

todd: yeaaaahhh theyre idiots
todd: have a good night captain!!!

Mr. Keating: You too, Todd!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: STICK DID YOU GET BACK

stick: YES I MADE IT

cam: THANK GOD

charlie: would now be a good time to say
charlie: holy fucking shit

cam: i second that

stick: i third it!

charlie: gentlemen, that was a CLOSE one.
charlie: we'll reconvene tomorrow to look at what we got
charlie: rest well, you evil geniuses!

cam: night stick, GREAT work tonight!

stick: thanks guys! night!

Chapter Text

Mr. Keating: Gentleman. Would anyone like to explain why we're being called to a school-wide assembly after breakfast?

neil: charlie what did you do

charlie: WHAT THE HELL MAN
charlie: IT COULDVE BEEN SOMEONE ELSE

todd: but obviously it wasnt any of us

pitts: is this that weird plan you guys had

meeks: omfg did you get caught???

charlie: IT WAS CAMERON

cam: YOU ARE NOT PUTTING ALL OF THE BLAME ON ME

knox: wait but did you guys get caught

charlie: NO

cam: kind of?

knox: CHARLIE WTF YOU SAID YOU WOULDNT

charlie: YEAH WELL THAT WAS BEFORE NOLAN CAME BACK AN HOUR BEFORE HE WAS SUPPOSED TO

Mr. Keating: I think starting from the beginning would explain a lot, boys. What happened?

charlie: it was a dark and stormy night...

cam: stfu
cam: we couldnt figure out how to print on nolans old ass printer so we were in his office for like 45 minutes trying to figure it out and then stick, the genius he is, whipped out a flashdrive from his pocket and we downloaded copies of everything but it took FOREVER bc there was so much and when it finally finished we saw nolans car pulling up from out the window and we RAN

charlie: AND THEN THE FLASHDRIVE FELL OUT OF MY POCKET AND HAGER'S DOG GOT IT SO WE HAD TO WRESTLE IT AWAY FROM HIM AND THE DOG BARKED AND HAGER WOKE UP AND WE RAN
charlie: WE HAVE NO IDEA IF HE SAW OUR FACES

cam: we got the flashdrive though!
cam: after class we're going to go through everything on it

Mr. Keating: So this assembly is going to tell us whether or not you DID get caught?

charlie: yes

pitts: theres no way hager knew it was you guys, that man is so old he definitely couldnt see

todd: yeah but why else would there be an assembly then

meeks: itll probably be about students sneaking around past curfew if i had to guess

todd: will they put more security out at night then?
todd: what about the meetings? how are we supposed to sneak out to the cave if theres more security?

neil: todd baby i promise we'll figure it out as soon as we get more information
neil: i know you hate that answer but its the best i can do until we know for sure what the assembly is about
neil: after the assembly we can reevaluate
neil: and i promise ill sit next to you and hold your hand

todd: okayyyyyy
todd: thank you neil <3

knox: its like you can read his mind
knox: altho id be more impressed if you werent in the same room

todd: we arent in the same room

neil: we're not in the same room rn

todd: hes in the bathroom

neil: im in the bathroom

todd: WOAH HOWD WE DO THAT AT THE SAME TIME

neil: THATS FREAKY

meeks: i love when you guys share a brain cell

knox: will that happen to me and charlie the longer we date?

charlie: i hope so cuz knox will get more insane as time passes :)

knox: oh!

Mr. Keating: I suggest not being late to breakfast, kids! I just got here and Nolan is NOT happy!

neil: K TODDY AND I ARE ON OUR WAY

cam: OMW TOO

knox: charlie im coming to get you <3

charlie: hooray!!! <3

pitts: we're coming too

meeks: no just pitts, i forgot something in our room ill be there in a sec tho!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

todd: its been like 20 minutes and youre still not at breakfast are you okay?

meeks: NO
meeks: IM FRSKING OOT

todd: shit are you having a panic attack?

meeks: IDK IVE NEVRR HAD OEN EBFORE
meeks: MAYBE??????????
meeks: I NROKE THE RADIIO

todd: you broke your radio? do you need me to come upstairs? or get on a phone call?

meeks: JUST OCME HERE
meeks: AND DONT TELLL ANYTONE

todd: okay im on my way up

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

neil: baby breakfast is over, whered you go?
neil: we have to go to the assembly
neil: are you okay?

todd: sorry yes im fine
todd: im with meeks, hes really upset rn

neil: is he alright?

todd: he asked me not to tell anyone why hes upset but he just had his first panic attack so,,, its not great

neil: shit is he gonna be alright? do you want me to come up or like send mr keating or something?

todd: no its okay, im taking care of him
todd: hes coming down from the attack rn but hes handling it much better than we do, hes calming down pretty fast and was able to follow my instructions really well
todd: we'll be alright though, we'll sneak into the back of the chapel, so dont bother saving us seats

neil: okay, ill let keating know to wait in the back for you guys so you dont get in trouble, is that ok?

todd: yes that would be great thank you babe

neil: did something happen to him? he seemed fine in the gc this morning

todd: yeah hes like really upset, like ive never seen him cry before

neil: aww :( give him a hug from me?

todd: i will :)
todd: see you in a bit <3

neil: <3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: holy
charlie: shit

cam: that was NOT what i thought would happen

Mr. Keating: You two got LUCKY!

pitts: the odds of some freshman spray painting on nolans portrait at the exact time you guys were running from hager... SLIM TO NONE.

knox: YOU GOT THOSE FRESHMEN IN TROUBLE THOUGH LMAO

charlie: YEAH BUT ALL THAT MATTERS IS THAT WE RAN FASTER AND IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

cam: and hager is so old that his old man eyes didnt see us run left so he went right and found the freshmen HAHAHAHA

neil: i was 100% sure you two were about to get expelled omfg
neil: and we get to miss the rest of chemistry EVERYBODY CHEERED!!!

charlie: PARTY IN KEATINGS OFFICE!!!

Mr. Keating: NO!!!

charlie: what why >:(

Mr. Keating: Meeting with students!

charlie: aw man :(

pitts: meeksie where are you i didnt see you in the chapel
pitts: And you never showed up at breakfast

todd: hes with me dw!

pitts: oh?
pitts: is everything good?

todd: yes!

pitts: oh wait is this another bro moment liks last week in the cafeteria

todd: yes exactly

cam: those are suspicious answers todd

knox: ^

todd: nothing suspicious here!

charlie: ^ me when im lying.

knox: hfsldhsldhks

pitts: todd are you covering for meeks, cause now everyones making me think somehting happened

meeks: no hes not. everythings fine.

pitts: babe?

meeks: i just dont wanna talk rn sorry

pitts: no its okay, you need space and i respect that
pitts: i love you

meeks: love you too

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

charlie: sorry to interrupt your latin stick but we need to plan

cam: what about MY latin? im literally trying to do the worksheet rn

charlie: i can clearly see you have airpods in

cam: yeah im listening to ocean noises

charlie: ???

cam: to help focus

charlie: loser
charlie: stick where are you

stick: whats up!

charlie: after keatings, come with us to our dorm, we'll put the flash drive into my laptop and start going through everything we found

stick: sounds great!
stick: one question
stick: theres like,,, 500+ documents and emails we found

charlie: thats not a question

stick: how are we gonna sort through them all

charlie: itll be a multi-day thing

cam: good grief

charlie: bruh
charlie: fuckin charlie brown ass comment

cam: i cant with you

stick: watching you two interact is the highlight of my day tbh

cam: HUH

charlie: LMAO

stick: i lowkey thought you were secretly dating for like 2 years before cam mentioned hes aroace lmao

cam: EW???
cam: id rather get crushed by a comically large boulder

charlie: and i heart knox!

stick: you HEART him?
stick: just say love at this point lmao

charlie: weve been dating for 2 days i cant just drop the L word

cam: leprosy

charlie: NOT THAT L WORD

cam: lice

charlie: i hope you DO get crushed by a comically large boulder, fuckin sid the sloth

cam: :)

stick: didnt neil and todd literally say they loved each other like,,, as their way of telling each other they liked each other

charlie: i mean yes
charlie: neil literally just blurted it out after todd read a poem cause he thought he said it in his head HAHAHAHAHA
charlie: dumbass

cam: it was so sweet tho

stick: whatd todd say, ive never actually heard the story

cam: well, todd finished reading and we all clapped and neil goes "im so in love with you" and they both froze and neil goes "shit did i just say that out loud" and todd just smiled at him and said "you did" and then he just kissed neil and said "im in love with you too" and we all cheered even mr keating and thats the story of anderperry

stick: I DIDNT KNOW TODD HAD GAME LIKE THAT

cam: NONE OF US DID IT WAS INSANE

charlie: i love the anderperry story just as much as the next guy but can we get back on topic

stick: what, knox?

charlie: NO, THE PLAN.

stick: oh

charlie: if we sort through 100 docs per day itll take us to the end of the week
charlie: so i say we do that

cam: sounds good

stick: yes, good!

charlie: excellent work boys

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pitts: steven
pitts: baby
pitts: i know i said id give you space but youre worrying me
pitts: youre not talking or eating your lunch and you sat at a different table and im concerned because ive never seen you like,,, shut down like this before?
pitts: are you okay?

meeks: im ok

pitts: steven, i love you, but i know youre lying. somethings upsetting you, and i promise whatever it is, i wont be mad at you. you can tell me whats bothering you. i see you suffering and you shouldnt have to go through it alone.

meeks: i know
meeks: i just need some time

pitts: do you at least want me to come sit with you? we dont even have to talk, i could just sit next to you

meeks: no thank you

pitts: okay, what about todd maybe? i can send todd over if you wnat

meeks: no i just need to be alone for a little while
meeks: but thank you

pitts: i love you
pitts: you know that right?
pitts: i adore you

meeks: i know, i love you too

pitts: if you need anything, please just ask okay?

meeks: k

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Mr. Keating: I know you're in history class right now, but I wanted to check in on you after our conversation after the assembly. How are you feeling?

meeks: like an elephant is sitting on my chest
meeks: i feel so guilty its weighing me down

Mr. Keating: Do you think you might have another panic attack?

meeks: i dont know?
meeks: i just feel like shit and i feel like i cant breathe right because i feel so bad about the radio and i dont want to upset pitts but hes sitting so close and he keeps asking me if im okay and i know im worrying him

Mr. Keating: How about I come pull you out of your lesson and we go to my office and chat?

meeks: please, im getting claustrophobic i feel like im suffocating

Mr. Keating: I'll be there soon.

meeks: ghank you

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pitts: whats going on with meeks?

todd: hes upset

pitts: about what?

todd: he made me promise i wouldnt tell anyone. neil doesnt even know.

pitts: okay, what CAN you tell me then?
pitts: sorry, im just really worried about him, hes never been like this before and ive known him since we were 8

todd: its okay, i understand. if it was neil, id be reacting the same way
todd: what i can tell you is that he had a panic attack earlier and it kind of shocked him i guess? it kind of seemed like he was surprised that HE could have one, you know what i mean?
todd: so hes still kind of startled by that, but hes also really upset about somehting that happened this morning
todd: i cant tell you what it is though

pitts: shit
pitts: did i say something that upset him wihtout realizing it? did i do something wrong?

todd: NO
todd: no, you didnt do anything wrong i promise, its not somehting you said or did

pitts: is he
pitts: hes not going to break up with me, is he?

todd: no oh my god no
todd: thats not it either, i PROMISE
todd: you just have to wait for him to come to you

pitts: ok
pitts: thanks for being there for him todd

todd: of course

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meeks: hey
meeks: when keating ends class, can we go outside and talk?

pitts: yes, of course
pitts: would you like to go to the garden? i know you find it calming

meeks: yes please, thatd be great
meeks: thank you
meeks: and sorry for how ive been acting

pitts: dont apologize for having feelings babe, yes im worried about you, but i also understand that you like to work through your problems alone sometimes. i get it.

meeks: i just needed to talk to keating actually, just needed some advice
meeks: but i want to tell you everything after class

pitts: then im ready to listen

meeks: i love you a lot

pitts: i love you a lot too

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obKNOXious: damn where tf is everyone
obKNOXious: ive never heard the lounge so quiet before

neil :): todd and i are taking a walk :)

toad: yes!!! and pitts and meeks are in the garden

cam: me and charlie are literally in our dorm with stick

obKNOXious: YOU ARE? it was weirdly quiet when i walked by and the door was shut so i figured no one was there cause you guys always have your door open

charlEEZ NUTS: we're reading docs from nolans computer, we have to get through 100 of them so we cant talk rn
charlEEZ NUTS: but i heart you knoxy <3

obKNOXious: oh okay then lol
obKNOXious: i heart you too charlie <3
obKNOXious: i guess ill just do my homework since everyones busy lol

neil :): you could come walk with us if you want!!!

obKNOXious: im not third wheeling an anderperry date lol

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neil: hey i just saw you guys come back upstairs, is meeks okay? he looks like hes been crying a lot
neil: normally id ask todd so i dont have to bother you but he just fell asleep on his history homework lol

pitts: thats SO real of todd tbh
pitts: and meeks will be okay!
pitts: he was upset because he accidentally broke our radio this morning. he said he bumped into the corner of his desk while he was trying to grab his latin homework and the radio fell and broke, and he felt really bad about it because we spent a lot of time trying to build it and getting it to work
pitts: but i told him we can just fix it and that its no big deal
pitts: he thought i was going to get mad and dump him

neil: aww meeks :( damn, he must have really felt horrible about it cause ik todd said he wasnt doing well after it happened

pitts: yeah, its been eating at him all day
pitts: when i told him it was okay and that we'll just fix it, he just started crying so hard
pitts: he was relieved i wasnt going to break up with him
pitts: he'll be alright though, we're going to start fixing it tomorrow. rn we're just going to lay down for a little while

neil: poor meeksie
neil: you take such good care of him though!!

pitts: im just glad hes okay, i really thought something happened to him
pitts: but this is okay, we'll just cuddle for a while and he'll eventually fall asleep and then we'll tackle the radio tomorrow
pitts: hes more important to me than our radio :)

neil: im glad hes okay too, the way todd was being so secretive was freaking me out tbh
neil: give meeksie some love from us!

pitts: ofc! and pls tell todd thank you for me, meeks said todd was a really big help today

neil: ill let him know :)

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knox: hows the plan going? find anything juicy yet?

charlie: OH YES, VERY JUICY

knox: SPILL

charlie: NOT YET, WE'RE GONNA DO A MASSIVE NEWS DROP AT THE END OF THE WEEK
charlie: im keeping you all in suspense mwahahahahaha

knox: thats so mean smh

charlie: we're going through everything and cameron is taking notes and stuff so that we just have to drop all the news at once instead of multiple updates

knox: yeah alright that makes sense

charlie: it was cams idea, thats why it makes sense lol

knox: when will you be done for the night? its an hour to curfew and i MISS YOU

charlie: ill take a "bathroom break" and come to your dorm so we can make out for a few minutes

knox: that works ;)

charlie: DHSKDHD OMW

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Mr. Keating: Hey, kid. How'd your talk with Pitts go?

meeks: good, he wasnt mad at all
meeks: he said we can start fixing it tomorrow and that tonight he just wants me to rest

Mr. Keating: I told you he wouldn't be upset! I don't think he could ever be mad at you.
Mr. Keating: And how do you feel?

meeks: im ok, just kind of drained. emotions do that to you i guess
meeks: but im super relieved, i really thought he was going to dump me
meeks: but now that i know we can fix it i feel a lot better

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear you're feeling better. Make sure you get to bed early tonight, you could use the rest.

meeks: i will :)
meeks: thanks for your help today
meeks: im really glad you came to welton, youre exactly the kind of teacher we all needed

Mr. Keating: Thank you, son. I'm always glad to help you boys out. Nolan and the other teachers don't care about your mental health, so if I can be a safe space for you all, I'm more than happy to offer whatever you need, whether it be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or anything else.

meeks: and we really appreciate it
meeks: thanks for everything you do :)

Mr. Keating: Of course, kid! My door is always open!
Mr. Keating: Get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow, alright?

meeks: aye aye captain!

Chapter Text

todd: hi cam! :D

cam: hi todd?

todd: why the question mark :(

cam: because youre sitting right next to me? you could just say hi?

todd: oh no im not going to talk over neil and knox’s stupid mariokart debate
todd: idk why they always have to do this during breakfast, its too early for this lmao

cam: ok yeah thats valid
cam: so whats up?

todd: idk i just feel like me and you never talk much which is crazy because me and you are the most similar in the group
todd: yknow

cam: that makes sense yeah

todd: and also i had a fun idea but neil has rehearsal for the play after school so i thought id ask if you wanted to join me instead

cam: what did you have in mind

todd: i wanna climb a tree

cam: why???

todd: perspective! just like keating said! the world looks different from higher up, so i wanna climb a tree and see the world from a different angle!
todd: and write a poem about it!

cam: yeah alright ill come with, but i cant stay for too long because im supposed to help charlie and stick go through nolans emails lol

todd: thats okay! itll take like an hour tops, i promise!

cam: alright cool ill come with you :)

todd: YAY
todd: todd and cam time!
todd: tam time!
todd: or codd?

cam: fhlsdhdlshdldh
cam: is there a particular reason you want someone else to come with you

todd: someone has to be there to tell me if what i write is stupid!!!
todd: plus i know you appreciate the beauty of nature so i figured youd wanna come

cam: that is true, as much as i hate this school, the scenery here is GORRRRGGGEOUS

todd: RIGHT
todd: ESPECIALLY IN THE FALL, THE COLORS WERE SO PRETTY

cam: ITS PRETTY IN THE SPRING TOO, JUST WAIT UNTIL THE GARDEN BLOOMS

todd: OH IM SO EXCITED NOW

cam: YOULL LOVE IT ALMOST AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE LOOKING OUT AT THE LAKE I PROMISE

todd: AAAAAHHHHH YAY
todd: love the campus, hate the school <3

cam: thats so real
cam: fuck welton (except for its beauty)

todd: oh shit breakfast is over already damn
todd: well i look forward to climbing a tree with you later

cam: dude im so excited!!!

todd: WOOHOO!!!

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charlie: if you lost me in the grocery store wheres the first place youd look for me

knox: why are you asking me this

charlie: JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION

knox: by the cheese, if youre not at the cheese then definitely the cereal aisle

charlie: damn howd you know

knox: because ive seen you sneak into the kitchen just to eat shredded cheese, and i know you keep an insane amount of cinnamon toast crunch in your room

charlie: okay yeah thats true

knox: why are you asking me this

charlie: i wanted to see how well you know me :D

knox: oh i see
knox: so then where would you look for me if i got lost?

charlie: the candy aisle but specifically in front of the gummy candies, not the chocolates, because i know you love gummy worms and gummy bears

knox: HDKSGDKDHS YOU KNOW ME SO WELL

charlie: see this is why we're destined to be boyfriends

knox: #soulmates!

charlie: YES
charlie: im obsessed with you lowkey

knox: we're literally dating, i would hope you are at least a little
knox: but not in a creepy way
knox: im obsessed with you too
knox: also nit in a creepy way

charlie: you sound insane rn i love it
charlie: on a scale of 1 to 10 how invested in this trig lesson are you

knox: 0, why

charlie: im going to the bathroom, ask to go 5 minutes after i leave and meet me there so we can smoochy smooch

knox: what the hell, sure

charlie: oh what, do you not want to smoochy smooch?

knox: i always want to smoochy smooch you
knox: but wont hager get suspicious of us

charlie: literally who cares knoxy
charlie: hager is a dumb old man who didnt even realize that me, cam, and stick were not the same guys he caught spray painting nolans portrait
charlie: there were only 3 of us, and there were 5 of them
charlie: he literally wont notice at all

knox: alright fine, go and ill meet you there

charlie: YIPEEEEEE

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pitts: mr keating

Mr. Keating: Yes?

pitts: we are having a very important lunch debate rn and we want your opinion

neil: who do you think is the hottest disney prince?

Mr. Keating: Is this what you boys really talk about during lunch?

todd: not usually

meeks: stop stalling and give us your answer

knox: or your top 3

Mr. Keating: I don't know, guys. If you REALLY want my opinion, then fine. Prince Naveen is definitely top choice. Probably Flynn Rider too. As for the third, I'd probably go with either Aladdin or Prince Eric.
Mr. Keating: Why does this matter so much?

todd: SEE I TOLD YOU NAVEEN IS NUMBER 1

knox: ALADDIN NUMBER 3 IS INSANE HES EASILY NUMBER 1

pitts: justice for prince philip

neil: at least he didnt say the beast @CHARLIE

charlie: LEAVE ME ALONE THE BEAST IS HOT OK

Mr. Keating: Who, Prince Adam?

neil: no he means like the actual beast. as in,,, not human

Mr. Keating: HUH???

charlie: OH GIVE ME A BREAK, HES HOT IN A RUGGED WAY

meeks: CHARLIE NO

charlie: AND WHO EXACTLY DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST, STEVEN?

meeks: prince charming

neil: PRINCE CHARMING!?!?!?
neil: ABSOLUTELY NOT

meeks: WHY NOT

neil: BECAUSE HES SO FUCKING BLAND

meeks: HE SEARCHED THE ENTIRE KINGDOM FOR CINDERELLA BECAUSE SHE WAS THE ONE, HES LITERALLY SUCH A CATCH

neil: AND FLYNN RIDER ISNT?!?!?!

meeks: I NEVER SAID THAT

neil: YES YOU MOST CERTAINLY DID

cam: NO I DIDNT DINGBAT LISTEN, I SAID BROOKE—
cam: GET YOUR FINGER OUT OF MY FACE

charlie: *chomp chomp chomp*
charlie: *smack*

knox: GIRLS OUT THE ROOM

Mr. Keating: Why are you quoting Dance Moms in the middle of an argument?

cam: the opportunity presented itself

todd: HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS DANCE MOMS MR KEATING
todd: ARE YOU A DANCE MOMS WATCHER

neil: WAIT OMG???

Mr. Keating: Perhaps.

neil: MR KEATING DANCE MOMS FAN CONFIRMED

meeks: i feel like that explains so much about you

pitts: ok but who was the best girl on the team

Mr. Keating: The original team or?

pitts: just in general, best aldc junior elite

Mr. Keating: Brynn, Kalani, Chloe, and Maddie. In that order. But Savannah and Brady from season 8 are easily the best ALDC competition team dancers in the entire history of the show.

todd: SLAY MR KEATING OMG?
todd: HE KNOWS SAVANNAH HES A TRUE FAN

pitts: savannah is my FAV, her butterfly solo? PERFECTIONNNN

charlie: ok but can we go back to the part where meeks said the hottest disney prince is PRINCE CHARMING??? THE LACK OF TASTE IS ASTOUNDING.

meeks: SAYS YOU, THE FUCKING BEAST???
meeks: AND WHY IS IT SO CONTROVERSIAL TO LIKE A MAN FOR HIS DEVOTION TO HIS WOMAN!!!

neil: HE IS THE HUMAN VERSION OF WATCHING PAINT DRY
neil: HE HAS NO PERSONALITY AT ALL WHATSOEVER
neil: flynn rider on the other hand

meeks: go fuck yourself bruh lmao

neil: your taste in men is GARBAGE

pitts: hey >:(

neil: excluding pittsie

pitts: thank you :)

todd: guy see i told you mr keating thinks youre funny, hes literally laughing rn look

knox: OMFG HE IS
knox: I KNEW YOU LIKED THIS GC!!!

cam: what a goat

Mr. Keating: You boys and your shenanigans!

neil: that was SUCH a dad thing to say

pitts: charlie say the thing

charlie: damn neil, back at it again with the daddy issues ay?

Mr. Keating: As much as I've enjoyed this conversation, lunch is over in 10 minutes so you boys should get back to eating! I don't want to hear any growling stomachs during class!

neil: yes dad

charlie: DAMN NEIL

neil: STFU

todd: what are we doing in class?

Mr. Keating: Looking at some Robert Frost poetry!

todd: YES!!!

meeks: fine we'll get back to eating

pitts: thank you for your contribution to our argument!

Mr. Keating: Happy to help!

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neil: PITTS

pitts: NEIL

neil: do you enjoy staring at the back of my head in this class

pitts: LMAO???
pitts: i can see over you cause im so tall dude

neil: yeah but keating is so short, surely i block your view of him

pitts: he always sits on his desk so no you dont block him

neil: damn

pitts: did you want to?

neil: yeah i thought itd be funny if every day you just have to stare at the back of my head cause you cant see keating

pitts: bruh lmao

neil: dude wait i have an idea actually
neil: thats why i texted you but then i got distracted lmao

pitts: what is your idea

neil: saturday movie nights where we pit our favorite movies into a hat and randomly pick one to watch each week
neil: theres 7 of us so we can do 7 movie nights!!!
neil: youre usually the guy who texts the gc to hang out first which is why im asking you if you approve of my idea

pitts: YES OMG
pitts: ill text the chat later!!!
pitts: neil perry, genius of the group

neil: im telling meeks you think im smarter than him mwahahahaha

pitts: bruh hes book smart
pitts: i love him sm, but he has like 0 common sense

neil: AND YOU DO?

pitts: nope!
pitts: which is why we work so well together :D

neil: you guys are so cute fsfsjdkrhskdh

pitts: so are you and todd, literally my otp

neil: todd is so cute look at how he holds his pencil its so cute

pitts: ??????????

neil: LEAVE ME ALONE OK I JUST LOVE HIM

pitts: i didnt say anything!

neil: those question marks felt very judgemental

pitts: thats bc they were :)

neil: >:(

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meeks: todderson wya!!!

todd: in a tree with cameron!

meeks: uh
meeks: what
meeks: is this some kind of riddle?

todd: no??? im literally in a tree with cameron

meeks: prove it

todd: *sent a photo: A selfie taken in .5, Todd and Cameron are clearly sitting up in a tree as they make surprised faces at the camera. Visible on Todd's lap is a notebook with words scratched on the open page, but his handwriting is illegible. Cameron holds his phone in one of his hands.*

meeks: damn you really are in a tree

todd: did you think i was lying lmao

meeks: the real question is why are you in a tree

todd: poetry!

meeks: oh, the homework?

todd: YES
todd: im getting a new perspective from higher up and its helping me write a banger of a poem for class tomorrow

meeks: are you gonna read it out loud?

todd: fuck no
todd: after i had that panic attack last week he told me i can just give him all of my poems on paper instead until i decide when im ready to read out loud

meeks: thats so nice of him

todd: im just glad hes willing to make accommodations for me, ive literally never had this before because of my idiot parents
todd: its nice to be taken care of for once tbh

meeks: aww todderson
meeks: idk if this is gonna sound weird but i feel like keating came into your life at exactly the right time

todd: no i definitely agree, i didnt realize how badly i needed help until things got bad at balincrest and with my parents and everything until i got here and it all hit me, and then mr keating was here and hes just been so good to me
todd: like i feel so insanely lucky that i get to have him as my teacher
todd: hes the kind of teacher i always dreamed of having

meeks: i LOVE this for you

todd: i love it for me too

meeks: i love you best friend

todd: i love you too!!!
todd: would you like to come join us in the tree?

meeks: ...yes
meeks: what tree are you in?

todd: the big one near the dock!
todd: also can you bring me a scarf, its fucking WINDY up here

meeks: i got you bro! omw!

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pittsie: everyone drop your #1 favorite movie of all time rn!!!
pittsie: ill go first
pittsie: jaws <3

meeksie: fantastic mr fox

cam: the truman show

neil :): some like it hot

obKNOXious: die hard

charlEEZ NUTS: school of rock

pitts: todd where are you

toad: I CANT DIVIDE
toad: *DECIDE
toad: i cant divide either but thats not important rn

pittsie: what are you stuck between

toad: the umbrellas of cherbourg, the sound of music, cinema paradiso, and ponyo

meeksie: every time i go on letterboxd and stalk todds profile i am astonished that hes seen way more movies than i have
meeks: im supposed to be the film bro in this friend group

toad: i was a lonely kid literally all i did was lock myself in my room and read or watch movies

pittsie: todd pick the one about umbrellas cause ive never heard of that

toad: ok then thats what i pick
toad: why are you asking?

pittsie: neil, will you do the honors?

neil :): WEEKLY MOVIE NIGHT! every saturday for the next 7 weeks, we will randomly pick one of our favorite movies to watch and we will gather in someones dorm who has a tv to watch it

charlEEZ NUTS: MY ROOM IS AVAILABLE

neil :): excellent

meeksie: wait can i pick a different movie then cause we just watched fantasic mr fox like last week

pittsie: yes you can choose something else

meeksie: city lights, charlie chaplin!!!!!

toad: YES OMFG

neil :): alright i put all 7 movies into a random generator and maybe on saturday morning we can pick one!
neil :): or on friday during the dps meeting

obKNOXious: wait i love this idea

cam: me too im so excited!

neil :): EXCELLENT
neil :): k that was all i wanted, i have to go back to rehearsal now so my director doesnt think i was taking a shit LMAO

charlEEZ NUTS: HAHAHAHAHAH

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stick: sorry about ditching after keatings earlier, i had to get my homework done

cam: its ok i also ditched to go hang out with todd

charlie: i fell asleep lol
charlie: come to our room @stick and we can sort thru a few docs before curfew, we have like 2 hours left

stick: sounds good!

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todd: honeyyyyyy
todd: are you almost done with rehearsal
todd: im going through neil withdrawal

neil: im just leaving henley hall now!

todd: thank god cause i miss you!!!
todd: i wanna lay on top of you

neil: i miss you too and i would love that

todd: cuddle time yay!!!

neil: do you want to pick out a book for me to read or do you want to continue the poetry book?

todd: poetry book poetry book!!!!!!!!!

neil: i can feel your excitement through my screen its so cute baby

todd: i just missed you today i feel like i barely got to see you

neil: i know, i missed you too
neil: im not in the scenes scheduled to rehearse tomorrow so i have the day off from rehearsal, how about me and you have a quiet little date night?
neil: we skip dinner and have a picnic at sunset instead and then take a nice walk and then come back inside and cozy up and cuddle

todd: yes pleeeeaaaaase can we!!!!!

neil: of course babyyyy!!!!
neil: i have to stop texting so i can ride my bike now
neil: but i love you and ill see you soon!!!

todd: love you too, bs safe!

neil: i will!

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todd: hi captain!!

Mr. Keating: Todd! What can I do for you, son!

todd: just wanted to know how your day was!

Mr. Keating: My day was lovely, thank you for asking! How about yours?

todd: same, i finished my poem and hung out with cam and meeks for a while

Mr. Keating: Excellent! I'm glad you had a good day!

todd: me too :)
todd: actually i wanted ask how youre doing like with your break up
todd: like its still fresh but you seem fine, but i also know that youre super good at hiding how you really feel, so i just wanted to make sure youre okay

Mr. Keating: That's very kind of you, kid. I'm doing alright for the most part. Sometimes, the sadness hits in random moments when I least expect it. I dated her for 5 years and now she's no longer a part of my life, so it's hard to readjust sometimes.
Mr. Keating: I actually decided it would be in my best interest to start seeing my therapist again, so I have a call with him on Thursday after school lets out. I thought it would be helpful in trying to move forward.
Mr. Keating: But I very much appreciate all you and your friends have done to try and make me laugh. You boys never fail to lift my spirits!

todd: we love you mr keating, we hate seeing you sad so ofc we want to help you
todd: you do so much for us too, especially for me, so we want to return the favor :)
todd: plus we know how lonely you are here considering the faculty doesnt like you. we know you have mr mcallister, but only having one friend gsts pretty lonely
todd: trust me, id know lol

Mr. Keating: Oh, how I love you kids. You all go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom, and you've all been so kind, welcoming, and caring since the moment I arrived at Welton. I appreciate each and every last one of you, make sure you pass along the message!

todd: of course! love you captain!!!

Mr. Keating: Right back at you, son!
Mr. Keating: And thank you for the check-in, I appreciate it!
Mr. Keating: You enjoy the rest of your night now!

todd: you too mr keating :)

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charlEEZ NUTS: goodnight fellas! (now say it back)

cam: night charles

obKNOXious: night loml! and everyone else!

pittsie: goodnight boys

neil :): nighty night!

meeksie: goodnight sleep tight dont let the bed bugs bite

toad: night guys, i love you all and im really glad we're friends <3

neil :): aww todd i love you too

meeksie: we're glad to have you at welton, todderson

charlEEZ NUTS: not to get emotional in the chat but im so glad we all know each other, todds right, i love you guys

cam: i second that! thanks for inclduing me

obKNOXious: i love my friends so much ugh you guys rock

pittsie: i <3 you all!!!

toad: night guys <3

Chapter Text

charlEEZ NUTS: morning you pieces of shit

pittsie: HELLO?

neil :): the complete 180 from you saying goodnight to us all last night???

obKNOXious: thats so mean charlie lmfao

charlEEZ NUTS: i was TRYING to spice things up!!!

meeksie: i love being called a piece of shit at 7am <3

cam: im used to it tbh
cam: he says it to me literally every morning

charlEEZ NUTS: its our love language

toad: what, being assholes to each other for shits and giggles?

charlEEZ NUTS: YES

cam: SEE TODD GETS IT

pittsie: alrighty then
pittsie: so whats on everyones agenda for today!!!

neil :): me n toddy are going on a date later cause im off from rehearsal tonight :D

toad: date night date night date night
toad: ^ read that as a chant

meeksie: LMAO

charlEEZ NUTS: anderperry date night how fun!!!
charlEEZ NUTS: me, cameron, and stick are going thru more of nolans emails tonight

cam: a completely normal after school activity

meeksie: me and pitts are going to finish fixing the radio

obKNOXious: wait so everyone is doing something but me :(

toad: go hang out in keatings office! he loves when we come to visit

obKNOXious: yeah alright i guess ill ask him during breakfast lol

charlEEZ NUTS: you could always come join the angels in digging through nolans emails

obKNOXious: how many times do i have to tell you i refuse to be involved in your scheme because i dont want to be expelled when you inevitably get caught

cam: oooo vocabulary

charlEEZ NUTS: smh knoxy :(

obKNOXious: btw we're still on for dps on fri night yeah?

neil :): YES!!!
neil :): if youre going to hang out with keating later ask him if he wants to come to the meeting!!!

pittsie: YES PLS INVITE HIM

charlEEZ NUTS: IF YOU DONT, ILL DUMP YOU

obKNOXious: GODDAMN ALRIGHT ILL ASK HIM

cam: good
cam: see you pieces of shit at breakfast!

pittsie: HDLSHDKSGDLR

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knox: hello captain

Mr. Keating: Mr. Overstreet! Lovely to hear from you this morning! What can I do for you?

knox: all the other guys are busy after school so can i like hang out in your office and do some homework?

Mr. Keating: Of course! You're more than welcome to! What homework will we be working on?

knox: probably latin or chem
knox: or both :/

Mr. Keating: If you need any assistance with Latin, I can absolutely offer it to you. I was top of my class when I was a student here, and I continued to study it well beyond college!

knox: omg wait actually that would be so awesome bc im awful at latin lol

Mr. Keating: Consider it done! What kind of tea do you prefer?

knox: green tea is my favorite

Mr. Keating: Then I'll be sure to have some ready after class later!

knox: omg thats so nice???

Mr. Keating: It's not a problem! After class, head up to your room and grab whatever you need and come back to the office and we'll get some work done!

knox: thanks mr k! see you later!

Mr. Keating: You too, kid! Enjoy the rest of your breakfast!

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todd: hello friends

meeks: THE CHAT NAME IM YELLING

cam: HAHAHAHA

todd: i told you id make the chat you fuckers didnt believe me

meeks: does this mean todd and his gingers hang out time will become normalized because yesterday was so fun

todd: yeah bc with neils rehearsal schedule i wont have him to hang out with after class and on the weekends most of the time
todd: so we can hang out instead!!

cam: sunday we should go into town and get ice cream to celebrate the birth of todd and his gingers

meeks: YES

todd: ok yes!!!

meeks: keep your schedules clear for sunday!!!

cam: hooray!!!

meeks: we can also have a small study group tomorrow if everyones free

todd: fuck please yes
todd: i need help with the trig worksheet thats due on friday and with neil at rehearsals i literally cant do it
todd: we can meet in my room!

meeks: ill help you out for sure todderson! how about you cam?

cam: depends on what the charlies angels are doing

todd: is that the chat with you, charlie, and stick

cam: yeah, i told charlie to stop calling us that but he refuses so

meeks: thats actually so funny tho i have to admit it
meeks: so youll be a to be determined situation then
meeks: and if you have time, meet us in todds room!

cam: sounds good!

todd: what a sucessful first day of the todd and his gingers chat!

meeks: good work boys!

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neil: dude what the fuck.

charlie: jesus whats with the hostility

neil: youre such an asshole charlie.

charlie: bitch, youre the one who got caught talking. thats not my fault.

neil: BITCH??? THE ONLY REASON DR HAGER GAVE ME A DETENTION IS BECAUSE YOU WOULDNT STOP KICKING MY FUCKING SEAT

charlie: I WAS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION
charlie: AND IDK WHY YOURE BLAMING ME, IM NOT THE ONE WHO YELLED "IF YOU DONT FUCKING STOP IM GOING TO SHOVE YOUR PENCIL UP YOUR NOSE"

neil: WELL I WOULDNT HAVE HAD TO SAY ANYTHING IF YOU WERENT KICKING MY SEAT
neil: why were you kicking my seat.

charlie: i was bored

neil: fuck you charlie. fuck you.

charlie: what the hell is wrong with you? so you got one detention, big whoop!

neil: yeah, AN EVENING DETENTION. now i have to cancel my date night with todd on my one night off from rehearsal this week to go to detention after dinner because of YOU.

charlie: dude its really not that big of a deal

neil: maybe not to you!
neil: todd was really looking forward to it and now i cant take him on the date i promised him because youre so childish and immature that you had to start kicking my seat for no fucking reason after i gave you the knock it off look
neil: not to mention the fact that i was looking forward to spending time with my boyfriend because every other time we try to have a night to ourselves, you always barge into our room.

charlie: literally why are you telling me off
charlie: i love todd dont get me wrong, but youre supposed to be my best friend, we've literally known each other since we were kids
charlie: if this happened last year, you wouldnt have even cared
charlie: you only care now because todd is involved

neil: okay you need to watch your fucking step.

charlie: all im saying is that before todd, you wouldnt have thought it was such a big deal

neil: stop talking about my boyfriend like that
neil: todd is your friend too you know.

charlie: yeah hes my friend, but your my BEST friend
charlie: youre certainly not acting like it now though!

neil: you know what? fuck you. im done with this conversation. dont fucking talk to me until youre ready to apologize.

charlie: fine then, fuckin baby.

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meeks: wtf is going on with charlie and neil???

pitts: i have no idea but i love that you made that the chat name

meeks: thank you

cam: its probably because neil got detention in hagers class

knox: yeah but that doesnt explain why charlie and neil are sitting at completely opposite ends of the group instead
knox: this is literally the most awkward lunch ive ever been apart of

cam: did charlie not tell you what happened?

knox: no

todd: neil said that after he got detention, he amd charlie got into a big argument over text about it
todd: he wont tell me anything else about it which is weird because he tells me everything
todd: which makes me think they fought about me, because we were supposed to have a date tonight but now that neil has detention we cant
todd: so if i had to make an educated guess, neil is mad at charlie for getting him worked up during class which lead to him getting detention and us having to cancel our date

pitts: damn
pitts: but todd please dont blame yourself
pitts: we dont know for sure yet that thats what they argued about, so dont think its your fault

todd: well it probably is

meeks: todd no its not

todd: no im serious
todd: neil and charlie have been best friends for like 12 years and you guys say all the time that they literally never fight
todd: enter me and the fact that it was supposed to be date night, now theyre fighting

knox: i really dont think its your fault todd
knox: ill talk to charlie when i get a minute alone with him and ill try to figure it out okay?

meeks: todd do you want me to try to talk to neil? if he doesnt want to tell you, maybe he'll tell someone else?

todd: no its whatever

meeks: todd :(

pitts: todd are you okay, like really

todd: no im fucking not, im sad we had to cancel our date cause i was really looking forward to it
todd: after me ruining half of our weekend and then neil having so many rehearsals, we've barely had any time together and it sucks

meeks: todd, you didnt ruin anything, you had a meltdown which happens sometimes. you had a lot going on between that storm and your parents. but you still got to spend all day on sunday together!

pitts: but we also know how much you were looking forward to your picnic with neil tonight :/

todd: whatever, its fine. it doesnt even matter.

cam: todd

knox: well shit!

pitts: so,,, now what?

knox: ill talk to charlie and see what i can get out of him
knox: i think pitts should talk to neil
knox: and one of you guys should probably text keating and let him know the situation

meeks: ive got keating

cam: ill just sit here and observe then

knox: k great, updates too guys!

pitts: gotcha!

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meeks: our friend group is starting to implode
meeks: sos

Mr. Keating: What's going on?

meeks: long story short, charlie got neil an evening detention and they had a fight and arent speaking, and todd seems to think they fought about him because he and neil were supposed to have a date tonight but not anymore since neil has detention, so todd is literally shutting down too now

Mr. Keating: Before we continue, are you allowed to be texting in history class?

meeks: yeah, we have a study period

Mr. Keating: Okay good.
Mr. Keating: Let's start with Neil. What happened from his perspective? What do you know?

meeks: neil yelled at charlie to stop kicking his chair during trigonometry, so dr hager gave him detention. neil told todd that he and charlie than got into an arguement over text about it because charlie technically got him in trouble. neil apparently didnt go into detail about what specifically he and charlie argued about.

Mr. Keating: Okay, what do you know about Todd?

meeks: todd is convinced that because neil wouldnt tell him what he and charlie fought about, they fought about HIM and now todd feels bad because his date is canceled and he thinks hes come between neil and charlies friendship, so hes very sad and withdrawn

Mr. Keating: How about Charlie?

meeks: charlie was kicking neils seat in trig and neil was fed up and yelled at him which got him a detention, charlie didnt get in trouble though. he and neil argued, but charlie hasnt told anyone anything, not even knox. charlie wouldnt sit next to neil at lunch either

Mr. Keating: Oh dear. I would normally suggest sitting the three of them down and having a discussion, but I don't think this is the best option right now. I think, perhaps, Todd should be the first piece of the puzzle. Knowing him, he's probably beginning to spiral, so I'll talk to him after our class and see what's going on.
Mr. Keating: Then maybe before dinner, I can tackle the Neil and Charlie issue. I'll bring them to my office and see if we can hash it out.

meeks: yeah you should probably talk to todd because hes rocking in his chair a lot which means hes stressed, and theres only so much i can do when he keeps waving me off

Mr. Keating: Don't worry, kiddo, I'll take care of everything. All I need you to do right now is keep an eye on Todd.

meeks: will do
meeks: thank you for getting involved in our friendship drama

Mr. Keating: Hopefully we'll put it to rest!

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knox: CHARLIE SHOWED ME HIS TEXTS WITH NEIL AND ITS NOT GOOD

pitts: WHATD THEY SAY???

cam: oh no

meeks: dude i get boyfriend confidentiality but you gotta spill

knox: basically they were arguing about the detention and neil was mad that he had to cancel his date with todd, and charlie said something about how before todd transfered here, neil wouldnt have been mad about it and it seems like charlie is lowkey jealous that he, neils best friend, has been replaced by todd, neils boyfriend
knox: he realizes how stupid that argument was and feels bad about what he said about todd, he told me he had no idea where it came from he loves todd like a brother

meeks: then why would he say that??

pitts: maybe it brought up some unresolved issue from the past?
pitts: did charlie ever feel replaced before?

cam: could be about his little sister? theyre 10 years apart, maybe he felt like his parents were trying to replace him with another kid?

knox: i gotta be honest, i kind of thought he just said it to hurt neil, my initial thought was that it wasnt some unresolved problem, it was just him being an ass to neil

meeks: i hate this whole situation, poor todd is a mess, neil and charlie are beefing, and we are all confused

pitts: hopefully keating can fix this

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Mr. Keating: Neil, I just wanted to let you know that Todd is still with me. He's very upset about your disagreement with Charlie and thinks that it's his fault you're fighting. I suggest you two work out whatever happened between you before either of you come into contact with Todd again to avoid upsetting him further.

neil: wait he think its HIS fault?
neil: shit
neil: we screwed up badly
neil: how bad is he?

Mr. Keating: It's not looking so great at the moment. He's self-soothing right now, mostly stimming, but my biggest worry is that he looks like he might break down the next time either you or Charlie is mentioned. He's very upset about this, and he blames himself.
Mr. Keating: I wanted to have you and Charlie come here to talk this out, but I don't believe Todd should be left alone right now.
Mr. Keating: I think it's bringing up some unpleasant memories from home, too.

neil: OH SHIT HIS PARENTS
neil: his parents fought about him all the time when he was a kid, back before they just started treating him like shit
neil: oh my god i really fucked up
neil: im going to go find charlie, please give toddy a hug from me and tell him i love him

Mr. Keating: Will do. I'll keep him safe until you can see him again.

neil: thank you mr keating

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charlie: hey, can we talk?
charlie: im so fucking sorry for what i said and did earlier. i was only kicking your seat because i was bored, but i didnt realize that when you kept looking at me, you were trying to tell me to stop. i thought you were just messing around like i was, so i kept pushing you, and im sorry i got you a detention and ruined your date with todd. i know you were both looking forward to it, so im really sorry i ruined it.
charlie: and im even more sorry for what i said about todd. i honest to god dont know why i said it. i love him, hes like a little brother to me, and id never want to hurt him like that. i think i was just using him to hurt you, which was a low blow and a gross move, and i shouldnt have done it, so im sorry. but i also think that sometimes i just miss you, you know? we used to be attached at the hip, but now we never get to hang out anymore, just the two of us. someone else is always there, or one of us is always busy. i just miss you man. but still, i shouldnt have brought todd into it. i know you didnt replace me with him and it was a ridiculous thing to say. i used him to hurt you, and i swear i will never do that again.
charlie: ill apologize to todd too as soon as i can find him.
charlie: im just really sorry man.

neil: im sorry too. i shouldnt have snapped at you like that, in class and in our texts. i was just frustrated because i wanted to make tonight special for todd after the rough last few weeks hes had. and i shouldnt have called you childish and immature, that was just stupid and mean and im sorry.
neil: i really appreciate your apology, and that you want to apologize to todd too.
neil: todds not doing well right now, i was actually just going to come and find you to talk it out in person

charlie: shit
charlie: im just in my dorm with cam and stick, but they said they can handle our project so i can talk to you. are you in your room?

neil: yeah, come on over. lets hash it out man

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cam: THEYRE FIXED!!!
cam: I CAN HEAR THEM LAUGHING FROM ACROSS THE HALL

meeks: THANK GOD

pitts: GOD IS REAL

knox: PRAISE

cam: whatever mr keating did mustve worked

meeks: actually, all he told me he did was tell them they werent allowed to see todd until they talked things through on their own.

knox: they actually reached out to each other? damn, i was not expecting that considering how stubborn they both are

pitts: hopefully things go back to normal, i hate when theres in-group fighting

meeks: i hate that they got todd involved, that was not cool of them
meeks: but no worries, keating said todds calmed down and hes just reading right now

cam: oh good, i was worried about him

knox: well i guess that means we can put this chat to rest. farewell boys!
knox: BUT DONT DELETE IT JUST IN CASE

meeks: lmao i wont

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neil: *sent a photo: A selfie. Neil and Charlie sit on Neil's bed, their arms over each other's shoulders as they smile at the camera. They both look like they've been crying.*
neil: problem solved!

Mr. Keating: Good job, boys! I guess that means everything's been discussed?

neil: yeah, we talked it all out, apologized for what we said, and decided it would be best to set aside some time for just the two of us to hang out on saturday morning!

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear you've resolved the issue!

neil: does this mean i can come see my boyfriend now

Mr. Keating: Yes, yes. Todd's on his chair reading right now, I'll be sure to let him know you're on your way!

neil: is it ok if charlie comes too? he wants to apologize to todd

Mr. Keating: Certainly, come on down!

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neil :): I AM FREE FROM DETENTION!!!
neil :): too bad its already 8 oclock though

obKNOXious: how was it?

neil :): long and boring

charlEEZ NUTS: thats what she said

meeksie: AYO

neil :): hopkins, 3 freshmen, a couple of the 6th graders, and 5 seniors were also there, so its not like i was alone or anything
neil :): but hager wouldnt let us talk so we just sat there for 2 hours bored out of our minds

pittsie: disgusting

toad: all that matters is that you can come hang out with me now!!

neil :): yes im coming! get your pjs on and as soon as i get to our room i will too, and then we can read

toad: :D

cam: you guys managed to salvage some of your date night?

toad: yes! we still have 2 hours before lights out so we're going to read :)

meeksie: aww thats cute!!

charlEEZ NUTS: im glad you still have time, even if its not what you originally planned

obKNOXious: im glad everything worked out and the friend group is back to normal
obKNOXious: pls no more infighting, that was terrible to experience!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: yes yes i promise

neil :): me too

meeksie: amen to that

pittsie: all this drama got me exahusted, i think its time for some music and chilling

meeksie: AGREED. see you guys later or tomorrow or whatever!

cam: see you!

obKNOXious: love you guys!

neil :): i love you guys sm <3

toad: ^ samesies!!

charlEEZ NUTS: ^^ double samesies

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Mr. Keating: I'm terribly sorry our time was taken today! Would you like to come to my office tomorrow instead? I have an important call from 2:30 to 3:30, but after that, you're more than welcome to come do your homework in my office!

knox: yeah sure thatd be great! thanks captain!

Mr Keating: Of course!

knox: and thanks for helping us with the neil charlie todd situation! everyone's all good now, thank god!!!

Mr. Keating: Glad to hear it, son!
Mr. Keating: You get some sleep now, alright? I'll see you at breakfast!

knox: you too captain!

Chapter Text

toad: has anyone seen my leather notebook?
toad: its an emergency

meeksie: no i havent seen it
meeksie: did you lose it?

obKNOXious: you literally had it yesterday, i saw it with you

neil :): @meeks yeah he lost it, hes tearing our room apart rn
neil :): srsly it looks like a tornado just hit our room

charlEEZ NUTS: do you know when you lost it todd

toad: IDK!!!

pittsie: i can feel the franticness in that idk

cam: check with keating! the last time i saw you with it was in his class!

meeksie: oh yeah you probably left it there yesterday when you were stressed about the infighting

toad: duck i think youre right THANK YOU MEEKS

neil :): duck

charlEEZ NUTS: DUCK

obKNOXious: QUACK QUACK

pittsie: HAHAHAH

cam: hey! (bum bum bum) got any grapes?

charlEEZ NUTS: YOOOO I FORGOT ABOUT THE DUCK SONG

pittsie: you FORGOT about it?!
pittsie: bitch i think about it at least once a week

charlEEZ NUTS: you know what i think about a lot?
charlEEZ NUTS: the adventurous adventures of one direction

pittsie: AAOOD!!! and aaood 2!!!

charlEEZ NUTS: YOU WERE AN AAOOD FAN?!

pittsie: YES OMFG

meeksie: he literally quotes the tac-o's scene all the fucking time

obKNOXious: personally im a fan of the potter puppet pals but specifically the one where they make up funny wizard swears

meeksie: VOLDEMORTS NIPPLE!!!

obKNOXious: HAHDHSKDHSK YES

neil :): personally i will always be a fan of nyan cat

charlEEZ NUTS: i <3 nyan cat
charlEEZ NUTS: wait @todd @cam drop your favorite old youtube videos

cam: i liked thecomputernerd01

meeksie: YOOO I LOVED THAT GUY

toad: i like that video thats like hahahahahahaha hohohohohohoho hehehehehehehe hey hey hey hey

charlEEZ NUTS: what does that even mean

neil :): baby boy
neil :): i love you endlessly
neil :): but what the fuck video are you talking about

obKNOXious: TODD???

cam: todd do you mean the dirdy birdy
cam: like with the duck and the cat

toad: YES
toad: THAT WAS LITERALLY MY FAVORITE VIDEO, I DISCOVERED IT PROBABLY YOUNGER THAN I SHOULDVE BEEN AND I WOULD WATCH IT LIKE EVERY DAY
toad: ILL SHOW YOU ALL AT BREAKFAST

charlEEZ NUTS: damn now im excited

meeksie: @todd dont forget to text keating!

toad: oh yeah thanks you meeksie!!

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todd: did i leave my notebook in your office

Mr. Keating: Yes! I put it in my locked desk drawer for safe keeping until class later when I see you.

todd: can i walk back with you after breakfast? i need it asap i had an idea

Mr. Keating: Ah, itching to let out your inner poet, I see!

todd: yeah, the light came through our window this morning and hit neils face at the perfect angle i need to write about it

Mr. Keating: Will you give it to him?

todd: probably, he likes when i write poems for him :)

Mr. Keating: I truly believe art is the greatest gift you could give someone because it comes from the heart and you create it with your own hands.

todd: thats exactly why neil loves them so much, he says its cause he loves to read the way my brain works and cause i spend so much time on my poems

Mr. Keating: A poet and an actor, quite the pairing!

todd: yeah we're the best mwahahaha

Mr. Keating: You seem like you're in a much better mood today!

todd: yeah, me and neil had a good night :)
todd: we read some more from my big book of whitman poems, it was really nice :)

Mr. Keating: Good, I'm happy for you!
Mr. Keating: Now quit texting and eat your breakfast! I can see you haven't even touched your toast yet!

todd: ugh i hate when you parent me (no i dont)

Mr. Keating: I know you don't!
Mr. Keating: I'll meet you by the door after breakfast and we'll head to my office to get your notebook!

todd: THANK YOU KING

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neil: chat! do not forget about the meeting tomorrow night! dont forget to pick your poems to read!

charlie: im doing another poetrusic but with my bongos this time

cam: why do you even have those

charlie: for fun dude

cam: k thats valid

meeks: i have an edgar allen poe poem to read since we've been been doing these meetings for months now and no ones read any poe yet

knox: i wrote a poem (its shitty but A for effort!)

pitts: i havent picked one yet lolll

neil: i have one picked but its a secret

todd: i wrote one that i wanna read :)

charlie: HELL YEAH TODDERSON

meeks: YAY TODD

pitts: todd is blessing us with another beautiful poem!!

cam: is keating coming to the meeting

Mr. Keating: Perhaps.

todd: pleaseeee!!! its the poem i told you about the other day!!!

Mr. Keating: Well then I suppose I'll have to come and hear it!

todd: yay!!!

neil: WOOHOO

meeks: whos turn is it to bring snacks

knox: mine!!!

meeks: well i got a basket so we dont have to keep using my coat

charlie: boooooo

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pitts: do fish pee?

meeks: dhdldhdlfhsl
meeks: what!!

pitts: no actually

meeks: why are you asking me this during latin bruh

pitts: idk i just thought about it
pitts: like the ocean is just a big fishy toilet
pitts: that humans swim in

meeks: dude
meeks: did not need that mental image!

pitts: if i had to think it, so do you
pitts: thats what happens when you start dating

meeks: i love dating you
meeks: i love these random conversations
meeks: i love the silly thoughts that pop into your head

pitts: bruh
pitts: i love you

meeks: i love you too :)

pitts: :))

meeks: :)))

pitts: :))))

meeks: :)))))
meeks: i can do this all day

pitts: i understood that reference

meeks: i understood THAT reference

pitts: i understood THAT reference
pitts: i can do this all day

meeks: ok no im putting a stop to it now

pitts: boo hiss

meeks: babe. latin.

pitts: i hate latin thooooo

meeks: yeah, i can tell by your grades, which is why you need to pay attention

pitts: YOOOOO THAT WAS SO MEAN :(

meeks: you know what i mean, bub
meeks: everyone has a weak class
meeks: yours is 100000% latin!

pitts: im not doing THAT bad
pitts: a C is perfectly average grade, thank you very much!

meeks: babe, LATIN!!!

pitts: ugh fine youre no fun

meeks: i love you <3

pitts: i love you too <3

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neil :): when do you guys think hager is gonna die

cam: UH?

charlEEZ NUTS: hopefully soon lmao

obKNOXious: ...should we be concerned?
obKNOXious: youre not planning to kill him are you neil

neil :): NO OMFG
neil :): NO
neil :): hes just so mean and annoying and for WHAT
neil :): like whyd he just put toddy on the spot like that after todd said he didnt know the answer
neil :): and then he put spaz on the spot after he also said he didnt know the answer
neil :): like thats a dick move

toad: when dr hager talks all i hear is the trumpet sound that the adults make in the charlie brown movies

pittsie: WAIT THATS SO REAL

toad: like i said i didnt know the answer because i honest god was only hearing WAWAWAWAWAWA coming from his mouth so i didnt even hear the question

cam: todd woke up slightly unhinged today i think

obKNOXious: between hahahahahahahaha hohohohohohoho hehehehehehehe hey hey hey hey and WAWAWAWAWAWA
obKNOXious: todd what drugs are you on

toad: none <3

meeksie: like actually?

toad: nah i took my lexapro this morning lol
toad: but i take that every morning
toad: i think im just feeling like a silly goose today is all

neil :): i love you so much???
neil :): you deserve to be a silly goose today!

charlEEZ NUTS: omg todd entered his silly goose era!!!

meeksie: love this for you bestie

pittsie: wait i love silly goose todd
pittsie: but can we go back to the hager dying thing
pittsie: im actually so scared that one day he'll just drop dead in the middle of class cause hes so old
pittsie: he has to be like 150 at this point

obKNOXious: if hes 150, nolan must be 300

cam: NO BUT EVERY TIME NOLAN SHOUTS "GENTLEMEN WHAT ARE THE FOUR PILLARS" AND THAT VEIN IN HIS HEAD POPS OUT, I LITERALLY GET SCARED THAT ITS GOING TO LIKE BURST AND HE'LL DIE

neil :): this school is being run by the oldest men i have ever seen in my entire life

charlEEZ NUTS: who do you think will die first, nolan or hager

neil :): nolan 100%

obKNOXious: hager

meeksie: hager

pittsie: dr hager fs

cam: nolan

toad: hopefully nolan he scares me a lot

charlEEZ NUTS: the fact that he was allowed to spank us as punishment for this long and no one said anything about it until last month is insane btw

meeksie: well thank god that freshman started the petition and now hes banned from spanking
meeksie: top 10 sentence i never thought id say

obKNOXious: HDKDHDKSHD

neil :): hopefully they both die this year!

toad: is that a threat

neil :): its a promise

toad: WHAT

neil :): IM KIDDING OMFG YOUR FACE

charlEEZNUTS: neil has entered his silly goose era

cam: we all should atp tbh

pittsie: as king of the silly geese, i declare each and every one of you a silly goose for the day!

obKNOXious: HOORAY

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knox: i hate lunch
knox: these sandwiches are ass today

charlie: dude i know
charlie: we need to sneak into the kitchen and make lunch from now on

knox: no

charlie: ok fine cause neither of us can cook anyway

knox: we should start a petition for a new menu

charlie: yuuuhhhhh
charlie: i want chicken tendies for lunch!!!
charlie: and better mac and cheese. the one the make rn is not good

knox: yeah but it does the job
knox: actually its so weird that they dont have chicken tenders here
knox: like every school has them BUT us.

charlie: we need tator tots too
charlie: ill literally start a tator tot riot like that one episode of glee

knox: HAHAHAHA
knox: they should also get more salad dressings
knox: poor todd has to eat his salad plain every day because they dont have fucking italian for some reason which is so weird cause thats one of the main salad dressings

charlie: justice for todd!

knox: justice for todd!
knox: and meeks always looks like he chokes down his sandwiches

charlie: its bc he doesnt like the thickness of the bread they use here

knox: justice for meeks!

charlie: justice for meeks!

knox: justice for all of us!

charlie: justice for all of us!

knox: actually i think we should definitely start a petition and see if we can get some better options, or at least some more options

charlie: ill get on it next week, i have ti finish with nolans emails
charlie: wait

knox: what?
knox: oh
knox: oh no
knox: do not say what i think youre going to say

charlie: WE SHOULD BLACKMAIL NOLAN

knox: aaaaand he said it.

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Mr. Keating: Still want to work in my office later?

knox: yes please, if you dont mind!

Mr. Keating: Of course! Just remember I'll be on a call until 3:30, so come any time afterward, I'm more than happy to have you!

knox: do you every get annoyed taht we're always hanging out with you lol

Mr. Keating: Nope! I enjoy the company! The faculty and staff here don't like me, so it's not like I have anyone else to spend my free time with anyway.

knox: mr keating thats really sad :(
knox: thats their loss then, cause youre the best teacher in this joint

Mr. Keating: Thank you, Knox. I'm glad you all feel that way. I'm lucky to have such a kind group of students!

knox: we love you mr keating!!!

Mr. Keating: Ditto, kid! I'll see you after my meeting!

knox: k!

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neil: baby
neil: babyyyyyyyyyy
neil: toooodddddddddd
neil: toddy
neil: baby boy
neil: sweetheart
neil: angel
neil: todd
neil: toddy bear

todd: oh my god what do you want

neil: hi :D

todd: HI!!! :D
todd: hows rehearsal?

neil: boring as shit
neil: i only come in at the end of this scene so i havent even done anything yet
neil: i miss you
neil: i wanna kiss you

todd: i miss you too
todd: and i want a kissssss

neil: when i get back we can make out a little

todd: thank god
todd: i love kissing you
todd: best feeling in the world by far

neil: todd omfg you cant just say that im literally blushing

todd: I GOT YOU TO BLUSH AND I CANT EVEN SEE?!?!?!

neil: MWAHAHAHAHA

todd: all that work and what did it get me
todd: why did i do it

neil: SCRAPBOOKS FULL OF ME IN THE BACKGROUND

todd: OKAY NO WE ARE NOT DOING THIS AGAIN

neil: sorry baby its the theater kid in me

todd: did you ever have a hamilton phase

neil: yes. a very aggressive one.

todd: yeah you would

neil: HELLO???

todd: i knew it
todd: i clocked you the minute we met

neil: asshole
neil: i love you so much

todd: i love you so much too

neil: shit wait i have to go, its finally my turn on stage
neil: love you, see you later xoxo

todd: love you too xoxo

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obKNOXious: *sent a photo: An obviously sneaky photo of Mr. Keating sitting at his desk working. He has a pair of glasses on as he reads through what looks like a stack of student essays.*
obKNOXious: never saw him grading papers before and had to get photographic evidence that he DOES actually grade our work

cam: i lowkey love how much he hates grading
cam: like bestie thats what you get for assigning homework!!!

meeksie: he doesnt even assign that much hw
meeksie: how is he always so far behind with grading

toad: you know he only assigns hw because otherwise nolan will be on his ass about it right?
toad: weve talked about it before actually
toad: keating said that he really only assigned writing one poem a week at all his other schools
toad: but he had to throw in random essays and stuff because nolan wont let him give us anything less than that

obKNOXious: BRUH WTF
obKNOXious: i hate nolan

pittsie: thats so unfair

cam: this feud that nolan has with keating is insane
cam: especially considering keating never did anything to him

charlEEZ NUTS: wait where is everyone

meeksie: lmao why

charlEEZ NUTS: because im CURIOUS
charlEEZ NUTS: GOD

neil :): still at rehearsal, will be home in an hour!

obKNOXious: im with keating obvi lol

cam: me and charlie are in our room with stick

toad: im at the dock

meeksie: me and pittsie are playing guess who: hellton edition

toad: wait can i come hang out with you guys

pittsie: YES

meeksie: ofc todderson!!!

toad: omw :)

charlEEZ NUTS: seems like everyones having a grand old time then
charlEEZ NUTS: excellent

obKNOXious: lmao???

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Mr. Keating: Hello, Pitts! Would you mind staying back after class tomorrow? I'd like to speak with you.

pitts: yeah sure man
pitts: am i in trouble
pitts: you sound very serious

Mr. Keating: Oh, goodness, no! My apologies! I just want to check in with you and see how you're doing since it's now been a week since your grandmother died.

pitts: awwwww thats so nice of you omg thank you
pitts: yeah ill definitely stay back!

Mr. Keating: Very good, then! I'll see you tomorrow! Goodnight, son!

pitts: goodnight captain! :)

Chapter Text

charlie: ITS DEAD POETS DAY
charlie: EVERYBODY CHEERED

todd: theres nothing to cheer about.

charlie: hello???

pitts: does this mean todds silly goose era is over

meeks: why is todd being all angsty

neil: i think hes just stressing about reading his poem

todd: NEIL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SECRET

neil: baby youre literally pacing a hole in our floor

Mr. Keating: Todd, you'll do great tonight! But please remember that no one expects you to read! If you don't think you can do it today, then don't! You can always try again next week, son.

todd: but i dont wanna let everyone down
todd: you all seemed so excited when i said i would read it

meeks: todd, youre not letting us down. if you arent comfortable reading, we're not going to force you to

cam: yeah man, we enjoy your company regardless of whether you do or dont read
cam: we just like having you at the meetings
cam: youre our friend!!

pittsie: what if we all turned around
pittsie: would that help

todd: idk? it might?

neil: do you think you might want to try it out tonight and see?
neil: you dont have to say yes, remember that

todd: i think i wanna try it

neil: okay! if you change your mind at any point throughout the day though, thats okay too

todd: will you hold my hand?

neil: of course i will

todd: and no one will laugh at me?

charlie: todd none of us are going to laugh at you
charlie: i pinky promise
charlie: everyone pinky promise right now
charlie: that includes you captain!

meeks: i hereby pinky promise i will not laugh at todds poem

neil: i pinky promise x

Mr. Keating: Pinky promise, son!

pitts: pinky promise todd!!!!

knox: i pinky promise :)

cam: pinky promise!

todd: okay
todd: thank you

knox: todd you dont have to thank us for being nice to you omg

cam: todd and his constant need to thank us for being good friends to him

todd: dhslshdkshdkshs
todd: see you fuckers at breakfast

charlie: WOOOOAAAAHHHHH

meeks: lmfao todd 100% forgot keating is in this chat

todd: OH SHIT
todd: SORRY MR KEATING

Mr. Keating: Nothing I haven't heard before!

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todd: hello gingers

cam: hello todd

meeks: hello todd

todd: do you guys ever wonder why mr mcallister talks like that

cam: like what?

todd: like hes a bridge troll who speaks in riddles

meeks: i think he talks more like if a knight from medieval times learned modern english instead of old english

cam: he sounds like someone who would be a professional audio book recorder

todd: the way all of these fit him is insane
todd: i wonder what he did before he worked at welton

cam: i bet literally all my money that he did theater in high school or college

meeks: youre so right
meeks: he definitely seems like he was an actor

todd: i feel like he owns a pomeranian

meeks: WAIT
meeks: THAT FEELS SO RIGHT

cam: bonus points if its named pompom

todd: LMAO

meeks: do you think he has kids
meeks: like we know hes married but do he and his wife have any kids

cam: either no kids or exactly 3 kids

todd: oddly specific

cam: am i wrong

todd: no and thats the funniest part

meeks: mcallister is the most mysterious teacher at this school imo

todd: i agree, i have so many questions

cam: dont ask charlie about him or he might go bother mcallister like he did with stick and demand to know everything about his life lol

todd: duh
todd: thats why i texted this chat and not the gc

cam: ooohhhhhhhh
cam: thats smart
cam: i was wondering why you didnt text the gc, especially since yesterday we were all talking about hager and nolan

meeks: aint you supposed to be the smart one cam

cam: if anyones the smart one in the group its you man
cam: im the kiss-up of the group

todd: who am i

meeks: the quiet one obvi lol

cam: charlies the funny one

todd: neils the leader

meeks: knox is the oblivious one hes so dumb sometimes

cam: who would pitts be

todd: the tall one

meeks: HAHAHAHA
meeks: thats true tho

todd: and mr keating is our dad

meeks: the best dad fr

todd: sometimes when my dad is a bitch to me and im crying i wish mr keating was my real dad :)

cam: todd you cant just say the saddest thing ever and put a smiley face on the end of it

meeks: you and neil were made to be soulmates bc hes literally said the exact same thing to me before

todd: we've had discussions about it too lmao

cam: how did we go from mcallister's weird way of talking to todds daddy issues

meeks: idk it just be like that sometimes

todd: because it just happened

cam: valid!

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charlEEZ NUTS: guys

obKNOXious: we're all sitting right here why are we texting

charlEEZ NUTS: becAUSE, KNOXIOUS.
charlEEZ NUTS: i dont want to risk any of the adults hearing what im gonna say

neil :): oh?

pittsie: go on

charlEEZ NUTS: i am so tired of these shitty school lunches
charlEEZ NUTS: the chicken in my chicken salad is so undercooked that i literally cannot eat any of this because it basically touched raw chicken

obKNOXious: OK YEAH MINE IS TOO

toad: the real question is why did you both get chicken salad today

obKNOXious: because we're tired of the shitty sandwiches on bread thats so thick you can barely swallow it

meeksie: and so dry that it feels like eating a handful of sand

pittsie: thats why you have to eat a big breakfast and then eat a bag of chips for lunch like i do
pittsie: the breakfast here is a million times better than the lunch
pittsie: so i eat a shit ton at breakfast so that im only a little hungry at lunch

cam: i was wondering why you only ate chips for lunch every day
cam: youre literally always hungry lmao

pittsie: i ate like 5 pancakes and 2 waffles this morning

charlEEZ NUTS: BRUH

pittsie: and im still pretty full, so i have a bag of chips because theyre sealed so i know they werent fucked up in some way
pittsie: like your raw chicken salad

neil :): is that why you always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day

pittsie: yes

toad: i mean the pizza isnt usually fucked up when they have it

obKNOXious: thats cause they order it from the place downtown
obKNOXious: that pizza is heavenly

toad: wait
toad: so everything else they serve for lunch is from that school lunch program EXCEPT the pizza, which they order from town?

meeksie: yeah

toad: why lmao

charlEEZ NUTS: we have yet to figure it out
charlEEZ NUTS: and the lunch company that they order from is the only meal they dont cook
charlEEZ NUTS: the kitchen staff actually makes breakfast and dinner

toad: so THATS why breakfast and dinner are significantly better

charlEEZ NUTS: knox and i are going to start a petition online to try and change the company the school orders from because literally everyone is tired of this nasty ass shit they serve us

cam: tbh even the kitchen staff hates it, ive literally heard them complaining about it too

neil :): marianne who bakes the cookies over the weekend told me last year that theyve tried to get nolan to switch companies for YEARS and he keeps saying no

pittsie: goddamn i hate his ass