Pete was angry. More angry than usual. His car broke down and he was stuck with taking the transit across town to attend classes at his collage of the performing arts. He didn't even know why he attended, he hated it. But then again, he hated everything.
He hopped on the bus and headed to the back, sitting in an empty seat that was torn and written all over. He didn't care though. He was alone and felt fine that way. He looked out the window and began rummaging around in his thoughts, searching for a purpose to keep living. He didn't have a mother to run to. His father was always drunk and a jackass since he was born to the moment he left that run down city of Houston to New York. As if more couldn't go wrong, he couldn't help the fact that he was gay. Yes he had a relationship with another girl, but it went sour after he realized that he could not emotionally and physically love her. And his father had always talked down about homosexuality, saying the uppermost degrading things about the topic. He didn't bother looking for a lover, let alone friends.
He sat there sipping at his mocha. That's when he saw Brent approaching. He looked around realizing that every seat around him was taken but the leftover room on the seat he was on. He became flustered realizing he would have to share with him.
"Mind if I sit here?" he said pointing to the empty space.
"Sure." Pete flatly said, moving his messenger bag over.
He sat down and looked down trying not to make any eye contact with the skinny boy.
So his name was Brent. Pete of course never talked to him, even though they shared almost all of their classes together. Brent was around six feet and four inches in height. He was always dressed up in designer button downs and either black or pinstripe slacks. He had piercing hazel eyes that looked as if he could see into your soul, and had soft shoulder length brown hair that brought them out even more. He looked tough in his figure though. Even though he was pretty self conscious about his weight, he didn't look bad at all. He thought if he worked out more he would turn the thin layer of pudge on is belly into a nice set of abs to lure more guys in to pick from. At least to get his mind off of his latest crush, who was sitting next to him. Brent didn't know much about Pete, only that he didn't speak much and lived near him. Yet he found him mysterious. He wanted to know Pete more.
Brent took a chance and decided to start up a friendly conversation seeing as the ride would be a long one.
"So...how come you're so quiet" He asked.
Pete looked right over at Brent hearing him in person for the first time. "Uh..." he murmured "I dont know, why?"
"I don't know, you seem pretty interesting, but it's kind of hard to really see it when you always keep to yourself." Brent said looking down again. His voice was deep, but soft spoken.
Pete rolled his eyes feeling annoyed. "Look, uh, Brent, I don't need anyone to tell me something very obvious. So I would appreciate it if you either started up a more decent conversation, or keep to yourself! Thank you very much!" He said sharply and turned away.
Brent's heart was in his stomach in pieces. He turned the other way feeling heartbroken but hopeful. The ride went on for what seemed like forever to both of the boys. Pete began to feel sorry for the way he spoke to him; but before he could turn and apologize they were at their destination. The bus lurched backward at the stop and everyone got up. Brent was one of the first, he rushed out. Pete followed a little after and stepped out onto the cold and humid sidewalk and approached the campus, hoping he would catch up with Brent, but had no such luck.
The rest of the day went on as usual. He was back to feeling bitter, pushing away the thoughts of walking up to Brent during class and apologizing. He couldn't do it; he would feel so embarrassed seeing as the other guy basically towered over his five foot nine inch scrawny figure. He never thought much of Brent. But suddenly he felt as if he needed to talk to him. He wanted a second chance.
As class ended on that cold and mucky Friday afternoon, Pete headed towards the bus stop before the bus left. He headed towards the back and to his surprise; Brent was sitting in the same seat. Pete gulped down and headed towards the seat, politely asking "Can I sit here?" Brent looked startled, but allowed him.
Pete couldn't help but blush as his leg brushed up against the other guy's. He quickly turned to brent and said, "Look, I'm really sorry about what I said to you this morning."
Brent looked over with a simple smile on his face, "Its okay. I've lived here since I was a kid, I'm used to it." Pete suddenly felt guilty. For being so rude, and also feeling attracted to him. He didn't want to take down his armor and make it seem like he was a softie deep down inside. He kind of liked being bitter and tough. It usually scared people off, but then again, he didn't want to feel that way any longer. He was just confused, and maybe in love.
Before he could tell himself to cut it off right there he asked "Do you want to go grab some coffee with me later?"
Brent's face became blank. "Uh... I wish I could, I have to work. But maybe we can tomorrow; I'm off on the weekends.
"Even better." he smiled. The rest of the ride was filled with small talk and long silent moments.
That night Pete did the usual routine of bathing, eating leftover pizza, and watching the television. He couldn't sleep. Usually that's all he did. He just didn't know what to do with himself. This wasn't normal for him; he was actually looking forward to something for the first time ever! It clearly wasn't a real date though. Brent had yet to know his secret, and about a million other things about him. So he had to figure out a way to keep his composure.
Pete finally fell asleep around seven in the morning. But he didn't wake up until the crack of eight PM. He rushed out of bed and took a quick shower. What took the longest was figuring out what he should do with his hair and what to wear. He felt like such a girl, but he finally decided on a pair of fitted black jeans and a black and grey striped sweater. He let his black hair hang in whichever direction it pleased. He finally examined himself one last time. He looked well rested.
He exited his apartment and trudged out heading for the nearby coffee/bakery shop that they agreed on meeting at.
Brent was still waiting; he ordered an iced mocha and took a seat near the window in the front hoping Pete would see him easily. His attire consisted of a pair of dark washed blue jeans, a light blue button-down and his hair neatly parted to the side. He was content with the fact that he would really have a chance to get to know Pete, perhaps even have a chance at another 'date'. He sipped at his drink and thought about what they would talk about. That's when he saw Pete heading for the shop.
Pete saw Brent and smiled. He walked in, ordered his drink, his usual mocha, and headed for the table. His footsteps matched the beat of his heart, which felt like it was in his butt. He sat down and smiled without loosing it.
"About time." Brent teased.
"Well my car broke down, so I had to walk." Pete said shyly.
"You've got to be crazy to even own a car in this city! You should take the buses or subway. It's cheaper." He suggested.
