Chapter Text
Petey didn’t even like him anymore, he had realized that for a while now, having understood the dynamic between Jimmy and Zoe and then Jimmy and Kirby. That doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt any less though. Watching the boy you originally had a crush on not even recognize you as a possible person to be with hurts but Petey has worked through that with his therapist, his mother thought it’d be a good idea after she heard about Gary and the effect he had on Petey’s self esteem. But that’s all in the past now, even the feelings that were (not) gone for Jimmy.
All of that doesn’t matter anymore, Petey is the headboy and he’s someone people can look up too—if they were less than 5’5 in height—but the point still stands, Petey meant something now. He wasn’t the scrawny little boy that everyone called a fag anymore (sometimes).
He was the head boy. Head boys don’t get upset over other boys for not looking their way or reciprocating feelings. They planned dances and gained the approval of the school and the principal, something Petey was going to do and do well.
Petey just needed to find a way to plan said dance. He spotted Derby on the way to class and decided this would be the best time as any to ask him about what connections he had and how he could use them. He walked up to him and called his name, immediately regretting it as Derby turned and narrowed his eyes at him before walking towards him and speaking in that fake British accent. “What do you want Petey? Can’t you see I have studies to attend?” Petey almost regretted calling out to him with that accent alone, but he needed his help so he sucked it up and responded.
“I’m planning a dance for the school and was wondering if—“
“Save it, I’m not interested in funding a pointless dance and wasting daddy’s money on something as foolish as a dance.” He turned and walked away, going towards another prep that was waiting for him. Petey didn’t really know how to respond to such a shut down of his proposal, one he didn’t even get to fully explain. However, he didn’t have enough time to wallow in self pity before Kirby showed up behind him and slapped his head from behind.
“Move out of the way you fag.” Kirby snickered before going into his class, which was English with that old drunk teacher who never seemed to quit his addiction, even after being sent to rehab for it.
Petey wouldn’t go as far as to say he hated Kirby although he should with the shit he just pulled, but he would go as far as to say that he hated that Jimmy was wrapped around his finger. Maybe he could say he hated the idea of him being— what’s he saying? He doesn’t hate Kirby for being with a Jimmy, he doesn’t like Jimmy anymore, he doesn’t care who Jimmy is with, he can go off and be with any guy or girl he wants.
The mere thought of that doesn’t make him want to puke or scream or punch a wall. He’s headboy, the best this school ever had, he doesn’t need to be distracted by him or any other red haired boy.
As he walked to his first class of the day he contemplated on who he’d ask next for help. If Derby was gonna be Derby about it then he’d just try to ask another prep, right? But they all stick together at the hip, makes sense since they all stay within the family, romantically that is… gross. Maybe he can ask a Jock? Yeah right, he wouldn’t be able to get a word out without being socked right in the mouth for even being in their presence.
Damn it, he may have to resort to asking the nerds, but what connections could they have? No one of importance that is. But it couldn’t hurt to try. He made a mental note to bother Earnest later today after classes.
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Petey was almost certain that their photography teacher Ms. Philips was trying to kill them. It took Petey almost the entire class to ride around town while trying to take photos of homeless people, which some were less than willing to have their headshots taken by some kid from bullworth. Hard to blame them with the reputation the school has, the last few years had been a mess. Petey was packing up his camera when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
It was Jimmy and he was smiling at him, his face glowing from the sun breaking through the blinds, casting uneven lines across his nose, lips and cheeks, making him look golden, a sight to behold, a vision he’d stow away for himself later when he’s laying in bed thinking about how much he loves the idea of counting the freckles on Jimmy's face. He shakes his head, he shouldn’t be paying so much attention to this, Jimmy obviously wanted to say something to him and he should be the good friend that he is and listen.
“Petey, I got some good news man, I’m sure you’ll wanna hear this.” He seemed excited to say whatever it is he’s wanting to say, almost bouncing on his toes. Petey raises an eyebrow and waits for him to spill the beans as to why he’s so happy.
“Go ahead and shoot Jimmy, what’s up?”
“I asked Kirby to the dance and he said yes!”
He felt his body freeze as soon as the words left his lips. What the hell? Petey thought he had heard wrong at first but he was sure of what Jimmy had just said. He felt sick to his stomach, he didn’t think this was what he was going to say. Fuck, of all things Jimmy could’ve said, it just had to be this. Kirby going to the dance with Jimmy? It made him want to cancel the dance and give the position of headboy to someone else.
Didn’t Kirby want to keep their relationship a secret? What the hell gives Kirby? Petey shuffled awkwardly and clears his throat before responding in a tone that wasn’t true to his feelings. “That’s great Jimmy, I’m glad he said yes… I’m sure you’ll both have fun at the dance.”
If Jimmy seemed to have noticed the lack of enthusiasm he didn’t notice or think to comment on it as he was too blinded by his own excitement. Jimmy walked out of his class and down the hall, farther and farther away than his eye could reach. At least one of them was happy, Jimmy deserved this, he deserved someone who he can be happy with, someone who would cherish him in the way he wanted too. Maybe this is for the best, maybe they weren’t going to be together in the end after all. Jimmy wouldn’t want to be with a loser like him, he’d want to be with a jock, someone as strong as him.
Petey just isn’t the person Jimmy is looking for and might never become that person. He’d have to get over that. But he’s afraid to let go of this rope Jimmy has tied around him, squeezing tighter and tighter as he tries to escape, only to reel him back in over and over again.
Maybe he’ll talk to Earnest tomorrow, he needs time to himself.