Chapter Text
Another long day of school has passed. Students and teachers started to walk back home. Well except the teachers. Some stayed in the building to tutor while others went home early for their own kids or just because they needed a break. But that's not who's after school business we're here for. Is it?
Eddie made his way out after the exit gate was overcrowded. He was making his way towards the bus stop to return home as always until he recalled Vick's words "Bones wants to talk to you tomorrow."
It was weird for Eddie. He and Bones never really talked at all. If anything, most of the times that they had passed each other in the hallway Bones had always looked at him like he wanted to say something before just shaking it off after noticing Benny. If anything Bones and Benny had always seemed stand offish with each other. Either way he didn't want to turn down the offer and seem rude. After all, last time someone mistook him as a bully and rude (sandbag) they almost beat him up over the whole misunderstanding. Going past that Eddie started to look around the outside of the campus while also noting how they might need to rush for the next bus since he missed his current one.
After a good while of looking around he started to make his way right back towards the bus stop. 'Screw bones and that guy's poor planning' he thought, mentally cursing him out until he felt a small tap on his shoulder. When he looked back he finally saw bones in front of him giving him a sleazy smile.
Eddie: "Where the hell were you? I have been looking all over for you after Vick said you wanted to talk to me?"
Eddie asked Bones. He was annoyed since he was practically running around like a chicken without its head trying to look for this guy,
Bones: "Relax little bull. I just forgot i told vick to do that was all"
Eddie rolled his eyes. This was just great. The lack of fucks this guy gave was palpable
Eddie: "You know I missed out only the school bus back home but the public bus as well waiting for your ass "
Bones: "Now c'mon don't be dramatic. You can always wait on those buses, no?"
Eddie: "just cut to the chase. Why did you ask me to talk with you huh?"
Bones pauses slightly. It was as if he looked conflicted before shrugging it off calmly
Bones: “nothing much. I've just been seeing how close you and Benny have been getting. You aint catching feelings are ya?“
Eddie turns slightly red before waving him off slightly
Eddie: “Now what makes you think that hmm? We just barely know each other“
Bones looks at him for a bit before letting out a low chuckle and pointing at him
Bones: “I'm thinking that because you're blushing real hard you know? With that pale ass figure your face sure stands out more than ever like a tomato“
Eddie's face burns redder out of pure embarrassment. Who the hell did he think he was trying to play that off.
Eddie: “Yeah you're right… I have been catching… something…“
He admits sheepishly which lands him a flick to his head.
Bones: "That's a pretty cheap shot buddy. It's only been a few days since you've came here and your already falling hard hmm?"
Eddie scowls slightly as he rubs his head. God dammit did that flick hurt but he was also right. He had been falling hard and over a boy he had just barely met. He couldn't deny how badly he loved those terrible jokes and his silly arguments with any authoritative figure. A small question pops into his mind though that he couldn't really ignore
Eddie: "Say bones. Why is it that you care about me and Benny to ask about it?"
Bones stiffened slightly which puts Eddie at edge. They stand there for a long awkward silence before Bones breaks the silence with a small cough.
Bones: "Nothing nothing… Just keep an eye out. Benny has some issues…"
Eddie froze where he stood. Nervous and scared by what bones could have meant by issues. He knew that he shouldn't have gone too close to someone he had just met but he couldn't help but get a sting in his heart.
Eddie: "Bones. What do you mean by that?"
He asks cautiously. Before Bones can even respond a fan taps his shoulder causing him to pause on his words and glance back slightly to see who tapped him. There stood Maneki. For Eddie this was his first time seeing Maneki at all and wow does he look extraordinary with his outfit.
Maneki takes out a small marker which Eddie assumes is a dry erase marker and draws something down on his fan before showing it towards Bones. The image shows a dollar sign next to a question mark. Eddie looks at it, partially confused before maneki closes up his fan and points towards bones before opening it once more.
Bones and Eddie looks at him before Eddie gets it
Eddie: "Bones owes you money?"
Eddie asks, which then results in Maneki nodding his head. Bone pales just slightly before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly
Bones: "Oh… yeah the money…! Can't you give me some more time?"
Maneki shakes his head as he holds out his hand expectantly
Bones: "C'mon Maneki give me a break! I thought I knew I lost that bet but can't you forgive me?"
Bones asks pleadingly which results in another head shake and his hand still staying out reached. Bones lets out a loud sigh before taking out a crumpled 10 dollar bill and places it in Maneki's hand sloppily, causing it to fall out. Maneki rolls his eyes as he bends down to pick it up, giving bones a slightly annoyed glare.
Bones: "sorry doll. To bad you cant grip a some cash"’
Bones mocks out slightly as Maneki walks away from him. Leaving both him and Eddie together again.
Eddie: "So… what was that bet?"
Eddie asks as he nudged bones shoulder
Bone: "None of your business bull boy. Just keep an eye out with Benny."
Bones says before he starts walking off. Grabbing his phone to call up someone leaving Eddie alone with his thoughts. All of which is wondering what did Bones mean by Eddie having issues?
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Eddie arrives home. Later than he would've wanted but because of bones keeping him after school and leaving him with questions about Benny. Laying down on his bed he keeps tossing and turning before eventually his curiosity gets the better of him. But instead of texting Benny and asking about it, he decides to privately text bones, sending a small we need to talk message. For a while he waits around for a text before finally he gets one.
Bones: "Sorry cant chat right now. My darling sandbag is helping me finish up one of my assignments I missed and as much as I'd love to explain more on Benny I fear I'd end up distracted by just seeing him next to me. Sorry bull"
Eddie looked over the text several times. Not only was it annoying but also partially confusing. Benny never told him if Sandbag and Bones were dating. Maybe they were or weren't he would have to check up on that later. Instead he went around asking others in their private texts about Benny. The responses were pretty basic. Some saying that they didn't know or some like Vick who demanded payment. But out of them all one person stood out the most.
Vega: "Well I do know some things. Why are you asking in the first place?"
Eddie breathed out a small sigh of relief, happy that someone at least had some answers
Eddie: "Nothing much. Its just that me and him were getting pretty close and"
Vega: "Let me guess. Bones was telling ya how you should be careful?"
Eddie: "…"
Eddie: "how did you know?"
Vega: "Oh I had a feeling. Ever since those two broke up it has been a mess between them. Leftover feelings, Grudges, yatta yatta."
Eddie: "They were dating?"
Eddie couldn't really believe it. Oh wait he kinda could. They seemed like they knew each other and from how salty Benny seemed when talking about him to Eddie the first time it kinda just felt right.
Eddie: "could you tell me more?"
Vega: "only if you paid me."
Eddie: "oh you gotta be kidding me"
Vega: "Don't worry. That was a small joke. I know that you're not in the richest living environment Mr Gates."
Eddie: "how did you know?"
Vega: "I had my guesses "
Eddie: "Well what made you guess that?"
Vega: "why do you wanna know?"
Eddie: forget it. Can you just tell me more about their former situation?
Vega: "I can tell you what I've picked up from chatter and how I've seen them look at each other. For some reason they seem to have to hold such a grudge after dating and from hallway chatter it seemed as if Benny or perhaps Bones couldn't stay committed. Of course they don't seem to talk about it or to each other much which leaves me to suspect that they left on rather awful terms but who am I to assume such. "
Vega: "That does remind me that just like how bones warned you Benny seems to be doing the exact same with sandbag but from what Maneki has told me sandbag keeps denying him and bones being together and denying his liking for bones even though it might as well be put on show. It might be both of them holding such a grudge to ruin the other's relationship. Although I wouldn't say that they are straight up lying."
Eddie processed everything slowly. Even though it was a lot he was thankful to have better understood.
Eddie: "Thank you Vega. This means alot to me."
Vega: "A lot** Perhaps you should consider getting grammarly. How are you even misspelling that at this age."
Eddie: "Well relax. It was just one misspelling. But now that I think on it i should probably talk with sandbag"
Vega: "Alrighty. I would advise that if you cannot get a reach of him on messages he's probably out at the gym at ___ avenue."
Eddie: "How did you even know that?"
Vega: "Why should I tell you. I told you all I know now quit with these questions."
Eddie: "Okay okay. I'll just head off"
Eddie texted back before switching to Sandbags private message. He sent a simple message saying we need to talk and waited. One part of him was wondering if it was still helping bones out with his work or if he finished up.
After 40 minutes of waiting he decided to listen to Vegas' tip and started heading off towards the gym that he said sandbag might be at. Taking a bus to head off since he didn't have a license and would rather die than ask his mother to take him.
It took him sometime but he arrived. Glancing around in search of him. He didn't see him near the weights, treadmills, or near those punching bags that Eddie thought he would at least be at. He kept looking around before an employee kindly reminded him that he needed a membership to stay a bit longer.
Eddie understood. As he made his way out of the gym he kept checking his phone like he hoped sandbag would text back. Just when he was about to quit and ask another time he saw a familiar silhouette in the far distance. It was sandbag with a gym back slung over his shoulder.
Eddie waved at him as he walked over towards him.
Eddie: "Sandbag. I have been looking all over for you to at least talk to you about something"
Sandbag rubbed the back of his neck. he looked apologetic.
Sandbag: Sorry Eddie… I had to help that scum Bones with a stupid assignment and even then that idiot was barely focused on it.
Eddie nodded, understanding his whole reason.
Sandbag: Say. Eddie, you wanna chat with me while I work out or maybe even work out yourself?
Eddie paused before shaking his head
Eddie: "Cant i dont have a member ship"
Sandbag: "Well shit. Just tell me what you need to tell me then."
Eddie: "Well i just wanted to know if benny has been telling you things about bones"
Sandbag stiffened slightly before crossing his hands over his chest and letting out an annoyed huff.
Sandbag: "Of course he has! Always telling me to watch out and that bones is a snake! I don't know how many times I've had to tell him that I know that and that we aren't particularly close."
He grumbled out angrily and more importantly defensively. Eddie now got what Vega meant by it was so obvious it could be on a show
Eddie: "Well that's all I wanted to ask about. Thanks for your input."
Sandbag: "Yeah no problem. Id get home now and figure out how your gonna go to that stargazing trip now"
Eddie: "Wha- oh wait. Yeah I probably should. Did Cecilia finally send out the details?"
Sandbag: "It's been out buddy."
Eddie: "Ohh. I'll head off."
Sandbag: "alrighty. I'll see you there Eddie."
Eddie gave Sandbag a small smile as he went off. Perhaps he forgot about the whole star gazing deal from this whole situation. But it's no bother as he took a bus right back home.
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When Eddie finally arrived home he checked his phone once more and just like Sandbag said there it was.
Cecilia: Hello everyone! After help from everyone we have decided that Saturday which is tomorrow he will go star gazing! I expect everyone to arrive at 8 or better yet 8:30pm. If you do not have a ride do not worry as i can get my driver to pick those up! For those who can drive there the address is ______. Feel free to bring snacks and blankets as we will be out there for as long as we can! If you cannot Vick and I will bring snacks to share!
Vick: With a price of course.
Cecilia: Either way the view will be magnificent with the location coybn helped out chose. A big thanks to Eddie as well for reminding us of the 7th graders curfews but since there doesn't seem to be an issue we can surely all go!
The chat burst into a spiral of people talking and planning for what they would bring.
Benny: "Yo eds! You wanna take a ride in my car?"
Eddie: "yeah sure. I don't really have a ride and a bus would take too long"
Benny: "Awesome dude! Now give me that addy and butter up those sweet cheeks so we can get ridding!"
Eddie: "what"
Benny: "Get your stuff ready beforehand."
Eddie: "Oh, I will then"
Sailor: "Halt! Lion fish! I require a ride at the moment since sharkbag doesnt have a license and Cecilia's boat has no more spots for me! In exchange I will gladly share some snacks that my old timer bought for me!"
Benny: "does your gramps know you're going?"
Sailor: "No but I doubt he’ll mind. He is always out, either way you gonna take up my deal or nay!"
(writters note but omfg i dont know how to write like how those fuckass pirates would talk im so sorry.)
Benny: "I do prefer free snacks over Vick EXPENSIVE ones."
Vick: "not my fault you can't afford good quality."
Elise: "yeah little broke boy!"
Benny: "shut the fuck up i gen hope someone pushes you guys into lockers."
Eddie: “At what time do you suppose you'll pick me up?”
Benny: “Probably at the 7 so we can spare some time together and because Sailor lives pretty far.”
Sailor: “Sure do! “
Benny: “Don't be too proud kid.”
Sailor: “sorry matey…”
Eddie: “Alrighty then. Ill see if i can bring some blankets”
Benny:” Ooo for us to cuddle heh..”
Poppy: "Dude Sailors gonna 3rd wheel so hard”
Elise: "Sailor you GOTTA record the car ride”
Eddie: "sailor dont.”
Sailor: "No promises! Now I oughta prepare!”
Soon the hype died down as people prepared. Did eddie forget all about the bones and benny situation? Fuck no. That shit was drilled into his bed. He kept looking over text, looking at Benny's flirty message trying to figure out if he truly meant it or if hes just playing him like an idiot. Part of him felt happy sailor was gonna tag along. Maybe it wouldn't be as weird? No it would. Tomorrow was just gonna be something alright.