Chapter Text
“You’re new, aren’t you.”
It wasn’t a question. It was a statement.
Jonathan Crane was, in fact, new. He had moved to Staples Minnesota, after the death of his grandmother. With no known relatives he was taken in by Child Protective Services, who stuck him on a plane to his new foster family. The Millers were enthusiastic, having fostered several children before him. He was less so. Within a week they decided he was well adjusted enough to begin school again. So here he was in his Sophomore year of high school, in history class, being pestered by someone.
Jonathan looked up from his book, ready to glare at whoever had interrupted him. Sitting next to him was a girl with short curly hair and russet skin. She wore an ill-fitting purple dress. Her eyes were green and stared at him from behind thick round glasses.
“I moved here recently, yeah.”
She giggled, presumably at his accent, and extended a hand.
“I like you. I’m Edward.”
He took the proffered hand, southern hospitality and all that, and shook it dubiously.
“Jonathan. Isn’t that a boy’s name?”
“I am a boy. Some people just don’t get it yet.” She, he, squinted at him. “Do you get it? If you don’t then we can’t be friends.”
He blinked slowly.
“Why would you want to be friends with me?”
Edward thought for a second.
“Because you don’t know me yet. You don’t know who people think I am, so I can be the one to tell you. And your book looked interesting.”
“It’s not, really.”
“Then why are you reading it?”
“You ask a lot of questions, don’tcha?”
“I’m known for it. Why did you move here?”
“If you know I’m the new kid, then you’ve heard.”
Edward nodded.
“I don’t like to believe rumors. You wouldn’t believe the things they say about me.”
Jonathan opened his mouth to respond that it wasn’t none of Edwards goddamn business why he moved here, but the bell rang and the teacher greeted the class.
“We have a new student with us today, all the way from Georgia. Jonathan, come up and introduce yourself to the class.”
Shooting a look at Edward, Jonathan rose from his seat. He was gangly and awkward and always had trouble with attached desks. Luckily he didn’t fall and managed to make his way to the front of the classroom.
“I’m Jonathan.”
The rest of the class returned a deathly bored chorus of “Hi Jonathan,” as though it was a chore to even waste time thinking about him. He started back towards his seat, but the teacher put a hand on his shoulder.
“Why don’t you tell the class a little bit about yourself?”
He sighed, eyes landing on Edward in the crowd. Edward gave him a cheeky smile.
“I’m from Arlen. In Georgia.”
The room was quiet. So quiet.
“Yes, we know that Jonathan, how about something else.”
The teacher's hand dug into his shoulder. It reminded him of granny’s. He could almost feel the old crone’s claws gouging his skin, cutting his back.
“Really, Ma’am, I don’t have much to say. May I sit down now?”
Her smile was forced, but she nodded, releasing him. He breathed deeply, returning to his chair. Edward looked at him curiously. He wished this day would end already.
“Hey! Wait up!” Edward called to him, and Jonathan could hear the smack of shoes on pavement. Jonathan slowed his pace, letting Edward catch up with him. The other child panted heavily, punching Jonathan in the arm.
“What the hell was that for?”
“Making me run,” Edward gasped out, “you bastard.”
“I didn’t make you do anything,” Jonathan said.
They walked in silence for a bit, passing house after house after house.
“If you’re a boy then how come you've got on a dress?”
Edward scowled, fiddling with the straps on his backpack.
“Because my dad thinks I’m a girl. He’s not smart enough to understand.”
Jonathan nodded, not quite understanding, but willing to pretend that he did. They walked in silence for a few more paces.
“Where do you live?” Edward asked.
“Kinda a funny question, impromptu and all that,” Jonathan replied. He glanced up at the street sign. He hoped he was going the right way.
“I guess. Only, I heard that you got adopted, and nobody can figure out who adopted you.”
“Up on Chestnut and Green. The Millers.”
“Oh! They’re nice.”
“I guess.”
More silence. Edward stopped at a street corner.
“This is where I get off. See you tomorrow.”
It wasn’t a question.