Archive of Our Own

It's becoming winter again in Bullworth, and light snow pitters down on the town, and the school.

Bullworth Academy, once known for being the cesspit of schooling, has turned it's reputation around the last year or so, more new students attending than ever.

Pete Kowalski, having been school president for the last year, has welcomed new students and helped them settle in. And of course, Jimmy Hopkins keeping the peace between students, keeping the bullies in check, and being Petey's right hand man, vice versa.

There was a new student arriving today. Sort of a little late into the swing of the school year, but still, Pete was excited to meet.

And that was where you came in.

After moving to a town close to Bullworth, your parents had heard of Bullworth Academy becoming better and decided to give you an opportunity to attend such a prestigious school. You were nervous, as switching high schools halfway through your high school career was often a death sentence for friendships and social relations. Although, it didn't bother you too much since you were quite the loner anyway.

After having moved all your things into your dorm, you were called up to the principal and had a pleasant talk with him. Well, it was more or less pleasant, as he was seemingly relieved that such an average student had decided to enroll in the academy. He introduced Pete and Pete introduced himself, before being instructed by the principal and secretary to show you around the school.

"...And that's the cafeteria. The food there's not that good, so definitely be picky about what you eat." Pete pointed to the cafeteria entryway, right now full of students grabbing breakfast.

You nodded, the two of you making your way back into the large foyer of the school. "Good to know. Although I do tend to make my own lunches anyway regardless."

Pete nodded back, noting it. "Good strategy, if you can find the time and space to do it."

You both stopped walking, and gazed around the school, students forming groups of discussion, cliques meeting fellow members, students passing around homework and notes. You spoke, turning your head to Pete. "Anything else?"

He hummed for a moment, before shaking his head with a smile. "...No, I think we're good. You got your schedule and your locker number/combination?"

You nodded again, holding the things (and your binder) to your chest. "Yep! Everything I need to survive."

"Good, good. You're fun to talk to." He commented absentmindedly.

You tilted your head, lightly bashful. "Oh really? Thanks. I'm not quite a social butterfly if you could tell."

He waved it off in kind. "That's fine, you seem like a good person. I kinda figured you'd be quite shy actually. But you seem quite personable once someone can get you talking."

You chuckled, your smile getting a smidge bigger. "Right? Thanks for showing me around."

Pete smiled back and shrugged. "It's my pleasure. I just hope Bullworth doesn't give you too much trouble."

"I think I'll be okay." You said as the bell suddenly rang, signaling students to their classrooms. Pete waved goodbye, sprinting up the stairs.

"Catch you around!"

You waved back, and went off to find your locker and your first class before you were tardy.

Pete was running towards the gym, forgetting he had track with Jimmy that morning.

Fortunately, Jimmy was also a tad late, coming up behind him. As Jimmy watched Pete sprinting towards the gym, he chuckled and couldn't help but call out to the younger boy. "A bit late don't you think?"

Pete slowed down to turn to Jimmy, pointing a little to him, slightly out of breath. "Very funny Jimmy, you're late too."

Jimmy came up to Pete and together they continued to the gym, walking this time. "You're usually not. What's the holdup?"

"I was showing a new student around the school this morning." Petey spoke, now having caught his breath.

Hopkins blinked. "New student? I thought it was too late in the year to accept non-transfers?"

Petey shook his head, answering the question as they entered the gym. "Not quite, she managed to snag a spot before the late enrollment was up."

"She?"

Petey nodded. "Yeah, a new girl. In our grade no less."

"Really?" Jimmy pretended not to sound as intrigued as he was.

"Boys will probably try to be all over her once they find out." Pete said as they went to sit on the bleachers with the rest of the track team for roll call.

Jimmy held back a smirk. "You mean the ones who are lonely and last to get a girlfriend, like you?"

Petey scoffed. "No! And what about you? It's been 6 months since you and Zoe split, still have an achey-breaky heart?"

"What? Nah, me and Zoe are on good terms. It's what's best for both of us." Jimmy cooly explained, sitting up a bit straighter as their teacher began taking attendance.

Pete playfully teased him. "Ooh mature jimmy, haven't seen him before-"

"Shut up!"

..

It was now the afternoon, and Pete and Jimmy were walking along the school hallways, deciding whether or not to get lunch.

"So, where is this new girl?" Jimmy asked casually, glancing around his vicinity.

"You'll see her around. Actually, her locker is the second to last one to your left." Pete slowed, pointing down the hallway. Jimmy slowed as well, the two having just turned the corner. Suddenly, Pete saw you walking into the hallway.

"Oh, there she is."

Looking over, Jimmy suddenly froze. His eyes widening slightly. 

You made your way to your locker, fidgeting with the locker lock for a minute. Jimmy couldn't believe it. Who he was seeing... Everything slowed, and he was suddenly made aware of his heart rate speeding up. His mouth opened a little in surprise.

Meanwhile, Pete finally noticed James in his stupor. "Jimmy?"

Jimmy blinked once. Then twice. Finally snapping out of it, his head turned to Pete, and suddenly Pete found himself being dragged by his best friend back around the corner they came from. 

Jimmy spoke quickly. "Pete. Petey, I know her!  She was one of my friends in elementary school!"

"Oh really?" Pete was pleasantly surprised.

Jimmy nodded, then poked his head out from the corner briefly. You had finally managed to open your locker and were attempting to organize the class books you got. He turned back to Pete. "Yes. We were really close. And, I had a huge crush on her." 

Pete blinked, fighting back a grin. "Oh? Did you ever tell her?"

Jimmy sighed, frustratingly flicking a foot upon the ground. He resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck. "..No. I was always too nervous and chickened out every chance I got."

That dumb grin broke through to Pete, simply humming in response. "Hm. Didn't clock you as the shy type Jimmy."

Jimmy threw a glare at Pete, hiding embarrassment, and Petey's smile dropped quickly. He shook his head, awkwardly trying to rebound from the jest. "I mean... Do you still like her?"

"I..." Jimmy went silent, thinking back. He peeked around the corner again.

You were fighting with your locker door, trying to get the old rusty thing to snap back into place. An annoyed look you were giving to the door itself. 

He felt his chest tighten.

"I do."

His head snaps back to Pete as an odd flash of panic ran through his nerves. "Oh God, I really do! What am I gonna do?"

Pete gestures to Jimmy as he walks past the short teen. "Well tell her obviously! Life's given you a second chance to try again!"

Walking past the wall to join Pete, Jimmy is slightly hesitant. "I don't even know if she even remembers me, let alone likes me."

"There's no use in not trying is there? I doubt anyone could forget a character like you." Petey responds.

And before Jimmy could object, Pete calls your name. "Hey, ( )!"

Having just won your locker battle, you turn to see the two and first start to greet the younger. "Hey Pete-."

You stopped mid-sentence when you recognize who's standing next to Pete.

You are as surprised as Jimmy is.

"James?"

His heart skips a beat when you speak his name. His first name. How it always sounded right coming from your lips. 

Memories and feelings come flooding back for the both of you, and a large grin spreads across your lips. Your feet move towards him without prompting them to. "James Jimmy Hopkins, is that you?"

Immediately the jitters melt into the background, and James walks forward to meet you. "Oh, ( )! I didn't expect to see you here!"

You both stop in front of each other, smiles all around. You're practically glowing. "Same I could say about you man, wow it's so good to see you!" You instinctively give him a hug, and he stiffens slightly, unknowingly to you, fighting a blush. He'd almost forgot you were a hugger. He gives you a pat on the back before you step out of the hug. Your hands almost hover over his wrists with how excited you are to see him. "So, how'ave you been? Still getting in trouble for justice?"

He slightly smirks askew, glancing behind him to Pete. Petey gives the same expression to his friend, hanging back to let you two have your reunion. He turns back to you, mischief in his eye, recalling last year. "You could say something like that."

You chuckle a smidge, recognizing the mischievous glint. "You haven't changed a bit Jimmy. Well, maybe you've gotten a hair taller-"

"Hey!" He playfully retorts, lightly pushing your shoulder as you start giggling.

"Kidding, I'm kidding! I kinda like you're about the same height as me." You say with an unexpected honesty, and Jimmy can feel his cheeks warm again. For a second you study his face, freshly colored, & freckles, as always, pronounced, and you can sense the blood rushing to your cheeks as well.

You mentally shake it off, as Jimmy shifts the conversation onto you. "What about you? Why are you here at Bullworth of all places?"

"My parents moved us just a town over, and figured that a prestigious school would be a good challenge for me." You answered as another smirk came to rest on his expression.

He chortled a little. "Well sorry to disappoint you dandelion, but spoiler alert: most of the classes here are kindergarten level easy."

You laughed out loud, nodding immensely. "Haha! I figured after that Math class I just took! I got so bored, I was tempted to just leave to my dorm room!"

And now suddenly, it feels like you two never departed in the first place. Just like old times. Guess the friendship never faded.

Pete began walking towards you both as Jimmy was speaking. "Well, you do know once you pass enough tests in a class you don't have to attend that class right?"

You shook your head. "No! They let you do that here? It's a wonder why this school was ever prestigious in the first place!" You exclaimed, making you two chuckle together.

Now standing next to Pete, Jimmy pointed a thumb behind them. "Well, we're just about to head to lunch, care to join us?"

Your face almost hurts with how much you're beaming. "Of course B-rabbit! It'd be great to catch up!"

At that Pete stifles a laugh, looking to Jimmy. "Bunny rabbit?"

Jimmy flushes with embarrassment, looking away to the ground. He groans annoyingly. "( ), please don't call me that out loud."

You giggle, gesturing a hand to him. "You initiated with calling me dandelion! I thought our nicknames were still on the table?"

As you come into step with him, Jimmy pointed at you, then himself. "Well maybe you should workshop it. My nickname for you was pretty much perfect at the jump."

You roll your eyes, jokingly hating that he's mostly right. "Okay, Hopkins. Whatever you say. I still think it's a fitting nickname for you."

As you three make your way down the hall, you open conversation to Petey. "Anyways, Pete, I didn't know you were friends with the bully of bullies. How did you two connect?"

"We'll tell you over lunch ( )." He replied.

..

You learn all about Jimmy's hijinks and journey of how he conquered Bullworth over lunch, keeping Pete's and Jimmy's warning about the lunch lady's methods in mind.

As you all talked, conversation was upbeat and sarcastic, yet still pleasant. You were fast friends with Pete, and with Jimmy it felt like nothing had changed. Of course, your feelings bubbled back up just as quickly. 

As you guys were, a red-headed girl came up to the table behind Jimmy. With Jimmy turning to her, she announced her presence, gesturing to you in the process. "Hey Jimmy, who's the new girl?"

You blinked, turning around to see. Admittedly you were unsure if you should introduce yourself or not. Fortunately, you didn't have to, as your friend picked up on your anxiety and answered for you. "This is ( ), she's a good childhood friend of mine from elementary." He said, introducing you. "( ), this is Zoe. She helped me regain control of the school."

For a good long second Zoe stared at you, like she was trying to read your composure. Ultimately she smirked, stealing a glance at Jimmy. "I didn't realize he had any friends before this school." Her next sentence was a teasing question, but it sounded like a test to you. "Have you heard about all the trouble he's stirred up at this academy?"

You gave a fake gasp, speaking sarcastically and moving your hands dramatically, while keeping a light-hearted tone. "Trouble? Noo, James here? Ph, Jimmy would never hurt a wasp!" You pronounced the last word with a bit more grip, emphasizing how you heard just how backwards this school was before.

And suddenly, Jimmy began laughing at your exaggerated sarcasm. A genuine, full-hearted laugh. That was a reaction Zoe had not planned for, but it motivated her stance on you. Zoe was hoping something like that would be your answer. She crossed her arms, but relaxed her posture. 

You flashed a genuine smile, waving off your attempt at joking around, answering straightforward this time, a fondness sinking into your words. "Yes I have. He certainly has a knack for it."

Zoe nodded, respecting the way you carried yourself. "Well, it's been nice meeting you."

You held a hand out for her to shake. "Likewise."

She was caught off guard by your unexpected openness and shook your hand in kind.

As she was though, she gave a look to Jimmy, a look he caught, as if to say, "You better not mess up with this one."

He nodded silently, and watched as she walked away. You turned back to your food, and Pete picked up the conversation.

"Soo.. have you told her yet?"

Standing in Jimmy's dorm room, Pete stood slack at the door, staring at his friend, whom was sitting on the side of his bed. It was late afternoon, and flakes of snow were hitting the ground outside. Pete had just spoken, expecting a response.

Jimmy groaned in annoyance, waving a hand away at the boy. "Come off it Petey."

Pete huffed, his shoulders shrugging as he took a tired step to Hopkins. "Oh come on man! It's been three weeks since you guys reconnected, I've clearly seen that you two have a thing for the other!"

"You seem sure of that assumption." Jimmy retorted.

Pete stood straight, standing in front of Jimmy now. "I am sure! Anyone who's anyone can see that you like her."

Jimmy sighed, his palms going to hold his forehead, glancing down at his pants. "That's the problem, Pete. I don't just like her now."

His hands balled into fists, clutching to some short hairs.

"I think I'm in love with her."

Pete's eyes widened for a few seconds, before an air of skepticism blew through him. He raised a brow as Jimmy met his eyes.

Jimmy realized, and continued cementing he meant what he said this time, putting his hands up.

"Truly! Genuinely, honest to God! I know I'm in love with her!"

Pete blinked as Jimmy laid his hands beside himself, sincerity dancing in his irises. "This isn't just a crush, just an attraction: I've fallen for her man!"

Pete responded quizzically, not seeing the issue. "...And this is a problem?"

Abruptly Jimmy shot up to stand, shouting loudly and stretching out his arms. "Hell yeah it is!"

Pete took a surprised step back at the frightened snap in Jimmy's tone. He watched his friend carefully, leaving his posture open. 

Jimmy sighed again, this time with defeat and ran a hand over his head. "Look, I'm scared Pete. I've known her since I was a kid. Her friendship, it.. it means a lot to me." He slowly sat back down, struggling to maintain eye contact with Pete. "What if I scare her off? What if she doesn't love me back? Breaking up with Zoe was hard on me sure, but this? This? I don't think I could take it."

Hearing Jimmy's vulnerability made Pete change his tone, coming back to Jimmy's side as he spoke, staying standing. "Dude. She likes you back for sure. You do know I've been watching your guys' interactions right? She couldn't be more into you." He sat next to him, dissuading James' anxiousness. "Yes, I'm sure she loves you too. She gets this sparkle in her eyes when she sees you, when she listens to you talk. When she talks about you. You're someone special to her."

Jimmy glanced to his friend, a fist raised to his chest. "Okay, and what if she does like me back? What then? Would I treat her right? Would we last? How can I be sure that I-."

He stopped. He glanced to the bed between them, ashamed in his humility.

"That I won't break her heart?"

Pete blinked again, once more surprised at how genuine this was. It wasn't often he saw this side of his best friend.

"...Damn, you really have fallen hard."

Jimmy blew out a breath, looking absentmindedly over to a wall. He stole a moment to himself. "For the first time in my life I feel like I have someone who I can trust my whole self with."

Pete was about to say it, but Jimmy's self awareness beat him to the punch, Hopkins letting his head fall into his hands. "...God that sounded corny." He let out one more big sigh, sitting up and turning his head to face his friend. His voice lowered. "Listen, I just don't want to mess this up. Does that make sense?"

Pete nodded. "Yeah. It does."

A beat. Pete breaks the silence, offering advice like he always does. "You should go out and do something with her. Just you and her. It doesn't have to be a romantic thing, as ( ) is fairly casual. You don't have to frame it as a date if you don't want to. Heck, just watching a movie on the TV or hanging out on the beach would be great."

Petey puts a hand on Jimmy's shoulder, assuring he has his attention. "Don't overthink it Jimmy. Go do something fun with her, anything you both enjoy. And, when you two get that moment alone, just say it. Hell, just invite her to hangout at the beach clubhouse if you need privacy. Honestly I think she'd like that the most."

Jimmy is unsure. "What if she gets suspicious? She'll probably put me on the spot if she does."

Pete just shrugs, and gives an encouraging smile. "And? Just confess man! There's no snowball's chance in hell she doesn't reciprocate!" His smile softens, standing up from the bed but letting his hand linger. "And I know you'll do right by her. You're already doing that, aren't you?"

A moment of silence passes before Jimmy nods, rising to stand and shrugging off Pete's hand. "You're right. Thanks Pete."

Pete's arm comes back to his side, watching his friend move towards the door. "No problem. Just, don't get cold feet this time, huh?"

Jimmy nods again, grabbing a jacket and walking out of the room, set on his next action.

You were in your dorm, just finishing up some homework at your bed. Even though there was still time left in the day, you didn't have much you wanted to do. You considered just staying in your dorm, probably plugging into your mp3 player and listening to tunes until lights out.

'Maybe I should go see how James is doing?'

Just the passing thought of him sent the butterflies fluttering around your heart. You always thought he was cute. His wrinkled nose, his smile, his eyes when they light up, his freckles perfectly brushed across his cheeks & nose. His witt. The way he cared. His laugh. Especially his sarcasm, wether it be in jest or not. 

You held your heart, taking a breath. Okay, you weren't expecting your feelings to come back at full force and punch you in the stomach, but that wasn't a bad thing. Right? Could he like you?

You heard he's kissed & made out with a handful of other girls. You heard about his & Zoe's past relationship. '...How could he still harbor feelings for me after all that? That is, If they were ever there to begin with...'

You hated you didn't know. That you were so unsure.

Something knocking against your window made you snap out if it. A marble hit your window, and then another. You gulped, standing up from your bed and making your way over to the window. You opened the blinds up, and saw down on the snowy grounds outside, Jimmy standing there, readying his arm to throw another marble. It looked like he had just begun throwing marbles to get your attention. Seeing you in the window though he suddenly lowered his arm and casually waved. You blinked, and opened the window up, a chill of cold air hitting your face & lungs. You spoke out first. "Jimmy? What's up?"

He put his hands in his jacket pockets, attempting to act nonchalant. "Are you busy at all?"

You shook your head, pointing a thumb behind you. "No, I just finished my homework. Actually, I was thinking of going to look for you."

"Oh." After a moment to compose himself, he waved you down. "Grab some things. I want to hangout with you."

You smiled quickly, relieved to have your boredom seemingly relieved. You gave a thumbs up. "Okay. I'll be down in a jiff!" Shutting the window and quickly putting on a sweater and jacket for the cold. Grabbing a spare backpack and stuffing a few things in it, you left your room making sure to close the door shut behind you.

A few moments later you came out of the dorm rooms, carefully stepping down the stoop stairs to meet Jimmy, slinging the backpack over your shoulder. "So, what did you have in mind exactly?"

He fidgeted in place for a moment, finally just shrugging. "Just, an evening on the town maybe... Or, we could head to my clubhouse on the beach. I just got a Prep to install a DDR machine."

You grinned, not sure if his cheeks were red because of the cold or because of something else. You came into step beside him, letting out a chuckle. "You had me at DDR."

He smirked a little, gesturing his head forward. "Great. My bike's out front."

The two of you made your way to the school gates, letting the relaxed silence speak for itself. People were still out and about, either making plans, heading back to their dorms, or catching the last meal of the day in the cafeteria.

Jimmy had parked his bike just outside the school gates, and realized he left something on his bike. Before you could notice, he sprinted forward, grabbing whatever he had attached to the bike and hiding it behind his back as you caught up to him. He turned to you, his free hand ghosting his neck, slightly nervous. "Um, I know this might be odd, but.."

He moved his other hand to almost timidly present a bouquet of flowers to you. "I got you some flowers before I came to pick you up."

You blew out a visible breath in the crisp air, letting out a soft "aww" as you gently took the bouquet from his hands. You recognized the species as you lifted the snow speckled flowers up closer to your face. "Christmas roses... You know, these are seasonal flowers to winter."

James let out a chortle, keeping his eyes on you and your reaction. "The lady at the shop told me so, heh. I believe she said they're called Hellebore."

You nodded, humming. "Nm-hm." You sniffed the flowers deeply, a small smile curling up your lips in reminiscence.

"How did you know?" He questioned, settling his hands on the bike handles but keeping his attention on you.

You spoke fondly, gazing at the bouquet. "My dad. He knows all sorts of plants. And he always gets a bouquet of these for Mom every Christmas."

A genuine smile quirked the corners of his lips, and he hopped up onto his bike. "I'm glad you like them. Now get on, time doesn't wait."

You nodded, quickly putting the flowers securely into your backpack. "Of course."

You sat behind him, first trying to hold on to the seat itself. Then eventually giving up, going to hug his waist instead, leaning a cheek onto his back.

Jimmy feels his heartbeat speed up a tad, and he smirks it off. "Hold on tight. The roads are a little slippery thanks to the snow."

He feels your arms tighten, and he prays you can't hear his heartbeat. You smile a little, breathing out a laugh. "Oh I'd doubt you'd purposely crash us."

He counters back, subduing his nerves. "Do you want to see me try?"

This time you laugh out loud, secretly appreciating how warm he felt. "Just peddle already James."

Again, his name coming from your voice just feels so... Right.

He pushes the thought aside and you two finally set off to the beach house.

Bullworth during winter was quite chilly, but in trade brought beautiful winter overlays. He made sure to be extra careful cycling to the beach, keeping in mind where any potholes and curbs might be. You sometimes looked around at your surroundings, other times just burying your face into his upper back/shoulders to escape the cold wind hitting your face. 

Eventually you two got to the beach house, Jimmy stopping just on the top of the ramp to the house.

"And we're here."

You lifted your head to look around, sight landing upon the oceanfront. You blew out a breath that clung to the frigid air, stepping off the bike in turn with Jimmy. Standing straight, you took a moment to admire the snowy beach with the still lapping waves of the water. "Wow..."

After a moment of looking around, Jimmy finds the keys to the door and unlocks the right door.

"Wait, do you own this place?" You suddenly asked, looking up at the lighthouse behind the building.

Jimmy shrugged. "Well, not technically. Some rich kid's parents own it, however they gave it to me to use after I beat one of them in boxing last year." Opening the door, he held it open for you to enter first. "Come on."

Upon entering the small house, you were impressed with how it looked.

Everything looked clean, feeling homey for its rather large size for a clubhouse.

"Wow. This is nice."

He came in behind you, shutting the door and shedding his jacket. "Oh yeah? It was sort of a mess when I first got it, so I've been making an effort to tidy it up some."

As you look around, you remember the flowers in your backpack, walking over to the couch and setting your backpack down in front of it, grabbing out the flowers to find a place for them.

As you were, you take note of the fireplace near the bed.

"This place even has a fireplace?"

Jimmy walks up to it, kneeling down to look inside. Fortunately, there were logs already stacked inside, waiting to be lit. "For chilly days like this I guess." Jimmy went to light the fireplace as you found an empty glass bottle to set the flowers in, sauntering over to the bar nestled in the corner opposite the bed & couch. Briefly you wonder why a bar front would be in a place like this as you set the flowers down there. Gazing around again, you catch the newly installed two player DDR cabinet next to a green racer arcade cabinet. You slowly hear the fire crackle, and finally decide to take off your jacket as well, keeping your sweater on though. 

You eye James, then the dance arcade again and Jimmy speaks absentmindedly. "Go ahead and turn on the machine."

You smile, walking over and up onto the metal dancepads to press the start button, the screen and in-game announcer coming to life, making the room full with the menu music. You snicker to yourself, putting your hands together. "Ooh, this is going to be fun!"

Jimmy comes around the other side of the machine, echoing your small laughter. "Bet you can't beat my high score."

He steps up onto the first dancepad, you taking the second. You accept his words of challenge with stride. "I'll take you on."

And so begins the epic dance battles.

..

After a few rounds, the announcer once again crows, "player 2 wins!"

Jimmy is huffing, leaning back on the railing behind him, holding himself up. "Okay- *huff* you win-"

You whoop triumphantly, hopping off the cabinet, raising a hand into the air to point at yourself. "Oh yeah, still the best!" You had taken off your sweater 2 rounds in, it draped on the cabinet's railing.

He laughs weakly, only speaking when he's caught his breath. "Ha, yep, still the best at DDR. Knew challenging you was a bad idea."

You grin widely, talking as he steps off the game. "I appreciate the honesty B-rabbit. Though, don't sell yourself short either; you're quite good too."

Jimmy waves your compliment off, unashamed for taking the L this time, stepping in front of you. "Nah. I'm more into street racers and-"

You finish his sentence. "Platformers, I know. I remember. The classics."

He smiles at that. At your returning smile. An honest one.

After a moment, you turn to the green game cabinet, smirking at James. "Speaking of racers... You wanna have a go?"

His smirk returns. "Now that's more my speed."

..

This time Jimmy keeps his high score, laughing as you try and fail to break 5th place. Though, not mocking laughter. Authentic mirth-filled joy. He just feels comfortable and true by your side. Lighter.

When you finish, he offers you a hand out of the cabinet. One you don't need, but a gesture you happily take regardless. He speaks, pulling you up. "You hungry? I think there's snacks in the mini fridge behind the bar."

"Sure." You answer. As Jimmy walks over and behind the counter, you walk up to the counter, watching him pursue through the mini fridge and bottom cupboards. "You know, having a mini bar in a place where underage teens hangout probably isn't the best look."

Jimmy added his brand of sarcasm into the mix, grabbing a bag of chips and a container of cookies, setting them down on the counter next to you. "On no, this is the perfect place for a bar!" Adding afterwords, "The preppies try to act all grown-up, but they're just stuck up narcissists."

You nodded, agreeing with an amused hum. "True!"

He then grabs two glass soda bottles from the fridge, walking over to your counter and sliding one over to you. You catch it, making a joke as you do. "Shaken, not stirred."

He laughs out loud, shaking his head with a fondness he only holds for you, grabbing the chips away as he walks out of the bar. "You're so corny sometimes."

You take your drink and cookies too, going to meet him at the couch. You retort with a crooked grin as you sit next to him. "And you love it."

His snarky smile falters and something much softer graces his features. But before you could catch it he turns his head away from your gaze. "Sure..."

For a good while, you two just snack and drink, making small talk, listening to the weather outside and the fire snap, crackle and pop gently. The snow had picked up, and was now falling faster than before. The sun was setting.

A long stretch of quiet blankets you both. Jimmy finds himself growing anxious with the silence, and he knows why.

He can almost hear Petey obnoxiously urging him on.

You speak, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"So."

He shifts in his seat, building up courage.

"So..."

He turns his head to you, almost too slowly. Finally he speaks again.

"( )?"

You look at him, tilting your head slightly, waiting. "Hm?"

He swallows, tucking his hands beside his thighs. "Um, I.. have to tell you something."

You immediately pick up on the movement, a tattletale sign something's up with him. You respond casually, hoping to settle his uncertainty. "Okay, shoot."

He sat up straight, a serious stature but still a nervous tone. "It's something very important. But, uh, I'm not sure how you'll react."

You blink, sitting up a little more while giving him your full attention. If this was serious you would take it seriously as well, showing caring concern. "...I'm listening Jimmy."

It suddenly hits him how hard this is being. He's never had this much trouble confessing to a girl. He'd been confident and straight-shooting before. And sure, he's been nervous before too, but it literally felt like his heart was going to explode with how tense he was.

All the more reason to prove this was something more.

He gulps, unsure how to begin. "We.. we've known each other for a quite a while. And I'm immensely grateful that we're friends. I feel like I should thank you honestly. I don't say it much, but I am thankful for your presence in my life."

You're flattered by his words, although you can sense in his tone of voice that he has something more to say. He shuffles closer to you.

He picks up a hand, but hesitates moving it, shaking his head. "You know I'm not the greatest with words, or feelings... But..."

He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck instead, confessing. "I... I like you. A lot. More than a lot."

Your face flushes a noticable pink, as you realize what he's saying. You can hear your heartbeat quicken.

He continues, letting his hand fall, almost ashamed in his admittance. "I never said anything because I was afraid. Of what you might think, of your response. But most of all, afraid.. of losing this friendship. Of losing you."

You let out a light gasp, shocked to hear these insecurities spill out into the open. Your eyes shine.

He blows out an exhale, a blush winning out and staining his freckled cheeks a painted red. "Look, I've had a crush on you ever since elementary school. And the feelings never went away. In fact, they've only gotten stronger. There's too many things I love about you to list! And-."

He abruptly stops talking. Finally, sucking up his nerves, he places a hand on your own. "Honestly? I think I'm in love."

You're too stunned to speak. You couldn't believe your ears. What he said... He really said...

The blood comes rushing to your cheeks, and you mentally kick yourself, speak!

When words don't come, Jimmy reads the shock on your face and immediately assumes the worst. He sighs dejectedly, glancing away and sliding his hand off of yours, beginning to shift away. "You don't have to say anything. I understand it's a lot. Maybe I shoul-"

"WAIT!"

Your hand shoots out to grab his wrist, stunning him in place. You take a breath, saying it quieter this time. "Wait."

He stays in place waiting for a response.

You start tearing up, and immediately launch yourself onto him, spilling out your feelings. "I'm in love with you too!"

For a good long minute he's frozen, before registering the embrace, and adamantly wrapping his arms around you in response.

You relent to him, head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for going speechless. I just, I thought, you would never see me that way. You've been with plenty of other girls since knowing me, not to mention constantly moving schools because of idiot people, so I assumed you never thought that way about me! I had almost thought you'd forgotten me before meeting you again."

He responds quickly. "That's impossible." He pulls his head away to meet your eyes. "I think, deep down, I knew what I wanted, even back then. I knew you were special. I just didn't realize how much I... loved you, until you came back into my life."

You softly grinned bashfully, blush prominent and warm. "James..."

He pulled you fully back into the embrace, continuing. "I haven't felt this way about someone before. Even Zoe. I liked her, I crushed on her, but it was never like this. This."

You sniffle, a tear of joy dripping down your cheek, your arms tightening around his chest/ribcage, tips of your fingers barely touching his shoulder. "I'm.. I'm elated to know you love me too."

James cemented his words. "And I mean it. I mean it. When I first saw you here, here at Bullworth, I fell for you all over again."

You giggled slightly, eyeing him from the corner of your eye. "Keep up the sappiness James, you're great at it."

God, he can't get enough of you uttering his actual name. 

Again he pulled away slightly to gaze into your eyes. Elation in his own. "Anything for you, my love."

You laugh lightly, flicking the back of his shoulder. "Now who's being corny?"

He's smug in his response, his hold on you staying strong. "Shut up dandelion, you know you love it."

You have to admit he's right, gently rubbing your hands on his back shoulders. "Indeed. That I do."

You both sit in the silence for a few seconds.

Then, still as smug as before, he grins somehow both timidly and confidently, pulling you a tad closer.

"So... Fancy a kiss?"

Your face bloomed a vibrant red, and you involuntarily stutter.

"Uh-I-um..." You manage to quiet yourself, casting your eyes bashfully down.

That's when he realizes.

"...You've never kissed anyone before, have you?" He says, blinking a few times.

You shuffle a little in his embrace, lowering your voice. "Yeah... It sounds stupid now, but I guess... I was waiting for you."

It was like someone had shot Cupid's arrow through his heart. Again. He couldn't decide if he was surprised, confused, elated or fond of your choice.

He grinned softly, deciding that it was a beautiful, albeit perhaps foolish, decision.

He picked up his hand from the side of your left hip and placed it against your cheek. "I'd be honored to be your first baby."

'And only..' You added in your head, thinking to yourself. You stubbornly wished it would stay that way.

With a little more steadiness than he was used to, he gently guided your face closer, and closed his eyes as he pressed his lips to yours. He wanted to be careful, to be gentle with your first kiss. He knew he had to make this special.

And it showed as you gently pressed your lips back, arms now dangling around his neck and down his back. It was like the feeling of a flower's first bloom, a warm sunrise slowly coming up, a blissful calm after the storm...

He felt it too, the air getting lighter, you almost going slack against him.  It all felt so right. Perfect.

Together you share a handful of these kisses; long, slow, wanting, beautiful.

Eventually you have to depart for air, and the electricity simmers as you both catch a moment to breathe. 

You and him open your eyes, and you can see the love swimming in his brown irises. He looks soft, so unlike him, yet exactly like him. You share the same look, and his heart skips a beat. 

Yep, he's in love. And you love him.

"You were fantastic." He breathes out, "I think, the best kiss I've ever shared."

You can't help but giggle. "I agree. Makes me kinda glad you had some practice first."

He pulls you into his lap, not intent with letting go just yet. "I should've been practicing on you..."

You giggle again, coaxing some laughter out of Jimmy as well. 

When the laughter dies down, one of his hands nestles gently into your hair, the other arm snaked around your lower body, just above your waist. Your arms are enveloped around him, not yet ready to let him go either.

He pulls you in, and your lips meet again, a little firmer this time.

He sips your lips longer, a little harder, you match him back. Each kiss more driven, more passionate, seemingly better than the last. You both open your mouths up, wanting to taste more. Hands firm yet gentle, thumb rubbing your waist and hand in your hair grasping softly. You push against him, and he leans back into the couch, soaking you in like the sun. 

The makeout session lasts for a good while, only stopping to breathe and whisper sweet nothings into your ear. Your nickname flows off his tongue a couple times, and he revels in delight each time you whisper his first name. You tease him with his nickname a few times, and he silences you with a deeper, heavier, kiss every time.

He was sure he had found heaven. ...And he was sure the more kisses you two shared in the future, the more you would eventually take control. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he'd absolutely love that too. Only coming from you.

Eventually, you both decided to stop, needing a longer break from the passion. The fireplace burning quietly now.

Pulling apart, your faces were flushed.

Jimmy felt high on love. "Wow."

You giggled, exhausted but feeling loved. "Did I take your breath away?"

He didn't answer, just giving a huff back.

You slid off his lap, and stood up from the couch, stretching a little. "It's probably time to head back to the dorms."

"You're probably right." He sighed, also standing up to walk over to the window on the opposite side of the room.

Looking outside however, his demeanor changed.

"Holy crap!"

His shout almost made you flinch in surprise, and you came over to the window he was standing at. "What?"

He rubbed the fog off the window for you to look. "The snow. I don't think we're making it out of this weather tonight."

The snow had created a thick blanket over everything, even the part of the street you could see was snowed over!

You blew out a breath. "Damn."

"I guess we're staying put." Jimmy said, closing the curtain and moving away from the window. 

Your eyes followed him. "I guess so."

Jimmy made his way back over to the bar. "I'll see if there's more food we can snack on then."

You nodded, glancing at the embers & burnt log in the fireplace. You walked over to it as you spoke. "Could you see if there's any firewood behind the bar? We'll need to tend to the fire."

He responded back as he crouched down to look in the cupboards. "I'll let you know honey."

Your heart almost did a flip at the endearment. 

Shaking it off, you went to tend to the fire.

Jimmy found some logs for you to replenish the fireplace, and he found two TV dinners lodged in the back of the small freezer section in the mini-fridge to eat. "Better than anything Edna cooks up." You both had said, laughing after. You helped Jimmy with some homework and the both of you enjoyed listening to some music on your MP3 player. You played Dance Dance Revolution one more time while Jimmy just stuck to the racer. 

Eventually though, it was time to go to bed.

You noted the time as you put away your MP3 player back in your backpack, now standing from the bed. "Well, I suppose we should get some sleep."

The both of you had taken your shoes off a while ago, when playing the cabinets.

Jimmy was poking the fire with the fire poker, sighing. "Yeah." Putting it down, his body decided to prove that point as he let out a long, tired yawn.

He shuffled across the room, pointing to the bed as he spoke to you. "You take the bed dandelion, I'll take the couch."

You blinked with concern. "Are you sure? I know that couch wouldn't be comfortable for sleeping."

He paused in front of you, kissing your cheek. "You deserve the bed sweetcheeks. Really, it's all yours. Worst comes to worst, I can sleep on the floor." You lightly blushed at his action, but still stayed concerned at his comment.

Turning to face him as he went to sit on the couch, you voiced your concerns again. "That wouldn't be fair Jimmy. I don't want your back to suffer."

He paused in the middle of sitting, suddenly getting nervous. He glanced away from your stare. "...Well... I could sleep beside you..."

A flustered expression washed over the both of you as Jimmy stood back up, stuttering through his sentences. "Uh, i-if you don't mind that is, um, I wouldn't try anything fresh on you, or, uh, push you into anything you're uncomfortable with."

The red in your cheeks faded, a small smile curving your lips. You sat on your side of the bed, turning your head to him. "I know you wouldn't James. Come, pop a squat!" You gestured him to sit on the bed.

He awkwardly sat on the other side of the bed puffing up the blanket. As he climbed in, you fished something out of your backpack.

"It's a good thing I brought this throw blanket for myself!" A fluffy, light blue blanket came out, and you set it beside yourself to close your backpack.

"You came prepared huh?" He sarcastically remarked. He couldn't help it.

You matter-of-factly explained your reason, leaning on a slightly sarcastic tone back. "Well, I thought it would be cold no matter where we went so I brought the blanket as a precaution."

He pretended to ignore you, instead gesturing to the pillows. "It's also a good thing I got two pillows for this bed. One for each of us, right?"

You pushed the large blanket over to Jimmy's side. Then, you glanced over to him, raising a brow. "Jimmy, you didn't plan this all along did you?"

He became slightly defensive. "No! I was just caught off guard by the weather!"

You blinked once. Then laughed it off, standing from the bed to turn the lights off. "I believe you. B-rabbit's always facing things he's not prepared for."

He smirked at your retort as you came to lay down on your side of the bed. "I could say the same to you."

Laying down, you faced away from Jimmy, doing your best to curl your small blanket around you. Jimmy faced away from you as well, still a little anxious at the thought of sleeping next to you.

You silently yawn, saying goodnight.

"Goodnight Jimmy."

"Goodnight ( )."

For a little he stared at the wall, then the ceiling, events of the day swirling in his head. He couldn't be more relieved.

He stole a glance at you, and figured you weren't asleep yet. Then he noticed you shuffle. The blanket you brought was clearly too small for you to use alone. He shuffled a little over to you, keeping the bed's comforter on him. He shuffled a little more, then moved half the blanket over you.

You felt the action, but just sighed to yourself, keeping your eyes closed. Of course he wouldn't be persuaded to use the big blanket by himself. Shrugging the small blue one off of you, you continued to lay there, waiting for sleep to take you.

Then, slowly, but still unexpectedly, a pair of arms wrapped around your lower chest and waist.

"Eep!" You squeaked out loud.

Immediately his arms loosened, and James sheepishly apologized. "Sorry, I should've asked first. Um, can I hold you?"

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding, and turned to face him.

His brown eyes were staring at you gently, arms still out but now hesitating.

You smile. "As long as you don't get any unsavory ideas up in that brain, Jimmy."

He snickers lowly, carefully wrapping his arms around you and pulling you close. "Wouldn't dream of it."

You can hear his heart beating. It's strangely calm. As you start to drift, you feel his lips press against your forehead and he whispers.

"I love you ( )."

You smile softly, whispering back before the both of you fade into dreams.

"I love you too James."

As always, his heart warms and quickens. What a beautiful sound to be content with.

Somewhere in the room an alarm coaxes you from your sleep. You shift a little, but something's keeping you in place. You register hands, arms, something warm pressed up against you. You immediately know who it is, and smile the softest smile. You crack one eye open, then another. 

Your face is buried into his chest and after the alarm is magically shut off, you can hear his heartbeat. His steady breathing. What a wonderful sound. You remember it's Thursday, a school day. You have a class today.

Mentally sighing, you start to shuffle a little away from his chest when a lowered, quiet voice interrupts you.

"Well hello there."

You look up to see Jimmy, eyes half-lidded. His voice is thick with grogginess, yet still full of love. He must've turned the alarm off. Somehow. You smile lightly at him, and he pecks your forehead, whispering again. "What are you doing up?"

"Today's Thursday. We've got school." You mumble, laying straighter so you're directly face to face with him. You put your hands on his chest, lightly pushing him away.

To no avail. He tightens his grip around your form and pulls you back. "School can wait baby. I need you here. Now." You feel his leg snake around yours, locking it in place.

You sigh, shaking your head against the pillows. "Jimmy..."

His eyes open more, and now his voice is scratchy. He whispers in your ear. "What? Can't I cuddle with my love?"

You giggle shyly, still in awe at the fact. You shake your head pushing him away, rubbing his leg with a foot. "As much as I would love to, and believe me I'd love to, we'll be running late if we don't get up now. And I have a test this morning!"

He groans annoyingly, trying to pull you back again. "Ugh, screw that school. It's full of crap and lame a** people."

You flatten your expression and feign to be disappointed. "James..."

With that, he groans again, this time in defeat and lets you go. You sit up from bed as he complains. "Fine, fine! We'll get up then." He sits up and you're already brushing the blanket off. He speaks again, rubbing his eyes, voice clearer now. "But we're taking the bus. It'll be easier to get to school anyways."

As you swing your legs off the bed you look around for the mysterious alarm clock. "What time does it get here?"

Jimmy looks down at the floor on his side, and suddenly shouts. "Oh s**t! 15 minutes!"

You hop out and bed and he follows suit. You turn, encouraging him to grab his things. "Well we better hop to it, Hopkins!"

You two gather your things, you change into a spare outfit you had brought, and make it to the school bus just in time. You get some stares from students who take the bus regularly, but you ignore it.

..

Luckily the bus gets to Bullworth Academy surprisingly early, so you have time to drop off your backpack of stuff and grab some books for your class that morning.

As you do that, Jimmy finds Pete at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. 

Petey greeted his friend with a smile as Hopkins walked up to him.

"Hey Jimmy."

"Hey Pete."

Pete shifts his weight around as he speaks, then sending Jimmy an optimistic look. "I didn't see you in the dorms last night. Snowed hard. I'm guessing at least one thing went right for you?"

Jimmy found himself grinning, genuinely. "Yeah. You were right Pete, I just had to spit it out."

Pete smiles again, patting him on the arm. "Well done, Jimmy! I knew she liked you!"

Jimmy can't be sure, but he feels his cheeks warm even as he's smiling. "Even better news: She doesn't just like me, Pete."

Pete realizes, and is ecstatic to know. "Aww! That's fantastic to hear!" He pauses his celebration, nervously chuckling. "I just hope you two didn't get carried away, if you know what I'm saying."

Jimmy shook his head, certain. "She's not like that. I can wait it out until we're ready. Until she's ready."

Meanwhile, you had entered the foyer, contemplating whether or not to snag a fruit or something before the bell rings. Brushing past students going their own ways, a large jock rudely bumped into you. He shouted at you, "Watch where you're going, ugly!"

You lowered your eyes to the ground trying to ignore him. You muttered under your breath at his rude behavior. "Excuse you."

Unfortunately he had caught what you said and stopped in his tracks, turning around. Rather loudly he growled angrily, stepping back to you. "What did you say to me??"

His hand grazed your arm, but before anything else could happen, a sharp voice ripped through the air like lightning.

"HEY!"

You knew exactly who it was. Before you could react, the jock stepped back and Jimmy stood between you and him. Jimmy instinctively grabbed your hand, keeping you behind him as he shouted at the athlete.

"Keep your grimy hands off my girlfriend, you chump!"

You choked on air. Did he just say that out loud?-

The jock looked at Jimmy, then at you. He seemed confused now more than angry. "This is your new girlfriend bro?"

Jimmy stood straighter, and raised his voice. Not only to make the jock back off, but to keep the attention of passing students who had stopped to watch the commotion. "Yes she is, and I'd advise you to walk away now or I'll whoop your a** just for looking at her funny!"

A bead of sweat trickled down the husky-sized football player and he receded, blowing it off. "Okay, okay. You really do go for anyone Hopkins."

That stunned you more than you'd admit. Meanwhile Jimmy stood firm, shouting out to the jerk as they walked away. "Shut your mouth you steroid monkey!"

When the guy was gone from sight, Jimmy turned back to you, still holding your hand.  His free hand tapped your other arm. "Are you alright, dandelion? He didn't hurt you did he?"

You sniffed a little despite it, yet just shook your head. "No, I'm okay Jimmy. Just a jerk being a jerk."

He squeezed your hand. "You're gorgeous. That a**hole doesn't know anything."

You chuckle, feeling a little bashful at his affirmation. You nodded.

Jimmy looks back behind himself. "I'll pay him back later."

As this was going on, Pete, the loveable dork he is, is beaming from ear to ear as he walks up to you both. Jimmy notices him first and you turn to see your friend as well. That stupid grin is impossibly large, teeth showing and feeling quite proud, a playfully teasing tone to his voice.

"So, I take it confessions went well?"

You both glance away from his gaze, suddenly feeling slightly embarrassed, while Pete just basks in the metaphorical sunshine.