Chapter Text
Ryland’s weekend passed quickly. He had been productive.
He had done most of the dishes, gotten his lesson plans in order, even attempted to call the pharmacist, though they were already closed by the time he remembered. Next time. And, he'd had plenty of time to research prosthetics, for the next time his kids asked about Simon. Though, he really didn't know the specifics of the English teacher's arm. Would it be inappropriate to ask? Maybe they could talk about it to the kids together. Gosh, he really just wanted to talk to Simon again.
For the first time in his life, Ryland Grace was excited for Monday.
“So Adrian told him his theory was ‘an utter disgrace to the field of biology’, which reminded me of you,” Rocky explained as he and Ryland walked towards the school entrance. Ryland tried really hard to pay attention to what his best friend was telling him, but his mind started to wander. Unknowingly, his eyes grazed the parking lot.
“Grace is ignoring me. Statement.”
“Huh? What, I'm not ignoring you, Rock.”
“What did I say?”
Ryland blinked. “Uh… Adrian told some guy that he was a disgrace to biology.”
Rocky seemed… unimpressed. “That was four sentences ago.”
“...sorry…” Ryland sighed.
“Call your fucking pharmacist, Huevón,” the other man chuckled.
“Language Rocky.”
“Llama a tu maldito farmacéutico.”
“Not what I meant.”
“Why is Grace ignoring me?” Rocky huffed, amused.
“I don't mean to, I'm just,” Ryland huffed in return, his eyes returning to the parking lot. “I'm just distracted. I-I'll call the pharmacist during my free period.” Saying that twinged his heart. That's weird. If he called then, he wouldn't have as much time to talk to…
A car pulled into the lot. The one he'd been waiting for. He grinned.
“Grace, lo juro por Dios, if you're ignoring me over El Pendejo…” Rocky grumbled.
“You gotta stop calling him that, Rock. It's so rude.” Ryland watched Simon climb out of his car. Gosh Ryland, stop being such a creep.
“He was rude rude rude to you.”
“Yeah but now he's not. He's really nice to me, actually,” he retorted. His eyes wandered back out to the parking lot, tracking as Simon got closer. Ryland saw the exact moment he spotted them, and even from afar, he could see a smile spread across the English teacher's face.
Rocky shrugged, and continued walking leisurely. “Still think you forgave too quickly.”
“I think you hold grudges too long.”
“Heh, maybe. But what has Pendejo done to redeem himself?”
“He bought me a coffee, for starters.”
Rocky huffed. “I have bought many coffees for you, not special.”
“He also listens to me ramble,” Ryland retorted.
“I listen. Not special.”
A slow realization dawned on the science teacher. “Rocky, are you jealous?”
He slowed briefly, his face screwing into an annoyed expression. “No.”
Ryland laughed, about to tease his friend, when a voice called out to them.
“Morning, uh. Mr. Rocky,” Simon caught up with them, slowing as he came to the science teacher’s side. “Morning, Ryland.”
“Good morning, Simon!”
Rocky stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face the other two teachers. He almost looked… bewildered? Strange.
“Morning…” Rocky replied curtly.
“U-uh… how were your weekends?” Simon continued, clearly off put by Rocky's short reply.
“Oh, good, good, how about you?” Ryland responded. Gosh I hate small talk.
“Good, it was uh… Heh, uneventful.”
“Hey, that's a pretty good break from the eventful week, right?”
Simon smiled that pretty smile of his. “Yeah, yeah I suppose…”
The two turned to Rocky, expecting a response. He remained silent, a contemplative look on his face.
“Uh, Rock, how was your weekend?” Ryland prompted. Do not be mean to him please Rocky don't mess this up for me…
“Fine,” was his short response.
“Right. Well, good to hear.” Simon's smile turned awkward. That strange twinge returned to Ryland’s heart.
Before he could respond any further, a fourth voice called out from the direction of the school. “Mr. Butcher? Could I have a moment?”
The group turned to it, seeing Principal Eva Stratt standing at the entrance.
Stratt was a severe looking woman; long, straight, gingery blond hair worn loose but neat. Piercing blue eyes. Smart, nicely pressed pantsuit. She seemed intimidating, mysterious. But Ryland knew better. She was stern, sure, but she had a soft side. It was rare, but he had seen it. Especially after he had coerced her into karaoke night once. Man she could sing.
“I'd like to see how you're settling in,” she called. It was a command.
“Uh, yes, Ms. Stratt. I'll be right there.” Simon called back, turning towards Ryland. “Should I be worried?” He almost whispered.
“Pfft, nah, she's a softy.” Ryland replied easily.
“Are you sure? She looks about as soft as a viper…”
Ryland waved his hand dismissively. “More like a ball python. You'll be fine.” He winked.
Simon, as expected, made the same face he'd made at the previous times Ryland winked. The slight widening of his eyes, an almost unnoticeable intake of breath. He didn't quite understand why Simon had this reaction, nor did he understand why he liked it so much, but Ryland could get used to this.
“Alright, well I'd better not keep her waiting then.” Simon broke his trance, starting towards the school. He turned, briefly. “I'll see you later?” It was a request.
“See you later, Simon.” A promise.
Satisfied, the English teacher nodded, then turned to Rocky. “Uh, have a good day, Mr. Rocky.”
“Mhm.”
Simon headed off after that, following Stratt into the building. Ryland watched him go, only returning his attention to his friend once the English teacher was out of sight. “Rocky, please chill out about him,” he groaned.
“You two are on uh… first name basis?” Rocky asked, tentatively.
“...Yeah?”
“Hm.” He contemplated, a whole conversation going on in his brain. Ryland watched his expression, wishing he was better at reading people. Is he… angry? No, definitely not. Confused? Hard to tell… Sometimes, he wished he could read minds. Finally, a different expression crossed his friend’s face. Relief? That wouldn’t make sense…
“Ok Grace, I will, uh, ‘chill,’” he responded, turning on his heel and continuing towards the school.
“Thank you, and uh, you don’t need to be jealous.” Ryland followed his friend. “You’ll always be my best friend, I won’t replace you with Simon.”
“No one can replace me, not jealous. Besides,” Rocky turned slightly, a strange look on his face. “I’m sure Pendejo will fill a different role in your life.”
Ryland paused, trying very hard to parse Rocky’s expression. “What does that mean?” Rocky shrugged noncommittally. “Rock what does that mean?”
“You’ll figure it out,” the other teacher hummed.
Sighing, Ryland rolled his eyes. I really wish I could read minds…
“Good morning, Grover Cleveland Middle School.” Stratt’s voice echoed through the gymnasium, a slight bit of feedback coming from the microphone. Ryland tried to settle his bouncing leg. Gosh, assemblies are so boring…
He shot a glance over to where Simon was sitting a few rows down the bleachers. The brunet teacher was listening just fine, hand under his chin, prosthetic hand folded in his lap. Ryland wished he’d look back at him.
An elbow to his side brought Ryland back to his senses, followed by a whisper. “Pay attention, Grace.”
Martin Dubois, the other science teacher, had been the offending elbow. He was tall, just a bit taller than Ryland, and had dark brown skin and eyes. His hair was cropped very short. A slight smirk fought to keep itself hidden on his full lips.
“I am paying attention, thank you very much.” He huffed, facing forward. A laugh caught his attention, and he looked behind him where the mathematics teachers sat. The laugh had come from Olesya Ilyukhina, though Rocky, sitting next to her, also held a bemused look. Ilyukhina was a short woman with wavy brown hair and bangs, and her brown eyes always held an amused shine in them.
“Yeah Grace, pay attention,” she teased, sticking her tongue out at him. Ryland rolled his eyes, which just elicited another giggle from her.
His gaze returned to Simon, who was now looking over his shoulder at the small commotion. Ryland smiled, waving at him. He smiled back warmly, before turning back to paying attention. Ugh, why is everyone so much better at that.
Ah. Yeah. ADHD. Ryland sighed. Maybe I should call my pharmacist during my free period.
Dubois leaned closer, whispering even quieter, “Stop ogling your boyfriend and pay attention.”
“Yeah yeah shush, I’m…” Ryland started, before the processing part of his brain caught up.
“Wait. What?”
“-Science club, held by Mr. Dubois, on Tuesdays. LGBTQ+ Alliance club, held by Mr. Grace, on Wednesdays-” Hearing his name brought Ryland to attention. Ah, yeah, Stratt was talking about the clubs starting this week. He hazarded another glance towards Simon, who was tilting his head in that way that meant he was curious about something. Why do I know that about him?
“He’s not- we’re not- I’m not-” he turned to Dubois, who wore a smug smirk on his face.
The math teachers snickered behind him, before Ilyukhina whispered, “Ah, relax Grace, he’s only joking.” She then leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered, “You can ogle your boyfriend all you want.”
Ryland could feel the blood pooling behind his cheeks and reaching his ears. “You- why would you…?” He trailed off, noticing Rocky stifling a laugh.
‘Pendejo will fill a different role…’
“You!” He whispered harshly, swatting at his friend’s knee. “You started this, didn’t you?!”
Rocky shrugged, grinning smugly. Before Ryland could chastise him, a sharp clearing of the throat broke through the group. He turned towards the noise.
Vice Principal Ava Irons stared at them, a scowl painted on her brow. Although she was somewhat short, she struck an intimidating figure. Long blond hair pulled into a tight dutch braid, one striking grey eye, with the other hidden by a patch, a scar peaking out from underneath it.
“Sorry Ms. Irons…” Ryland whispered. He held his breath, until she turned back to the assembly.
The other teachers around him kept quiet, also trying not to draw Ms. Irons’ glare. Though, as Ryland turned to look at him, Rocky still had that smug grin on his lips. Oh this isn’t over. Ryland huffed, turning his attention to the assembly properly. He tried very hard to keep his eyes off of Simon.
“You!” Ryland called out to Rocky, finally finding him after the whole school day had passed without seeing him. After the stunt he pulled at the assembly, Ryland had been looking for him all day, to no avail. Their schedules really didn’t align this year.
“Me.” Rocky replied easily. He sat on a bench near where Ryland had his bike locked up, one leg crossed over the other casually. Ilyukhina sat next to him, arms crossed just as casually, stifling a giggle. Good, she’s a part of this too.
“You too,” he seethed, pointing at her. “You two have some explaining to do.”
He had tried to get something out of Dubois, but the other science teacher was a steel trap. Besides, any time they’d seen each other that day, there were also students around. The kids did not need to hear this. If they heard the other teachers calling Simon Ryland’s boyfriend… Oh god…
Middle schoolers love gossip.
“Not even a ‘hello.’ Ilyukhina, you hear this?” Rocky chided, an amused grin on his face.
“I’m hearing it, Rocky. Gosh, maybe you’re right, he is abandoning you for his boyfriend,” she replied, wearing a similar grin.
A familiar rush of warmth settled over Ryland’s face. “I am not!!” he squawked. “We're not-"
Rocky clicked his tongue, turning conspiratorially towards Ilyukhina. “I bet he spent his whole free period talking to him.” She nodded solemnly.
“That's not true!”
“You called your pharmacist then? You weren't in your room, Dubois checked.”
Ryland paused. He had not. Okay, maybe he did spend his whole free period talking to Simon about the chemical make up of caffeine, sue him. He got distracted.
He still couldn't quite get over the fact that Simon listened to him. With no judgment, no snide remarks about how much he talked. Ryland didn't really have that from anyone else in his life. Sure, Rocky listened, but he was usually sassy about it. Adrian listened, but they spoke back just as much. No one just… let him ramble. Not like Simon.
“OK, sue me for trying to make a new friend here,” Ryland huffed. “Which is all it is! Simon and I are friends!”
Rocky chuckled. “For now.”
“What do you mean, ‘for now?’”
“Face it, Huevón, you can't resist a pair of pretty brown eyes.”
“His pretty brown eyes have nothing to do with this!” Ryland exclaimed. Ilyukhina snickered next to them, barely holding it together. Ryland thought about what he said for a moment. He didn't think he could physically blush more, and yet…
“His-his eyes. His normal eyes. His normal brown eyes.” He backtracked. “Wait, how do you know he has brown eyes?”
Rocky shrugged. “That's your type.”
“My type?” Ryland repeated back incredulously.
The math teacher nodded. “You're type. Shorter than you, dark hair, brown eyes. Muscles.”
Ilyukhina counted on her fingers, a similar bewildered look dawning on her face as Ryland’s. “Wow, that… that describes Mr. Simon perfectly, how do you know all that?”
Rocky sighed, clearly frustrated with these two. “Because that's Grace's type, how many times I must say…”
“I don't have a-” Ryland started, before thinking about it.
His first boyfriend from high school was on the football team. He had black hair, brown eyes. His girlfriend from college, similar story, she was a gym rat with a softball scholarship. Brunette, almost black eyes. Heck, Linda, his longest lasting relationship, was a personal trainer. Brown hair. Brown eyes.
Huh. Maybe I do have a type…
“I- it’s not a type, dark hair and brown eyes are the most common traits…” he justified. “Heck, you two have dark hair and brown eyes. And you’re shorter than me, which is not hard to find, by the way, I am tall.”
“Aww, Grace, are you saying I’m your type?” Ilyukhina batted her eyelashes exaggeratedly, resting her chin in her palm. Ryland scrunched his nose at her teasingly, to which she giggled.
Rocky reached over and grabbed her shoulder. “No no no, we are not muscular enough.”
Ilyukhina pouted. “Hey, I’m strong!” She pulled her arm away, feeling her bicep. Cringing slightly, she mumbled, “I mean I could probably work out a little more…”
Ryland groaned. “Look, it doesn’t matter if Simon is my type or not, I don’t feel that way about him. Period. He’s just a friend.”
Rocky hummed, “For now…”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I know how Grace works. You are uh, that asexual thing…” he snapped his fingers.
“Demisexual.” Ilyukhina helpfully supplied.
“Yes! Which means feelings will take time to form. You will get to know Pendejo, then boom!” Rocky spread his hands in front of him in a mock explosion. “Feelings.”
Ilyukhina copied the other math teacher, repeating, “feelings.”
“That’s not gonna happen.” Ryland stared at their shared jazz hands.
“It will, and I will be the best man.”
“Oh I can hear the wedding bells already,” Ilyukhina hummed.
Ryland planted his fingers against the bridge of his nose. “Alright guys, that’s enough. You,” he pointed at Ilyukhina and nudged his foot against Rocky’s. “Need to cut out the ‘boyfriend’ stuff. What if the kids hear you? This cannot be the rumor of the year.”
Rocky sighed, waving a dismissive hand. “They’ll figure it out either way.” Ryland scowled at him, despite the fact he knew his friend couldn’t see the expression. “But fine, we will be careful what we say around students.”
“You will drop the whole topic.”
“Oh, but we haven’t told Yáo yet…” Ilyukhina pouted.
Rocky nodded solemnly. “We will tell Yáo, then we will drop.”
“You will not tell Yáo!” Ryland huffed. He was getting nowhere with this. "Just-just drop it. No more of this." He shoved his helmet on, stepping towards his bike.
"I can't wait to say 'I told you so...'" Rocky smirked.
"You will wait a long time then, bud." Ryland huffed. He swung his leg over the bike, turning to take off. "This is the last I'll hear of this!"
"Yeah... sure." Ilyukhina giggled.
Ryland would not be hearing the end of this, he knew. Gosh darn it... He risked a look towards Simon's car. The English teacher was standing there, speaking to a parent that had walked up to him. Another blush creeped over his face, as he heard his friends snicker behind him. Ugh. This is ridiculous... Simon noticed him then, turning briefly to give a wave. Ryland waved back. Seemingly satisfied, the English teacher returned to speaking with the parent. Ryland shot a glare over his shoulder at the math teachers, then kicked off toward the road. Ugh. 'Feelings.' Gross.