Last Chance High - 6. Chapter 6

Toni stood in the hall staring at the poster Katie and Breanna had just posted on the bulletin board.

“Thinking about who you’re going to ask Toni?” Breanna said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“God no. That’s not really my thing. I was just thinking about how cliché it was.”

“Cliché? It took us weeks to come up with that!” Katie looked deflated.

“Halloween Homecoming? Masquerade Ball? It’s like something out of one of those cheesy teenage romance movies my sister used to watch. But hey that’s just my opinion, like I said, not my thing. I’m sure the romantics in the school will love it.”

Katie smiled, “Thanks Toni.” Toni nodded as he watched the girls away. He remembered the first homecoming dance he went to, sophomore year. It ended with a black eye, fat lip and his head in the toilet. Yea, there was no way he would show his face at that dance.

+X+

On the other side of the school Marc was starting his day in the library.

Scanning the tables he spotted the blond with stormy gray eyes and slid in next to her.

"Hey, Bailey."

"Marc Townsend. To what do I owe the honor?"

"I know we haven't kept in touch, haven't talked much. But I was hoping you could help me out."

"There's a sign up sheet for tutors at the front."

"No, umm not with school. Actually I need your advice...about a boy."

"Really?” Bailey put aside her book and turned to face him, "You are coming to me for relationship advice?"

"Well you’re the smartest person I know. And I'm at a loss with this one."

"Who is this very special boy who has Marc Townsend all flustered?"

"Toni Mancini."

"The new boy. Yea, he's kind of cute I guess." Bailey said with a shrug. "If you go for that type."

Toni scowled. "He's gorgeous."

"Calm down Marc, I’m not insulting him. So what is it about him that's leaving you stumped?"

"Well, I don't have a good track record with guys. You remember what happened with Warren?"

"I do."

"Well I'm trying to avoid that. But so far he's not responding well to anything. He's kind of shy, not really a people person. He keeps brushing me off."

"Hmmm... Yea I understand how that would be difficult for you."

"So will you help me?"

"I suppose. Is he even gay?"

"Undetermined. But there are suspicions."

"Okay well you need to invite him to hang out. Not one on one it will freak him out. But not a large group either, if he's shy he will just close up and hide in the fringe. And definitely not you two and a couple, too much pressure. Too awkward."

"This is good. What else?"

"You have to figure out what he's into. Hobbies and such. But something you're interested in too. He'll be able to tell if you’re bored and it will just piss him off. You have to find something in common."

"So how do I figure out an Interest we share?"

"By talking to him.” Bailey rolled her eyes, “Come on, even you aren't that thick."

"He's not exactly one for small talk."

"Okay, well then I guess you can ask his friends."

"He's been hanging out with Warren's crowd."

"Well don't ask Warren obviously."

Toni took her hand in his, "Thanks Bailey. Really, this means a lot to me."

"Just make sure you invite me to the wedding."

Toni laughed and left the library, waving over his shoulder. He had a plan and a bounce in his step as he headed off to his first class. He slid into his seat next to Alex just as the bell was ringing.

“Where you been man?”

“Had a little recon to do. Think you can get Daphne to meet me by my locker at lunch?”

“Yea for sure.”

“Awesome.” Toni smiled and spent the rest of class day dreaming about Toni Mancini.

+X+

“So, Alex said you wanted to talk to me. What’s up?”

Toni was leaning against his locker when Daphne approached him.

“Not here.” He took her arm and led her into the empty stairwell. “I need your help. With Toni.”

“Marc...” Daphne started.

“Look, I really like him and he won't give me the time of day.” Marc pleaded, “I just need a conversation starter. Something, anything to get him to talk to me for more than 30 seconds.”

Daphne sighed, “Alright, he may have shown slight interest in that sword club of yours. When I was at his place he had a small collection in a case in his room. And he’s sort of a history buff.”

“History?” Toni frowned. That wasn’t something he could fake interest in.

“Like ancient history and mythology. You now, Zeus and the Greek Gods. Or Odin and Thor.”

“Swords and Greek Mythology. I can work with that. Thanks Daph.” Marc gave her a quick hug.

“Well I couldn’t very well say no with you looking all poutty like that.”

+X+

“I got it!” Breanna put her tray down and climbed onto the bench next to Marc.

“Got what?”

“You’re in with Toni.” She handed Marc a flyer.

" A History of Combat and Self Defense?"

"It's right around the corner from the competition this weekend. Competitors get in free and admission is only $20. They have exhibits, displays and demonstrations on ancient and modern combat styles and weaponry. Toni would love it."

“This is perfect!”

“I thought so too. I’ll be there as a single person to relieve pressure. And since Simon is competing Isabelle will be there. Madison made it through to this competition, so he will have someone from his group. We can get a second room at the hotel you guys are staying at for only $45. You can tell Toni you got some extra tickets because you’re competing. And if things go well, homecoming is in two weeks.”

“Breanna you are the best! This is perfect!” Marc threw his arms around Breanna and squeezed.

“Okay, great, but I need to breathe.”

“So it will be Simon, Isabelle, Madison, You, me and Toni? That’s a pretty big group.” Toni frowned. “Bailey said to avoid large groups, it will make him nervous.”

“You talked to Bailey Owens for dating advice?” Alex looked surprised.

“Do you know anyone smarter? And none of us exactly know how to deal with someone who’s shy.”

“Okay, good point.” Alex leaned back satisfied.

“Well Simon and Isabelle usually keep to themselves anyways. They can wander off without it looking suspicious. Madison can’t stand you so she’ll probably take off on her own, for a while at least.” Breanna continued.

“Okay, yea, good. This is good. I’ll go to talk to Mr.Stark about using it as a recruiting scam to generate interest in the club or something. Awesome.”

Marc ran off trying to decide how he was going to convince Toni to come with him.

+X+

“Hey Toni wait up!” Toni stopped and turned, not that he had to look to see who was calling him. He would recognize that voice anywhere.

“What’s up Marc?” He answered when the older boy caught up to him. Marc paused, eyes wide, like he had forgotten what he wanted to say. “Uh, Marc?” Marc blinked and looked down at his feet; Toni thought there was a slight blush on his cheeks.

“Right...sorry. What are you doing this weekend?”

Toni blinked, his heart started to race and his palms got sweaty. He gripped the strap over his shoulder tighter to try to keep his hands from shaking.

“Nothing.” He managed to choke out, though it was almost a whisper.

“Cool. Well the sword club has a competition this weekend in the city. And the gym hosting the event is holding a sort of convention. It’s called History of Combat and Self Defense. They’re going to have like exhibits and demos and stuff like that.”

Toni waited for Marc to continue. What did any of this have to do with him? “Okay...?”

“Anyways, we managed to score some extra tickets. Mr.Stark, our staff adviser, said we could use it to generate some interest for the club. And like invite people along we thought would like it.”

As much as Toni loved listening to his voice, he really wished Marc would get to the point.

“So what do you think?”

“About what?”

“I thought, you know, maybe... you would be interested.”

“In your club?”

“Yea.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Well you collect swords right?”

“How did you know that?”

“Oh...well... I guess Jenny must have mentioned it to Alex or something.”

Toni nodded, Jenny may have noticed the weapons he had in the display case in his room. Of course that’s why Marc was talking to him, for his little club. Toni was mad at himself for hoping it was going to be something more personal. After all, hadn't he told Marc he had no interest in being friends?

“Teams aren’t really my thing.” He tried not to, but he sounded bitter.

“Well, it’s not a team, it’s a club.” Marc smiled like he just solved world hunger.

“What’s the difference?”

“Well, we don’t have to work together; mostly we just hit each other with stuff. There’s very little co-operation.”

“Thanks for the offer, but like I said. Not my thing.” Toni turned to go but Marc reached out and grabbed his arm. Toni froze and scowled at the hand. His arm was warm where skin touched skin, Marc’s grip firm yet gentle. Toni couldn’t help but think about those hands on his body. Toni pulled away.

Marc frowned and looked at his feet. “Sorry, I know you don’t like to be touched.”

Now it was Toni’s turn to frown, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I noticed you tense up and pull away when someone touched you. So I try not to.” Marc mumbled. Toni wasn’t sure how to respond to that. First, Marc noticed what made him uncomfortable. Two, he said he consciously had to remind himself not to touch Toni. Toni shook his head, it didn’t mean anything. He needed to stop trying to find more meaning behind everything Marc said and did.

“It’s okay. Who all would be there?”

“Well the club is Simon, Madison, Breanna and I. Alex usually joins once football is over. Isabelle will be coming with Simon.”

"So... Will Alex be there? With Daphne?"

Marc frowned, why did Toni want to know about Alex? Or was it Daphne he was interested in? “I’m not sure. I could ask them.”

“Oh, okay. We’ll I can think about it I guess.”

Toni smiled, “Good. Look even if you decide not to join the club you should still come for the convention. It’s only two nights and Mr. Stark will be there to chaperon...”

“Wait, over night?” Toni’s breath was pulled out of his lungs.

“Yea, the school sprung for a couple of rooms at the Holiday Inn. We got one for the girls and one for the guys, no entering each other’s rooms and such. So your mom should be fine with it.”

Toni’s heart started racing again. There was no way he could spend the night with Marc, in the same room. And there was no way his Mom would be fine with it, unless Toni managed to swing a spot in the girl’s room.

“Yea, I don’t think my mom would be okay with that. Sorry Marc. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Toni rushed away. Not trusting himself around Marc any longer.

+X+

Toni was sitting on his bed trying to study. His history book on his lap, a pencil in his hand. He was trying to distract himself from thoughts of spending the night with Marc. Needless to say it wasn't working very well. He had discarded his jeans for a pair of lose track pants and sweater with nothing underneath. His hair was still damp from his shower. His mind still swimming with the images that filled his head when he had tried to relieve some of the ache in his groin. He was starting to worry it was becoming an unhealthy obsession.

The sound of the doorbell snapped him back to reality.

"Antonio, can you get that?" Toni sighed and pushed off his bed. When he pulled the front door open his jaw dropped. What was Marc Townsend doing on his front step? He was so shocked he just stood there staring.

Marc didn't even notice. When the door opened and saw the star of his most recent fantasies he was speechless. His track pants hung low on his hips. His sweater was open to show smooth olive skin stretched over tight muscles. Marc's eyes scanned the younger boy’s body and he had a sudden urge to nip at his hip bones. He wasn't large but his body was well defined.

Mrs. Mancini's voice shocked them both out of their trance. "Antonio? Who’s there?"

Both boys looked away in embarrassment as she came around the corner. She smiled kindly, but confusion was clear on her face. "Can we help you with something?"

"Uh Mom this is Marc, from school." Toni said quietly, avoiding looking at him.

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Mancini." He said in a proper voice, reaching out to shake her hand. Toni's mother smiled as she took his hand. Marc turned back to Toni, "I was hoping we could talk?"

Toni nodded and gestured for Marc to come inside. He took a deep breath and took his time closing the door. What was Marc doing here? And what could he possibly what to talk to him about? How did he even know where Toni lived?

Toni's mother leaned in close. "I like him. He's cute and such a gentleman. Keep your door open." She gave him a wink and headed back to the kitchen. Toni felt his face heat up. Marc tried not to notice that Toni's mom told him to keep the door open. He remembered Daphne saying they closed the door when she and Jenny had come over. He smiled.

Without a word he led Marc to his room, only braving to push the door closed half way. His palms were sweaty and his heart raced. Marc was in his room. Toni tried not to look at the bed as he waited for his guest to finish looking around.

"So...why are you here?" Toni winced, his voice sounded harsh again. Marc turned to him frowning. "What I meant was; what brings you here? What did you want to talk about?"

Marc was having a hard time concentrating; he couldn't remember why he was here. He eyes kept drifting back to the bed with its black sheets. They looked soft and inviting. Images of having Toni in that bed beneath him started swimming to the front of his head. He tore his eyes away and turned his back to the evil temptress. Toni raised an eyebrow waiting for Marc to start talking.

"I just, wanted to talk about that trip. You seemed interested and I just, I don't know. Wanted to see if there was anything I could do so you could come." Marc shrugged, that wasn't exactly what he wanted to say but it was a start. Marc tucked his hand in his pockets and looked at his feet.

"I don't know Marc. I just don't think my mom would like it."

“So you do want to come?”

Toni shrugged, “It does sound pretty cool.”

"Well, let's go ask her!" Before Toni had a chance to stop him Marc brushed past to the kitchen to find Toni's mom. He was pretty sure he had figured out why Toni didn’t think his mom would let him go. The gender based rooms would do nothing to soothe the nerves of the Italian Mother. Not with her (potentially) gay son in a room full of teenage boys. He took a deep breath as he entered the kitchen, mentally preparing himself for battle.

Toni took a deep breath before following. This was a dangerous situation. When Toni came into the kitchen his mom had put out cookies and milk and was chatting with Marc about the sword club. He leaned on the door jamb and listened to how easily Marc made the sword club sound like the best thing in the world. This trip would be a perfect opportunity for Toni to ‘immerse himself in the social aspect of the school without feeling pressured’. How Marc found this club was ‘a safe and healthy way to work out frustration and aggression’. Toni was impressed how Marc confidently and successfully pitched a club for boys (and girls) to beat on each other with fake swords

"I definitely agree with you there, it would be perfect for Toni. So why do you think Toni doesn't want to join your club?"

"Well, I’m sure you know he's pretty shy, ma'am. He seems to avoid group activities of any kind. Also, I don't think he likes me too much."

Toni scowled, "Hey! What the hell, man?"

Marc flinched, his face turning tomato red. He obviously hadn't noticed Toni standing in the door.

"I'm sorry Toni. I just don't think you should miss out on this because you don't like me. Lots of your other friends will be there. Daphne and Isabelle and Simon. And Madison dislikes me as much as you do, so I'm sure she'd have no problem avoiding me with you." Marc mumbled towards the counter. Toni had to force himself not to smile; Marc was adorable when he rambled. If only he knew just how wrong he was. Toni's mom gave him a pointed look: fix this now. She slipped out of the kitchen leaving the two boys to talk.

Toni sighed and slid onto the seat next to Marc.

"I never said I didn't like you. I don't know why you want to be friends so bad. Guys like you and me don't usually get along." Toni took a cookie from the plate.

Marc glanced sideways at him, "So you don't hate me?"

He sounded so hopeful Toni couldn't help but chuckle. "No, I don't hate you, dipstick."

Marc blushed, “When I was younger, my best friend used to call me that."

"Are you not friends anymore?"

"No. I guess you could say we stopped running in the same crowd and drifted apart. So I do get what you mean, about guys like us not usually hanging out. But I think we could be good friends. If you want to give it a chance." Marc finally turned to look at Toni; he had a sweet smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. Toni nodded, he couldn't possibly say no to that.

"I think your Mom will let you come. Here's the permission form and information." Marc passed a stack of papers across the counter towards him. "And this is my cell number. You know if you have any questions." Marc blushed again and slid off the stool. Toni was too busy staring at the small slip of paper in front of him to notice his new friend slip out. It had a number and Marc's name scrawled across it.

"Goodnight Mrs. Mancini." He heard from the front hall.

"Goodnight Marc." His mother replied. Toni snatched up the paper with the number and slid it into his pocket. At the end of his name Marc had drawn a little smiley face.