Chapter Text
Finney was getting annoyed.
His right leg bounced up and down quickly as his ears began to ring. There was about 20 minutes left of History but it seemed like an eternity.
The reason he’s annoyed, well, it’s more of a person. An evil, violent, cold-hearted person.
Robin Arellano.
His assigned seat was right behind Finney. Normally he’s quiet and just does his school work, however today he’s decided to be, well, aggravating as hell. He’s been tapping his pencil against his desk just loud enough so that only Finney could hear it. Maybe he knew Finney heard it, maybe he didn’t, either way Finney was about a second away from snatching the pencil out of his hand and snapping it in half.
15 minutes left.
Finney, surprisingly, kept his cool for the remainder of the time. He kept taking deep breaths to calm down his boiling hot blood.
Finney never really bothered with Robin Arellano. In Finney’s mind he was a horrible person with a really short temper. He hated Robin’s stupid bandanna that he wore all the fucking time. He hated his shit attitude, and most of all he hated how much girl attention Robin got and just ignored .
To top it all off, he hangs around with Pinball Vance, Bruce Yamada, and Vance's younger sister (by a year) Michelle. The Perfect Delinquents. That’s what everyone calls them. Not to their faces, for obvious reasons, but behind closed doors and cupped hands, they are the talk of the school.
The only interaction Finney has had with any of them was Michelle. They were walking out of English class when Finney accidentally bumped into her, causing her to drop all of her papers and books. Finney apologized over and over, knowing he was going to die at the hands of Vance Hopper. However, Michelle just looked at Finney and rolled her eyes. Nothing said, no harmful physical contact. Nothing. She walked away like it didn't happen.
Finney decided there and then to never even breathe in the same direction of her. Everyone knew that even though the boys did all the work, Michelle had the real power, for she was the only person all of the boys had a soft spot for. The power to say one word and have all three of the delinquents beat the shit out of anyone. He could feel the danger that radiated from her body and it scared the shit out of him.
As soon as the bell rang Finney hopped up from his seat, rushing out of the small classroom before anyone else. The tapping noise stuck in his head. He quickly rushed to the bathroom, needing to cool down. However, as soon as he busted through the door and rounded the corner, he came face to face with none other than Vance Hopper.
Finney froze in his place, fear prickling at his spine as Vance looked over at him. He was wearing a white beater with a jacket that had no sleeves, light blue jeans with his combat boots and he looked intimidating. Making direct eye contact from 6 feet away, Vance’s expression turned curious to annoyed in about three seconds.
“What?” He shook his head in annoyance.
Finney flinched slightly, “N-Nothing. Just need to use the sink.”
Vance moved aside, making a presenting hand motion to guide Finney to the sink, “Be my fucking guest.”
Finney didn’t need to be told twice. He walked past Vance quickly, looking down at his shoes the whole time. He didn’t know if Michelle told Vance about what happened, and it scared the shit out of him that he was alone, in a bathroom, with Vance fucking Hopper.
From the mirror, Finney could see Vance walk towards the bathroom wall and lean against it, inspecting whatever it was he had in his hand.
Trying to ignore Vance’s presence, Finney quickly turned on the faucet and splashed some freezing water all over his face. At that point Robin’s pencil tapping had no longer been stuck in his head, instead his mind was running on all the things Vance could do to hurt him for “hurting” his sister.
Just as Finney wiped off his face with a paper towel, ringing filled his ears. A phone ringing. He soon discovered the sound was coming from Vance’s pocket, as Vance pulled his phone out of his pocket and answered it.
“Yeah?” Vance’s voice echoed through the bathroom, deep and tough.
Finney tried his best to ignore the conversation but, really, he had no choice but to listen. The two were both in the bathroom and it wasn’t like Vance was telling him to leave.
“I’m in the bathroom, second-floor. Mrs. Henry’s voice is just extra fucking annoying today so, I’m ditching.” Vance never looked at Finney, instead just held his phone with his shoulder and ear while still looking at the object in his hand.
Finney knew he should have just left, but his interest was peaked. He would never tell anyone that of course (In fear of his head getting slammed into a locker). So he moved around slowly as Vance’s phone call continued.
A troubling chuckle came from Vance, causing Finney to tense up. “Oh, no I got it. Beat the shit out of some senior to get it but, I got it.”
Vance held up the object, smiling proudly. This gave Finney a full view of what exactly was in his hand. A joint. Perfectly rolled and ready to be smoked.
Finney has never smoked marijuana before. He had tried one of his dad's cigarettes back in 8th grade, thinking it would make him cool and likable. Unfortunately, as soon as the smoke hit the back of his throat he threw up everywhere and burned his arm. Ever since that happened, Finney swore to never smoke anything else in his life.
“Just come here. I know damn well you hate English with Mr. Baldy. Added bonus, you will feel sooo much better after you leave this bathroom.” Vance's dark chuckle turned into a semi-playful laugh.
Finney had froze. English class. Mr. Baldmen. The bathroom. The joint. It’s Michelle. He’s talking to Michelle.
“Dude, no one gives a fuck if you’re a girl in the boys bathroom. Here, I’ll prove it to you.” Vance took the phone away from his ear and put it on speaker.
A short whistle came from Vance’s lips, signaling for Finney to look at him.
Finney looked back and, again, made direct eye contact with Vance. “Do you care if there’s a female in the boys bathroom?”
Finney’s mind went blank. Was The Vance Hopper seriously asking him if he cared if his sister came into the guys bathroom? It felt like a trick question.
“Uh-I-What?” Finney stumbled over his words, knowing he sounded like a complete and total idiot.
Vance rolled his eyes, “My sister. Do you care if she’s in this bathroom?” His voice was laced with annoyance.
Finney knew to choose his next words carefully because you do not want to piss off Vance Hopper.
“No?” Finney’s eyebrows furrowed, making his answer sound more like a question.
Vance took the call off speaker and back to his ear. “See, now get your ass down here before I start without you.”
Vance said his goodbyes and hung up the phone shortly after. Finney knew that now was the time to leave before Michelle showed up and exposed him to Vance. So he grabbed his bag and went to throw away the damp paper towels, ready to leave.
Before he could even round the corner to get to the door, a throat being cleared stopped him. He slowly turned around to see Vance flicking his pointer and middle finger at himself, signaling for Finney to come closer to him.
Oh fuck.
Looking back down at his shoes, he slowly made his way closer to Vance. When he was about 2 feet away he stopped and finally looked up at Vance through his slightly wet hair that was hanging over his eyes.
Vance did a quick 1-2 up and down Finney. To say it scared Finney would be an understatement.
“You ever smoke before?” He nudged his head towards Finney.
What? “I-I tried a cigarette back in middle school but other than that, no.” Finney admitted.
Vance scoffed, rubbing a hand over face. “Okay. Here’s what’s gonna happen. My sister is gonna walk through that door in about two minutes. That gives you two minutes to decide if you wanna stay and get high with us.”
Finney almost choked on the air, “Wait-what? You want me to stay and smoke with you guys?” The shock was clear on Finney’s face and he knew it by the way Vance was looking at him.
Vance shook his head, “No, I’m giving you the opportunity to stay and get high with us.”
“Why?” The question flew out of Finney’s mouth before he could stop it. He clasped his hand over his mouth, eyes wide. He had just questioned Vance Hopper. Of all people, Vance.
Vance raised his eyebrows with a smug expression on his face. “Just because.”
Finney tried to keep his composer but he was very clearly failing. Not only that, but he needed to decide whether to go to class, or stay with Vance and Michelle in this bathroom.
On one hand it would be nice and maybe even a little fun, but on the other hand, Finney has never consumed any kind of drug ever and he might end up making himself look like an even bigger idiot.
“30 seconds.” Vance informed him.
At that moment Finney knew there was really no way out of this so he just had to push himself through it. “Okay.”
He tossed his bag near the wall and crossed his arms, waiting for Michelle Hopper so he could get this done and over with.
“Sick.” Vance shrugged and pulled his lighter out of his pocket.
5 seconds later his sister busted through the door. “Dude, you will never believe who-” She stopped speaking as soon as her eyes landed on Finney. “Um, okay?” She flicked her eyes over to Vance and he shrugged again.
“Hey, Finney.” She gave him a small smile as she walked up to Vance and plucked the joint from his hands and started inspecting it.
Vance looked over at Finney and gave him a weird look, “Oh, yeah. Finney Blake. I remember you from Middle School. I thought you looked familiar.”
“Yeah.” Finney whispered under his breath.
“Shit, you were right. This stuff looks golden.” Michelle laughed, causing both boys to look at her.
Vance took it back out of her hands, “Of course I’m right. Now let's light it before this period ends.” They all sat on the floor, Vance sitting on just the floor, Finney sitting on his backpack, and Michelle sitting on her jacket.
He put the tip of the joint in between his lips and lit it, taking a big inhale and letting the smoke roll out of his mouth.
At that moment Finney really disliked Vance. How can he look that cool smoking in a school bathroom? It gave Finney an itch that he couldn't scratch.
“Oh yeah, that is heaven.” He said while handing the joint to Michelle.
She took a puff and exhaled the smoke almost as cool as her brother did. Finney took a moment to really study Michelle. He made it his mission to not look at her since the incident between them but now it didn't really seem to matter.
She was brunette instead of blonde, like Vance. She was about a head shorter than Vance and that made her about 3 inches shorter than Finney. Her eyes were dark blue, almost making them look green and she wore light blue jean overalls with a long sleeved black shirt underneath.
She definitely looked like Vance Hopper's sister.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, Michelle looked over at him and handed him the joint. “I didn’t think you smoked Finney.”
Trying to hold the joint the right way he smiled nervously, “Oh, well, I don’t. This is my first time, so.”
“Great.” She looked over at Vance, “So we’re taking Finney Blake's smoking weed virginity? You thought that was smart?”
“Guess so.” Vance looked back over at Finney, “You gonna hit that, or let it burn away?”
“Shit. Sorry, Yeah.” Nothing to be nervous about Finney. It’s just weed. He slowly brought the joint to his lips and inhaled, smoke filling up his lungs. He took the joint out of his mouth and held the smoke as long as he could before having a major coughing fit.
Vance patted his back while Michelle handed him a bottle of water. Finney took these things with gratitude and soon his coughing stopped.
“Jesus, you’re gonna be toasted.” Vance took the joint from Finney as he took a drink of water.
“Wait what?” Finney looked between the two, confused.
Michelle pouted, “Aw, Finney. What Vance means is, you are going to be high as fuck. You took a big ass hit and held it in. Added bonus, your little coughing fit. Coughing always makes the high better.”
Finney’s heart started beating faster and his mouth was suddenly dry. “How long will it last? I can’t go home like this, my dad will literally kill me.” Full blown panic started to set in Finney’s chest.
“Dude, chill. It’ll only last for about an hour. After that you’ll just feel lighter and tired.” Michelle explained.
It made Finney feel a tad bit better, still, he wasn’t looking forward to the next hour.
“So we just stay here for the remainder of the period.” Finney told himself out loud.
Michelle started digging in her bag, joint passed from Vance hanging from her lips. “Here.” She tossed two small bags of hot cheetos at the boys, “You’ll want these in a bit.”
Finney caught the bag and looked up at Michelle in confusion, “Why?”
Vance looked over at him in what seemed to be like embarrassment, “Dude, you really are fucking cluesless.”
The comment made Finney giggle a little. He started to suddenly feel like he was floating? Is that normal? His eyes were heaving inside his skull and he felt like everything was different. The bathroom started to not be so disgusting, all the problems in his life seemed a little less important, and it felt perfectly normal to be in the situation he was in right at that very second.
“Yeah, I know.” Finney stretched a little, feeling the most relaxed he had been in a long time. “I feel really good right now.”
Both of the teens laughed as they finished up what was left of the joint. As soon as Vance put it out Michelle turned to Finney.
“So, you got a girlfriend?”
The question threw Finney off and suddenly he felt a little uneasy. “Um-no.”
“There are over two hundred people at the school. You have to have at least a crush on someone.” The look on her face was dead serious, and Finney knew he needed to answer her truthfully.
His mind flashed to one person in particular. Donna Anderson. She was by far the prettiest girl in his grade and the nicest. She was never cruel or mean to anybody. He had been crushing on her since the 7th grade and he didn't think it was going to go away anytime soon.
He laughed awkwardly, “Well, there is-one girl.” Michelle’s eyebrows shot up. “Donna Anderson.”
Michelle’s jaw dropped open and then she closed it, “Wait, I know her. She has shoulder length light brown hair? Cute as a button?”
Finney smiled at the vision of her in his head, “Yeah. That’s her.”
“Holy shit.” Michelle laughed. “You know that’s not really a surprise though. Every boy in our grade likes her.”
Finney felt a wave of sadness drown him. “She can have anyone she wants. And she’ll never pick me.”
“Hey, man, never say never. She might just realize she likes boys who get high in the bathroom with The Delinquents.” Vance shrugged.
Yep, Vance is definitely high. He is never this loose around people.
Finney thought of what Donna might say if she knew about this. If she even cared that Finney existed. She’s so sweet, and seems like the person to never judge another.
Before Finney said anything else, he was hit with hunger. Suddenly his stomach was growling and it wasn't just craving for water. He looked down at the Hot Cheetos in his lap and found himself wanting to eat them more than anything.
“I’m like, really hungry.” Finney looked up at the siblings.
Michelle pointed towards the bag of Cheetos, “That’s what those are for. Weed gives you the munchies Finney.”
Finney looked back down at them and soon began opening the bag. As soon as he put the first chip in his mouth it seemed like it was the best thing he’d ever put in his mouth. The bag was gone in a minute, along with the water he chugged afterwards.
All of them talked for about thirty minutes, enjoying this amazing feeling.
“So what about you Michelle?” Finney questioned randomly.
Michelle’s glazed over eyes found his and they looked like glass diamonds. “Finney please, call me Chelle, everyone does, and what about me?”
“You got a boyfriend, a crush?” Finney was genuinely curious, he’d never seen her with any guy ever.
Michelle looked over at Vance and let out a sigh, “No. I don’t really like dating. Boys are weird and girls are too much drama.”
Finney’s mind froze. She liked girls?
Michelle caught on and giggled, “Yes, I like boys and girls.”
“Wow. What’s that like?” Finney always heard about people who preferred guys and girls but never thought he’d meet someone who did.
She took a deep breath and let it out, “Confusing as hell. Not a lot of people know so, can you just not?”
Finney knew what she was asking him and he would never tell anyone. He didn’t judge people, they judged him.
“I dated Robin for a while.” Michelle blurted.
Vance groaned in disgust, “Chelle, please, no. I hate hearing about this.” He covered his ears and leaned his head against the wall.
Finney was now fully invested in this conversation, “Wait, you dated Robin? Like Robin Arellano?”
She nodded, eyebrows raised.
Finney let out a short laugh, “Now what was that like?”
She let out a hmph and shrugged, “Complicated. We dated for about four months, fought for the last month of those four. We were just too toxic. Both wanted different things and just figured it out too late.”
Jesus Christ. Robin really must not have a heart if he put Michelle through hell. She’s a nice girl.
“I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how much that sucked.” Finney gave her a look of sympathy.
She smiled and shook her head, “Don’t be. We’re way better as friends.”
“Well, that’s good.” Finney started to feel the after effects of the joint. Tired and light. “How long until the period is over?”
Vance checked his phone, “15 minutes.”
“Cool, because I’m really tired.” Finney nodded, his eyes closing as he leaned against the bathroom wall.
“Thank god we leave after this.” Vance huffed, his composer completely relaxed.
The three spent the last 15 minutes in peace, letting the rest off their high go away completely. Soon enough the bell rang to dismiss the students from the building. They all got up from the floor, brushing themselves off. As they walked out Finney wondered if he should go the opposite way of the two. Hell, they probably didn't even want Finney to speak about what happened in the bathroom.
“So, uh, thanks for that, I guess.” Vance and Michelle both stopped and looked at him with confused faces.
“Aren’t you leaving?” Michelle questioned.
“Well, yeah but-” Finney was quickly cut off by Michelle looping her arm through his.
“Shut up, dummy. You can walk out with us, it’s not that big of a deal.” She rolled her eyes as they began walking again.
Apparently, it was a big deal. Everyone in the hall looked at them as they walked towards the exit. People began whispering behind their hands and Finney could just imagine the rumors that would be going around now.
Neither of the other two seemed to care, keeping their heads up and looking straight forwards.
When they got outside they saw a crowd of people down the street. Michelle looked over to Vance at the same time he looked at her.
“Robin.” They said in union, Michelle grabbing Finney by the shirt as both of them sprinted towards the crowds direction.
When they were finally in the crowd they pushed towards the front. Low and behold, it was Robin and…Moose?
“Jesus Christ.” Michelle commented. “What could Moose possibly have done now?”
“Didn’t you hear? He’s been shit-talking on Robin for the past 3 days, saying he could take him in another fight and beat him.” Vance’s arms were crossed as he watched the scene in front of him unfold.
“Well clearly he hasn’t learned his lessons the past three times.” Michelle mirrored her brother.
Finney looked ahead, Robin and Moose standing about 5 feet away from one another.
“You think you’re so tough, huh?” Moose tried to be intimidating but Robin just stood there, unfazed.
Robin shrugged, “Let’s find out.”
From across the crowd Finney spotted Gwen with Donna. Donna?! Why was Gwen with her? Finney knew he could trust his sister but a part of him was troubled at the sight of them together.
“I will pound you like a nail, you scrawny little freak.” Moose was getting red in the face, like a tomato. It was kind of funny to watch him get riled up so easily.
“Then do it.” Robin pushed, proving yet again he wasn’t scared of anyone or anything. “Unless you’re scared.”
The crowd made “Ooh” noises and that seemed to set Moose off. He swung at Robin who ducked down, dodging the punch. He sent a punch to Moose’s stomach, causing him to go down slightly. This gave Robin the chance to take his backpack off and throw it at Moose. He swung back waiting for Moose to get up again.
When Moose lifted his head Robin swung his leg around and kicked him in the mouth, making Moose fly around and slam face first into a road sign pole. He tried to catch Robin off guard by flinging around and trying to punch him again but Robin caught his arm and punched him in his stomach again. Robin slammed his body into Moose and wrapped his arms around his, making it so he wouldn’t be able to punch Robin fully.
“Get him Robin!” Finney heard Gwen yell and Donna smiled.
Robin finally got a moment to grab Moose and turn them around, his arm around Moose’s throat and their backs were against each other. Everyone cheered as Robbin flung him around and climbed over top of him. Robin grabbed Moose by the shirt and lifted his fist in the air.
The crowd was waiting and Robin knew that, so he took extreme pleasure in the first blow to Moose’s face. When the crowd cheered louder Robin looked up and smiled at everyone. His eyes scanned the group before he caught sight of Finney standing with Vance and Michelle. He made it a mental note to see what that was about but after he finished this dickwad off.
He bent down and punched Moose in the face again. And again. And again. And again. The crowd only got louder and so did Robin’s grunts from hitting Moose so hard. The punching didn’t stop until Moose was unconscious and his blood covered his face and Robin’s knuckles. Robin let go of Moose’s shirt causing his head to fall to the ground.
Everyone cheered for Robin’s victory as he got up, standing over Moose’s body. Vance and Michelle walked over to him, congratulating him on winning the fight. Finney’s main focus was getting to Gwen and Donna, who were chatting and laughing over the fight.
“Gwen.” Finney froze as both of the girls looked over at him.
“Finney! Wasn’t that fucking crazy? I mean Moose is a giant asshole and totally had it coming.” Gwen laughed and looked back at Donna.
“Hey Finney.” Donna smiled, causing Finney’s face to heat up.
“Donna.” Finney mumbled nervously.
Finney avoided eye contact by looking behind him at Vance, Michelle, and Robin. That action didn’t go unnoticed by Gwen, who looked between the group and Finney.
“Can’t believe Moose chose to pick a fight with Robin Arellano. Stupid fucking boy.” She shook her head and tsked.
“Looks like he really hurt him.” Finney gestured towards Moose’s unconscious body.
Donna turned to Finney, tucking some hair behind her right ear, “So, bio was weird today right?”
“Wha-oh, yeah. Totally crazy.” Finney answered stupidly. Donna seemed to humor him for a minute, giggling at his answer.
Gwen suddenly went dead silent and watched the three delinquents start walking up to them. “Uh, guys. Incoming.”
Finney turned around and seen Vance, Michelle, and Robin walking up to them.
“Finney!” Michelle jogged the rest of the way to him, stopping right in front of him. “I just wanted to say it was nice officially meeting you instead of you bumping into me and making me drop all of my books.”
Donna looked between the two, suspicion growing.
Finney’s face fell, “Chelle, that was an accident, I’m really sorry.”
Michelle laughed as the two boys came to her side, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” She finally looked over and saw Donna and Gwen. “Oh, is that your sister?” She pointed towards Donna.
Finney was quick to correct her, “No, no , no , no. That’s my sister,” He pointed at Gwen, “This is Donna.”
Michelle snapped her head over to Vance who raised his eyebrows. She turned back to them and smiled, “Oh, my bad. Hey.” She waved at the girls as Robin cleared his throat.
“Is there a reason we’re still standing here?” His voice wasn’t as deep as Vance’s but he spoke like he was a fighter, and that was enough.
Michelle rolled her eyes and turned her head to look at Robin, “Yeah, asswipe, I’m giving Finney my number.”
“What?” Robin, Donna, Gwen, and Finney all asked at the same time.
Michelle and Vance looked at all of them stupidly. “Yeah? Is that a problem?” She looked around at all of them.
“No. No problem. Uh, here.” Finney pulled out his phone and gave it to her.
She typed in her number and texted herself one so she would have his number also. She handed it back and smiled again, “See ya’ around Finn.”
Finn?
“Yeah, bye.” Finney said as she turned around to walk away.
Vance turned to walk away with her, grabbing Robin’s shoulder and dragging him with them. When all of them were out of earshot Gwen twisted to her brother.
“What the hell was that?” She looked at Finney like he had three heads.
Finney shook his head, dismissing the question, “Come on. I’m tired. See you Monday, Donna.” Finney smiled kindly as they both started walking in the direction of their house.
“How do you even know Michelle Hopper?” Gwen brought it up again.
Finney huffed, “If I tell you can you please not tell anyone? It’s already weird enough to me.”
Gwen looked at him with concern, “Maybe?”
Finney rolled his eyes but began explaining what happened in the bathroom. To say Gwen was shocked would be a lie. She was absolutely flabbergasted.
By the time they got home Finney finished telling her what had happened.
“Wait so, are you gonna text her? Hang out with them again?” Gwen stopped him on the porch before they went inside.
“Probably not. Her brain was still on drugs when she gave me her number so I doubt any of them want to see me again.” Finney shrugged.
“Okay, that sounds stupid and she looked perfectly sober to me.” Gwen reasoned.
Finney’s mind did wonder. Did Michelle really mean what she said? Did she actually want Finney to hang around her? He was known as the freak at school. He had three bullies who constantly called him a fag for his “girly” name and beat him up at least once a week.
“Guess we’ll find out later. Now can we please go inside? I’m tired and I need to sleep the drowsiness away.” Finney begged.
“Yeah, let’s go.” Gwen grabbed his arm and began pulling him inside. “I still can’t believe you tried marijuana.” She giggled and shook her head.
As the two hung up their backpacks, Finney remembered just exactly who Gwen was with during the fight.
“Hey, why were you with Donna today?” Finney asked as he followed Gwen to the kitchen.
As Gwen grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl, she answered, “She helps me with my grammar during last period. We decided to walk out together when we saw the fight.”
“Oh.” Finney answered simply, he didn’t want to tell his sister that he thought she ratted on him for his crush on Donna.
“I didn’t tell her.” It was like she could read his mind.
“I know.” Finney nodded.
“Mhm.” Gwen took a bite out of her fruit and headed towards her room. “Knock on my door when dad gets home!” She yelled from the hallway. A few seconds later Finney heard her door shut.
Finney took a deep breath. It also finally, really, sunk in what he’d done today. He smoked pot with the Hopper siblings in the guys bathroom and witnessed Robin Arellano beat the shit out of Moose. He really needed to sleep this day away.
Just as he got to his room his phone dinged with the message alert. He looked down and saw Michelle’s name pop up on the lock screen.
Goddamn it.