And the Jester Stole His Thorny Crown

by poeticraccoon

Summary:

That crown was Neil’s lifeline, he couldn’t just leave it sitting there…

The poets deal with Neil’s death a little differently.

(title from American Pie by Don Mclean)

Notes:

let me start by saying this was written very quickly with little editing on my part

let me add by saying this idea is one of the best i’ve had from my own brain in a while

and let me end by saying i’m sorry for what you’re about to go through

Chapter 1: The Jester

Summary:

Neil is dead. God what is he going to do

The Jester

 

Charlie couldn’t stand it.

He’d gone to the wake, held at the house as horrible as it was. He stood next to his parent’s solemnly, Meeks and Knox with theirs. They hadn’t even gotten Todd out of bed that morning to consider coming.

So Charlie wanders off.

He grabs some of the food from the platters scattered about, shoving his face in a likely disapproved manner but he didn’t care much.

He analyzed the pictures along the walls. Neil, maybe 12, in a professional head shot that made him look much too old, far too mature for a pre-teen.

His parents, their wedding day, a surprisingly solemn expression on both their faces as they look at each other.

He hadn’t spent much time in the Perry house, his own being grander and having more to do that was actually fun. His parents being much less watchful and strict.

He knew the layout, knew where Neil’s room was, so he ascends the stairs. He crept in, making sure of his discretion as he closed the door behind him.

It was always such a dull room, Neil always agreed; but what boy, what man, with a successful future would worry over the decor of his room?

Neil would.

He saw it immediately.

The crown, just as it was only a few days prior, sitting atop his dresser.

God he couldn’t leave it.

He grabbed it, rushing out of the room. buried beneath his thick coat and blazer, he approached his parents, signaling Meeks to be ready to leave.

“I think I’ll leave now, I’m tired and I’ll need to be rested for…”

He couldn’t say it.

His father shrugs, his mother kisses his cheek and pats his arm.

“Be careful dear. Don’t go alone.”

He nods and walks to the door, sliding his jacket on, his blazer becoming the only shield to his claim.

Meeks appears behind him, pulling on his own coat, Knox approaching with a concerned look, following the other two when they leave.

As they walk back Charlie pulls out the crown. Meeks gawks.

“Where’d you find that?”

“Neil’s room.”

“You shouldn’t have taken it.” Knox warns.

“The bastard didn’t deserve to have it.” He spits, taking care with his grasp on the frail thorns. “I can’t sneak it in his grave but I can hang it there after the funeral. In a week or two when his mother stops coming around.”

The other two don’t respond, only nodding.

~*~*~*~*~

He doesn’t speak during the funeral.

Not as they carry the casket. Not as the eulogy goes on, something boring and traditional that makes Charlie want to curse.

Nothing Neil would have wanted.

He’s almost sick when Neil’s father goes to speak. The rest of the poets look just as uneasy, all quiet in the back or with their parents.

Wary of pulling a Todd and dropping to the ground in illness, he leaves as quick as possible, ending up in the attic. The others would be there soon enough anyways, they knew the plan.

Sure enough Knox appears first, not speaking. Todd arrives next, looking like he’d not slept in days. He probably hadn’t. Pitts and Meeks join them, both just sitting against the window. He can hardly watch when Cameron appears.

When he watches Cameron hit the ground most of him wants his head to hit hardest, find one of the sharp corners of the furniture and ram into it, so they can leave him here to be just as cold and dead as Neil.

The rest of him wants Cameron to shove him back, leaving him with the fate he so wished for the traitor.

After Cameron leaves and they all walk away in silent defeat, he sprints to a bathroom, vomiting aggressively.

Todd is standing outside of the bathroom when he emerges.

“Stay in my room. I’ll.. I’ll go with Cameron. Sleep in my bed.”

The unsaid “Don’t touch Neil’s side” is obvious.

“It’ll be fine.” Charlie says, basically a whisper. “I’ll be out of here by dinner. I’m just going to go pack now.”

~*~*~*~*~

He marches out with his head held high. No one can see, it’s the afternoon, but everyone was either in classes or their dorm; Mr. Nolan hadn’t even bothered to punish him.

His mother sits in the car, waiting with something of a grimace across her lips. His things tossed in the back, he looks back to the lake.

It was beautiful.

As the car pulls away, he swears he can see a window filled with four faces, or maybe he’s just hoping they actually care.

~*~*~*~*~

The crown sits in a case, something he found in his parents’ closet, maybe made for shoes. It lets the branches stretch out and not bend, sitting delicately. He stares sometimes, he’s stopped daring to touch it, as if Neil will come back and haunt him.

“We’ll put you in school as soon as break is over. Balincrest is a fine school. You are just lucky it is only your junior year.” His mother says, making something resembling a casserole to bring to the Perry’s.

He won’t be attending with her. He nods, stealing bites of the potatoes she making.

“And god, would you please respond to one of those letters. There’s a stack nearly as tall as your grandma slowly filling the back entryway. If your father saw it.”

He wants to say, “Father wouldn’t do anything.” because he wouldn’t. Maybe toss it out of annoyance but not anger or true punishment.”

“I’ll get to it tonight.” He says, not looking up from where he’d been ripping at lettuce leaves meant for their lunch.

“Good. Go on and get out, I’ll call you down when the chicken is ready.” He nods, moving with little haste.

He goes to his music room, a spare bedroom likely meant for more children that never came. He sets down at the piano.

He could hardly play but Neil knew how to, his mother insisted, and Charlie knew the lower part of a duet, the name always escaping him when he tried to remember.

Neil could have told him.

He sighs, instead going through scales, the patterns etched in his brain, not knowing the notes but knowing the steps, the intervals between each note from anywhere on the piano.

If only Neil could have run away. Charlie would probably still be here, Cameron was always a pussy bitch. But then Charlie could go with him, or Todd or all of them. They could run off. Hell, take Meeks and Pitts, Knox if he ever realizes that Chris was really not going to stay with him. Just them. They could manage, he knew they would be able to survive. But instead, not for the first time, tears poured down his cheeks, fingers finding a melancholic melody of his own creation as he shakes through the tears.

His mother calls, probably not the first time.

He retreats, not quite making it to the stairs where she probably stands.

“I’m not hungry. I’ll eat later. Tell me when you leave.”

She makes a tutting sound, huffs and then her heels click as she walks away.

He sighs, going to his room this time instead. It’s probably three o’clock, not that he can be bothered to check his watch or look at the clock on his desk.

He flops on his bed, much larger and more comfortable than Welton’s cardboard and tissue paper bed set.

Neil always reminded him to bring a thick blanket, he never did.

He rolls over, reaching to the edge of his bed and grabbing the case from underneath.

His mother would leave in an hour or so. His dad would return late, maybe even after his mom, and wouldn’t acknowledge him either way.

It was December 22nd, a full week since he realized life was nothing but torture.

He grabbed the crown holding it in his hands, out and away from him like it could burn him if it got too close.

“Oh Neil.” He whispers. And then he feels a hand on his shoulder, hesitant and almost nonexistent, he drops the crown and zips his head around.

There’s no one there. He shakes his head, grabbing the crown, sitting up fully and going to put it in the case again.

“Charlie.” It’s like a whisper in his ear, or maybe a very distant shout. He puts the crown away, going to the opposite side of his bed and towards his closed door.

“Charlie! I’m leaving. Please eat something. And eat with your father when he comes home.”

He doesn’t respond, but when the front door closes he decides to risk the letters, it won’t make him feel quite so crazy.

His mom was hardly joking, the amount scary for the short time he’d been gone. He sorted, a surprisingly entertaining activity that avoid the inevitable opening of the letters.

Cameron had one. Charlie almost went to throw it away, but it was from the previous day.

Knox had sent like five, the first one looked as if it had been contemplated for a while before being sent.

Meeks and Pitts both sent nearly fifteen each, one of them together.

Todd sent thirty. Each one could only be holding a single sheet of paper, but they all seemed to have been thoughtfully placed together. He couldn’t open any of those.

He opened one of Knox, the envelope containing a single piece of paper.

Charlie,

Todd got expelled. We didn’t even realize he was that restless about it all. If he doesn’t tell you more about it, track him down, I think he’s just at home until after break like I know you will be. We know you’ll be fine, you’re Charlie. We’re afraid Todd might get a little too caught up, you know him. Afraid Todd might kil do something he shouldn’t.

Stay sane, Charlie. My mom sent a letter to yours earlier today, inviting you over for the New Years party they love, see you then.

Knox

(This is Meeks and I made him rewrite this twice as he can’t write to save his life. Just taking credit where it’s due)

Todd, expelled?

He digs through the letters from Todd.

Charlie,

Sorry I haven’t sent much, getting expelled really takes up your time. You haven’t responded to anyone, so I’m sure you understand. I don’t expect you to, but could you respond. I feel insane and no one seems to understand, I think you do. Not just being expelled, but also about Neil. I can hardly say his name, that’s not normal, is it? Anyway, I’m sorry.

Todd Anderson

He feels sick. He takes the two opened letters with him, the house almost pitch black with the winter day coming to a rapid close.

He reaches his bed again, letters grasped in his hand.

What a poor excuse. He was miserable, he wasn’t himself, and he wasn’t doing anything. Oh well.

He grabs the crown from where he’d left the case, walking to his mirror. He places it on his head.

He looks stupid. But who cares.

He goes back to his bed, falling asleep.

Notes:

NEXT CHAPTER OUT SATURDAY

Chapter 2: The King

Summary:

December 23rd doesn’t go as planned

Notes:

SURPRISE, it came early :)

lots of anderperry, probably angstier than necessary but oh well

The King

 

It’s like he’s been thrown into a cold bath.

A rush, harsh chills —he can’t breathe— then he’s fine, warm, nothing but a little shaken, and he can breathe fully. Or as well as one can when their face is shoved into a pillow.

“Fuck.” He mumbles, not bothering to open his eyes. Life can wait. But wait, he has eyes, he can breathe? He has life?.

He sits up quickly and all too quickly does his head rush and the thing on top of his head shift and it makes him dizzy. He grabs it, keeping it up right, eyes now open and taking in surroundings.

He’s at Charlie’s. Is this heaven?

He goes to run out the door, but he glances in the mirror, eyes wide. He looks back at himself. Shirtless, he even has the gun shot wound, it makes him sick.

How can he feel sick, he’s dead. He doesn’t have a body.

He looks down. He is wearing a sweater, is a couple inches closer the ground and he doesn’t have the same thin, lanky appearance.

He’s not in his body, he’s in Charlie’s. He’s still got the crown on and he only gets a far as loosening it from his tangled hair before it all starts fading. He shoves it back down, letting his hair tangle around the branches.

He’s connected to the crown. The thorny crown that tugs on hair and makes him ill looking at it. At least he can feel ill.

He turns back to the bed, two letters sitting on top of the ruffled sheets. Picking them up, he reads through them as quick as he can.

Charlie’s expelled.

Todd’s expelled.

He rushes out of the room, Charlie’s -his- parents making noise downstairs. He runs to the kitchen, watching as they eat.

“Charlie! I was starting to get worried. Will you join us?” Neil swallowed.

He’d met both of the Dalton’s before, perfectly nice and kind people. But he needed to be Charlie.

“Mom, I need to go out.” Sarah’s smile faltered.

“Why? We’ve got that dinner tonight, you know.”

He nods.

“Yeah, I remember” he smiles, putting on what he hopes is the Charlie charm. “I need to go see my friend. But he lives nearby and since I won’t be going back to Welton…”

His father shrugs.

“That sounds like a good idea. Maybe see if they would reconsider your expulsion. See if they seem relaxed.”

Neil doesn’t think Todd would know much about that.

“Oh yes, Charlie that sounds great. Now get that thing off your head and go see your friend. But be back by six!”

He nods, smiling and already moving when he yells back

“Thank you!” Perfectly Charlie.

He runs upstairs, leaving what is no doubted day old clothes on his body and pulling on a coat and shoes.

He’s out the door, yelling a goodbye like Charlie used to as kids, and he’s down the road quick.

~*~*~*~*~

It’s cold, snow still sticking to the ground, and he doesn’t know where the Anderson’s live exactly. Sure he knows the general direction, luckily closer to the Dalton’s than Neil’s but he is guessing as he makes a left.

Luck is on his side because as he makes what he thinks is the last turn, a car comes rolling down the street, pulling right into a driveway seamlessly and halting.

Jeffrey Anderson steps out of the passenger side, looking just as perfect and pristine as the day he graduated. Jeffrey pulls cases out of the trunk while the driver steps out.

The driver is Todd. Brilliant Todd. Beautiful Todd.

Neil has to keep himself from running.

Todd walks inside and Jeffrey follows, Neil walking nonchalantly towards the house. He reaches it, staring for a moment before starting up the driveway.

The car the two boys were in is the only one he can see, hopefully that means their parents are out.

He stops at the door.

Fuck what was he supposed to say.

He adjusts the crown, clearing his throat. He knocks on the door, holding his breath.

Jeffrey Anderson appears once more, large jacket now shedded and Harvard sweatshirt shining like a light, blazing with his success.

“Dalton?”

Right he was Charlie.

“Hi, Jeffrey. I’d like to see Todd.”

“You would?” Jeffrey says, apparently surprised. “Your lack of correspondence recently says already.”

He reeked with Harvard superiority. Neil scoffed, putting his best Charlie face on.

“Come on Anderson, Mr. Harvard. I just want to talk to him. I need to talk to him.”

“You could have written. Or called?” Dammit Charlie, stubborn bastard.

“I tried to call once, no one answered. Look it wasn’t a smart thing to do. Can I talk to your brother.”

Jeffrey seemed unconvinced, but a movement behind him reveal Todd turning a corner.

“Jeff what are you- Charlie?” Todd freezes.

Neil nearly jumps out of his body, almost literally as he nearly knocks the crown over.

“Todd, can we talk? Please.”

He probably sounds like he’s begging, borderline on his knees and pleading. He just needs me Todd to hear him.

“Let him in Jeff.”

“Toddy-“

Jeffrey is at least six feet tall and has good rowing arms, but Todd’s legs- Neil doesn’t need to go there. He could take Jeffrey, even if he didn’t think so.

“Mom and Dad are out. You can go call your girlfriend.”

Jeffrey gives Neil and once over before walking away.

Neil walks in, Todd not moving. He closes the door and turns back to Todd. He still hasn’t moved.

“Why are you wearing that? Where did you get it.” Todd’s voice lost its concern, basically spitting the words.

Neil didn’t know. Had his parents hid it away? Thrown it out? Why would Charlie have it.

“Todd, can we talk- I mean- privately.”

This was not Charlie-like at all. Maybe that was good. Maybe it would get Todd to believe he was serious.

Todd continued to stand stock still.

“Why haven’t you replied? Why did you let yourself get expelled? Why do you have the crown? Why are you here?” “Do you want me to leave?” He says, the words seeming to just spill out.

“Do you want me out?”

Todd scoffs.

“No, I want you in! Here. I want you to talk to me!”

It feels like deja vu in the most sickening manner. Charlie wouldn’t understand, and maybe Todd wouldn’t either, looking at the boy who definitely is not Neil.

“Charlie, I want you to do something. You’re just being here, you are just surviving. We’re worried about you.”

“Well I’m worried about you. You did something to expulsion.”

“At least it meant I stood up for what I believed. You fought for your own self interest.”

What had he fought for?

“Todd-“

“You’re not yourself Charlie.”

“Of course I’m not. Remember that blanket of cold truth, beat at it all you want Todd.”

“You asshole. Get out..” Todd moves, opening the door and stands waiting.

You can see the car in the drive. It’s not brand new, obviously used. But nothing that dear old Jeffrey Anderson would ever drive.

“Is that car yours?”

Todd stared at him, glancing at the car.

“Why does it matter?”

“Is that yours, or should I expect to see a desk set shaped gift under the tree?”

Todd’s face crumbled. He stood still once again, rumbling a hand down his face.

“You’re such a bitch. Such a fucking bastard. Why would Neil have even…”

It seems to click. Neil hopes it clicks.

“Neil.”

“Todd.”

“What’s going on?”

“I- I’m not sure. The crown. I’m in the crown.”

“You’re Neil Perry?”

“I’m pretty sure.”

“What happened to Charlie?”

“I’m too scared to find out. If the crown so much as wobbles I start losing control.”

Todd nods.

“This isn’t some prank?”

“I think that would be really cruel of Charlie.”

“I meant when I said he wasn’t being himself.”

“I don’t know anything except that since I’ve been gone, except you and him got expelled.”

“Keating was fired, that's how I got expelled.”

Neil froze.

“He- fired?”

“They blamed your death on him. He encouraged the activities unapproved by parents and drove you to an unstable state of mind that brought your suicide.” Todd’s closed the door.

“God Neil, why’d you do it?”

“I seized my chance. Seized the day. Or, I guess it was night, in this case. Carpe Noctem”

Todd looked at him, analyzing his face.

“I can tell it’s you. Even in his body. He’s never had better posture and his face has never seemed so empty.”

“Ouch.” he responds.

Todd grabs his arm and pulls him upstairs, down a hallway and into what must be his room.

Once they are in the room and the door closed, Todd speaks.

“Why are you here? Why me and not figure out a way to talk to Charlie?”

Neil laughs, not fully realizing it was a genuine question.

“Todd, it’s just you. You know that?”

It’s like August again, a blush hitting the boys cheeks and a complete loss for words.

“Neil- I. Can we say that?”

“I’m dead. Why not? Look, Todd. I’m not asking for anything, you have your entire life ahead of you and if admitting anything now can hurt you, don’t. I need you happy, not honest.”

Todd hugs Neil. It’s awkward, being in such a different body. It hasn’t got the same feel.

“Neil, don’t you know I’d only be happy if you were here.”

Neil sighs, hugging the blonde tighter.

“I need to resolve this. To get out. To leave, fully.”

Todd only nods.

They separate, Todd’s eyes are watering. Neil’s aren’t.

He lets the blonde compose himself, wiping a tear with his thumb and letting Todd lean into before backing away.

“So, is the car yours?”

Todd’s face takes a mischievous grin, something akin to that fateful night of the bridge.

“Not exactly.”

Notes:

looking at sunday/monday for next chapter, i had a slight change in the direction for this fic so maybe even a fourth chapter ;)

don’t hold me to this, it’s up to twitter.
i’m @poetic_raccoon u should go follow me :)

Chapter 3: The Queen

Summary:

They finally let Neil rest while they become very restless

Notes:

this leaped out of my arms and went a totally different direction, so there might be more to come i haven’t decided…

The Queen

 

While yes, the car wasn’t Todd’s, it would be by Christmas. And he’d had his license for almost a year, Jeffrey always letting him drive if it was just the two of them.

They arrived at the cemetery in silence. Neil seemed queasy. Todd just kept his eyes on the road. He pulled into a spot, turning the car off and keeping his gaze forward.

Neil was always so expressive, it carried even in Charlie’s face. The tight pull of his lips and the concentration in his forehead.

Todd took his hand, giving it a squeeze. Neil looked up from where he’d been staring at the dash. He gave him a weak smile.

“Did they say they were coming?” Neil asks, eyes shifting to the graves only a few feet from the car.

“Yeah. Had to drag Knox but they said they would be here soon. You know they don’t go home.” Todd says, feeling the slight calluses across Charlie’s hand. Neil’s hands didn’t have calluses.

“That’s good. I don’t want them left out. How much did you say?”

“I didn’t.”

Neil’s head whipped around, now fully looking at Todd.

“They don’t know?”

Todd shakes his head.

“Neil, how do you tell someone that their dead friend came back through his fake crown and is possessing his other friend.”

Neil keeps quiet.

“Plus I think you should take it off before they come. I think- I don’t know what l think.”

Neil shakes his head, putting his hand back on Todd’s.

“No, you’re right. It’s just scarier the second time. This is permanent. I’ve thought about it.”

Todd thinks of something snarky, something he’d say if it was Charlie. He doesn’t say it.

“It’s okay. Take your time.”

“Do it now. Don’t let me see.” Neil says, unbuckling and facing the window.

“What?” Todd says, pulling away.

“Just take it. I don’t want to watch my world fade away.”

Todd takes a deep breath, feels it catch in his throat.

“Neil- I. I love you.” Neil laughs.

“Oh Todd. I love you too. Isn’t that what’s horrible about it?”

Neil doesn’t let him even start reaching for the crown, pushing it backwards with his hand. Todd catches it before it hits the seat.

Charlie’s body goes limp, Todd directing him into the back of the seat. He waits, the brunette in front of him not moving for at least a minute before shifting, the tight posture and almost permanent frown of Neil Perry was gone.

“What the hell.” Charlie grumbles, taking in his surroundings. He looks at Todd. “Todderson?”

“Hi.”

It falls flat.

“Did you like, fuck, drug me or some shit. Is this for not responding, because you have some nerve-”

“It’s about Neil.”

Charlie slowly sits up, now looking out the windows of the car.

“Are we at the cemetery. Todderick this is creepy as hell, what’s going on?”

“This is going to sound crazy, but Neil was possessing you.”

Charlie just stared, jaw dropped.

“Todd, let’s go home, I- is that his crown? Fuck, you’ve gone crazy.”

“I swear I’m not crazy! Look, it sounds really weird but when you put on the crown Neil was in your body.”

“Prove it!”

“I promised I wouldn’t. I swore I wouldn’t let anyone else wear it.”

Charlie scoffed.

“Todd, I’d love to believe you, but currently I appear to have been kidnapped and forced to come to cemetery. The cards are not exactly stacking in your favor.”

“Okay, maybe it’s out there. But seriously. And if you believe me then just don’t bother me about it. Forget it and get ready to face the cold. The rest will be here soon. We’re putting the crown on the grave, like you wanted.”

Charlie watches him, probably looking for signs of insanity.

“You’re being serious?”

Todd nods.

“Well, I won’t argue with you Toddster. When will they be here?”

Todd is taken aback by his sudden acceptance. It’s a question for later as a car pulls up next to them.

He gets out in time to see Knox kiss Chris on the cheek, Ginny in the passenger seat.

Neil had always liked Ginny, talked about how talented she was and how, really, she was a really nice person. His jealousy at the time now sounding ridiculous, considering their recent conversations.

“I’ll get a ride back, have fun.”

Charlie gets out too, looking at Knox curiously as the car drives away.

“And where is everyone else? Meeks and Pitts don’t have cars.”

Knox visibly swallows and opens his mouth but once again a car pulls in, horribly familiar.

“Shit.” Todd mutters, eyes dancing between Charlie, who’s jaw has gone tense, and the car.

The car parks a couple spots from Todd’s, Meeks and Pitts both emerging from the back. Cameron gets out, looking as if he shouldn’t be. Todd realizes he doesn’t even really want any of them there, but that’s not fair.

“What’s he doing here?” Charlie spits.

Meeks speaks up first.

“Charlie, he was Neil’s friend too. He didn’t know!”

Todd just stands frozen, hoping that maybe they can survive this. He’s still got the crown in his hands. Hopefully Neil can’t see this too.

“I’m sorry, Charlie. I’m sorry I am a fink, and that I’m too much of a sissy to keep quiet. I’m sorry that you had to room with me for almost three years and I’m sorry that I was too stupid to see the truth. What happened with Neil was screwed up and Keating wasn’t to blame but I can’t take it back now. But I lost Neil too.” Cameron says, arms wrapping around himself in the cold.

Charlie didn’t say anything, face still tense and glaring daggers at the red head.

“Can we just do this? It’s sweet and all but I’m freezing.” Pitts says, bundled in multiple coats and huddling as close as he can to Meeks. Knox is inching closer to both of them, seemingly also searching for unfounded warmth.

“Yeah, we should do it. Come one.” Todd says, holding the crown.

He starts walking towards the graves, Charlie following. He doesn’t look back to confirm the others are behind him, but he does hear the shifting and crunch of snow, basically a thin layer of fragile ice. It goes silent as they go further in, quietly approaching the grave.

The snow around it is thinner, the burial being after most of the heavy snowfall. The headstone merely decoration as there is a plaque embedded into the ground in front of it having all the truly important information.

Neil Wilson Perry

b.1942 d.1959

Let Jesus forgive your sins and set you free

He wants to carve at it, etch something Neil would believe. Carpe Diem, suck the marrow out of life. Instead he holds up the crown. The scene is probably picturesque, the midday sun shining down on the circle of boys, thorny crown at the center of it all.

“Neil, you deserved better.” Todd says, tears falling without notice as he blinks up at the crown.

Charlie comes up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Todd offers the crown, Charlie taking it in hesitant hands.

“Neil, we’re with you. Rest easy.”

None of the others step forward, though the tears flow from most eyes. Charlie offers the crown back, Todd’s hands shaking. He kneels, placing the crown atop the plaque, it should be right by his head.

He’s still wearing the crown.

~*~*~*~*~

They end up back at the Anderson’s, Jeffrey sworn to stay in his room.

“So what now?” Knox says just audible enough for the room to hear. They all shrug, a tense and awkward air surrounding them.

“So where are the parents sending you now, Toddsicle?”

“Balincrest. My parents made Nolan mark it as a withdrawal, said they’d sue over Keating, said it was his fault. That’s bullshit, I was expelled. It’s just my record doesn’t say that.”

The entire group is looking at him in mild wonder.

“I don’t think you’ve ever said that much Todd.” Meeks says, smile taking over his face. The rest of the group follows, smiles stretching across their lips.

They don’t know who laughs first, all of the ending up hollering, clutching sides and Pitts falls off the chair he’s in, creating an ever louder roar of laughter.

“Jesus Toddles, who knew you were the comic?”

Todd only smiles. He glances at the clock. It’s nearly one o’clock. Odd how fast time can be. He barely got an hour with Neil.

“So what are the rest of you doing? Just roughing it out.” Charlie asks, gesturing to everyone but Cameron.

“Charlie, you know our parents. Especially Pitts’. They go nuts if we just got kicked out or asked to be taken out.” Meeks says.

“Eh, mine weren’t too bothered. I’m just going to Balincrest.” Charlie says, sending a wink towards Todd.

Cameron stands up, facing Charlie.

“I need to leave. Do any of you need a ride?”

They all shake their head, a silent agreement of solidarity.

“Fine. I’ll see you three after break. I hope to see you again Todd.” He only nods to Charlie, heading for the door.

Charlie apparently can’t handle this. Cameron is barely able to close the front door behind him before Charlie is racing out, grabbing his shoulder and forcing him around.

Todd stops at the edge of the front porch, the others gathering behind him.

“What’s your deal?”

“My deal.” Cameron almost yells. “My deal is that even expelled you haven’t seemed to have gotten it through your head that your actions have consequences. That affect others.”

“So you’re pissed off because I, what, get away with shit.” Charlie scoffs.

Cameron turns away, looking around like a maniac.

“In fewer words, I guess so. Don’t you understand? Don’t you get anything!?”

Cameron approaches Charlie again, punching his arm.

“That is for letting yourself get expelled.”

He reels back, Charlie in so much shock he isn’t able to dodge the hit to his nose.

“That is for making the past three years hell.”

Charlie brings a hand to his face, even at a decent distance blood noticeable on his finger tips.

Cameron grabs the front of Charlie’s sweater in fists, getting in his face.

“And this, you son of a bitch.”

He kisses Charlie. Fully, on the mouth, blood likely smeared into it. He pulls back, a frozen Charlie still in his hands. Cameron pants as he slowly backs up.

“Is for making sure I never have to worry about seeing you again.”

He turns to his car, the entire group silent as he gets in.

The moment seems frozen aside from the car as it pulls away, down the street. It makes a turn, the air slowly returning to Todd’s lungs.

“Charlie?”

Charlie smiles as he turns, Todd’s previous guess of smeared blood accurate. A red swipe across his upper lip.

“I’d hate me too. If I made me feel like that.”

Charlie sits down, softly plopping down into the snow, hands carding through the icy chunks.

A hand lands on Todd’s shoulder, making him jump. He glances quickly, catching a glimpse of Meeks.

“Todd take him home. We’ll walk.”

Todd would usually argue, he can’t just let his friend walk home. The health and safety of his currently bleeding friend somewhat overrides that.

“Okay, be safe. Please.” He says, eyes not moving from where Charlie smiles to himself in the snow.

They nod, collecting their coats and waving their goodbyes. Charlie waves back, smile persisting. Todd finally approaches him.

“Charlie, let’s get you home.”

Charlie lets him be guided to standing and over to Todd’s car.

“Todd, I think I love him. I think that if he told be any other way I’d have kissed him back.”

Todd smiled weakly, closing Charlie’s door and going to the other side.

“I know exactly how you feel.” He mutters, opening the door and climbing in.

Notes:

edit: there is def more to come, a whole 2 chapters with chameron. idek i was a chameron shipper/writer. turns out i am
anygays. next chapter out as soon as i finish tbh

Chapter 4: Mrs. American Pie

Summary:

The first Christmas without Neil Perry

Notes:

this is rlly short, sorry, but it’s mildly relevant to the rest of the plot. I think it fleshes it out.
Also i needed more time to finish the last chapter but i wanted you to have a christmas chapter <3

ENJOY!

Mrs. American Pie

 

Charlie Dalton wakes up the morning of Christmas hungover. 

Todd Anderson wakes up the morning of Christmas hungover.

They happen to be in the same bed, fully clothed down to shoes and practically on top of each other.

They exchange looks: Charlie's amusement and Todd’s lacking in care which results in them crashing back to the bed, waiting for someone to bother them.

Richard Cameron wakes up the morning of Christmas exhausted.

His younger sister bounds in with a gapped tooth grin, yelling for him to get downstairs.

He does, his father watching his sister sort through presents and his mother bringing in coffee. His stomach turns as he sits on the ground with his sister, accepting the gifts shoved his direction.

Knox Overstreet wakes up the morning of Christmas happily.

Like always the small bag of presents is placed outside his door, his roommate groaning behind him.

Knox decides to run to his friends rooms, banging on Meeks and Pitts’ door, and turning to knock of Neil’s. His fist doesn’t land, instead hovering over the dark stained wood.

Stephen Meeks wakes up the morning of Christmas mildly confused.

Gerard Pitts wakes up the morning of Christmas entirely confused.

Their door still echoes the previous banging, causing them to both scramble out of bed, quickly pulling on robes.

Meeks flings open the door and finds Knox standing in front of Neil and Todd’s old dorm. The door is closed and Knox’s fist hovers over it.

They both take a moment to understand the scene in front of them, sharing a glance. 

Pitts places a hand on Knox’s arm, pulling it away gently.

“He was always awake when I went to get him. He always matched my excitement.” Knox almost whispers.

All of the boys open their presents shamefully, feeling inadequate to receive anything.

At the bottom of each of their piles, no matter the size or expense, lies a handmade card. Slightly crumpled and carefully made, each one makes the it’s recipient’s heart drop.

They vary greatly person to person, not close to identical. But they all share the same common theme, signed by the ghost that continued to haunt them. 

Merry Christmas!

See you in the New Year

Neil Perry

“Who’s that from?” They all were eventually asked.

“You know.”

“Same as you.”

“Someone I miss.”

“A friend.”

“My best friend.”

“Neil.”

Gerard Pitts fell asleep the night of Christmas queasy, the rich meal sitting unwell.

Stephen Meeks didn’t fall asleep the night of Christmas, instead writing frantically until early the next day.

Knox Overstreet fell asleep the night of Christmas thinking of his date with Chris. planning out its specifics.

Richard Cameron fell asleep the night of Christmas with much difficulty, mostly attributed to his sister‘s insistence at playing her new radio.

Todd Anderson fell asleep the night of Christmas in his own bed, clutching the card to his chest.

Charlie Dalton fell asleep the night of Christmas the same way he had the night before: drinking wine from its bottle and smoking out his window.

Merry Christmas, Neil Perry

Notes:

it’s christmas! MERRY CHRYSLER

hope you enjoy

this will be finished before new years, pinky promise T-T

Chapter 5: The Courtroom

Summary:

The end, even if it really isn’t the end.

Notes:

so this is barely on time and by internet is wack so this might not upload till tomorrow so sorry T-T

FOR THE RECORD THIS WAS FINISHED ON TIME!!

this def needs to be edited, will get on that in 2025 :)

The Court

 

When they return from winter break, none of the remaining poets seem to know what to do.

Cameron refuses to speak to them, Knox spends every moment he can with Chris, Pitts and Meeks are just trying to not get caught.

In some crude twist of fate, their crises all hit at the same time, a week into the new semester.

“We need to get out.” Meeks says, the words spewing out as he runs into the study hall.

Cameron, having been sitting alone in a corner, looks at him confused.

“What?”

“We need out. You need to see Charlie. Knox needs to forget Chris, I can’t stand any of these teachers. It’s only junior year. We need to get out.”

Cameron keeps staring up at him, Pitts coming up behind him. 

“Way to warn me, Meeks. Jesus, where’d you learn to run like that.”

“Two sisters. Had to escape fast. You know this. Anyways, Cameron. What do you say?”

Cameron’s jaw has dropped along with the silent staring at the two boys in front of him.

“I don’t need to see Charlie.”

“Bullshit, Yes you do.” Pitts says.

“So what, it doesn’t matter to you guys?”

“You think we’d be asking you to leave Welton with us if it did? Cameron, you're our friend. We just want what’s best for you. And right now, I think that will be Charlie.”

“We, Meeks.”

”We, yes fine. Anyways. We think you need to come with us.”

“What are we doing?”

“Something only Charlie could ever approve of.” Meeks says, grinning wide. “We’re gonna get Nolan.”

Cameron looks around, though no one is paying their corner any attention. Better than before break, when all the attention was on them.

“Well sit down and start talking, before I change my mind.”

~*~*~*~*~

Cameron was the easy part. Convincing Knox that he and Chris were both a little bit crazy for each other in a not good way was harder. 

Getting Nolan was an entirely different task.

 Mostly because they didn’t actually know how to “get” Nolan.

Cameron only found this out the weekend before their plan was supposed to go into place.

“You don’t know what we’re actually going to do?!”

Meeks smacks his arm.

“Well everyone will know we’re doing something if you don’t quiet it down.”

Cameron scoffs and rubs his arm.

“It’s the middle of the woods at least a mile away from the school.”

Pitts rolled his eyes at the front of the group, Knox next to him still pouting.

They reach the cave, not having been there since before the play.

The god of the cave is still there. 

Meeks rushes over, turning it around so it faces away.

“It’s not a meeting. He shouldn’t attend.” He shrugs.

The rest nod but settle into spots, shivering slightly from the cold but pulling blankets from bags.

“To catch you up, Cameron, no. We don’t know exactly what we are going to do.” Meeks starts but never finishes.

“So I’m risking a permanent record marked over nothing right now.” Cameron remarks.

“We all are.” Pitts says.

“This isn’t a power in numbers thing. It never has been.” Cameron responds.

“Yeah you made sure of that, didn’t you.” Knox finally inputs, making him a part of the conversation.

They fall silent, Cameron’s mouth closing.

“Cameron, we want to get back to okay. Not normal. Not happy, but okay.” Meeks says, the undecided middle man of the argument.

“What if right now is fine?”

Pitts seems to be seething, but he doesn’t speak. 

“Is it?” Knox questions. “Is it fine, Cameron?”

The silence stretches, making the air heavy in their lungs.

After a moment Meeks breaks it again.

“So we need to do something. We followed Keating, he was blamed. We followed Todd, he was blamed. Obviously they just blame the starter, we can’t have a leader. Nolan won’t get all of us.” 

“He might, we’re already on some pretty thin ice.” Pitts interjects, shrugging. 

“Except me.” Cameron says. “I didn’t stand. I didn’t follow Todd. I would have a much bigger impact, don’t you think?”

They all look at each other, shrugging.

“Wow we’re really making a lot of progress on this guys.” Pitts says.

“It’s not my fault we’re left with  some of the quietest people in the group. We aren’t the leaders.” Meeks says. “It was always Neil or Charlie.”

“Or Todd apparently.” Knox mutters.

“Look, I'll do it. We do it together but say it crashes and burns, I’ll take it.” Cameron says. “Let’s figure out the plan.”

The other three nod and gather closer.

~*~*~*~*~

Todd had grown… closer Charlie in the past couple weeks.

They both knew the chance of escaping each other, wanting to or not, was impossible. The only two new kids at a private school was the literal recipe for ensuring close parameters. 

Todd was okay with being roomed with Charlie. They got along even if Charlie was hardly alive most days. He wasn’t a bad roommate, tidy enough though very likely not neat enough or Cameron, a subject he would never breach with Charlie.

He’d never really had friends in the first place, a few people from soccer who thought he had talent and other people who ask for notes. This left Charlie, in his brooding mood, to be his main interaction of the day.

“How was chem?”

“Horrid.” Charlie would mutter, staring into his math work as if it was an endless abyss.

“And that Latin teacher. I thought McCallister was bad.”

“Oh yeah, I’m so glad we’re here.” He would continue monotonously.

”Did you get a letter-“

“I think I’m going to shower before dinner.” Charlie would cut him off before he could reach the main issue.

He couldn’t let it go on.

He started plotting, writing letters and waiting, needing to surprise Charlie at the right time to get him out of his blank state. He had it planned and ready, just needing the time factor to hit right.

Someone beat him to it.

He is eating with Charlie one morning, nibbling on the oatmeal somehow better than Welton’s.

“Excuse me, Mr. Anderson?”

He turns to the head master, who is right behind him.

His jaw drops.

“Could you be of assistance to these young men? They are late starts as you have recent experience to this it would be useful. They have their schedules and room assignments. In fact, Mr. Dalton?”

Charlie looks up, having ignored then entire conversations for his plate of eggs, and eyes widening at the scene in front of him.

“Yes, Mr. Grubbler?”

“Could you help Mr. Anderson. Four is an awful lot for one man.”

“I- yes. I will help.”

“Good man. You too Mr. Anderson. Good to see your dedication to decency even with your differing entrance. You will have a five minute excuse period at the start of every period as will they. Anymore and there will be tardies.”

They both nod.

Grubbler gestures to the four in front of them and walks off, leaving them in a stunned silence.

“Surprise.” Meeks says. 

Todd swallows harshly. Charlie looks as if he’s seen a ghost.

“Yeah, uh, really big surprise.” Charlie mutters. He cleans up his stuff and grabs his bag. “Who’s coming with me.”

Cameron gets practically shoved forward by Pitts and Meeks, Knox following him.

“Todd, let’s go with you!” Pitts says, grabbing Todd’s sleeve and dragging him along.

Charlie looks at the two in front of him. Knox looks bored, Cameron stands with a tense jaw.

“Well let’s go then.”

He leads them to the dorms, a floor up and a hallway away.

“What are your room assignments?”

“223” 

“Same.”

“Oh goody. Roommates. Have fun.” Charlie says. “Cameron’s a tight ass, just a warning.”

Cameron scoffs.

“Oh Cammy, I’m just messing with you.” Turning to him as he gestured to the door. “Welcome to your new home.”

Knox uses his key to get it, but Cameron stays behind.

“Which one is yours?”

“221.”

“May I see. Gage the distance.”

Charlie nods, walking over and opening the door.

“My humble abode. Well, mine and Todd’s.”

“As expected.” Cameron says

“Yeah.” Charlie shrugs. “So how’d you swing getting here.”

“It’s neither here nor there. Not important.” Cameron says.

“And what would be important.” Charlie questions.

Cameron pulls Charlie into a kiss, fleeting and barely there.

“Oh, I’m not really sure. How long do you think we got?”

Charlie smiles, grabbing Cameron’s arm and pulling him into the room.

“At least five minutes, will that do?”

“I think we can make that work.” Cameron says, cupping Charlie’s cheeks and the brunette closes the door behind him.

~*~*~*~*~

“So how are we supposed have meetings up here?” Meeks says through chattering teeth, examining the rooftop.

“I don’t know. But this is the best spot. I went here as long as most of you were at Welton, I know almost all the spots, especially where people won’t be going.” Todd replies, rubbing his hands together. “It’s great when it’s warmer.”

“It better be before I murder Cameron to use his skin as a blanket.” Charlie says, already wrapped tightly around the ginger in question.

“Oh shut up.” Cameron says.

“We’ll make it work.” Pitts says. “It’s got more space and less spiders.”

“Who was worried about spiders?” Charlie says.

“Me, asshat.” Pitts says, picking up some snow and throwing it.

Charlie grabs some of his own, launching it towards Pitts and hitting Meeks and Knox on either side.

“Not my glasses.” Meeks says in a whisper, eyes gleaming but mouth spread in a grin. He picks up snow, packing it in his gloved hands. “You’re in for it Dalton.”

Todd steps back as the fight breaks out, the group tossing snow around on the wide roof, the moon overhead. He could probably find something poetic about it all, even if it wasn’t much than more life. 

When the inevitable snow to the face happens, he finds himself caught in the fight. Slinging snow at his friends, soaking themselves in the freezing powder.

Poetry doesn’t need to be written today anyways. It can wait. Life can’t. 

~*~*~*~*~

The courtroom was adjourned

No verdict was was returned

Notes:

thank u so much for reading, whatever this is.

i have a lot more dps ideas so if that’s you kinda thing, maybe look out for those…?

see ya, love ya, bye!