let's dance to joy division

Yeah, I'm positive. Jealous? I'm not--what? That's just a ridiculous accusation. Just because I... never won homecoming court in high school. Pft. Jealous. Yeah, right.

Obviously college is much more difficult than high school! Our high school counselor warned us about that during our senior year, remember? I really hope your study skills are much better than they were back in high school. You’d have me as a co-worker, though. That’d be fun, right? I mean, I know I’m probably not the most entertaining person, but I could still be fun to be around. Or, well, I hope I could be. [She sighs deeply, nodding understandingly as he speaks] I just wish I could help in some way, you know? It’s a good thing you two are keeping in contact, though. Good news? It’s great news, E! I’m so glad and so relieved to hear he’s doing better.

I mean, I knew it was going to be harder but not this hard. They did? I probably wasn't listening, playing Bubble Shooter or something. That was my game senior year. Got a score of one hundred and fifty thousand. If that's not winning then I don't know what is. I think the only fun part of working with you would be bothering you a shit ton. Yeah, I'd definitely throw paper balls at you from across the room. [He sighs and grabs either of her shoulders, gently shaking her as he speaks.] You don't always have to help, and in this case, there's nothing much you can do. Don't worry about it too much, okay? [He drops his hands, nodding.] Yeah, yeah. It is pretty great. It's kind of awkward talking to him, though. It's just generally an awkward relationship, you know? Like, I wanna be there for the guy but he wasn't really there for me or Mom when we needed it. It's conflicting.

I'm not getting old. Because you're not a queen, Ren, you're a diva. They're two different things. 

Barely passing your midterms? Ethan, you should’ve called or texted me if you needed help studying. You know I would’ve helped. Oh, if you’re looking for a job, I can speak to my boss on your behalf! I think he was talking about hiring more help, so I can look into that? [She pauses, her smile from earlier morphing into a subtle frown] I wish I had money to throw around so you could go see him. But, uh, you’ve kept in contact since then, right?

Trust me, I was surprised, too. It turns out that college is much more difficult than high school; you actually have to study, and I mean really study. Spenc, I'm not gonna be able to work in a bookstore. I'd die from boredom in a place like that. [He notices her change in expression, sighing and shaking his head.] Come on, don't say that. He lives in Florida and I live here and we see each other when we can. It works out... enough. Uh, yeah, we've been talking. He's actually been stable enough to leave the hospital so there's some good news. 

[scoffs] My sister would disagree. About the brother part.

Yeah, dude. When I told her about it she flipped. I was actually defending you saying that you were just "being a big brother" and she wouldn't take it. 

October is treating me very well so far - I’m passing all my mid-term exams with A’s, I received a raise at work, and I might get to go home for my birthday!

It's nice to know that you're doing well! I, on the other hand, am just barely passing my midterms, I still don't have a job and I haven't seen my mom since graduation and my sick dad since March. I'm obviously doing swell.

Right. You’ll have enough time to have it tailored and everything. Sounds like a get together to me, yeah. We should do it sometime this upcoming weekend when neither of us have to worry about school the next morning. 

Yeah, man, this weekend works for me. How about on, uh, Saturday?

Hey, dude, no. We're done with the nose-breaking talk. You were just being an older brother and I completely understand, alright? Besides, I still look good as hell with a broken nose so I'm not too worried.

Hey, man as long as she’s happy. [shrugs]

I'm with you on that one.

You have a while to browse. By occasion, I mean parties or other types of get togethers. Saying ‘occasion’ makes me sound like I have more control over myself, I think. But, yeah; I’d be down for that. Just name the time.

I'll need time to find the perfect fit, anyways, so it works out. Me and you chilling sounds like a get together to me, doesn't it? Ah, man, I don't know. I don't have a job right now so I'm pretty much available whenever I'm not in class. 

If Chris agrees, then you can definitely be one. I do like having a few drinks on occasion, yeah. I suppose you could say that. I’ve never really been much of a rebel or anything. 

I should go tux shopping as soon as possible, then. On occasion? Would you consider hanging out with me--your fellow bro--an occasion? Listen, I can just get a six pack or whatever and we can chill at that place that I mentioned before.

[smiles a tiny bit, before nodding] Whatever you say, dude.

But hey, thanks for the consent, man. Who knows? Things might rekindle someday.

I always knew I’d be queen some day.

Hold up, did you just say queen? They actually voted you as queen? That's bullshit. 

Gay marriage just became legal in Virginia, so I guess soon. We haven’t discussed a date yet. No, I’ve never smoked before and I don’t really plan on it. Is there anything else you fancy doing?

Sweet! I better be a groomsman. Any excuse to wear a tux and I'm down. Oh, alright, that's fine. Do you drink? You've always been kind of straightedge, huh? 

I’m saying…I…wouldn’t hate you forever if you dated my sister. I think you care about her a lot and you don’t wanna hurt her, so… [gives him a warning glance then] But if you do ever hurt her you won’t ever get the chance to date anyone else, understand?

[He holds his hands up defensively as Brandon glares at him.] Yeah, dude, I swear I won't. I promise. [Sighing, his hands push into his front pockets.] Besides, Spencer and I are just friends right now. There's nothing really going on between us at the moment. 

I hang around him too much. I’m glad, though. We’ve known each other for a while, but we’ve never really been friends, you know? 

You two are the real deal. When's the wedding, anyways? Yeah, I know. We should hang one day. You smoke? Because I know this really chill spot where we can go and take a couple GBs.