You're New, Right? (Matt)

[Ethan White]

Slight retcon to the week when the Waylans first moved. ;D

A slight groan escaped the boy’s mouth as he shifted the weight of the lasagna dish from one hand to press the doorbell of their new neighbor’s house. I shouldn’t be the one doing this, he thought, huffing as he retracted his hand and balanced the dish with his two hands now. Not that Ethan doesn’t want to meet the new people across the street – because he does (who knows they might have a daughter his age after all) – just that he feels that he shouldn’t be the one doing this, alone at least. He has that inner feeling that small children, like say Brea or even Chris, would be received warmly than a grown man like him. It just strikes him as odd really.

But no. His mom has to bake lasagna on the day Brea has soccer practice, Chris is out camping with friends and he’s stuck home playing video games. Damn.

He absentmindedly bit on his lip as he waited, grabbing his phone from his pocket to chat with some friends to pass the time away. So caught was he in teasing a friend about his car accident (Ramon was drunk and drove his car to a ditch the other night) that he didn’t see the door opening until it was too late.

“Oh hi!” he grinned, immediately putting his phone in his pocket, “I’m Ethan. Ethan White. I live right across the street.” He shifted a bit again (darn lasagna’s rather heavy) and offered his right hand for a handshake. “My mom insists on the whole welcoming gift thing. It’s lasagna, one of my mom’s specialties.”

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt was up in the tower shoving boxes around. Stupid tower. He of course was the one who had to move all of Dani's things from the bottom of the stairs to the top off the tower. He loved his sister dearly, but she had way too much stuff in his opinion. Though he could only blame himself for the fact that he was moving all these boxes up and down and up and down these stairs. He had foolishly just sat around in the living room and was watching Television when mom had stumbled upon him. He was promptly told what to do and sighing he did so.

Up again, this time with a box of clothes. Down again, then up again. Would there be no end?

Matt noticed someone walking up the driveway from the top of the tower. They appeared to be carrying some sort of dish and the person in questions was fumbling with his phone. Matt watched silently as he came up to the door. Matt made his way down the endless amount of stairs, since it took a while, and waited for the doorbell to ring.

His parent's however were not home and so any guests would have to deal with him. This made it a bit awkward seeing as Matt did not like talking in the first place. Sighing he slightly opened the door to the person who was standing there. Matt had to grin. He was fumbling with his phone and didn't notice him at first. Though whatever was in that dish must have been heavy.

Once he was noticed Matt smiled and looked at the other boy. He seemed slightly older, and slightly aggravated to be there. Just nodding at his introduction Matt smiled and opened the door wider. He looked as the boy, Ethan, motioned across the street towards his house. Giving a slight nod Matt noticed the person's out stretched hand and took it with his own. Ethan was obviously struggling with the pan so Matt looked over and motioned for him to give it to him. He didn't want it to be dropped or something. Motioning with one arm to come in Matt promptly walked into the house and went to the kitchen setting down the pan with a smile.

“Matthew Waylan.” Was all he gave in terms of introduction to the other boy. Matt knew he wasn't really being fair to the other person but, he just did not like to talk. Holding up a finger he went to the counter and tugged on a notepad and a pen to further explain to him.

Thank you for the Lasagna, unfortunately my parents are out at the moment so it is just me here. As stated my name is Matthew, but I normally go by Matt. We just moved here a little while ago, as you can obviously tell from the boxes and the oh yeah, boxes.

Grinning a bit the boy passed the note over and smiled as he motioned for Ethan to read it.

[Ethan White]

Ethan wouldn’t lie on the fact that he felt something weird about the boy when he greeted him at their doorstep. Not weird bad, just that there’s something odd about him. Off even, but not that bad. There’s just something in the way he smiled at him – that silent acknowledgement he gave – that sent shivers down the older boy’s spine.

Why, he doesn’t really know.

When the boy took the dish off his hands, Ethan was mentally readying himself to go. Despite the odd vibes he’s getting from the younger boy, it’s not him; he just didn’t expect to be welcomed. He still has other plans after all. (He just learned from Justin that there’d be a party later in Selena’s house. But before that, they’re planning on going bowling with Olive and a few of her friends). At the risk of sounding/looking a bit rude, the brunette promptly followed Matthew in.

If he thought the house was impressive imposing on the outside (Victorian-style and all, compared to their relatively modern house). He was no architect but despite the numerous boxes still unpacked, he couldn’t deny that it was one heck of a house. Amazing really. “Love the interior,” he muttered.

His trance, as it was, was broken when he heard a deep voice, so sudden and unexpected that he almost jumped off his place. “Matthew Waylan?” he repeated after, getting his hand back from the handshake.

Ethan followed Matthew to the kitchen and made himself comfortable without being told – a habit he clearly picked up from his older college friends. Happily enjoying himself on the counter and spinning a few times, he didn’t see the boy grab a notepad nor did he see him scribbling.

A look of confusion washed over his face when he saw the note however. Not because of the content and all that, but the whole note itself. “Why?” he said, looking at Matt as he crossed his eyebrows, “You’re not mute are you? I mean, I just heard you talk and you sound pretty normal to me.” Invasion of privacy, maybe. But the boy was just honestly baffled.

“Don’t worry dude, I’m no rapist or anything of the sort,” he added with a slightly nervous chuckle.

[Matthew Waylan]

If someone was to ask Matt his first impression of Ethan he would probably say a people person.He just seemed friendly and able to interact with society well. Matt on the other hand, just wasn't able to do that. After all he figured he should at least try. Matt could not understand how people could fit into society so easily. The fact hit him that he would be going to high school with literally no friends and no one who he knew. Sighing he watched as the boy shivered. Was he cold? Matt didn't understand in any sense as he welcomed him into his house.

Matt had lead the other boy into the house, not really caring if he was in there. It wasn't as if he was required to follow him in. In Matt's mind if he didn't want to be there he could leave at any second. To Matt he had already done what was required of him, even if he was not the one who was in his own house Matt knew it was not required of him to be there. He was a bit surprised when he did readily follow him in. This would only take a few minutes, Matt thought to himself. Then he is free to do as he pleases.

Matt only glanced back at him as he walked into his house. He smiled as the older boy complimented the interior, just nodding as he led the way, attempting to avoid boxes. They were scattered everywhere really an it was sort of annoying. With a frown he pushed the boxes out of the way and made a clear path. He would get to these ones after his neighbor left.

When Matt heard his name repeated he nodded. He watched as the boy just about jumped when he spoke. Sighing he walked more towards the kitchen his head drooped. This is why he didn't talk. It scared people. Made them jump. It was better if he didn't talk, people were less scared that way.

Matt had set the pan down on the counter and was looking around, slightly frowning as all of the boxes were still unpacked. He turned around to find Ethan spinning around Yes, his first thought was correct, Ethan was a people person. Smiling he made his way over to the counter and sat down on one of the stools set down so he could sit.

Matt watched silently as Ethan read the note confusion on his face. Matt sighed. He was going to have to semi explain to him wasn't he? It was even more apparent as he continued. Taking the notepad back Matt began to write out his answers tot he questions. He knew he wasn't being fair but he also knew he was more comfortable to answer his questions through writing then through actually voicing his words an opinions. Writing he continued his train of thought;

No I am not mute. I just prefer writing to talking. Its easier to go unnoticed when you don't talk. Plus, it adds to the whole, “I'm intimidating and scary, now leave me alone.”Attitude that people associate with me. Besides, When I talk people jump. Don't deny it, you did. It is easier not to talk. Less people are let down that way.

Passing the pad over with a slight smile at his comment he shook his head and sighed. Most people didn't understand. It was easier that way. He would do the same as always and if that made the other boy uncomfortable then he couldn't help it. He was trying to be social here. Don't blame him if it backfires horribly.

[Ethan White]

And so his attempt at small talk was shot down. Great. Ethan doesn’t do well with awkward silences (who does anyway?) and already he was second-guessing his decision to go in and try to know the boy better. He just seems…cold. Aloof. Perfectly contented in his own little bubble. And if Ethan was any shorter, intimidating.

Yes, yes, he knows it’s unfair to judge someone based on the few minutes (seconds even) that he spent with them, but it’s not like Matt’s done anything to persuade him otherwise. The silence and the note isn’t really helping his case either.

“Dude, if you want me to go, I’m totally cool with it,” he said, trying not to sound hurt, “I mean, we all have stuff to do right? Don’t worry, I won’t take it against you.” He already did, in some way, but hey, Matt doesn’t have to know that, doesn’t he? “It’s fine. You can just send over the dish to my house anytime. There’s bound to be someone there anyway. I’m there until the end of August.”

He was just about to stand up and all set to go when the next note came. Out of respect, he grabbed it and read. And boy did he feel sorry for all the things he had said (and thought).

Instead of walking out the door, he went the other way, walking to Matt and shaking his head. “Unnoticed? Why?” It’s like he has some sort of self-esteem issue or something. “Ok, I give. I did think you were scary and intimidating. But hey, aren’t you supposed to prove people wrong?” He gave the boy a light punch on the arm, laughing to himself as he felt that the whole meeting’s turning into some sort of therapy session. Not exactly how he’d planned it to be. “And fine. Sorry I jumped. It’s just that I was caught unaware. And you’ve got to admit, that voice of yours is pretty deep.” He added a chuckle at the end, just for good measure.

And with that he jumped on top of the counter, grabbing Matt’s notepad and throwing it halfway across the room. “Normally I would go out now and just leave you be, but I’ve got nothing to do back home so I might as well annoy the snot out of you.” He grinned, bending down just a bit to meet Matt’s gaze (he’s relatively taller than him now, thanks to the counter). “So, let’s start over. I’m Ethan. Ethan White. I’m nineteen so I’m older than you (which means you have to follow what I say). I just graduated from PR High and am currently in UVM. Your turn.”

“I have two younger siblings, both of which are a whole lot more annoying that you’d ever be. I can do this all day.” Or at least his (Matt’s) parents come home and shoo him out anyway.

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt himself was not good at awkward silences, though he has not considered this one yet. All he has done has led Ethan into his house and into the kitchen. If he felt anything about the other boy it was that he was friendly. He didn't understand much about the other boy except that he was a neighbor, was a people person, and was friendly. Matt was Matt he couldn't help who he was. He just was.

Matt knew not to judge people from outward appearances, but he also knew that those outward appearances were most often the ones that mattered the most in the society he lived in. After all your first impression of people only took seven seconds correct? Well Matt knew first impressions were important but he also know that he was the one who was the person in question.

Matt looked up at the other boy as he started talking again. It almost sounded as if he was hurt that Matt was not talking to him. Sighing he was about to just let the boy do as he pleased and leave. He was also about to take the note back before the boy could read it. The last thing Matt wanted was pity. Before he could however, the notepad was taken from him and was being read. Keeping his eyes down cast he slowly made his way to the fridge and got too waters, one for each of them. Was he really that revolting to be around? Matt just looked down as he set the water bottle on the counter for his guest.

Matt sat back down on the stool and waited for the other male to leave once he had read the note. After all he had other things to do in his life and couldn't be bothered. That is what he had meant when he was talking correct? Matt just sighed and played with the pen in his hands, refusing to look at him.

Matt was surprised when the older boy, instead of walking away like it was playing through in his head, started walking towards him. He totally was not expecting that and the words that came out f Ethan's mouth were even more unexpected. Matt wanted to write out a reply but the boy still had his notebook, no matter, there was another one in the drawer. Going to get that Matt smiled slightly. Listening to the other boy Matt was cautious as he wrote,

Being unnoticed is better. Have you ever tried to just stand in a crowded room silent? You hear so much. Try it once. You'll see. And told you. People assume I'm big and scary and intimidating because of my height and my silence. It wouldn't matter if I tried to prove them wrong. They would still be set in their ways. Even if they did hear my voice, especially if they hear my voice. As you have stated it is pretty deep. It is better to not talk. That way people wont notice I resemble Frankenstein.

Matt already had his reply all the way written out when Ethan jumped onto the counter and ripped the notepad out of his hands. At the moment he thought he was going to read it, then of course he threw it halfway across the room. Blatantly staring Matt looked over at the other boy, what? Why? Looking down Matt tried to stop the confusion from showing on his face. He looked at Ethan as he looked at him. It was clear his whole, somewhat cheery attitude was long gone. Now he just looked like a sad puppy who had lost his favorite bone.

Just looking at him he stared. He had already done this why did he have to do it again? He just looked down at the water bottle as Ethan continued to talk. Could he really do this all day? Matt was sure that he would get tired of it soon enough.Looking around Matt noticed his soccer ball sitting only a few feet away. Might as well keep himself entertained if he was going to be shot questions. Not looking at Ethan Matt started to hit the ball back and forth between his feet, It was an excellent distraction.

[Ethan White]

Maybe he can’t do this all day after all.

Ethan was rather thankful for the water bottle Matt presented him a while back, as he’d definitely need the cold liquid to calm himself down. Taking a deep breath in, he happily seized the bottle in his hand and twisted the cap, inwardly telling himself to calm down and not lose his cool. Why was he so agitated anyway? The boy was rather stubborn yes, but he’s just a neighbor. This was so out of character for him. Ethan had far more interesting things to bother himself with. The party later that night, for one. Or the road trip his friends have invited him for next week. If anything, watching reruns of Battlestar Galactica or How I Met Your Mother is a whole lot fulfilling than this. So why is he still seated on the counter, frowning so hard as he tries to think of a way to get that boy more interested in what he has to say than that damn soccer ball?

Maybe it’s the guilt.

He did think badly of the boy at first and he (amazingly) picked up on it. If he didn’t know that Hammel still had classes on, he’d think the boy was telepathic. Now he has that drive to prove to himself that he isn’t really much of a bully as the guy had implied. (Or at least the bully he has labeled himself anyway).

“Look,” he said, exhaling deeply as he put the half-empty water bottle to his side, “If this is going to work, you have to focus on me, not on your ball Matt.” With his feet barely touching the ground while seated on the counter, he promptly jumped down, grabbed the ball with his hands and sat back down again. He happily spun the ball on his index finger as he looked back at the boy with a smug grin. “You’re impossible you know that,” said the boy with a chuckle, shaking his head in a mix of delight and irritation.

It took him half a minute before he went on and sighed.

“Ha. I don’t know what to do with you,” he laughed, returning the ball to the boy as he got down and walked halfway across the room to grab the discarded notepads. “When you’ve decided that you do want to talk and probably hang out, tell me. Just ring the doorbell, I’m probably there the whole day.”

Before he went out the door, he gave Matt’s hair a good ruffle and grinned. “At least Mom won’t scold me for not socializing. You don’t have to clean the dish when you’re through. See you around Mr. Notepad!”

ooc:
So I was thinking...we head on to wrap this one? =P. We can always continue if you like and all that. ^__^.

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt himself was just as awkward at the silence as Ethan was at this point. He didn't understand why he had to socialize. He had already written all of this down. Why did he have to do it again? Matt silently sipped at the water bottle that he had gotten for himself contemplating the others words. Matt was many things, but almost most of all he didn't understand the psyche of “normal” people. Matt just was not one himself. He knew that. Everyone else knew that. So why didn't the neighbor get it. After all he was still sulking after having his notebooks thrown halfway across the room. In all honesty he wanted to go get them and just sort of dust them off and continue to write in them. Though he supposed that would only aggravate his neighbor more.

Matt was not trying to do that intentionally.

Matt knew when people were uncomfortable around him. It was just something that he had picked up. If people were uncomfortable with him Matt could only avoid those people. He did not mean to make the people around him uncomfortable,so all he could do was avoid those that he did. He felt it was only fair. Matt would avoid Ethan in the future. Especially if he was uncomfortable with him. All in all it just made Matt play with the soccer ball at his feet more.

Matt looked up at the other boy, as he was still on the counter sitting there, as he continued to speak again. Again the other boy surprised him when he jumped down and grabbed the soccer ball that was resting at his feet. Sighing he watched as the older boy jumped back up on the counter and began to spin the soccer ball on his finger in front of him. Meh, let him be. Ethan wouldn't steal his soccer ball and there was not threat of it being thrown across the room. When he was told he was impossible Matt just smiled and gave a little bow. No harm in being a bit sarcastic if his ball was still stolen.

Matt watched as the other boy got down and returned the ball to him. He then proceeded to walk over towards the notebooks and pick them up to return to Matt. Honestly Matt was surprised. At the comment about not knowing what to do with him he just sighed frowning. What was he? A dog? A toy? He shouldn't have to be a “what should I have to do with you” person. Matt just laughed it off when he was told that when he felt like talking and hanging out perse Ehan's door would be open. Matt rolled his eyes. He wouldn't be talking anytime soon. If Ethan thought he might he was wrong. Talking didn't suit him. He knew that.

Matt just looked, well down, at Ethan as he ruffled his hair. He shook his head laughing slightly as Ethan told him now he wouldn't be Getting in trouble with his mother. He would clean the dish when they were done with it anyway. It was rude not to. Matt watched as the older boy walked out the door. That was... interesting to say the least. Matt sighed and set the ball and the notepads down to finish hauling boxes up and down the stairs for Dani. His parents would be home soon ad they expected it done. Done it would be.

OOC: finished~