Au: College AU

Word Count: ~2.1k

This is a draft from months ago that I finally finished. If I flesh the story out more I may end up moving it to my future Short Stories book. 

Doc crossed his arms as Ren knocked on the door. The last thing he wanted to spend his Friday night doing was going to some frat party.

"Seriously, Doc. These are cool people! You'll have fun!" Ren insisted. Doc just rolled his eyes before the door opened.

"Ay, welcome!" Tango greeted. "C'mon in! Our lovely host is around here somewhere."

-

The plan was to stick with Ren. Follow his friend around until he gets drunk or something and then drive him back to the dorms. But the moment a girl from a few of their classes poked her head around the corner, it was like Doc wasn't even there.

"Hey, Stress!" Ren grinned, pushing himself off the wall.

"I was looking for you! I'm teaching Joe, Impulse, and Scar how to make flower crowns if you want to join!" She offered.

The hybrid suppressed a scoff as he watched his friend blush. "I'd love to!" He agreed, following her down the hall.

Doc considered following, but ultimately decided he wasn't a flower crown kind of guy. He just hung out leaning against the hallway wall and pretended to be busy on his phone. Who knew if you got bored enough, the random news articles could provide some form of entertainment?

-

Besides the fact he was ignored and ditched by his friend, thoughts were drowning in the loud, obnoxious music and he was growing hungry, it wasn't that bad. It was nice being by himself. Not great, but nice.

It was nice, at least, until someone finally acknowledged his presence.

"Woah, Doc? I thought you weren't a party person!" A familiar short brunette had appeared and was - for some reason - giving a bright smile.

"I'm not," he stated, standing up straight. For the life of him, he couldn't put a name to this guy's face. But asking would make things far too awkward.

"Wait, let me guess- Ren dragged you here, right? He said he was going to," the male recalled. "Are ya havin' fun?"

"I wouldn't say fun," he began. A part of him wanted to just word vomit his complaints, but he hardly knew the dude. However, his face sent a message encouraging him to continue. "It's just, I hate big crowds, and not only is the music annoying but I'd rather not literally feel it in my chest. Plus I don't know if you've had the food but it looks like cheap shit."

He just continued to go on and on, unable to stop himself. And yet no matter how much he complained, the freckled brunette seemed willing to listen. He never said anything, just watched him intently and nodded occasionally. Doc had to admit- it was much nicer than just standing there by himself.

"Okay, I'll stop now," he laughed, realizing he was talking for far too long. "What about you? Got anything to complain about?"

The sweet smile on his face became a sly grin. "Not much, honestly. Just that there's this one guy who has done nothing but talk shit about a party I'm throwing when he didn't even have to come in the first place or stay! He was welcome to leave whenever."

His stomach dropped and his eyes widened at the realization. If only he had an invisibility potion on him.

"I- what?" he let out a breathy laugh of disbelief.

"Sorry, did I forget to introduce myself? My name's-"

"Oh, here's Bdubs and Doc! Just the dudes we were looking for!" A very cheerful Ren popped up, a newly acquired flower crown of red and pink roses on his head. Stress was with him, wearing a crown of pink, white and yellow daisies. They each held a flower crown in their hands and wide smiles on their faces.

Bdubs, that's his name. It clicked in his head as he did indeed remember Ren mentioning something about a Bdubs hosting the party.

Ren placed the crown of blue and white roses on Doc's head while Stress helped Bdubs with a crown of red and orange poppies.

"Thank you for helping me with getting all these flowers, Bdubs!" Stress said, stepping back to admire her work.

"Of course! I'm sorry again for getting fake flowers. It was the cheaper option but I should've asked first," he apologized. Any negativity that was burning in his eyes towards Doc had disappeared when he looked at her.

"Don't worry about it! Besides, they'll last forever this way!"

The hybrid just awkwardly stood there, a feeling of guilt devouring his insides. If he had known the person he was talking to was the damn host he would've shut up far faster. But that's why he didn't say anything, obviously, he pointed out to himself.

Before he could say anything, Ren and Stress had disappeared, leaving the two alone again. Feeling obligated, Doc glanced over at Bdubs. "Listen, I'm really s-"

"Oh save it," Bdubs rolled his eyes. "Like I said, no one is forcing you to stay. Just go home if you hate it here that much. Now, I need to get a drink after listening to you talk for 25 minutes." The shorter man started to walk away, and Doc figured he'd do the same. A thought crossed his mind and he didn't even think before saying it.

"Are you even old enough?" Doc scoffed, taking off his flower crown.

"It's like you want me to just kick you out!" he said with a fake, cheerful grin.

At the end of the hall by the living room was a small mini-fridge. The host pulled a can out and cracked it open.

"Seriously, you can leave," Bdubs pointed out before taking a sip.

Doc leaned against the wall. "Actually, I'm Ren's designated driver for the night," he explained. "Believe me if I had the choice I would've left an hour ago. Frat parties are a waste of my time."

"Are you trying to pick a fight with me, beanstalk?" the tan male snapped. With the same hand that was holding the can, he pressed an accusing finger against Doc's chest. Raising an eyebrow, the dark brunette leaned down.

"Oh don't worry, I pick fights with people my own size," he assured him, the guilty feeling long gone.

The sound of 'oohs' echoing through the house reminded Doc that there were indeed other people at this party. Bdubs placed the can down on top of the small fridge and took a deep breath. He was ready for him to yell at him or something, but what he wasn't expecting was for him to twist his arm and push him to the ground. His arm was bent and pressed against his back, Bdubs' knee below.

The other college kids cheered and laughed, the embarrassment rising into his face. The shorter leaned down so he could whisper to him.

"Do you lose those too?" Doc could hear the smile in his voice as each breath bounced against his ear. He pursed his lips as he frowned, and continued to blame the heat in his face on embarrassment.

"This felt a little unfairly matched," he overheard someone point out. "Bdubs takes martial arts lessons and Doc just... studies all the time." He felt even more embarrassed and frustrated. Truth be told he did work out, but apparently not enough.

"Get off me," Doc grumbled.

"I'll do you a favor and kick you out, alright? So don't come back. But that's what you wanted, isn't it?" Bdubs continued to whisper. His words were dripping with sarcasm, egging Doc to try to push him off and sock him. Alas, he knew better and just compiled as the male let go of his arm and stood up.

Doc slowly stood up, feeling much more self-conscious now that everyone was watching him. This sucks.

As Bdubs picked up his beer can he gestured towards the door. "I'm serious, get out."

More 'oohs' drift around.

"Did Bdubs just kick someone out?" Someone whispered.

"But he never does that!" Another person.

"He lets Hels stay! No one does that!" More people.

"I am right here, Beef." More.

"Who knew Doc would be kicked out of something?" Too many.

"Why're you surprised? He's not exactly the most social type." Too many voices.

Digging his nails into his shirt sleeve, Doc's heart began to race as he tried not to run out the door. He didn't realize until he was outside that Bdubs had followed him. 

With Doc at the bottom of the steps, he glanced over his shoulder at the guy who just kicked him out. The glint of annoyance and pride slipped from his green and brown eyes. He made his way down the stairs until he was close enough to Doc but still stood a little closer in height.

"Hey, it's okay, take a deep breath," he calmly instructed, concern and care filling his voice. Glancing down, the hybrid realized his hands were shaking.

"S-Sorry, I know people talk about me but I'm not used to hearing so much of it at once," he mumbled. Although Bdubs laughed a little, it didn't quite feel like he was mocking him.

"How about next time you want to argue with me don't do it in public." The way this guy was able to switch up his demeanor so quickly it baffled Doc. He felt like he was experiencing whiplash.

After a few deep breaths, he felt mostly better. "Now seriously; go home dude. I'll let Ren know you left if he hasn't heard already." Doc opened his mouth to say something else but changed his mind. It shouldn't matter to him, it's not like he'll ever speak with Bdubs again anyways. He never talked to him in class before so what's the chance that'll change? "Oh, and here. You left this behind." Bdubs held up his flower crown and placed it on his head.

Unsure how to react, he just nodded and walked back to his car, ignoring all strange feelings.

-

A week had passed, and now instead of just not talking to Bdubs, the short brunette noticed Doc was actively avoiding him. And it wasn't until a party held by Grian that he'd be able to finally speak with him.

After spending an hour just messing around with some friends, Bdubs needed a breather and stepped into a random room to catch a break and be alone with his thoughts.

Well, so much for that, as he found Doc sitting against the side of the bed, hugging his knees. Carefully, Bdubs walked over and sat down next to him. The hybrid slowly looked over at him and jumped.

"Ren drag you to this one too?" He asked, taking a sip of the beer in his hand.

Doc laughed a little and pushed his hair back as he looked down at his feet. "Ironically, it was because he wanted me to talk to you. He said I should apologize or whatever."

Bdubs raised an eyebrow and placed the bottle down in front of himself. "And?"

Sighing, the hybrid turned to face him, a serious expression on his face. "I'm sorry for being a shitty person last week at your party."

A soft grin formed on his face and he leaned back against the bed. "Thanks. And I'm not one to hold grudges, so I forgive you."

Leaning his head down again, Doc let out a heavy sigh. "I need fresh air," he muttered. Bdubs thought for a moment before standing up. He held out his hand as the darker brunette looked up at him.

"Then let's go for a walk." The taller one hesitated before taking his hand and letting him pull him to his feet. He let go of his hand as the two left the room and made their way outside, his drink long forgotten.

Bdubs took a moment to gaze at the millions of stars above him. He smiled to himself before beginning to walk alongside the hybrid. "If you really hate parties all that much, just tell Ren no, y'know?" He pointed out.

"I-I'm aware of that, and I have in the past, but one time, he got stupid drunk and no one brought him back to our dorm so- I guess I've been a little nervous ever since. Granted it hasn't happened again but still," Doc quietly explained, staring off at the ground ahead of them.

"That's honestly really sweet!" He gave him a reassuring smile, but it was unfortunately followed by the growling of his stomach.

Rolling his eyes, the hybrid slightly smiled. "Hey um, I know this really good pasta place. My treat?"

His smile grew when he noticed he had slightly extended his hand, offering him to take it. "Free food? Of course!" Bdubs took his hand and let his classmate lead him to the restaurant.

Maybe there was hope for them to get along after all.