"I'm not a nerd, babe. Maybe next year. This time I'll just be the eye candy on your arm."

"You're more of a nerd than I am. I've seen your bookshelf."

"It's all for show. I'm illiterate."

"You don't have to pretend to be dumb, you know. You're allowed to win. No one would even envy you, they're too busy loving you."

He sighs, pulling back slightly.

"Do you think popularity happens by accident? I built my life the way I like it. It's not the easiest edifice to hold up, but it's worth it to me. I like to be liked. Is that a crime?"

It's unstated, but Matt can hear the 'It's never bothered you before.'

"Sorry."

Danny goes in for a hug, somewhat pensively.

"Tweedledum, Tweedledee, focus on what's really important. My homework won't do itself."

"Fuck off," he says, as he slowly disentangles himself and goes to help.

It's going well.

That's what he reminds himself, as his anger flares, watching Danny fawn over Jackson. It's an unhealthy dynamic; the besotted gay guy insisting he's no such thing, while his straight best friend engages in the kind of homoerotic horseplay that every high school athlete is prone to.

It's not Matt's business. Everything he wants, he has. Or at least, he's on the right track.

He's found one of them. He's a mechanic, at a local shop. Owns it, apparently. Very good reviews.

Matt has the inklings of a plan.