Disclaimer: All the characters in this fic belong to John Knowles with the exception of Finny’s girlfriend (whose name you’ll learn in the next chapter).

“A-ha-ha!” Finny cried as he bounced enthusiastically on his bed.

I was seated at my desk, hunched over the damp pages of my geoscience book, soaked by the warm summer rain.

“A rare day, this is,” Finny had said earlier, “We’ve had little rain this summer. Care for a little rinsing off, Gene?”

“We’ve already had a jump today,” I pointed out, referring to the tree. “Besides, I haven’t finished studying.” I avoided looking up at Phineas. It made him that much harder to refuse.

“What better way to learn…,” he said. I lifted my head up, and damn! I looked. His smile was crooked and his eyes gleamed. He glanced at the window, which appeared opaque from the pittering and pattering of rain, and continued, “Yes, what better way to learn than a lesson from Mother Nature herself!”

And before I could protest, he’d pulled the book out from under my nose and lifted it over his head triumphantly. While he flung open the door of our room, he began to make a funny yell – or yelping sound, not unlike a tribal chant. He exited, and I followed pursuit out the doors of Devon into the pouring rain, hot and large droplets falling like large grenades from the grey and moody clouds overhead.

But I didn’t watch the sky long, for I found myself looking at Finny again. The way I watched him, the way he always caught my attention, was like I was observing a fearless, carefree animal just before being left mercilessly in the wild, the unknown. I was always afraid of when that day might come, and how he might change, or if he’d change at all.

Finny was dancing about, circling a large oak tree on the perimeter of the quad, still chanting and shouting loudly.

“Oh, great Mother!” Finny cried as he danced, “Sing me your wisdom!”

By then, Finny’s clothes were drenched, as were mine, and his hair was plastered to his small forehead.

“Really, Fin, you think Mother Nature wants her holy testaments damaged like this?” I asked, referring to the book, which had to be ruined. I managed to crack a smile, watching Finny dance in such a sensual way towards me.

“You’re right,” he confessed, only to tackle me a moment later, our clothes not only wet, but muddy. “The greatest display of blasphemy.”

So, again, I was bent over my book, which had not suffered as greatly as I had feared, but the soggy pages and slightly smeared text made it difficult to distract myself. While the book was far from enthralling, it was a preferable alternative to listening to Finny talk about, well…her.

I found it difficult to believe that someone so blithe, especially at our age, could be tied down to anything, let alone a girl.

“Not tied down,” he’d assured me, “It’s not a punishment, just fun, pure fun!” he said, then laughed. Poking a finger at my chest, he said, “Now, stop procrastinating – it’s time for a round of blitzball!”

And much to my dismay, he seemed completely sincere, yet that was Finny. He was as transparent as glass in his feelings and thoughts because there was never anything to hide, or left unsaid. If it were anyone else, his honesty and happiness might have sickened me. But this was what I, like most others at Devon - and, apparently, her - treasured about Phineas.

His bouncing ceased temporarily as he laid his back on the bed, facing me. He wasn’t smiling, exactly, but Finny had a face that always seemed to be laughing at something, so it appeared he was. I continued to read momentarily, and then looked up to find Finny staring at me.

“I can’t wait for you to meet her, Gene,” he said, then sighed. “You’ll love her.”

While I was unconvinced, I nodded to let him know I was listening, though it was painful.

There was a sudden knock at the door. Phineas jumped up and began to bounce again. “Come in!” he called, but before he finished, the door was already open and there was Chet Douglass, leaning on the doorframe. He had a red sweater about his waist, and his oxford was unbuttoned just enough to see his collarbone. Chet looked at Finny, who was hopping about like a child, then settled his gaze upon me.

“Ever so studious, Forrester. What is it tonight?”

“Geoscience,” Phineas and I said together. Phineas continued, “Even though his final isn’t for days.”

Chet looked tired, his eyes slightly droopy, which would explain why he was so quiet. He was about to turn and leave, but he looked back at Phineas as if he remembered something, and said, “Big day tomorrow, Fin!” with a coy smile.

Finny talked and talked and I did my best to tune it out. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I should have been happy for him. Of course he would have a girlfriend; I don’t know why it shocked me so much. More than shock, though, I felt irritation.

“…you’ll love her,” Finny finished, repeating what he had said to me so confidently earlier.

Chet raised his brows. “Not too much, I hope,” he said with a smirk, and gave a lazy wave as he shut the door.

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. I began to contemplate what he said, but my thoughts were soon interrupted.

“Well, you heard the man,” said Finny, “big day tomorrow! I should sleep. Or do you want me to stay up? Do you want some company?”

“No,” I said too quickly, “no, I’m fine. Just get some sleep. I’ll be off to bed soon anyway.” Phineas gave me a doubtful look before resting his head on his pillow. “I’m fine,” I lied.

The first of many.

Mmm, yes, the first of many lies that Gene will be telling Finny. I am working on the second chapter, and while next chapter not so much, I promise there WILL be more GenexFinny love, once my plot moves along. I need to build up to it, and all. And there may even be some GenexBrinker love – didn’t see that coming! Hah. Don’t worry, this OC (Finny’s girlfriend) is not me living vicariously through my imaginary characters (although I do love Finny :D), but building up for the central conflict. I don’t want to give too much away! I hope there was no one totally OOC, that would make me cry. :(

I hope you enjoy it thus far, and I’d love some feedback, so feed me some reviews if you like. Thanks! :)