The cafeteria was loud. People jostled around, plonking themselves down at various tables. Only one was free, right at the from of the room. Peter sat himself down, pulling out his book and his lunch. He was so engrossed that he didn't realise that someone standing on the other side of the table.

"Hey."

Peter jumped again, slamming his book shut. It was the girl from earlier that day. She winced apologetically and pointed st the seat in front of him. "Sorry. Again. Can I join you? If that's okay?"

"Oh! Yeah, no, that's fine, go ahead."

She grinned and sat down, pulling out her own book and food. "I'm Bethany, but you can call me Beth. Sorry if I'm really awkward, human interaction isn't my strong suite."

Peter gave a small laugh. "Same here. In Peter, by the way."

"Nice name."

"Thanks." Now that she wasn't moving, Peter had the chance to take a look at her. Chestnut curls bounced around her glasses, just reaching past her shoulders. Her hazel eyes twinkled warmly, complimenting her slightly tanned skin and freckles. She was lean, with long limbs that didn't quite seem to know where to put themselves and she started drumming her fingers on the table, showing her short nails.

"Sooo..." she started, trying to break the silence. She scratched behind one of her ears and a high-ptched whistling sound happened, causing her to stop.

"Sooooo..." Peter echoed, so trying to break the silence. Beth snorted slightly, reaching for her apple.

"Never put two introverts together in a noisy room," she said simply, biting into the fruit.

Peter raised his eyebrows. "Are you supposed to eat apples with braces?"

She paused, staring at the food in her hand. "No. But I do it anyway. I don't really care that much since an orange broke a bracket off, so."

Peter chuckled, reaching for his own food. "So, how long have you been here for?"

Beth shrugged. "I started at the beginning of the school year, so I kinda get the whole 'I just moved schools' vibe." She took another bite, chewing. "What brings you here?"

Peter swallowed his sandwich. "I moved here from Queens. I'm staying with a family friend."

"Ah. Which school?"

"Midtown Science and Tech."

"Oh!" She fanned her hands a little, bouncing slightly. "You beat us in the decathlon thingy!"

Peter gave her a cheesy grin. "Yeah, everyone says that. Also how can I sign up for the team?"

"Mm." Beth put her carrot stick down, looking around the room. She pointed to a boy with dark hair and almond eyes. "That's Nick, he's the capatin and I'm sure he'll give you a spot."

"Cool."

They chatted for a little while, laughing at their little dorky ways. Peter learnt that Beth was a serious writer and musician, engrossing almost all her time in music. She learnt in turn that Peter was a hardcore science geek and absolutely loved engineering. And Star Wars.

"Star Wars, huh?" Beth said, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Yeah. It's so good! My favourite movie has to be-" he cut off, blinking. "You have..."

Her eyes widened and she blushed, pushing her hair back down. "Yeah... I have hearing aids."

"No waaaay. That's so cool!"

She looked up, startled. "You think so?"

Peter nodded. "And you do music too? That's just out of this world."

Beth gave him a sheepish smile. "Thanks. I try. I've had these since I was 8 weeks old, so I do talk a little funny sometimes. Not everyone thinks it's as cool as you do, though."

He raised an eyebrow. "Bullies?"

She nodded slowly. "Not just that though. I've got a reputation for good grades. It sucks."

Peter slammed his hands on the table, nearly singing. "Someone else who gets it!"

"Wait it's happened to you too?"

"All. The. Dang. Time! I got picked on so much at my old school. It was horrible," he ended dramatically, lying down on the bench. Beth laughed.

"Something tells me I'm not going to he getting top marks anymore."

Peter sat up, suddenly sheepish. "Sorry."

"Nah, it's fine. Just as long as I get a B, I'm happy."

They laughed, continuing to finish their food. It was all fun and games until someone walked up.

"Well look who it is, a new kid."

Peter looked up. Standing above them was a boy, over 6 feet tall and bulky. Blonde hair, brown eyes and a wicked grin, his tie slung around his neck, not even knotted. The kid gave Peter serious Flash vibes.

"Hey, I'm Peter Parker," he said, holding out his hand with a smile. Better to be courteous than to be hostile when it came to first impressions.

The boy blinked, confused, but shook Peter's hand. "I'm Damon. Anyway," he said, taking his hand back quickly. "Why are you sitting with her?" Damon said, jerking his head at Bethany. "She's a nerd, you don't wanna hang out with her."

Peter resisted the urge to snort and gave Beth a smirk. She mirrored his face and turned back to Damon. "I would like to have you know that I have hearing aids for season. Mainly so I can hear people talk, but unfortunately it also picks up your annoying voice too."

Damon shot her a look. "When did you decide to become so confident, huh?"

"Since I made a new friend."

Peter smiled. "Namely, me."

Damon looked at Peter incredulously. "You wanna hang out... with a nerd?"

"Well, us nerds gotta stick together."

Damon scoffed. "Still, she isn't fun. She doesn't ever talk, except for when she's answering all the questions."

Peter shrugged. "Sometimes you gotta find the right person. Besides, I was like that at my old school."

The bell rang suddenly and Peter stood up. "Now if uou would excuse me, I have to get to math." He walked away, resisting the urge to smile.

Beth joined him. "Oh my goodness did you see I got so sassy at him oh my gosh."

"I was actually confident for once. Wow."

She laughed, her book under her arm. "Let's get to math before we're late!" She grabbed his arm, dragging him through the crowds of kids. Peter smiled. First day and he ready had a friend.