Maya Minola stands outside of the bar. There's a line of motorcycles lined along the parking lot as the rock music can be heard where she's standing. Wiping her clammy palms on her jeans, Maya reconsiders turning back and telling Patrick she couldn't make it tonight—that her parents wanted to watch a movie at home—but she rejects the idea. Maya is never this nervous about anything.

That's also a lie. Maya is always pushing herself to experience new things and get out of her introverted bubble. By befriending Patrick Verona a while ago when he moved here, at the time not knowing of his 'no care' attitude, he is helping Maya in trying new things. Although, she didn't know he'd invited her to a bar when he called her home before dinner, asking if she'd like to hangout.

Pulling out her fake ID from her pocket, Maya straightens her back and swings the door open. It's a Wednesday night so there isn't a man at the door checking IDs, but Maya still holds a strong grip onto it for safe keeping. When she realizes no one is going to question her, she slides it back into her pocket.

There's a few bikers sitting at the bar, some with women, as the heavy metal song fades into classic rock. Her eyes can the dimly light room, noticing curious stares aimed towards her. Maya starts to feel jittery until she sees Patrick leaning against the pool table, balancing his weight on the stick as he drinks from his beer.

Patrick's curly, dark hair lands just a tad above his shoulders, and the shirt he's wearing has Maya admiring how it hugs his body in the right places. Pushing aside the sudden rush of attraction, Maya smiles and waves as she approaches Patrick.

"You finally made it." Patrick throws an arm around her shoulders. "See, I told you she was coming."

The guy at the opposite end of the pool table nods, scratching at his greying beard. "She your girlfriend?"

A chuckle behind her draws Maya's attention to Will who's swaggering over with three beers. "She wishes."

Maya throws her friend a glare as Will sends her a wink, giving the man and Patrick their beers before throwing an arm around her shoulders. She can feel Patrick's eyes on her, his fingers jittery against his jean clad leg. Biting the inside of her cheek, she dares look at Patrick, sending me the best smile she can conjure up despite the embarrassment.

Ever since Maya confided in Will about her feelings toward their friend, Will always teases about it. So much for the years of friendship she has with Will over Patrick. In the end, Maya knows Will just likes to see her squirm, and he thinks this is his way of helping her push her to tell Patrick.

Patrick's eyes stay connected to Maya's as he puts a cigarette between his lips in frustration, looking away from the girl who made him feel welcomed when he moved here. He takes the unlit cigarette from his lips, saving it for later. Patrick tries to focus back on the game, knowing money is on the line.

Will tilts his bottle towards Maya. "Want a drink?"

She shakes her head, not wanting any alcohol as of recently. "I'm okay, are you playing next?"

"I already lost tonight. I don't feel like giving Patrick any more of my money."

Patrick looks over his shoulder with a smile on his lips. "Maya, do you want to play next?"

"I don't know if you can handle me." She crosses her arms against her chest.

"I like her." The man Patrick is playing against pipes up as he hits his second to last ball into the corner hole.

Patrick scans the pool table as he slips beside Maya. "Let me win this really quick." He leans forward, balancing his weight against his stick. "I can handle you."

Will's fingers drum against Maya's shoulder as he watches the two. When Patrick's attention is back to the game and he's leaning forward to aim his shot, Maya looks up at her friend.

"You two," Will mumbles, shaking his head as he fights a laugh.

"Stop it."

Will turns their bodies. "I don't see why you don't tell him. Clearly, he's into you too."

"Then why wasn't he said anything?"

That shuts Will up long enough to watch Patrick win and collect twenty dollars. He pockets the money, shakes the older man's hand and looks at his two friends.

Maya dips away from Will's arm. "Want to play?"

Patrick bites down on his cheek. "Yes." He watches as Maya walks away to grab a pool stick. "More than just pool."

"Dude."

Patrick watches Will shake his head. "What?"

"How much are we betting?"

"No money."

Maya raises an eyebrow. "Why? If money is on the line, I know you won't go easy on me."

"You're my friend."

"I'm your friend and you take my money," Will chimes in.

Maya nods. "Exactly."

"I just don't want to play for money." Maya glares at Patrick. "Surprised to see you without your camera."

"Don't change the topic Verona." Maya taps her nail against the stick. "If you don't want to play for money, promise me you won't half-ass this."

"Promise."

Maya leans down, aiming, as Patrick's eyes follow her every move. There's a slight ache in her heart, wishing she can just blurt out her feelings without a fear of repercussions.

One day. One day she'll build up the nerve to tell Patrick.

an: here's a little first chapter to get a sense of their friendship. will is not in 10 things i hate about you. i added his character recently and is played by jared leto!