The first week of college

The next week seemed to fly by to Casey. After returning to his room he had unpacked his things and reviewed some of his introductory emails, figuring out his schedule and everything he'd need for his classes. Then before he had even really explored his new home the first lecture was already upon him. On just the second day. Luckily it was the only one for the week. A simple meet and greet with the professor and the rest of the class. Some discussion about the course and its structure. Then material for study. All easy enough. He had been a little awkward when greeting his classmates but was happy with the impression he had given off. His teacher had seemed laid back but professional, friendly but direct.

He met up with Lucas a couple times, discussing their first classes and how they found it all. It was a relief to have someone to chat with, even if they were both slightly awkward with each other still. Cass would idly talk about the sheer amount of paper and news articles he had to read and Lucas would go on enthusiastic ramblings about a long dead historical figure he was due to look into. While Casey enjoyed his company, he couldn't shift the reality that he hadn't really spoken to many others. Beyond some polite small talk to some of his classmates on day two anyway.

Both boys were sat on the grass in the centre of the campus, sifting through their notes as a pleasant sun shone some warmth down on them. Plenty more students were gathered nearby doing the same, all getting to grips with their course. "Surely you like it though? It's part of you know, politics right?" Lucas grinned at Casey who was looking at his notes with a dismayed expression. "I like debating. Or, maybe just arguing. But we've gotta read articles like, three hours a day from all these different sources. That isn't fun." Lucas snorted, "Least you have some self-awareness. But if you want to win debates, you have to know all this stuff right?" Nodding Cass, leaned back, stretching out his arms. "I know, I know. You're sounding like my mom."

"I'm too pretty for that." Lucas joked, only to earn a raised eyebrow from Cass. "Sorry to interrupt boys." A strangers voice spoke, causing both Lucas and Casey to look up. Two other young men stood a couple feet away. Both were tall, athletic looking with one shouldering a bag full of papers. The one who had spoken, smiled at them. It was the same guy from the carpark when Cass had first arrived. Joseph. His short buzzed hair was half hidden under a cap and he was wearing Howl's football teams crewneck. The other guy was taller and well built with dark skin and dreads pulled back into a knot. He was handsome with a number of tattoos covering his exposed forearms. He smiled a perfect smile down at the two.

"I'm Joseph."

"And I'm Dean." The male sporting the dreads gestured to himself. "Cass. This is Lucas." Casey pointed between them, half smiling. He could sense he was about to be sold something he probably didn't want to buy. Joseph didn't seem to recognize him and he wasn't overly worried about it either. "We're just having a chat with some students, making sure everyone is settled in." Dean spoke, "While also getting the message of our fraternity out there." Joseph said, his voice still carrying that rehearsed quality to it as it had before. Cass exchange a look with Lucas, but he seemed genuinely interested in the two. "Here." Dean offered them each a pamphlet. They both took them, Cass begrudgingly and Lucas excitedly. "We're focused on brotherhood, uplifting one another and expanding our range. What are you studying?"

"History major." Lucas said, before volunteering Casey too. "He's international relations." Dean and Joseph nodded. "I love it!" Joseph said enthusiastically. "We'd love for you boys to think about coming to pledge week. Get a feel for us and us you. The first week is just an excuse to have some fun, you know? But if you like it, we'd happily have you carry on. See if you're Beta Psi material." Lucas looked star struck and instantly sold, Cass not so much. He narrowed his eyes a little. "That simple? You just running an army style recruitment? All in?" He laughed a little but the question was no less serious. Joseph seemed a little taken aback but Dean simply smiled. "Like we said. It's more of a school tradition to get everyone together, have a little party and meet some new people. We take more serious applications later. Simply filter out the.. Underachievers then. " Dean's smile suddenly seemed a lot less warm and Cass couldn't help but shuffle back a little.

"Well. Think about it boys. I want see both of you there, okay? Okay!" Joseph grinned, not noticing his partners cold attitude. The two continued on, pitching their message to the other students nearby.

"That was fucking weird." Cass shook his head. "Are you an moron?!" Lucas hissed, reaching out and nailing Cass with a rolled pin of note paper. "Hey!" He protested. "What was that for!?" Lucas made to hit him again but rolled his eyes instead. "That is Beta Psi! The best of the best. If you want success after this, being with them is an almost guarantee." Casey blinked, looking confused. "So why the Hell are they going grabbing anybody who will listen? Surely they'd be more exclusive then, I don't know, something super exclusive." Lucas sighed. "Nice one. If you had listened, or knew anything about Howl, you'd know they host a yearly get together. Just like they said. More serious pledges can pursue it, but it's more about everyone rubbing shoulders. I imagine they're just drumming up interest using their name." Casey put his hands up slowly. "Okay, forgive the ignorance. Cheez." Lucas was thinking about something, barely paying attention. "Hello? I said sorry, man." Cass waved a hand.

"Uhm?" Lucas came back to reality, focusing on his friend. "If you're sorry. Come with me. We'll go and you can help make up the little jab you made there. Because I want in. And you should too." Casey shook his head slightly. "Frats don't seem my kinda thing, you know?" Lucas poked him. "They should be! Those guys could help make your career. Come with me, we'll make it work. Least you can do is help my chances, okay?" Casey nodded, conceding he should at least try and get out of his shell a bit. "Why not. I'll say sorry and tell them how amazing you are at hitting me with paper. Asshole."