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Ned Leeds was not having a good time. He and MJ had already had an argument that day, and he couldn't focus on his work. Not to mention the fact that, recently, he constantly felt like something was missing, like he was forgetting something important. And he still couldn't figure out what that "something" was! All of this said, by the time he was called down to the principal's office he was ready to explode.
All of that went away, however, as soon as he saw the kid standing next to the principal. The face rang a bell in his mind, but he couldn't, for the life of him, understand why. There were no events or places he could remember seeing this kid at. Shaking his head he continued farther into the office, waiting for the principal to explain. He got his answer soon enough.
"Ned, I know this a lot to ask, especially with the stress of classes, but we're receiving a new student, and I need you to show him around," the principal said. "Usually I'd just have a teacher do it, but we don't really have any to spare, so...will you...?"
Ned sighed. Of course they picked him. He could understand, obviously, why he was the best choice. It's not like he wanted Flash to get a chance to corrupt this kid either, but there were still so many of other kids they could've picked that weren't part of Flash's group. Whatever, he needed more friends anyway. Maybe this could help distract him from his other problems, at least.
"Sure," Ned said. "I'll take care of it."
The principal let out a breath, relieved. "Thank you Ned. I'll let you introduce yourselves to each other, you're free to go." The principal turned back to their computer, probably eager to get back to work. Ned should probably start this tour, then. It would probably be better to get it mostly done before the period ended anyways, since it would be easier to do without the hallways being crowded. The other boy seemed to understand that too, because he started walking to the door, Ned following close behind. As soon as they were out the door, Ned took that as the cue to introduce himself.
"I'm Ned, in case you missed it," he said. "I guess I'll be your tour guide for today."
"Sorry...I know that might be kind of an inconvenience for you....My names, um, Kevin?"
"Is that a question or a statement," Ned asked, smiling. "Also don't worry about it, I'm happy to show the new guy around."
The new guy, Kevin, smiled. "Thanks."
It was quiet for a while as Ned showed Kevin around, making sure to show him some of the classes he would be in. Eventually, about halfway through the tour, Kevin struck up conversation once more.
"So...who do you hang out with usually?" Kevin asked.
"Oh, um, there's actually a girl named MJ, and me and her get along pretty well. Actually, we just had an argument, but it'll probably blow over by next period." Ned said, smiling a little. Him and MJ never stayed mad at each other for long. All of sudden, the feeling that he was missing something came back. He frowned.
"Are you okay?" Kevin asked, concerned.
"Yeah....This might sound weird, but I've had this feeling recently. Like I'm missing something, something important. Actually, that doesn't really describe it well. It's kind of like remembering this person, but also not remembering them. I can remember stuff we did, stuff I felt, and stuff about him, but I can't remember HIM, y'know?" Ned had never told this to anyone, and was honestly kind of nervous to see how Kevin would respond. Ned knew how insane this all sounded, but he definitely didn't need the new kid telling it to him. However, after a few minutes of waiting, he realized he still didn't get a response. Ned looked over at Kevin. He looked extremely tense, for what reason Ned didn't know, but he also looked liked he was thinking over what to respond with.
"That sounds tough," Kevin said. Ned expected him to say more, but he never did.
"Do you want to hear about him? Maybe it'll help me jog my memory," Ned suggested. Kevin nodded hesitantly, almost as if he didn't want to know where this was going. Ned continued anyways.
"He was kind. He had the brightest smile, and I could never stay mad at him. He had zero self preservation, and he would do whatever it took to help people, even if it meant hurting himself. One of the kids here, Flash, used to bully him. All he would say about it was that if Flash was bullying him, he wasn't bullying someone else." Ned laughed sadly. "He was stupid that way. I don't know why I can't remember him though! I should be able to remember him!" Ned said the last part angrily. He looked over at Kevin, ready to continue talking, but stopped. He looked as if he hadn't heard the last part, smiling softly, zoned out. Something about the way he did it...it reminded Ned of someone. He frowned, he knew this guy from somewhere, but where? As he thought, Kevin turned back to him.
"Ned?" he asked. But Ned didn't respond. He was almost there, could feel himself remembering, and that's when it clicked.
"Ned, you're really starting to worry me," Kevin said. Ned looked over at the so called 'Kevin.' He can't believe he didn't see it before, can't believe he forgot. The memories brought tears to his eyes, and he started to smile a watery smile.
"Peter," he said. It wasn't a question. It couldn't be. Ned would know him anywhere. Would remember him anywhere. Peter looked taken aback, before smiling, tears in his eyes too.
"It's been a while, huh?" he said. Ned just laughed.
"Yeah, you could say that. We really need to work on your self-sacrificial tendencies," Ned smiled.
"Yeah, I guess we do," Peter smiled back. And then quietly, "I'm glad you remember." Ned ran to him, embracing him tightly. He was never letting him leave again.
"Yeah, I'm glad too," he said, refusing to let go of Peter. And as Ned said this, he realized things would be okay. Things were still far from perfect, of course they were. But he had found Peter, he had found his missing piece, and that would have to be enough for now.