Grian didn't seem to get the message. On Tuesday he trailed Xay. He'd follow him to his classes, trying to start a conversation all the while. Of course Xay couldn't just ignore him, so he listened and nodded or shook his head.

"Oh! Are you going to the party at Iskall's? If not you should!" Grian buzzed excitedly. He reminded Xay of a honey bee.

Xay shook his head at the question. Why would he go to that pricks house? After all, he was one of the friends who had bullied Xay years ago.

Grian frowned," Aww, but we could hang out! And they're gonna have so much food!"

Xay allowed Grian to continue on his rant. He'd tried avoiding him, but Grian seemed to know his schedule. X must have given it to him...

In the end it was easier to just tune him out and walk. If anything it meant that he was less likely to be bullied. He'd learned that Grian was decently well liked by most people. In fact, someone had attempted to get Grian to stop speaking with Xay.

Obviously, their efforts did just as much as Xay's.

By the time that lunch rolled around Xay wanted to run. He thought of his choices. He could go to the cafeteria and deal with Grian or find somewhere else. Like the library... Or maybe one of the classrooms...

But when the bell rung Grian appeared at the door. Like he expected Xay to find somewhere to hide. Damn.

He took a deep breath and stood from his seat. He took his time gathering his things, hoping that Grian would have been taken by one of his friends. But he was still there.

Xay gave up and went to the classroom door. He walked with Grian to the lunchroom, but just laid his things down and left. He needed a break from Grian. Even if it was only for a few minutes.

"Xay? Where are you going?" Grian asked, he looked like a wounded puppy.

"Restroom" he responded plainly.

Grian nodded, turning to go to the food line. Xay walked out of the cafeteria and twords the restrooms. He walked in, only to be thrown against a wall.

One of his bullies had came in behind him. Perfect. This was the one time he wished Grian was here. They would leave him alone if he were.

"Think you can escape me by getting friends?" The boy spat," We both know Grian just pities you."

Xay remained silent. Even if he did yell no one would come, he'd tried it before. There was no point.

The boy before him grimaced," Say something, prick! Are you fucking mute?"

He sent his foot into Xay's ribs. There was no point in stopping him. He couldn't overpower him, he'd just end up getting more bruised.

"What are you a fucking robot? Speak!" This time he kicked Xay's nose. He could smell the blood before it came out.

He pulled up his hand to cup the blood, but didn't stand to grab anything. It would be fine until the boy decided that he was finished. He had time.

Suddenly the door opened with a crash. Xay didn't look up from his now bloody hand. It was probably more of the boy's friends. Why would someone come in to help him? Who would help the villain?

Then a hand grabbed his shoulder and he heard his brothers voice. He looked up and was met with a concerned Xisuma.

"Why didn't you call for anyone? They would have helped you." If only.

Xay stood and walked to one of the sinks. He washed his hands then face. Someone handed him a napkin. He pressed it to his still bleeding nose.

"Xay, you can't just let this happen! You need to do something about it." X continued. His eyebrows were turned up.

He continued to ignore his brother. His nose bad stopped bleeding. He threw the napkin away and looked in the mirror to check for blood on his face. He noticed a small red stain on the collar of his shirt. He'd need to clean that later.

"Xay!"

He tried to walk out of the bathroom but was blocked by one of Xisuma's friends. His name was Doc or something similar.

"Xay we need to talk about this! Why didn't you tell-"

"Xisuma, we're not discussing this here." Xay's voice was rough from little to no use.

Tears sprung to 'Suma's eyes," We never speak! If we don't talk about this here you'll find some excuse for why we can't later."

Xay stared at him before replying," Then maybe get the hint and stay out of my life."

"We both know that you're lonely!" X yelled as Xay slipped past Doc," You keep pushing people away. You need to open up to someone before you do something you regret."

Xay walked out and to the cafeteria. He walked to Grian's chosen table. Grian, of course, was there along with his friends. He looked concerned when he saw Xay.

"X and Doc went to go find you. Are you okay? What happened?" Xay hated this.

He took a paper from the person across from him and wrote on the top corner.

"Xisuma will probably tell you when he gets back. I'm going to take a nap."

Before Grian could argue Xay laid his head down on his arms. Around him he could hear worried chattering. One voice was clearly X's, another was Grian's. The rest were unknown to Xay.

After what felt like seconds Grian shook him awake," The bell just rang. We need to get to class!"

Grian put on a cheerful mask, Xay put on his own mask. Grian's was clearly meant to be comforting. Xay's was indifference despite the burning ache in his side.

And to hide his terror of going home. Back home Xisuma would corner him. He would peel back Xay's protective layers and leave him exposed.

He'd just have to not go home.