"Is this a secret meeting?"

⚠️

“So you're finally ready to look me in the eyes.” Bay utters as he leans against the wall around the back of the science block, to see Mark making his way towards him.

“It's not been easy for me.” Mark approaches. He stands opposite Bay, leaning in expecting a kiss, but Bay pushes him back.

“Are you joking? The only thing we need to do right now is talk.”

“What about?” Mark pushes his tongue in his cheek. He knew exactly what the conversation would be regarding and did not want it.

“Where were you in the canteen this morning? You let them walk all over me. You didn't even try….” Bay swallows hard as he looks up at Mark. "Do I mean anything to you?"

“I did my best.” Mark interrupts. “I got up, they followed. You knew from the start that we had to keep our distance in public. We are a secret.” He gestures between the two of them.

“But for how long?” Bay question. “Whether we like it or not, people know something, but now my best friend has been dragged into this, and I cannot even defend him.” He takes Mark's hand in both of his, he looks up to Mark, hoping to soften his hard exterior. “This isn't fair on Archie.”

Mark pulls the hand away. “Him again. It's always about him. What about me?” He steps back “You want me to put myself out there to save him? That's not going to happen.”

“Then what about me?” Bay wonders. He again looks at Mark. Hoping, wishing that he would be brave. “It wasn't my choice to be outed this way, but you at least have a choice.”

To Bay's relief, Mark's hardened stare begins to soften. He takes a step forward, he opens his mouth, about to speak, "Bay..."

“What are you doing?” Both Mark and Bay turn to see Gus standing at the end of the block, looking down the passageway at them. He takes a few steps towards the pair. He looks at Bay, then at Mark. “Is this a secret meeting?” He scurinises Mark, who backs even further away from Bay.

“No.” Mark looks at Gus and then at Bay, wondering if he would say anything, but Bay just looks down at the ground.

“Wait … is this…” Gus steps between the pair. He looks at Mark again in thought. “You knew about him, didn't you.” He looks over his shoulder at Bay. “You knew he was gay, and…” Gus turns back to Mark. “Is that why you hit Archie?”

Mark finds his mind stumbling over his words. He tries to speak. “I just…”

“Relax.” Gus places a hand on Mark's shoulder. “I got this.” Then he turns around, and without warning, a fist is going full force into Bay's stomach. He doubles over, only to receive another blow at the hand of Gus. Bay falls to the ground, daring to look up at the perpetrator, who had a grin spread across his face.

Mark stands in place as he watches the unexpected assault take place. He pulls at Gus’ arm, making him stumble back. “Don't.” He utters as he glances down at Bay on the ground.

Gus shakes off the arm. “Why?” He turns to Mark, looking at him square in the eyes. “Do you have something to hide as well? I've shared the locker room with you. Have you been taking a damn look?”

“Just leave it Gus.” Mark interrupts, trying to match Gus’ stance. He felt sick to his stomach. As if someone inside wanted to crawl out from inside of him and grab Gus by the throat. To scream in his face that yes, he is gay. Not only that, but he cared for Bay on a level Gus would never understand, but his cowardice prevailed as he stayed silent and still. The fear of revealing the truth was just something he couldn't face. "Just let me finish this. You go." It was all he could think of to get the other boy gone and check Bay was ok, but he didn't expect the reply.

“Ok.” Gus speaks plainly and clearly as he continues to look Mark in the eyes before they gravitate towards Bay, who is still lying on the ground. “Finish him off, while I watch.”

“What?”

“You heard me. He's not going to fight back. I've made it easy for you.” Gus steps back, making way for Mark.

Bay moves his head ever so slightly to look up at Mark. “Please, help me…” he begs, but it seems to trigger something in the other boy as Mark swings a foot towards Bay's stomach. The impact is felt as Bay does his best to shield himself as a few more kicks follow, crashing into his shins.

Mark feels the frustration boil inside of him as he feels his body take over. He knows what he truly is. A coward, a bully. He hates what he is, and he takes it out on the one person he never wanted to hurt. Knowing that this was the end of the best thing he had ever had. All because he was scared of the world looking at him any different “I think you've made your point “ Gus is now the one who ends up pulling Mark back, who feels breathless. “Let's go before someone sees.” He pulls at Mark's sleeve, literally dragging him away and leaving Bay to writhe on the floor in agony.

It takes a moment or two for him to be able to sit up. He rests his back against the wall as he shields his head between his raised knees, and he cries. The tears sting his eyes as he feels his bruised body ache. Then again, he stills. The sound of footsteps could be heard returning. Bay dares not to look up to see who it was. Was it someone else ready to give him a beating, or maybe Gus had come back for more.

He lifts his head everso slightly to see a hand being offered out to him. Bay stays still. Focusing momentarily on the hand, wondering if it was going to hurt him, but when he hears the words "I'm so sorry” Bay slowly looks up.