If Nicholas Daley could describe ninth grade in one word, it would be this:

Hell.

It was bad enough that he had skipped puberty in middle school, but since his dad had moved to Manhattan, he had to change schools entirely. So now he was going through puberty in a large group of ninth graders that he didn't even know.

This wasn't even the main cause for his depression.

It also just so happens that the girl he had been crushing on since seventh grade died of cancer not a month before he moved.

The museum was his only source of happiness, and he could only go on the weekends and breaks because of school. At least it was closer, now that his dad lived in Manhattan.

Tonight is a Saturday, the last night he's able to come before next week. He's in Ahk's tomb, waiting for the tablet's infamous glowing light and the life of his unaging, childhood friend.

Finally, the golden light floods the room and Nick can hear Ahk's inhale as he comes to life once more.

Nicky smiles and opens up the sarcophagus. He's greeted by a very eager Egyptian. "Nicky! How are you on this fine evening?"

"Okay, I guess. Why are you so perky?" He replies, his voice cracking. "Ugh, puberty." He rolls his eyes.

Ahk just laughs. "I remember going through the same thing, although I suppose I was a bit younger than you."

"Yeah, that's what makes me upset." Nick folds his arms across his chest and sits on the lid to the sarcophagus.

"I have noticed a slight change in you since Guardian announced your shift in lifestyle." The pharaoh takes a seat next to his friend. "Do you care to lecture me on the situation?"

Nicky shrugs and Ahk rolls his eyes. "If you're upset, I'm the one you need to tell."

Finally, Nick looks up. "Why?"

"Because I'm your adopted older brother."

Nicky shakes his head. "That doesn't change anything."

Ahk smirks. "I know you too well, Nicky." He pokes his little brother and frowns. "You're depressed, aren't you?"

Nicky looks up. "How'd ya know?"

Ahk gives him a slight smile. "I told you that I know you," he says. "Now why don't you tell ol' Ahky what's bothering you?"

Nick smiles a little but swipes at a tear forming in his eye. "It's just that-" he sniffles and wipes more tears away. Ahkmenrah, being the lovable adopted brother that he is, leans toward Nicky and hugs him as the tears begin to flow freely. Nicky whimpers and sobs as Ahkmenrah just pats his friend's back.

"It's alright, Nicky. Take your time."

It's then that Larry tries to enter the tomb and is stopped by the Anubis guards. "Ahk?" He calls into the tomb.

Ahk waves him away. "Not now, Larry. We're having a brotherly moment."

Larry put his hands up in innocence. "Hey, I was just looking for Nick. Is he alright?"

"He's fine, Larry. Shoo, now."

"Aright, Ahk. Let me know if there's a problem."

"I will! Goodbye, Larry."

Larry walks away and Ahk whispers to Nicky, "He's gone."

The fifteen year old looks up and sniffles. "Thanks, Ahk."

Ahk pats his back. "Not a problem at all. Would you like to talk about it now?"

Nick sniffles and hugs his brother, nodding. "M-my middle school crush..." Nick looks up at a concerned Ahkmenrah. "Sh-she's dead."

Nick starts to cry again and Ahkmenrah tries to work up any advice for his little brother, but he can't.

"And now I'm starting puberty in ninth grade, where I don't know anybody. My parents are divorced and nobody loves me anymore, Ahk. Liliana loved me. My two best friends loved me. Now I have no one except for you, and I can only see you on the weekends."

Ahk is a bit taken aback by the way Nick has opened up his heart, but he's worried for little brother. He grabs Nick's shoulders and says, "Nick." The boy looks up at him. "You have so many people who love you. We all love you, the Guardian loves you, your mother loves you, and your friends from your old school still love you. You will make new friends who love you, too. You're a great young man and I don't know who couldn't think so highly of someone like you. You are humble, honest, and extraordinarily kind. We're all mourning the death of Liliana, but you're only fifteen. You'll find someone, Nick. Osiris will watch after her, I guarantee you."

Nicky smiles. "Thanks, Ahk."

Ahkmenrah smiles back and pats his friend on the back. "My pleasure. Would you like to go enjoy a game of soccer? Attila has been quite eager to play with you."

Nicky rolls his eyes playfully. "You mean you've been waiting?"

Ahk shrugs. "Maybe."

They both laugh and leave, the depression to be left behind forever.

Author's Note:

I'm sorry that this was cheesy and really bad. I wanted to update this, though, and that's the best I've got right now. Please leave suggestions! My creativity is running dry!