Palette's POV a few days later

I sit in the park as ducks walk along, quacking. I paint the scenery and sigh, appreciating the peaceful scene. While painting I recall the sculpture I crafted for him of a bird. A beautiful kakapo and the symbolism of it comes to mind.

A beautiful bird just like Goth....Symbolizing loyalty, wisdom, understanding, determination, adaptability, strength, and protective. All these traits are just like Goth...Stars I need to stop. We're just best buds. I can't think of him like this....Relax......Starting fresh in high school will be for the best.

I hear footsteps approaching. I glance over, seeing a little boy approach me. He seemed around Shino's age or young enough to be in her class and very anxious as well.

"H-Hello..."He says

"Hi there."I say with a smile

"D-Did you like the red flowers and card? I'm sorry if it was sloppy, I just didn't want to get busted or into trouble for sneaking into your classroom."He says, fiddling with his fingers

I realize what he means. I blink in a bit of surprise.

This is the "Secret Admirer?" Oh dear...

"Y-Yes, I did."I say

He smiles, seeming to lose his anxiety.

"It was Shino's idea. She told me about you and that you've been having some trouble around the holiday, so we schemed to make that gift to lift your spirits. We're actually playing at the park and saw you so we thought to check if you liked it. Did it uplift your spirit? We tried to think of some compliments that would go against the jerks! And we signed anonymous so there was no way of the teacher busting us for it if they found it instead!"He eagerly explains, pointing across the lake

I see Shino on a swing of the playground across the lake from where I sat. She waves with a big smile. I wave back.

Ah, so it was an act of kindness...That's sweet.

"Yes, it did. Thank you both for that."I say

"Okay! I'll go play now!"He says, running off to go around the lake

I smile and shake my head, going back to painting. After a few moments I hear another pair of footsteps coming closer. I glance over, seeing Goth walking along the trail. He seems to be in a hurry but slows when he notices me waiting for the painting to dry.

"Oh! Hey Palette! How are you doing?"He asks

"I'm doing well. Where are you rushing off to, Gothy?"I ask

"Oh, I'm just off to do some school shopping."He says

"Buying a school...?"I ask, thinking it has something to do with properties

"More of buying the supplies for school. Haven't you done it?"He asks

"Is that what this list is for?"I ask, taking it out from under my hat.

He nods.

"Why don't you come along? I could help you."He says

I glance at the drying painting, hesitating.

It would be nice to spend some time with him before school starts...When the fun ends and we depart....But what if he finds out? I mean, it was a private decision with the counselor but would the difference hurt him? It's not like the bullies will hurt him. I gave him and Raven that peace.

I glance at the top of the list where the school name is written and "accidentally" drop some paint on it so it cannot be readable.

That may work.

"Sure, Gothy!"I say, having the paints and painting go home with a snap of my fingers

I walk alongside him and we both hold the supply lists. He glances at his, then at mine and smiles.

"This will be simple since our lists are so similar in supply demands."He says as we reach a large town.

He leads me through the doors of a brick building and I feel my jaw hang open.

So much supplies! Pencils, crayons, markers, some drawing tools that I didn't even know about, lined the shelves and aisles were brightly filled with papers of various colors and of different materials. Various designs for rulers, gluesticks, calculator inventions, and cases. Folders and binders stood sturdy on display like bricks lining a wall. I didn't know a home to creation like this existed!

"How about we go for something simple first, like going for backpacks big enough to hold it all?"Goth suggests

I look at him and he smiles, able to see how astounded I am by this place. He pulls me down an aisle full of bags and starts looking through them. I curiously explore the shelves and hooks, seeing all the designs and patterns or sizes. He picked out a big dark red messenger bag while I find a nice shaded green bag that had uplifting phrases printed on it. We walk through the aisles, collecting supplies. He keeps giggling at my reactions as we gathered the folders, binders, pens, pencils, and cases that we will buy. Can he blame me? There's such a wide selection! He shows me highlighters, bookmarks, notebooks and other supplies and I was intrigued by each one.

"Alright, now we need textbook covers."He says

"Huh? But don't books already have covers?"I ask

"Well yes but we put a cover over the book to protect it."He says

"Then how do we know what the book is?"I ask

"We can write on the cover to label the subject or who has it. It's only temporary and you could decorate them."He tells me

"Oooo!"I say, liking the idea

He leads me to the aisle and I curiously look at the shelves of options. Then he hands me a colorful cube with a grin. Then he draws his finger down the side, revealing individual papers slipping together as sticky flaps. I gaze in amazement.

"These are Post-it notes! They can stick reminders anywhere. I thought it may be useful for you."He says

"Cool!"I say

We continue going through the aisles and I smile at Goth.

"So? Did PJ move in as well?"He asks

"Nah, he likes to travel the multiverse. He's not looking to settle in an AU but will visit."I reply

"Ah, I see."He says

We buy the supplies and I walk him home. I notice his wings flapping happily and twitching.

"You ok?"I ask

"I'm just excited to go to a new school. New classes, subjects, clubs, people, and experiences. Like locker buddies! Who do you think our lockers will be near?"He asks

Not yours....I'm giving space for a reason....This is the last time that we'll spend time together before school and work fills up my time. After all, freaks like my uncle won't just stop coming after me because he lost me once. Or my family. I don't want him to get caught in that mess so it's best to have some distance...Like going to different schools...

"I don't know, Gothy. We'll have to see."I say

I made sure he gets inside safely before starting to head home myself. He seems so happy now...

So, summer comes to a close along with my summer art job. Though I have gotten another job to pay for school supplies or any costs that come with living with Gradient and Radient, both going to the school I graduated from. Raven and Shino go with them there of course. I got everyone ready for school, then hand them each a pair of keys to the house after saying goodbye to Pakeekee who watches over the house.

"I got another job and I get out at different times from school along with being a bus ride away. Use these keys to get yourselves inside. Keep me updated on what you're up to. If there's any issues, get inside where the security system can protect you. And if there's anyone posing a threat or you're in trouble, call me. Got it?"I say

The two of them nod. Then I go to the bud stop and see the bus pulls up. I climb on, taking a seat facing the back of the bus. Not many were on the bus yet. It pulls away and my phone starts buzzing.

Goth: I'm so excited! First day of high school! Are you excited, Palette?

Me:Yep, very excited.

Goth:Do you want to walk to the bus stop together? Im on my way there now! Maybe we'll have lockers next to each other! :D

Me:Sorry, I'm already on the bus for my school. I do hope for a good year for both of us.

The bus starts to drive away to the next stop.

Goth:Oh shoot! The bus is leaving! I'll have to remember about getting ready earlier! I'll catch this bus!

I lean on the window, gazing out as it drives away. Then I see Goth speed walking towards where I was at the bus stop. He glances over and I see him. I smile a bit at him.

His bus...Is this one? That means....he actually is going to the same high school as me? I thought he said he'd pick the 2nd choice! This only puts him at risk!

He smiles brightly at me, smiling even wider when the bus stopped again. He climbs on with a few other kids behind him. He sits down right beside me and tucks his phone away.

"Hey Palette! I should've known you'd be an early bird! Or maybe I should've known to be earlier, hehe! This is going to be a great year!"He says

"I thought you said you're going to the second school option? What changed your mind?"I ask

"I don't want to go to a school with those bullies or with Slate for four years. And those were the first two options so I chose the third one on the list! This is going to be a great year, Palette!"He says, setting his bag in his lap

He leans against me, putting his seatbelt on as the bus drives away again. Part of me is relieved that I'll have a familiar face, my best friend, at this school. Yet the other part of me only grows more concerned for both our sakes. I don't want him to get into trouble because of me. And the closer he gets or stays, the higher the risk. I wrap an arm around him as the thoughts run through my head.

But I won't let him get hurt or taken from me without a fight...

"Yep...It sure is..."I say with a smile

TBC