Without Me

Bully

That probably still didn't solve Jonathan's problem of people staring at him oddly. He realized that it was just him and not even Chuck. But why? What was it about him? He gulped a little when Ares was sort of part of their little hangout group now. He hoped this didn't lead to anything terrible especially with Viktor's short temper and quick to pull a punch attitude. But yet, he couldn't exactly reject Ares. He guessed he understood that it just didn't feel nice being alone all the time while everyone has their merry bunch. He sighed softly.

"Say, why don't you hang out with Viktor anyways?" Jonathan let the question slip out of curiosity. Ares's expression turned to one of sadness and anger. Jonathan regretted asking but he also needed to know.

"Well, for starters, I don't like bullies. So asking me to be part of a gang with one... it's just not me. I don't feel happy about it. I actually did hang out with his bunch before but I hated almost every moment of it," Ares replied in a shaky voice but it sounded more angry than afraid. "Little punks who think they're so great."

If there was something about Ares that Jonathan respected, it was probably how out front he was with his words. But he didn't say any words of praise. He just nodded, understanding where Ares was coming from.

"Yeah. They like to make others feel small and vulnerable," Chuck said softly, pursing his lips. Jonathan could guess something might have happened to the both of the boys before but he didn't deal with any lesser either. He may not look like the kind to get bullied much but he was still a target. A freshie, as Viktor put it. Always the new kid in school.

"Hey, hey, you two. It's fine. Look, we'll just try to stay out of trouble, alright?" Jonathan said, trying not to get too dispirited about things. It would just make the mood dark and Jonathan didn't fancy that too much at times. Chuck seemed to cheer up with what Jonathan said but Ares just gave a little nod and went back to eating quietly. Jonathan let out a quiet sigh and motioned Chuck to finish his lunch as well so they could leave for class soon.

He guessed he won't find a charger today then. Or maybe he could just ask Shou instead since the other was the only one who was trying to investigate the school. It still sounded so surreal to Jonathan but it wasn't like he hadn't noticed either. He just wouldn't have done anything about it. He just wasn't that kind of person. Or tried not to be. Being too curious was a bad trait of his after all and he had to silence it a lot just so he could stay out of trouble.

After lunch, they went their own ways to their respective classes. Jonathan really hoped nothing bad would happen to anyone of them. Not Shou, not Chuck, not even Ares and most importantly, not Mark. Even though he didn't play a big role in anything but Jonathan would still prefer things being just calm and simple.

He went through his classes in a breeze again, realizing they had some really good teachers here since they made things easy to understand and such. He did wonder if they would have examinations as well. He should probably ask. He headed to his locker to exchange books for the next day. He unlocked it and started placing his books inside. He heard some chatter behind him and chuckles.

At first, he thought it was nothing but then someone knocked against him. Harsh. His first thought went back to him being the new kid again but he tried not to let his mind get to him. His books dropped all over the floor again and he sighed quietly. The one who knocked into him just kept walking with his bunch of friends, laughing.

"Some assholes they are," the sweet honey like voice said as Mark and Jonathan bent over to pick up his books. He was quite surprised to see Mark but just accepted it. Chuck wasn't around after all and the other was just helping him pick up his fallen books. Nothing out of the ordinary... right?

"Yeah. The new kid. I'm used to it," he replied and smiled at Mark who returned the smile with a gentle one as he handed the books over. "Thanks. Appreciate it."

"No problem. I'll always be here if you need help," Mark replied and stood beside Jonathan as the other arranged his books.

"Yeah. Well, that's fine. I don't need-" He felt his shoulder jerk slightly, almost dropping the books in his arm in the process but he held on.

"I mean it, Johnny. I don't want you to get hurt," Mark whispered in a firm voice. Jonathan stared at the other for awhile, quite surprised but managed to nod. He chuckled slightly.

"Aren't you quite the prince in shining armor?" He joked and shut his locker as he put his books into his bag. "Look. It's fine. Involving you might mean detention for you and I don't like that either. So to make things fair, I'll just accept the bullying unless it's over the limit."

Mark sighed. "You don't get it, do you? It's fine. I understand and I shall respect your wishes then. Nothing over the limit. I heard you. And I'll be watching."

His words made Jonathan shudder slightly. He will be watching. Jonathan gulped again but nodded as to not seem too nervous. He smiled and licked his lips slightly.

"No worries. Will you be heading out to dinner alone?"

"I won't be alone if you're there with me."

Jonathan let out a scoff but nodded.

"Then I'll be there."

He was pretty much internally screaming at how flirtatious they seem despite being both males but he just couldn't resist it and didn't want to lose to Mark either. His cheeks would be burning red if he hadn't known better than to control his calm. At least nobody was staring as much as when he was with Ares.

Keep a level head. You'll need it.

He breathed in as he watched Mark walk away with a small wave. Jonathan waved back despite the other being unable to see it. Lunch with Chuck and dinner with Mark. Seems fair enough.