When it Stops Hurting (Royce)

18

Jacob's P.O.V.

"That's not going to work" I murmured, I looked at Chresanto and Elijah. "I appreciate the concern, but it's not going to be that easy".

"We know" Elijah said quietly, "we're not just going to let you go through with it".

"I-It's not that bad" I lied, I ran my hand through my hair. I purposefully ignored the gaze of Chresanto because I knew he would say something, and he did.

"Not that bad? Seriously? Jacob, you wouldn't let me touch you, and the minute I did, you started freaking out! If it's not that bad, then why'd you react like that? Your dad yelled and hit you the minute he realized you let me in your house".

"What do you want me to say? I can't refuse the therapy, Chres".

"I can't just sit back and watch you go through conversion therapy, Jacob. That's not going to work for me because I love you enough not to let you get hurt".

"Chres, just be happy that it's not you".

"As much as I'd like to, I can't".

"Stop yelling" Elijah suddenly chimed in, "shut up".

I hadn't realized the both of us were yelling at one another until I looked around and noticed half the class giving us curious looks. The school had switched into second semester not too long ago, meaning everyone who took a four-by-four class had all new classes. Chresanto and I had a few together, and so did Elijah and I. We had two classes in which we were all together at the same time, and this was one of them. I sighed, resting my elbows on my desk.

I glanced at Chresanto, he was staring blankly at his open textbook. He picked up his pencil and began taking down notes in his spiral bound notebook. He shook his head a little, frowning. I leaned over, my body invading the tiny aisle in between the row of desks. "Are you mad at me?" I asked quietly, "I'm sorry".

"I'm not mad at you".

"I feel like you're mad at me".

He looked at me, he didn't say anything as his eyes scanned my features. "Baby, I'm not mad".

I gave a weak smile, "okay". He set his pencil down and leaned in, kissing my lips. I was hoping no one would see the two guys kissing in the back of the class, but you know, there's always that one person who does.

"Mr. August and Mr. Perez".

"Sorry" I apologized, glancing at our teacher. I hid my slightly pink cheeks behind my notebook. The students and staff were really cool when it came to gay couples or people who identify themselves as anything other than straight, they could really care less who you date, as long there's no sexual activity on school grounds. Elijah chuckled, his gaze landed on the door when it opened, as did everyone's eyes.

"Uh..." Aaron said as he looked around, "I need Elijah, it's kind of important". I could tell Elijah didn't want to go, I didn't quite know why, I hadn't talked to him about Aaron in a while. "Mrs. Rhymer needs him". I raised an eyebrow, why did our principal need Elijah? "What did you do?" I asked as he began to pack up his things, he stuffed his textbook in his bag, shrugging in the process. "I don't know".

"Am I still taking you home?" Chresanto asked curiously. "Yeah, if you can" Elijah replied, "see'ya guys, I don't know when, but you know".

"Bye" we both replied, watching him leave.

Elijah's P.O.V.

"Why does Mrs. Rhymer need to see me?" I asked, making sure to walk on the other side of the hall, farthest from him.