I'm Sorry About Them | DNF Highschool AU

an unwelcoming welcome

"It's alright, Clay. You'll be okay." Clay's mother assured. She set defrosted eggo waffles sitting on a plate of syrup infront of Clay and patted his cheek.

Though, he knew it wouldn't be 'fine'. This was the eighth school he's been transferred too. And this will be his last unless he gets his act together. Clay hasn't met any friends in any of the shit schools he's been to. The only real friend he has is Sapnap and he lives states away.

"Sure, okay. Don't be surprised when I come home with bloodied and bruises lips again." Clay groaned, pushing the plate of food away and standing. He towered over his mother, but she still intimidated him. She was sweet and most likely the least scary person he's ever met, but she's intimidating. 

"Okay, listen, I love you, but if you get into one more fight, you're living with your father. You got it? I can't have-" she cut herself off when Clay flinched. "I'm just kidding, son, I wouldn't do that to you. But please, try at this school, for me?" 

Clay only nodded. He hated when his mother brought up his father, but it was more of a joke now. Well, to her at least. 

The boy picked up his ripped, barely functioning backpack, and swung it on his back. He has had the backpack since year seven, and now he's in year ten. The bag has been through a lot. 

"Do you want a ride or do you want to walk?"

"I'll walk, thanks, mom."

She walked over to Clay, bringing her hand to Clay's cheek and standing on her tippy-toes to kiss his forehead. "Stay safe for me, okay baby? Please? I love you. Have a good day." 

She opened the door for her son and he stepped outside. Outside. He hasn't seen outside in so long. 

"Okay. Bye mom, I love you." He stepped down the stairs he knows so well and waved to his mother as she closed the door. He was alone again.

Alone. 

Clay walked silently, looking down at his old, white converse. He listened to the calming sounds of the outside world. The cars driving by. Stray dogs barking in the distance. Birds. People talking. The quiet footsteps of people walking behind him. It was all so quiet. But so so loud at the same time. He looked up, taking in a deep breath. 

He saw the building. It seemed familiar but so different at the same time. He has walked by the school countless times. The big, clean windows. The old brick. The staircase that leads to big doors. But right now, it seems different. Knowing that he will be inside the school. It's different.

"Hey, wait up, George!" a faint voice behind him. Clay looked over his shoulder. There were two people. The further one, a blond guy who is at least six feet. He was dressed in dark blue jeans, parried with a football jersey over a black hoodie. And the closer. A short brunet with his phone in his hand. He was wearing black sweatpants with a light blue sweater.

Clay sped up. The guys were close and he didn't want interaction right now. He heard the voices fade as he walked. He took note that one of them had an accent. 

***

Clay opened his locker, the staff member with the name 'Mrs. Benson' watched Clay's every move.

"Okay! Mr. Nickle, your first class is upstairs with me, actually! Here is your schedule and if you need anything, I'm always here." the short female gave Clay a slip of paper and disappeared up the stairs.

"Oh, uh, okay." Clay set his lunch box and gym clothes in the locker and closed it. He looked around the crowded hallway. Posters about clubs, sports, and mental health stuck to a huge bulletin board that was next to the stair case. Doors lined the long hallway. It was loud. Really loud. People laughing, screaming, shoes squeaking.