byler oneshots

55 - chemistry

*they are together*
*mike pov*

My leg bounces up and down over and over as the teacher passes out our report cards, because I know I haven't done well in chemistry. It's been incredibly difficult, but any time I ask my parents for help, they say that they have work to do.

I give the teacher a weak smile as she hands me mine and moves to the next person. I open the orange envelope and take the white piece of paper out, unfolding it slowly.

My eyes skim the page.

Health - 100
Algebra - 91
Government - 97
English - 98
Technology - 100
Chemistry - 72

I can feel my entire body freeze up. My leg stops bouncing and I can feel tears stinging my eyes.

I suffer through the rest of the day, knowing how upset my parents are going to be, and when I get home, they're sitting at the table waiting.

"Michael? Did you get your report card?" they ask as I try to sneak upstairs.

"Mhmm." I mumble.

"Well let's see." my dad says. Reluctantly, I hand him the folded piece of paper and watch his face turn from relaxed to furious in a matter of seconds.

"Do you care to explain this?!" he yells, causing me to jump a little.

"What is it?" my mother asks.

"A 72 in chemistry. That's barely passing!" he yells. My mom looks a little startled, but we're used to it.

"I'm sorry! Every-time I needed help you said you didn't have time!" I say defensively.

"Do not blame this on us young man!" he yells, smacking me as hard as he can. I stumble back into the side of the couch, tears already streaming down my face.

"Ted!" my mom screams. He's yelled at us, but he's never gone this far. I run up to my room, slamming my door. I collapse into bed, crying softly. I can feel my face tingling where he hit me.

About an hour and half later, I am still in my bed when I hear a knock on the door.

"Michael?" I hear my mom ask.

"What?" I mumble.

"Will is here to see you. Can he come in?" she asks. I immediately wipe my tears away, though my eyes must be red and puffy.

"Yeah, of course." I say. A few seconds later, the door opens to reveal Will. He looks so pretty.

"Hey." I say sadly.

"Hi." he says, shutting the door behind him and sitting down next to me on my bed.

"Your mom seemed...on edge. Is everything okay?" he asks. Just that question causes me to start crying. I bury my head into his shoulder, crying silently as he rubs my back and kisses my head softly.

"Shhh, it's okay. I'm here, Mike." Will whispers, causing my heart to flutter. I lift my head up to see his sparkling, comforting eyes.

"You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but I'm here if you wanna talk." he says. I take a deep breath, trying to form words.

"I uh - I got a 72 in chemistry and - and my dad got upset. He h - hit me." I say, my voice breaking. I can't even process it myself. His fists tighten in his lap but his face loosens with sadness.

"Oh my god, Mike. I can't believe he would do that to you. I'm so - I'm so sorry." I says, interlocking our fingers.

"I just can't believe he did it." I say.

"Me either. And about Chem, I'm gonna help you study until you bring your grades up. I'm gonna help you with whatever you need." Will says. I can feel all my worried being lifted off my shoulders as I tilt my head up to meet his gaze.

"Thank you so much." I say, our lips moving closer.

"Don't thank me, Mike. You've been there for me and now it's my turn." he says, placing his lips on mine. His hands tug lightly on my hair as my hand finds his leg, deepening the kiss as everything just melts away.