Until You [BL]

Chapter 2 - Unexpected Knight

Fallon did get sick. Maybe it was because he wasn't getting enough sleep or maybe because of heartache. His usually bright mood seemed to dim a little and he is quieter now. This caused concerns that his dad started asking questions. He started avoiding his dad whenever his dad seems to want a serious conversation. He always used the excuse that he is not feeling well and would like to sleep or rest. After a few days his dad stopped, and he was relieved and sad at the same time.

He called the univ he has chosen in Manila and confirmed his acceptance. He started looking at available condos near the school online, kept busy with anything and everything so he won't have to listen to his heart crying.

***

Two days before graduation, Fallon decided to come to school for the graduation photos and to process his clearance.

He parked near the exit and as he was stepping out of the car, the driver side of the car beside him opened too and he saw a familiar face, one of Peter's friends alighted from that car and looked at him.

"Hey." The person greeted.

"H-hey." Feeling uncomfortable.

"I don't know if you know me but my name's Archer. Archer Chase Hidalgo."

Fallon is too uncomfortable to say anything, so he just nodded.

"Haven't seen you around lately. So, are you here for the grad photos?"

"Yes." Fallon answered briefly.

"Great! I'm doing that as well, Let's go together."

"Umm..." he really wants to say 'No, I don't want to'. What does this guy need? However, he cannot say any form of refusal without appearing to be rude.

As they entered the building, Fallon stopped suddenly. He saw Peter standing at the end of the corridor leading to the room where the photoshoot is on-going. He was talking with his friends and haven't seen Fallon yet. He had this strong urge to run back to his car and drive home. But his feet won't move. Archer gently tapped his arm.

"Are you ok? Would you like to go to the canteen first, until he's gone?" Archer offered.

Fallon felt his mouth slightly open. Although thankful, Fallon's confused as to why does Archer seem to know that he's avoiding Peter.

"H-how... I mean what are you... No I'm fine.", Fallon stuttered.

Archer grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the other end of the hallway. They turned right at the end and stopped at a vending machine selling soft drinks. Archer let go of Fallon's arm and fed the machine some bills. He got a couple of cokes, opened one and pressed the opened coke on Fallon's hand.

Archer drank from his own bottle before saying, "I'm sorry for intruding but I saw you more than a week ago and I know you heard what Peter said about you. The guy is a dumbass. I think you're better off without him. That being said, in case you want to confront him, I can go with you."

"I...ahmmm...No. But thank you for offering. I just want to get this school year over with and move on."

Archer looked at Fallon for a few seconds as if gauging if what he said is true. "If you're sure then." Archer finally said while slowly nodding. They drink slowly and in silence after that.

Fallon gazed at the open field beside the building and noticed that it started raining. Fallon cried inside to the rhythm of falling raindrops.

When they were almost finished with their drink, Archer said, "Ahmm my dad, Anthony Hidalgo, is a friend of your dad...I hope I did not get you in trouble?"

Aside from the unexpected remark, Fallon was also not really paying attention, so he was slow in replying, "Huh? Why would you get me in trouble?"

"Oh! Never mind then. Let's go, maybe Peter and his friends were gone."

They walked back to the other end of the corridor and entered the grad photo room. Though there are several students inside, Peter is not one of them. This made Fallon sigh in relief.

After taking the photos, Fallon saw that the rain has stopped. Archer sort of hanged out in the corridors with some of his classmates while Fallon processed his clearance and other docs. After he finished, Archer saw him when he was about to leave.

"Fallon, dude! Wait up."

"Oh, you're still here."

"Yes, got caught up with some friends. You're going home? Let's walk together to the parking."

As they reached the parking lot, they saw Peter and a couple of his friends standing by Fallon's car.

"So Hidalgo, you're now hanging out with him?" then Peter turns to Fallon "Long time no see fag, I mean Fallon."

"Peter I don't think we have anything to say to each other."

One of Peter's friend laughed and said "Dude, he's dumping you. Seems like the fag's chosen Archer!"

"Really Fallon? Is this why you've been avoiding me for weeks now?" Peter said loudly.

"Peter, please talk to Fallon calmly." Archer interjected.

Peter rudely pointed at Archer's face while threatening him. "Stay out of this, Hidalgo or you're going to regret it."

Peter turned then grabbed Fallon's jaw and roared. "Did you really think I care about you? I was just using you! Nobody will love someone like you." he pushed Fallon slightly and slapped him hard across the face which made Fallon fall on the ground.

It suddenly started raining hard and Fallon is somehow thankful because he was not able to prevent a few of his tears from coming out.

Archer quickly ran to Fallon's side. When he saw that Fallon's cheek were bruised and starting to swell, he stood up and gave a punch to Peter's jaw. He grabbed Peter's shirt "So how does it feel to be struck across your face huh?" He then pushed Peter.

Peter was about to retaliate when his two friends held him back "Peter, think of who he is. His family can bury you."

Peter's face is so red, but he heeded his friends' words. He then turned to Fallon and shouted "You ugly worthless fag! No one will ever truly love you!" and they left after that.

Fallon remembered nothing of what Archer said or how he was able to get home after that. The words "ugly", "worthless" and "no one will ever truly love you" kept echoing in his mind.

It rained again that night, he stared at the ceiling, tears silently falling until it was almost morning.