𝐌𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 ☆ 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐱 𝐑𝐚𝐲 (𝐓𝐏𝐍)

Chapter 3

Tw: Scars, Self Harm

Another morning had come after more countless restless night of sleep. The raven-haired boy woke up to the sound of children shouting, earlier than normal. It was guessed that they simply wanted to play this early.

Ray stumbled out of the bed. Being the last one up and awake means that he had the confined comfort of the bedroom to get dressed and ready for another day at the House. Of course, nothing today would be new, but he could only hope.
Slipping off the shirt of his pyjamas, as predicted the scars from the other night had dried. He hadn't really checked them, which is why he was only noticing now, however they wouldn't be noticeable with such a long uniform shirt. At least, he hoped they wouldn't. This was going to be a pain to hide.

Putting on the rest of a fresh new uniform, the boy exits the bedroom and makes his way downstairs for a late breakfast. Usually breakfast was held quite early, and at this time Ray knew he must've missed it.

Of course, he was correct, spotting a plain bowl of cereal placed for him at the end of the table. Mama let out a quiet cough from behind, making him jump.

"Don't try and pull stunts with me again, okay? Now, be a good boy and eat your breakfast so you can play outside with the others." Isabella spoke calmly. "Oh, and it's chore day, so you and the other older kids will be put on laundry duty!"

This made the raven freeze in place, did they seriously have to be put on laundry duty? It would reveal everything... whatever. Ray mumbled a curse word under his breath, yet before he could reply Mama had already walked away to God knows where. This left him no choice, as he slammed a fist on the table.

"Damnit... DAMNIT!" It was a surprise even to himself to see him this angry. People can't know. Nobody can know what he's been going through, and he planned to keep it that way.

"Ray, is everything alright?"

The raven swiftly turned around, just to see Norman standing not far behind with a soft smile. That shitty smile again... it makes his heart skip a beat, once again.

"Everything's fine, I've told you this before, Norman." He utters a bit harshly, but the albino doesn't take it offensively.

"You've been acting more aggressively lately. I noticed it ever since we played Tag together. Perhaps it isn't aggression."

"Huh? The hell are you saying, Norman?"

Norman let out a chuckle, now inches away from where the other sat, and gently wraps his arms around his shoulders.

"What's upsetting you, Ray? Tell me what's making you agitated, and I promise I'll help you in any way I can."

Ray was shocked, eyes widening and the grip on his cereal spoon was tighter. A burning flame arose in his chest, and he didn't like it. He hated how his heart raced whenever Norman was near. This was only recent, too. That damn book was changing him for the worse.

"I said... I'm fine. Leave me alone if that's all you wanted to ask me."

Norman paused, thinking about his choice of words very carefully. He wants to crack his weak spot; he wants Ray to be free of the clear misery, and to tell him everything that he's feeling.

Why? Because he cherishes Ray, just like a rich man cherishes money. The boy meant everything to him. Therefore, it was his duty to protect his everything.
Ray could be mean to him, and he wouldn't care.
Ray could push him away, just because he's hurting.
Norman could've chosen carefree, joyous Emma.
But he didn't. He chose Ray, and he'd like it to stay that way.