Celestial University: A Bully Romance

Chapter 1: Fire that Leads to the Shadows

"In the darkest times, that's where you'll find your greatest strength."

Shemar Thomas questioned that quote as he rubbed the red blood leaking from his cheek in his dark skin. The blowing wind of the New York City air mitigating his injuries while he offered a cat some of his leftover milk, looking fondly at what would be his last time at his Crown Heights neighborhood.

Only two days were of school, and his plans were all set: Franklin College had the college majors he was looking for, two decent friends who he could grow close with, all the ambition necessary to try and make it a new home for him and his brother. 

The last thing he needed to do was find a way to keep him safe while they were together. You couldn't exactly bring a eleven year old to a college campus.

Though their father wasn't a safer option either, he figured. At least since mom had passed.

"That's what you're thinking, isn't it," said Valeria Hidalgo, interrupting his internal monologue.

The bright red hair and stylish outfit elevated the glow of her tan skin in comparison to his dark body and baggy clothes. 

"Oh, hey amor " yawning.

"Flint stole money again, you covered up for him, and this time you ran out before he could fight you again. Seriously, don't you think you should call the services on him?"

"He's good at covering his tracks when child services could show up" Shemar rebutted. "The petroleum jelly Coach let me borrowed has come in handy a lot though."

"You shouldn't have to resort to that at all!"

"True, but he's slipped up enough times," showing her a document with links to voice recordings, and videos of his set up. "After tomorrow, I'll be sure Flint has a home before I have to leave. Maybe Franklin will here me out and let me ditch the summer program till he gets in," sharing the documents with her.

"How long have you been planning this?"

"Ever since I realized I'm not strong enough to take care of myself. Shonda took me in when I didn't even know who my parents were, and I promised I'd find that strength one day. But this is my way of showing that. If I can't keep my promise to her, then I don't deserve to be called a big brother." 

Shemar's face glared down at the shadows. Even they told the truth about the world, and the work he pretended to be doing on his phone had enough evidence.

"Okay, but tomorrow, make sure Flint doesn't do it again," as they were about to head into the school.

"He needs better food than Gerald wasting it on booze."

"No, I have a surprise for you dummy."

"Is it a birthday kiss," he teased.

"Boyfriend, remember?"

He sighed. "Second boyfriend in the future then?"

"Well, you'll never find a girl as amazing as me. But maybe you will at college."

"I doubt it amor," aware he wasn't exactly the most attractive type in the world. "I'm just happy we both some made it this far."

"Hey, you had that in the bag. It's me who needed most of the help."

"Well what kind of friend, slash future lover would I be if I didn't have your back. I wish you were coming with me at Franklin. It'd be nice to have a friend there with."

"Renaya will be there."

"But she's not the Virtuous Valeria I know and love."

"Look, just come early tomorrow near the park and bring Flint. And maybe you'll get that kiss gift."