Hermit Highschool AU (with Angst! waaooo!)

Chap 2. Scar

Scar let his hair run through his fingers as he brushed it away from his face. He was staring at another boy up ahead, his brother, Bdubs. Bdubs had been extremely distracted since yesterday. At dinner, he didn't talk at all, even though usually, Scar couldn't shut him up. Bdubs retained a wistful look and nearly fell out of his chair when addressed directly. 

This morning, as soon as the bus arrived at school, Bdubs nearly tripped on his feet as he lept out of the seat, rushing to the exit and flying down the stairs. Scar hadn't seen him again until now. Something was up, and even though he was only one year older, Scar felt that it was his responsibility to find out what it was. 

Just then, someone collided with Scar head-on. 

Grians POV

Grian tripped forward as Lizzie pushed him, flaring open his broad wings to attempt and steady himself. His feathers ruffled as he went tumbling into... Scar.

Scar reached out to grab Grian before he fell, holding him steady. Grian breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent of popcorn and peppermint that radiated off this boy... he smelled like Disney World.

Grian let out an involuntary chirp, before realizing what he had done. He straightened up stiffly and mumbled, "Sorry."

"Woah, hey Grian! What happened?" Scar pulled his hand back tentatively. Grian let out another quiet chirp, before turning bright red. God, he hated it when he did that. His bird instincts occasionally took over and never failed to embarrass him.

Scar was looking at him with a worried grin. Lizzie was clutching her sides with laughter, along with Timmy and Joel, who were red-faced with glee. Grian observed frustratedly that Pearl had left to go to her next class, as she had a different schedule than him. She could save him from this embarrassing situation. Grian flushed even deeper and turned to Scar, who was looking at him like he asked a question. 

"Sorry w-what did you say?"

"Just, are you ok? What happened?" Scar repeated, smiling kindly down at Grian, who straightened up with a blush.

"Um, I just tripped I guess," Grian mumbled with a dirty glance at the wheezing form of Lizzie. "I'm fine now," he insisted, biting his lip to suppress the noise that was building in his throat. He knew his pale skin must have been bright red, matching his sweater. Scar cleared his throat anxiously.

"Well, bye, I've got to go. Look out for more tripping hazards..." and with an awkward wave, Scar was gone. Grian drooped, wings dragging on the floor, almost collapsing from embarrassment.