Trainspotters

vii.

"black star"

—//—

They're both holding hands, Gray can't help but slightly swing his arm back and forth as him and Brie walk around the building.

He's still a little bit upset about what had happened the night before, with the altercation between Brie and Scott. The meltdown had overwhelmed him, and he didn't really say or do much, not even fidget like before. If anyone outside of his class had seen him the way he was right now, they'd think nothing was wrong.

But deep down, the boy was still slightly distressed.

Slightly... yeah.

In reality, ever since the fight, Gray hadn't been doing too good lately. He was hypervigilant, looking around all over the place to see if he was in any sort of danger, he felt anxious and antsy, things aren't so good for him right now. His insomnia caught up with him; an old friend whom he shakes the hand of and welcomes inside, unknowing that it'd tear up the inner corners of his headspace. And it was the same with a couple of other unwanted guests, too — paranoia and dread. It followed him all around, and he couldn't catch a break. Despite it being a familiar feeling, he still didn't know how to handle it properly.

Brie looks up at him, worriedly. "Hey, love, I... I'm sorry about that night, the fight with Scott and everything. Are... are you sure you're alright?"

He nods. "Mm."

"Okay."

Brie wanted to ask him a question about the meltdown, but figured it'd be best to wait — after all, he didn't seem to be in the mood to talk.

They both walk into class, Gray slumping over to his seat, resting his head on the table, groaning softly.

She sits next to him worriedly, rubbing his back, which... doesn't really startle him.

Odd.

Normally when touched, he'd be startled and jump out of his skin. Not to mention he's ticklish, incredibly so. So why's his back not making him bothered?

It was just a little something that made Brie slightly confused, but something she'd rather not pay much attention to, after all it wasn't really that important to her. She draws her focus on making Gray feel better.

She whispers to him, "It's only me. I'm just... here, lemme," as she wraps her arms around him, pulling him in for a hug, to which he sinks into her touch, letting out a soft sigh. She smiles. She loves how affectionate Gray is, how he's willing to succumb to every ounce of affection from his girlfriend.

It's like he's touch starved.

The professor walks in, and as the lesson begins, Gray starts drifting off into slumber.

—//—

He's fast asleep.

He was knocked out cold, completely immobile except for a few twitches here and there, indicating a small sign of life, and his body was still quite warm, due to the abundance of clothing he wore since in the cold months, he'd shiver easily. He looked dreadful anyway. His eyebags were darker than black holes, and speaking of which, it felt like something was sucking the life out of him.

Brie was next to him, making sure he wasn't disturbed as he got the rest he desperately needed, whilst also jotting down notes from their lessons, although bored, she had to do what she needed. For both her, and her partner, who was struggling with a lot right now. A lot which she didn't know about.