Lady Venom

Detention

"A drop of ink may make a million think"
- Lord Byron

Vienna

I rush through the crowded hallways, trying to keep my head down and avoid people.

I hated humans, we were such a disappointment.

The noise of laughter and chatter echoes around me, but I feel completely isolated. Just another day in this prison.

As I turn the corner, I bump into Colton, my cousin. He's big, tall and does well on the football team and has always been friendly.

"Hey, Vienna!" Colton grins, and runs a hand through his blonde hair. Why the fuck is everyone blonde the football team?

Colton is the type of guy who can light up a room, but I can barely muster a flame.

"Hi," I mumble, my eyes darting to the ground. I feel someone watching me. I glance up and see Raiden leaning against the wall, a half-smile on his face. Great. Just what I need.

Then I look around and I start to notice that's Colton is with all of his football friends.
I start counting them
Evan
Harlam
Zeka
Jace
Seth
Logan.
How could I forget? Denny.

"Did you go to the game last night?" Colton continues, oblivious to my discomfort. "You should've been there." God, he was a like a little blonde puppy.

I can't manage more than a nod, Raiden's presence is suffocating. I avoid his eyes and focus on Colton instead.

"Come on, Vienna," Colton nudges me playfully. 

But it's Harlem who jumps into the conversation "La- Vienna Don't be a stranger. I need you in the stands cheering us on. Raiden can't do it alone."

I can feel Raiden's gaze intensify, and I risk a glance his way. He's watching me intently, and it sends a jolt of anxiety through me. I quickly look back at Harlem. "I'll try."

Colton walks off before giving me a a smile, joining his teammates. I exhale, feeling a bit of the tension ease.

When math class rolls around, I take my usual seat in the back. But Raiden sits down next to me, and I can feel his presence. 
Fuck you assigned seats.

"Hey, Vienna," he says quietly, leaning closer. "You good? You look a little....."

I shift uncomfortably, trying to focus on the teacher's voice rather than the way Raiden's concern feels like a spotlight on me.

"I'm fine," I lie, my voice comes out shaky.

His eyes narrow slightly, landing on the bruises on my neck. Shit I thought I had covered that with my hair. "Is that a hickey?" Denny's voice is sharper now, "Do you and that prick hav-?"

He needs to stop talking.
Everything just needs to stop.

I snap at him, "Shut up, Raiden!" The words spill out before I can stop them, laced with anger.

The classroom falls silent, all eyes on us, and I can feel the heat of humiliation wash over me. Raiden raises his hands in surrender. "Okay, Just trying to see if you're okay." He whispers.

He wouldn't be able to handle the truth. My real feelings.
How sometimes I want to peel off my skin just to feel something.

I've had nothing good in my life since him but good comes bad and I'm sick of the bad.

"Well I don't need you to do anything for me!" I whisper.

"Vienna, Raiden! Detention after school!" The teacher's voice cuts through the tension, and I groan internally. Detention. Just what I needed.