Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

What Friends Do

I stare at Jatix for a few seconds, taken aback.

"Jatix, I... I don't expect you to. Don't get me wrong, it makes me glad to hear that, I just... we wronged you... severely. You're not obligated to."

"I know, but I'm being serious. That doesn't mean I trust you entirely or want to restart a romantic relationship. I just mean that I'm at peace with what has happened. In your case it seems to have been for the better."

"I... I mean for Khai's sake, yes. Although even I feel more free than if I were tied down to a pack. But I do miss it at times. And I've been isolated from my family, so... that was rough. I was very lonely at first. So at least I got what I deserved."

Jatix doesn't say anything, but I see sympathy in his eyes.

"At least we can try to put the past behind us and focus on the learning and growth it caused for us. Always a silver lining."

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***Khai's POV***

"I think aside from just training to get stronger, I should also start learning self defense or something." I say.

"I took taekwondo for a bit." Tyrone tells me. "Perhaps I could teach you a thing or two. But you're probably better off with a registered instructor."

"Probably, but anything would be better than nothing. I feel like I've been in more danger recently than usual." I say. "Although Noah and his buddies have pretty much been leaving me alone, so that's good."

Tyrone nods.

"I think we finally scared them off. Don't wanna jinx anything, though."

"You scared them off. If I didn't meet you they'd still be bothering me."

"You have it in you, Khai. You may not be able to stand up for yourself very well, but you sure can stand up for others. Thanks, by the way. For earlier. I didn't know how to react."

"No problem. Didn't have much control over it, though. It kinda came out of nowhere."

"That's what you do, remember? Not that you actually come-"

"Ty, stop it!" I cut him off when I realize he's teasing me.

He chuckles, and I don't even care anymore. He looks so cute when he's smiling and happy and it makes me feel good.

It's certainly better than how he was this morning.

"Is that friend of your dad's always like that?" I ask because it suddenly worries me.

"No. And I hardly ever see him." Tyrone replies. "Sorry you had to meet him."

"It's fine. I'd rather have that than you run into him alone." I say truthfully.

Tyrone smiles appreciatively, and I feel somewhat bad for dragging him back there when he just seemed so happy.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up again." I apologize.

Tyrone stares deeply into my eyes for a few seconds.

"Khai, it's fine. I know you well enough now to recognize that your brain likes to hop all over the place. Besides, I also know you're just looking out for me."

Tyrone smiles at me and I smile back, feeling a little relieved.

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Not many people like Mondays. But what makes this particular Monday more unpleasant than usual is Zevon coming to bother us before we can even enter the school.