Don't listen, they're not real // KickTheStickz

Photography

— Warnings: Bullying, homophobia.

After spending their free time in the field, taking many pictures, the group made their way back inside for their last lesson. Photography. Chris wasn't the best at taking pictures, but he certainly found it fun. He assumed Pj liked photography though, since he was almost sprinting towards the classroom.

Once they got inside the room, the four of them sat down at the smallest table, so no one else would join them. The teacher walked in after a couple minutes, she had a lovely smile as she looked upon the group. "Hello, guys. My name is Clare, and I'll be your photography teacher. Unlike most lessons, I like to get started straight away with practical work. So today we'll be looking at how a DSLR camera works, and then we'll split into two's and go outside to take some pictures." At that moment, Dan and Phil were already looking at each other with big grins, which made Chris chuckle. He then noticed that Pj had scooted closer to him, also with a wide smile. "Wanna be my partner?" He asked.

How could I deny that? Of course you're gonna be his partner, Chris!

"Sure thing." Chris replied with a smile, before looking away as Clare placed two cameras on their table, before moving to the other tables. "I'll let you all pick your partners. We're not in school, I'm not a strict teacher." She spoke up, before walking to the front of the room. Several 'Yes's!' Could be heard as she said that, which made her smile proudly.

"So, pick up your cameras, you should see a small button at the top with a power image on it, that's to turn the cameras on and off. Beside that, is a larger silver button, that's to take the pictures." All of the students grabbed their cameras in their pairs, before turning the cameras on. "To take the pictures, hold down the button until you hear the picture being taken." And, bam. Several pictures being taken of other students, some even attempting selfies.

Clare then proceeded to show them how to view and delete pictures, how to change the shutter speed and photo quality. Before sending the students outside to do their work. Chris stuck close to Pj, as they were allowed to go anywhere, as long as they returned. "Wanna take a few pictures in town?" Pj asked, looking to Chris with a smile. "Sure." Chris replied with a nod.

They both walked outside and began to walk along the road towards town, Chris' eyes were, as always, stuck on Pj. Pj then gasped suddenly, before running ahead. "I'm just gonna go take a picture of this street performer, Chris, I'll be back!" He called out. Chris smiled at Pj's excitement, leaning against the building behind him so Pj would be able to find him easier.

Chris pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the time, before a group of boys pushed past him, causing him to drop his phone. "Oops, sorry." One of the boys spoke up, before bursting out into laugher. "Oh, it's okay." Chris reassured him with a smile, before leaning down to pick up his phone. "Wow, you're a lot more pathetic than you look." The boy spoke again, before kicking Chris' phone across the road.

Shit, come back Pj, please.

Chris looked back up with a confused expression, watching as the boys all laughed, before the 'main' guy turned to him. "Where'd your boyfriend go? He must've realised how useless you are?" Ouch, this was hurting. "My boyfriend?" Chris replied, before the other guy rolled his eyes. "You seem to be incredibly stupid, too. The boy you were with, you were staring at him non stop. God, that fucking disgusts me, gay people are vile." He then raise his hand and pushed Chris up against the wall, making Chris squeal involuntarily. "N-no, no, he's not my boyfriend..I-I, he-" Chris was interrupted by a sudden slap across the face, making him wince constantly every second. "Don't bullshit me. The last thing we need in this college is a couple of gays." He released Chris, before kicking him in the stomach, making Chris drop to the floor with a groan. "When your 'friend' gets back, let him know we'll be back to get him next." He then kicked Chris in the stomach once again, before walking away with his group.

Chris was trying his best not to cry, but it was extremely difficult. He could feel blood running from his nose- and he could taste blood in his mouth. His stomach was on fire, and he could barely move. He curled up and began to cry silently, before suddenly getting pulled up to his feet. "Chris, oh my god, what happened?!" It was Pj, his face had a worried expression. Chris sniffled and shook his head. "A- a group of guys..th-they beat me up..and they said-" Chris' talking was now muffled as he was pulled into a gentle hug, his face being buried into Pj's shirt. "I'm so sorry, Chris. I won't leave you again. Let's head back to college."

Oh no, I can't go back looking like this.

"N-No! I don't want to, I want to be alone, I don't want to go back there.." Chris then burst into tears once again, making Pj hug him tighter. "Okay, we won't go back. But at least let me stay with you, I can help you. C'mon, we'll go somewhere quiet." Pj replied, before pulling away and gently taking Chris' hand, pulling him along.

Pj took him back to the field were they took the group pictures, but this time, Pj took him into the forest that surrounded the field. Chris used his spare hand the wipe the blood away from his face, before they both came to a halt. "We can stay here, I've been here before, no one ever comes here. Hang on." Pj released Chris' hand, opening his bag to pull a blanket out. "I always carry a blanket with me, in case I get cold, or wants sit outside." Pj smiled and laid the blanket onto the grass, before sitting down and gently tugging on Chris' hands. "Sit down." Chris took a deep breath, before sitting down beside Pj, who wrapped his arms around Chris.

"I really am sorry, Chris. I didn't think even think about what could happen if I had left you alone." Pj whispered, "It's okay, you're not my guardian, it's not your job to look after me." Chris reassured, before being held tighter by Pj. "I know, but I still feel really bad. And I promise to never leave you alone again." Pj then did something that Chris would have never expected.

Is this really happening?

Pj had brought his hand up to gently caress Chris' face, causing Chris' stomach to fill with butterflies. Pj leaned closer and whispered to him, "I'm sorry." Chris smiled widely, "Pj, it's fine, hones-"

Oh my god

Chris was interrupted by Pj's lips gently being pressed against his own, leaving Chris wide-eyed. Pj then pulled away to grab a napkin from his bag, leaning forward to carefully wipe the blood from Chris' face. "I won't let anyone hurt you again, I promise." Pj reassured, smiling softly at Chris.