Virals Pack: Reborn

Chapter 18: Bothered

A/N: Hey everyone! Hope you all like this peek into Hi's head again. Things are getting a bit ship-filled, but don't worry, it won't be all based around the romance! I have in mind what I want to do and how to get there, but it's gonna take time and development. So thank you all for your patience and support with this, you're all awesome! 

*Hi pov*

To say the least, my current mood was "bothered". Firstly(is that a word?), I was bothered by what had happened back in the chemistry room. The fact that everyone ganged up on Katrina in such a vicious way, not even giving a second thought about her feelings, it was terrible to witness. Secondly, I was bothered by Katrina's reaction. I know it was surprising to say the least to be assailed by hot foam, but she had a full blown panic attack because of it. Lastly, the thing that really bothered me personally was how badly I wanted to hurt them, all of the jerks that dared to mess with her.

 Sometimes I surprise even myself with my own reactions to things, and this was one of those times. Usually Ben was the crazy protective one of the pack, the one that would beat you to a pulp if you hurt any of his packmates, especially Tory. But right now I wanted so badly to just cast aside all self-control and tear into those bullies. I wanted to use my super strength to hurt them, make them suffer for what they did to her. 

I shake my head, trying to clear the murderous thoughts from my head as I pace around the nurse's office. The nurse had taken Katrina to the back room to clean her up, make her "good as new". The way she had said it bothered me too, like all of Katrina's problems would be fixed by simply cleaning off her hands and maybe changing a couple bandages.

Speaking of bandages, they were yet another thing that bothered me, I might as well add it to the growing list. She came to Morris Island a couple weeks ago, and they've stayed on throughout her whole stay as far as I knew. No one knew what had happened to her back in Minnesota, what situation led to her being moved here. Not even my nosy mother knew anything, so she was a mystery girl to us.

Recalling what had happened when we all met face to face on Loggerhead also bothered me. She was so strong, facing up to Ben while he was flaring, but then she completely shut down when asked what had happened to her. She seems like a tough cookie, so something really bad must have happened for her to 1: have such injuries and 2: become incapacitated by flashbacks/anxiety attacks from what took place.

I snap out of my brooding mood as the nurse walks out with Katrina following meekly behind her. I find myself bothered by how...broken...she seems. I may not know her well, but I know for sure there is a strong, smart, powerful girl amid the other scattered pieces of her, our afternoon playing games together proved that. 

My mind wanders down memory lane for a moment, recalling that wonderful afternoon. We had spent most of our time exchanging creative insults and witty banter. I quickly found that she had a razor sharp mind, a smart mouth, and a silver tongue if she wanted to; a truly dangerous mix if you ask me. But everyone had flaws, in her case, the clumsiness that led to our literal downfall. But considering that the "flaw" made her seem even more wonderful, I decided to exempt it and consider her practically perfect anyways. 

"She's all better now" The nurse chirps in a sickeningly sweet voice, making me grit my teeth. Her choice of words seem to bother Katrina too, she keeps her eyes firmly trained on the ground and refuses to raise them to meet my questioning eyes. "Make sure she gets to class, eventually." She adds with an obnoxious wink in my direction. I don't even bother to say anything witty back at her, I just carefully take Katrina's hand and lead her out.

She follows, unresistant as a robot as we walk down the hallway. However, her steps stutter to a stop as we reach the science wing, and she just stands in the middle of the hallway frozen in place. Once again bothered by her reactions, I gently pull her back the way we came into one of the many forgotten corners of the school. She sits down, like she did before, but she doesn't break down this time. Instead, she just seems to shut down and stare into emptiness, like the time on Loggerhead.

Alright. Time to be a comedian. I think and start off with "You know, there should be leather armor in prop hunt, know why?" She looks at me, a spark of recognition in her eyes. I feel my heart stutter a bit but I ignore it and continue "Because its made of hide." 

I can see the full reaction on her face as the blank look disappears and is replaced by realization and then amusement. She snorts, shoulders shaking with laughter. "That was terrible." She chuckles. I grin at her and feel a stirring in my chest, more insistent this time. Sitting here, looking at Katrina caught in bouts of giggles over my one terrible pun, it all falls into place.

It fits like the last piece of a puzzle, one that I have been staring at it this whole time. I can't believe I was so blind and didn't notice it before. I've read the books, watched the movies, et cetera. It all lines up; my constant nerves, strange reactions, change of attitude, nagging thoughts. How could I have missed it? I want to slap myself for being so absurd, but it's all I can do to suppress a ridiculous grin. I feel elated, foolish, restless, and giddy all at the same time. 

I, Hiram Stolowitski, am falling into a cliche love story, one that only ever exists in stories.