Firework Eyes (A Vic Fuentes Fanfic)

Chapter Five

Reaching the music room I was puffing, having just ran from the other side of the school. Opening the door, I quietly closed it behind me, hoping not to attract any unnecessary attention.

"Vic?", I called quietly, walking into the empty music room.

Where was he? He had to be in here, he always was. Suddenly a muffled sniffle came from the far corner of the room. I knew he was in here. Walking to the far corner, I caught a glimpse of Vic. He was sitting with his back against the wall, knees drawn to his chest. He looked so vulnerable and my heart hurt for him.

"Oh Vic", I sighed sadly, crouching down in front of him.

He had his head down but It didn’t matter, I could see the purple bruise blossoming on his damp cheek and the red circles rimming his eyes.

Crossing my legs under me I looked at him, "What happened?"

"What do you think happened?" He spat bitterly before looking up at me, regret filling his eyes, "I'm sorry Rachel, It's not your fault."

"It was Danny, wasn't it?"

Vic nodded and I took a deep, angry breath.

"I swear I'm gonna-", I trailed off, turning around and beginning to storm from the room.

Suddenly a warm hand caught my wrist, followed by Vic's voice, "No. Don't."

I whirled around, eyes blazing. Vic would always put anyone before him, even the guy who had just beat him up. A habit that was as endearing as it was infuriating. Sitting back down I sighed.

"Are you going to do something this time?" I asked quietly, already knowing the answer.

He shook his head and I knew he was ashamed. Moving to sit next to him I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and hugged him. Slowly I felt him wrap his arms around my waist and hug me back.

"You need to do something", I whispered into his shoulder.

"I know", he whispered back, "But I can't."

"Why not?" I pulled away slightly looking into his dark eyes.

"Because you know what will happen if I do", he murmured before dropping his eyes.

I nodded, he was right and I hated it. Danny was the school bully. An expert at bullying people to breaking point yet still managing to maintain his popular, good kid façade. I hated him. I hated him with all my heart.

Pulling away from Vic, I stood up and began to pull him with me.

"What are you doing?" He asked, letting me pull him up.

"You're lucky you have me, you know?" I smiled at him, trying to put him in a good mood.

He shook his head clearly confused, "Why?"

"Because we're going home", I grinned proudly.

"We can't" He protested, "Mum's at home and she'd kill me. Plus we have a social studies test after lunch."

"That's where I come in. My parents are at a conference all weekend and you're gonna stay  at mine", I said.

A small smile slipped onto Vic's face at the idea, "But what about the social studies test?"

"The test can wait a few more days. Plus Jaime's gonna cover for us", I nodded, pulling my phone from my pocket and calling Jaime.

"He is?" Vic looked at me sceptically.

He picked up on the first ring, "It's Jaime time."

"Hey Jaime. It's Rach", I replied.

"Hey Rach. What's up?"

"Vic and I are going home", I started getting straight to the point, "Can you cover for us in social studies after lunch?"

"Sure", Jaime replied without hesitation, "But why?"

"Vic's had a bad day", I replied.

"Oh", Jaime knew exactly what I was talking about, "Ok then. As long as me and the rest of the guys can come to yours after school. I mean it is a Friday."

Crap! I had forgotten about pizza after school, "Sure. We'll order in. Oh and can you grab my stuff for me. I'm not coming back."

"Sure" He chirped, "See ya Rach. Oh and say hey to Vic for me."

"Will do. Bye Jaime", I pressed end and slipped my phone back into my pocket.

Turning to Vic I smiled, "You can drive."

Leading the way from the music room we walked down the empty corridors, it was still class time and everyone was busy or not so busy learning. Although I hated Math I was good at it, and never struggled with keeping up. Walking into the courtyard I froze. A group of guys was standing on the far side, surrounding the one person I did not want to see. Danny. Turning to Vic I knew he'd seen him too, he was as pale as a ghost.

"Just keep walking", I murmured, walking quickly across the corridor.

Four meters to go. Three. Two-

"Is that Victor?" A voice called, a voice with a specifically British accent.

"Viccy Wiccy", another taunted.

Turning around I saw the group of guys staring at Vic and I.

"Oh look, Viccy's brought his gay little girlfriend", Danny taunted.

Oh hell no.

Storming over to the guys, I felt Vic catch my wrist but wrenched it away. Danny could taunt me all he wanted but insult my best friend. I don't think so. If Vic wasn't going to do anything I was. Standing in front of Danny I squared my shoulders and looked up at him. He was over a foot taller than I was but that didn’t matter.

"Wanna say that again to my face?" I spat at him.

He looked down at me, a smirk on his lips, "What? You and Viccy? Are you guys a thing yet because Viccy here is a straight up homo."

That's when it happened. I didn't mean for it to happen it just sort of did. Curling my hand into a fist I swung it upwards. Very suddenly my fist connected with the left side of his face sending  Danny stumbling back. Shaking out my aching fist I watched Danny regain his balance and come at me eyes blazing.

Turning back to Vic I uttered one word, "Run."

And we both took off. Sprinting through the courtyard and across the car park. I could hear Danny and his group running behind us and thanked God I was forced to take P.E. Reaching Vic's car he quickly unlocked it and we fell inside. Starting the car he pulled quickly out of the car park and began the drive to my house. I slumped back against the seat, my chest rising and falling quickly.

"What the hell were you thinking!" Vic cried between pants.

"I don't know", I sighed ashamed, "It just kind of happened."

Suddenly he began to laugh, "I cannot believe you did that."

"Either can I really", I began to laugh with him.

"You're the best Rachel, you know that?" He laughed.

"I know but it's nice to be told", I smiled at him and sighed happily.

It was going to be a good weekend.