The Paths We Take [boyxboy]

The Paths We Take {14}

                "What? How the hell did you get 27 for an answer? I got 352," Lily said, staring at our math homework in despair.

                "352? Lily, sometimes you worry me," I said, taking my paper back from her. "I'll help you study during lunch tomorrow, okay? Maybe I can actually explain it to you."

                "You better. I need you to survive this year of school," she said, shoving her homework back in her bag. "Are you taking the bus home or is David getting you?"

                "Neither."

                The arm snaked around my neck before I even noticed Aaron was there. He tugged me closer to himself, shooting Lily a threatening smile.

                "Kaz here is coming home with me," he said. "Isn't that right, Kaz?"

                "I was not informed of this plan," I said.

                "I just informed you. Let's go," Aaron said.

                Lily reached out and caught my hand. "He doesn't have to go anywhere with you if he doesn't want to."

                Aaron tightened his arm around my neck. "I don't give choices."

                "You know what would've been a great choice for your mom? An abortion," Lily said, yanking me so hard that it almost pulled me free of Aaron's grip. "You're not making Kaz do anything against his will."

                Aaron shook his head, that smile of his growing wider. "My parents were so excited for kids until they realized what I was."

                "What, a heartless monster in the shape of a boy?" Lily said.

                "Lily," I said, shooting her a look but keeping my voice casual. "I want to go with Aaron. And he's not a monster."

                "But you're not denying he's heartless," Lily said.

                "Shit, I forgot you said heartless monster. He's not heartless or a monster," I said. "I'll text you later. For the love of god, go practice your math."

                "For the love of god, go fuck yourself and find a nice boy to date," Lily said, turning away from me angrily and heading off down the hallway.

                I knew she was just worried about me. I knew her worry could often manifest as anger. But Aaron had been told his whole life that he was a monster. It was time that someone stood up for him and reminded him that he was just a human. Sometimes I think even Aaron forgot that.

                "Is this the night of our adventure?" I asked as I followed Aaron towards the exit of the school.

                "Life is more exciting when you don't plan things," Aaron said. "But sometimes, a little planning can go a long way. We're going to have a hell of an adventure tonight, Kaz."

                "What is our adventure going to be?" I asked.

                He shook his head. "No, no, no. Surprises keep things exciting."

                Aaron's idea of a surprise was a mildly terrifying thought, but I shrugged it off. We went down to the parking lot, where Bruce and Vic were leaning against the car, waiting for us.