By Your Side; Ksimon

Chapter Nine

Simon's POV:

Pain filled me as I opened my eyes, everything taking a moment to adjust.

When they did I saw Vikk, Freya and Josh all asleep in chairs, while JJ sat there silently, his head buried in his hands.

I went to take a deep breath, but immediate pain filled my chest, I gritted my teeth, trying to hold back a cry.

I took more shallow breaths, not being able to take anything more. Lifting my head, I looked down at my body, I was topless, making my face lit up as I stared down at myself.

My ribs were lined with a nasty bruise, enough to make my blood turn cold. Farther down I saw my ankle elevated...shit they must of found out.

"JJ..." I croaked out, I needed to look at him.

Slowly he lifted his head up, eyes filling with relief as he stared at me.

Bags rested under his eyes as he stared at me tiredly. Once he realized I was staring at him, he straightened himself up, regaining his composure. "You're awake..." He mumbles, rubbing his hands together, staring down at them.

I just smiled at him, making him scrunched his face, "What even are you smiling about, you weirdo."

He had a good point...what the hell was I even smiling about. I guess the fact that...I think I had people that cared about me. JJ, Josh, Vikk and Freya. I didn't know them very well, but they were willing to help me after getting beaten up. I couldn't let them beat up Vikk, anyone but Vikk. He was so small and weak, he would never be able to defend himself, yet I never could either.

I just kept smiling at him, as I tried to stay calm, not being able to breath normally really freaked me out.

I could feel the pain medication working, I felt extremely droopy, but I didn't want to sleep anymore.

My foot felt almost completely numb, same with my jaw. I could feel my ribs, but not nearly as much as before.

JJ shakes his head at me, "You're one weird kid...you know that?"

I grin even more, making him only more confused. He looks at me like he wants to say something, but closes his mouth, biting his tongue.

I raised an eyebrow at him, "W-What is it..."

He shakes his head again, "It's stupid."

I bit my lip, "JJ of course it isn't..." I whispered, causing some anger to flicker in his eyes, but to quickly dissolve as he looks at the others.

"Y-You did this to yourself, you know that?" I just chuckled sadly, nodding slowly.

"Y-Yeah...I-I...di-did..." I whispered inbetween breaths, "And...I wouldn't c-change...a thing..." It was true, I wouldn't.

"Y-You're gonna get yourself killed, I don't know what your school was like...but this one is rough, you gotta watch your back at every moment." He mutters, his eyes fixating on the floor.

Memories threatened to flood of my old school, but I pushed them back. It were pretty much the same...almost.

I cried out softly, feeling pain rising in my side as I took a shakey breath, JJ's eyes widened, "Do you need me to get her...? Are you alright?"

All I did was close my eyes, shaking my head. I tried to ignore the pain I was feeling.

A rough hand slipped there's into mine, making my face light up, god I hoped it was dark enough.

"I-Is Vikk okay...?" I questioned. My eyes traveling to the small body curled up in the chair.

"He's completely fine, because of you." I kept my eyes closed, just listening to JJ's words, letting them calm me.