SO NO ONE TOLD YOU LIFE WAS GONNA BE THIS WAY
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Jeremy was walking through the halls of his high school, trying to get to the cafeteria before someone spotted him. The sudden pulling on his book sack, however, told him otherwise.
"Where do you think you're going, nerd?" a voice behind him sneered. The person shoved him onto the ground. Jeremy felt himself being kicked, but he kept his eyes closed. He knew that it'd be over sooner if he didn't fight back.
"Aw c'mon. You're too weak to fight without your boyfriend?" the bully jeered. Jeremey whimpered quietly, praying for something to stop it. His SQUIP appeared in his mind, it's electric blue face looking at him with sympathy.
"Jeremy, I am going to call Michael," the SQUIP explained. "Try to hold out a bit longer, slugger."
Jeremy nodded subtly, and curled into himself in an attempt to shield his body. Soon, the bully left, leaving Jeremy bruised and bleeding. He didn't release his position, whimpering still.
"Jeremy?!" Michael's voice called after what seemed like an eternity. He heard rapid footsteps and opened his eyes to see his boyfriend's wonderful face, worry etched deep into its features.
"My poor Jere-bear," Michael whispered, cradling Jeremy in his arms. He carried him to the nurse's office, who knew Jeremy very well by now.
"Mr. Heere's back again, Mr. Mell?" she asked, smiling sympathetically. Michael sighed and nodded, laying Jeremy on the bed. She gave him bandages and medicine, then told them they were free to go. Michael and Jeremy thanked the nurse and left. Michael held Jeremy's hand protectively, and led his smaller boyfriend to the bathroom.
"Okay, who did it?" Michael asked, locking the door to the last stall.
"I'm not really sure... I think it might have been Jason, but I had my eyes closed. Sounded like him, though," Jeremy explained.
"Got it. Are you feeling okay?" Michael further questioned. Jeremy nodded, and gave a soft smile for confirmation. Michael leaned down and kissed Jeremy softly, but it quickly became passionate as Michael wanted to make sure Jeremy knew he was safe. After their make-out session ended, they left to meet their friends in the cafeteria for the last few minutes of lunch. Michael pulled Rich and Jake aside suspiciously, and they seemed to be be talking about something important, then smiled darkly. They nodded towards Michael, and returned to the table. Jeremy looked at Michael quizzically, but Michael shook his head and smiled.
"Later," he'd said. Jeremy was a bit worried, but realized what they were talking about when Jason wasn't at school the next day. When the teacher asked about his absence, Michael, Rich, or Jake would reply with a sports accident. Michael kept close to Jeremy for the next few days, making sure everyone understood what had happened. Jeremy smiled, and Michael leaned down and kissed his head.
"I'll be there for you," he said quietly, pulling Jeremy close.
CONNOR IS LIKE HAMILTON GEE
