Rian Mikaelson [Sequel to "The Youngest Gilbert"]

Chapter 4 Making Friends and Enemies

Rian woke up, noticing Theo peering at him curiously.

"Not creepy at all," Rian grumbled, his voice still groggy from sleep.

"It's just... I've heard that you saved everyone yesterday. I had no idea that you were a witch," Theo admitted.

"Did my impressive collection of candles give me away?" Rian joked with his eyes closed. Theo snorted and shook his head. "So uh... Theo, what are you? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm a werewolf/vampire hybrid. My mom and dad, Damon and Elena, adopted me when I was young. When I turned sixteen I activated my curse. So they asked Niklaus, Hope's father, to make me Hybrid, in order to stop painful transformations," Theo told him, whose eyes were shining from painful memories.

"I'm sorry it happened to you... Wanna hug?" Rian asked him. Not waiting for the answer, he hugged him anyway. Knowledge of how the curse was inflicted etched in his brain like memory, caused mixed feelings of guilt and pleasure. Whenever he remembered it, he felt a sick vindictive glee that made him disgusted. Hollow's imprint of feelings. He was surprised to find out she had any other than hunger.

"I'm sorry," Theo apologized.

"Never apologize for having feelings. Just because we're guys, doesn't mean we get to suck it up and deal with it. We have the right to cry and rage and be upset. So anytime," Rian replied, causing Theo to chuckle appreciatively.

"Do you... never mind it's silly."

"Do I what?" asked Rian. "C'mon tell me."

"Do you wanna sit with me? During lunch. I know you'd probably rather eat with witches..." Theo was interrupted.

"Say no more, my hybrid friend. I'd love to sit with you. Witches don't like me very much. The only other friend I have is Hope who has her own little clique. So yeah, I'd love to sit with you."

"Let's go then," Theo smiled brightly, put on his shoes, and dragged away Rian in bro-hug.

They sat together, far away from everyone talking quietly. Then suddenly, Josie Saltzman, who didn't feel like socializing much, politely asked to sit with them. Rian and Theo welcomed her with friendly smiles, receiving one in return.

Soon Rafael joined their trio, making them a quartet. Josie told them about this school's silly and outdated rules, causing Rian to agree.

"No Black Magic? Bah. Prospestorous," Rian complained, making Rafael look at him weirdly.

"That didn't stop you from using a death spell on that dragon lady," the boy blurted out, but he quickly realized that he had divulged a piece of sensitive information.

"Dragon Lady?" Josie demanded in a whisper-yell. "That's what you were up to with Hope?"

"It's a secret, so shush," Rian admonished her. "I don't care for rules. I won't allow anyone to tell me how to use my magic," Rian them.