#and trouble who has always kinda liked that tall redhead or whatever suddenly wants to crack his head in the door

[teeth-draws]

Hhhhighschool au bus ride with trouble from @shepherds-of-haven ;;;; haha

[addicted-to-ragehappy]

Another Stay Heart [Chapter 2] [Platonic AH OT6]

Title: Another Stray Heart

Pairing: Friendship AH OT6

Rating: K+

Genre: AU/General

Words: 2789

Prompt/Summary: The world can be a cruel place, for some more than others. This is the story of how six very different kids came together to face the troubles of everyday life. This is the story of how six kids found belonging within one another.

A/N: Chapter 2 is here! Sorry for the long wait! ~No One

–

“Holy shit, Geoff. You look terrible.”

Geoff simply grunted in response, keeping his head low as he passed through the hallway. His normally bright blue eyes were dull, even more lidded-over than they usually were. “Thanks, asshole. You’d look like shit too if your grandmother was even half as psychotic as my mom is.”

“What did she do now?” Jack tilted his head. “I mean, messy office aside. Do you need to crash at my place for a few days to get away from her?”

“I don’t know anymore, dude.” Geoff sighed heavily. “My mom has been dumb as dicks lately, and I just don’t know how to handle it. Last night when she got home from her friend’s house, she just started breaking things. She grabbed whatever she could reach from the moment she walked in the door and just started throwing it at the walls and on the floor. My stepfather tried calming her down, but she chased him out. He hasn’t been home since.”

The slightly scruffy male shook his head. He knew things were getting bad, but this was a new low. “Are you okay? I mean, did she hurt you at all?”

“Well, I mean… Here, I’ll show you.” Looking around to make sure no teachers were in sight, Geoff pulled Jack into the private bathroom and locked the door. Setting his things down, he took off his black t-shirt, revealing a fresh, poorly-bandaged wound on his shoulder. “To be fair, I don’t think she actually meant to hit me with the bottle she threw. I think she was just trying to scare me upstairs.”

Jack’s eyes widened. The white bandages were stained a dark red, though it looked dry. “Geoff, you have to tell someone about this. Your mom could kill herself or you at the rate she’s going now!”

Geoff shook his head quickly. “I can’t do it, Jack. She’s psycho, but she’s still my mom. And I don’t want my stepdad to get mad at me for turning her in. He may be getting the abuse too, but he loves her. And I do too.”

Though Jack so desperately wanted to shake some sense into Geoff, he knew he wouldn’t be able to, so he temporarily gave up. “I understand. It’s hard. But if you want to get out for a few days, my door is always open.”

“Dude, you have no idea how happy I am right now.”

--

As Michael woke the next morning to a rain-soaked landscape, he silently thanked himself for accepting Ray’s offer the night before. Though the day was clear now, and the moisture would soon be dried, the relentless rain would have soaked the poor child to the bone. Not to mention he was now able to avoid an awkward conversation with the principal, who already had suspicions about Michael’s situation. But he pushed the darker thoughts aside as he hopped off the bus, Ray following closely behind.

“The Halo tournament we had last night was awesome!” Ray bragged, pushing past a few bigger kids to keep up with Michael.

“Yeah, for you maybe.” Michael huffed in slight annoyance, but Ray could sense the underlying tone of teasing. “You beat me every. Single. Round.” The redhead let out a large yawn. “And it was really late when we got to bed!”

Ray shrugged and ducked into the library, sneaking into the corner where he’d meet Michael every morning. “Sorry. Mama didn’t come home last night and tell me to go to bed like she usually does. She must’ve been busy.”

“You’re a dummy, Ray. You know that?” Michael sat down on the floor next to his friend, silently thankful that the librarian hadn’t arrived to kick them out yet. He spaced out into his own thoughts, blocking out Ray’s continued gloating about their Halo playthrough. He hadn’t had such a good night in a long time, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to give it up so soon. “Hey, Ray?”

“-and then I-” Ray stopped at Michael’s interruption, and then laughed. “Oh, sorry. Got carried away. What is it?”

The redhead offered him a sheepish smile. “I don’t like asking, but do you want company again tonight? If I was too much trouble last night, I understand.”

Ray’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “You’re never any trouble. There’s always room at my house for you!”

“Thank you, that’s-”

“Boys! Get to the playground or the cafeteria with the rest of the students!”

Jumping at the sound of the Librarian’s voice, they both stood quickly and scrambled to the door, plunging themselves into the warm and sticky Austin morning.

--

Ryan had never been more grateful for the rain; after his dumpster dive, he had been left smelling rather unpleasant, and the rain had helped wash it away. Though his set of clothes would be worse for wear, he set them at the bottom of his bag and changed into some cleaner ones. He was currently sat on a swing on the older side of the playground, watching the other kids play. Through the corner of his eye, he saw the kid he helped the previous night run out into the playground with his friend, and was glad to see that the curly-haired boy was doing okay. I should go say hi, but I did just leave without warning. He probably won’t want to talk to me.

Ryan’s attention was soon forced from his thoughts when he heard a commotion by the door. He couldn’t see well from where he was sitting; just a group of older kids a fair distance away, all standing around something. Upon further investigation, which required him to get off the swing and sneak closer, he saw that the older kids were surrounding a younger kid. The kid didn’t look any older than nine or ten. Deciding that he wanted to see what was going on, Ryan remained in the background, keeping himself neutral for the time being.

“Please, just give it back…” the child pleaded.

“Aww, wittle Gavvy-wavvy wants his pwecious kitty plush back,” one of the kids teased. Ryan recognized the voice. Joel Heyman. “Why don’t you just get mommy and daddy to buy you another one?”

The kid, who Ryan now knew as Gavin, looked like he was about to cry. However, he remained strong. “I-I said please… I really want her back, so, uh… please give her back?”

Joel snorted. “It’s a her? How cute.” He looked over to one of the others in the circle. Burnie Burns, a kid in Ryan’s class. “How about we make it disappear, Burns?”

“No, please!”

“Hey, leave the kid alone, Joel.” Ryan had heard enough, and he pushed through the layer of kids so he was standing between Burnie, Joel, and Gavin. He held out his hand. “Just give him his toy back. You don’t need it, and he wants it.”

“That stupid rich brat can get another one if he asks for it! He doesn’t need this one!” Burnie snatched the stuffed animal from Joel and pulled at a weak spot in the already-worn seam. The tearing sound was quiet, but it was enough to emit a whine from Gavin.

Ryan felt his patience grow thin. “Grow up, Burnie. You stole a stuffed animal from a nine-year-old boy. It’s probably special to him, so quit being a jerk and give it back before I make you.” His eyes were hard. “I mean it.”

“Fine. I didn’t want it anyway.” Scoffing, Burnie threw it in the dirt. “Stupid kid.” With a huff, he grabbed Joel by the collar of his shirt and stormed away, instantly disbanding the circle. Some of the kids followed Joel and Burnie, while others resumed what they were doing before Burnie caused a scene.

Sighing in relief, Ryan picked the stuffed animal up and handed it back to Gavin. “Be more careful with your things, buddy. Those guys are jerks and like to pick on the younger kids. And I can’t be getting in trouble for beating up bullies.”

“T-thank you, I will…” Gavin held the stuffed cat tightly, afraid to let go. “Who are you?”

“I’m Ryan.”

“Cool! I’m Gavin!” The small child looked extremely happy for some reason. “Hey, Ryan?”

“Yeah?”

“You seem really nice, and no one’s ever really been nice to me… Plus, you scared away mean Burnie! Can we be friends?”

The dirty blonde smiled. Though he and Gavin were a few years apart in age, and they’d only just met, he felt as though he and Gavin had a connection. So he nodded. “Sure, Gavin. I’ll be your friend.”

Gavin squealed in delight. “I’ve never had a proper friend before. This will be top!” He giggled before turning away. “I’m gonna go put my kitty away before class. Bye Ryan!”

“Bye, Gavin!” Ryan watched the young boy run back inside, and he felt warm. Not only had he helped Gavin out, but he’d also made a friend. Looking up at the bright blue sky, he knew it would be a good day.

--

Ray had been thrilled when Michael had asked to stay over for another night. Normally, he was arguing with his friend to have him come over just for dinner, so the inquiry had been unexpected, but welcome nonetheless. He would be less lonely for one more night.

But Ray couldn’t find his best friend anywhere.

Though he and Michael had walked outside together, the crowd of seventh graders had plowed through the pair, and gotten them separated in the process. He’d initially considered waiting for Michael by the rock where they’d first met, but after seeing the older kids surrounding it, he knew Michael wouldn’t go over there.

“Michael?” Ray called in distress. “Where did you go?” He’d never found himself lost on a school playground before, but it was as if the kids on the playground had multiplied suddenly. I guess breakfast was gross today.

He was about to give up his hunt and head inside when he bumped – quite literally – into someone much taller than him. “Sorry!” he squeaked, looking up at the student he ran into. The man was tall, and had a bit of curly facial hair. Most of the older boys were bare-faced, so he was fairly easy to pick out.

“It’s okay.” The older boy smiled at him. “Why aren’t you with your friends?”

“Well, I, uh…” Ray looked at the ground in shame. “I… Kinda lost him when the big kids came out, and I can’t find him.” Suddenly, he got an idea. “I know! Can you help me find him?”

To Ray’s surprise, he nodded. “Sure, why not. My name is Jack, what’s yours?”

“Ray.”

“Well, nice to meet you, Ray. Maybe you can help me find my friend Geoff. I seem to have lost him as well.”

Ray nodded. “Deal. Let’s go!”

--

Geoff grumbled loudly, pushing through the sea of students as he looked for Jack. After hearing a noise, Geoff had looked away for a moment, and when he’d looked back, Jack had disappeared. Stupid Jack. Running off to check out every noise he hears. What is he, six? Geoff shook his head. How do you even lose a five-foot-eight guy with a beard?! He had decided to turn back and head to class early when he spotted a redheaded kid in the crowd, looking as though he was trying to find something. Hey, kids are good at finding things. “Hey, kid!”

The curly-haired child turned around and glared at Geoff. “My name is Michael, stupid!”

Oh great. He’s friendly. “Fine, sorry. Hey, Michael, can you help me with something?”

“Wait! You didn’t even tell me your name!” Michael turned away. “You’re not very polite, are you?”

Geoff had to suppress the world’s biggest eye roll as he kept himself level-headed. Michael was more difficult than he anticipated. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. My name is Geoff.”

“Better.” Michael snorted. “But why do you need my help? You’re bigger than me!”

“I lost a friend of mine, and I could use your help finding him. He’s tall – taller than me – and has some hair on his face.” Geoff snickered at Michael’s blank expression. “Do you think you could give me a hand?”

The redhead was silent for a moment, and then nodded. “Sure, I guess so. Maybe I’ll find Ray while we look.”

“Great, thanks!” Geoff allowed Michael to latch himself to his pant leg as he walked at a slow pace, looking for Jack and Michael’s friend. “Hey, Michael. You’re not scared of heights, are you?”

“Not me! I’m the great Mogar! I’m not afraid of anything!” Michael crossed his arms. “Why?”

Geoff said nothing in response; instead, he lifted Michael onto his shoulders so he could see above the crowd. “Okay, now do you see either of them? Jack’s kind of a big guy.”

Michael squinted as he searched the crowd, before he grinned. “If he’s the stupid-looking one with the big head, then yeah! I think I see Ray with him, too!”

“Perfect.” Geoff lowered Michael back onto the ground. “Lead me towards them, oh great Mogar!” He laughed as he was pulled through the crowd until he was face-to-face with Jack. “How the hell did you get lost, stupid?”

“I’m not stupid! I knew where I was!” Jack huffed. “It’s not my fault you- Oh, it looks like you found a small companion as well.”

Geoff watched Michael as he detached from his arm and ran over to his friend. “Yeah, his name is Michael. He’s got more attitude than anyone I know, but he seems to be a good kid.”

Jack opened his mouth to respond, but his words were lost as the first bell rang. “Crud, time to go inside.” He hung his head and started for the door, Geoff following behind closely. He heard Michael and Ray talking to each other, and suddenly caught the question “I wonder if we’re friends now?” from Ray. “Hey, Geoff, you hear that?”

“Yeah.” Geoff chuckled and turned to the two younger boys. “Sure, guys. We’re friends now.”

--

School had passed by slowly for Gavin, but thanks to Ryan, Burnie and Joel had left him alone for the rest of the day. He scanned the torn spot in his stuffed cat, deeming it ripped enough to be fixed, but not damaged enough to be replaced. I’m so glad Ryan stopped him.

When school let out, Gavin tried spotting his new friend, but his search ended with inconclusive results. He must’ve left already, Gavin decided. Instead of taking the bus home, Gavin opted to walk, wanting to embrace the warm spring afternoon. Though he didn’t walk often, it didn’t take him long to arrive to his large estate, but he was surprised to spot his parents’ expensive cars still sitting out front.

“Oh, Gavin’s home, gotta go.” was what Gavin heard upon entering his home. “Gavin, you’re late.”

“Sorry Mum, I walked home today.” But Gavin smiled. “Something amazing happened to me today! I got attacked by these bullies but then this other kid got up in their faces and told them to leave me alone and then we-”

His mother waved him off easily. “That’s nice, sweetie. Your father and I are leaving for a trip. We’ll be gone for a few days, but we called Barbara to watch you, since I know she’s your favorite.”

Gavin’s energetic demeanor dropped when he realized his mother didn’t want to hear about his day. With a drop of his shoulders, he nodded. “Okay, Mum.”

“That’s a good boy. Now, Barbara won’t be here for another hour, but I know you’ll be all right by yourself for a bit. Be good, now!” His mother just waved to him as she walked out the door, and he heard his parents start their cars. Gavin walked over to the window and watched as the two shiny cars pulled out of the driveway and sped off.

I don’t understand. Why doesn’t Mum spend time with me anymore? Gavin missed the days that he lived in England, before his parents got rich. His mother gave him hugs and kisses every day, and his father would try – and fail – to teach him how to play sports. Those days ended when they moved to the US.

But at least I had a friend now. The reminder of his new mate brightened up his mood a bit, and he went out to the back patio to wait for Barbara. Though his parents weren’t in his life as much as they used to be, he at least had Barbara and Ryan to talk to. Perhaps, Gavin thought, he’d be okay.