Rhys hobbled his way up the Academy stairs, panting heavily as he had just finished running across the courtyard. He was late, again, and this time he was at risk of suspension. Honestly, he was so sick and tired of school. He understood why it was supposed to be important and why it was ‘necessary’ and all that, but Rhys just … had other things on his mind. He didn’t want to be worrying about his grades when, honestly, he wanted to be with his girlfriend, crashing at her pad and having mad shags. He practically lived with her now anyways. Besides, hanging out with Galan would be nice to. Literally anything but attending school …

… as he reached the top of the steps the hallowed had to stop, panting heavily as he leaned over, hands on his knees, hair more ruffled looking than usual.

__

Laviticus opened the front doors of the main entrance, stepping out in to the afternoon air. The door thumped against something and a small yelp could be heard from behind the door. Laviticus jumped, letting out a small squeak of surprise before sliding past the door and closing it, peering around it to find Rhys holding his head.

“Aah, Rhys!” Laviticus gasped, reached out to touch his head. “Oh, darling … I’m so sorry! Did I hit you hard? How many fingers am I holding up?” Laviticus’ tendrils flared with worry, his heart throbbing anxiously in his chest.

--

“Uuuugh, my head!” Rhys moaned, rubbing at the goose egg that was already forming. He could hear the familiar voice of Laviticus, but Rhys couldn’t stand fully erect yet. The hallowed hybrid shifted to sit on his bottom at the top of his stares, sucking in a sharp breath as he tried to open his eyes, the world coming to him in smears of colour and light. <********, I’m spinning …” Rhys grumbled with a small hiss. He wasn’t mad at his friend, just mad that his head hurt so gods damned much.

--

“Rhys, you should really stand. Please!” Laviticus urged him, grabbing on to his arm to support him, but Rhys wouldn’t budge. “I said I was sorry … please, Rhys! I know you’re in pain but we should really get you in to the nurse. You might be concussed … “ If Rhys truly was concussed, Laviticus would never forgive himself. Sure, Rhys was pretty clumsy, but this was Laviticus’ fault, not Rhys’. He had to make sure that Rhys got the medical attention he needed, and quickly. “Please stop fighting me … “

--

“I’m fiiine!” Rhys groaned, finally responding to Lavi’s tugging hands, slowly pushing himself to his feet with a slow wobble. His head was throbbing uncontrollably, Rhys blinking hard to try and clear his vision. He hadn’t realized the door was so damn close to his bloody head. ********.

“Why were you in such a rush anyways, Lavi? Classes just started. Why were you even leaving the school? Aren’t you a good-two-shoes brown-noser type or whatever?” Rhys was being mean. He knew he was. He was just in pain. He would apologize later but for now he just couldn’t filter himself.

--

Laviticus gently let go of his arm, taking a step back to look at his friend all hunched over, even now that the hallowed was standing upright. Did Rhys really mean that?

“It’s the middle of the day … classes started hours ago … today’s my half day. I don’t have any classes on Tuesdays past noon … “ Not that it was any of Rhys’ business, but yes … Laviticus prided himself on being a good student. His shot at a scholarship depended on it. “This isn’t the time for arguing, Rhys … let’s get you to see the nurse … “ Laviticus turned to open the door again, casting a glance over his shoulder to make sure Rhys was following.

--
Rhys let out a small grumble, his ears still ringing. Was he hearing that right … ? It wasn’t 8am, but sometime past noon? ********, how late did he actually sleep in? Finally able to stand upright, Rhys straightened himself out, now able to open one eye, coloured slit pupil expanding. “********’ hell the days been flying past lately … I never know what day or time it is … this is getting crazy … “ Rhys started to shuffle close to Lavi. Maybe it was a good idea to see the nurse. Just in case. It was better than going to the hospital at any rate.

“Sorry for snapping … “ he added a bit gruffly.

Laviticus shrugged gently, a sincere smile forming on his purple painted lips. “Don’t worry about it. I just want to make sure that your head is okay, alright?” Laviticus reached over to grab his hand, mindful that their bone classes didn’t catch one another’s and started to guide him through the halls.

“At least with this head injury, you can get a “get out of jail free” card if we come up with a decent story. I found you on the street on my way home like this and that’s why you never made in to class or something … I’m sure your injury will excuse you, one way or another. Just promise me … not to make a habit of missing too many more classes, okay? We’re almost done … “

“What are you, my dad?” Rhys had to chuckle at that, the anger started to subside despite his pulsing head. Laviticus was trying. He cared. Since he met Raina he had been spending so much time with her that Rhys had been spending far less time with his actual friends. It was kind of nice to see Lavi after the past few weeks, but he wished it was under better circumstances … and a situation where he wasn’t snapping at the poor boy for caring.

“Yah … good idea. Thanks, Lavi. Always got my back. I appreciate it.”

------
Laviticus smile bloomed, his glowing eyes flickering with a brief surge of joy. Rhys really hadn’t forgotten about Galan, Malion and himself. It was nice to be reassured. “We understand … you have your first serious girlfriend. Your first big relationships are always a bit of a thrill. We just wish you’d at least text once in a while … I hate that it took me hitting you in the head with a door to get us to talk again … “ Lavi gently squeezed Rhys’ hand as he brought him to the nurse’s office and opened the door.

“Now, take a seat. I’ll get you all sorted out and in to see Ms. Yuki. You’ll be good to go. You can thank me later with a milkshake … “