Misunderstood (Part II)

Unlike his usual, Theodore had not been under the Tabebuia near the source when he arrived at school. He knew very well that if he were there, Gabriel would come after him to talk. And at the moment, he did not want to increase the pain of disappointment.

Unfortunately no other place seemed good enough for him to take a short nap until the bell rang. Wandering the courtyard like a silly cockroach, Theodore had gone into the building preferring to wait at the door of his class.

If he was the first one in, he could just do it like the day before. Lowering his head pretending to sleep until the teacher arrived and applied the evaluation. Thus avoid two people who would certainly scold him.

There's no way your best friend should have known he were crying about Gabriel. Although he was likely to know about the photo, as he had commented something about his girlfriend the day before.

Leaning against the wall, Theodore fixed the cap over his head trying to hide the bruises on his face. The less was seen the better. By putting on the headphones and turning on your Ipod, he will be listening to the music of your favourite musical, trying hard to make time pass quickly.

Staring at his own feet, he lost his thoughts until saw a pair of shoes stop before him. Arching his eyebrow, Theodore raised his eyes slowly noticing the short female figure with bright eyes standing in front of him.

Theodore had removed one of the headphones, returning the look of the girl whose face resembled that of his younger sister.

— Theodore, is not it? ― The blond swallowed dry nodding with suspicious head, while the girl took a step ahead of him widening her smile ― Waaah, it's so beautiful! You looks like an angel.

― Sorry, what's up?

The girl took a step back, scratching her head releasing a embarrassed laugh.

― Forgive me, I got a little excited haha. I'm Lilian, first year.

― Oh... right. Did you want to talk to me?

— Yes! ― The euphoric girl hurried, soon covering her mouth looking sideways checking if someone was around. So she had a low giggle. ― Actually, I wanted to ask you a favour.

― What would it be?

— I am the representative of my class and the teacher responsible for my class spoke about the festival that we will have after the tests. I wanted to ask for your help at this festival.

Turning off the music from his iPod, Theodore removed the headphones and stored it in his backpack, giving full attention to the beta in front of him.

― What exactly would I need help with?

— Looks like this year's committee wants to hold a beauty contest to promote school during the festival. But no boy in my class wants to participate. Couldn't you run for my class?

Blinking a few times being slightly stunned, Theodore had changed the weight on his legs while still looking at those bright little eyes.

― Sorry, did you say your class wants me in?

― That's right.

― I guess you made a mistake, huh?

― No, it's really you. Why would I miss?

― It's not possible that an entire class wants me for this kind of activity. Or are they planning some kind of tasteless prank?

Lilian did not shudder at the prosecution. Theodore hoped that she would be embarrassed or even sad, but all that the beta girl had done was direct a sweet smile at him holding his hands carefully.

― I trust you. I actually insisted that my colleagues accept it. So you can trust me too.

It was hard to argue with a girl who seemed to be so sweet and kind. For Theodore it was even more complicated when he seemed to see his little sister in that girl. Except he was also afraid to accept an invitation like that.

There was no chance that any class, all of them, would accept his help. Somewhat shocking and surreal, leaving a certain suspicious blonde omega.

About to give an answer to the girl, Theodore and Lilian were surprised by the large hand that had held the blonde's arm. Turning to the owner of that hand, Theodore felt his heart racing to see those dark eyes he had come to admire and an enraged presence.

― I finally found you. ― Without receiving a direct answer, Gabriel then shot with his eyes the short girl who was staring at him curiously. ― And you are?

The girl turned her eyes to Theodore and then addressed him a smile.

― Can you think a little bit before you answer me? I know it was pretty sudden, but it's okay to trust me.

Theodore felt the pressure on his shoulders as the two standing eagerly stared at him. He wanted to show tranquillity, as if it didn't matter Gabriel's arrival. The problem was that it really mattered. It mattered a lot.

But it didn't mean he forgotten the conversation the night before.

Opening a smile to the girl, Theodore nodded his head.

― I want to know more details before accepting anything.

― Oh, then we can meet after class. There's a new coffee shop nearby, if you'd like...

― You can't go, you've got the afternoon training.

Theodore and Lilian stared in surprise at Gabriel, whose voice sounded as threatening as possible. The blond arched eyebrow averting his gaze to short.

― Team? But as far as I know, Theodore's not on the school team.

― He's our assistant.

— So you don't need him all the time. In addition, my classmate who is also part of the team said that training was reduced this week because of the tests.

Gabriel took the little girl seriously. The atmosphere between them seemed tense, though Theodore felt only sweetness coming from Lilian. Rolling his eyes, the Omega was getting the girl's attention.

― I'll wait for you on the way out, then.

Lilian's smile widened like that of a child. Shaking her head she loosened Theodore's hands and waved at him, running down the silent corridor. Even though she was on her back she gave the same impression that Lisa. Theodore just smiled with such coincidence.

But now he had something to sort out.

Pushing Gabriel's hand from his arm, Theodore had again leaned against the wall by adjusting the backpack on his back. The alpha then stood in front of him, looking angry.

― What did she want? Why do you need to meet?

― It doesn't matter, it's my business.

Trying to escape from his classmate, Theodore went to the side being stopped by Gabriel who remained in his way.

― I know you're mad at me for what I said yesterday, but understand that was not my intention.

― It's not just what you said Gabriel, but the people you hang out with aren't as naive as you think.

Trying once again to get past the alpha, Theodore was increasingly cornered against the wall.

― It was just a joke. Understand that.

Raising his clear eyes to Gabriel, the blonde then gave up running and crossed his arms.

― Oh sorry, I didn't know you preferred the kind of friendship where your friends constantly test your sexuality just to make sure they're being friends with a straight alpha.

― It was just an excuse to make me stay with Sadie.

— Why do you want me to understand so bad? Why so desperate not to misunderstand? ― Exploded Theodore, pushing Gabriel's shoulders forcing him to increase the space between them. ― Need my blessing to date Mckenzie?

— I don't want to date anyone, Theodore. I knew this would be a misunderstanding because you don't like her. I know I told you shit yesterday, so I'm desperate for you to forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you.

Slowly his heart bled with thorns that made him a prisoner of his feelings. The biggest difficulty of fighting with those you love is the insane desire to pretend that everything is okay just to avoid pain. However Theodore was not willing to suffer again.

Especially when nothing had happened between them.

It was just moments.

Sweet moments.

In the distant corridor, Theodore had recognized the smell of the group of friends who always made his life hell. Even though Sadie was immersed in her ridiculous conversations and annoying pranks, she had already set eyes on Gabriel and Theodore.

The blond fixed the cap and would follow the opposite path if not stopped by Gabriel once again. Holding their arm, the two boys exchanged painful glances as if they were breaking up an old relationship.

― Please tell me at least what you expected of me. You said that yesterday, that you expected me to be different.

― Do I really need to explain this? Let me go.

― Theodore, if you please.

― Let me go, Gabriel.

― Not until you can forgive me.

Pulling his arm trying to loosen, Gabriel kept him trapped by pulling him close to him. His sad brown eyes did not abandon the blue pearls, seeking understanding and connection. Yet Theodore was not prepared for that conversation.

Actually, he didn't want to talk.

He needed time to calm the aching heart that cried so much for another disappointment.

― He told you to let him go, you moron!

The angry cry came accompanied by a punch in Gabriel's stomach. Theodore was startled by the sudden arrival of his best friend, who had thrown his backpack at him. The alpha had been forced to release Theodore, writhing in pain.

― I hate to say it, but I warned you, Theo. This guy sucks.

Rising with difficulty, Gabriel sighed ignoring the presence of his captain in front of him. He just looked at the blond omega that stared at him with wide eyes.

— Just listen to me first, I know what I said was screwed up... But can you get out of my way? ― Gabriel grumbled when Nicolas pushed him away from Theodore.

― I warned you, kid, to stay away from Theo.

Gabriel rolled his eyes taking a few steps towards Theodore. To prevent such an approach, Nicolas had closed his fingers in fist hitting a punch in the transferred student. The impact of the punch had the expected effect, however it had caused a consequence.

Coming in an intense rush along the corridor, a person similar to a loose beast grabbed Nicolas's collar pushing him against the wall and throwing punches at him. Milles seemed about to lose control of his anger, as if he'd long for that fight.

However, he was not the only one.

Seeming to arouse feelings swallowed by force, Nicolas kicked Milles' belly forcing his release, and so the two began the exchange of punches in the middle of the corridor.

Theodore crouched beside Gabriel pulling his arm to help him get up.

― Are you all right?

― Nothing much, I'll be fine...

Looking around, Theodore perceived the other students forming a circle around the fight, as if watching a circus show. The smell of Milles was strongly exhaled, spreading throughout the corridor disguising the subtle sweet aroma of an omega. Swallowing hard trying to find some way out, Theodore sighs relieved as the inspectors meddle among the students to get to the fight.

Mixing among the others, Theodore dragged Gabriel in the opposite direction of the inspectors.

― Why are we running away?

― If you want to go to the board, I'll take you there.

Gabriel had looked at Theodore realizing his seriousness. He looked tense and nervous, though his face was as pale as usual highlighting his bruises. Still he looked handsome.

For the first time he saw him wearing a cap, and the golden threads that escaped the cap formed small curls. With that closeness between them, Gabriel realized that Theodore was really beautiful.

A thought that made him smile singing.

― I thought you didn't want to talk to me.

― I'll help you, but that doesn't mean I forgot what you did.

The two boys exchanged glances before entering the small infirmary room.

― So will you listen to what I have to say?

― Can I get away from you?

Gabriel had opened a wide smile to remember the conversation they had one day, where they said the same thing. Reinforcing his response, the alpha brought his face closer to Theodore's without averting his eyes and without undoing the smile of his face.

― Not even.