First Day
These past couple of weeks have been rather hectic for Hunter. The Boiling Isles is being rebuilt, the coven system is being dismantled, and Hunter is now living with Darius. When he was in the human realm, he thought nobody would be waiting for him when he got back. That he’d be homeless–or living with Gus–and have to die or something along those lines. But that wasn’t the case, as Darius was waiting for him.
He felt a hand rusal his hair, which made him fling around angrily. “Hello little prince.” A familiar face smiled. “What’s that?” Darius immediately asked, pointing to his shirt.
“My wolf shirt! I sewed it all by myself!” Hunter said, proudly. He tried to hide how much he was searching for Darius’s approval about his stitch work. “Does it-”
“You’ve improved. I’m impressed!” He praised, as he examined the stitches. “Wow, these are small.”
“The human realm has the coolest invention ever, it’s called a sewing machine and it makes sewing go so much faster! I accidentally stabbed my finger twice while using it, but it was so worth it!” He rambled.
“What’s on it?” Darius asked. “You said wolf? What’s a wolf?” Eberwolf stared at Darius intently. “Well it’s obviously not a direwolf!” He huffed.
“I think these came from dire wolves…” Hunter pondered to himself for a second. “They’re my favorite thing ever! They are so cool!” He began to mimic a wolf. Darius and Eberwolf both giggled to themselves. “They roar and–” He trailed on for a while. “Sorry, I’ve been talking for a while, huh?” He frowned.
“It’s nice seeing you happy.” Darius paused, “Unusual, but nice.” There was something heavy looming above. A weight that Hunter couldn’t quite place. “Little Prince,” Darius kneeled down, “would you want to stay with me and Eber?” He asked, softly.
“What do you mean?” Hunter couldn’t possibly imagine that Darius meant, live with him. Who would want to live with someone like him? “Pfft- You don’t mean live with you?” Darius’s face dropped. “I mean!” Hunter stuttered. “Uhh-” He wasn’t sure how to fix this. “I would! If you wanted me to, but I just didn’t think you’d want that.” His voice was much quieter.
“Oh for titans sake, yes I want you to live with me.” He smiled. Eber let out a roar in agreement. “If you would like to. It’s all up to you, little prince.” It was a big decision. But he was sure that he wanted to. Who else would he live with?
“Hey Hunter!” Gus said, running up to the trio. His dad trailed behind. “We’re gonna head out!” Hunter gave a wave goodbye, “You coming?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Uhm, no?” Hunter was very confused. Why would he be going with them? “Why?” He asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Because you’re gonna stay with us?” Gus replied, also very confused. “I mean I just assumed you would because you were before the day of unity.”
Hunter gulped. He looked up to Darius, Help me he pleaded with his eyes. “Hunter’s staying with me.” Darius said rather bluntly. “Sorry.” He added, noticing the anger on Hunter's face.
“Oh,” Gus looked down, clearly sad. “Okay, yeah.” The devastation wasn’t hard to miss. “I think my dad’s calling me.” Tears began to line his eyes. “Bye Hunter.” He waved before running off.
Hunter frowned. “I’m an awful friend.” He kicked at the floor. “I should’ve gone with him. When we were in the Human realm I was with him basically 24/7.”
“But do you still want that now that you’re here?” Darius asked. “While you contemplate that, we should head home.” Hunter nodded. “Where’s your palismen?” Hunter almost dropped dead right there. He could feel the world stop. His face scrunched up and he just gave Darius a grunt.
Darius almost said Did something happen? But he wasn’t about to cause a scene in public. Plus he wasn’t sure Hunter would like any more attention drawn to him right now. “Why don’t we walk home, and you can tell me everything that happened.” Darius offered.
“Okay.” Hunter replied weakly. The walk home was long as he explained what had gone down in the human realm. He tried not to cry when he got to Flapjack's death. Darius made a comment of how he thought something had changed. Brown eye’s suit you. It made Hunter feel a little bit better. “I’m a grimwalker.” Hunter choked out as Darius unlocked the front door.
“What?” He paused to look over at the trembling blonde. “You’re a what?”
“A grimwalker.” Hunter replied, quietly. “From the scarytales.” Darius still looked confused. “A clone.” He coughed.
“Oh.” Darius said nonchalantly. “Cool.” He shrugged, as he opened the door and walked inside. Hunter trailed behind awkwardly.
“Not cool! I’m a freak! A monster.” He replied, angerly. It’s almost like he wanted Darius to be freaked out by him. Who in their right mind wouldn’t be? “Why don’t you care?”
“Do you want me to care?” Darius asked. “I don’t think you’re a monster. I think you’re a pain in my ass sometimes, but that’s just teenagers. Witch demon or grim thing, you’re still Hunter.”
“You don’t hate me?” Hunter asked, shocked. Like he had expected Darius to discard him that quickly.
“Do you really think that low of me?” Darius sounded offended. Eber got off his shoulder and scurred to Hunters feet.
“No!” Hunter exclaimed. “No, no! Not at all. I think very highly of you-“ he paused, realizing how stupid he sounded.
“Aw.” Darius smiled. “Get off of him you mutt.” Eber stuck his tongue out at Darius and ran off down the hall. “He’s probably gonna take a cat nap.”
“Ha.” Hunter laughed. It sounded fake, but it was genuine. “Cat nap, but he’s a demon. A dog type demon almost”. He chuckled to himself.
“Glad you think I’m funny.” Darius said, sassier than ever. “Now, back to the grim thing. I don’t view you as a monster or a freak, please don’t speak that way about yourself.”
“Sorry, sir.” Why did Hunter say that? Darius wasn’t a sir.
“Don’t call me sir.” Darius snapped. “Don’t ever call me that. You don’t have to call anyone that again, okay? Okay little prince?” He grabbed onto Hunter's shoulder.
Hunter nodded. “Okay.” He repeated, rather unsure. He knew that he’d likely have to call an adult that someday once again, but he understood the gesture.
“I noticed you have a lot more scars than you did the last time I saw you.” Darius frowns. Hunter flinches, and moves away.
“Long story.” Hunter deflects. “How was it being a puppet? I was captured too.”
“Raine has the same scars.” Darius continued, ignoring Hunter’s obvious distraction. “What happened, and don’t say long story, because I’ve got all the time in the world right now.”
Hunter sighs. “Belos possessed me. When I was in the human realm.” There was a beat of silence as Darius’s face fell. “Flapjack gave me his life, that’s why I don’t have him.”
“Oh my titan.” Darius gasps, grabbing his mouth in shock. Hunter rubs his upper arm with his other hand, anxiously. “I’m so sorry!” He scoops Hunter into a hug almost immediately.
“Oh you don’t have to-“ He’s squeezed so tight that his lungs can’t get any air in. They stay like that for a good minute until Darius drops Hunter and fixes his shirt, trying to pretend that he doesn’t really care that much.
“I’m sorry.” Darius repeats. Hunter can’t tell if it’s about the hug or the possession thing. Maybe it’s for both?
“It’s fine. I’m…fine.” His eyes darted back and forth. “Yeah, peachy.” It’s obvious he’s lying. He’s not really trying to hide it or anything.
“How were the humans’ parents? Were they nice?” Darius questions, now extremely worried about Hunter’s time in the human realm.
“Luz just has a mom, Camila. She’s nice. Like Luz, just less sporadic, if that makes sense?” Hunter explains. “She cares, I think that’s all that matters.” Hunter gulps, unsure if he wants to share a story. “When I was possessed, I tried to kill myself.”
Darius stares wide eyed, unsure of how to proceed. Was Hunter trying to confess that he was suicidal? How should someone respond to that?
“I knew that if I died, he would too.” Hunter continues. “So I jumped into the water, and Camila jumped after me. She pulled me out.”
“I’ll have to thank her for that.” Darius says. “I’m so sorry.” Is all he can say, it’s all he’s been saying. “I’m also sorry that I’m not saying more.”
“It’s alright.” Hunter shrugs. “I wouldn’t really know what to say either. If it means anything, I’m just happy you’re listening.”
“I’ll always be here to listen.” Darius smiles. “I could get someone to listen to you as well. Like a therapist? You’ve gone through a lot, it seems.”
Hunter’s body tenses. “No.” He responds coldly. “I don’t want to talk to some stranger.” After a long silence Hunter continues, “Where will I be staying?”
“Ah, right. Follow me.” Darius gets up and guides Hunter through the cabin. “Here, little prince.” He gestures for the boy to enter the bedroom.
“I have none of my old stuff.” Hunter mumbles. He’s not mad about it, but something twists and turns deep down. A sadness begins to bubble and brew.
“What’s that?” Darius asks. “You look sad.” He points out. “Oh for titans sake, what’s wrong?” Darius sasses.
“I miss my room.” He sighs. “I miss my life. Back when I was the golden guard.” It’s quiet, his voice. As if saying too loud will cause him to return back to that time.
“You were being abused, Hunter.” Darius responds, unpleased. “You were miserable.”
“Sometimes. It’s just, everything is so confusing now. And that’s scary!”
“Yeah. But scary doesn’t always mean bad. This scary is good. Do you get what I’m saying?” Darius smiles. It’s warm, it makes Hunter a little less sad.
“Yeah.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “Yeah! You’re right. This will be good.”
Darius giggles a little, before messing up Hunter’s hair. “You’re weird.”
“Yeah, I know.” He laughs. “So this is my permanent room?”
“Well until you wanna move out.”
“Cool.” Hunter smiled, before running over and jumping onto his bed. The blankets are plain, clearly meant to be switched out once you move in.
“So, first sewing lesson.” Darius announces. “Making you a blanket. And a pillow case.” He points at the plain one, with disgust. “That thing has got to go.”
“I was thinking the same thing!” He responds. He squeals as he runs down the hall and into the living room. “So what’s first?”
“I teach you some stitching techniques.” He pulls out a needle and thread and some fabric. “Is this good fabric? Keep in mind you’ll have to sleep on it every night. So if it’s not good, tell me now.”
Hunter grabs it and rubs his fingers against both sides. “Yeah it’s good!” He says giving a thumbs up.
“Alright.” Darius smiles. God, he feels like a dad. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He’s giving Hunter a chance to be a teen after years of abuse and neglect. “So follow my lead.” He commands.
“Okay, following.” Hunter picks up the needle. Darius shows him how to feed through the thread and do a few different stitches. It takes a while, and by the time they’ve done one full side, it’s nightfall. “Wow, that took a while.”
“You kept messing up.” Darius deadpans. “But, I think it's turned out pretty good so far. What do you think?” Eber suddenly comes crawling out of wherever they were hiding, and crawls up Darius. “Oh get off you Mutt.” He grunts.
Eber growls. Hunter isn’t fully sure what he’s saying, but can get the jist of it. Something like, is this for me?
“Wow, is it that good?” Hunter smirks, he can’t help but feel pretty proud of himself.
“Alright, bedtime, for everyone. I need my beauty sleep.” Darius says, before shoeing everyone off to their bedrooms.
Hunter fell asleep pretty quickly, but he didn’t stay that way for long. He woke up a few hours later, shrieking. He was begging for mercy, but he didn’t know why. His palms shook as he frantically looked around, unsure where he was.
All he could remember was pain. It hurt, everything hurt. Someone was pleaded, saying they were good. Hunter was sure it was him, but something deep down said it wasn’t. He knew his uncle was the person this thing was pleading too. Who else would you ask mercy from? Then so many bones. Masks, golden guard masks, lay next to the skulls.
He pulled his knees to his chest and cradled himself. It helped, in a way. There was a lot happening in his head, people. He could hear voices, they sounded like his own, but they were angry. Was he angry? Was this the inner him speaking? No, he didn’t feel angry, more scared than anything. So if he wasn’t angry, who was? He rubbed his eyes, and watched figures appear in the distance. They were blurry, and motionless. Hunter was sure that they were all staring at him. Wide eyes and no mouths.
Shortly after, he fell back asleep and dreamed of the angry figures. They danced and screamed, it hurt. Everything hurt, so he covered his ears.
—
The sun rose, as it always does. The world was beautiful. Hunter spirited out of bed and peaked out the window. He could see lush trees and blooming flowers. The world would rebuild itself. The isles would flourish once again, it might just take some time. Things take time to heal.
He let out a shaky sigh, and walked over to his closet. The closet was large and wooden. Hunter was sure that someone in the construction coven made it specially for Darius, as his initials were etched into the side. Though, with how vain that man was, he might’ve just done it himself.
Hunter pulled out a Hexside uniform. The sleeves and legs were yellow, indicating that he was in the potions coven. He picked that one, because he couldn’t do magic. Well he couldn’t do most magic. Except for teleporting. Even then, that wasn’t his magic, it was flapjacks.
Fists curled into balls, as he stared in the mirror, clothes now on. He then pulled on his gloves, refusing to let any of his scars that weren’t on his face show. They were a constant reminder of his failure, his failure to fight Belos of, his failure to save flapjack, himself.
He grabbed his bag and headed for the kitchen. Darius was cooking breakfast—eggs and toast. Hunter pulled out a seat and watched him, silently. “Good morning, little prince.” Darius smiled.
“Morning.” He replied, a lot quieter than he usually does.
“You excited for your first day?” Darius asked, clearly knowing he wasn’t. Hunter shook his head ‘no’. “Why?” He slid a plate towards Hunter as he also took a seat.
“What if I’m not good enough? I mean I can’t do magic! And what if people don’t like me, after all I was the golden guard. People have a reason to hate me.”
“Oh for titans sake!” Darius rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You’ll do fine! You’ll have a great day. Plus who cares what they think? You’ve got that human girl, the Blights kid, Gus, and that plant girl.” Hunter giggled at the fact that Darius only remembered Gus’s name.
“Yeah, you’re right.” He was still unsure, but he trusted Darius. “Things will be okay!” He took a deep breath. “Now let’s go!” He screamed.
Darius got up and grabbed his staff. Hunter slid on his shoes and rushed out the door. He bounced up and down, as Darius got set up. Then he got on the staff, behind Darius. The two were off, heading towards the school.
They made it there right before school started. Hunter saw all his friends, seemed like they were waiting for him. What a funny thought. He ran over to them. “Have a good day at school!” Darius yelled, before flying off.
“Hi guys!” Hunter waved.
“Heyo!” Luz smiled.
“You made it!” Gus said.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Hunter asked, confused about what he was implying.
“We kinda thought you’d have a panic attack and end up not coming.” Willow said, looking away.
“Oh…” Hunter rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah I’ve done that a few times, haven’t I?” They all nodded.
“But hey it’s okay! You made it!” Gus smiled. “Good job!” He put his thumbs up.
“Thanks.” Hunter smiled, awkwardly.
“Well this has been fun,” Amity began. “But we’ve gotta head to class, before we’re late and get thrown into the detention pit.” They all shuddered, except for Hunter, who had no clue what that meant.
The group all scurried off to different classes. Hunter wandered through the halls, not a hundred percent sure where he was headed. Eventually he found the classroom.
“Sorry for being late!” He yelled, as he scrambled to find an open seat. There was one, in the back. The only one, and a girl was sitting next to it. A girl who he recognized.
Hunter sat down, begrudgingly. Boscha, the three eyed bully. She scoffed as he took his seat. As much as he wanted to beat her ass right there, he bit his tongue. He wasn’t about to get in trouble on his first day.
“I know you.” She said, when the class started doing ‘get to know your desk buddy!’ “You’re the golden guard, freak”
“Was, I was the golden guard. My name’s Hunter.” He didn’t like being called the golden guard. That wasn’t him.
“Still a freak in my book.”
“You think Willow’s not a good witch, so I’d say your opinion is invalid. Do you even have any friends anymore?”
She turned bright red. “How dare you!” She screamed. “I’m gonna kill you!” She stood up and punched him in the face.
“Stop!” The teacher yelled out. But Hunter didn’t listen, he instead threw a punch back. Her nose began to bleed as she dropped to the floor.
“I- I didn’t.” He froze. Hunter was standing over a bloody child who was sobbing as she grabbed her broken nose. It was broken because he broke it. He took a step back, blood was on his hand. Her blood was on his hand. “I’m sorry!” He was pleading. The world around him began to spin, the angry figures danced once again. They were loud, so loud.
Hands were all over him. He couldn’t take this, he couldn’t do this again! He wouldn’t do this again. They couldn’t make him. But he couldn’t move. Something was holding him down. Probably his own body, but he was too scared to realize that.
“Count with me okay? Deep breaths.” A familiar voice instructed. “1” Deep breath in, “2” breathe out, “3” choke, he couldn’t breathe. “Shh, it’s okay.” The hands were less threatening now, more comforting. They stroked his hair, yet he didn’t want it.
“Get away!” Was what he thought he had said, but it was a lot more jumbled and broken to everyone else.
Turns out he had made it to the principal's office. Dragged, actually by a teacher. She assumed he was simply, throwing a tantrum, or something.
There, curled on the floor, shaking violently, was Hunter. He finally was able to see again, and feel things that were actually there. Or maybe the hands he had felt were real? Oh god, that’s even worse.
“Hunter?” A familiar voice called out. Or more like just spoke, the person was right next to him. “You there?”
“Yeah.” He replied, wiping his eyes. Not that he had been crying, but there was still a bit of a left over blur. “What happened?” The events replayed in his head slowly. “Shit! Is Boscha okay? Am I in trouble?”
“Yes.” It was principal Bump.
“To which question?” Hunter asked, though he was pretty sure it was to the second question.
“Both.” He stopped, “well technically no, she’s not okay but she’ll be fine. And you are in major trouble.”
Hunter looked down, and shut his eyes. Preparing for a beating or something.
“You’re being suspended for a day.” That’s when Hunter noticed Darius entering.
“Boscha’s a bitch, I’m glad you punched her.” Willow smiled.
“Broke her nose!” Gus chimed in, happily.
“I didn’t mean to.” But you did. “I should’ve controlled myself.” He pushes himself up, and faces Darius.
“From what I’ve heard, that girl isn’t very nice.” Darius says, no anger in his voice. “You did good. But maybe on Wednesday, try not to fight anyone, m’kay?”
“Okay.” Hunter nods, shame bubbles in his stomach. He’s so ashamed. They’re all looking at him, shame in them too. Shame from being his friend.
Darius and Hunter both leave the school, kids staring at them as they walk through the halls. Hunter was sure that Darius would be pissed. But even when they got home, and where Darius could hit him if he wanted too, he didn’t.
“Aren’t you mad?” Hunter asked, timidly. “You should be.” He continued, as if he wanted to be beat. Maybe he did? It would at least be familiar. Everything was so new. So unknown, and scary.
“Why would I be mad? That girl was obviously an asshole.” Darius laughed, as he snapped his figures. His clothes became abomination goop. Clearly his pajamas.
“Wow you’re already getting into comfy clothes?” Hunter mocked.
“Yes, I am.” He replied, tossing his goopy hair back, or trying too, it didn’t go quite how he wanted it too.
“Imma also go get dressed.” Hunter said, before running off into his room. He threw off his clothes. His body glowed in the mirror.
The scars were so visible. He didn’t want to see them. He refused to look, he didn’t want to see them. He wouldn’t let them ruin his life anymore than they had originally. It was over, he was allowed to move on.
So why did he flinch whenever he heard a bird? Or why did he jolt whenever a rustling sound could be heard in the bushes.
Belos would never leave his mind. He was haunting him. Flapjack was also there, but he wasn’t as bad. The world would now house them.
“I miss you, Flap.” He said, grabbing his check, where his heart—galdorstone—is. He did that a lot. Sense that’s where flap was now, that’s how he spoke to the bird. “I miss you so much. You could always make everything so much better.” He let out a shaken breath.
He imagined the bird tweeting back, letting him know that everything would be okay. But it wasn’t. It never would be. Not anymore, never again. And it’s all your fault.
“Hunter?” The door creaked open. “Hunter, you alright?” It was Darius. Eber let out a growl, alerting that he was there too.
“Better than ever!” He squeaked. “Just peachy!”
“I still don’t know what that means. You’ve picked up a lot of random quicks from the human realm. One of them being, you can’t lie.”
“I’m not lying!” He paused. “I’m not, not lying.”
“So you’re lying?” Darius said, placing a hand on his hip.
“Yeah…” Hunter sighed. “I feel awful! I hurt someone. I broke her nose!” He pointed out. “I wanted to leave the Golden guard behind, but I feel like he’s still here. Haunting me.”
“You need therapy badly.” Eber growled. Darius snickered.
“Eber’s right. I’m signing you up, whether you like it or not.” Hunter shuddered.
“Okay.” He said, head hanging low. “Fine.” He didn’t want to talk to some stranger, but it was clear Darius couldn’t handle it anymore. Oh titan, was Darius going to kick him out? “Are you kicking me out?” He screamed. “I’m sorry!”
“Oh sweet titan, no! Why would I do that? I’m just signing you up for therapy. And I’m only doing that because my at home therapy clearly isn’t helping.”
“You promise?” Hunter asked. Something deep in him was boiling up. Something bad, and sooner or later, he wasn’t going to be able to push it down. Soon it would explode and come pouring up.
“I swear.” Darius held out a pinky. It was a stupid thing he’d do. He never breaks a pinky promise. Hunter secretly liked them. It made him feel secure. And maybe, secretly, Darius liked them too.
“You make me feel safe.” Hunter whispered. Darius ruffled his hair.
“I’m glad.” He said, with a smile. He then pulled him in for a hug. Even though it wasn’t Hunter’s favorite, he didn’t mind when Darius did it.
“I promise to do better on Wednesday.” Hunter said, “I promise.”
“I know.” He smiled, before releasing the boy and walking off. Hunter looked back at his bed. For some reason it was his safe space. The blanket was now done. It had been sewn together. A reminder that he had people who loved him.
The following day was boring. He spent most of it sewing shirts and pants. Technically not making new ones, but fixing ones that had rips in them. Or adding patches.
Darius chimed in when he got home. Helping here and there, with spots that he had trouble with.
Then it was Wednesday. Things went okay that morning. Expect for the awful nightmare that segwayed into a panic attack. Which then led to him vomiting. But other than that, things were going great! He had breakfast and was dropped off at school.
The gang was waiting, as they do. Or maybe they weren’t waiting, maybe they just hung out there before school. All seated on the steps. “Hey guys!” Hunter smiled. “What’s wrong with Gus?” He asked, noticing how depressed Gus looked.
“I have to do a project for English. I’ve got to interview somebody.” He explained. “But I have no clue who to interview!”
“He had to do this last year, and then Amity lit Willow’s brain on fire.” Luz explained. Amity went bright red. “He’s thinking about doing something drastic if he can’t find someone by midnight tonight.”
“Go drastic.” Hunter smirked. “You big or go die, right?”
“I don’t think that’s how the saying goes, Hunter.” Amity said, worried. “It’s go big or go home.”
“Not where I come from!” He said, trying to sound cool, but it was just sad. “Anyways, what are you thinking?”
“I don’t know.” Gus let out a sigh. “But it’s whatever. It’s fine.” He said, waving his hand. “Imma head to class, bye guys!”
“I think imma do the same.” Willow said. Then everyone else followed. Hunter included. He walked into the potions classroom. This time he was on time.
“I’m on time right?” Hunter asked.
“Yes, you are.” The teacher replied. “Go take a seat, over there.” They pointed to a lonely desk in the back. Clearly he couldn’t be trusted to have a lab partner.
He took a seat, and watched other students slowly shuffle in. The class started and ended. It was fine. Not very fun, but it was fine. The lunch bell rang, and he headed off.
He hadn’t yet made it to lunch, so he wasn’t sure where his friends would be. Maybe they’d still be at the stairs? “Cafeteria.” A voice said. One he recognized.
“Boscha?” Hunter gasped, turning around. Her nose was bandaged up.
“People eat in the cafeteria.” She said, her arms folded. “Your friends will be there.”
“How did you know I was looking for them?” He said, awkwardly. “And why are you talking to me? I beat you up. I broke your nose for crying out loud!”
“Yeah, eh. I kinda deserved it. I was being a bitch.” She laughed. “I felt bad when you started shaking. I’ve seen panic attacks but god you looked horrific. And the teacher wasn’t helping.”
“I’m sorry.” He took a shaky breath. “For punching you. You didn’t deserve that. Well you did but I’m still sorry. And I’m sorry for having a panic attack. Well, more sorry for myself, but y’know.”
“Yeah sure.” She replied. They were both so tense. “I’m not a good person. I’ve been a dick to everyone around me. But I’m not apologizing for that. I like being a bully. But I don’t like causing panic attacks. So I’m sorry for that.”
“Thanks.”
“You should get going. I don’t wanna be seen being vulnerable. Have a good lunch, or whatever.” She said, as she walked off.
“Bye.” He waved. He then headed for the cafeteria. It could be a trap, but for some reason he trusted her.
Like she said, his friends were all seated at a table, munching away. He took a seat next to Willow. “Hey! We were wondering where you were.”
“Where were you?” Luz questioned. “What have you gotten into?”
“Nothing!” He said, defensively. “I was trying to find the cafeteria! And here it is!” God he’s such a bad liar. “How’s your project, Gus?”
“Painfully bad.” Gus frowned. “I have no clue what I’m doing! Or who I’m gonna interview, what do I do?” He laid his head on the table and let out a painful groan.
“You’ll do great. I believe in you!” Luz smiled. “Just keep looking!”
“Yeah, Luz is right. Keep your head up.” Willow nodded along.
“Thanks guys.” Gus mumbled, opening his lunch pail.
“What’s for lunch today?” Luz asked, clearly intending to steal some for herself.
“Nothing for you!” Gus snapped, pulling his lunch pail to the other side and giving her a glare as he did so.
“Aw man!” Luz groaned, before she turned to Amity. She laid her head on the girl's chest and fake wailed.
“Don’t worry batata, I’ve got a PB&J with your name on it.” Amity smiled, running her fingers through Luz’s ears.
“Yay!” Luz bounced, happily. “Gimme gimme!” She said, making grabby hands towards the lunch box that was next to Amity.
“You’re always so hungry. Are you being fed at home?” Willow teased.
Hunter suddenly felt his stomach drop. He remembered when he hadn’t been fed for almost a week. The way he was so weak and shaky. Nobody knew, however. He wasn’t allowed to tell, as ordered by his uncle.
“Hunter, you good?” Gus asked, taking a bite of his sandwich. “Cuz you look awful.” He said, his mouth full.
“I’m uh, fine.” Hunter replied, awkwardly. “Just, thinking.”
“Flashback?” Willow asked, suddenly very concerned. “Hey, it’s alright.”
“Kinda, and I know. I’m fine.” He said, shifting away slightly.
Gus stared at him. Something awakened in his mind. Something bad.