Chapter Text
It was really loud.
Like, loud loud.
Reckon, the gymnasium of a high school typically is loud, but that didn't make it any more pleasant.
Vio was used to the quiet. The silence. He was more the type to hang out in the library or go out for a walk in the woods or something.
So the constant screeching of tennis shoes and slamming of basketballs against the floor was irritating.
And of course, just his luck, his contacts had just expired this past weekend. As one could probably imagine, playing basketball in glasses isn't a fun gig. They'd either constantly slip down his nose or just get knocked off entirely by someone on the other team. Vio doubted it was intentional, but he couldn't help but growl under his breath every time the fragile frame hit the ground. He usually followed close after.
He was 5' 3" and 112 lbs, for heaven's sake. And all these guys were at least 5' 8" and weighed the same as a grand piano.
Given his luck, he'd probably end up getting bruises.
Vio picked himself off the floor, shoving his glasses back onto his face. He was rather tempted to just hold them with one hand, but seeing how well he handled a basketball with two hands, that probably wouldn't be a smart idea.
And, as per usual, his other two teammates were more inclined to pass the ball between themselves. Being the sporty asses they are, it wasn't a surprise. But it was still annoying.
Like, sorry, he didn't want to be on this team either, but can including someone be so goddamn difficult?
The P.E. teacher blew their obnoxiously loud whistle, stopping the multiple games that were going on across the gym.
Except for his game, apparently.
One of the opposing teammates tried to follow through with their lay-up, despite the whistle being blown. He managed to throw the ball into the hoop, and apparently didn't care about landing on top of him.
Vio fell to the floor, yet again, wincing as his back harshly collided with the wooden floor.
The entire room was silent as Vio clambered back onto his feet, righting his glasses and running a hand through his hair as if nothing had happened.
The teacher glared briefly at the person who'd sent him to the floor. "You guys got 7 minutes until the bell. Get dressed and get outta here."
Vio joined the stream of students moving toward the locker rooms, taking extra care not to bump into anyone.
Until someone came up behind him and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Heya, Vio! That was a pretty nasty fall! Think you're alright?"
Vio glanced back at them, relaxing only a little. "Yes, Shadow. I'm sure I'm alright. It wasn't that bad, trust me."
Shadow cocked an eyebrow, but smiled the questioning look away. "If you insist." He moved so he could stand beside the other as soon as they were through the doorway to the locker rooms. "Hey, do you know what's on the menu for lunch today?"
Vio shook his head, opening his locker quickly and beginning to take his items out. "I didn't catch it, no."
Shadow sighed dramatically, moving a few lockers down so he could open his own. "Guess it'll be a surprise, then." Vio didn't miss Shadow gathering his clothes and walking toward the stalls. "Hey, wait for me, will ya?"
Vio shrugged passively, shucking his sweaty gym shirt off in favor of the t-shirt he'd been wearing before class. "Sure."
Shadow sent him a grin before ducking into the stall farthest away from the lockers and shutting the door behind him.
Vio might've stared for a second before slipping off his gym shorts.
Now that he thought about it, it was odd that Shadow was changing in the stall. And how he'd been wearing a long sleeve shirt. Shadow wasn't one who was overly insecure about his body -- he was rather proud of the amount of muscle he had, last Vio had heard. And that hadn't even been a week ago.
Closing his locker and throwing his backpack onto his shoulders, Vio decided he'd ask if an opportune moment arrived.
He leaned against the lockers as he waited for the other, cradling a book against his chest.
It was highly probable that it was something pertaining to Shadow's home life. He never talked about it. Well, other than the brief mention of his younger siblings; he never went into detail.
Vio allowed himself to admit that it was probably something he shouldn't get himself into, but simultaneously decided he was going to do his best to help him.
He'd read enough books about... well, everything, but about body language and the like specifically.
There was something wrong, and Vio wanted to help fix it.
Someone tapped on his shoulder, bringing him back into reality.
Vio turned away from the bench he'd accidentally started staring at when he... stopped paying attention. "Oh, are you ready to leave?"
Shadow nodded. He shoved his hands in his pockets after hanging his backpack precariously off one shoulder. "Yep!" he responded cheerfully. "I'm hungry."
Vio made sure to tuck away the information of Shadow only using one strap into his brain. "Don't forget we still have another class period before lunchtime."
Shadow groaned playfully. "Oh no . I'm gonna die ." He made sure to put his theatre classes to use, doubling over and clutching at his abdomen as if he was suffering from starvation. "Make sure to let Blue know that I've always hated his guts."
Vio couldn't help but snort at his antics, rolling his eyes and pushing his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. "I'm sure he knows that already. And if it’s so important, I may or may not have a bag of trail mix in my bag."
Shadow immediately perked up, easily matching Vio's fast pace and weaving through the crowd of people getting to their own classes. "Pog. Is it Red's homemade kind?"
"That it is," Vio confirmed, walking up a flight of stairs. He may or may not have frowned at how easily Shadow managed to take the steps by twos.
Shadow was shorter than he was by two inches. How was he doing that?
Shadow grinned, patting his shoulder. "Thank you, kind sir. You have brought me back from the brink of death." He was hardly a step behind as they walked into their world history classroom.
"Just from the mention of food?"
"Just from mentioning it," Shadow agreed, dropping his bag onto his chair but following Vio to his halfway across the room.
Vio rolled his eyes, a smile teasing at the corners of his mouth as he opened up his backpack to give Shadow the snack.
By how fast he took it and started eating it, Vio wondered if he'd eaten breakfast that morning.
Vio must've looked skeptical about something, because Shadow cocked his head to the side and asked, "You good there, Vio? I haven't seen you make an expression like that since you verbally thrashed one homophobic bitch." (That was putting it mildly, he ruined that man's whole career).
Vio frowned faintly. Had he looked angry? He didn't even realize it. "Yeah. I'm good. You should sit down before you get in trouble."
Shadow shrugged, popping a few m&ms into his mouth. "We got a sub today. I won't get in trouble for shit."
Vio rolled his eyes. "Fair enough, but the bell is going to ring any second now."
True to his word, the bell rang not a moment later.
Vio leveled a ‘see-what-I-mean’ look his way. "I'll tell you about it later."
Shadow just shrugged. "Okie dokie."