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Eli's house had always been close to Demetri's. A seven minute walk, or a few minute bike ride. Even the only time Eli moved, he only moved closer. Honestly it was either plain luck, or fate. Either way, Demetri wasn't complaining. On hot summer days the easy trip was something to be thankful for, especially after getting to his house just to play video games in the air conditioning. Or when they'd have long D&D campaigns and the trip home late at night wasn't terrifyingly long. But still, sometimes it's a bother, like when Eli decides to have one of his surprise visits.
Demetri stumbled into his living room and basically fell onto the couch. His head throbbed and his chest ached. He was hoping after the whole karate thing Kyler decide to finally give up. But of course that wasn't the case.
He was walking home alone from karate since his mom couldn't pick him up. It wasn't exactly close to his house, but it wasn't an hour walk. The one time he decides to be a risk taker and use a shortcut, he had to run into his past bully.
"Hey nerd. Long time no see." Kyler laughed from behind. Demetri jumped and spun around. "Miguel isn't here to save you this time."
Kyler kicked his ass, to say the least.
Of course he got some good hits in, he had his own adventures in karate. But overall, Kyler was stronger. He was really wishing he took up the offer to get a ride from Eli. Demetri pulled himself up and went to the kitchen. His throat itched for water, maybe from all the yelling. He grabbed a cup and dumped an obnoxious amount of ice into it before filling it up with water. Water always tasted weird without ice. He glanced around for some ibuprofen, but couldn't find any. He would've looked harder be he was far too tired for that.
Demetri headed back for the couch, but was interrupted by a knock at the door. His heart dropped. Did Kyler follow him home? Wasn't he done by now? Carefully, he set his water down and approached the door, his hands balled into fists. A clear tremble racked his body, but he couldn't find himself to care. Slowly, he put his hand on the doorknob, and swung it open.
"Eli?" Demetri sighed in relief at the sight of the tall red mohawk. "Jesus christ dude! Don't scare me like that." He breathed out, but realized Eli wasn't paying attention.
"What the hell happened to you??" Hawk asked, worry painted onto his face. He walked in and pulled Demetri to the couch.
"Eli-"
"Explain, now." He plopped down next to Demetri, and looked at him expectantly.
"Suprise?" Demetri smiled awkwardly.
" 'Metri, you know I love you, but I'm about to smack you." He sighed before ringing his hands.
"Fine. I was coming home, and decided to take a shortcut. It was my stupid fault and I shouldn't have-"
"Woah woah, your fault? From what I'm picking up you got jumped and you think it's your fault??" Hawk stared in disbelief.
"Well, yeah. I've never gone that way before, it was dumb."
"Obviously you should've been careful, but you got fucking jumped! That's anything but your fault!" Hawk sighed. "Jesus christ. Do you have a first-aid kit?"
"Huh? Why?" Demetri tilted his head in confusion.
"Cause I'm gonna clean you up while you explain what the hell happened." Hawk said, getting up.
"Oh. There's one upstairs in the bathroom, I think." With that, Eli disappeared upstairs. Demetri couldn't help but wish he had just stayed next to him. Thankfully, Eli didn't take too long and soon appeared holding a red and white box. He took his spot once again.
"Okay, now get to explaining." Hawk said, opening the first-aid kit.
"Uh, okay." Demetri hesitated. "So, I was walking home from karate. Like I said, I took a shortcut, which was stupid and totally my fault-"
"Dem." Eli cut off, giving him a calm glare. He sighed.
"Right right, sorry." He said, before continuing. "I took a shortcut, and just continued like normal. But then I ran into-" He paused. "-Into someone, and of course they wouldn't let me pass. And they decided that I'd need a hand, or a fist I guess." Demetri laughed a little. "Then, I ran home, and shit he could've followed me home! Jesus christ I'm an idiot he probably is waiting outside for you to leave and he's gonna-"
"Hey hey, calm down." Eli interrupted, squeezing his hand. "I'm right here, okay? Whatever asshole who decided I'd be fun to jump you can't get you, not while I'm here. Yeah? You're okay." He soothed, running his thumb over Demetri's knuckles.
"R-Right. Yeah, I'm okay." He parroted, taking a wobbly breath. Demetri held onto Eli's hand a little tighter, calming down a little. "I'm okay. Sorry- I'm fine." He sighed, running his free hand down his face.
"It's fine. I get it." Eli offered a sympathetic smile, and he returned it. "But, who's this someone? If your okay to say?"
"Uh- I don't think it's that important- do you, w-want a drink maybe?" Demetri laughed awkwardly, trying to steer the topic away.
" 'Metri, it's important enough." Eli looked at him in the eyes again, almost to serve as a comfort. Fortunately, it worked.
"It was uh, i-it was Kyler. I thought he was done with this bullshit but I guess not. I tried kicking his ass but," Demetri sighed, "He got me."
"That son of a bitch!" Hawk cursed. "I'm gonna kick his ass."
"Don't- I'm fine. Please." He reassured. It was clearly a plea, even though he didn't mean to sound that scared. Eli noticed his desperate tone.
"Fine. But if he does it again his ass is grass." Demetri snorted.
"Okay." There was a beat of silence. He wondered if he should ask the million dollar question. He really didn't wanna be alone. Kyler really could be outside waiting for him, just to beat him up again. Maybe even kill him. His breath seemed short just at the thought of this, so he didn't really have much of a choice.
"You okay?" Eli asked, noticing Demetri's breathing picking up.
"Can you stay with me?" He blurted. "Y-You don't have to I just- I don't wanna be alone and-"
"Hey, it's fine. I don't mind staying, 'metri." Eli reassured. Jesus, how many times did he have to be reassured? He felt like a little kid who just had a nightmare.
"Okay." He breathed out, stuck on what he should say. Should he thank him? Hug him? He wants a hug. That'd be nice. Maybe if he asked, Eli would give him a hug. Demetri sighed. "I'm tired."
"I bet. Here, take these." Eli shoved a few pain killers into his hand. So that's where they were. He grabbed his water and swallowed them.
"Thanks, but can we sleep?" Demetri laughed. Eli snorted.
"Yeah, sure, c'mon." He got up and head towards Demetri's room, and Demetri just trudged on from behind. He flopped onto his bed, and Eli followed suit. "Not gonna change out of your jeans?"
"Fuck it. I'm too tired for that." He snorted, before pausing. There was silence for a minute. "Your gonna stay here, right? I sound dumb right now but-" He cut himself off before he could admit he was scared.
"Yeah. I'm staying here." Eli reassured. He hesitated, before grabbing his hand. "Promise." Demetri took a deep breath and squeezed his hand.
"Thank you. You didn't have to do this."
"Of course I did, your my best friend man."
"Yeah, but still. Thanks anyways." Demetri smiled a bit. He couldn't be happier that they were on good terms again. Even if Hawk hated his guts for so long.
Eli glanced over at Demetri, before inching closer. He gave Eli a confused look, but did the same. There was a voice in his head that hoped I'd be some sort of cuddling, like they used to. When it was cold in the winter they'd curl up together in each other's arms, both shivering. They'd fall asleep, and wake up still in each other's arms. Before he knew what he was doing, Demetri slid over to Eli and put his head on his shoulder.
"Hey."
"Hi."
Eli hesitated, before pulling him closer and hugging him. Demetri had never been so glad to get a hug. It took everything in him not to breakdown, but a few tears still slid out of his eyes. He just held onto the boy tighter.
"You okay Dem?" Eli asked.
"Yeah, yeah I'm okay." Demetri smiled a bit. "Night, Eli."
"Night 'metri. See you in the morning."
"I better."