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There are two months left in the school year, and Alex’s freshman year of high school is all going according to plan:
- Take a completely appropriate amount of AP classes for a freshman to take
- Join debate team
- Try out for (and make) the lacrosse team
- Get the grades that are expected of him
He’s done it all, and then some. He’s managed to make new friends, impress his teachers, and keep June from worrying about him. He even had a class with Henry (because Henry took AP European History), and they dominated anything that required partner work.
Although he and Henry Fox had a rough start when the other boy moved across the street 5 years ago, they’re thick as thieves now. He sometimes feels guilty about how much of a snot he was, but it felt warranted back then. June and Henry bonded quickly over their love of books, and 10 year old Alex felt like he was getting left behind.
Alex retaliated by being a brat. He remembers the pranks he pulled on Henry and the words he spewed. He regrets it, but Henry forgave him easily. They bonded over Star Wars and video games. Alex always got one version of Pokémon, and Henry got the other, so they could trade and make sure they both had a whole Pokedex. Now that they’ve grown, their interests are more varied, but besides Liam and June, Alex has no doubt that Henry is his best friend.
The plan is to meet in front of Alex’s locker, like they’ve done every day since September. Alex grins widely when he sees Henry. Alex totally isn’t bitter about Henry being stupidly tall while he’s just hitting 5’5. The doctor told him time and time again that he still has room to grow, but it’s so frustrating when he has to look up at his best friend to speak to him.
Henry holds up a hand in greeting when he spots Alex walking towards him. Only he could make a sweater vest and khakis look cool, slightly modernized with a pair of beat up Converse. He wants to make fun of him for having his hair gelled back, but he’ll restrain himself.
As he gets closer to his destination, he hears someone talking loudly. He can’t really say anything when he’s loud too, but when he hears the topic of conversation, he spins on his heel. Someone is talking about June- and the shit they’re saying is awful. Nobody talks about anyone he cares about that way, especially not June.
He stalks over, recognizing the offender as Erik Ballard, the junior from his algebra class. He may be the star running back, but a math genius he is not. He also made his way to the top of Alex’s shit list in two seconds flat. A new record.
“What the fuck did you just say, Ballard?” He hisses.
Erik turns around, and Chad from the soccer team hits him in the shoulder to get him to stop talking. Erik looks down at him, which causes Alex to clench his fists, a rage shooting through his bloodstream. He hates condescension more than anything else.
“None of your business, freshman. Freedom of speech. You should know that because of who your mommy is,” the older boy says loftily.
Alex rolls his eyes. He may be an idiot at math but he apparently knows his mom is Speaker of the House. What a fucking wonder.
“You’re allowed to say what you want to say, but I’m allowed to ask why you’re saying awful shit about June for no fucking reason.” Alex steps up and squares his frame up. He barely makes it past Erik’s shoulders.
“What are you going to do about it?” Erik says with a grin.
He thinks he has power over Alex, but the asshole is wrong. Alex can stand up for himself, size difference be damned.
Alex swings, and what he thinks will be a cheekbone ends up being an enclosed fist, which means he must have telegraphed the movement too much. Erik catches his swing, and he feels the residual energy in his knuckles because he put his all into it. The way Erik is looking at him causes him to swallow minutely. If he goes down, at least he’ll go down swinging.
The hand around his fist moves to grab him under the collar of his t-shirt, stretching the fabric, and he’s shifted into one hand as a forearm digs into his collarbone. He winces at the combination of pain and chill from being slammed into a locker.
If people weren’t paying attention before, they’re paying attention now. This is up there on the list of stupid decisions he’s made, and he didn’t even get to defend June’s honor. He just looks weak and pathetic, but he’ll try to get out of it with some dignity intact, once he gets the forearm away from his neck.
“For a bookworm, you’re really fucking stupid. Huh, Diaz?” Erik says, tightening his arm.
“ Claremont -Diaz. If you’re-” he shifts, trying to loosen his arm to slip out, “-gonna be a douchebag, at least get my name right.”
People are crowding around them now. Alex’s eyes drift to the forming crowd. He can see Henry in front, and Alex can see him coming forward, ready to step in. Alex mouths ‘ no’, because he doesn’t want or need to be saved. He can get out of this.
Henry looks frustrated, eyes narrowed, and Alex can guess that Henry thinks he’s a fucking moron, but he listens, thankfully.
“You really don’t know when to shut the fuck up, do you? How about this,” he says, pushing him as if he’s trying to send him through the locker, “if you apologize, I’ll put you down and send you on your way like the fucking pussy you are.”
He grins at Alex, and Alex doesn’t care what the fuck happens after this. He’s many things, but he’s not a fucking coward. He spits, which causes Erik to let him go and drop him, rubbing his eye to get it out.
“Are you fucking kidding me? You’re a freak, Diaz!”
Alex grunts when he’s dropped, and the height knocks the wind out of him. He’s about to stand up when he feels a foot swiftly go into his ribs. The shock of pain lights up his body and he instinctively curls, protecting himself. He coughs, but it sounds more like a choked laugh. Alex braces for another hit, but it doesn’t come.
Instead he hears another slam against the locker, and another curse from Erik. The next thing he hears is Henry’s voice. It’s raised, and angry, and Alex has never heard Henry angry. Annoyed, sure. Exasperated, too – any time Alex makes a stupid joke. Frustrated, definitely, like when his witch of a grandmother flies over for the holidays. All of that is normal, part of the map that makes up Henry, but Alex has never heard the rage that bleeds through his teeth.
“If you ever touch Alex again, you’ll wish you never existed.” It’s cold. And terrifying coming from his gentle best friend, and Alex is thankful, but doesn’t know how to feel.
What happens next feels like a blur. Teachers and security guards come running in, far too late to be of any use. Henry helps Alex up, and Alex’s eyes go between the red marks on Henry’s knuckles from punching Erik and the deep furrow of his brow. One security guard is taking statements from bystanders, and one is escorting him, Erik, and Henry to the principal’s office. He doesn’t get to say anything to Henry because they’re told to sit and wait for further instructions from the administration.
The nurse comes down with ice packs for all of them. Alex takes the paper towel wrapped ice bag and flinches when he puts it to his rib cage. He looks over for a second and sees that Erik has it placed to his cheek, glaring over at Henry with poorly concealed rage in his eyes.
Once all of the stories are gathered, the principal tells them they’re all getting suspended for what happened: Alex because he instigated the altercation, Erik because he kicked Alex in the ribs, and Henry because he punched Erik in the face.
Alex doesn’t even have it in him to argue, but the anxiety hits because a suspension goes on his record. Having a marked record means it’ll look bad for colleges. His career might be in the grave before he gets the chance to try. It’s worth it for June’s sake, but his mom and dad are going to kill him where he stands for this stunt.
“I need to call your parents, boys. Sit here and don’t say anything,” Principal Sands says as he walks away.
Alex leans his head back, wincing at the force he hits it against the wall. It’s a waiting game now. Dad’s in California, Mom’s home from D.C., but she’s busy and won’t have time to pick him up and ream him out. Henry’s parents are both on the list to take him home if needed, but he knows the principal will need to talk to his parent (probably Leo, given Mom’s tendency to miss his school shit when work gets busy) to let him go.
He swallows, his tongue feeling too thick in his throat. And he waits. And he waits. And he waits.
Arthur Fox is the first parent on the scene, looking less like James Bond and more like a mild mannered suburban father, face filled with concern. He acknowledges Henry first, then Alex.
“Are you two okay?” He asks softly, and Alex feels immediately comforted. Henry nods, and Alex shakes his head, figuring now is the time to be honest.
Arthur frowns. “I’ll take care of this, boys. Don’t you worry.”
He glances over at Erik, narrowing his eyes, before walking over to the secretary to introduce himself. She titters as he speaks, obviously a bit starstruck by the literal celebrity in her presence. She calls into the principal’s office, and he comes out shortly after.
As he stands in front of Arthur Fox, he’s a bit shaken; it’s a common thing, and if Alex wasn’t miserable, he’d be entertained.
“Hello Mr. Fox, thank you for coming so quickly.”
“Of course, Principal Sands. I came as quickly as I could. I was hoping we could rectify the situation somewhat. I trust your judgment as an administrator, but I’m wondering why my son is suspended.” Arthur’s tone is even, and his stance is calm and collected. Alex can recognize why people are struck by him. He bleeds charisma, and it makes so much sense why he’s as successful as he is in his position.
The principal clears his throat. “Well, as I explained on the phone, Henry got physical with another student. We have a no tolerance policy for violence, so we didn’t have a choice. He has the minimum number of days for a suspension.”
Arthur nods. “I understand that, but I’m still confused. This is Henry we’re talking about–he has an outstanding academic record and he’s been student of the month for the Sophomore class for two semesters straight due to outstanding school citizenship. What happened that caused him to lash out this way?”
Principal Sands clears his throat. “I wasn’t there, and I’m going off eye witness accounts as well as the accounts of Erik, Alexander, and Henry, but Alexander got into an altercation with Erik, and after Erik let Alex go, Henry punched him in the face.”
Alex stands up suddenly, and he instantly regrets it when the pain in his ribs flares. “It isn’t Henry’s fault. Erik said something about June and I got pissed off. Henry was just defending me.”
Arthur looks over at Alex as Henry pulls him gently back into the uncomfortable wooden seat.
“Be that as it may, Henry still threw a punch.”
“A singular punch is worth a week’s suspension? Surely we can be reasonable here.”
Principal Sands is about to respond when Leo walks calmly into the office. He nods at Arthur and walks over to the secretary and gives his name, smiling at Alex softly. Alex grimaces back.
Leo comes to stand before the principal as well, and Alex absently thinks this probably shouldn’t be done in the middle of the office, but this isn’t his circus to lead, so he sits and waits.
“Mr. Castalazzi, thank you for joining us. Will Mrs. Claremont be joining us for this discussion?”
Leo shakes his head. “She’s unable to.” He doesn’t go into detail, but Alex can guess an incredibly valid reason, and it’s probably better this way. Leo isn’t the type to chew him out, and will show incredible amounts of concern. Mom can give him a lecture later.
Principal Sands nods, and Alex can see the judgment in his expression. “Understood. Mr. Castalazzi, I was just explaining to Mr. Fox that the school has no tolerance for violence, so Alexander and Henry will both be getting suspended for a week.”
Leo raises an eyebrow, smiling placidly. “Unless I’m mistaken, this is Alex’s first offense, correct?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
Arthur cuts in. “And I also know it’s Henry’s. I can say with confidence that Henry will learn his lesson without missing school for a week. He would benefit more in terms of punishment from staying after school and losing privileges for the literary magazine over being at home for a week.”
Leo nods. “I concur with Mr. Fox’s statement. Alex would probably get more understanding about why his decision wasn’t his best if he wasn’t able to attend his activities for a week versus being out of school altogether.”
Alex is watching the volleyball of an exchange, and watching the Principal be double teamed by two powerhouses of being able to talk their way into getting what they want.
Principal Sands sighs, clearly feeling defeated. “Saturday Detention for three weeks. Both of them. Alternating weeks and they are barred from their after school activities for that time.”
Alex is so fucking grateful lacrosse season is over or his coach would kill him. He’s also so grateful to Leo and Mr. Fox for their ability to talk their way through anything.
Erik stands up. “Hey, what about me?! You’re telling me I could’ve been talked out of my suspension last year because it was the first time?”
“Mr. Ballard, the circumstances for your suspension were different, and it isn’t the business of anybody else but you and your mother.”
Speak of the devil, Erik’s mother runs into the office, breathing heavily. The secretary looks over at her and smiles grimly. Everyone looks over at her when she tornadoes in.
“Sorry. I was looking into options for military school,” she mutters darkly. “Erik Francis Ballard, I’ve had it. First your math grades and the fiasco from last year, and now this? Come on,” she says, motioning him to get up.
“But Mom! The two nerds got their suspensions moved down to Saturday School for 3 weeks. Can’t we talk to Principal Sands?” He exclaims, taking the melted ice pack away from his cheek. It’s still red and angry, and Alex wants so desperately to high five Henry, but he knows better.
“Erik Francis. Don’t. I don’t care what they got that you didn’t. You’re past thin ice; you’re in the flipping lake! Your father and I raised you better than this. Now come on.” She says, leaving absolutely no room for argument. He stands up, glaring at Alex and Henry, sulking out of the principal’s office.
Principal Sands clears his throat, drawing attention back to himself. “Alexander. Henry. Consider yourselves lucky you are normally model students here, otherwise this would have ended differently. Alex, you’re getting Saturday detention for the first 3 weeks. Henry, you’re getting Saturday detention for the second 3 weeks until the end of the school year. No clubs. Are we understood?”
They both nod, and Principal Sands tells them they’re free to leave. They both stand up, still silent, looking at each other in relief. Henry looks at Alex with something he doesn’t recognize, and Alex is too exhausted from the whole ordeal to parse it out.
“Come on, Kit.” Arthur murmurs softly.
“Let’s go home, Alex.” Leo offers.
They both follow to separate cars, parked in different corners of the guest lot.
When Alex settles in the front seat, settling his body into warm leather, ribs still hurting slightly, he turns to Leo. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much trouble am I in with Ma?”
Leo turns on the ignition, turning on the air conditioning straight away. He puts on NPR at a low volume. “She’s not happy with your choice to choose violence rather than taking the more diplomatic solution, but she understands. She’s told me some stories about her time in high school, so I don’t think you’ll be grounded for more than two weeks.”
Alex nods, shifting, finding comfort impossible. If Mom doesn’t kill him, June will, especially once the rumor mill flies and she finds out this all started because of her, even indirectly. He won’t let her win that argument, because she’s always protected him from everything. He’s always going to stand up for her the same way, even if he isn’t going to win. The short car ride back home is quiet, and Alex falls asleep to the sound of NPR.
As Leo predicted, Alex is grounded for two weeks, and the only reason he’s still allowed his phone is because Dad lives two states away. He also loses video game privileges for two weeks, and he isn’t allowed on any of the streaming services. It’s a relatively light punishment in regards to the crime. His mom also makes him create a PowerPoint on alternatives to violence in a school setting, and June chews him out within an inch of his life.
He and Henry still haven’t talked about it. Henry switches the topic whenever Alex tries to bring it up. Alex understands. It was neither of their finest moments, but Alex hasn’t gotten a chance to thank Henry for protecting him. He wants to. He knows that if Henry wasn’t there, he might’ve gotten more significantly injured. Henry almost got into a world of trouble for his sake. Alex doesn’t know why Henry won’t let him. If Alex is being incredibly honest with himself, Henry’s been acting weird in general. He’s been quieter. Less bright. Alex is worried, but he can’t talk to Henry for long enough to express his concerns.
He finally gets his chance though. They’re both ungrounded, and they both have Sundays free since Saturdays are spoken for. Alex has his last Saturday detention this weekend, and Henry starts his next weekend.
“So, are we celebrating our freedom from being grounded with a Star Wars marathon this Sunday?” Alex asks brightly.
Henry gives him a considering look, brushing a stray hair from his eye. “Are you sure you want to be cooped up in a house after being stuck in one for two weeks straight?”
Alex shakes his head. “Star Wars and my best friend is a perfectly fine way to be cooped up. I was going stir crazy on my own. I mean Mom, June, and Leo were there, but you know…being grounded. Ma took it seriously. I was only allowed to leave the house to go to school. That’s it.”
Henry nods. “Mum and Dad were probably more lenient with their definition of grounding. Mum had more of a fit than Dad did, but he talked her down. I don’t know what he said, but I was technically ungrounded three days in.”
Alex looks scandalized. “Fuck all the way off. Wow. I mean, good for you, but that sucks for me.” He shakes his head, getting back to the topic. “Anyway. Star Wars marathon on Sunday. Be there, or I’ll feed the Jaffa Cake stash I have for you to the trash can.”
Henry looks absolutely scandalized, and Alex knows he won. “You’re the worst friend I’ve ever had.”
“That’s a lie. I am a gentleman and a scholar and you’re lucky to have me in your life.” Alex responds, grinning brightly.
Henry concedes. “I can’t refute that.”
—
They’re settled on the bean bags in Alex’s basement. The lights are dim and mismatched bowls of popcorn sit before them. Alex has a bowl of twizzlers, and they each have a bottle of Mexican Coke, unopened. Alex twists on his hip, and moves to look at Henry, face lit by the TV.
“Since we’re here, can we talk about the thing?”
Henry looks over, shifting in the bean bag. He makes it look small, because he’s getting way too tall for it. “Why? It’s over. You’re done with Saturday detentions, I’m starting mine, and then the school year’s over.”
“Because I had it handled. You didn’t need to step in for me. I appreciate it a lot, but I could have gotten out of it.”
Henry’s face darkens, losing the curiosity it had moments ago. “He had his forearm against your bloody throat. Then he dropped you and kicked you in the ribs. That isn’t ‘handling’ it, Alex. You could have gotten hurt much worse than you did.”
Alex scowls, stretching his back over the bean bag, hanging upside down. “I would’ve been able to stand up. You didn’t give me a chance. Just because you have 8 inches on me doesn’t mean you have to fight my battles, Hen!”
“There shouldn’t even be battles, Alex! There was no need to pick a fight with him!” Henry snaps back.
“He insulted June. You were across the hallway so you didn’t hear what he said, but if someone said that about Bea, you’d do the same, and you know it.”
“Yes, I would have. You’re right, but he could have hurt you. He did hurt you. I didn’t want to see him go further than that kick. I acted, and I don’t regret it, even if your ego has an issue with it. I wasn’t going to let the person I love most in the world get beaten up.”
Henry realizes what he said as soon as the words are out there, and shuts his mouth with an audible click. Alex stares at him, wide eyed, the new information hitting his brain with the force of an eighteen wheeler hitting a guardrail at 80 miles per hour. Love. Most in the World. Henry. Loves. Me. His brain flashes with images of Henry’s actions – Henry bringing his homework for the week he was out with the flu and providing his immaculate notes to go along with it, Henry sitting with Alex after his Dad left while Alex told Henry everything he hated about the world, Henry writing the most elaborate birthday cards Alex has ever seen with borderline poetry about how happy he is for Alex to be alive for another year. So many other things Alex can name.
There are probably more that Alex can’t recall that all point to Henry showing signs of affection. And the thing is? Alex loves Henry too. He recognizes that the way he focuses on Henry’s smile, and the color of his hair, and the brightness of his cheeks, and the way Henry is so passionate about everything he cares about, and the more he sits with it, the more he realizes the feeling isn’t new. Not in the slightest.
While he’s thinking, he realizes he’s gone quiet, and he isn’t sure what his face looks like, but Henry looks panicked.
“I love you too, y’know. In the more than best friends way. It just hit me, but it’s been a feeling for a while. And um…yeah. I’m not as good with words as you.” He says, shakily.
Henry’s eyes close, then open, then close again. He exhales a deep sigh of relief. “I was always happy with your friendship. It might not have been enough for me, but I could manage it as long as I had you, but knowing you love me…it’s an incredible feeling. To say the least. I’m…I’ve loved you for a long time. You’re caring, and honest, and so good. I–”.
Alex moves into Henry’s space and doesn’t let him finish the sentence, kissing him on the lips. Henry kneels, and almost falls, because of the bean bag, but Alex catches him, breaking the kiss and laughing breathily.
“And to think, this wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t try and punch Erik.”
Henry shakes his head. “I’m sure we would have gotten it together eventually. Your terrible sense of self-preservation didn’t need to come into play here. Believe me. You took a year off my life when you hit the ground.”
Alex frowns. He was trying to make a joke, but Henry is still affected by the situation, even though things are fine now.
“Well, I’m in one piece. You’re in one piece. I love you. You love me. We’re good, H. We’re good. No more disciplinary issues. You need to take me as your prom date.”
“You’re presumptuous. Who said we’ll be together by next year’s prom?” Henry asks, smirking.
“I did. And you know I’m stubborn so I’m going to make sure it stays that way.”
Henry shakes his head, laughing. It’s infectious as ever, and Alex breaks down into giggles too. The movie plays on behind them, forgotten. All they see is each other.