Chapter Text
It was bold, very bold to like a man while being a man. It was even more bold to do so while being one of the sons of Garte Ro'meave. So, very, incredibly bold. Brave? No. Stupid? Maybe, but he wanted to believe it wasn't his fault. It was not his fault. It was not Garroth Ro'meave's fault that he felt things for someone who wasn't just an atrocious being, but also the same sex.
It was Laurence's fault. It was all his fault, he did say so. It was his fault for making him feel things for him. It was his fault for being so utterly attractive that it made Garroth melt. It was his fault that he was so kind and spunky that it made him fun and hypnotizing to be around. That was all his fault. His green eyes, long orange hair, always crooked smile that could never fix itself; much like his posture.
Garroth was minding his own business, like always in the hallways. He hadn't met Laurence yet, only spotted him in classes he had with him. He only knew of a strange gang that strayed along ever so often. At least, they wanted to be a gang. They called their silly little club the “Shadow Knights” whatever that meant. He couldn't possibly see any edge to it. It was so ridiculous, he couldn't even see it being a band name. Yet, his little brother had some kind of fascination to whenever Garroth brought it up. They were “so cool” and “so amazing” more like “so annoying” because most of what they did was pick on people. People undeserving. It was never him, though. Until it was.
Laurence looked over, around to spot a bunch of busying kids in the hall. All of them looked busy, but there was absolutely nowhere to be.
“You seem so bored. So, so bored.” Zenix hissed at the dazing ginger.
“I'm just looking around for something to do.” Laurence called back, barely glancing at his friends. He wondered if there were any approachable people around. He'd like someone else to talk to other than the usual Sasha complaining about everything. Laurence loved talking to new people. They were all so interesting, sometimes. He'd like to make fun whenever they weren't. Then like that, they were interesting again.
Someone tapped his shoulder, and he turned around to Gene.
“10 bucks if you can make friends with Mr. Rich’meave over there.” Gene pointed with his thumb to the blonde across the hall, who looked invested in a book. The blonde had hardened teal eyes with almost perfect hair, and what seemed to be the most failing tired look ever, as if sleepless tried to affect him but was certainly failing. His clothes were fit, and well ironed as if anyone would pay attention enough to care. Ro'meave, really? He's heard about him. His name escaped him as of now, but he knew who he was. A son of one of the most rich men around. He attended public school, which Laurence thought was odd. He also thought he was quite snobby, from what he could tell. But 10 bucks for correctly sticking up a conversation? He could not say no.
“Aight, bet.”
Garroth didn't care for this book, but was recommended to read it. Having no idea why it would teach him anything. Suddenly, orange poked into his vision, and just like that, one of the Shadow Knights was reading over his shoulder. First, he gave him a harsh glare to tell him he knew he was there. He wouldn't want to escalate unless needed. Even if he thought the club was silly, he still wanted nothing to do with it. He wouldn't want to mess around with it. Garroth cleared his throat, removing anything scratchy that may be threatening to the other.
“Do you mind?” Garroth knew he did mind. This guy was obviously seeking attention, but Garroth couldn't give his, nor was this random guy deserving of it.
Laurence tilted his head, tempted to say he didn't mind. “Oh, man, sorry. I just really wanted to know what you were reading…that's all. Hmm…law? Really?” There was no way in Laurence's mind that someone at their age cared that much about the law. Of course, Laurence also knew about the law, but for different reasons. This was the only way he could find a way to connect with this dude, though. He already looked annoyed. Aw man, he'd probably not get his money.
“Law of Ru'aun and its Origins.” Garroth told him but the other just yawned forcefully. “Now what do you want? Aren't you a part of that club?” Garroth asked. Why would any of them take interest in him? Has it finally been his turn to be used as a joke? They could surely try.
Laurence blinked, then realized what the other said, feeling offense. He tried to swallow for the deal, but he couldn't let it go. “Club? Well that's patronizing. Do you know who we are?” Laurence asked, keeping his mind on the 10 dollars surely motivated him to try and be nice.
Garroth stared for a moment. He knew the name, but he also knew this guy deserved to be humbled. “Hmmm…the new D&D campaign? The…shady knights?”
“Shad.ow.” Laurence felt himself trickle with impatience already. This was definitely a mistake. He should butt out already, but then again simply talking to this guy made him interested in speaking more. Maybe…
“It's the Shadow Knights. We're pretty great, huh?” Laurence said.
Garroth was tempted to flat out say no, but he held his tongue just barely. “Sure,” that was the polite way. Now may he go back to being unbothered? He supposed not.
“Also- it's not a campaign. At all.”
“Oh, okay,” Garroth said. “What are you then?”
“A gang.” Laurence said and he thought he saw a flicker of amusement in Garroth's eyes.
“Hmm…maybe I'll see you at lunch.” Laurence interjected his thoughts. He was still wondering if it was worth it. He didn't want to be fully around such a loser. He could see it in the other's eyes that he already looked down upon him. Garroth shut his book, ready to walk away.
“Maybe.” He said through gritted teeth. The guy was trying so hard. Why in any world was he trying to be polite to someone like him? His father would sometimes say to pity the sad and desperate. This guy was obviously desperate. He wondered for what, though.
Laurence walked back, looking down at the floor. He looked up to see that it seemed to be that the other members were trying not to laugh. Garroth glanced at them and walked quickly away.
“Okay, man. This could be good. I'm bumping it up to 20 if you actually manage to be his friend.” Gene snickered.
“Ooooo~ If you decide to keep him, we could get moneeyyyy~!” Of course Sasha would think that, but Ro'meave already seemed like the type to know where his money goes. Laurence shrugged.
“I guess I'm having lunch with this guy. You're really entertained by this, Gene.” Laurence observed.