Work Text:
No beta, we die like Mark Heathcliff, also happy birthday to Jonah as I'm publishing this little chapter on March 7...
A bitter taste lingered on his tongue when he remembered the date. His 13th birthday... Not that anyone would care, his father definitively didn't... Jonah always felt jealous of other kids, while yes, he had big parties, gifts and a lot of 'friends' but it all was just for a show... Gifts were all bought by his father, parents of other children bribed... His father always made sure to make himself look like the best father, like Jonah had the best life... But he was anything but that behind closed doors. He would get reprimanded for every little 'mistake' he.. his father saw.. he still remembers being locked away in his room without food for getting his clothes dirty when playing. But hey, he had to stay strong. It was just going to be like any other day in school. No need to cry over something that will happen. And even so Jonah felt tears were on the verge of forming. He quickly wiped his eyes and left for school... His dad father wouldn't be happy if he got late... Again.
School was going passable. Nothing too stressfull, no panic attacks, even if the singing of happy birthday in the classroom made him want to burrow into the earth and disappear... Even ignoring that, when most of the classes were boring and he couldn't focus for the life of him, Adam always was there for him. Heh, Adam... He was a weird kid, that much Jonah knew for sure but other than that he was a walking enigma. It was a miracle that they became friends. Were they friends? Adam did things for him, and usually didn't ask for anything back... But if Jonah isn't financing things for his friends is he a good friend? Every former friend he remembers wanted him to be their wallet. I felt wrong to just not give something back. Wait... What was he thinking about before? Ugh.. Something something school... Yeah school. Gods did he hate school, how is he supposed to stay still or focused. Everything was either distracting, overwhelming or causing anxiety, was he even going to finish school.. Everyone always said he was lazy and spoiled.. I guess he could just stop trying better... Or goof off like he usually does... It's all he's good for afterall... His father is disappointed in him, he has to be... he will never be succesful. So might as well try to get people to like him... Maybe then he will be worth something... But it's doubtfu-
"-onah? Jonah. Dude, you spaced out for a moment."
*Did- did he? Shit, he spiralled again. Adam got him focused again, that's good.
"Shit... my b. What did I miss.?"
"Well you asked me to help you with homework and you just kind. uh."
*Adam was rubbing his neck, a little thing he does when trying to find the word he's looking for. His movements always looked kinda stiff or learned... But prying could break all the friendship they already had.
"Blankly stared of into nothing. Tears even started forming. You do this only when you're anxious and stuff. Is something wrong? Did something happend?"
*Adam was always observant, sometimes too observant for Jonah's comfort.
"No... Just a worse day than usual.. It's fine, it's fine."
*He lied, but he knew Adam would see through it...
"Ok, so let's go back focusing on this, the long break is almost over."
*If Adam recognized his lie, and Jonah is certain he did, he didn't push it which he was grateful for.
"Ok, Adam. So you said-
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"Meet me after school at our usual place."
*Were the words Adam wrote on the paper note to Jonah in class. Why did he want to meet up so suddenly, and what's with the secrecy?
*As Jonah entered the familiar playground he couldn't see Adam anywhere. Either Jonah got here early or Adam is hiding, which wouldn't be unexpected. He could be a bit of a dick by jumping him. But it wasn't malicious... Atleast he didn't think it was. Regardless, Jonah decided to sit down on one of the benches and wait... 5 minutes... 8 minutes... 12 minute... 15 minutes... Where was he? 17 minutes... 20 minutes... 24 minutes... It's been 25 minutes already, Jonah was getting impatient, where was Adam? Did he ditch him? Is he that unlikeable? Did another friend just abandoned him...? Did- Did he.. Jonah's breath started to get out of control, his airway feeling tight. His eyes stung with tears threatening to fall. He really was a failure, wasn't he.. Was it all just a long game to make him like Adam just to be ditched and laughed at from far away.. Why would anyone spend time with other than to get something out of it...
*A sound of running pulled Jonah out of his thoughts. Adam was running while holding something to his chest. Odd..
"Hey! Jonah! Sorry you had wait for me. But I got you something."
*Adam was smiling.. A rare but welcome sight. Before he stopped clutching a thing to his chest. It was a cheap plastic container with a small cherry and chocolate cake. Jonah was confused... and suprised to say the least.
"What..? Why?"
"It's your birthday, dumbass. What else?"
*Jonah was ready to cry... And he did,.
"You actually.. You.."
*He couldn't even finish a sentence, he was frozen in place, Adam actually cared... Adam even remembered what he liked.. His body shivered as tears fell, but not out of saddness, loneliness or fear but joy.
"Of course I did, what kind of friend would it make if I didn't get you something. We are friends for a reason"
*Jonah could only smile and give a small "thank you" while trying to contain himself from crying, it was kinda embarrassing to cry at being given a dumb slice of cake.
"I know it's not much but hey, it's the best I can get with the little money that I have. You'll probably have better stuff at your house."
*That reminded Jonah, he had to go, quick, or his... father wouldn't be... happy. Party was planned in an hour and he needed to be prepared, or else..
"Uhhhh..., that reminds me. I have to go! I'm sorry Adam. I really do but I can't stay much longer, you know how my father gets. I would really like to spend my birthday with you, but we both know that he.. doesn't like or approve of you. It's already bad that he knows about us hanging out despite his... his.."
"Stop it."
*Huh, what..?
"I don't like how you sound when you think about him. You don't sound like yourself. You are too, uh, stiff. I don't like it, so stop it."
*Jonah did'nt even realize when Adam pulled him into an, admittivelly, very awkward hug. It felt really odd to see this side of Adam.
"You're not alone, alright? I have your back. Fuck your dad and all his bullshit."
*Jonah would love to agree but..
"It is easy for you to say... You dont have to deal with.. him."
*Jonah shuddered.. He didnt want to focus on it. All he needed to do now was get back home.
"Yeah, I don't have a dad. Rub it in my orhaned face will you
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Just kidding."
*Gods was Adam's humor dry.
"You're an ass, you know that? But yeah.. I really have to go. Sorry Adam... Maybe we can hang out tomorrow tho?
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Adam... What happend.. why did you change?