A Hero for You.

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Ian|Philip|Williams


Age: 18

DOB: October 23rd

Favorite Color: Red

Personality: Usually pretty calm, gentle, hard to get angry, always smiling, that one guy that hangs out with everyone, and everyone likes him. For the most part.

Likes: Coffee; Music; Powdered Donuts; Running; Hair; Ducks; Bikes; Playing Guitar; Guys.

Dislikes: Alcohol; Assholes; Spiders; Jigsaw Puzzles; Horror Movies; Sunburns.


Physical Attributes.


Height: 6'2
Build: Lithe, slightly toned, but not over muscular. Athletic.
Hair: Naturally black, shaggy, shoulder length.
Eyes: Sky blue.
Skin: Deep golden brown with an olive tone.
Tattoo:Collarbone/Shoulder;

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BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP BEEE-CLICK.....................

Groaning gently, Ian slammed his hand down on the screeching alarm clock, groggily lifting his head up from the pillow to glare at the glowing red numbers. His eyes were still too foggy to make them out, but he knew what they said. 6 AM was an ungodly time of the morning to be awake. And for a moment, the 18 year old dropped his face back into his soft pillow and growled at the injustice. "Just one more semester of this..." He said, but thanks to the fabric and cotton surround his face, it came out as a more muffled 'mmmph hnn mmmm phmmmmph'. Finally, gathering up all the will he could muster, Ian slid his arms up, planting both palms, fingers spread wide, on the mattress beneath him. For another long moment, he lay like that, face down in his pillow, arms sticking straight up and out at perfect 90 degree angles, as though he simply didn't have the strength. But he did, and after sucking in a deep breath, the dark haired teen grunted gently, and pushed himself up from his bed, sliding out from the warm, safe haven of his clean, although slightly rumpled, red linen sheets.

The young man involuntarily grimaced as his feet his the cold, hardwood floor, and he let out a drawn sigh. Scratching at his bare stomach, Ian headed over to his closet, to start picking out something to wear to school. It felt like it was going to be a long day, but he knew once he got a cup of coffee in his system, it would start to pick up.....

Driving into school with his thermos in hand, Ian was already feeling a little more optimistic about the day. He didn't have any reason to dislike school, really. He was a straight A student, he had great friends, awesome teachers, and he had Track practice after school, before he went off to his part time job, working at Starbucks. All in all, he had a great life. Sure, the home situation could be better, but he didn't feel like he had it any worse than most kids did anymore. Pull his 1965 Plymouth Scamp into his reserved senior parking spot, before shutting off the engine, and grabbing his binder, heading through the front courtyard of the school towards the entrance. All around, people called out to him, wanting him to come over and hang out with the 10 minutes they still had before class, but he just waved back at them, heading inside to get a bagel from the cafeteria for breakfast.

AddisonStory

Age: Seventeen due to turn eighteen.
Personality: Reserved, rare to laugh, yearns for attention but too afraid to fight for it.
Likes: Reading, music, silence, kittens, numbness
Dislikes: Pain, screaming, fighting, birds, and bugs.
Appearance: 5"9, brown hair that is always dirty, light scarred skin, ratty long sleeved clothes.

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It had been another loud, long night and the children in a small home hadn't gone to bed till very late. Tears were shed per usual, and the oldest tucked his baby brother into his arms, laying on his bed and humming softly. No one could really tell what the argument had been about that time, perhaps about the lack of space in their small apartment, and no room for three boys and one woman in that tiny space. "Why do they always scream." the small voice asked, looking to his brother for comfort. Addie just shook his head sadly, kissing his brother on the forehead. "Just sleep and it will all be over..."

Exhausted, the two sibling fell asleep late that night. Their father was too cheap to buy them an alarm clock, so Addison had to rely on an internal clock to wake up on time for school. Given that they couldn't get to sleep, Addie woke up later than usual to screaming and hitting. The teen yelped softly and ran to his closet to escape the wooden spoon his mother held. He wanted to tell her that he was getting ready, but he knew if he spoke out, that she would get angry. Instead he hid in the small closet and threw on whatever he could find. He found an old striped shirt he had found in a dumpster a couple years ago, and put on his old jeans.

"Bye bye, Addie!" Tyler, the little brother, said. Addie gave the boy a smile then raced out, running towards the school that was a good three and a half miles away. He didn't have a watch on his person, so he had no idea how late he was. His lungs began to burn as he reached the two mile marker, and he slowed from fatigue. He couldn't keep doing this, it was too hard on him.

When he did make it to the school, the massive clock said that there was only about two minutes left. The teen's aching stomach growled at him, but he knew there was no time to go into the cafeteria to get food, besides he had no money. Then it dawned on him. In his rush, he had forgotten to grab his sack lunch.

This was going to be a long day...

Paul Riley was infamous for being a jock, and a jerk. Your classic, all American football star douche bag that had a complex about being the best. And his favorite target had always been the too skinny, too short Addison Story. He was never seen without his cocky, dimple emphasized toothy grin, or his black and silver lettermans jacket proclaiming him the captain of everything. And as always, he was waiting just in the hall, outside the first period class that he shared with his prey. And as per usual, when Addison came running by, to try and make it into the classroom on time, Paul snatched the boy by the arm, in a painful grip, and slammed him up against the wall, obviously not caring if he hurt the kid.

"Well look at this. Little Addy is late again. You're gonna be really late when I'm done with you today kid." He chided, laughing. A few of his oddly goon-like friends who were standing nearby to keep a watch out were guffawing stupidly as though Paul had told a really funny joke. "Will you shut up you guys!? Jesus Christ you're fucking idiots." Paul snapped at them, before looking back at Addison, trying to determine what kind of punishment he'd dell out today...


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Ian normally never took the lower halls to get to the back staircase, but he had been diverted into that particular wing of the school by a conversation with one of his fellow teammates from the Track team. Ian was well known as THE sprinter for the team, having yet to have been beaten at the 100, 200, and 500 meter dashes. He did Cross Country as well, but preferred sprinting. If you'd asked him, Ian wouldn't say he was popular, or anything of the kind, but in reality, he was.

Walking down the hall, the tall, dark haired teen heard talking, which was odd because it was pretty silent. It was alright for him to be out during this period, because it was Study hall and Senior Project Prep for him, and he'd already passed his SP the previous semester. But everyone else should have been in class..... Rounding the corner, Ian stopped in in his tracks, eyes widened at the scene in front of him. "PAUL! What the FUCK man?!" Ian exclaimed, tossing his binder on the ground and rushing over, grabbing the jock by the shoulders and tearing him away from the smaller kid, shoving him away. "I knew you were an asshole, Paul, but this is fucking SICK!" He exclaimed angrily, glancing at the kid that he vaguely recognized. He didn't know his name though.

Paul backed up a few steps, looking an odd mix between pissed off and scared. "Look, Ian, hey, c'mon man. It was just some innocent fun. We're all buddies here, right? It's not a big deal...." The too handsome football star started to say, holding his hands up as though in surrender. Ian looked disgusted.

"We are NOT buddies, Paul. Get the fuck out of here. We'll deal with this later. GO!" Clenching his fists at his sides, it almost seemed like Ian was going to fight Paul if he decided to persist, but Paul huffed, giving the slender Runner a hateful glare.

"You're right, Ian. We WILL deal with this later." He snapped, before turning and motioning his friends to come with him, heading off away from the class room, to the exit door, probably headed out to the parking lot. Ian heaved a sigh, letting his broad shoulders sag a little, before turning to look at the kid that Paul had been terrorizing.

"Hey, kid, are you okay? Did he hurt you or anything?" Ian asked softly, blue eyes joining his face in a mask of concern as he leaned down a little to try and get a look at Addisons face.

Just as his class was in sight and it appeared as if he were going to make it, his common assailant grabbed him roughly, which would most likely leaved a bruise, and then slammed him into the lockers, one of the dials digging into his back just below his ribs. Great, just what he needed, another tardy. This one would for sure get him a detention. "I almost made it.." he whispered, not looking the bully in the eyes. He was deeply afraid of him and stayed in submission. God, how he he wished he was invisible.

Addison seriously disliked the bigger male calling him by his nickname, and he wanted greatly to tell him off and beg him not to address him in such a way again, but his breath was hitched in his throat, and his eyes closed tightly, awaiting a beating he was sure was to come unto him.

Then the poor teen could hear the familiar voice of another one of the sports stars, and he felt his heart give way. Now there was going to be a second to go into his torture? But no, instead the lean male came forward, his face set in rage, and yelled at Paul. Still, he continued to flinch, but this time he put his hands to his ears. He hated it when people yelled. He got it enough at home, he certainly didn't need it at school.

As soon as Paul and his goons were gone, Addison was off the locker and rubbing his back, feeling the dent it made. His long, unwashed hair fell in front of his face, and he turned it away from his helper. He was in deed grateful, but he could waste no time. "Yea, I'm fine..." he muttered bitterly, taking his things and ducking into the class before Ian could get a look at Addie or give another word.

"So nice of you to finally join us, Story.." the teacher sounded, clearly displeased. "Detention for you, after school. Now sit."

Boy, his parent's surely weren't going to like this.

Ian frowned, watching the kid, who was ducking away from him, hurrying into the classroom nearby. Glancing at the room, he recognized it almost immediately, and winced. Mr. Hammond was pretty strict about tardiness, so he peeked in and looked around, before clearing his throat. "Hey, Mr. Hammond, the kid that just came in late, that was my fault. He was helping me out with a problem. So please excuse him from being late." Ian begged of the teacher with his best 'innocent' smile, until Mr. Hammond, the middle aged balding teacher sighed and nodded, waving Ian away.

"Regardless of the free time you may have during this period, Mr. Williams, I would suggest you go find something productive to do." He huffed out, turning back to the white board to continue the lesson. Ian took a moment to locate the kid again, locking the image of the obviously shy boy into his memory, before he ducked out of the room and headed off to his Study Hall room....

~~~~~~~~~~~

Normally for lunch, Ian when off campus. But the event from that morning was still resounding in his mind, and he couldn't get that kid out of his head. He looked so helpless, and after he realized that today probably hadn't been a one time occurrence, he figured he would stick around and try to get to the bottom of it all. Whether by confronting Paul again, or by talking to the kid himself.... He'd tried to ask around about who he was, but no one was able to give him any answers. He was just about to give up, heading out into the secluded courtyard, that was often deserted during lunch, to try and think a little bit.

It seemed that for now, Addy was safe. Sick to his stomach, but safe. He looked over as the door opened, which made him feel MORE sick, for he thought it was Paul returning to the class, but he heard the voice of the teen that had chased them off, and he looked up, staring at him with an awe-struck expression. Why was he sticking up for him? Why now? What had changed that now people cared? It almost made him angry. Was he mocking him?

Before Ian could look around and find him, he put on a blank mask and looked down, looking almost lifelessly at his homework from the night before. He could feel as his eyes turned to him, then move away, and he let out tension he had held. He hoped this wasn't going to be much of an eventful day.

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Before lunch the troubled teen had gym, and he liked to take that free time he had in between to take a shower. He couldn't take one at home, he was always in trouble and never allowed a bath, and here at school he didn't have any soap so he wasn't getting truly clean. With a sigh, he lowered himself onto the bottom of the shower floor, hugging his knees. All that morning he had been thinking about how harsh his bullying was going to be when it came around again, for the morning had been interrupted, and he blamed it all on that tall, dark haired boy. Had that been his intention? Were he and Paul friends and it was a ploy to give Paul a reason to torment him beyond what he all ready did? Was he just a passerby, who knew of Paul's tendencies, and just wanted to help his perhaps idol along? So many different reasons popped in his head.

Quickly his shower was over, with just ten minutes left of lunch, and he dried off and put on his clothes. He wished so much that he could get food, but he h ad no friends to share with. With a common sigh, he headed out to the courtyard to be alone, as usual.

Ian was just about to give up on finding the kid, when he turned around, only to see him. "Ah! There you are!" He breathed out, sighing gently and walking right up to him. "Hey, I wanted to make sure you're okay. Look... Pauls a jerk... If I had known earlier he was pulling this stuff... Well. I'm Ian. What's you're name?" He asked, his tone rather gentle compared to the one he'd used earlier with Paul. Blue eyes, sharp, and concerned, looked the younger teen over carefully, taking note of every detail he could, before the other guy could duck away.

Beneath all the wet, stringy dark hair, was fairly pale skin, and surprisingly pretty green eyes. "Hey... Do you want to eat lunch with me? My dad always packs enough for a whole football team." He asked finally, frowning a little. It didn't take much to see that the kid was poor as all hell. And he was pretty beat up, emotionally, and probably physically to. It made Ian sick, to think that this was happening to someone he potentially saw every single day. It was impossible for him, personally to ignore it. The way the baggy, ratty shirt hung on his thin frame, the downcast set to his pained eyes... He looked damn near gaunt, but beneath it all, Ian could see he was beautiful.

((Sorry for the shortness this time around.))

(Iss okies ^^ )

Addison's heart skipped a beat when the familiar voice for the third time that day was sounded, and obviously addressed to him, for there was no one else around. The younger teen began to softly shake as his eyes looked around for somewhere to dash to, but he was out in the open and had no where to run.

Most of what the older boy said was muffled, for Addison wasn't paying much attention. All he heard was the boy's name, a familiar one, and offer for food. His stomach growled in response, saying yes before Addie could, but he just pressed his hands into his stomach and walked around him. "I don't want your help..." he said, his voice shakey and almost fearful.

Help would mean owing. Which would mean haggling. Which would mean hurt. Walking away, he went to a small tree out in the yard and leaned against it, putting his back in his lap and putting his face in it. He was tired. He wanted sleep. And frankly? People scare him.

Ian frowned again, twice as deep. He'd observed every little detail of the young man in front of, well, now behind him. The trembling, the shifting eyes, he'd clearly heard the boys stomach, but he just suppressed it and walked on, claiming he didn't want help. Ian wasn't sure if it was a matter of pride, or fear, but he decided he was going to be persistent. Turning and following the kid, he trailed a little behind him. He watched him hunch down onto the ground by a tree, and burrow into his backpack. It tugged at Ians heart, to see someone in a state like this. He knew the results of abuse when he saw it, thanks to his job at the Boys and Girls Club in town. He wasn't going to approach him about it but at least he could try being a friend to him.

Sliding down to sit next to him, Ian let out a soft groan, rubbing at his bad knee. He hoped it would hold up through this one last track season, but he couldn't be sure. Shrugging it off, though, Ian leaned back against the tree as well. "Consider it helping me. I've got this really weird kid stalking me lately, and I don't want to have to go inside and deal with her. Last time, she stole my favorite hat...." Ian said. It was a solid excuse, and an honest one. Normally it was something that wouldn't bother him enough to kick him out of the cafeteria completely, but he'd run with it. "I don't want to sit out here and eat alone though. I've got a phobia about eating alone... So please, do me a favor and take a couple sandwiches? My dad packed four of them." Ian explained, pulling his own bag into his lap, and digging through until he pulled out a stack of hefty sandwiches, handing two of them over, without waiting for a confirmation that they were wanted. He knew they were, but the kid probably wouldn't want to admit it.

He didn't wait to find out, instead unwrapping his own food, and taking a bite, chewing it thoroughly, quietly, before swallowing. He was ignoring the stares of a few of his track team mates through the window that peeked from the cafeteria into the courtyard. He had supposed to sit with them that day, to talk about the meet against Hudson that Friday, but they could talk about it at practice.

Addison felt sick from not having anything in his stomach, and he didn't want to risk throwing up and having to go the the nurses. He tensed when he heard the track star approach and take a seat beside him, and instinctively he put his head up, wet hair clinging to his face and falling before his eyes. "What are you--" he started, then saw the older teen rifle through his bag, and speak of avoiding some girl inside.

Addy's tummy growled again when he heard a bag being taken out, and a sandwich being pulled out. He didn't want to ask for it, and found he didn't have to, for the two sandwiches were pushed in his direction. Sighing delicately, he took the sandwich and began to unwrap it, nibbling at it in small pieces.

He could feel the eyes of teens in the cafeteria watching them, but he didn't bother to looked up. Instead he scooted a little ways away, not by much, and leaned his back against the tree, trying to use it as a shield from the cafeteria. "I think your friends want you." he whispered, breaking the silence.

Ian had glanced up when the boy next to him mentioned his friends, and glanced up in the window again. He frowned, and waved them away. It was only a moment later that the faces disappeared. "It's okay. They're just kids from the track team. I'll see them later. I'm fine right where I am. So... Are you gonna tell me your name? Or will I have to make one up for you?" He asked softly, his voice pretty gentle. It had a slight, natural rasp to it. When the brunette scooted away a little more, Ian shifted to compensate for the distance.

"I don't like knowing what Paul is doing to you." He said suddenly, frowning a little. "So... I want to start walking you to classes, to avoid him trying to get at you again. I realize what I did this morning is only going to make him angrier, and I apologize for that but... I can't stand guys like him getting away with torturing other people." Ian explained in a soft voice. He'd finished off his sandwich, pushing his other one back into his bag, before stretching his legs out in front of him with a sigh.

"I think we had a class together last semester, didn't we?" He asked suddenly, looking over at the kid. He looked thoughtful for a moment, before smiling, and nodding. "Yeah, we did. History. I would never forget those green eyes." He said softly, glad he finally remembered where he knew him from. The kid really did try his best to be invisible...

He laughed bitterly at the request for his name. Why was he being so friendly? He had never noticed him before, so why did things become different? "Addison....Story." He wasn't the rude type, so he didn't completely ignore him. He was innocently asked what his name was, nothing more.

Addison looked up when he heard him shift, hoping it was the opposite direction, but he saw that their distance was no different than from when Ian had first sat down. "I'm used to it now, so it's no big deal..." He wanted to agree with him and call Paul an ass, but he just kept his mouth shut and pretty much defended him. Also, he tensed at the idea of the older teen following him. "You don't have to do that!" The last thing he wanted were students seeing them together. Perhaps they too would join in in bugging Addy for hanging out with someone "higher" than him.

"I honestly don't remember.." he said, looking at the sandwich that was all gone. While talking, he had found that he took larger bites, and was eagerly starting his second sandwich. This would certainly tide him over till dinner, where he most likely get hardly anything. "I didn't think anyone could see my eyes. Hell, I rarely see them.."

"Addison.... I really like that." Ian breathed out softly, relaxing back against the tree, closing his eyes for a moment. "It's nice to finally get to talk to you, Addison." He said, tilting his head to look over at the smaller teen beside him. He frowned though, rather suddenly, when the boy practically said he didn't care that he got tortured. Shaking his head emphatically, Ian leaned forward a little. "No, that's bullshit." He said, keeping his voice calm. "It is a big deal, and it's not okay. You don't deserve that stuff, whether you're used to it or not. I'm pretty sure I could get used to wearing a thong but it doesn't mean that's okay." He said, not even realizing he'd made a pretty funny visual of himself.

Sighing, Ian's shoulders sagged a little, and he looked on Addison, eyes tinted with empathy. "I know I don't have to do that. I could be like every other ass hole in this school, and ignore it, and let you get hurt day after day. But I'm not like that. I can't.... I can't stand it. I really... It's a big deal to me, Addison." Ian said, his voice suddenly strained, eyebrows knitting together in a look of sad concern. "Please..." He added gently, looking away. "Even if you don't want it, I'll probably end up doing it anyway. "It... Scares me." Ian admitted, sinking back against the tree with a wince, as the bark rubbed against the fabric of his shirt, making it ride a little higher, exposing the bare small of his back to the cold blades of grass below, filling the gap between his tailbone and the tree.

Looking over one more time, Ian's concerned expression shifted into a small smile. "It's definitely hard to catch a glimpse... But it's worth it. You have beautiful eyes, Addison. I wish I could see them more.

"I have to admit I'm not used to kindness from other's other than my little brother, so I'm sorry for not knowing how to react to you.." he said at his name being spoken. It sounded nice to hear when it wasn't filled with taunt and anger. He only ever liked it when it was filled with the love of a younger brother. "Your head just kind of numbs, you know?" he said, looking over to the other. "That's why it doesn't bother me..And I have to say, I am terrified of change. I am content now...And with you...trying to help, I just don't know how other people are going to receive it." He did honestly feel better at talking with someone, thought, so he was kind of conflicted with chasing Ian off.

Addy couldn't help but smile. He seemed to be taking it so personally. It was a bit refreshing to see there were people in the world that genuinely cared. High school was a hell after all. He tucked his hair behind his ear and leaned his head back against the tree, looking to the skies. "They're just green...Very boring. And if you must follow me, I can't sway you...You're quite persistent...And...I don't think anyone would appreciate you wearing a....a thong." It certainly was quite the image to picture.

"You have a little brother?" Ian asked softly, his eyes softening a little. "You must take very good care of him... That's a really special bond that a lot of people take for granted." He commented. "I understand how you feel though. A lot better than you'd think. You don't have to be scared of change though. It's a lot easier when you have someone to go through it with you." Ian said, one leg bending at the knee, sliding up a bit as he looked up at the sky as well.

"No, you're wrong... Green eyes are my favorite. It's rare to see them around here. Most people just have blue or brown, or hazel, but yours... They're so vibrant...." Laughing a little, Ian ducked his head. "Sorry if I sound intense. I love eyes. They're my favorite feature on people." He explained a little. "You are right though, you can't sway me. I'm gonna keep an eye out for you from now on. I take care of my friends, and you're my friend now, Addison. So you can count on me." He said, before yawning a little. The yawn turned into earnest laughter.

"And I can pretty much guarantee you'll never have to worry about seeing me in a thong. I have NO desire to try that. At all. Though... I will tell you, I happen to know of a picture, floating around on the internet, of a very drunk Paul Riley, in a pink lace thong." He confided to Addison, leaning in a little bit as he spoke in a low voice.

Addison smiled softly into the sky. He loved his brother with all his heart, and made effort to always be there for him. Their parents treated him better, since he was younger and much cuter and always sweeter than Addy, so he didn't have to worry much. It was just him seeing their anger he worried about. "Yea..He's my life and he is the reason torture is worth it." Even thought he was the one in desperate need for help, he was watching over his brother.

A soft blush crept onto the paler boy's cheeks and he lowered his head, so his hair covered his face again. Pretty eyes? Blue eyes were certainly more gorgeous. Like water. Everyone liked water. But green was like itchy grass...No one really liked grass.."Thank you...I appreciate it...Forgive me if I prefer to hide.."

Addy grimaced at the idea of looking at Paul in a thong. "Thanks, but no thanks." he said, sounding disgusted. He really did not want to see that, it wouldn't be hilarious at all. "The only thongs I ever want to see on a person are the ones that go on your feet...like Flip flops."

RING The bell sounded for the end of lunch, and quickly he put the half eaten second sandwich into his back for later. He stood and nodded to Ian. "Thank you for the meal." And soon he scurried off, wanted to get to class before anyone else saw them.

Ian looked over, watching Addisons face with his own small smile, and let out a sigh. "You should treasure that bond, as long as you can because... Just as important as it is to you, you're probably the most important person in the world to him. If he lost you, he'd be lost too." Ian said quietly, obviously speaking from experience. Underneath his always cheerful exterior, Ian seemed to be holding in some kind of pain that drove him.

He watched even as Addy ducked his head, heading his face. But not before Ian saw the blush. It made the taller teen smile a bit, looking away for the brunettes sake. "Mm. I think everyone has some kind of beauty in them. Some where. I don't know you very well yet, but I think yours is probably your eyes, and how gentle you are. Caring. Yeah... That sounds about right." Smiling a little Ian laughed and relaxed at Addison's reaction to the idea of the picture. Before he could comment about the flip-flops though, the bell had rung, and Addy was up on his feet, thanking him, and trying to hurry away. It would have worked but....

Ian was a sprinter on the track team. The best one they had. He was on his own feet, bag slung over his shoulder, and back by Addisons side in seconds. "I told you I was walking you to your classes, punk." He teased, chuckling a bit as he walked with the other teen.

"Oh, he is important...very." His brother was his life. He'd give his all for him. His food, his bath time, his time away from homework. All he could give to his brother was time and a little extra, and it didn't bother him one bit.

Addison had to admit he was disappointed that his evasion tactic hadn't worked, and what he said about him being a punk made him smile. This person was being so nice to him. Never had anyone other than his brother made him smile and want to laugh so much. "So. there truly is no getting around it, is there?" he asked, looking over to him. He still had the nagging feeling of wanting to hide.

"Yep. You're stuck with me. And even big brothers need friends too." Ian pointed out, reaching up to ruffle a hand through his naturally black, shaggy hair, though it just flopped right back into place. Heading into the school, Ian nodded and waved at a few of his friends, but stuck close to Addison.

Only a few people seemed surprised that Ian was walking with a previously invisible kid, but most just smiled and said hi, to them both, in passing. When they had just walked up to the class, Ian's best friend, and track mate, Nick Douglas, had just been about to enter the class.

"Oh! Hey Nick! You've got the same class as Addy, that's great. Look man, could you do me a favor?" He asked, the sandy blond haired athlete turned in surprise, wide brown eyes looking over, before he broke out into a boyish grin, stretching the freckles that covered his face. The guy was a little shorter than Ian, and a bit scrawnier over all. But he was pretty strong, being on the wrestling team whenever track season was over.

"Yeah man, what's up?" He asked, leaning back on the door jamb. "I heard you got into it with Paul this morning. It's about time. He's been hounding your ass for- Er... Sorry Ian, I mean he's been buggin-" Ian waved him off, though he had unconsciously winced at Nicks choice of words.

"It's alright Nick. Don't worry. This has something to do with it. I pulled Paul off of Addison this morning, and I'm pretty sure he'll be out for some kind of retribution, so, I'm taking Addy under my wing, kinda, and keeping an eye on him. Would you help me out? At least for this one period? Make sure he doesn't go running off to his next class before I get here after the bell, okay?" Nick grinned, looking at Addy with a friendly visage, before standing up straight and saluting Ian.

"Aye, Cap'n. Consider it done." He said, with a nod. Ian grinned as well, winking down at Addy and wrapping an arm around the boys shoulders for a split second half hug before disengaging, and heading back off into the hall to run to his next class.

(Imma be your sweet spot, take me to your candy shop 8D)

Being stuck didn't sound so bad at the moment. Addy looked up, his neck popping from always looking down rather than up, to see him push his hand through his hair. Addy glanced at his own locks that hung boringly over his shoulders. He didn't have any bangs, and wore it parted down the middle with the occasional beanie. He felt very blah standing next to the bright and cheery Ian.

Addison jumped at the sudden sound of Ian's greeting to his friend, whom was entering the class Addison was about to reach. He recognized the boy as one of his class mates, and now he would see him as Ian's friend. He brought his hand to his ear, rubbing it tenderly from the sudden sound.

Looking down, ashamed from hearing Paul's name, he fiddled with the strap on his worn bag, picking at a sticker his brother had placed on it. It was a sparkly smiley face. He then looked up again, wondering why the other had to change his sentence to something less vulgar. Did Ian not like cuss words? He just mentally shrugged it off. It wasn't a big deal, anyhow.

"Ah, h-he doesn't have to do that!" he protested, stepping back and looking up frantically, accidentally stepping into someone. He yelped like a small animal and turned around apologizing quickly, before looking back. He grimaced at the awkward hug, and sighed. He was feeling flustered from all this fuss.

Hahahahahaha!}}

Nick laughed a bit at Addisons reaction, and shook his head. "Relax kid. It's not a problem. We all hate Paul. I'm more than happy to help out. Besides... Ians taken a real liking to you, I think." He confirmed, nodding a little as he moved out of the doorway, to let Addison in. "He and I have been best friends since he moved to town. It was pretty instant. He's changed a lot since then. He's got a lot to live for, so he does his best to be a pretty decent guy." Nick explained to Addison. He waited for the kid to sit down, before taking a seat next to him.

Nick was one of the most down to Earth guy on the track team. He was the average Joe.

{{ASADASF SORRY IT'S TINY! ;A; }}

(Don't sweat it. It's my fault for not giving anything to write to.)

Addison sighed and looked back up at the other teen and nodded. "Or I'm just a charity project..." he whispered, hoping the boy in front of him didn't quite catch it. He went inside the class room and took his seat at the back, in a corner.

'So much for staying invisible.' he thought, hair covering his face once more. But he was smiling. The day was going to go by a lot faster, now that it seemed he was going to have friends. But then he thought..'What about the walk home?'

Fortunately for Addison, Nick didn't have the best hearing in the world. He was oblivious to the small comment that the smaller boy had made. After the teacher had taken attendance, Nick stretched out in his seat. It was a substitute that day, in Biology, so they were given the period to go ahead and work on homework and other projects. Nick was pretty well up on all his work so he decided he'd go ahead and talk to Addison for a while.

"Now that I think about it... You look a little bit like Ian's brother." He said, suddenly, looking over at Addison, ducking forward to catch a glimpse of him. "No... Never mind you don't really. I guess it's the demeanor. His little brother held himself the same way, from what I saw in pictures." Nick said, sighing as he leaned back again. Blinking, he realized suddenly he'd probably said to much. That was pretty personal stuff, that Ian had taken years to tell Nick about all of that.

Addison was very pleased that they had a substitute that day. He didn't have time to last night, what with the arguing and trying to keep his little brother from watching or listening. He took his crumpled papers from his bag and began working on it, pausing politely whenever Nick spoke.

"Really?" he asked, leaning back a bit. Like his brother? Ian had a brother? He didn't mention a brother...But he seemed like he totally understood being a brother, so it made sense. "How am I like him?" he asked, now curious, but the look on Nick's face told him he shouldn't have asked. "Ah...forget it. I can understand if it's personal..." But now he was so curious!

Nick frowned a little, and looked around a little bit, and sighed. "It's not really my place to talk about it... You'll have to ask Ian for the details. A lot of people think he's just naturally nice all the time, for no reason, but... He's got a pretty good reason for it, thanks to his little brother." Nick explained as much as he felt comfortable. He wanted to tell Addison more. "But, from what I know... Dakota was pretty shy too." The sandy blond explained, before pulling out a book, so he would shut up and stop saying things that weren't his to say.

The rest of the class, Nick occasionally made small talk with Addison whenever he needed a break from reading, but did his best to not disrupt the kids work. Like he'd promised Ian, he stuck around after class, keeping an eye on Addison until Ian jogged into the class, breathing a little hard. He looked like he'd just come from Gym, having left on a plain black tanktop over his pants, his cheeks a little flushed, his hair still wet from a quick shower. He didn't bother to do to much, just rinse the sweat off. He had track practice that evening, so he didn't bother getting as clean as he could. "Hey Addy! Nick! Sorry it took me so long." He breathed out, grinning a bit.