PENRICH HIGH SCHOOL

Dark eyes shifted to the figurine lying awake on the bed next to him. The toy stared up at the ceiling, its head tilted at an angle which showed pride in itself. Perfectly sculpted from plastic, and painted a daring bright red and blue, it seemed nothing in the world could possibly outweigh it in worth. It wasn't looking at Nate per se, but the boy could feel the daunting aura his mini Optimus Prime was sending him, as if daring him not to bring him to school. It seemed to whisper, "First day of school and you're not bringing me?"

Hesitantly, Nate picked up his toy robot from where it lay on the pillow, watching it now between the palm of his hands. It was so new…too new. He stiffened at the thought, recalling all the things he had lost not long ago, which had forced him to leave London, and return to the land he once called home.

"America," he tried the words, it was a sound weighed down by dust and rust, something that should've remained forgotten. This was the boogeyman's playground, where the nightmare's had begun, and somehow he was back again, what had he been trying so hard to achieve all this time? It seemed as if all they've done was run in circles, playing a game where everyone loses.

His eyes fell to the robot once more, it was too new to hold any sentimental value, yet strangely he felt attached to it. Should he be glad or disgusted that he was letting this new fellow replace the vacancy that had opened in his affection when he lost his old toy? He couldn't decide, it was still a question that required much contemplation.

"Near, are you done? Breakfast is ready," Gevanni called from the kitchen.

In his surprise, he found himself stuffing the toy into his schoolbag. It's decided then, Optimus Prime is coming, he said to himself, zipping up his bag as he got up to head out of the room.

"Good morning," he greeted simply, entering the kitchen and taking a seat at the dining table.

Milk, and toast, he noted, were served. Without another word, he started applying jam on a piece of toast, trying not to make a face as he chokes down the dry substance. He hated toast, something mom would've known, he thought with a pang. If she were here, it'd probably be hard boiled eggs and salad.

"Morning Near, I'm sorry breakfast is so simple," the tall man gave a nervous laugh, "I haven't really had a proper breakfast for some time now myself," he grinned sheepishly, then coughed into his hand, turning serious. "Um, of course that's no excuse-"

"Thank you," Nate tried to smile, although he wasn't sure if it came across right on his face, "for everything," he finished simply, and continued his meal, hoping he had conveyed his gratitute.

Silence rested in the room, it was uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as trying to make a conversation. It's been awhile, a long while, since Nate had last socialize with people other than his parents, he needed a lot of practice to get used to things, like living with Gevanni, going to school again, and not to mention being called by another name. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't overwhelmed with all the changes that was happening in his life, but then again, he knew he'd never lead a normal life again after everything that has happened.

Frowning to himself, he put the half eaten piece of bread down, bringing the cup to his lips, tasting the warm milk on his tongue and running down his throat, soothing the dryness left behind by the toast. His eyes wandered around the kitchen, taking in the sight of mint green walls, the wooden cabinets and the matching green fridge that had already begun to become a familiar sight for him, and wondered to himself, just how long this one will last?

PENRICH HIGH SCHOOL, it was engraved in bold as they drove passed the front gates in their black sedan. Near could feel his heart racing in his chest, despite the brave front he was trying to put on. He let his fingers wander into his bag, tracing the smooth edges of his Optimus Prime, hoping to calm his nerves.

Gevanni parked the car in one of the empty lots, and got down, hurrying over to open the door for Near. His eyes glanced briefly at the boy's bag, causing Near to hold it closer, one hand still stuffed inside, touching his toy.

"It's okay, I can carry it myself," he said simply, getting down the car, waiting for his caretaker to lead the way.

They all look the same, Near thought to himself as he followed quietly behind Gevanni, looking at the smooth floors which reflect light, and the two rows of blue lockers on either side of the hallway. It's been two years since he was forced to stop schooling, but he was glad to see that some things about school was still what he remembered it to be. He saw the distinguishable air of the popular kids, smelt the testosterone coming off the jocks, and heard the soft discussions amongst the bookworms, as expected, the hierarchy existed in every school. It seemed so ordinary, so predictable, so safe, but there's no way he'd believe it to be true. In the dark corners, behind the closed doors, and in the crowd of noisy teenagers, he knew that danger was everywhere, and the only shield he had was the six foot one man beside him and the gun Gevanni always carry around his waist. It was the first time in a long time since he was put in such a vulnerable position, something his parents had tried with all their might to avoid, was it right to defy them and their final efforts? Was he doing the right thing? There's no way to tell. Sometimes, it seemed as if none of that really even matters anymore, he just wants to be able to live the life that he was suppose to, too many things had been lost while they were trying to run away, was there any meaning in living a life like that? To always be running, hiding, unable to even have decent sleep, startling awake at every little sound, to be afraid of your own shadow? The answer was obvious.

"Can you wait here for a moment?" Gevanni gestured to the rows of chairs outside the staffroom. "I'll just inform your homeroom teacher that you've arrived." Nodding, the boy sat down obediently, watching the man disappear into the room.

Peeking around, Near saw that the hallways were cleared, which was expected, since the first bell had already rung. His chest began to beat irregularly again at the thought of meeting his new classmates. Just for a little bit, the anxious little man inside him pleaded. Looking left and right, to make sure for the second time that there was no one around, he opened his bag and pulled out his Optimum Prime, so that its head peeked out of the bag, allowing the toy to observe its new surroundings.

"It's not that scary is it?" he whispered to the robot, trying to force a smile up his face.

"It will be soon enough," an unfamiliar voice suddenly came from beside him, causing him to jolt, pushing the toy deep into his bag, a feeble attempt to deny its existence and the fact that he was actually talking to an inanimate object.

"Yeah, you should do that," the voice continued.

Near felt like grimacing or gulping, but he did neither, instead, he steadied himself and slowly looked to his left, blinking at the skinny blonde teenager who had somehow magically appeared next to him.

"Don't take it out of your bag again. You shouldn't have brought something like that to school in the first place, this is high school you know, if they catch you doing what I just saw, they'd never let you live it down," the boy said, taking a bite out of his chocolate bar.

"Thank you," Near said slowly, trying to hide his reddened cheeks, as he glanced at the other through his thick bangs. "You'll keep this between us?" he piped, keeping his fingers crossed, it was just his first day, and he felt like it could be the end after making such a careless mistake.

"Sure, s'not like telling anyone will do me any good, considering I'm beneath the food chain," the boy shrugged, and continued nibbling on his chocolate, shaking his leg idly.

Cautiously, Near looked at the boy, trying to be discreet about it. After taking a clear look, he realize that the boy wasn't a stranger at all. In fact, they just met the day before, in the mall. The boy had his hair pulled back and wore a less revealing V neck t shirt today, but those leather pants and combat boots gave him away miles away.

Blue eyes gazed down at the pair of gray ones staring at him, and a look of recognition hit his face as well.

"Hey, it's-"

"Near," Gevanni's voice interrupted, causing both of them to turn their attention toward him and the tall man next to him.

"This is Mr. Penber, he's your new homeroom teacher, he'll take you to class now," Gevanni explained, obviously not taking notice of the blonde.

Near nodded, gathering his things, and standing up, taking one last sideway glance at the boy before following Mr. Penber to class.

"Good luck," he heard a soft mutter as he walked away.

OMG! Finally an update! Sorry it took me so long just to write anything. There seriously wasn't time, plus I was sort of having a minor block, but I really wanted to continue this, don't know if I did it justice, but I hope it makes you happy to read it. Sorry about the shortness, I really tried my best...Anyways, if you guys have any suggestions to make this better, please review! Thanks :)