A/N: Trigger Warning for brief swearing.
(Nicky's POV)
A wave of relief crashed on to me as I went into the museum. I could finally come away from that bullshit at school.
Thank God.
That relief ended as soon as I saw my Dad. The argument had only happened yesterday, but I had yet to speak to him about it.
"Hey Nicky." He began, laying a hand on my shoulder. I quickly looked away.
"Hey Dad..." I replied, averting his eyes. God, I was such a chicken.
"Nicky, I'm sorry I shouted at you yesterday." He apologized while attempting to get me to look at him. "I'm only looking out for you, y'know?"
I nodded wordlessly, not finding the strength to talk. He frowned.
"C'mon Nicky, say something. Don't leave your old man hanging." He tried.
I forced a faint smile. "Don't worry about it, Dad. No big deal."
That made him grin in return. "Okay. Good." He patted me a bit too hard on the back, and I recoiled. My Dad saw this and his happy expression turned to worry.
"You okay?" He asked, looking me over.
"I'm okay, I just fell in P.E." I lied. He nodded and left it at that.
My injuries grew more painful as the night proceeded on.
I was hanging out with Jedediah and Octavius, watching cat videos. Rexy came plowing through the room and his tail swung to the left, nailing me in the gut. Hard.
"Fuck!"
I hunched over in pain, my abdomen still sore from earlier. Tears threatened to come, but I fought them back.
Octavius immediately ran to my position. "Nicky? Are you well?"
I nodded weakly, pain still coursing through me.
"Really? I mean, you sure as hell don't look like it." Jedediah said, stating the obvious. His eyes were wide with concern.
C'mon Nicky, think of something!
"My friends and I were just roughhousing today." I lied. "I'm good."
Octavius and Jed gave each other sideways glances.
You're a terrible liar.
"Alright Nick, if you say so..." Octavius said, seeming slightly skeptical of my words.
I nodded again, and we carried on watching some cats chasing lasers.
I wanted to let the cat out of the bag to someone badly, but I knew I couldn't. Boys will be boys, they would most likely say. It's not like anyone would really care. Perhaps they would. I mean, Jed and Octavius don't need to know about this.
C'mon Nicky.
You can't keep a secret forever.