When he thought everyone was asleep, Ienzo slipped out of his bed and headed down to Even's office.

Once they had arrived back at the castle, Even had quickly headed to his office and stored the thing in his pocket in a drawer.

Entering the room, Ienzo went to the correct drawer and tried to pull it open.

It didn't budge.

'He must have locked it,' he thought, biting his lip. 'I want to know what that was though so I'll have to figure out a way to get it open.'

After a moment's thought more, he picked up a paper clip and straightened it before carefully bending it into the shape he would need and slipping it into the lock.

It clicked and he pulled the drawer open.

Quickly rummaging around, he found a slightly crumpled picture of a younger looking Even with a small boy and a woman next to him.

He pulled it out and looked at it closely.

The boy looked fairly similar to Even and he guessed that they must be related.

Perhaps the son Even had mentioned before?

"I see someone's up late," a tired voice said from the doorway.

Ienzo jumped and turned around quickly to see Even watching him wearily.

He hid the picture behind his back before the other man noticed but he was too late and Even spotted the corner of it.

The man froze.

"Is that…?" he started, shocked. "Is that…? My picture from before?"

Ienzo nodded nervously.

Even looked away suddenly to hide the tears that had appeared in his eyes at the thought of the people in the picture in the boy's hand.

"E-Even?" Ienzo asked, slightly worried. "I-I'm sorry…I-I shouldn't have looked but I wanted to know…"

The man took a deep breath.

"I-I know…" He turned back to the boy. "Sit down and I will explain."

Ienzo slipped into a chair while Even fell into the one across from him.

He held out his hand and Ienzo handed him the picture.

Even stared at it for a long time.

"Do you remember when I said I used to have a son?" Even finally asked. Ienzo nodded quickly. "This is him. His name was Kane and he was my only son. The woman next to us was my wife. This picture was taken shortly before they died." He sighed. "When I was at work, there was an accident at our home and the ceiling collapsed on them, crushing them. The paramedics tried to save them but it was too late. It's been a long time since then and I've moved on but it still pains me to be reminded of them." He looked at Ienzo. "I would assume it's the same for you with your parents." Ienzo nodded. "So you can understand my torment. It was my fault that they died though. They had told me that the roof needed to be replaced because it was old and starting to fall apart but I put it off. I was too obsessed with my work. That's why I try to focus on life more now." He put his hand on Ienzo's shoulder. "And why I worry about you so much. Kane was very much like you and I can't stand losing you like I lost him. It would destroy me."

"If I lost you like I lost my parents I would be destroyed also. I need you…"

Even reached over the desk and hugged the boy gently.

"I promise to protect you," he whispered.

The moment Ienzo walked into class the jeers and taunts started.

"Oh look!" one of the boys yelled. "The mute loser is back!"

Ienzo hung his head and looked down, trying to ignore them.

The Trace glared at all the boys and they just snickered.

He slipped into his seat at the front of the class and pulled his books and notebooks out.

This was going to be a long day.

As Ienzo was walking to the bathroom he felt rough hands shove him forcefully into a locker.

He was turned around and he looked up into the face of the boys that had made fun of him in class.

Biting his lip, he refrained from saying anything.

"Come on dork! Say something!"

He shook his head and started to sign 'I CAN'T. I'M MUTE SO I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING.' But the boy in the middle slapped him before he could finish.

"I can't understand that twisty-hand crap! Professor Even might but no one else except that dumb broad that follows you around! Now," he paused to crack his knuckles dangerously. "Talk."

Ienzo's eyes widened and he tried to back up but he was already against the lockers.

The boy pulled his fist back while the other two with him kept Ienzo in place.

"Stay still," he ordered as he brought his fist forward.

"Adam!" a girl's voice yelled and the boy jumped. "Adam, stop it!" A pretty blonde girl stepped up to the boy in the middle and crossed her arms. "Leave this poor boy alone!"

The boy named Adam put his hands up and backed away from Ienzo.

"Sorry Gabby."

She frowned and put her hands on her hips.

"What have I told you about being nice to people? Did you even listen?"

Adam took her hands and looked very apologetic.

"I'm sorry Gabs. You know how hot-headed I get sometimes. And I just can't control myself."

She rolled her eyes and walked over to Ienzo, bending down to look in his face.

"Poor boy," she whispered as she touched a small trail of blood running down his cheek. "I'm sorry they did this to you. You're too young for this." She stood up and offered her hand. "Come on. I'm going to take you to the nurse."

Ienzo studied her hand carefully before taking it slowly.

She pulled him away from the boys who glared at Ienzo when he turned to look at them.

"Don't worry about them," she said as they rounded the corner. "Adam is just a moron. I'll talk to him and he won't bother you again. Rick and Carl just follow him around and do what he says so if he tells them to stop then they will." She smiled at him. "You're Ienzo right? That genius kid?" He nodded. "That's so cool! You'll be out of here in no time and then you can go get a degree at the best university! And all before you're even eighteen!" Ienzo nodded again and the girl stopped and bent down to his level. "You know, I took three years of sign language. I bet I could understand you."

Ienzo's eyes lit up and he nodded quickly.

YOUR NAME IS GABBY, RIGHT?

She nodded.

"Yes it is. But it's short for Gabrielle."

Ienzo smiled.

GABRIELLE IS SO PRETTY. WHY DON'T YOU GO BY THAT?

She sighed and flipped her bangs out of her eyes.

"Adam calls me 'Gabby' or 'Gabs' and says it's better than 'Gabrielle'."

Ienzo stared at her in shock. REALLY? HOW CAN HE SAY THAT? GABRIELLE IS BEAUTIFUL! He gasped at what he said and looked away quickly.

The girl giggled and made him look at her.

"You can call me 'Gabrielle' if you want Ienzo."

He nodded slowly, hoping his light blush was hidden in the dim corridor.

AN: OOOH Ienzo has a crush! And she's only like seven and a half years older than him! XD

Someone asked to see some interaction between Ienzo and the other students and that was something I actually meant to include WAAAY before this but couldn't figure out where to add it. I'm glad they asked for that because the story was moving along too fast and this helps slow it down. Plus you get to see cute little Ienzo trying to flirt with a girl.

See ya soon!