"Blood On The Ground" – Part 13

Summary and additional notes in part 1.

Author's Note: So I originally had part 13 and 14 as one chapter. In re-reading it, it made sense to break it up. Especially since together it was five pages! Anyway, there are 2 more chapters after this one.

Disclaimer: Do NOT own Degrassi!

13-

Thursday morning Adam sat outside on the steps as he waited for Fiona to arrive. He had a soy mocha latte for her in one hand. In his other he had a hot chocolate for himself. He was happy. Yesterday afternoon he, Drew, and Fiona waited in the living room for information about the hearing. His mom walked in smiling as she told them Owen lost his bid to get his expulsion overturned. Fiona stayed for dinner. His mother made her famous pasta with chorizo. Drew loved it, as it was his favorite dish.

Afterwards Adam and Fiona headed upstairs. He was surprised his mother didn't say anything. He just wanted to lay there with her and hold her close. However, they starting kissing and before he knew it Fiona started to unbutton his shirt. While he would have loved to continue, he stopped her. He was acutely aware of the bruises on his body. He didn't want her to see him that way.

They ended the night on good terms as they spoke about their plans for winter break. Her folks wanted her to come down to New York for Christmas. She wanted him to join them for New Year's. He had never been in New York around that time of year and was excited about the idea. It might take some convincing to get his mother onboard, but then again she might rest easier with him being out of town and far away from Owen.

"Princess!" Adam said excitedly. Fiona grinned at him.

"Good morning to you too," she said. She gently pressed her lips to his, careful to avoid disrupting his balance. "Is that for me?"

Adam nodded. "Yes. Only the best for the woman I love." He handed her the hot beverage.

She breathed in the aroma and laughed. "Mmm, so good!" she turned to her boyfriend. "Someone's in a chipper mood today."

He looked at her with a huge smile before leaning in to whisper in her ear. "I'm going to make up yesterday to you real soon."

Fiona giggled as she raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean you're going to wear lingerie?"

Adam playfully rolled his eyes and let out a short laugh. "No."

-oOo-

It was his free period and instead of trading comics with his best friend, he was planning the final details of the Stand Up Together rally for the GLBT club.

"Fuck!" Adam exclaimed. He was working on posters and kept on misspelling some of the speakers' names. To make matters worse he was using permanent markers.

"You okay?" Sanjay asked concerned.

Adam took a deep breath. "Sorry, didn't mean to disrupt your flow." The freshman was on the lone computer in their office typing up the program for the event.

"No, it's alright. I am not bothered," Sanjay assured him.

Adam smirked. "I love you, man."

Sanjay raised an eyebrow. "Does Fiona know?" he joked.

Adam laughed. "You have such a calming presence," he told him. "Sorry, I've been so manic these past few days." He felt like he had been a terrible leader in the last six days.

The younger boy waved him off. "You've been through a lot. You have nothing to apologize for. You've handled it all with grace."

Adam winced.

Sanjay widened his eyes. "Okay, bad choice in words…"

The two boys burst out in laughter.

After a long moment Adam grew serious. "I feel like I'm the wrong person to head up this event."

Sanjay looked at him curiously. "Why is that?"

"I have so much anger. This event is about rising above violence, yet all I want to do is smash Owen's face in. I had such a good year and yet here I am. Sixteen years old. Still being bashed."

Adam's voice sounded so sad, so lost.

Suddenly they heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Adam yelled.

In walked the last person he expected to see. Bianca.

"Hey. What's up?" Adam said awkwardly. Sure they were friends now, but she had never been in the GLBT office. It seemed strange, like a paradox.

Bianca smiled at him. "I just wanted to tell you something," she started. She turned towards Sanjay. "Hi."

Sanjay blinked. Did she actually say something to him? He was used to being the invisible boy. "Um, hi."

Bianca smirked and turned back to Adam. "I'm worried about you."

Adam looked away. "You don't have to be."

She paused. "Adam, I know Owen. He holds on to grudges. He's probably planning something right now."

Adam brought his eyes to hers, searching for truth. What he saw unnerved him. She was truly scared. Inside it made him panic. He fought the feeling the best that he could. "Bianca, it's going to be okay," he assured her.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Just be careful."

He debated his next move for a moment before going on instinct. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

Bianca blinked when she realized Adam was actually holding her. She knew that the hug was platonic but it was nice all the same. She sighed and leaned on his shoulder while he made soothing circles on her back.

After a few moments he pulled away. "I can fight my own battles, remember?" he said softly.

She gave him a small smile. "Right."

When Bianca left Adam leaned against the door and closed his eyes.

"Adam?" Sanjay said concerned. "You know that a hug isn't considered cheating?" he joked in an attempt to lighten the mood. He softened when he got a closer look at his friend.

Adam was still leaning against the door but a single tear had made its way down his cheek. He was shaking a little.

"Adam?" Sanjay repeated as he walked closer. The older boy refused to meet his eyes.

"I'm scared," Adam admitted in a small voice.

.

tbc

A/N: Adam puts on a strong front for the women in his life (Fiona, Clare, Bianca, his mom), but here he finally voices his fears and doubts. He's doing his best to keep it together but he swings from feeling happy and invincible to sullen and anxious.

I'm going to add chapter 14 tonight. Also, I am trying to decide what to publish next. I have two happy future fics. However, they're unfinished so I won't be able to update everyday. But they've got fluff and I think we need more happy Fadam! (On takes place during Junior year, spring semester. The other is during Senior year, fall semester)

Reviews = Totally Awesome, hint hint... :D