December 15th: Monday

Theme: 8. Reindeer

Hiro was hiding. It was a simple fact. He was stressed out to the point where he didn't bother to hide his smarts, didn't bother pretending to be normal. His two finals today were completed in 30 minutes each, to the surprise of his teachers. Both had asked Hiro if he was sure he had answered everything. One began to skim Hiro's test, growing paler as he reached the first page which Hiro knew contained the right answer to everything. Multiple choice was ridiculously easy in a class that relied on one's memorization skills.

"Mr. Takachiho," his teacher said, stunned.

"I am very sure I am done with my exam," Hiro cut in. His shoulders were tensed, his voice short and clipped. "Am I allowed to leave?"

The teacher nodded and dismissed him. Jealous eyes followed Hiro as he exited the building, all but running back to Frostbite. With a quick hello to Jack, Hiro ducked into the back storage room and curled up in the corner still upset with himself. He ignored the chiming rings of his cellphone as it was bombarded by another text from Tadashi. Swiftly he shut it off.

It was one thing that Tadashi knew Hiro was smart, it was another thing for him to find out Hiro killed the daughter of Tadashi's mentor.

"You know for someone you keep insisting isn't a bully, this is twice in a little over a week that you've come in upset with him."

Hiro looked up to see Jack standing in front of him. The white haired man handed Hiro a reindeer cup. Hiro had to smile a little at the silly cartoon reindeer design.

"It's not his fault," Hiro defended, clutching the cup.

Jack sat down next to Hiro on the boxes. "Want me to sic my dad on Tadashi?" Jack offered.

Horror filled Hiro. "No!" Hiro had yet to meet Jack's father, North, but Jack had told him enough stories to know that North was not a man to be messed with. How did Jack describe his father? Ah yes, Russian Mobster. With matching swords to go with the image!

"Well, he clearly keeps upsetting you," Jack pointed out. "I don't care if the kid is the nicest guy on the planet, whether he means to or not, he makes you upset. That would put him on the naughty list so to speak."

Hiro had no words to counter that.

"What are you going to do?" Jack asked.

Shoulders slumping, Hiro let out a depressed sigh. "I don't know."