Rigby and Mordecai stepped into the gymnasium just as the second bell rang.
Mordecai heard his friend groan then say, "You've gotta be kidding me."
He looked where Rigby was staring and immediately clenched his fists.
Jablonski and his group were sitting at the top of the bleachers on the other side of the room.
"First I have science with him and now gym? This can't be happening," Rigby muttered.
Mordecai took a deep breath before looking down at Rigby.
"Come on, dude. We've gotta get over there before the teacher gets onto us."
Rigby shook his head and crossed his arms across his chest. "No way. I'm not having gym with him again," Rigby complained.
Mordecai sighed before he began walking, hoping Rigby would follow.
He stopped and turned around after a few feet to find Rigby in the same place.
"Rigby," he said calmly, "We have to go over there. Come on."
Rigby huffed as he looked back up at Mordecai. "I'm not going over there, dude."
Mordecai grabbed hold of Rigby's arms and tried to drag him forward.
Rigby instantly tore his arms from Mordecai's grip and took a few steps back.
"I'm not having this class with him for the fourth year in a row," Rigby grumbled as he looked down.
Mordecai bent down to put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know you don't want to deal with him anymore, but we have to have this class. Will you please come over there with me?"
Rigby shook his head but made no move to brush Mordecai's hand away. "I already know he's going to make science even harder for me. I don't wanna deal with his crap in this class, too."
"I know you've had to deal with him in this class in the past, but this year I'm with you. I won't let him do anything to you, okay?" Mordecai said softly.
Rigby bit his lip as he finally looked up into Mordecai's eyes.
Mordecai was patient as he waited for Rigby to respond. He knew how to handle the raccoon's many moods after being friends their whole lives.
Rigby looked over Mordecai's shoulder as Jablonski for a few moments before looking back at his friend. "You promise?"
Mordecai smiled before standing up and nodding. "I promise. Now come on, everyone's staring at us."
Rigby began walking when he saw Jablonski staring straight at him. The bully wasn't wearing his sunglasses, and his gaze struck fear into his heart.
He stopped in his tracks, causing Mordecai to turn and frown.
Mordecai grabbed Rigby's arm and gently pulled Rigby forward.
The raccoon reluctantly let the bird pull him across the room to the bleachers.
Mordecai released Rigby's arm when they sat down on the second row.
Mordecai noticed Rigby's scared expression and scooted closer to him.
"Hey," he whispered into Rigby's ear as the teacher, a young brunette lady, called roll, "You're going to be fine, Rigby. I'm right here."
Rigby smiled gratefully at his friend and soon raised his hand when he heard his name called.
He heard snickering behind him and tensed up.
Mordecai noticed Rigby's posture change and thought quickly.
The teacher, Mrs. Cruth, soon finished roll and announced she had to go pick something up from the office.
As soon as she left the room, Mordecai turned around and looked up at the top row. "Hey, Jablonski!" he called.
Rigby paled a little as he turned to see Jablonski glare at Mordecai. "What, loser?"
"You should stop laughing at yourself, it's not cool," Mordecai replied.
Rigby gulped as Jablonski scowled at them. "What are you talking about?"
Mordecai shrugged his shoulders in mock confusion. "I heard you laughing while the teacher said your name. You were obviously laughing at yourself because you're such a joke."
Rigby's eyes widened as Jablonski glared at them. "You're an idiot if you think I was laughing at myself. I was laughing at your pathetic friend right there."
Mordecai narrowed his eyes as he stood up. "I'm not the one who picks on others just to feel better about themselves. You're the pathetic one."
The rest of the class gasped and Rigby looked back and forth between the two.
Jablonski's scowl deepened as he looked at Mordecai. He said nothing as Mordecai turned back around and sat down with a smirk on his face.
Rigby stared at Mordecai. "Dude, what was that?"
Mordecai grinned at Rigby. "I told you I wasn't going to let him do anything."