One x One Blood

[Brinie]

Jack took one step back, and his eyes went wide. Anger started flowing through his being, he clenched his fist firmly, so much so that his nails started to dig in to his palms. "OH? At least you had someone with you all this time. Me? I had no one to look up to. If there's a brat here it's definitely - definitely not me." He fretted, his voice cracking.


Jack swiped at him, he grabbed Zaire by his collar and roughly tossed him against the dirty bathroom wall. He took hold of his collar a second time, and with his opposite hand he slammed his fist in to Zaire's stomach, in a frenzy.


He then released his hold of his collar and held him up against the wall by his neck, forcing him to meet Jack's face. "You had a father that cared for you. At least you had someone to look after you. I'd trade my father's life for yours in a second, if I could." He jeered, with his fingers digging in to the skin of Jaire's neck.


Jack growled, releasing the boy, letting him fall finally. He grabbed and hoisted up the sleeve of his own shirt, exposing the bruise as well as several scars that coated his right arm. "What I do to you, is nothing. NOTHING. Compared to what I have to go through daily. At least you can avoid me. I have to go there, every night, wondering if he'll finally take it too far and end me." He said, before he pulled his sleeve back up to cover his arm.


"Y-you know, maybe I should. I'd being doing you a favor right? Is that it, you want to die? Never once did a day pass when I felt like surrendering. I knew you were pathetic." He gasped, his voice was inconsistent and he just found that words just spilled out of him. Jack fell to his knees and covered both of his eyes with his hands to conceal the tears that flowed from them, he refused to show Zaire any more of his weaknesses.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire gasped and held his stomach when he was punched, gasping again as his neck was taken hold of. He looked at the scars and bruise before he was let to fall to his knees. He held his stomach and coughed a bit before looking up to Jack.


For once, the nerds' eyes seemed cold, "then... We're both on the same boat... We're both pathetic... Whether or not you want to acknowledge that is your decision..." He sat up and leaned against the wall, looking up to the roof. He started to speak softly now, "your father... Sounds horrible..." He closed his eyes and wiped away the last of his tears.


He reopened his eyes and looked at Jack, "you know... My mother died the same way my father did... Both in car accidents... But I never knew her. My father cherished her, so when I resembled her so much, he decided not to put men up for adoption. Though, I had to grow up... I was doing all the house work and I was alone almost all the time when I was about twelve... I was said I could be fully independent at sixteen if I wanted..." He looks away.


He stays silent for a moment, listening to the male. He opened his mouth again, "I was always afraid to be alone... But I had to deal with it by being alone..." He curls up and hugs his knees, "and now... I'm completely alone... And I'm terrified." He looks at Jack, "...what about you...? What's your story?" He slightly rubbed his sore neck as he waited for the male to answer. He didn't think that Jack would harm him, at least not right now.

 

[Brinie]

Jack planted a fist against the ceramic bathroom floor to hoist himself up. He nearly doubled over backwards, his whole body still ached, he was still visibly shaking with anger. Vulnerable. He felt exposed, the air against his skin started to bring discomfort. Jack wiped away the tears that stained his face, pathetic, weak. He was almost as bad as him now... he thought. He lifted his chin upwards, and glared forward.


Something seemed to change, Zaire had started to look like he was empty, completely deprived of emotions. Jack found it eerie to look at, it was not the same person he had known. Zaire seemed to have fully regained his composure, perhaps the shock of losing his own father was too much to handle? Jack desperately tried to steady himself again, he wouldn't be the weak one here, he refused. His eyes narrowed, and he looked to the ground as Zaire told him his story. His feature's remained flat as he carefully listened.


He gave a soft nod, before he began speaking. "My mom...she abandoned us when I was young. She slept around a bunch which pissed off my dad, don't know where she is now, or if she's even alive. " He told, with a little bit of hesitation. "I guess that's what sparked this whole thing. I don't know who to blame... but I did have a chance at having a happy little family at one point. I wish I could remember, how it was like." He said reminiscently, crossing his arms together.


"What about you? Do you remember, how life was like before your mom died?" He asked, curiously. Jack dove a hand in his pocket and retrieved his phone, he glared down at the time, only fifteen minutes remained until lunch was over. Jack groaned. He just wanted to escape from it all.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire slowly stood up and looked at the ground, "well... Like I said, I never knew her... Ever since I could remember it was just father and son against the world. Though, he did sleep around, I remember that much. He found one person that he started seeing on a weekly basis, but... Yeah." He shrugged.


He put his back pack on and steps closer to Jack, hesitating a little before slowly putting his arms around the male to hug him. "You can g ahead and hutt me... I probably won't be coming back to school again... I... Will need to make up some money. Find some since we haven't paid for the end of the month yet..." He waited to be pushed away, to be hurt. But he was glad that the male actually spoke to him for once.


Now that he got an idea of what Jack went through, Zaire almost wanted to help. Of course, that would mean he'd have to either tell Jack not to hurt him, or he'd just have to put up with some abuse. Either way, what the other males father did was unacceptable. Maybe... Just maybe, he could want to live for the purpose of helping Jack.


Zaire felt cold, he really had lost the emotions he had once, but that didn't mean he would allow himself to be a bad person. His eyes felt heavy and he could see in the mirror that they looked dull and lifeless. He wanted to give up, to die... Or... He thought so. Something in him begged to be abused by Jack, just to see if his same passion for living were still there. Even if it wasn't the same, he would still want to see if he wanted to live. To beg for his life seemed like the one thing he could do to tell if he really wanted to live at the moment, but that decision laid in the hands of Jack.

 

[Brinie]

Jack remained silent as Zaire embraced him, he shuddered slightly, taken a bit aback by his sudden approach. It was really like he was a different person now. Tragedy would do that to a person, he figured. It made you grow up much faster than you would like to. He almost instinctively wrapped his own arms against him, but he fought against the urge. Instead, he gave Zaire an uncertain shove, to detach his arms. "You said you were smart earlier, why be so hasty? I'm sure the government has some sort of program to help orphaned students. You can get a part time job and finish school. It's your last year... " Jack said, knowing his words would fall on deaf ears.


He looked downwards at his feet, uncertain of what he should say or do. "As pathetic as it is, we do have each other, right? If you left, I would have no one." Jack tumbled over his words, realizing how selfish it all sounded. He wanted Zaire to remain here, at school, just so he could have a punching bag, to relieve his own frustrations. Jack clenched his fist, he was used to settling things with his hands. This whole ordeal was testing his nerves, his body quivered, as he jerked towards Zaire.


Jack grabbed both of Zaire's shoulders harshly and pulled him closer. "You're going to stay. I-I'll try not to hurt you, if that's what you want. Just think about it, okay?" Jack asked, his grip weakened and his arms fell limp to his sides.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire easily let himself be pushed off, letting his own arms fall to his sides. He watched Jack silently and was slightly surprised by the words that left the males mouth. As he was grabbed he expected to be punched, only slightly widening his eyes to Jack's words.


Zaire looked at Jack in silence for a moment before putting one hand on the others shoulders, "...Jack... I will be living on the street if I stay here. Minimum wage would get me through this month, but next month I have to pay in full. Unless I just don't eat, but that would just lower my school performance more." He stopped and took his hand away, looking to the side.


He sighed and spoke softly, "I can always just come back here before the school starts... But I need a job. And the government won't help since I am technically an adult." He looked at Jack again, "I appreciate you saying you would try not to hurt me... But... I don't know. I can try doing both... Getting a job and going to school.. But if it doesn't work out then I'll have to go."


Zaire turns to leave, "unless you can somehow help me, I either go hungry, or I lose my schooling. So... I don't care if you hurt me anymore, it wouldn't make a difference." He started to walk away, a few tears dripping down his cheeks.

 

[Brinie]

Jack stood there silently, defeated. He starred at Zaire's back as he began walking away, his mind started moving, desperately trying to think of something that would get Zaire to stay. Jack never realized but, but despite all the abuse and torment he instilled upon Zaire, he never got in trouble.


All Zaire had to do was walk to the principal's office, tell them everything that had happened, and there would have been an investigation. If that had occurred, Jack would have been forced to leave school, and that would give his father an excuse to bury him. Zaire was selfless, it was rare to find someone that kind, to take all of the torment and abuse, yet stay silent for someone else's sake.


Jack reached an arm out and grabbed Zaire's palm, holding him still just before he could get away. "M-maybe we can support each other...I can't just escape my father. Nor can I tell anyone of his crimes. I would just end up, well. Just like you." Jack intoned, pausing. He tried to collect his thoughts, to put pieces of a puzzle together that just were not there.


"We could get a place together...right? I've been saving money... We can both try to find part-time jobs and finish school." Jack pleaded, shaking his head when he realized how stupid it sounded. It was pathetic, just more nonsense that dripped from his mouth. Why would he expect someone he tortured for the past few months to willingly live with him, when he knew how unstable Jack was? That would just open the door to more abuse and hatred. Jack stood there, in silence. It was the last thing he could think of to stop Zaire from leaving.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire stopped as his hand was grabbed, he didn't look at Jack. He stayed silent and listened to his words, starting to tremble a bit as he turned to face the other male. His eyes had a slightly frightful look in them as he tried to think of words to say, hndidnt know what to do in this situation.


He stood in silence, knowing the bell would ring at any moment. He tried to think, but it was no use. He opened his mouth and spoke softly, "I... I need some time to think about it... We have the last class together.. So... T-talk to me after school. I'll make up my mind then." He slowly pulled his hand away, taking a step back as he just looked at Jack.


Once the bell rang Zaire turned and quickly went to his next class, he had to think this put carefully. If he went along with Jack's plan there is no doubt that he could be hurt over and over again; but if he doesn't go along he could be on he streets alone. He didn't focus on class, instead he just stared off absentmindedly.


He got in trouble towards the middle of class for not paying attention, but he couldn't help it, he had to think. He pulled out his notebook, acting like he was taking notes, though he was really writing all the possibilities for each action he chooses. He bytes his lip by the end of class, staring at the better option he had circled. He quickly went to his next class.

 

[Brinie]

Jack frowned, he already knew what the answer would be, he assumed that this was just Zaire's way of letting him down lightly. The sound of the bell ringing filled his mind with dread. He nodded, as Zaire exited, and he soon followed after. Jack barely made it in time to his next class, he took his usual seat towards the back of the classroom. There was nothing in his mind but despair. It felt like walls were closing in on him and he was running out of places to escape. The teachers words felt like nails sliding against a chalkboard. With every minute she talked, and every moment her market met the whiteboard, his anger picked up.


He never let anyone see the real monster that lurked inside of him, only Zaire had been prone to it. Everyone else saw him as a gentle loner, someone that did not take much interest in anything but himself. "Jack?" The teacher called his name, noticing that he was beginning to show signs of frustration.


"SHUT UP!" He bellowed, the classroom seemed to jump alive. Everyone's eyes were on him now, it felt like he was a guppy in a sea of piranhas. Nothing interesting ever happened at school, so the quiet kid freaking out was quite a sight to behold. The teacher stood there awestruck, she remained silent for a few seconds, pondering what Jack would do next. "Is...is everything alright?" The young instructor spoke, trying to calm the situation. The women ran to her desk and took out a note, and scribbled some notes on it quickly with a pencil. She walked over to Jack's desk carefully.


"This is a councilors referral. I expect you to fulfill it by the end of the day..." The women said, placing the note on Jack's desk. Jack shook, grumbling some inaudible slurs at the women. The teacher gave one last look at the boy, before she returned to her instruction.

 

[Jay Ayato]

The bell rung, Zaire stood and putting his notebook away, he quickly went to his next class. He was extremely nervous for his answer, but he knew it was the best option. He wondered what Jack would do when he gave the answer. He looked around the mostly empty class before sitting in the back, though he would have just sat upfront he wanted to let Jack know he wasn't running from this.


He looked around the class room, the second bell was just about to ring. He frowned and put his head down on the desk, he felt like he could really just be alone for ever. But it was Jack's idea so why would he just skip out on getting an answer? Zaire didn't know, he wanted to know where Jack was.


He shivered at the thought, he was playing a dangerous game. Zaire looked up as the bell rang, looking around once more to see where Jack was. He sighed and pulled out his notebook, pretending to take notes as he just looked at how he tried his options. He didn't know if he would be able to go through with it. He was scared of what could happen to him, unsure of wanting to take that chance.


He shook his head, he had to tell Jack his option as soon as possible or he would change his mind. He set his notebook down and looked up to the ceiling, he absently listened to the teacher, trying to keep his mind off from changing what he wanted to say to Jack. He bit his lip, wondering where he had gone.

 

[Brinie]

"There has to be something troubling you." The middle aged woman asked. Jack sat in his chair disinterested, whilst he tapped incessantly on the desk with his fingers. The sooner this was over with, the sooner he could get back to Zaire. He figured he should just try and humor the woman a little, so this would be done with quickly. They had been discussing various things for awhile now. Concerning Jack's grades as well as his life at home. The councilor was trying to find a reason for his outburst but had been generally unsuccessful.


"My dog died. It's been hard..." Jack mimed, trying his hardest to sound convincing. The councilor looked at him skeptically ,the woman was not entirely convinced, though she expected that she was not going to get a real answer no matter what methods she used, at least not immediately. The woman reached in to her desk and pulled out a small notebook, filled with dates, times, and names. "I'm going to require you to sign up for two additional meetings. I want to make sure you're not struggling dealing with the loss of your pet, or anything else for that matter. I just want to make sure that everything is alright with you." She passed the notebook to Jack's side.


He grabbed a pen off of her desk and hurriedly scribbled some dates and times on to it. There was nothing that she could have said to him that would have made a positive difference in his life. There was nothing that the woman could do, it was just out of her hands, Jack thought. The one person who was able to make a positive difference in his life was Zaire. Jack took his phone out and glared at the time. Only ten minutes had remained until school would come to its close.


Jack stood up from his chair and walked as fast as he could to the classroom. The bell would ring any moment now... The door to the classroom was within sight. It was only a matter of time now before he would get an answer from Zaire... Jack stood outside of the classroom and leaned against the wall by the door

 

[Jay Ayato]

As soon as the last bell rang Zaire looked down. He slowly got his things together and left the room last, looking around. He sighed, not seeing Jack on the wall just by the door. He clenched his fists and took in a deep breath before fixing his glasses, ready to just leave.


He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, looking at the time, that's when he caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye. He quickly spun around and looked a Jack, "We... Should talk outside. I won't run, I promise." He assured Jack. It was true, he really wouldn't run since it wouldn't make a difference.


He almost reached for Jack's hand to pull him along, but decided against it and spun around again. He started to walk a little quickly, hoping Jack would keep up. Once outside he went to a place they wouldn't be seen talking, even though it scared him. Zaire took in a deep breath and looked at Jack, "I... I've decided..." He bit his lip, nervous to keep talking.


He looked at Jack, slightly fiddling with his hands. He took in a deep breath, remembering what had happened and why he had to make this choice. He opened his mouth, "I... I've gone over it again and again... All the scenarios. I chose the best choice and... I..." He didn't know if he could say it, the thought of being in the same house as him was terrifying.

 

[Brinie]

Jack's eyes lit up when he saw Zaire exit the classroom. Jack remained silent and still, patiently awaiting the moment that Zaire would notice his presence. He stood up from the wall and nodded, following Zaire silently as he led him through to school to somewhere unknown.


Jack closed his eyes and tried to think of the possibilities, how living together would even work with all of the distrust running around. A few things would have to change between them for the situation to ever work out. In truth, Jack was the one who held the most responsibility. He promised he wouldn't harm Zaire, and he had to hold up to his offer if this had any chance of working out.


Jack's heart rate started to pick up when their journey came to a halt. He looked at Zaire with wary eyes, wondering what this whole day would allude to. Jack offered a smile, in an attempt to mask the frustration he felt by Zaire's inability to give him a real answer. Jack had to appear trust worthy, he could not just lash out for small things like this anymore. He had to start growing up.


Jack placed a shoulder on Zaire's shoulder and stood closer to him. He looked in to his eyes and spoke sincerely. "Look, whatever your answer is, I'll... be alright with it. You just lost someone important to you so I know that it must be hard to have to immediately make a decision like this... you haven't even had any time to properly grieve." Jack surmised.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire widened his eyes, he was surprised by Jack's words and tone. He looked back into the others eyes took in a deep breath, "Jack... I want to trust you... So..." He bit his lip before speaking quickly, "yes, I will live with you if you promise to try and not hurt me." He looked at Jack for his expression.


He couldn't believe that he would agree to live with him, but he had to try. If not, who knows what could happen to them both? Zaire had to stay calm about this, he couldn't freak out. He had a bit of light back to his eyes though they still seemed dull, he wanted to hug Jack for trying so hard to be kind to him.


Zaire took in a few deep breaths, "As long as you try not to hurt me we can try and get a place together, but that also means I can't be the only one working for it. The current apartment I live in... I can try to pay for the rest of this month, but for now I need to drop out of school." He waited for Jack to say what he wanted.


Zaire was afraid of what Jack would say to him dropping out, he could only hope that he would understand why. He would still try to come back at least once a week after school to see Jack if he didn't have work during that hour or so, of he got work. He was even starting to think about selling a few things to help with money.

 

[Brinie]

He paused and listened carefully to everything Zaire had to say. When he was done talking, Jack nodded and gave a firm nod. Slowly, he approached Zaire so he would not be caught off guard. Jack moved in and wrapped both of his arms around Zaire, locking him in an embrace. "Certainly, I promise." Jack affirmed.


Jack slowly released Zaire from his hug. In truth, he also had to do a few things before their idea could ever become a possibility. It was unlikely that his father would not notice Jack packing his things. That, would definitely result in trouble. He had to be careful about, he had to pack up his things whilst his father was gone, but it would still take time.


"Like I said, I've been saving some money so I'll be able to help you. I will need to get a job too, but I'd like to settle in. Also... I may need help moving my things." Jack commented hastily. If Zaire was there to aid him, he would be able to get out of the house faster, which meant that he would likely not have to confront his father.


"I don't really want my father to know. I just want to get out as soon as possible and avoid any more violence from him." Jack asked, afraid that his request may be stretching their new found kinship. Still, the fear he felt towards his father was stronger than his own pride.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire was a little tense as Jack hugged him but slowly relaxed. He listened to everything and gave a slow nod, he bit his lip as he tried to think. He looked at Jack and gave a soft smile, "well, it would be ovbious if we moved big things, so if you make sure to put the smaller things in your bag and bring it to me then I can come by before school starts and take it back to the apartment for you." He gave a soft smile.


Zaire was a bit nervous, he liked knowing that Jack would try not to hurt him, it gave him a sense of ease. He felt a bit more trusting, he had to, even if he didn't want to. He looked away with a slight frown, "I will... Also try to sell some things so we have more money... The apartment I'm in currently is a bit expensive, so moving might be the best option..." He bit his lip.


He wasn't too keen on selling his fathers things, but he knew it would be best for the two of them to have a roof and food. He looked at Jack again, "well, if you still want to talk... I don't want you to get in trouble, so I'll walk with you back to your house." He gave a soft smile though he still seemed drained.


It would be hard, but Zaire knew what he had to do, especially now that he won't have his father, instead, the male who had bullied him all year. It was obvious he was nervous, but at least he was willing enough to try.

 

[Brinie]

Jack frowned when Zaire mentioned that he would be selling his father's things. At the very least, he should keep something of sentimental value. "Make sure you look after every item carefully. You may want to keep a few things to remember him by. The student suggested.


Jack nodded, with a touch of uncertainty. "I suppose that would work." He said turning, gesturing for the other to follow. He pondered how his father would react if he saw Zaire. Jack had never brought any friends or anyone else home before. He offered a smile, attempting to get along with the other boy as convincingly as possible. Being nice... was not exactly something that just came naturally to him.


Jack's hand slowly wrapped around Zaire's palm and he starting making the track back to his own home. After a few moments, they arrived, at Jack's house. The state of it was poor. It looked like it used to be something to behold at one point. Then, it just started to crumble. Jack seemed to tense up, and stiffen, the duo stood a few feet from the front door.


"Well, this is it. Thanks for coming along with me, means a lot." Jack said, his voice was weak, to the point where his words were almost inaudible.

 

[Jay Ayato]

Zaire was a bit surprised when Jack took his hand, but slowly he held the others as well. He watched their surroundings as they walked so he could find his way back, softly he smiled back at Jack. When they reached the poor house Zaire couldn't help but frown a little, he turned to Jack and hugged him, "have a goodnight." He slowly let go and looked a the male.


He gave another soft smile, "don't get in trouble." He said carefully before turning and starting to walk away. He couldn't help but wonder what the house could have looked like when it was nice, obviously it had to have been while Jack was still there. He reached into his pocket and looked a the time, frowning since he realized it didn't matter what time he got home now.


Zaire put his phone away and slowly walked home, it was getting late and every noise he heard started to make him cringe. He started to pick up his pace, looking around carefully. He felt uncomfortable, though he was glad he was almost home. He pulled out his keys and quickly walked up to his apartment, getting in and quickly closing it behind himself.


Zaire made something quick to eat before heading to bed. He felt restless as he just stared at the ceiling blankly. He frowned, the thought of Jack having to go home every day just to get hurt made him cringe again. He curled up and closed his eyes to sleep, wishing that his father could come home, maybe then they could have adopted Jack to take him away from his father.