Chapter Text
As soon as Michael left the bathroom, he rushed to the cafeteria to find Jake. Honestly, he had no idea how to comfort Rich, but he did know someone who could. Jake could help couldn't he? He knew Rich better than anyone. When Michael found him, he was seated with all the other jocks at school. Michael was still uncomfortable around everyone, accepted or not. But Rich needed his help, so he pushed himself to walk towards the table.
“Um, Jake?” The boy looked up and grinned.
“Yo, Michael! What’s up, man?” All of Jake’s friends were staring.
“Can I talk to you for a sec?” Michael motioned towards the door and Jake nodded. He stood up and grabbed his crutches, following Michael into the hallway.
“What’s this about?”
“Rich. He’s in the upstairs bathroom. And I think he’s crying?” Michael sighed. Jake immediately started moving in the direction of the elevator. He could tell Rich was having a hard time. He just didn’t want anyone to see it. Michael followed, wanting to help Rich. He was still awkward around the boy, but that didn’t matter right now.
When they got there, everything was quiet. No one was in the bathroom. Not even Rich.
“Are you sure it was him, Michael?”
“Yeah, I’m positive! I saw his shoes!” Michael inwardly cringed. Shoes, really Michael? He could’ve said something about the text messages. Jake looked mad. He thought he was lying. Uh oh. The taller boy sighed and left Michael alone in the bathroom. He was sure it was Rich. It had to be. Just then, the bell ring. Shaking his head, Michael headed to class. He had sixth period with Rich. He could find him then.
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Rich woke up to the sound of the bell. He jumped up before anyone could see him lying on the ground. A figure loomed over him.
“Miss me, Rich?” He smirked. Oh yeah. He’d brought back his squip… The very thing that almost destroyed half of the school last year. The thing that ruined his life for years. Maybe this time it would be better. He could control it. Yeah, that would work.
“Shut it.” He lisped. Rich felt a shock run through his body. It was familiar. Despite the pain, it was comforting. Things would finally go back to normal.
“You know how I feel about that lisp of yours, Rich.”
“Right.” He mumbled. Rich headed to class, smiling and high fiving people as he walked by. The old Rich Goranski was back.
By the time sixth period rolled around, Rich felt great. Sure, he’d been shocked four times and berated by his squip, but he hadn’t lisped in at least an hour, and that counted for something, didn’t it? He felt great. Sure, it was probably the squip messing with his brain, but Rich didn’t mind. Now everyone would like him again. He wouldn’t have to worry.
When he got to class, Michael looked up at him and waved. Rich waved back. Michael was cool now. He wouldn’t get in trouble for talking to him. Rich sat down and zoned off.
A hand tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up to find Michael.
“Rich, c’mon.” He looked annoyed.
“W-what?” Rich stuttered. Another shock. Ouch. He was getting used to them again.
“The project.” Michael was definitely annoyed.
“What project?”
“The one the teacher just assigned.”
“Oh, right.” Rich followed Michael over to his desk. He wasn’t paying attention at all. Oh well. Michael knew what they were doing. A few minutes into working, Rich playfully tapped the pride patch on Michael’s hoodie.
“Gayyyyy!” He practically yelled, causing a few kids to laugh. Michael blushed. He didn’t look happy.
“What?” Shit.
“I- I don’t know where that came from, I’m sorry!” He stuttered out. Michael looked at him sceptically and continued to work on the project. He didn’t have time for this. Rich started subconsciously singing some rap song. Micahel didn’t know what it was. It was just odd. After his squip, Rich started branching out with his music. He never listened to that stuff anymore.
“Rich? You okay, man?”
“What?”
“I don’t know… You’re acting like, well, old you?” Rich froze. He couldn’t let Michael know. He would make him drink more red. Rich was a horrible actor. He couldn’t play this off even if his squip helped.
“Uhh yeah, I’m great! Gotta go, see ya, dude!” Rich bolted out of the classroom, leaving all his stuff. Well that was stupid.
“Rich?” Michael called after him. Michael looked off into the distance. Something was definitely up with Rich, and he was going to find out. No matter what.