Numb

Mike jumped at the suddenness of Stefan. "I..." He trailed off and continued to pack his things. "My personal issues are really none of your concern." He said, looking at Stefan before looking away, tearing up a bit. He just wanted to go home and rest.

"You're right. But sombody's gotta care, right? You're gorgeous, and if you would open up and be happier, people would like you," Stefan said, crossing his arms.

Mike looked at him. "I... I lost everyone. My family thinks I'm disgusting. My friends act like I don't exist." He shook his head. "It's why I moved here. Went to school. I fell in love; which was unrequited. So that adds another heartbreak to the list." Mike scoffed as he stood, closing his bag. "I have nothing. And I'd rather be alone than get hurt again. And I'm far from gorgeous. Plus you're a student." Mike muttered.

"I'm as much a man as you are, and I have needs as you do. I find you gorgeous. Hell, I'm sure most people find you gorgeous. But your personality is ugly, and that makes you ugly to people. I may be a student, but I don't care. I'm turning 18 soon," Stefan said.

Mike sat back down, staring at his lap. "I know... I know I'm a bitch. I just can't help it. I fit keeps people from hurting me, then so be it." He said. "Don't you um.. have things to do? I doubt you wanna stay after school and comfort you're hard ass of a teacher." He said, slipping on his coat.

"I just moved here. I have no friends. So tell me everything. Because I care," Stefan said, looking at him, his eyes serious.

Mike shook his head and wiped his eyes. "God, you're turning me into a sap." He said, sniffing. "There's really nothing to tell. Except that I'm a loner. Which was already pretty obvious. And that every student and teacher in the school loathes me. This town is small. Everyone dreads going to my class." Mike said.

"Then stop being such a bitch, and start being nicer to people. I know that deep down, there's a nice, fun, loving guy in there. We just gotta bring him out. What are you doing tonight?" Stefan asked, standing up.

Mike raised his brows at Stefan. "Um, sleeping? Nothing much." He said. "And I doubt there's a nice person inside me." He grumbled.

"Well, then let's go," Stefan said and smiled, standing up. "You have nothing to do, I have nothing to do. Let's do nothing together."

Mike blinked at Stefan. "That's um... odd." He said and scratched his hair. "Exactly what did you have in mind? I was puking all day so I doubt I'll be much entertainment for you." Mike said, crossing his arms.

Stefan smirked. "We'll find something we can do," he said and walked out of the classroom and out to the parking lot.

Mike raised a brow and followed Stefan. "Stefan, I don't know. I'm an old person compared to you. I'd rather sleep my nights away alone-- as depressing as that sounds."

Stefan rolled his eyes. "Shut up and be thankful for the company. I'll follow you to your house, unless you wanna go to mine," he said, standing by the driver's side of his car.

Mike sighed. "You can come to mine, if you insist." He said and went to his car, sliding in and driving home.

Stefan nodded and got in his car, following Mike to his house. He got out when he arrived and met him at the door. "nice place," he said.

"Thanks," Mike said quietly and let him inside. They walked in, greeted by Mike's two dogs. "It's not huge but it's only me, so I don't have a need for a huge place." He said with a shrug.

Junior looked around. "It's still nice. Cozy. I like it," Stefan said, taking off his shoes and plopping down on the couch.

Mike chuckled. "Making yourself comfortable, I see. Do you want something?" He asked as he fed his dogs. he'd never had a student in his house before and it felt weird. But Stefan was pretty different. He cared.

"Besides you, a beer would be nice," Stefan said, turning on the television.

"Um, no. You're underage, and I'm a teacher. It's bad enough you're in my house." He said, sitting down, his cat hopping in his lap. "And you can't have me either. That's really inappropriate."

Stefan chuckled and sat up. "Then what I'm about to do may get me smacked," he said and leaned in, kissing Mike gently.

Mike froze for a second. He kind of... liked the kiss. But like the bitchy coward he was, he carefully pushed Stefan away. "Stefan... no. This... you and me, that can't happen. I'm sorry." He said, moving away from the younger.

Stefan chuckled. "You hesitated to push me away. You liked it," he stated.

Mike shook his head. "Maybe I did. But I could get into serious trouble. Plus you... I... I just don't wanna get into that stuff with anyone right now." He said quietly, looking down at his lap.