“Gula! Hey, Gula! Are you awake over there?! You’re getting annihilated!” Oracle called over the mic. Ventus on the other hand had started drifting to sleep, his grip loosening around his controller and his form slumping forward as he struggled desperately to stay awake.

“Yeah sorry, my meds are kicking in I guess.” Considering the amount of drool that slid and dripped from his mouth, that was certainly the case. A disgruntled noise escaped him as he wiped the slobber up with his sleeve. Damn side effects. How was he gonna hide that during school?

“I can see it now, Gula, you’ll be dead asleep and in a pool of drool on your desk.”

“I gotta style my hair with something so why not use what’s free. My own made hair gel.”

“That’s disgusting!” She laughed something infectious as he couldn’t help but join her even in his tired state. A knock at the door interrupted him however.

“Ven?” Came Aqua’s tentative voice as the door opened, cracking ever so slightly before fully opening to reveal a rather huffy sibling. Was it that obvious he hadn’t slept? “Ven! You played games all night?!” Why yes, yes it was.

“But I always play games all night. Or watch tv all night.” He defended while his friend laughed at his follies over the mic. He moved one side of the headphones out of the way of his ear to better hear his sister, having to move them up top his head entirely. How abysmal.

“You’ve never had to go to school before though. Today’s your first day.” She tried to explain. It just went in one ear and out the other with the boy however as he shrugged.

“My meds make me tired so I’m always falling asleep no matter how well rested I am. That’s just a fact, Aqua. So whether I wasted my time sleeping or not, I would be asleep in class.” Motioning off to the screen now sitting in the lobby as being idle left him disconnecting from the match, Ven insisted “Plus it’s splatfest. It’s special so I had to play it.”

“You’ve been saying that since Friday. How long exactly is this thing?”

“Three days.” He held up three fingers. “Meaning it ends today and I need to get my rank up to join the top players for this splatfest.”

“Gula, we’re playing casual, there’s no rank for that.” Oracle’s voice came over the mic.

“Shhhh she doesn’t know that.”

Placing her hand on her hip, Aqua shifted his weight to her other leg and raised a brow. “What do I not know?”

“Uhhh how special you are to me.” Ven insisted with a wet but bright smile. Again, his companion burst into a fit of laughter.

“Uh huh.” She mused with a knowing smirk. “Just clean up and get ready for school. You’re going to regret not going to bed, but also you’re drooling.”

Again, he wiped his face with his sleeves, leaving his sister to grimace. “Oh, Ven, please change jackets and give that one to me to wash. I can see from here how much you’ve used it on yourself.”

Bringing his arm up, he inspected the slimy and moist sleeve with a grimace of his own. Had he really been drooling that much? Upsetting. How he’d get through school without making a fool of himself, he hadn’t the slightest idea. Not when he fell asleep standing up anyway. Maybe he should try coffee to wake up a bit. Or five hour energies. Those wouldn’t give him a heart attack right?

“Hey, Aqua?” He piped up as she took the headset off of him and brought her hands down next to grip at the top of his hoodie.

“Up.” She suggested to which he easily held his hands sky high for her to drag the oversized article up and off of him, discarding the filthy clothing to the floor beside him. “Now what is it?”

“I won’t have a heart attack if I drink energy things right?”

Perplexed by the question, the blue haired teen smiled, “You chug monsters and mountain dew all the time. Are those not energy drinks?”

“Are they? I just thought they were beverages.”

“Either way, they’re not healthy and neither are energy drinks in general. Caffeine is bad for you so just try to drink water instead.”

“I feel like you cheat and have an affinity for water because your name’s Aqua.”

“I have an affinity to being healthy unlike you, now c’mon get ready or you’re gonna be late.” She ushered him on, arms motioning forward.

Ventus leant forward, getting his mic really quick to give a short goodbye to Oracle before exiting the call and switching off his game. Ready, he finally stood from his cross-legged position on the floor. Hurt to move after sitting on a hard surface so long, why hadn’t he just sat on the bed really? Would have helped with the now ache in his neck from having to crane it upward to better see. No one said sleepy boys made bright decisions though.

Aqua was already rifling through his drawers, throwing new pants at him, another pair of black cargo pants, underwear (embarrassing but clean) and mismatched socks.. And running her hands through his closeted shirts, she tossed one of the many band shirts at him. Nct, a favourite, but unnecessary as it would be covered up by one of the many hoodies from the closet she’d thrown at him. Maybe he was an anime character because he didn’t change his style much.

Black, baggy pants for wiping cheeto or dorito dust on, hiding his legs, and breaching his checkered sneakers, band or music t-shirts, mismatched socks for goodluck (usually black and white), and last but not least, the main thing, his beautiful black and white hoodies that kept him snug and kept his scarred flesh hidden from view.

Oracle would think it’s so rad that he was an anime character though. He certainly did. Maybe he should wear a ninja headband to school. He had a collection, or rather every type of them -- normal and crossed out for each village. He might get made fun of for going to school as a blatant weeb though. Maybe he’d just pack one in his Doom themed satchel for later. Hell, maybe there’d be an anime club to show it off at.

“Ven, stop daydreaming and hurry up. You need to eat still.” Aqua scolded, though she failed to look at him as he was still changing into cleaner clothes. God only knows how long he’d worn the previous outfit. Usually days at a time without a shower too. She really hoped he’d showered recently now. He didn’t look greasy or emit a horrid odor this time at least so he seemed good enough.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“I’m hurrying.” Ventus huffed whilst he hopped on one leg to pull his pants up. Buttoning and zipping them with ease, much to his relief, the blond mused “See, all done.” And since there was no real pressure against his stomach from them, he didn’t mind the thought of eating. It didn’t disgust or frighten him at least.

The two hurried down to an uneventful breakfast. Just more of the same worries for Ven to be starting school finally. He’d be fine though. He’d get along great with people. He always did. Okay, that was a lie. He didn’t do well with most. But he was a popular streamer and gamer so he was loved! So this had to be a cake walk. Maybe he’d even meet people that knew him and liked him! Now he was excited all over again. So much so that he wished wished WISHED he could skateboard to school. Show off his skills and be that much cooler. But no, he had to have Terra drive them. How was that fun?

It wasn’t, it left an even more boring car ride to school. One that was both nerve wracking and exciting all the same. Ventus couldn’t wait to get there, but he also couldn’t help but feel sick to his stomach.

Maybe this was too much. Maybe he shouldn’t be doing this.

Maybe.

Maybe.

Maybe.

“We’re here, Ven.” Aqua called out, effectively ceasing his panic. His head spun a moment there, but looking out at the school now, he was excited. Excited to meet people. Excited to see everything. Just purely excited for the world he’d never been allowed to experience until now. And it only beamed in him with vibrant radiance ten times over as he stepped out of the car and into the sun he oh so adored.

“Ven, you have your headphones and blindfold right?” Terra asked, getting out of the car himself along with their adopted sister.

Poking at the green and black glitch designed headphones and pulling at the black blindfold resting underneath the headphones around his neck, Ven gave a thumbs up. “Got ‘em, but try to check with me on that before we get to school next time alright. Otherwise we’ll have to go all the way back home for them.”

“Ven.” The elder boy mused with a knowing glance.

“What? It’s true and you know it.”

“Whatever you say.” Terra raised and waved a hand of dismissal. “Just hurry up and get to class before you’re late on your first day.”

“But I don’t even know where I’m going.” The blond boy whined.

“We’ll show you to the office at least, but it would be better to just let you sink or swim don’t you think.” His brother mused with a devious smirk.

Aqua stepped up to Ven, kneeling down to one knee and resting hands on his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Ven, we’ll get you all settled in.”

His eyes widened, Ven stuttered out “Wh-why do you say it like that? I was already fine.”

She gave him a sweet and warm smile, one that easily melted his anxieties of the day further. She was right. How could he fear anything when he had them on his side. They’d never let anything happen to him so he beamed much more brightly and genuinely than before.

A bit sheepish, he kicked his checkered sneakers against the ground, picking up some pebbles and flicking them about. “I guess I was still a bit nervous.” He admitted, a warm smile gracing his own visage as he looked to her. “Thanks, Aqua.”

She stood then, taking her hands off of him if only to offer one to be held. One he gladly took as his gaze never left her. His other hand was quickly occupied by Terra who he looked up at upon the touch. He was skittish at first, breath hitching in his throat, but easily calmed to breathe properly at the sight of someone familiar. There were still anxieties to gulp down, but he thought he was good now. He hoped anyway.

Looking to the school left him jittery and nervous again. All those people going in that’ll either like him or hate him. He really hoped for the former.

They carried on though. Closer and closer to the people that would make or break this entire experience. They seemed exciting and nerve wracking the closer he got. Ventus wasn’t sure what to think exactly. Should he be excited or scared? Which was it?

“Ah, Terra, Aqua.” A voice spoke. They were inside. When did that happen? Did he worry that much? They’d let him go, and instantly one hand of his fell to his mouth where he couldn’t help but chew at his flesh, gnawing incessantly against the skin and bone. His mind froze, leaving the only constant to drone a panicked “help” in his mind.

Help Me!

Help Me!

Help Me!

His mind screamed and screamed. He was noticed though. Everything was noticed. The spit covered fingers with teeth marks littering them. The quickened breathing. And the far off look that clung to nothing.

“Ven!” Both his siblings turned their attention to him just as the one who spoke to them had. The old man donning the long and wise beard stepped from behind the counter to aid them. He knew that man. He’d seen him a lot. Why couldn’t he place him now though? Why couldn’t he place anything? Everything seemed so far away. So blurry. So distorted.

“You’ll be alright Ven.” A softer voice practically echoed in his mind. The source was hard to find, but when he did track down the sweet girl in the pink robes and fox mask, he was allowed to breathe. He couldn’t make sense of the world still, but she was there and he could find solace in that.

Ava moved to him, placing a hand to cup his cheek that he couldn’t quite feel well. Nevertheless, Ventus still laid his head against her hand.

“Just trust me and your family. We’ll protect you. Remember.”

That’s right. They would. They just proved that, so why was he panicking already? And before he even met any others either. That’s...pretty embarrassing. But right, everyone was worried about him so he straightened, head up and hand free of his mouth. He wiped the excess saliva on his hoodie’s side and spoke.

“Sorry, I’m fine.” His gaze moved to the man he couldn’t quite place prior. The sight left him beaming and moving from the other two’s grasp, through Ava’s hallucination, and wrapping wide spread arms around the sage like headmaster. “Yen Sid! Will you be watching over me too?!”

The elder man straightened himself out as well now that Ventus seemed alright. “That’s right. So come to the office if you ever need anything. Even if you’re just stressed, we’ll give you a safe haven here.”

Ventus squeezed tighter, swaying with Yen Sid in his grasp. “EEEE I wish you were my grandpa instead. That would be way better!” Despite his enthusiasm, his words weren’t taken too well by those surrounding him. Aqua was apologetic. Terra was aggravated. And the eldest seemed disheartened. To be expected though.

The blond teen released the other and pulled back. Ava smiled at him which he smiled back and gave a small wave for the rest to barely react to. They were rather used to him regarding himself after all.

“When do I get to start school?!” He beamed a moment later.

“Now actually.” The headmaster assured as he raised an arm to reveal a quad squad. Were they always there? God he hoped not. “This is the welcoming committee otherwise known as the student council. You’ve heard about student council haven’t you, Ventus?”

Pressing a finger to his lower lip, he hummed. “Umm they keep the school in order right?”

“More or less.” Terra mused. He patted the younger on the head, ruffling his blond hair. “Now do you want us to stay with you, or do you have it from here?”

“Are you gonna be late for class?”

Aqua and Terra both looked to the clock, just about cringing at the time. He’d take that as a yes. As if he needed more confirmation, the bell rang, easily causing his siblings to stiffen.

Ooh, the infamous ‘“I’m gonna be late to class” trope.

Very specific, but one he loved from shows nonetheless.

“Get to class, we’ll take it from here.” The welcoming member with the beanie spoke. Did...did his hat say ore on it? His hat said I? Why? He also looked a bit queer. Was that rude to think? Maybe he should ask Terra and Aqua.

“Thanks, underclassmen.” Terra remarked giving the group a fingergun gesture and a wink. Oh right, they were still here. Man, he’d lose his head if it weren’t attached to him.

“You don’t even know the student council for our school, Terra?” Aqua mused with crossed arms and a smirk.

“I’m busy with football usually. I know them and the cheerleaders.”

“And yet being a football player, you can’t snag any cheerleaders.” Ven chuckled. “Maybe it’s because you’re the terrible underdog that only gets in games when someone’s injured.”

“Ven.” Aqua scolded a bit urgently for the remark. He knew why though. It was something they weren’t supposed to bring up. Terra was used before after all so he feared the distress imminent thanks to his words. It never came though.

“Hey, Ven, you’ve heard of swirlies haven’t you?”

Shock was evident on the younger boy’s visage while the eldest held one of arrogance and mischief. Darting behind Aqua, he held her up as a shield against Terra’s grabbing motions while shrieking “No!”

Their fun was short lived however as Yen Sid cleared his throat against his closed hand.

“Class.” He stated simply, though it was plenty to get them to stop. Terra kept his hands to himself while Aqua offered an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, we’re just wary of letting Ven on his own. We’ve always been with him after all.”

“I’ll be alright. I’m not a kid anymore, remember.” He insisted. “Just get to class. I’ll see you guys at lunch right.” Smiling brightly, he bolstered “I’ll have so many friends for you to gawk at by then, it’ll put Terra and his underdogness to shame!” Again, a risky move, but he seemed alright the first time. Maybe he moved on from what happened.

Already turning to leave, as the headmaster was ushering them out of the office, Terra mused “If you don’t have a swarm of friends by lunch, you’re getting a swirly, courtesy of me.” He pointed to himself with his thumb rather proudly.

“Off to class you two go.” Yen Sid insisted once more. When the door closed behind them, he turned back to Ventus and the rest. Ven however wasn’t too thrilled by their leave. He felt so alone. So scared. Hell, if it would bring Terra back now, he’d take that swirly this instant just to be with his family again.