So, here we are. Max, Narhi, and Russell standing in an empty hallway, classes all across campus, likely getting started already. Its Max's first day and his emotions have already been dragged all over the place by all of the supernatural people around him and, frankly, math class was already going to suck without being late.

Max is thinking really hard about his options and Narhi and Russell are arguing again. What the hell could they still be arguing about, Max thinks. Like, how are they still coming up with words to say? He tries listening for a moment but all he can think of is all the times he's heard a teacher say, "So nice of you to join us!" Then you have to find a seat while everyone's watching because you've interrupted the class. Oh, and let's not forget the cringiest possibility: having to knock on a locked door.

Oh, no. It's happening.

Narhi and Russell sound like they're underwater and Max's hands are getting sweaty. He feels himself gripping on his sweater and their voices are right in front of him now.

"Stop it, Rusty. This is really uncool."

"I'm not doing this!"

"Oh, shit. I think he's having a panic attack."

"What? Seriously? What do we do?"

"We need to move him somewhere more private. He'll feel worse if there's a scene." Then Max is in someone's arms and he can hear Narhi's voice low in his ear. "It's going to be okay, just try to take deep breaths. "

"Follow me, I know a place." Russell says and Narhi looks suspicious. "C'mon, Narhi. This isn't about us. You know me." Max hears that last part very clearly and feels something uncomfortable in his chest. He can't focus on that, there are too many other things he's already freaking out about.

Then they're running. Max's chest feels like it's being crushed and the wind is in his hair for a few minutes but time is confusing so we won't think about that right now. He's on grass now and there's a body on either side of him. Narhi's comforting hand is on his back again.

This is the worst, Max thinks. He's starting to come to his senses and he's comforting himself by telling himself he doesn't have to go to class at all and he'll probably miss it anyway so who cares? He tries not to think about how this is the second time Narhi's had to deal with this and now Russell is here, too. The material of Max's jeans are rough on his eyelids but it feels kind of good so he lightly rubs his eyes against his knees. What must they be thinking of him?

"No one's judging you right now, Max." He hears Narhi's voice, as if on cue. How does he always know what to say? "You know... if that's what you're worried about."

"Jesus, if I'd've known he was for real, I wouldn't have messed with him." Russell's leaning his face lazily in his palm, looking anywhere but at them.

"When did you mess with him?!" Narhi might've looked ready to pounce if Max wasn't in between them.

"Well, after you verbally assaulted me on my way to Keelie's house, I thought, 'oh, this guy's that fleabags friend so he must also be a douchebag.' So, you know. I was passive aggressive."

"Ugh, you're such a dick."

"You were being passive aggressive?" Max peeked up, eyes just making it over a fluffy, tan sleeve to see Russell who's dragging an exasperated hand over his face.

"Omygod, he didn't even know? Where did you find this guy?"

"None your damn business, you walrus. Get your own friends." Narhi reaches around Max's shoulder, skooting him closer to him and away from Russell.

"You're a ridiculous creature. Max can be friends with whomever he wants."

"Um, its "who ever". Narhi mocks him stupidly.

"Um. No. It actually isn't, you idiot."

"I'm confused." Max finally says. He has to push himself back to a normal sitting position and out of Narhi's arms. "Are you guys… friends…? Or… not friends…?"

"Arch nemisis...es…" Narhi folds his arms and Russell leans back against the wall of what Max is now realizing is a supply shed.

"We are decidedly not friends."

"Why?" It's silent and Max can feel something like a sad pain in his chest.

"Because he's an idiot." Russell finally says. Narhi says nothing. "You'd stop hanging out with him too if you know what's good for you."

Narhi still says nothing and he's looking away now.

Max looks back at Russell, unfazed. "I guess I don't then." His eyes are clear and Russell looks about as surprised as he feels. When did he get that kind of confidence?

That loud laugh from before echoes in the open space around the supply shed. They must be near the football field. Max wonders if it's Russell's real laugh or just one more mysterious thing about him. He's reminded of what Russell said when they first met and wants to ask about what he is, but thinks better of it.

"You're naive, Max." Russell stands up to stretch and he's wearing black skinny jeans and a v-neck under his hoodie. It's casual but he still somehow looks expensive. "But you're also pretty adorable so I'll stop messing with you." Russell walks away before he can see exactly how hard Max is fumbling or the steam coming out of Narhi's ears.

"Why are you blushing?!" Narhi shakes Max by the shoulders.

"Anyone would!" Max defends himself. And he's right, anyone with Max's personality would blush if someone as hot as Russell called them adorable.

Max and Narhi sit together behind the shed for the rest of first period. It's peaceful and comfortable and Max finds himself wondering how he got here. Is it okay to make friends? Will he be okay when this all disappears? Wait. But, it won't disappear this time, right? Max makes a mental note to write Narhi's phone number down in his notebook just in case. Then he puts that out of his mind. Friends don't usually want to keep in touch when you move away, at least not in Max's experience. He finds himself looking at Narhi. Bright blue-green eyes are staring back and if he's not mistaken, Narhi's cheeks are a little flushed.

"What?"

Oh. Oh, he was really staring. Max looks back at his knees. He's got to keep track of reality a little better.

"N-nothing. I was just thinking… about… class… and…"

"Don't worry about first period. It's already the middle of the year. One day won't ruin your life."

"Yeah…" Of course it won't. But it's better that Narhi thinks that's the issue and not how attached Max is becoming to him.