"Adrian, you're an accident waiting to happen. Though, he doesn't sound like a particularly friendly dude. Do you believe what people are saying?"

I think about it hard. I don't want to judge him based off rumors, but it's not like I want to try approaching him to find out more either. His facial expressions aren't exactly inviting people to interact with him. "I'm not sure," I finally reply. "I really don't know what to think about him, Seamus. I've only seen him a handful of times, and the only interactions I've had with him involve me bumping into him, and whatever it was that happened today. Why would he just...say that and walk away?"

Seamus hums in reply. We stay quiet for a few minutes before he suggests that I watch Demian more closely until we can clarify if he's actually some type of threat. It is the most logical thing to do, but I'm not thrilled at the idea of it.

"If you end up near him, just see what he does. Don't let him see you afraid, Adrian. I know that's asking a lot from you."

"I-It's not that I'm afraid, per se. I just don't know what to make of him, and-"

"And you're shy as shit."

He's not wrong. If I am passionate about something or incredibly angry, I can stand up for myself and my beliefs, but in general I find any social interaction to be...uncomfortable and overwhelming.

"Show him that you're not afraid of him. If those rumors have any truth to them, then at least you'll show him you're not easy to bully."

"I can do this," I state, my voice quavering slightly. "I just have to watch him and hold my ground, right? It's like gathering nature data for science. Easy." I definitely do not sound super confident, but Seamus doesn't mention anything. A sudden thought popped into my head. "Seamus, please, whatever you do, do not tell Kai, okay?" Kai is incredibly protective of me, and he would absolutely not agree with Seamus on what to do. Part of me does want to go to Kai, but I don't want him worrying about me any more than he already does. He should be focusing on himself, and it's not like he can protect me forever. Also, he'd likely tell my mom and I don't need her stepping in either.

The line is silent for a moment while he mulls it over. "Alright, I'll keep it to myself. But, if you need us, we'll be right there."

"Thank you, Seamus, really."

"Always, bud."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey Nanna," I say quietly, plopping into a chair next to her bed. She's hooked up to several IV's today, and I worry I'll sit on one of the lines if I try to sit beside her.

"My sweet angel, how have you been?" She reaches out her hand and I take it gently into mine. Her skin is so soft and I can feel her pulse beneath the bandage holding the IV in place. It's hard to believe she's really sick.

I fidget and shrug, not sure how to say what's on my mind today. I've always come to Nanna if I needed help or if I had something on my mind, but I feel guilty doing that when her health isn't great.

"What's eating at you, sugarcube?" Her gaze is warm and inviting, and I can't help giving in.

"There's this guy at school.." I begin, updating her on what has happened between me and Demian up until now, being sure not to mention his name and somewhat glossing over the details of what his ex apparently said. I don't want her to say something to Mom and have her contact the school. She did that once in high school, when someone picked on me for being gay, and it made things even more uncomfortable. Besides, I'm an adult now. I should be handling my own issues.

Nanna looks up at the ceiling, processing everything I've said. "Well, Adrian, you know you can't take the words of others as the gospel truth. He may not be anything like those rumors. His..how did you say it? Ripped and rugged physique? It may make people wary of him, but his body is not who he is. And you say his ex said many bad things, but it's not clear who she is. It may be true, but it may not. Many a scorned lover speak the devils words, after all. Remember, don't judge a book by its cover."

I nod and feel her softly squeeze my hand. "But, what should I do, Nanna?"

"That's up to you, my dear. You don't have to talk or interact with him if you're not comfortable. But, try not to judge him without knowing him. Though others may say he is a brute, he may be the opposite entirely."

"I know you're right, but I - I still don't know. He's never with anybody, and he has a perpetual glare," I pause before adding "It's kinda hot though."

Nanna chuckles. "Maybe he's just as shy as you are but shows it in a different way. Give him a chance to show his true colors before you jump to conclusions, sugar."

I doubted that he was shy since everything I've seen of him screams confidence, but I agree to give him the benefit of the doubt. Soon, a nurse comes in and I kiss Nanna's cheek and leave so they can have privacy, feeling a bit better after our discussion. Nanna always gives good advice. While it's true that she likes to focus on the possible good in people, she's also been the one to point out red flags in my past friendships and relationships.