Chapter Text
Geoff was so happy to see all his friends gathered in his basement. Everyone had gathered around in a circle as all the boys were thinking of ideas for stuff they could do in minecraft. Ray and Joel sat close to each other just like always and when they occasionally bumped shoulders the younger boy would hide his face and elicit a round of laughs from everyone else. Everyone knew how Joel felt about Ray, however he wasn’t as sure how Ray felt because every time Joel tried to be close to him he would hide his face or run away. Gavin was sitting next to Ray, against Ryan’s wishes to watch out for his little brother. Then it was Ryan next to Gavin and Geoff connecting the circle in the middle.
“Well, we can build a house?” Jack suggested and everyone just looked at him like he was crazy.
“Jack you sausage. You’re the only one who likes building houses.” Now it was everyone’s turn to look at Gavin weirdly.
“Sausage?” Geoff asked the boy.
“You know sausages. Like the food like your hot dogs. Only better.” Gavin said this with the biggest toothiest grin he could possibly have.
Everyone started to laugh then. They were glad, that they had Gavin. He was their comic relief and punching bag, he knew this and well sometimes the teasing was a little much it was worth it. Geoff was happy now that this little kid fell on his face in front of him a few months ago.
The boys finally gave up, seeing as how everyone had a different thing they wanted to do. They all agreed to disagree and decided it’d be fun to go outside and play with Geoff’s football.
The walk over to Geoff’s was silent. Michael’s parents were behind him talking almost like there was nothing wrong with his family. The only clue was the small barely noticeable way his mom cringed every time his dad would lift up his hands. He knew that when his dad would use his hands to emphasize his points him mom was just cringing hoping no one was going to get hurt. He worried about the woman and wished he could do something for her.
They were at Geoff’s within a couple of minutes. His parents knocked on the door and the family waited patiently as they waited for the Ramsey’s to open the door.
“Listen Michael. You better behave or so help me I’ll get my belt with the thick leather tonight.”
Michael just nodded knowing no matter what he did his dad was going to hit him tonight.
The door open and Mr. Ramsey greeted his guests, telling Michael that all the boys were in the back yard and for him to just go join them. He said thank you and started to head to the back door, not really knowing what to expect he figured he’d just see what the other boys are doing and then just kinda watch them.
“Hey! You must be Michael!” Geoff yelled as he just scored a touchdown and saw the young boy near the back patio. “Come play football with us!” Everyone shouted to
Michael. He walked over when suddenly Ryan ruined all the fun.
“WAIT! THERE ARE 7 OF US NOW!” Ryan shouted like he was the smartest person in the world for figuring that out.
“Oh yeah..” Everyone just kinda realized it at the same time and let those words escape their lips.
“Here. I won’t play. You can be on Team Lads.” Joel said as he went to go and sit by himself and watch the game. He wasn’t that good at football and it was by no means his favorite game so he was happy to not have to play.
However, Joel didn’t realize when he chose to sit out that Ray changed. He was hurt, he got a darker expression on his face and it seemed he wanted to hurry up with the game so he would always get the ball and just dash straight to the end zone. Michael was impressed. He enjoyed football because it let him be aggressive, but not even he was good enough to run straight past three people without them even touching him.
Everyone had come in from playing after Ray finally won for Team Lads. The score was Lads 15 and Gents 4. Everyone was impressed. Ray however, was light headed and seeing black spots, but after drinking a lot of water was back to his normal self because after almost passing out he had all of Joel’s attention again. When they were near the adults they kept a small distance. Not enough to where they were ever out of arms reach, but enough to where no one would assume anything besides they were good friends.
Michael, Gavin, and Geoff were all sitting on the floor in the basement with some pizza. The other boys were on their way, but were taking forever so the boys tried to get to know their new friend. Gavin just felt so familiar with this boy, he couldn’t place it, but he feel like he knew Michael from a far away dream.
“Uhm can you stop staring at me it’s creepy.” Michael asked Gavin. Sounding more annoyed than he intended.
“I’m sorry.” Gavin said feeling very bad now.
“So Michael do you live around here?” Geoff asked.
“Yeah. Me, my mom and dad live down the street. A little bit past the park.”
“That’s over by where I live!” Gavin started bouncing with excitement knowing he had a friend so close to his house. Gavin finally placed where he had seen the orange haired boy before.
“YOU!” Gavin yelled as he pushed Michael.
“WHAT WAS THAT FOR!” Michael said as he punched Gavin in his shoulder harder than he meant to.
“You. You ran me over a couple months ago at the park.” Gavin said with tears in his eyes well rubbing the shoulder that was previously hit.
Michael was trying to remember what this kid was talking about when he remembered. “You’re the little butt muncher that stood up in my way and made me late to get home.” Michael said as he remembered that night. His dad was more so drunk than normal and beat him twice as long. He suddenly felt a strong hatred for the boy.
He though couldn’t help, but like him. He had a contagious smile, and a laugh that makes you just want to laugh with him. Michael was getting confused with how he was suddenly feeling, but he knew he’d deal with it later right now it was time for cake and then everyone would be leaving seeing how Geoff didn’t want any presents.
Ryan and Jack came down the stairs telling everyone that it was time for cake.
“We figured since it is cake right after pizza we might as well just eat upstairs.” When Geoff questioned what the boys were doing upstairs.
Everyone sung happy birthday to Geoff and dug into the cake after he got the first slice. It was a happy day for everyone. Even Michael, he was able to forget if even for a couple hours that he could be normal and his life wasn’t that bad.
All of that was shattered though when he went home that night. His dad took him into his study and pulled off his belt, having been drinking at the Ramsey’s he wasn’t as drunk as usual, but just enough to find some “mistake” the boy made even though there weren’t any. Mr. Jones left his son laying there crying in pain as he had hit him hard enough and long enough to where Michael’s butt was bleeding from the skin being hit so much.
Michael pulled his superman underwear up not caring about the pain and crawled back to his bedroom so he could try and get some sleep. He knew in the morning he’d have to throw away this pair of underwear due to the blood stains, but he was ok with that. He knew that he had friends who would always treat him nice so even though he was young they all accepted him and that’s all he’s ever wanted.