The Innocent and the Bad Boy (CLOSED)

"I-It's complicated," Colton replied, swallowing a lump in his throat before adding quietly, "And… I don't want you hurt."

“Hurt?” Paige’s voice shook. “Do… Do you get hurt?”

"I-It's c-complicated." Colton mumbled, already making a move towards the door.

Paige stood up. “I want to come.” The firmness in her voice surprised her.

“No.” Colton very nearly spat.

“Why?”

“I won’t have you hurt.”

I’ve been hurt before.
“And I won’t have you hurt. We’ll protect each other. Let’s go.”

“Paige,” Colton grabbed her hand, “You can’t. Please.”

She was a bit taken back by the physical contact since every time before, he’d retreat. “But I want to be with you.” Had she really just said that?!

Colton blinked once, twice, “You can’t be. I’m sorry.” He let go of her hand and before she could say anything else, he left.

"Are you?" she called after him. She turned sadly and walked to her bench again, sitting down in defeat.

Colton looked back over his shoulder at the door. Some part of him wanted to tell her, stay with her but he couldn’t. He couldn’t get her hurt because of him. Maybe some day he’d tell her.
(Skip to tomorrow?)

(Okay!)

Paige wasn't in first period. Or second period. Or third period.

Colton came to school late, aching and sore in more then one place.

She took a chance during lunch and slipped into the line for milk.

Colton sat alone at an empty table during lunch, taking a few painkillers he’d smuggled out the house.

Paige noticed him sitting alone. She'd decided last night not to tell anyone about her plan, but… She cautiously slipped up behind him. "Colton?"

Colton jumped a little bit, “Jesus Paige. Don’t do that!”

"Sorry!" she apologized out of default.

(I just realized I should prolly label the rp closed…)

Colton shook his head a little, “You don’t have to apologise.”

Paige glanced around. "I need to get out of here before someone sees me. Want to come?"

Colton frowned, “What have you done?”

"Nothing! Are you coming?" she hissed.

Colton's frown deepened but he nodded and stood, wincing but trying to hide it.

Paige was a good observer. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, ‘cause I am.” Colton gave her a small smile.

“I saw you flinch when you stood up,” she pointed out softly.

Colton looked away, “It’s nothing…”

Paige frowned. She wanted to know the truth, but she knew she had to leave before the person who was looking for her realized that she was here. She'd let it slide… for now. "Come on, we should go," she said, heading for the door slowly, waiting for him to follow.