Ever since his parents died,

Kai has always been the best at hiding his emotions.

It's a skill he's perfected over the years.

At first, it was out of necessity.

His uncle wouldn't stand for tears.

But when he started school, it became more than that.

It became a lifeline to cling to.

It became a way to distance himself from prying eyes.

It became the only reason nobody discovered what he was desperately hiding.

When his secret dangles precariously near the edge--

When he once again doesn't bring a lunch,

When he refuses to speak about his family,

When he falls asleep again in class,

When he is questioned about wearing long sleeves in the heat--

Kai manages to scoff and sneer and successfully turn everyone away.

Real feelings are dangerous,

And they will only get you hurt.

So Kai hides his emotions.

Ever since his parents died,

Kai has always been the best at intimidating people.

It's a skill he's perfected over the years.

He has no power in his home,

But at school, it's a different story.

All of his doubt,

All of his sadness,

All of his fear,

Projected into anger.

Nobody will stand near him.

Nobody will talk to him.

Nobody will challenge him.

They are too afraid.

And the rush of power is worth the loneliness,

Kai tells himself.

Besides, it's not like anyone would want to talk to him anyway.

He is an obnoxious waste of space.

So Kai intimidates people.

Ever since his parents died,

Kai has always been the best at dealing with pain.

It's a skill he's perfected over the years.

He doesn't decide when pain comes,

Or how often,

So he learns to cope.

There are lots of instances where he can practice.

A slap on the face when he comes home,

A punch before he leaves for school,

A pinch when he gets in the way,

A kick when he is on the ground pleading.

He is always hurting the next day,

And it never shows.

He pushes through the anguish.

Kai has to.

Because if someone finds out,

His uncle will kill him.

So Kai deals with the pain.

By the time Todd enters his life,

Kai is the best at hiding his emotions,

Kai is the best at intimidating people,

Kai is the best at dealing with pain.

So why?

Why does Todd break down his walls so easily?

Why does Kai find himself sobbing in Todd's arms when they are alone?

Why does Todd keep coming back to help after all the things Kai has yelled at him?

Why does Kai let Todd gently bandage up his wounds?

He cannot find the strength to fight any of it after fighting all these years,

And the freckled boy doesn't expect him to.

Todd isn't like the others.

Todd cares.

"It's not healthy to live like this,"

Todd says in a small but determined voice.

"Please let me help."

Kai has never been the best at getting help.

But he is willing to try.