Romano x Male!Reader - Forgiveness Ch. 7

       As you put the pencil down, you stretched your hands out, cracking your knuckles in a weird way while doing so. You rubbed your neck as you picked the pencil back up only to switch it for your pen. You wrote as much as you could in the packet handed to you for history. Since it was so quiet in the class, besides the scraping of graphite against paper and the few exhales and inhales of air you heard around the room, you were able to focus fully on the subject you had slight difficulty in.

       The last problem was only a few questions down. Sighing, you stared at the paper before quickly glancing at the clock. There was still twenty five minutes left of this torture. Honestly, you loved reviewing, especially since you could refresh your mind about a few things here and there, but there were times when you just didn't want to be bothered with this stuff.

       You mentally groaned as you looked back at the almost finished packet before you. How you were able to fly through these problems, you didn't know, but most of them came easy to you. You guessed that you must have paid attention to class when you felt you day dreamed through it. You didn't really care if you got a question wrong or right either; the same test would be given to you at the end of year to see if you improved over time.

       Feli was actually trying his best as well. He had a cute little scrunched up face that said, “I'm working this out and I know I can do this! Ve!” You peeked over at him a smiled softly at his cute face. Suddenly a thought came to your mind. Why is it I didn't fall for my cute friend instead of his grumpy brother? You blushed, shaking your head as you scratched down your final answer to the packet.

       Scanning over your packet, you wasted around ten minutes of just looking at everything. You were bored. Why me? Why today? You sighed, feeling relieved that lunch was next before gym and, Science. You pouted a bit, frowning as you laid your chin on your fist. I seriously hope Romano isn't concerned about why there was a scar on my wrist. I hope he forgot about it, or at least... You chuckled silently to yourself as you shook your head. I can only be wishful for things that most likely won't come true.

       “(F/n).” You jumped as you heard your name called. You looked up at the teacher and he motioned you towards his desk. Confused of what he could want, you slowly got out of your seat and walked up to him. After scribbling something down fast, he asked, “Are you done with the review?” You nodded. “Good.” Handing you a manilla folder with a sticky note on it, he smiled. “Run this over to Mrs. Loretta. She has an English class now, but they're also reviewing for these tests. You won't bother them much.”

       Bobbing your head, you smiled slightly. “All right. I’ll be back after I deliver this then.”

       “Take your time.” Mr. Gallin hummed. “I'll pick up your test as you leave and you have my permission to roam the halls if you'd like. Go to the library or even go to lunch early.” You were surprised to see him so generous to you. Smiling slightly, you nodded.

       As you left with your bag, Feli took notice of you and frowned. He heard the conversation, as most other students did as well though Mr. Gallin tried to be silent, never works out for him. He knew that his brother was in English class right now with Mrs. Loretta. Romano probably wouldn't enjoy seeing you this early today. He sighed, going back to the packet to try and finish it.

       You remembered where the class was easily and quickly headed towards it. You wanted to get this over with so you could go to your locker and grab your lunch box. Fiddling with your long sleeve shirt under you jacket, you glanced down at the unnoticeable bandage around your wrist. At home, you quickly put a new bandage around the wound so you didn't need to wrap your hand up as well. It would be better off if no one saw the bandage and asked what happened. You don't have a story in your head to share quite yet.

       Finally arriving in front of the destined door, you knocked on it. Mrs. Loretta instantly opened it and smiled at you. “Mr. Gallin just called saying you would be coming.” Motioning you into the classroom, she put a finger to her lips for the both of you to speak quietly.

       Smiling back for a short second, you nodded and walked into the class until you were before her desk. You handed her the folder. “He said that you should have these.”

       “Ah, yes.” She took it with a glint in her eye, sighing lightly. “Thank you (f/n).” Turning towards her desk, she set the folder down, then looked at you. “I hope you're ready for the star test we all are giving.”

       You shrugged, putting your hands in your pocket after adjusting your bag on your shoulder. “I've dealt with them before. Still think they're a little silly.”

       She chuckled and whispered so only you could hear. “I think that as well, but we teachers have to do as we're told to keep our jobs.” She sighed and looked at her desk, ruffling through a few scattered sheets.

       You nodded, feeling awkward to be standing in front of a class taking the test. Gazing around the room, you locked eyes with Romano and tensed up, eyes widening in surprise. I didn't know he had English! You looked away at Mrs. Loretta instantly and smiled weakly as she was smiling at you. Shit, I’m not having luck today, am I?

       “Well,” Mrs. Loretta started, “you should probably head back to class.”

       Nodding again, you headed towards the door. “See you later Mrs. Loretta.” You waved and finally left the room.

       When you closed the door, you jetted towards the cafeteria. Entering and sitting at the table you and your friends sat at yesterday, you laid your arms in front of you as you rested your head on them. “God, why did I have to be the one to do that?” Romano was glaring at you the entire time you were their once you realized he was in the classroom. You could feel his stare. A shiver raced down your spine. “Ugh...”

       “Yo (f/n)!” A hard slap landed on you shoulder and you sat up instantly in shock as you looked to your right. Your albino cousin and two of his friends were there and took a seat at the table with you. “Left class early, or did you skip it entirely since this unawesome test is going on?”

       You rolled your eyes, smirking at Gilbert. “You literally think I’d be one to skip class just because it's boring?”

       He pouted. “You're so unawesome at times, (f/n).” You just chuckled.

       “So, amigo, how have you been?” Antonio sat across from you, his head laying on his hands as his elbows supported him on the table. “I haven't really seen you much this year, but I’ve heard a few rumors about you flying across the halls.” He frowned. “Are you doing well? I heard that you looked horrible yesterday. Bloodshot eyes and refused to pull your hood down.”

       “Tonio, give him a break.” Gilbert scowled at his friend. “He's been going through some things.”

       “Like that one gathering of jocks weeks ago, oui?” Francis asked. He was sitting next to Antonio, on his left, across from Gilbert. “I heard you fought with the football team just to help one of your new recruits for soccer.”

       “Shush!” You looked around, making sure that neither Liz, Feli, or Romano were in the cafeteria yet. You were in the clear so far. Sighing, you looked back at the two, frowning. “I'm doing fine. Better than you think I would be. But please refrain from speaking about that stuff in front of me. It's still a sore subject.”

       They nodded. “Okay.” Antonio smiled, instantly ready to change topic. “So I hear you told the entire school that you're gay.” You sighed, laying your head on the table again. “What made you announce to everyone who you really are in the closet?”

       “Stop asking questions, Toni.” You begged, staring into the wood of the table. “I got sick and tired of being someone that's not me in the popular crowd, so I decided to tell everyone the truth and what I’m going to do from now on.” You sat back up. “I'm still the captain of the soccer team; nothing will ever get me to quit the sport I love.”

       Francis smiled as he leaned towards you from his side of the table. “Good to hear, mon ami, because if you quit, we'd be one short of our star player.” You chuckled, shaking your head.

       “There are other players in this school who can outdo me.”

       “No way, (f/n)! You're the best we have here!” Antonio exclaimed. He would know since he was also on the soccer team, though he rarely ever shows up to practice. You had thought of kicking him out a few times, but you didn't want to deal with a sad and possibly frustrated Antonio. “You're the best captain of any of the teams we have! Even the girls agree.”

       “And I bet that the girls are saying, 'If (f/n) wasn't gay, I would so date him!'” Francis laughed as you rolled your eyes. “It's true, mon ami. Even I would date the handsome you.” Before you could kindly tell the two to stop speaking, a blonde Brit came over and pulled Francis' hair. Hard. “Mon dieu!” He screeched, glaring at the boy. “What was that for?!”

       “Being the bloody annoying frog you are.” Arthur glanced away from him and looked at you before he could get into another fight with the Frenchman. “Hello (f/n).” You nodded as a hi. He frowned. “I just came over to tell you that there will be a meeting with most of the sport captains this Thursday after school, so don't plan on doing any practice then.”

       “All right. Thanks for informing me, Arthur.” He nodded and left instantly.

       “Well, I see bushy brows is still his up tight self.” Gilbert snickered until a pencil hit his head. “Oi!” He glared. “Who did that?!”

       “Would you like to have another detention on your record Gilbert?” The albino was about to ask, 'For what?!', but Arthur beat him to it. “Name calling is hurtful.” He picked up his pencil and finally left the cafeteria before Gilbert could say anything else.

       “That damn Brit! He calls us names all the time!” He crossed his arms in a pout. “And Romano curses at everyone and calls them worse names than the ones we give others.”

       At the mention of the Italian, you involuntarily blushed and looked away. The trio started chatting and laughing as you spaced out. Feliciano made sure to get your attention back to reality, though, as he sat next to you.

       “Ve, (f/n)?” You blinked, looked up at your friend, and saw his questioning glance. “Where's your lunch?”

       Forgetting that you had brought your lunch, you cursed and stood up. “I'll be right back. I forgot it in my locker.” He nodded.

       Just as you were exiting the room, you heard another loud shout come from your cousin then a shout back from none other than Liz. You chuckled, shaking your head as you made your way to your locker.

       You saw Alfred on your way there and had a chat with him for a few seconds. You told him that you'd see him in the cafeteria as soon as you got your lunch. He nodded and waved as he went to get in line. You sighed, smiling slightly.

       “Watch where you're going, idiot.” The voice made you blinked as you stopped to look up. Romano stood in your way, arms crossed and a scowl firmly set on his face. “If you keep your damn head down, staring at the stupid floor, you might run into someone.” You stared at him, your mouth slightly agape. He rolled his eyes, uncrossing his arms, and made his way past you. “Like I would care.” He mumbled, loud enough for you to hear.

       You stood their dumbly for a few more minutes until you snapped out of it and closed the distance between your locker and yourself. You were a bit shocked he hadn't yelled at you. When you locked eyes with him in his English class, he looked so pissed off, enough to want to through another tantrum at you. You wondered just why he didn't blow a gasket at you for just looking at each other. It wouldn't shock you since this entire time he's been a grouch towards you.

       A thought crossed your mind, causing you to frown. He probably hates me because I’m a jock, and that I hang with hi little brother. You wouldn't blame him for possibly hating you. You did harm Feli.

       Shaking your head, you chased the thought away as you grabbed your lunch and headed back to the cafeteria. Feli had forgiven you. The question that bothered you was, when Romano found out, would he forgive you?

Forgiveness

       “And then I bashed right into him and made a touchdown!” Gilbert exclaimed with a big grin. “I'm so awesome!”

       “Yeah, just keep telling yourself that.” You rolled your eyes, laughing as he pouted.

       “I am awesome, (f/n)!” He smirked. “You're just too unawesome to see it.”

       “Oh, give it a break, Gilbert.” Liz sighed, annoyed with hearing his voice. “You're annoying me. Do you want me to hit you with my frying pan again?”

       His red eyes widened in fright as he shout, “Nein!” and covered his head just in case. You laughed more and glanced at her. “Is that what you did to him as I left to get my lunch?”

       “So that's where you were.” She grinned, nodding. “Yes, I hit him with this.” She pulled out her frying pan out of thin air. You blinked, staring at it. “Not even a dent, and I hit him so many times with it, too.” She laughed evilly at memories.

       Gilbert just gazed at her and leaned towards your ear. “She's a devil.” He tried to whisper it for her not to hear, but she did anyway. He yelped as another hit to his head came in full force. “Can't you quit doing that, woman?! I’m losing brain cells in my awesome head!”

       “Like any of them are used for anything productive.” He pouted at Liz as she looked at you. “So, (f/n), have you been speaking with you know who recently?”

       You gave her a questioning look before realizing who she was talking about. Blushing, you looked away to gaze at nothing in the cafeteria. “No. Not really.” Her knowing smile widened slightly before frowning as she sighed. “He's been bitching me out a lot though.”

       “Well that's a start.” She giggled. “That means he's noticed you and probably won't forget you for a long while.”

       “Who are you guys talking about?” Feli asked, clueless.

       You blushed worse and shook your head, smiling at him. “No one.” Thinking about it, you sighed. “I might tell you later. After practice probably.” He nodded with that usual, air-headed smile. “Which reminds me.” You looked over at Antonio, who was smiling and giggling like he was in his own world. He probably was. “Antonio.” You snapped your fingers in front of his face until he glanced at you.

       “Si?” He asked, staring at you expectantly.

       With seriousness licked in your voice and obvious on you face, you stated, “You should at least come to our practices from now on.” He frowned, ready to protest, but you spoke before him. “If you don't come, I might have to ask you to leave our team.” His eyes widened in shock as you fiddled with you lunch box. “There are plenty soccer players yet to be found in this school. We could use the room for them.”

       “I'll come! Just don't take me off the team!” He shouted.

       You smirked. “Oh good. You do care about being on the team.”

       “Of course I do! It's the only sport I like to play competitively.” The Spaniard frowned as he sighed. “I'll come from now on. I probably need to practice anyway. I...haven't really been doing much and might be behind on technique and all that you look for in a player.”

       Nodding, you stood. “These practices are for just that. Getting better.” You smiled as you grabbed your lunch box. “And Feli is also on the team. You two could probably be a good duo on the field if you boost up your skills on the field.”

       “Really?!” The two asked at the same time, both happy for different reasons. Antonio didn't know that Feli was on the team, and the two were quite close so that shocked you slightly, but Feli was just happy to be told he could be good enough to be paired with another experienced soccer player.

       “Really.” You told both of them. The bell rung just then and you waved to them. “I'll be in the gym after I put this away.” You motioned to your bag and they all nodded.

       “See ya there, (f/n)!” Alfred shouted as he jetted up with his tray to put the garbage away and leave as well.

       You smiled to yourself as you walked towards your locker once again. This time it took you only a few seconds to put it away and head towards the gym. You sighed. After this class, it's Science. Frowning, you turned into the locker room and quickly changed before you entered the gym. I'll have to deal with Romano then... An annoyed huff caught your attention and you glanced to your right. Your eyes widened. ...and now.

       Romano sat on the bleacher's last bench, crossed arms and scowl present on his face. You weren't sure what to do if he noticed you, so you basically ignored him as best you could. It was indoor soccer, which made you smile.

       Ignoring him worked for half the class until you felt eyes on you as you played. The intensity of the stare was prominent as you kept getting goal after goal for you team. When it was time for teams to switch out, you looked around until you found Romano the one staring at you. His eyes widened as his cheeks turned slightly red, and he looked away quickly.

       You were confused about his reaction when you found him staring at you, but you just shrugged it off as you sat on the bench, waiting for when you would be called back to the floor. Smiling, you watched Antonio and Feli, who were on the same team, pass the ball back and forth between themselves and others. Feli was the first to make a goal; that made the Italian jump and wave at you ecstatically with a huge grin on his face.

       Shortly, the class ended. Your team was tied with Antonio's and Feli's, which surprised you. I guess I was right about the two being great teammates. You chuckled to yourself and changed into your regular clothes before heading to Science.

       Thinking about Romano, you realized that he wasn't in any uniform for gym and just sat there. Most of the time he would be staring at you when you were playing, but other than that, he was secretly smiling for his brother. You caught him smiling before he saw you gazing at him; he instantly glared at you until you looked away, sighing.

       Exhaling, you walked into the classroom and spotted Romano already in his seat. He was still in the one next to yours. You were surprised that he stayed at the lab seat when he specifically told you he never really wanted to talk with you unless it was him saying something.

       Slowly walking over to your seat, you sat on the chair and stared at the desk. Romano didn't acknowledge your presence. You had a feeling this was going to be something to get used to for the rest of the year, unless Romano finally decided to switch with someone else to be his partner. Sighing at your thoughts, you looked up at the board, ready to get the day over with already.