The next morning, Indigo woke up feeling a strange mix of anticipation and apprehension. The memory of Ace Marcellus standing up for him was still fresh in his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Would Ace ignore him like everyone else, or had something shifted between them?

Indigo arrived at school early, hoping to avoid Marcus and his cronies. He headed straight to his locker, quickly swapping out his books before heading to his first class. As he entered the classroom, he noticed Ace sitting in his usual spot near the window, engrossed in a conversation with one of his soccer teammates. Ace glanced up briefly, their eyes meeting for a split second. Ace gave a small nod of acknowledgment before returning to his conversation.

Indigo's heart raced. The nod was a small gesture, but it meant more to him than he could express. For the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.

The day progressed without incident, much to Indigo's relief. He kept to himself, focusing on his studies and avoiding any potential confrontations. By lunchtime, he found himself back in the library, seeking refuge in the familiar comfort of his favorite corner.

To his surprise, Ace appeared again, a casual smile on his face as he approached. "Hey, mind if I join you?"

Indigo shook his head, gesturing to the empty chair across from him. "Go ahead."

Ace sat down, setting his tray of food on the table. "You know, you don't have to hide out in here all the time. There are other places to eat lunch."

Indigo shrugged. "I like it here. It's quiet."

Ace nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. But if you ever want to sit with us, you're welcome to."

Indigo's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, why not? You're not as bad as people think," Ace said with a grin.

Indigo felt a warmth spread through him at Ace's words. He couldn't remember the last time someone had been genuinely kind to him. "Thanks, Ace. That means a lot."

Ace waved a hand dismissively. "No big deal. So, what are you reading?"

Indigo held up his book, the worn cover revealing the title. "It's 'The Count of Monte Cristo.' I've read it a dozen times, but I never get tired of it."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "Heavy stuff. I'm more of a sci-fi and fantasy guy myself."

Indigo's interest piqued. "Really? What's your favorite?"

Ace leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. "Probably 'Ender's Game.' I love the strategy and the twists."

Indigo nodded enthusiastically. "That's a great one. The way Ender outsmarts everyone is amazing."

The conversation flowed naturally from there, and Indigo found himself laughing and sharing stories with Ace as if they had been friends for years. It was a strange feeling, this newfound camaraderie, but Indigo welcomed it.

Over the next few days, Ace continued to seek Indigo out, inviting him to join his group at lunch and walking with him between classes. Some of Ace's friends accepted him without question, following Ace's lead. Others were skeptical. 

Could he blame them though? Who would want to be seen with a freak like him?

Despite the growing friendship, Indigo couldn't shake his insecurities. One afternoon, as they sat together in the library, he voiced his concerns. "Ace, why are you being so nice to me?"

Ace looked up from his book, his expression serious. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you're popular, and I'm... well, I'm me. Why bother with someone like me?" Indigo asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Ace set his book down and leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Indigo's. "Indigo, you're a good person. You're smart, kind, and interesting. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I see someone worth knowing."

Indigo's heart swelled with emotion. "But what about Marcus and the others? They'll never leave me alone."

Ace's expression darkened. "Let me worry about Marcus. He won't bother you anymore."

True to his word, Ace kept Marcus and his friends at bay. They still shot glares and made occasional snide remarks, but with Ace's support, Indigo felt a newfound confidence that allowed him to brush off their taunts.

As their friendship deepened, Indigo found himself looking forward to school in a way he never had before. He and Ace spent hours talking about books, movies, and their dreams for the future. Ace confided in Indigo about his struggles with balancing academics and sports, while Indigo shared his passion for art and his desire to attend a prestigious art school.

One evening, as they walked home from school together, Ace turned to Indigo with a thoughtful expression. "You know, I've been thinking...maybe we should start a club."

Indigo tilted his head in confusion. "A club? For what?"

"A safe space for people like us. A place where everyone can feel welcome and accepted, no matter who they are," Ace explained.

Indigo's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! But do you think anyone would join?"

Ace smiled confidently. "I do. There are more people like us than you think. We just need to give them a place to belong."

Inspired by Ace's vision, Indigo threw himself into the project, designing posters and spreading the word. They named their club "The Haven," and within weeks, it became a refuge for students who felt out of place or ostracized.

The success of The Haven brought Indigo and Ace even closer. They spent countless hours organizing events and supporting their newfound friends. Through it all, Indigo couldn't help but feel a growing admiration for Ace. His kindness, determination, and unwavering support had changed Indigo's life in ways he never imagined.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as they sat together under a large oak tree in the school courtyard, Ace turned to Indigo with a serious expression. "You know, Indigo, I've been thinking a lot lately."

Indigo looked at him curiously. "About what?"

"About...this. About how much you mean to me, and I've only known you for a week. It's not possible, it shouldn't be." Ace said quietly.

Indigo's heart raced, a mix of hope and fear swirling within him. "Ace, I... I don't know. Is it bad that you do?"

Ace's face dropped. "No! No, of course not. It's just...I don't know if that means what we've got is so reliant on one thing, you know?"

Indigo nodded his head slightly. Ace was right. He and Ace were only getting close because of Marcus. What do they stand for when Marcus is gone? Was he using Ace? Was Ace using him? Was it a parasitic bond?

Indigo just laughed. He couldn't do anything else.

"Ace, even if you were like...regretting this, I wouldn't mind. You're the first real friend I think I've ever had. So I don't think I'd care if you're using me."

Ace looked at him with his red-like eyes. Using him? Never.

"Indigo I'd never be using you. I have no intentions on doing that whatsoever. I'm helping you because...because I think you're a good person who deserves way better. So, you don't have to worry about that, okay?" Ace said, putting his hand on Indigo's shoulder. Ace felt Indigo shift slightly away from the touch, making him retract his hand.

Indigo let out a puff and closed his eyes. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to flinch away I just...I-" He tried to explain.

"It's okay, Indigo. I understand." Ace said gently.

Indigo looked away from Ace, he couldn't keep staring. Ace was too majestic for him. The calm voice, the smooth movement, it was too attracting. And that was dangerous. For both of them.

"Words are hard for me, sorry." Indigo said.

"Or maybe I just have you speechless." Ace said through stifled laughs.

Indigo gave Ace the meanest side eye he could muster before breaking out into laughter. "You do realize I've always been bad with words right?"

"Because I've always been close enough to disrupt your train of thought." Ace replied once more, slyly. 

"Okay, Ace." Indigo said before tackling Ace to the grass. They wrestled lightly for a bit until Ace managed to pin Indigo under him and move his face close enough to where they could feel each other's breath.

Ace waited a few seconds before speaking to catch his breath. "Got you." He said simply while smiling.

"Yeah. You're really strong for being so small." Indigo said playfully. Indigo's arms were pinned above his head by Ace, and he himself couldn't generate enough strength to move Ace off of him. It was then Indigo realize Ace was close to his face...super close. 

His eyes widened.

His face turned red. Ace looked confused for a split second, then his face also turned red. 

Ace scurried off of Indigo and sat down on the grass. Indigo sat up and ruffled his hair. Neither dared to look at the other.

Indigo began to giggle. "You know. Maybe we do have a chance at this. What do you say we stop worrying about that and start trying?"

Ace turned to face him, eyes shimmering.  "I think we should too."

As they sat together, watching the leaves fall around them, Indigo realized that he had found something he never thought possible: a true friend, and maybe even something more.