A/n: There will be some bad language throughout this book. You've been warned. -AV

The pair ascended the stairs making their way to math. Though Scott was a year older, he and Mitch has almost the same schedule. Thanks to his boyfriend's gifted academic abilities.
When they reached Ms. Cook's room Scott bent to give Mitch a quick kiss on the cheek. Mitch blushed and scurried into the room.

"Good morning boys," greeted Ms. Cook. "You have a quiz today if you'd like to study before class."

"Yes ma'am," they replied in unison. However, only Mitch went to work removing his notebook from his bag.

"You know Mr. Hoying, you should take some pointers from your friend Mr. Grassi," the teacher chided.

"Oh, don't worry Ms. Cook, Mitch gives me lots of tips and tricks," Scott answered, wriggling his eyebrows at Mitch.

Mitch smirked and went back to his notes on parabolas and how to graph them.
After five minutes, Mitch turned to see Scott staring at him.

"Ya know Scotty, if paid half as much attention to math as you do to me, you'd have a higher average than I do."

"But math is boring and your eyes aren't... anyway, I have a C in this class Mitch. And an A in choir and a B in English Lit so don't lecture me."

"I'm not lecturing you, though I can't help but notice you left off American History and Biology."

"I'm done with this fucking conversation."

That point was further emphasized as the bell rang and Ms. Cook began passing out quizzes.
Mitch knew how Scott got when they talked about grades. He knows how he reverts back to the boy from two years ago when they first met. He becomes defensive and shuts himself off.
But Mitch couldn't help it, he wanted the best for Scott and he knew bad grades weren't going to help him achieve his dreams.
Mitch sat and worked through each problem meticulously, but he continued to steal glances at Scott who was obviously still upset and not focusing at all.
Scott's mind raced; Mitch knew school was a touchy subject for him. And if he really wanted Scott to do well why would he bring up his grades just minutes before a quiz?
Still Scott knew as soon as class was over all would be forgiven.
The truth is Scott used to strive to make perfect grades, he had never gotten a B until freshman year. But that all changed when he came out to his parents. He was put out on the streets with nothing but a trash bag full of clothes. That's when his life fell apart.