The Only Exception

Pierre returned to the room, feeling a little better having talked to his family. He sat next to Mike. "So, when do we leave?" He asked.

"About ten minutes," Mike smiled at him and kissed his cheek, taking his dirty dishes into the kitchen.

Pierre smiled softly and watched him go. He played around on his phone, avoiding eye contact with Payne. He was kind of afraid of the man.

Mike walked back in after finishing the dishes. "Let's go," he said, grabbing Pierre's hand.

Pierre followed Mike out to the car. They arrived at the school, Pierre earning looks from anyone. He clenched the straps of his bag nervously as he walked through the halls next to Mike.

Mike wrapped an arm around his waist. "Relax," he whispered in the younger man's ear.

Pierre bit his lip. "Easier done than said... or. I... Ugh, I dunno how the English phrase goes." He huffed. "They're staring like they've never seen a 15 year old guy before."

"Easier said than done," Mike chuckled. "And you're a new face. You're a mystery to them. You're acting like you don't understand teenagers."

PIerre shrugged. "I am French and foreign, lawsuit me." He huffed, though he meant 'sue me'. He wasn't good with American idioms. He got hi schedule and locker combo from the office before heading to his first class with Mike. All his classes where either with Mike... or Payne.

Mike stopped short and busted out laughing, doubling over from the intensity.

Pierre glanced around before looking at Mike. "What? What did I do? I do not understand..." He huffed as he looked at Mike having laughing attack.

Mike laughed for a few more minutes before calming down. "Lawsuit me. That's funny," he chuckled.

"Is that not how the phrase goes?" Pierre asked, cocking his head to the side in am adorably confused way.

Mike chuckled a bit more and kissed Pierre gently. "Sue me. That's how the saying goes," he said once he pulled away.

"Oh... well that's just not as fun to say." Pierre chuckled and walked with Mike to their first class.

Mike chuckled again, shaking his head and walking to class with his new lover.

Pierre walked into the class room, all eyes on him. He smiled nervously and glanced at Mike. He wanted to shoot himself when the teacher told him to introduce himself.

Mike smiled encouragingly. "Just introduce yourself! You can do it," he said.

Pierre silently groaned. He hate public speaking. He forced a dazzling smile at the students, making half of them swoon. "My name is Pierre Le Petit. And I am from Saint-Cloud, Centre, France." He introduced.

Mike smiled as he watched Pierre. He was a natural after he got over his nerves.

Pierre took his seat next to Mike. He looked at the English book he was given. He understood when reading silently. But aloud? Some words he just couldn't pronounce. He was better at speaking and reading and writing. But reading English out loud? He sucked, and didn't want to embarrass himself.

"Calm down, babe. Just breathe. If you do something wrong, laugh it off. You're from France. People understand," Mike said quietly so only he could hear.

Pierre bit his lip before he began to read like the teacher asked him. He did well, until he got to some evil word; serendipity. "...Se..seren... Okay, English sucks. I give up!" He huffed, throwing his hands up. While the teacher was annoyed, the other kids loved it and began to laugh at Pierre's exasperation.

"Breathe, babe. Serendipity. Don't get so frustrated," Mike said.

Pierre rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine." He grumbled and finished reading. He was positive the teacher was just making him read this for kicks and giggles.