How Green Becomes Wood

He shrugged awkwardly, not really having an answer to that. But he heard that tone in her voice and didn't want to make her cry. Like he told Xander yesterday, he was weak to crying. And if she had to make herself small to be liked by him, why would she want to be his friend?

"I don't like feeling bribed," Milo finally said, glancing again at Xander.
 
Xander gave Milo a tiny, encouraging nod. He was doing good!

"I don't understand why you feel like it's a bribe," she said slowly, "but I'm sorry that I did make you feel that way. I just..." She sighed. "You're a really cool guy, but you're so shy, I didn't know how to approach you without scaring you off. I guess it wasn't that. I won't do it anymore. I'll leave you alone." She turned to leave, thinking there was nothing more to be said.
 
Milo opened his mouth to attempt to explain why he felt like it was a bribe. Then he started to ask the question he asked so many people---how was she supposed to know that he was cool if she didn't know him? But he supposed he wasn't easy to know, and there are less flattering assumptions. Finally he just shoved his hands into his pockets and said, "I'm sorry."
 
Becky glanced at him in surprise and tried to smile. "What for? It was my fault. Maybe someday you'll let me try again, but I am sorry I came across wrong. I didn't mean to make you worry."
 
"Worms," Xander mused. "Well, don't feel like a prick. You communicated your needs respectfully. You resolved a problem. You were as polite as anyone could ask of you. And you didn't make her cry."
 
"Would you have rather waited through a whole school day to talk to her?" Xander pointed out. He started walking to the hall again. "I'll take extra notes for you."

Alec met them again, but to his annoyance, Xander once again indicated he'd tell him later.
 
"I guess not," Milo admitted, following Xander to class with his head down. The day would probably get better, he was sure. It would be less stressful for him, definitely. But he wanted to be alone for a little while, to escape the stress of it.
 
Xander quietly handed Milo a stress ball, this one shaped like a frog, and turned his attention to the front. Milo could not actually be fully alone at this time, but the least Xander could do was ignore him. It wasn't much, but he hoped it would be enough for now. He would not be surprised if Milo disappeared during lunch.

Alec desperately wanted to know what was going on, but he kept his questions to himself. For now.
 
Milo sighed and took the frog. To his credit, he was still able to pay attention in class, because although it was stressful... the fact it was over did help. Of course, his mind did try to tell him the other shoe would drop, but he was doing alright at pushing those thoughts away. As the day went on, he eventually mumbled to Xander he was probably going to eat underneath the bleachers that day. He missed eating under there anyway, the cafeteria could be really overstimulating.
 
"See you later," Xander said. "Text if you want company." He assumed Milo did not want company, but he would join him if he did.

Alec sat looking around the table a little confused and sad. Becky wasn't there. Emma made it clear she was avoiding them. Peter was eating with some of his other friends. It was a sparse group. He looked hopefully for Sloan.
 
"You can come if you want," Milo mumbled, "but you should probably explain everything to Alec first."

Sloan came to the table like any other day, her bag carried on one shoulder, "The table is sparse today."
 
"Yeah, you're right, but do you want? I get it if you need time alone," Xander said seriously.

"Emma isn't talking me for obvious reasons, and Becky has been avoiding me now, too," Alec said morosely. "Or I'm being incredibly self-centered in thinking it's me she's avoiding. It might be Xander or Milo. There was something weird between them earlier.:
 
That did not really answer Xander's question. "If I have time after talking to Alec, I'll stop by," he said. "Text me if you need me."

"I'm not entirely sure," Alec admitted. "I have assumptions, but that's all. I'm hoping that brother of mine will reveal all." He rallied himself and asked, "Never mind about me and my poutiness, how has your day been?"
 
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