A sharp jab in the ribs- courtesy of Briseis- shocks me to attention. Our teacher is staring at me expectantly.

"Um... Sorry, what was the question?" I ask nervously. The teacher seems disappointed in me; probably because I'm usually not like this.

Since my conversation with Achilles, I can't stop thinking about him. I haven't seen him up close in quite a long time... He looks better than I remembered. Shaking my head quickly in a feeble attempt to push away my thoughts, I listen to the teacher as she repeats her question. I answer and she gives me a forced smile before continuing with the lesson.

"Eísai kalá?" Briseis whispers. Are you okay? I can easily reply to that, as I know what it means. She says it a lot, usually after Paris and Hector unleash their stress onto me. I nod and turn back to the teacher, but my mind soon starts to wander into darker corners of my mind again.

~~~

"Achilles!" I call, running towards him as he leaves the school gates. He flinches, turning slowly, then relaxes a little when he sees that it's just me.

"What?" He asks gruffly once I'm in earshot. I bend over to get my breath back- thanks asthma- before speaking.

"I'll tutor you." I tell him. Achilles glances around, then suddenly grabs my arm and starts walking quickly. "What're you doing?" I yelp as he leads me behind the school. Achilles lets go and I rub my arm while looking at him accusingly.

"So you'll help me?" He asks hopefully.

"Yes, but I have some conditions." I tell him. He bites his lip as I continue. "I can only tutor you on Monday and Wednesday,"

"Why?"

"Family stuff." I say tensely. "Also, I'll require something in return."

"Money?" Achilles asks expectantly.

"No." He frowns, obviously puzzled. "I want you to teach me how to fight."

"You've got to be joking." Achilles scoffs.

"No, I'm not." I fold my arms, trying not to look as weak as I am. "I'm sick of Briseis and I being punching bags for anybody who fancies it."

"Why don't you just take lessons, like I do?" Achilles suggests.

"Because everyone there is a good fighter, and most of them hate me! I'd be fresh meat!"

Achilles considers it for a few minutes, then nods.

"Fine. But don't tell anybody about this arrangement."

"Who would I tell?" I ask dryly. My phone buzzes and I check it. One message from Briseis. "I have to go." I say apologetically. "Briseis is waiting for me."

"Is she your girlfriend?" The question surprises me. It shouldn't; a few people have asked before, but this seems different. This isn't mocking. He genuinely seems interested.

"N-no. We're just friends. She's staying at my house while she's in this country." I explain. Achilles nods."

"Go, then. I'll leave in a few minutes so it doesn't look like we were together." He says. I nod and start to leave, then a thought occurs to me and I turn back to Achilles.

"Hey, if you don't mind me asking... Why did you get into a fight with Menelaus?" I ask. Achilles tenses.

"He called me a faggot." He says quietly.

"Are you gay?" I ask curiously. There's silence for a few moments, then Achilles simply says

"I think Briseis is waiting."

I decide not to ask further questions.