Francisco munched contentedly on the chocolate bar Claudette managed to sneak him, "What would you do?"
Claudette perked at his question,"Mh? Huh? If what?"
"If I died," He chuckled through a mouthful, stealing a grimace from Claudette at both his actions and words.
Anya punched his shoulder playfully, "Don't joke. It's not funny."
They laughed, happy chuckles and bright grins while Francisco rubbed his shoulder, acting sore. But inside, he wasn't actually smiling.
Just- he wished it'd always be like this, that it wouldn't end. That they would go back to pretending they didn't know each other the minute another person saw them.
In his dream world, the student board didn't assault him. Instead, they were friends just like he wished Anya and Claudette were. In his dream world, financial backing didn't determine if he was harassed or safe.
But Francisco would have to accept the ice bucket and wake up, it'd only ever be a dream.