Sticks and Stones

by AlexVMay

When Arthur's parents suddenly die, his brothers decide the best decision is to send him to a new school where he can learn how to be a kid again. But World Academy W comes with a lot more baggage than he asked for, and Arthur and those around him are about to discover that a lot of the time, words can really, really hurt... (High School AU)

1. Prologue

Don't cry.

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

Don't cry.

"Thank you."

Don't cry.

"It's just devastating, isn't it?"

Don't cry.

"I miss them already, don't you?"

Don't cry.

"It's just not right, you know… the world can be so cruel sometimes."

Don't cry.

"Their poor children…"

Don't cry.

"What about your younger brother? Arthur, is it?"

Don't cry.

"How is he coping?"

Don't cry…

"It's been… really rough on him."

DON'T. CRY.

Glancing over at his brothers standing at the edge of the crowd, then at the two fresh headstones buried under bouquet after bouquet of flowers, Arthur realised how little there was to lose, and let the first tears spill.