Sometimes, Jack felt like a mother duck.
The choir were his ducklings. He had to keep them together, make sure no one got hurt. And many of them he didn't really have to worry about. Maurice wandered sometimes, but was generally okay. Robert was clumsy, but never hurt himself too badly. And Roger… he could take care of himself.
It was Simon that Jack was mostly concerned about.
Simon who was always off by himself and was quiet during lunch. Simon who seemed lonely. Who seemed to only want friends.
Jack didn't know what possessed him to go sit beside Simon during recess. But there he was, seated beside the smaller boy, who was sneaking glances at the redhead. "You lonely?"
Simon looked startled. "Sometimes." The response was quiet, and Jack was reminded that he didn't often hear Simon speak.
"Well, we're your friends." Simon was still silent, though he had looked up at Jack while he spoke. "I guess I just worry too much. But you can hang out with us. No one will bother you. 'cept maybe Roger, but he'll cut it out soon enough."
He moved to stand up, but a warm hand latched onto his. "Thanks, Jack." Quiet voice. Simon. "Can I come over now?"
"Of course," Jack said and Simon stood up.
He draped an arm over Simon's shoulder as they began walking, protectively. Mother Duck watching out for her young.