Blame the plot bunnies.
I only own Danaë, Bella, Kara, Ellie, Cass, Sophia, Thea and Tony.
The three thugs advanced on the boy, one laughing hysterically, the others slapping their fists into their palms.
Water dripped from the boy's rather long hair into his eyes, for it was raining as always. His face was alight, his eyes staring, and he backed away from the teens.
Something pressed against his back: he had hit a wall. He tried to remember what Danaë had told him, that everything would turn out fine in the end, and that he should never be scared of anything. She had picked him up, not too long ago, told him "Don't worry about a thing. I'll always be there to protect you." and poinked his nose. "Now, who's my favourite birthday boy in the whole wide world?"
"Please don't hurt me." he pleaded to no avail.
"Hey! Meatheads! Pick on someone yer own size!" a voice called and a hooded person ran through the alley, kicking a thug. They gave chase.
*
I ran through street after street before shimmying up a drain. I was doubtful it would hold my weight but it would do. In the darker streets with broken lights you couldn't see anything five meters away so I'd be fine.
Sure enough the thugs ran past below me, down a side road. I jumped down and hurried back the way I came.
When I reached Tony I pulled back my hood so he could see it was me.
"Ssh. Tony. It's me, Danaë." I reassured him. "What are you doing out this late? You're seven. And what would've happened if I hadn't found you?"
He let out a soft whimper in reply.
"I'm sorry. I'm just worried is all. Let's get you home." I picked him up and rested his head on my shoulder before walking back to the house.
When I arrived he had fallen asleep. I opened the door with my foot and carried him in.
We'd find out why he went out in the morning when Cass was back. For now, I just wanted to crash.
After putting him into bed I walked to my room and collapsed on the bed, only pausing to take my battered trainers and hoodie off.