No one can hurt you as badly as the people you love

by evaernst

It's not easy for a child from the 20th century living in the year 2016 and especially if his ymbryne doesn't understand him at all. That's at least how Hugh feels. It's not his fault they are fighting right now, is it? Hugh and Miss Peregrine are having a fight and Hugh leaves but when he gets into trouble will the ymbryne be at his side to protect him?

1. Chapter 1

Hey everyone!

Two fic in one evening, I'm obviously in a good mood

This will be a multichapter fic, probably 3 chapters. I hope you like it. I'm looking forward to your feedback!

I don't own anything. Please note that English is not my mother tongue and I'm sorry for all grammar and spelling mistakes.

"You will do no such thing, Hugh!" Miss Peregrine took a deep breath to help her calm down. The boy who was slowly growing into manhood was currently stuck in a phase full of resistance. He was constantly testing his boundaries and questioned Alma's authority.

"And how do you want to prevent me from going? Will you lock me into the attic?" Hugh's voice was filled with venom and Alma had to remind herself that this was still her little boy only stuck in puberty.

"Of course not. My relationship with all of my children, and that includes you, is based on trust. If I forbid you to leave the house, I trust you to respect my order! But I will tolerate no disobedience!" Alma said calmly but firmly. "After all, I just want what's best for you."

Instantly Alma knew that the last sentence was the wrong thing to say to calm the boy. His eyes narrowed, his shoulder became rigid and his whole posture was shaking with anger. "You're a liar! You don't want us to have friends so that you can always keep us close because you are afraid of ending up bitter and alone!"

Alma tried not to show just how much his words had hurt her. "I have to admit it hurts me to hear that you think so little of me. I guess I cannot convince you otherwise but let me tell you that I love all of my children very much and I want for you to be happy. I would never try to keep you away from your friends. I simply say that a party of highschool kids is no place for a fourteen year old boy. That's why I don't want you to go. If you want to meet with your friends just invite them over."

"Invite them over" Hugh laughed bitterly. "To show them what kind of weirdos we are! An invisible boy, a girl with a mouth at the back of her head and an old woman who can turn into a bird. No thank you!" Hugh turned around.

"Hugh!" Alma now could no longer control the anger in her voice. "I think I taught you more respect regarding our peculiarities! They are special and unique and nothing to be ashamed of. It makes us more, not less and if your friends can't understand that you should think about if those children are really your friends."

"What do you know about friends?! Nothing! Because you don't have any. You don't know anything about friends or families or children for the matter! You are the fucking worst ymbryne in the whole world!" Hugh hissed angrily.

For a moment Alma was taken aback. His words felt like a punch in the face. Tears were springing to her eyes and suddenly her throat became dry. She didn't know what to say. Not in all those years as an ymbryne had one of her children ever said something like that to her.

'No one can hurt you as badly as the people you love.' Alma thought watching as Hugh was about to leave the room when he turned around once more.

"You know, sometimes I wish another ymbryne would have found me! I'm sure she would understand me! I hate you!" His eyes were shining angrily but also with a bit of fear. He had not meant for their fight to get out of control like that. He could see that he had hurt her and he already regretted his words. Of course he didn't hate her. He loved her in fact and that's why he wanted her to understand! Why didn't she understand! For a moment he considered apologizing but his pride prevented him from expressing his regret. She would get over it. Instead he slammed the door behind him and left the house.

It didn't happen very often that Alma cursed but right now that was about the only reaction that felt natural to her. "Damn it!"

Then she leaned back against the wall and slid down to the floor. She placed her head in her hands and allowed herself to cry. She heard the door open and close and a couple of seconds later someone was pulling her into his arms. Alma did not look up to see who it was and instead simply enjoyed the feeling of the stranger's comfort and his hand running up and down her back in a comforting motion. Her sobs turned into silent tears until tears were no longer falling from her dark eyes. She took a couple of deep breaths before looking up.