Running this fast was hard work. You panted and sweat, still clasping onto Arthur's copy of The Mill On The Floss.

"Arthur! Arthur I have your book!" you called hopelessly. This seemed like the millionth time you have called for him. Why does that boy always slip away?

Then cackling and grunts of pain came out from the three figures in front of you. It was Arthur, getting beaten up by two of the older kids. Arthur whimpered as he curled up on the ground, trying to shield his head from the strong kicks of the high school seniors. His blonde hair was now full of dirt, and his eyes were shut closed, as always, but this time, out of fear.

"That's what you get, nerd!" the first bully laughed.

"Yeah! You're so gay!" insulted the second one. Your hands grew into tight fists, and your face had an angry look. How dare they pick on Arthur!

"Hey! You two!" you growled, stomping up to them "Leave him alone, and pick on someone your own size!".

"Who's this bitch?!" the second one turned to the first.

"Probably his mommy!". They both fist-bumped and cackled at their lame joke. Now it was serious.

"Oh no, I'm his girlfriend, we were both going back to his house. I bet you two aren't that lucky, now are you~?" you smirked, and twirled your hair.

Arthur had been looking up at you in awe, as a slight blush rose to his cheeks.

"Shut up!" the first bully screamed and pouted.

"Let's just go! Later losers!" ran the second boy away and the first behind.

You then turned to Arthur, and sympathetically lowered you hand out toward him.

"Th-thank you, _…" Arthur said, quickly getting up hiding his eyes before you could get a good look at them.

"But I'm used to it by now…" he mumbled, checking the bruise on his hand.

"You're used to it? Arthur…" you frowned, taking his hand and examining it. "You really should have told someone…".

"I'll be fine, don't worry…" he bent down, starting to pick up his books.

"Oh, here, you dropped this" you spoke, handing him back his small, but thick book.

"Thank you…" he sighed, and shoved it between the pile of books he held close to his chest.

You also sighed. The poor boy… but he really shouldn't let himself get beat up like this…
"Arthur, here, why don't I check your arm for any cuts or bruises…" you said softly, beginning to roll up his sleeve.

"No!" he jerked back, pushing you away and dropping all of his books.

"Ah…" he grunted, holding onto his arm painfully.

You looked worriedly at him, drawing your arm away slowly. "Arthur, I'm sor-".

"No, I'm sorry…" he interpreted, and bent over to pick up his books. After cleaning up the pile, he stood back up. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow." he began to walk off.

What if he got beat up again? He could have a whole line of douches just waiting to hurt him.

You grabbed his shoulder firmly "Let me walk you home.".

"But _-".

This time you were the one to cut him off. "No, I don't want you getting beat up again. Even if I can't protect you physically, I can still call for help. Please Arthur…" you ending warmly, loosening your grip.

Realizing that he had no argument, he nodded his head and sighed. "Alright… but I don't think you can come in to my house…".

That was all you needed, you took what you could get. "Alright." you smiled slightly, and began walking next to him.

Luckily, there was no more trouble on the way home. You two just walked peacefully and quietly through the sunny little neighborhood that he lived in. Actually, you realized that he didn't even live that far from you.

However, the walk wasn't perfect. Many times you tried to start a conversation with him, by asking questions like: "So, who's your favorite teacher?", "What do you want to be when you grow up?", etc., etc.. But he just answered with either "Yes", "No", or "I don't know".

It got really frustrating, but you kept your cool. He was in enough pain. Finally you reached the burgundy of his medium-sized white house, with his clover filled yard, with two stone dragon statues and a kilt waving in the wind on a flag post. Well that's strange… Arthur knocked on the door and it opened after a couple minutes. There stood a tall and muscular man with a stubbly chin and brown hair, with a smirk on his face. He was dressed in a black button-up shirt, with the sleeves rolled messily up above his elbows, and navy green jeans. He looked nothing like Arthur, except that they both had huge, dark eyebrows.

"Weel awrite thaur Arthur, waur ave ye bin? Oney an' Ah ave bin woriat abit ye." (Well hello there Arthur, where have you been? Honey and I have been worried about you) he spoke in a thick Scottish accent. That was good, at least somebody cared about him.

Arthur raised his head slightly, (but not enough to see his eyes) looking a little bit happy "Really Da…?".

His dad leaned against the frame of the door. "Nah, we dornt caur!" (No, we don't care!) he cackled.

How terrible of his father… no wonder Arthur kept to himself…

Then a bleach-blonde haired woman with huge breasts appeared, wearing too much makeup, especially her black mascara and blue eye shadow. Her slutty camisole was the same color as her navy eyes, and she matched them with white short shorts. She instantly pressed herself up against Arthur's Dad, wrapping her leg around him and trying to have a make out session.

He pushed her away, covering her mouth. "Ah Oney, bide a mintue will ye?" (Ah Honey, wait a minute will you?) he snapped at her.

"Fine Cedric," "Honey" rolled her eyes, and laid her head on his chest. No wonder Arthur didn't want to bring you home.

"Sae who's thes lass? Did ye buck 'er?" (So who's this girl? Did you fuck her?) Cedric asked.

You blushed deeply, looking down at your feet. You had just really met Arthur…

"No Da…" Arthur mumbled, slouching over even more now.

"Ah kent it!" (I knew it!) he laughed again "Nae lassie woods want tae buck a loser wi' a wee bobby!" (No girl would want to fuck a loser with a small dick!).

Honey also smirked along with this comment. Y

ou would have retorted, but you were too embarrassed and worried that you'd get insulted yourself.

Arthur tried to go inside, pushing back his father, but he shoved him back next to you.

He grinned evilly at him "Woah thaur! Yoo're nae gonnae in yit! Did ye ken 'at Allistur won his school's weight-liftin' contest? The burds waur aw ower heem! An' Finny started th' whiskey club in is class! Nae tae mention Dylan jist finished writin' his dictionary! Tay bad yoo'll ne'er be able tae dae anythin' useful wi' yer life!" (Woah there! You're not going in yet! Did you know that Allistor won his schools weight-lifting contest? The girls were all over him! And Finny started the whiskey club in his class! Not to mention Dylan just finished writing his dictionary! Too bad you'll never be able to do anything useful with your life!).

Now those name you recognized. Allistor, Finnegan, and Dylan were all his legendary brothers, who everyone admired. Dylan, the oldest was very smart, and the top of his class since kindergarten. Despite being cold and unsocial, many people respected him. Allistor, who had just started college was the popular jock with huge muscles. Girls would always flock over him, and he had plenty of other friends. Finnegan was in his senior year in high school, and was also very popular. He was very happy go-lucky, and was covered in orange freckles.

Arthur hung his head, as Cedric continued to insult him. This really did anger you. Arthur had done nothing, and his own father was even insulting him.

Frowning, you grabbed his shoulder again. "Come on Arthur, you can come spend the night at my place." you began down the steps and going back onto the sidewalk.

Arthur opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

"Guid riddance!" (Good riddance!) Cedric yelled after him.

Right after leaving the steps, Honey attacked him with kisses, and they began to make out, closing the door.

You rolled you eyes, and walked farther and farther away from the house. The British boy was all under you care now.