…..that was an unfamiliar voice.
"Yeah, you in the stupid looking football jersey."
"Kain…!"
The second voice…. That one, Kain recognized.
…..Roy… and another person?
No no, wait- Fuery didn't want them to see him bawling on the ground. This was pathetic. Yet, somehow, the tears wouldn't stop. They just wouldn't, no matter what he tried. This was pathetic- especially for a freshman boy of Kain's age.
You're such a weakling, Self.
"Kain Fuery! Kain- ah, Kain…" The footsteps drew nearer, before they stopped a few inches from Fuery's curled up figure.
"HEY- YOU GET BACK HERE." There was that other voice again.
The bullies turned around to look at the newcomer. "Tch- Havoc. How about you get out of our sight? We've still got some balloons left." In fact, one balloon was tossed idly towards the other's feet- easily dodged.
"You little jackasses, get over here, or I'll go over there!"
Snickers from the bully-minions was his response.
However, the new guy said nothing more- but marched up to those bullies, got up in the leader's face, and threw a single punch at his nose.
"I'll bet that hurt, didn't it, y'douchebag?" With a wry grin, new guy spat on the ground. "Now scram. Or you can each have a knuckle sandwich, as well."
He'd needn't say more, as the three of them clambered off after eachother, heading past Fuery's oak tree, and down the road.
"Kain, they're gone." Roy's voice was calm and gentle, as a warm hand was placed on the freshman's shoulder.
No they're not… They'll appear any second, now, and laugh right in my face for sobbing like a loser… a baby…
"Geez, Roy- you didn't tell me it was them."
"Well, Jean, I didn't think it really matte—"
"I would've socked them into next week, three days ago!"
Kain covered his ears, both eyes squeezed shut.
Maybe if I pretend they're not here, they'll go away….
"Havoc- shut up. Hey Kain…?"
"….."
"…..Fuery. Relax. It's only us; you can cry, if you really want."
No I can't. You have a camera behind your back, don't you?
"…" Sniffle…
At first, Roy's hand shook Fuery's shoulder a few times- but Fuery dared not budge.
The Root Beer was soaking through his clothes, and air seeped in against his skin. Fuery hadn't even realized how heavily he'd begun to shiver.
But suddenly…. Fuery was warm.
No- not only that- he was being warmed.
Even better, he'd been hoisted up to his knees… and pulled tightly against Roy's chest in a sudden embrace.
….what…? What's this….?
"Fuery…. You're safe, now. Relax."
…why wouldn't the waterworks stop? Tears glistened against his lower lids, before they tumbled down his cheeks, dripping against Roy's school-uniform blue vest….