A quite AU write up based on what a random generator gave me lol. I've done a lot of one-shots on my Tumblr but I noticed I haven't written anything for this after I started doing a lot more of the Daylight December write-ups. I hope you guys enjoy it!

I leaned against the locker as I tried my best to calm my frantic breaths. The taste of blood gracing my tongue as I let out a soft cough.

How did you expect this to end, jackass? You picked a fight with Steve fucking Palchuk.

I tilted my head back so I could lean it against the lockers. My heart hammering in my chest still from when I ran across the schoolyard to free myself from the athlete's fist and torment.

I had my reasons though.

I sighed as I dropped my arms to my sides. My hands pushing down onto the floor as I tried my best to keep myself upright.

Bastard called Toby fat and wouldn't stop trying to toy with him. I couldn't let that happen. Not with the hell I know my best friend has gone through within the years. I couldn't let it. Not when I could help it.

"Jim?" I flitched at the soft voice as I heard hurried footsteps come up beside me. "Jim?" I swallowed dryly as I kept my head tilted back as I knew all too well who it was that kneeling down beside me. I felt a hand placed itself onto my chin as it was forced to turn toward the person beside me instead. My eyes landed on Claire as she looked over my injuries with a worried gleam in her hazel eyes. She brushed her thumb over my bottom lip. A blush took over my face as I knew she was cleaning away some of the blood that must have been spilling from my busted lip.

"Who did this to you?" Her words came out like a soft melody as glided her hand from under my chin and slipped up my cheek while her eyes still scanned my bruises face with a careful gleam within them. I tried my best to smile as well as the injured skin would let me.

"Isn't it obvious?" I chuckled a little as her other hand went to cup my other cheek.

"Why would he-?"

"I started it."

"Jim."

"I had my reasons, Claire."

"Were they good ones?"

"As good as I could come up with." I watched as a small smile came across her lips.

"And what were those?" I swallowed dryly before speaking once more.

"He was messing with Toby. I couldn't let it continue. You know just as well as I do that he's gone through enough shit."

"I know." She reached up with her right hand to toy with my hair a little. "You had a good reason then, that's for sure. You still shouldn't have fought him though. You're smarter than that."

"Are you sure?" I gave her a smirk as she just shook her head at me.

"Yeah, I'm sure." She ran her hand through my hair as she gave me a soft smile. "Doesn't mean I enjoy seeing my boyfriend getting beaten up on the regular." I smiled as I felt her press her forehead against mine. I nearly forgot about the pain coursing through my lip as my eyes kept themselves locked with hers.

"I don't think that would be the nicest reoccurrence."

"It's not, honestly." My smile widened as I heard a soft giggle escape the girl in front of me.

"Sorry." She gave me a soft smile as she pulled me into a tight hug so that my head fell onto her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Her fingers toyed with the ends of my hair as her voice spoke to me gently. "You did the right thing, Jim." She placed a small kiss on the side of my head. "It's one of the things I love about you." I smiled against her shoulder as knew all too well that some of the blood from my lip has ended up on her favorite sweater.

"I love you too, Claire." She giggled against me as her voice was still gentle toward me.

"I bet I love you more." I chuckled against her shoulder as I knew I wouldn't win that argument with the Latina.

"I bet you do dealing with my ass."

"It's not dealing when I enjoy it." I buried my face deeper into her shoulder as she scratched gently at my scalp.

I don't doubt that she loves me none the less though. Busted lips and all.