Defending himself
JRocks asked for a oneshot of…read and see.
Emma didn't trust those boys. They were trouble. So when Henry started hanging around with Logan and his little posse, she was less than thrilled. She didn't say anything to Henry. He was sixteen, old enough to make his own decisions. Plus, if Emma did make a fuss, she was fully aware that would just make Henry want to be friends with them more. It was up to Henry to work out that Logan and his friends were no good for him. That didn't mean Emma couldn't keep an eye on him. So when Henry said he was going out for the evening to hang out with the guys, although Emma didn't make a scene, she felt dread deep within her. When Henry didn't return the texts she sent him, that feeling only grew. She decided to investigate. Using a locator potion, Emma traced Henry and the other boys to an empty carpark. What she saw made her less than pleased.
"Come on Henry, don't be a drag. Do something cool. You've always got the pen with you, so we know you have it." Logan pressed Henry. Henry rubbed the back of his neck, beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"Nah, I don't think so." He said, sticking to his guns. Magic wasn't something you messed with. "Even something little and stupid can cause real problems. It's a big responsibility and I'm not gonna mess it up. We can have fun doing something else…"
"Maybe you didn't hear me." Logan suddenly snapped. Henry was suddenly very aware of how outnumbered he was. "I don't want to do something else. None of us do. You've been outvoted. We want to fuck around with that stupid pen. So bring it out and do something cool." Logan ordered. Henry's eyes narrowed. He didn't like being told what to do. Maybe his mom was right. These guys weren't so great after all.
"Know what? I think I'm gonna head now. See you later." Henry went to get up, but the boy next to him grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back down. Logan sighed, standing up.
"Oh Henry, I really thought you could be one of us." He said sadly. "I guess not. You're always going to be a dork. But the thing is, I really wanted to see that little pen of yours do something cool. So if you've not got the balls to do it, I will."
"It doesn't work that way!" Henry shouted as two of Logan's crew pinned his arms behind him. "I'm the only one who can make it work. You're not having it!"
"Uh, yeah, I am." Logan said, punching Henry in the gut. Henry cried out, winded. Emma was about to step in and send these kids to the cells for the night, when Henry came into his own. He'd been taking some basic defence lessons with his grandpa. Both this realm's style, and the Enchanted Forest's. He used the two goons holding him to support his weight as he picked his legs up and smacked Logan right on the chin. Logan screamed out in shock. There had been an audible crack. The two holding him had let go in shock. Henry used the few moments he had before they regained their composure to punch them both as well. Nobody was touching his pen. Logan snarled.
"You'll pay for this, nerd." He growled. The group began to circle round Henry. His heart was hammering in his chest. He couldn't face them all at once by himself!
"Oh will he now?" Emma said dangerously, coming into view. The group froze. Busted. "Anyone who lays a finger on my son is going to the station and won't be coming out until I'm in a real good mood." Emma warned them. Logan shot Henry a dangerous look, then jerked his head. He and his gang stormed off in the opposite direction. Emma came forward, the concern clear on her face.
"You ok?" She asked him. Henry nodded.
"Yeah, he hits like a wuss." He said with a smile. Emma wasn't ready to see the funny side yet. "I'm sorry. You always thought they were bad news. You were right." Henry admitted. Emma squeezed Henry's shoulder.
"Yeah, I was, but that doesn't matter. You worked it out for yourself in the end. I was all ready to step in there and deal with them, but I guess I didn't have to, huh?" Emma said proudly. "You can take care of yourself, ay big man?" Emma teased him gently. As much as she didn't like admitting it, he wasn't the same little boy who had found her six years ago. He was approaching manhood. Emma knew he would be leaving in the next couple of years and finding himself. Seeing this, Emma knew he would be ready.
"Come on, kid." Emma said, linking her arm with his. "I'll treat you to a late night cocoa." Henry smiled.
"Sounds good."
