~ Starbright ~
He sees the girl's soulmate jewel turn pink, and that's what finally gives him the courage to step forward.
"Leave her alone."
Even though he is shaking as he says it, the other children scatter at the very notion that someone intends to stand up to them.
He reaches out a hand to help her up. She stares at his forehead for a long moment before taking it, breaking into a grin as she realizes.
As he tugs her in the direction of the bakery, she looks back over her shoulder regretfully at the moldy bread.
"Leave it," he says. "We'll get something fresh..."
~oOo~
A/N: Annnnnd you all know what happened after that, but I wanted this to be fluff, damn it.