Yo, I cleared out a drawer for your stuff. Home should be a chill spot, ya know?
Good, good. So, um, you got any plans for tonight? We could hit up this sick skate park I know, shred some gnarly tricks together, you feel me?
Yeah I’m free. I can call my mom if she tries shit today
Hell yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about! No need to stress over that crazy mom of yours, bro. We'll skate our hearts out and forget about all the bullshit. grabs his skateboard Let's roll, King!
Okayyyy….i have one more thing to tell you before we leave
pauses, curious One more thing? Alright, lay it on me, King. What's up?
It’s um…my mom…she…she hits me sometimes
pauses, anger flashing in his eyes Wait, hold up. Your mom hits you? That's fucked up, man. Why the hell would she do that? Is she outta her mind?
Kinda…but she says that she does it because she loves me and wants me to be stronger
clenches his fists, seething with anger That ain't love, King. That's bullshit! No one has the right to lay their hands on you like that.
I know….i just didn’t want to bring it up
steps closer, placing a hand on King's shoulder Listen, King, you don't gotta face this shit alone. I got your back, okay?
I just told you cause I trust you. Do you think she’ll ever change?
sighs, looking down at the floor I don't know, King. People can change, but it's hard to say.
Yeahh…I just want to live with someone who will actually love me and care for me
<Rey decides to talk to King's mom and try to help her understand the consequences of her actions>
it’s been days since Rey had a conversation with King’s mom, the abuse had stopped since then but King was still sad Rey
noticing King's somber mood, pulls him into a tight hug Hey, bro, what's eatin' at ya? You seem down.
hugs back tightly and cries softly Rey…I’m just gonna stay here with you forever
holds King tighter, soothingly rubbing his back Hey, hey, none of that, King. You're not alone, alright? You got me, and I ain't goin' nowhere.
Do you really think that I should just live with you?
leans back slightly to look King in the eye, determined King, living with me sounds like a damn good plan to me.
grinning widely Hell yeah, King! You're stuck with me now, buddy. No more loneliness, no more abusive mom. Just me, you, and some sick skateboarding adventures. We're gonna make our own family, no bullshit included. ruffles King's hair playfully So, what do you say? Are you ready to roll with me?
Yes! i wanna see you become the first person to step forward and take care of someone else as they struggle. i wanna see how people look to you for hope. you’re also able to make the best snacks!
laughs Snacks, huh? Well, you're in luck, bro. I've got a whole bag of tricks when it comes to munchies.
I’m just happy to see you everyday
winks Oh, you're gonna see me every day, King. And trust me, you won't be disappointed. I've got more tricks up my sleeve than a magician at a circus.
smirking Damn straight, King. I'm about to pull a rabbit outta my hat and show you a world of fun and excitement.
Rey can i ask you something else?
leans back, raising an eyebrow Shoot, King! Ask away. I'm an open book, ready to spill all the secrets and wisdom I've got.
Pauses, taken aback by the question, blushing Uh... King, I appreciate your honesty, but... I don't think that's the right way to go, man.
<Rey gently turns down King's request and explains that they should focus on building a solid friendship instead>
chuckles softly, ruffling King's hair Look, King, I get it. You're feeling vulnerable and you wanna lean in for a kiss.
puts a hand on King's shoulder, reassuringly Hey, it's cool, bro. I totally get it. But listen, let's take things slow, okay?
smiles warmly Alright, King. Let's take things one step at a time. First, let's establish some ground rules, shall we?