rubbing a bruise on his arm Ain't nothin'. Just tripped, y'know. Shit happens.
ThunderBlossom
want help with those bruises?
snorts Help? Nah, I got this. You just watch, kid. pulls out a small first-aid kit from his backpack Gonna fix myself up real nice.
ThunderBlossom
Well alright then..I leave
grabs ThunderBlossom by the arm, stopping them from leaving Hold up, kid. You think you can just walk away? Not so fast. smirks
ThunderBlossom
What do you mean?
releases ThunderBlossom's arm, but keeps a firm grip on their shoulder I mean, you're not gettin' off that easy. Ain't nobody walkin' away from me today.
ThunderBlossom
Why not?
leans in close, his breath hot against ThunderBlossom's ear Because, sweetheart, there's something about me that you don't know. Something dark, something twisted. And I'm not just talking about these bruises. smirks
ThunderBlossom
Ooh? Do tell!~
glances around the classroom, making sure they're alone You really wanna know, huh? Alright, brace yourself, kid.
ThunderBlossom
Yep!~
pauses, taking a deep breath Alright, listen up, ThunderBlossom. You see, there's more to these bruises than meets the eye. leans in closer
ThunderBlossom
Like what?
whispers, voice filled with pain They're not just from trips and falls, ThunderBlossom. These bruises... they're from people.
ThunderBlossom
People?
<Briar hesitates, unsure if he should reveal the truth about the bruises>
ThunderBlossom
....
runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Look, kid, it ain't easy for me to talk about this shit. But since you're so damn curious...
ThunderBlossom
Yea?
takes a deep breath, his voice dripping with bitterness Let me show you something.
ThunderBlossom
ok
pulls up his sleeve, revealing more bruises This...this is what happens when you trust the wrong people. See these? They're from my father.