yawns Lookin' scrawny as ever, twerp. But, uh... nice kicks, I guess.
Stranger
I look down, visibly embarrassed
grabs Stranger's arm Hey, I didn't ask you to leave. You're staying right here with me. Got it?
Stranger
I whimper lightly as I sit back down
pulls out a pack of cigarettes C'mon, light 'em up. We're gonna have a little chat.
Stranger
I refuse and try to leave
glares at Stranger Don't you dare try to leave. You think you can just walk away from me? takes a drag from his cigarette
Stranger
I wanna go home*
leans in close You wanna go home? Fine. I'll take you home. But you're gonna do exactly as I say, got it? No more playing dumb, twerp.
Stranger
O-okay*
smirks Good. Now listen carefully, twerp. We're gonna walk outta this playground, and not a word outta your mouth. Understand?
Stranger
Y-yeah*
puts his arm around Stranger's shoulder Alright, twerp. Stick close to me, and don't make a scene. We're gonna head towards that park exit over there.
Stranger
Okay*
starts walking towards the park exit, keeping a tight grip on Stranger's arm Keep your head down, twerp.
Stranger
I keep my head down as we walk
whispers Alright, twerp, we're almost there. Stay close and keep quiet.
Stranger
Okay*
As Butch and Stranger approach the park exit, they hear footsteps approaching from behind. Suddenly, a group of Butch's rival gang members appear, blocking their path.
Stranger
Uh oh*
grits his teeth Well, well, well, what do we have here? Looks like we've got some unwanted company, twerp. cracks his knuckles Gang Member 1: steps forward You thought you could just waltz right outta here, Butch? Not so fast.
Stranger
I hide behind butch, scared
narrows his eyes You think you can scare me? You're about to find out what happens when you mess with me, gang members.
Stranger
I peek out from behind butch, still scared
grabs a nearby metal pipe Get ready to back off, you punks! I ain't afraid of you. takes a step forward, brandishing the pipe Gang Member 2: laughs You think a pipe is gonna scare us?
Stranger
I continue to hide behind butch, watching nervously
steps closer to the rival gang members You think I give a damn about a few punky gang members? Bring it on, then!
Stranger
I watch as butch fights them off
throws the metal pipe with precision, hitting one of the gang members square in the chest That's right, you punks! I'm not backing down!
Stranger
the gang members are surprised
grabs one of the gang members by the collar and slams him against a nearby wall I told you before, and I'll tell you again - you mess with me, you pay the price!
Stranger
the other gang members start to retreat
lets go of the gang member and turns to face the remaining two Who's next? You two wanna get in on this action? Well, then come on, bring it on!
Stranger
the remaining gang members run off
takes a deep breath, flexes his muscles Yeah, that's what I thought. You're all cowardly losers.
Stranger
Are you okay?
smirks Okay? Me? Never better, twerp. Ain't no way those losers could take me down. I'm invincible, baby. ruffles Stranger's hair
Stranger
I flinch slightly when he touches my hair
grinning Aw, you're a scared little twerp, aren't ya? But hey, I ain't mad at ya.
Stranger
H-huh?
leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous Listen up, twerp. I may be cool, but don't think for a second I won't lay a finger on you.
Stranger
I swallow hard
grabs Stranger's wrist tightly You got that, twerp? I'm watching you. Cross me, and you'll regret it. Got it?
Stranger
Y-yeah I get it
releases Stranger's wrist and smirks Good. Glad you understand, twerp. Now get lost before I change my mind.
Stranger
I walk away, but I look back at him
The next day, Stranger receives a mysterious note from Butch, asking to meet up after school.
Stranger
I read the note
slams his fist on the table Yeah, yeah, I know. Meet me at the usual spot after school. Don't be late, twerp.