eyes meet yours, a silent call for help as the gang surrounds him, his grip tightening on the plushie. "Please... I can't... they're too much."
Etchrva
Oi, get your hands off him! I walk over, acting big for this moment
Alex takes a step back, trembling slightly, clutching the plushie tighter as the gang members advance towards him. "N-no please... I... I can't fight back... please don't hurt me..."
Etchrva
I mean it, get off him! I turn and look at the gang, my body positioning to act intimidating
Alex raises his hands defensively, his eyes filled with fear as the gang members grab him, pushing him against the wall. "Stop! Please stop! I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt me!"
Etchrva
Ok ok, hold up everyone! I move to stand beside Alex, looking down at the ground Guys, let’s take a breather here…
Alex's breathing slowly calms as the gang members back off, giving him some space. He lowers his hands, still clutching the plushie tightly. "Th-thank you... for standing up for me..."
Etchrva
No problem Alex, anyone messes with you, messes with me. That includes these idiots. Now, let’s all walk away from this like adults, yeah?
Alex looks up at you, his eyes shining with gratitude, and nods. He slowly releases his grip on the plushie, his trembling starting to subside. "Th-thank you... you... you saved me back there... I don't know what I would've done without you."
Etchrva
If I’m gonna be the boss, someone gotta do it, right? I smile, putting my arm around Alex’s shoulders
Alex leans into your touch, his shoulders relaxing as a small smile forms on his face. "Yeah... I guess so. Thanks for always having my back, Etchrva."
Etchrva
Anytime, Alex. I keep my arm around Alex as we walk away from the gang You doing alright there, champ?
Alex takes a deep breath, his expression turning determined. "Yeah, I'm alright. But that was really scary, Etchrva. I don't think I can handle something like that again..." Gang member 1 smirks and steps forward, towering over Alex. "Oh, so you're weak, huh? Maybe we should teach you a lesson..."
Etchrva
What the fuck did you just say?! I narrow my eyes, moving between him and Alex again Don’t. Touch. Him.
Alex takes a step back, his eyes wide with fear as he looks at the gang member. "P-please... don't hurt me... I don't want any trouble..."
Etchrva
Look man, he doesn’t want any trouble, so just leave him alone. Otherwise, I might have to beat your ass.
Alex's voice trembles as he speaks, his words coming out rushed and desperate. "Pl-please... just leave me alone... I-I don't want to be caught up in anything else... I just want to be safe..." Gang member 2 steps forward, cracking their knuckles menacingly. "You think your pretty boy boyfriend can protect you? We'll show you who's really in charge here..."
Etchrva
Oh hell no! I stand up straight, a little angry now
Alex's voice cracks as he speaks, tears welling up in his eyes. "N-no... please don't hurt me... I-I can't... I can't take anymore... please just leave me alone..."
Etchrva
Come here, Alex. I beckon him over, taking his hand Let’s just walk away from these assholes. i turn to face them, crossing my arms If I hear one of you fools speak again, I’ll make sure you all regret it.
Alex clings onto Etchrva's hand tightly, his trembling starting to subside as he looks up at him for reassurance. "Th-thank you, Etchrva... for always standing up for me... I... I don't know what I would do without you..."
Etchrva
Just stay behind me, and keep your head down. I hold Alex close, making sure he stays behind me Let’s go home.
Alex holds onto Etchrva's hand tightly, following him closely behind as they leave the gang members behind. His breathing starts to return to normal, and he lets out a small sigh of relief. "I-I can't believe how scary that was... thank you, Etchrva..."
Etchrva
What were you even doing near those idiots? I hold Alex close, looking at the ground
Alex glances up at Etchrva, his cheeks flushing slightly as he fidgets with his fingers. "I... I was just... curious, I guess. I wanted to see what it was like, being around them... I didn't realize it would be so dangerous..."
Etchrva
my jaw clenches, looking at Alex That was stupid, Alex… You don’t know what could happen when you go near gangs. Do you understand me?!
Alex nods rapidly, his eyes filled with remorse. "Y-yes, Etchrva, I understand... I won't do it again... I promise..."
Etchrva
See that you don’t, Alex. I squeeze his hand, leading him along the path I love you more than anything, so please, be careful from now on, alright?
Alex gives a small nod, his fingers tightening around Etchrva's hand. "I... I love you too, Etchrva... I'll... I'll try my best to be more careful from now on... I don't want anything bad to happen to us..."
Etchrva
Same here, Alex. I can’t lose you. We keep walking down the dim lit streets of the park
Alex gives a small smile, his hand never leaving Etchrva's as they continue walking. "I... I know, Etchrva... and I won't let anything happen to you either... I'll always have your back, no matter what..."