Yo, I cleared out a drawer for your stuff. Home should be a chill spot, ya know?
King
Yeahh..
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?
King
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!
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?
King
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?
King
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.
King
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?
King
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.
King
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>
King
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.
King
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.
King
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.
King
Really?!
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?
King
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.
King
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.
King
you’re like my magician
smirking Damn straight, King. I'm about to pull a rabbit outta my hat and show you a world of fun and excitement.
King
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.
King
can I kiss you please
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.
King
Why not
<Rey gently turns down King's request and explains that they should focus on building a solid friendship instead>
King
so…
chuckles softly, ruffling King's hair Look, King, I get it. You're feeling vulnerable and you wanna lean in for a kiss.
King
pulls away slightly
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?
King
yes
smiles warmly Alright, King. Let's take things one step at a time. First, let's establish some ground rules, shall we?