The Monsters Inside and Out (Scott Howl x Depressed Reader)

109. Range of Emotions

The next day, you wake up and get ready for school. Your body feels stiff after a lack of sleep that night, due to you being too worried about how Scott and his family is doing. After you're all ready, you grab a small something to eat and head out the door. It's still drizzling outside, and the refreshing smell of rain fills the air. You reach a hand out, collecting small droplets of water on your hand. You focus on cold energy, and the droplets freeze. You smile as it happens, being proud of yourself for coming so far. You haven't seen the LaVeys since you talked about your dad, but you have done some more research to help improve the skills you already know. You then channel the hot energy, causing the droplets to melt and evaporate. You stop playing with the rain as the school comes into view.

As you start to approach the main entrance, you get a text from Scott, telling you to meet him at his car. You look around the parking lot a little bit until you find his van, and you approach it. He has both hands on the steering wheel, and he stares at it blankly. You quietly knock on his window, which makes him jump a little. You step back to let him open his door, and he reaches back to grab his backpack. He steps out, shuts his door, and looks down at you. You wrap your arms around his waist, resting your head on his chest. You can hear his soft heartbeat as he reaches up and pets you. You separate after a moment, a hold out your hand for him to take. He quielty says, "I-I'm scared.." You patiently smile and reply, "I know.. That's why I'm here." He takes a deep breath and smiles lightly again. "I know.. Thank you." He grabs your hand and caresses it as you two walk inside together.

As you walk inside, multiple heads turn. People seem stunned to see Scott back at school again. Some people start to approach you both, but you give anyone a death stare to keep them away. Most people seem afraid of you, but there's one in particular who isn't. "Ah, if it isn't Spooky High's 'it' couple. How are you two doing today?" You recognize that voice anywhere. You angrily turn to him. "What do you want, Leonard?" He grins widely. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy. What's with the hostility? I just wanted to see how this dynamic duo was doing! Haven't seen the dumb one in a while." Scott grips your hand harder, and you can feel yourself getting hotter. "Now listen here you little swamp rat, take as many jabs at me as you want, I couldn't care less. But you do not talk to my boyfriend like that." "Yeah? And what are you gonna do? Get drunk and talk shit about all your friends again?" "Even if I did, they thought it was funny. If I do it again, they'll probably think the same." "But you're much different now than you were then. Don't you think they'll be more upset if they heard you say all sorts of mean things again?" You shake your head and groan to yourself. "Ugh, what are you even talking about? There's no way that's gonna happen again! Just leave us alone, and stop trying to get in my head!" It feels like your blood is literally boiling. You're so angry, and apparently it shows. He says, "Aww, are you mad? I can't tell if you're mad. Really, I can't. If you are though, I don't understand why. I was just trying to have a peaceful conversation with you guys. Sooo anyway, where have ya been, Scott? Have you been taking care of your grandma? How's she doing?" Before you can even process it, Scott has pulled himself away from you, and he grabs onto Leonard's shirt collar. He slams Leonard against a locker, and you even feel multiple people staring at you. Silent tears fall down Scott's face as he looks at Leonard furiously. Seeing this causes you to snap out of your own rage, and you put both of your hands on Scott's arm, shaking him. "S-Scott! Stop it! I-It's not worth it!" Scott turns and looks down at you. After seeing your worried expression, his eyes widen, and he looks back at Leonard. He drops Leonard, and steps back, looking down at the ground shamefully.

Leonard stands up and brushes himself off. "You're gonna pay for that, you hear me? You're. Gonna. Pay." He walks away angrily. You ignore the comment and look back at Scott, grabbing his hand. You ask him, "What was that? I've never seen you so angry before.." Before answering, Scott pulls you away to an empty classroom, and starts crying. "I-I was worried.. A-About you.." "What? Me? Why?" "I-I was.. A-Afraid that.. You w-were g-gonna hit him.. A-A-And get in troub-ble.. And th-then they would have c-called your mom.. And you w-would've gotten i-in even more trouble.. And then sh-she would b-blame us, a-and.. A-A-And..." You wrap your arms around him and let him cry into your shoulder. You tell him, "Shhh.. It's okay.. Calm down.. Thank you for stopping me." You pull away from him and look into his eyes as you cup his face in your hands. "Are you sure you're ready to be here? Don't you think you should have more time off?" He wipes the tears from his eyes. "I.. No, I want to be here. I've missed a lot of school already, I can't miss more.." The bell rings, dismissing everyone to class. You plant a kiss on Scott's forehead. "Alright, I believe you.. Just make sure to go home if you need to, and don't forget I'm always here for you if you ever need me. Okay? Remember, you're not alone." He nods his head, "Okay." You hug him tightly one more time before you go to your lockers and classes.