Anything But Toxic (Atticus x Reader)

The Poison Boy Used Protect!

< Tw: bullying (sorry, not really sure how these work, but I just don't want to upset anyone, just in case. Just wanted to A. provide reason for a small plot point, and B. raise some awareness on the effects of bullying, and how supporting those who are/were bullied is important) >

<Atticus's POV (third person)> As he scrambled to grab his things and hurry out the door, Professor Hassel whispered something in Atticus's ear.

  "If you really like them that much, you should try to spend time with them. Maybe ask them out on a date," Hassel whispered cheekily, and Atticus became flustered.

  "Wh-what?! W-whatever gave you that idea?!" He blurted, looking incredibly embarrassed, but not denying anything. Hassel chuckled and motioned out the doorway that Y/n had just left.

  "Your crush is quite evident. And judging by the way that they reacted, I have a hunch they might like you too!" Hassel said, smiling. Atticus diverted his attention to his shoes again.

  "does't thou really think so?" He asked quietly. Hassel just chuckled and motioned to the door.

  "You're gonna miss your next class if you don't hurry," he said, and Atticus nodded, running out the door.

  His question remained unanswered.

<Y/n's POV (second person)> You ran down the hall, almost overshooting past the biology classroom as you sprinted. As you course-correct, someone snickers, and you spin around to see who it is. A boy in a blue jacket and a green hat pointing at you and laughing with his friends seems to be the offender, and your ears turn slightly pink.

  "Going somewhere, ninja?" He says, and his friends snicker. You were somewhat known around the campus for being a ninja, given that on the weekends when you didn't need to wear your uniform, you were occasionally spotted running around campus in your ninja outfit. You didn't want to speak to this boy, so you entered the classroom. You sat at your seat, and he immediately sat behind you. All throughout the lesson, him and his friends pestered you, throwing small objects at the back of your head. They kept whispering and chuckling behind you, and though you managed to tune out most of their antics. A few of the other kids in the class noticed, and a few joined in the whispering and laughter. Professor Jacq also noticed, and started frowning at them, and shooting you sympathetic looks every so often. At the end of class, he pulled you and the kid in the green hat aside, and gave him a stern talking-to.

  "Why were you and your crew harassing Y/n?" He asked, his hands on his hips like a supportive uncle. "From my understanding, you started this, and encouraged your group to pick on them! That's not alright! You need to apologize and stop doing this!" He scolded. The kid with the green hat scowled, and reluctantly apologized, then left the room, casting you a final dirty look before disappearing down the hallway. You sighed, and looked at your shoes dejectedly.

  "Hey, if they ever pick on you again, come and tell me," Jacq said gently, placing a hand on your shoulder. "And if they ever lay hands on you, me and Arcanine won't hesitate to teach them a thorough lesson," he said firmly, then sighed. "You should get to your next class," he said. You nodded, and left the room. As you walked down the hallway, you noticed the group from before waiting for you up ahead, the green hat boy looking even more angry than before, and his buddies didn't look too pleased either. You paled, and started trying to walk down a different hallway to your next class, but it was too late, and they had already noticed you and were approaching quickly. You stood your ground, because while you hated confrontation, and didn't want to deal with the consequences of a fight, you also weren't running from these rellor balls. As they approached, from behind you, Atticus walked up.

  "Hey, ninja! Looks like you got another loser ninja friend!" Green hat shouted down the hallway, and Atticus turned, a look of pure fury flashing through the one eye that was visible, before completely disappearing, though there was still a savage glint in his eye.

  "What kind of outfit is that? Who even wears purple, pink, green, and orange? My eyes are burning from here!" The nasty excuse for a person shouted, and his friends began cackling.

  "Thou art wearing neon green, neon blue, and brown pants, and thou think my taste is eye-burning? Art thou colorblind, or art thou a hypocrite?" Atticus spoke in such a snide tone that you couldn't help but snicker quietly. Apparently, you weren't quiet enough, and green hat looks enraged.

  "You won't be laughing soon!" He shrieked, launching himself at you, forming a fist. Atticus looked momentarily surprised, then his face went stone cold. He stepped in front of you, and grabbed the boy's fist, stopping him in his tracks.

  "If thou wishes to bring harm to my comrade, thou must do so over my grave," he said, his voice ice cold, and he drew one of his pokeballs. The boy went ghostly pale, pulled away, and ran, his buddies following close behind. After a few seconds, you realized that there were several people staring and whispering, and apparently Atticus did too, because he grabbed your wrist and dragged you out to the library in the entrance hall. He sat you down in a corner that was hidden mostly from view, and he sat down beside you with a sigh.

  "Art thou alright?" He asked, and his voice was soft and gentle, like he was trying to calm a distressed pokemon. You nodded, then noticed your hands were shaking ever so slightly. Atticus frowned, and took your hand. Your stomach suddenly could have somehow won a contest for best vivillon impression.

  "Thou does not need to lie, for thee are shaking!" He said, his voice laced with concern. "We should take this up with the director," he urged, but you shook your head.

  "If they were so willing to attack because I laughed at what you said, they might try to actually hurt me if I told anyone..." You whispered, and you felt your ears turn red with shame as your internal voices called your behavior pathetic. I shouldn't have let this happen, you thought to yourself. I'm a top-trainer in Paldea, and I can't even help myself against some kid in a hat, you thought, your feelings of helplessness increasing.

  "Y/n? Are thou listening?" You shook your head to clear it, and looked up, realizing you were crying. Atticus was looking at you, his singular showing blue eye filled with worry. The two of you made eye contact for a moment before he sighed and pulled you into a hug.

  "Because thou was not paying attention, I said that if they wish to bring harm to thee, it would only happen over my grave. I will say it tenfold until thou believe it," he said softly into your ear. You relaxed into his shoulder, and your tears finally stopped.