Hold Me Close

Drowning of Pain.

"Sapphire!"

She turned as he jogged over, slightly out of breath. She gave a warm smile as he caught his breath.

"You good?" He nodded rather weakly. They headed to class before he spoke.

"I was wondering if I could stay over." She glanced at him. "There's a little bit of struggle at home and I want to stay out of the house-" She smiled.

"I'll text my mom, but I'm sure it will be fine." He thanked her for that before they entered the classroom.

~~~

Ruby was glad he packed some spare clothes since Sapphire got the ok. He joined her as they arrived at her place. Her mother greeted him before showing him where the guest bedroom was. He thanked both before Sapphire helped him get settled.

Later, he overheard the two females talking. Clearly they shared sharp senses with what they were talking about.

"Is he suicidal?"

"I know why you're asking. I don't know. I do know he's had those bandages for a few days now." He paused as her mother hummed.

"Abusive family?"

"He did mention that there were problems at home. So maybe."

"Do you know much about his family?"

"No, but from what I overheard from the Competition teacher, his mother's not a nice person."

"It would be funny if she ended up in a body bag."

"If you say that any louder, it might actually happen."

"I'll defend you in court."

Ruby was taken aback by that. Pardon?

"There's a performance at school on Monday. His family might be there."

"Casually dives to them like a hawk."

"You would. Dad would flee the scene while you falcon dive in."

"It's a bad habit. You do it too."

"Yes, but I do it because you do it. I am your child after all."

"Curses."

Ruby gulped softly. Were they comfortable with him? Or was it just because last time Sapphire was busy helping him last time?

"Here's the plan. Monday, if anything is out of place, we hawk dive."

"Falcon."

"Same thing."

"Falcons are faster. That's the difference."

"Oh- Ok. Got it."

"Mother-"

"Sorry. I'm a lawyer. There's a big difference between me and your father." He could hear Sapphire's sigh.

"So... Monday?"

"Monday."

~~~

When it came time for dinner, he was surprised by the size of the meal. Sapphire giggled at her mother's reaction to his own.

"Sorry. It's a bad habit of mine when there's guests." Sapphire smiled.

"Don't worry, mom. Dad'll swoop in like an owl and steal whatever is left. Whether he eats it or gives it to his co-workers is another question in itself."

Her mother smiled as he sat down. They didn't force him to eat too much since he didn't have much of an appetite, but he did get enough bravery to ask for the recipe of the vegetable dish. She smiled.