The City (Merome AU)

10

~*Jerome*~

I watch Benja's retreating form as it disappears within the swarming crowd, and I feel something I've never felt before. Can I even describe this feeling to somebody? No, I don't think I can.

The crowd is rapidly growing larger, calling my name, asking if I'm alright. I can't respond; I can't move. I'm frozen. Why does he want to protect me so badly?

"Mr. Aceti." I was finally drawn back to reality by the sound of Abby's voice. "What happened here?"

"I-I..." I take a deep breath. "I don't know." The crowd went through a wave of emotion at my response.

"Everyone! Back to your daily lives! Mr. Aceti is fine," Abby orders in a loud, clear voice. "That goes for you too Jerome, and get that scratch on your cheek looked at while you're at it." She mutters to me as the crowd dissipates. My hand reaches up and touches my cheek where the knife had cut me, causing it to sting.

"Right."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After Grandma fussed over the cut and whether or not it needed stitches, I calmly put a bandage over it. "Grandma, it's going to be a scar no matter what I do with it." I state, turning to look at her. "It was from a wastelander's knife."

"Not if it had stitches!" She exclaims, standing up.

"The cut isn't deep enough for stitches Grandma. Relax, the bleeding stopped on my way over here."

"Where was that Benjamin friend of yours when this happened? He could have protected you like last time!" Thank you for bringing up Benja. I just wanted to forget about him for a little while...

"I was protecting him," I mutter, walking toward the stairs.

"What do you mean?! Can't he protect himself? I don't want you to get killed like your father did." I freeze mid-step and sigh.

"You promised never to bring him up," I mutter, closing my eyes.

"I only want you to be safe, Jerome. You're exactly like your father. Reckless. You're going to get yourself killed if you keep going like this!"

"My father and I are two different people, Grandma." I state, opening my eyes agin. "I think you forget that sometimes." With that, I walk upstairs not waiting to hear her response.

~*Woofless*~

That city boy... He isn't normal... The look in his eyes when I pointed the knife at his face... It wasn't fear; it was determination. I growl and throw my knife, lodging it into a wall. If anyone was nearby, they definitely aren't now. I'm going to kill that kid... But first I need to figure out Benja's real name. Then he won't be able to stop me...

Standing up, I walk over to the wall and pull the knife out of it. The hole was clean, but not perfect. I'm going to have to work on that.

~*Mitch*~

People stare as I pass, but I don't really care. They know I'm from the wasteland. They all know now. My mind can't veer away from how Jerome stood up to Woofless. How he showed no fear as he looked toward the killer. No reaction when he was cut with the knife. Nothing. He acts as if this wasn't the first time his life has been threatened. I hope that isn't the case... Wait, why do I care? He's a suicidal city brat. Why should I care if he lives or not?

It's not like he's ever going to know who I am anyways...

"Excuse me sir," I look down to see a child tugging on my, wait, Jerome's shirt. "Can you help me?"

"What do you need help with?" I ask, crouching down to his height.

"My daddy is sick, and I can't herd my family's boars alone. Can you help me please?"

"Why didn't you ask anyone else to help?"

"Because you don't look busy." I look at the kid and sigh. I guess he's right...

"You're very observant kid," I say, ruffling his hair. "But I don't think you'd want help from someone like me."

"I know you're from the wasteland. My mommy is too. That's why people don't usually help us..."

"Your mother eh?" He nods. "Fine. I'll help. But I better get some payment out of it." A smile grows on the boy's face and he nods enthusiastically.

"Thank you sir!" He grabs my hand and pulls me toward where he wants me to go. I really hope this isn't a trap... But if it isn't, at least it'll get my brain off of Jerome for a while...

Besides, how hard can herding boars be? They're just dumb animals who like to run.