Collin and Drake - Moments

The Meeting

A soft sigh left the boy's lips as he walked down the street on his way home. Today hadn't exactly been the best day. He had failed his test, some kid had spilled orange juice down the front of his shirt forcing him to wear his jacket for the rest of the day, and now he had to clean up his entire room by his mother's request.

The boy's name was Collin Wright, a boy living in a rich, perfect family. Both his parents were doctors and he had many siblings that all loved each other. Then he had his grandfather, the man he really looked up to. He was just such an amazing man. Collin was taking lessons from him in how to collect data on living beings. It was all quite interesting. He was more of an inventor himself, but all knowledge can be used somehow. At least in his view of things.

Once he had arrived at the large house at which he lived in, he went up to the front door. Right as his fingertips brushed the cool metal knob, he heard a strange cry from his backyard. Raising his eyebrow, Collin stepped away from the door and headed out back. What a strange sound… Was there perhaps some injured animal? He wasn't sure what else could possibly make such a noise.

He neared the entrance to the forest that started in their backyard when the sound repeated again with a mixed in snarl. Cautiously, be headed toward a certain bush. He slowly bent down and peeked through the leaves and branches. A pair of stunning, bright crystal blue eyes stared back, unblinking. He only got to see for a split second before something jumped out and pinned him down, wrapping grubby hands around his neck. Collin gasped and wrestled this thing off him. “My God…!” He cried out as he got up and managed to grab a stick, jamming it towards the creature. It kept growling and snarling at him, it's eyes seeming to be swirling with a deep crimson red.

With a gulp, he tried to look over the creature. It looked like a young boy, actually. A boy with longer, midnight black hair with many tangles. His pale skin was littered with cuts and bruises, and of course dirt. All he wore was a tan bag-like shirt — with so many tears that he wasn't even sure if he could consider it an article of clothing — that fell just past his hips a bit. “Oh...you poor thing! Okay, okay… just take a few small breaths and calm down. I promise I can help…” He said calmly as he looked at the boy. He may have tried to kill him...but perhaps he was only just misguided?

Collin stepped forward but he was only growled out. “Please? Come along with me.” He suggested to the boy and walked a few steps towards his house. The dirty boy hesitated before seeming to follow. An odd clanking followed with each step. Collin started as he saw metal cuffs tight around the boy's ankles. How long have those even been there? Ignoring it for the time being, he continued towards his house. He glanced behind him a few times to make sure the boy was actually following. He was. They got inside and he threw his backpack off. The poor boy jumped a little as he heard the thump.

His first idea was to give this boy a bath, then he could treat his wounds and get him some nicer clothing. However, he ran into his mother. She was a kind-hearted woman but if she needed to, she could definitely become a lot...scarier. “Mom! Um…” Collin gasped out as he looked at her. He hadn't expected to be caught so soon.

“Who is this boy?” She asked as her eyes examined the new boy. She gave a small sigh. “He needs to bathe…” Collin nodded in agreement to that.

“Definitely. I was going to do that now. I'll see you later!” Collin led the boy into the bathroom and started up the bath. Though he startled as the boy cried out and shook his head wildly. He certainly didn't seem to like the water. “I'm sorry...you seriously need a bath!” Once the water was filled up, he tried to undress him and get him into the water. The boy screamed and scratched at him as he tried to do so. Collin ended up calling for his mother to assist him.

It took awhile, but they managed to get him undressed and to the tub, just not in it yet. The dirty boy cried out as tears streamed down his face. “No….! No, no, no!” He screamed as he was forced into the tub. Though he immediately stopped as his body hit the water. “...warm…” he muttered softly as he stared down at the water. He moved his hand in it for a moment.

“Have you never been in warm water?” asked Collin curiously as he looked at him. The boy shook his head. “I see...have you ever actually...been cleaned? Like with soap?” Again, the boy shook his head. “Ah…” He took a washcloth and rubbed some body soap into it. He gently took it over the boy's skin. Wincing, the boy whimpered softly. Of course this would hurt with all those bruises and cuts. Though he did seem to be going along with it.

A good forty minutes passed before the boy was deemed clean. Collin helped him out and dried him off. He hadn't realised just how skinny this boy was. The outline of his ribs could even be seen. He sighed at that and sat him on the sink. “Stay here while I go get you some nice clothes.” He decided to take some of his younger brother’s clothing to let the boy borrow. Perhaps he could find him his own clothing later. The boy did seem about thirteen or so. Maybe even younger.

He returned with the clothing and helped him into them. Though his eyes widened as he thought of something. He had no idea what this boy's name even was. “If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?” The boy looked up at him.

“Drake,” he replied simply. “That's my name.” The boy adjusted the clothing and stepped down from the sink. Collin hummed and took one of the hair brushes that was under the sink, smiling to him. He turned the boy around and began to gently brush through his wild hair. He was surprised by the thickness of it.

Collin gave a small hum once he finished. “Well then, Drake, it's nice to meet you. You can call me Collin. Now, this all may sting but it's only to help you. I promise.” He assured the boy as he took out his medical kit. Surprisingly, Drake didn't seem to protest as his wounds were treated. Perhaps he had already chosen to trust Collin?

Finishing up, he led Drake into the spare room that they usually let guests use. Well, he was a guest. “You can stay in here, okay? I'm going to bring you some food.” Collin headed off once more and returned with quite a lot for the boy to eat. He didn't know what he would even like. Though that didn't seem to matter as the boy scarfed it all down immediately.

“Woah... you must've been seriously hungry...dang.” He smiled a little at the boy. Admittedly, he was actually quite adorable. With some love and treatment, he could seriously be cute. Possibly even handsome. “Hm...well, I think I'm going to get some rest. You should do the same.” Tucking him in, he kissed the top of his head. “Sleep well, Drake.”

A couple of hours passed since Collin had fallen asleep before Drake woke with a start. He had tears streaming down his face and a pillow hugged tightly to his chest. It was practically as big as he was. Shakily, the boy got up and walked himself to Collin's room, the pillow still glued to his chest. He whimpered and knocked on the door, slowly pushing it open with a long creak. “C—Coll...lin?” He asked softly as he looked at him. Collin gave a small whine and opened his eyes.

He gave a small sigh as he saw the boy. “Aw...poor thing. Come up here.” He patted his bed and waited. Drake headed over to him and sniffled, crawling up onto the bed. The small boy slipped underneath the blankets. Collin turned around to face him, wrapping his arms around the boy and pulling him close. He smiled as he felt tiny arms slip around him as well. He only watched as the boy sniffled and nuzzled into his chest, gradually falling asleep. Once he seemed to be sleeping, Collin joined him. The two remained like this for the rest of the night, only pleasant dreams surrounding them. A faint smile hinted on Drake's lips as he stayed cuddled up to Collin. This was the first time in his entire life that he had been able to smile that that. A smile of pure contentment.