𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙸-𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙾𝙴𝚂

Chapter 4

Y/n turned on the flashlight that he tied to the end of a short rope as a sort of makeshift ceiling light. His eyes trailed to his backpack but decided to put off homework for later. He held out his hand, watching as little flames began to dance on his palm. The small flames began to form into a bird. The light from the flame was reflected in his eyes, making them seem as though they were glowing. He watched the bird fly around on his palm. It somehow calmed him down, seeing that little bird fly. Its wings made of fire moved through the air so beautifully. There was a gracefulness to it.

The sight made him smile. Made him forget what caused his sadness. Even if it was just for a moment. The bird soon faded away until it was no more. His smile faltered. He lowered his hand and grabbed his backpack. It was getting late out and he didn't want to worry Blind Al too much. He slid down on the rope, landing on the soft leaves and grass below. He wrapped it around the branch and tied it. The h/c-haired boy began making his way home, his footsteps quiet. As soon as he opened the door, he was engulfed in a hug.

He was stunned by the sudden gesture. He heard sobbing and looked up to see Weasel. "I'm sorry!"

"Uncle Weasel..."

Weasel bent down to properly hug him. Y/n's hands pat the man's back in a comforting manner. Weasel pulled back. "I'm sorry that I didn't believe you. Just-- please don't run away like that. You worried me so much...!"

Y/n couldn't seem to find the words to answer him. Weasel took his silence as a sign that the boy was still angry. "I can't do anything about your suspension, Y/n, but I won't treat these next two weeks as a punishment. After everything that you've seemed to endure, I will reward you."

"Reward me...?"

Weasel was happy that Y/n finally answered him. Just as he was about to speak again, he was hit on the head. "Ack!"

"Is that how you parent a child?!"

Weasel let go of Y/n to rub his head. Blind Al sighed. "Come here, baby. Give old Nana a hug."

Y/n stepped closer, hugging Blind Al. He found comfort in her arms. "It's not right to reward a child under these circumstances, but I did hear you kicked his ass. That true?"

Y/n didn't answer that question. Blind Al chuckled. "Your Uncle Weasel is right. These two weeks you have off will be a vacation! Of course, Weasel's paying for all of it."

"Thanks, Nana..." The boy muttered.

"No problem, Sugar. Now, head on upstairs and get yourself cleaned up. Dinner's waiting."

"Okay."

She let go, feeling Y/n leave her arms. Weasel watched as the h/c-ette headed upstairs. "I can't believe he's already in middle school... It feels like only yesterday...Y/n was a baby."

"Kids grow up fast. Wade's slowly losing his place. I'd say it's too late to be a father. I bet on my life that Y/n no longer sees that man as family."

Weasel sighed. "I hate to say it...but you're right. Wade's my best friend, but...I can't believe he'd really abandon his kid like this. Y/n...deserves a lot better."

--

The sun began shining in through the cracks of the blinds. The light woke Y/n up. He began to stir until he eventually gave in and opened his eyes. He sat up, staring at his wall for a second before tossing the blanket off of his body. He got off the bed and decided to head downstairs. The smell of food wafted in the air, tempting him to go to the kitchen. As he made it to the bottom of the stairs, the front door swung open. He was met by a tipsy-looking Wade. Y/n was disgusted by the stench of alcohol the man carried with him.

He suddenly didn't feel so hungry. "What the *hic* hell...! A-Are you *hic* doing here?" Wade said with a slur. "Aren't you *hic* supposed to...! Be at *hic* school?"

Y/n's eyebrows furrowed. "Why do you care?"

Wade grew a little irritated at the response. "Don't *hic* talk to me that *hic* way!"

Y/n attempted to get past him, only for Wade to push him back. The boy winced in pain when his back made contact with the steps. "I *hic* asked you a damn *hic* question! A-Answer it!"

Y/n tried to give an answer, but he was feeling shocks of pain course through his body. Loud footsteps were heard. "Wade!"

"Damn *hic* brat!"

Weasel pushed Wade to the side. "Leave him alone, Wade! You're drunk!"

"Brat needs to *hic* l-learn some manners!"

"Wade, get the fuck out! Just leave! I'm getting tired of your ass!"

Weasel pushed Wade out through the front door. "I'm not *hic* g-getting kicked out *hic* from my own house--"

Weasel slammed the door shut, ignoring Wade's pounding from the other side. He bent down. "Are you okay?"

Y/n didn't answer. He turned his head away from the man in front of him. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner--"

"You always apologize..."

"Huh?"

Y/n looked back up at him, his e/c eyes glossy. The boy shook his head and got up on his own, heading to the kitchen. His hands tightened into fists. He sat down at the table and hid his face in his arms.

I hate it here...

--

"Al, where's Y/n? Have you seen him?

"I'm blind, you ass! Of course, I haven't seen him!"

"Well, did you hear him or something?"

"What a stupid question! Yes, I heard him go upstairs."

"Thanks!"

Weasel headed upstairs and knocked on Y/n's door. "Y/n?"

There was no answer. He called out again. Still no answer. His hand reached for the doorknob. The door opened, revealing an empty and silent room, with Y/n nowhere to be seen. "What the hell, Y/n...? You're in middle school, for god's sake..." Weasel muttered with a sigh.

He headed back downstairs. "Al, he's not upstairs."

"He's not?"

"Where does he go?"

He heard Al sigh. "You gotta understand, Weasel. Y/n's growing up. He's having problems. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how much a blind old lady can do. He's coping the only way he knows how."

"Being alone..."