Spencer was quick to scramble to his feet and hide behind his older friend, unabashedly clinging to the back of his shirt as he peeked out at the older boys from behind Ned with tears in his wide hazel eyes. They left, not without a few mocking comments at both of them, and Spencer hugged Ned tight around the middle, burying his face in his chest. “Thanks for p-protecting me,” he whispered, his high-pitched little voice clearly afraid, but also relieved. He was so glad he had friends to come to his rescue now.