(it’s all good!)
Levi grinned as he noticed the same kid who he liked to pick on best. The boy was an easy target, considering the crutch, and his mouth made him an interesting one as well. Considering August was hiding, and so were his loser friends, if they could even be considered August’s friends at all. Levi sauntered over to the boy with the crutch—Bensen—though he never bothered to call the kid by his actual name.
“Hey gimpy,” Levi taunted, sidling up next to the unfortunate boy. “How’s your leg feel today?” It was obvious that it wasn’t a genuine question. The sour, sarcastic tone made it clear that replies would be mocked as well. He leered at the much smaller kid, trying his best to make his average height seem taller.
Ben would recognize that disgustingly familiar voice anywhere. He frowned, but it didn't last long before it faded and he merely shrugged. "Oh, you know, as screwed up as usual," he replied, glaring up at the unwelcome boy. "But still more operational than your brain, I'm sure." He narrowed his eyes and offered an insincere smile, practically seething sarcasm. Since running from his bullies was never an option– figuratively or literally– he had decided a long time ago never to try. He had also promised himself he'd try to watch his mouth and keep the peace, but he never intended to keep that promise when he made it anyway, so he felt no guilt breaking it. "Too bad they don't make a crutch for that, huh?"
“As usual, your sarcasm amuses me,” Levi responded. “I’ll have you know my brain is extremely capable, loser. I’m on the honor roll, so what have you to say to that?” Levi leered at the kid, his hands on his hips as he studied the boy like an insect he was intending to squish. And that’s just what Levi wanted to do—squish this kid’s spirit. In a way, it was almost a fun little game for him; how long until Bensen’s smart mouth shuts up? How long until he can’t take it anymore?
Ben snorted. He wouldn't give Levi the pleasure of knowing that he was intimidated, and he most certainly didn't have any intention of backing down. "That this school really needs to raise their standards. If you're the brains around here, we're all doomed."
“Because you’re so much smarter?” Levi countered, looking almost bored at Ben’s taunts. They did bother him, but Levi was a good actor. “And here I thought you couldn’t choose insults that are any more generic. This is your last warning to shut up your fat mouth, crip.” Levi almost didn’t want Bensen to shut up, which was good for him, since the kid probably wouldn’t. Despite everything, Levi did have to admit that Bensen was a fighter. Unlike me, added the voice in his head, which he did his best to tamp down.
"Huh. Didn't know my mouth was any fatter than anybody else's. But I guess yours gets a constant workout since you run it non-stop." As if to emphasize his point, Bensen raised one hand and use it to mimic the movement of Levi's mouth. He snorted. "Seriously, man. Don't you ever get tired of barking at everyone?"
Levi glared at him. “All right, you asked for it,” he responded, going in to punch Bensen in the nose. “I’m getting tired of your whining.”
Bensen flinched back, but he wasn't actually fast enough, and Levi socked him pretty good. He stumbled back and nearly lost balance, tears flooding his eyes— though they were completely involuntary, the stupid natural reaction the body had to getting punched in the nose. His hand reflexively went to his face— more to hide the fact that he was on the verge of very unwanted crying than because of his real pain. That said, his pain was real, and the fact that Levi was more than capable of causing him more pain was also very real— but common sense did not win the day, and anger did, as heat flushed to his face and he forcefully swung his crutch at Levi's knee in retaliation.
Levi blinked, not expecting the hit, and didn’t react fast enough as the crutch hit him straight in the knee. He howled in pain, clutching his knee and glaring at Bensen. “You little—“ he began, not able to think of a suitable insult. He would’ve thought the whole exchange almost comical if not the pain in his knee and the burning, masochistic sense that he deserved it. Before he could throw the next punch, he noticed the principal walk into the hallway and threw one last glare at Bensen before turning away. “I’m going to make you pay for that, crip. Watch your back.” Then he turned and walked away, not quite able to hide the fact that he was favoring his other leg.
(Sorry I've been so inactive for the past 4 months! Life is crazy.)
(it’s totally fine! i’ve kinda been on and off myself)
