"We could at least get the police or something. Asshole like that deserves nothing better than prison. Look at the bruises and scars on this poor kid." Marco gently rolled up Lucas's sleeve to see the bruises on his upper arms. "God knows there's more of them."
Skye nodded, "I know, but that'd risk a lot for us too remember? We're both wanted for petty theivry, and evasion of the authorities.."
(Marco taught Skye how to steal to survive on the streets, both have stolen food, first aid kits, clothing, and basic necessities when needed.)
(Oofen)
"True… what do we do, then? I can tell Lucas ain't going to do shit about it. He's terrified out of his mind."
Skye sighed, "I don't think there's much we can do, though we'll definitely have a problem if his dad comes for him."
"Is his dad looking for him? If that bastard comes here I'll be wanted for more than thievery, if you know what I mean."
"His dad might look for him…" said Skye quietly, still cuddling the other.
"I'm surprised he's so okay with you holding him like that. Must be the soulmate thing. I think he trusts you."
Skye nodded, "Yeah… well… he kinda ran into me and passed out… so…" he shrugged.
"Oh… makes sense." Skye's arm bumped against Lucas's chest and he flinched a bit in his sleep. "I think his chest's hurting him too.."
Skye frowned, carefully moving to lie the other down on his back. Then he carefully pulled the other's shirt up to check for injuries.
There were dozens of bruises and scars on Lucas's chest, some of them fresh. "No wonder he wears that hoodie all the time… this bruise is really dark. Do you think there's something up with his ribs?" Marco pointed out a particularly deep bruise near the bottom of Lucas's ribcage.
Skye frowned, gently, ever so carefully running his fingers over the bruise.
Lucas flinched again before relaxing a bit, still sleeping. "Yeah, that's not normal. Honestly, he probably needs medical attention, but we couldn't get him there safely. Not to mention we're completely broke. Got any idea how to fix this?"
Skye shook his head, "Unfortunately I don……." he trailed off for a moment, "Hey don't you remember that old man on Marlin street? The one with the weird shop?" he asked.
(Said guy sells herbs, medications, and tends to help street kids in return for errands, and other minor jobs.)
"Oh, yeah! He might have something to help. We might as well go now." Marco stood up and dusted himself off. "You carry Lucas and I'll make sure we don't get seen." He walked out the door and made sure there was no one there before gesturing for Skye to follow.
Skye nodded, scooping the other up gently, before following Marco's lead.
"Alright, he's just over this way." They ducked through a few alleys until they found the man's door and went inside. (Do you want to play old man 'lemme give you drugs'?)
(He won't give them drugs. He refuses to harm kids, the reason Skye suggested him is cause he's known to help them as long as they're willing to show respect, and a will to end up better than a homeless street thief.)
Skye held his soulmate gently, careful not to harm him further.
A voice sounded from further in the old man's shop, which held everything from cacti to a kazoo.
(Yeah I know lol)
Lucas stirred a bit, but didn't really wake up. "Hey, we need some help here, sir!"
An old, bone thin man in gray overalls came out of the many shelves. "Whaddya need?" he grunted.
Skye watched him carefully, recognizing the crotchtey old geezer.
"This kid's in a bad situation and we need to figure out the extent of his injuries." Marco helped Skye lay Lucas down on a table. "Abusive father and shit. We think there might be something wrong with his ribs."
Skye watched as the man looked him over, "He unconscious?" he asked.
"No sir… just asleep… apparently he hadn't slept in awhile either.."
Lucas opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar place with a strange man and panicked. He fell off the table and retreated into a corner, trying to control his breathing. "Hey, hey, Lucas… calm down… he's here to help." Marco knelt beside Lucas, doing his best to get him to stop hyperventilating and failing miserably.
Skye was imediately at his side, "Calm down.. it's okay.." he held out his arms, offering another hug, to try and be the other's shield.
Lucas hugged Skye, but he couldn't help but look up at the old man. He reminded him of his father a bit and he shivered, hiding his face in Skye's shoulder. Marco quietly explained his understanding of the situation to the old man.