forum The Strangers in the Palace (Closed)(Fantasy)

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

Honey recoiled when he felt their hand and nearly slammed his head into a bedpost. His breathing was becoming increasingly shallow and ragged. He tore a hand through his hair so hard that Arquis thought he was gonna hurt himself. And then he grimaced because he’d used the wrong hand, and he slumped over, which only hurt his ribs.

“Honey, please,” Arquis begged. He didn’t want to touch him, not after his previous reaction, but he was terrified that Honey was going to wound himself further.

Honey rapidly shook his head. “You can’t- damnit, you can’t tell anyone. It’s not a big deal. Okay? You can’t. I’ll do anything you want. Anything.”

Rin immediately backed off, wincing at the realization that their automatic urge for physical comfort was just causing Honey more stress. "I'm sorry." they breathed, but at Honey's words, they shook their head. "No, we…I…it is a big deal. Honey, if it was consensual, then…then that's fine, it's…not ideal, but if there's consent then it's fine, but if there wasn't…Honey, you have to tell someone." his heart was breaking. "And you don't…we don't want anything, Honey. I promise. Not money, and not…not anything else, either." they could still remember Honey's words from earlier.

(pretty big warning on this one just in case)

“If I said I wanted it, then everything’s fine, yeah? Then I did. I wanted it.” Honey straightened up, his arm dangling at an odd angle. His lips twisted to the side. They quivered faintly. He looked away, and then, as if trying to convince himself, repeated, “I wanted it. I did.”

“Oh, Honey,” Arquis said sadly. He hadn’t been convinced that it was consensual before, but now he knew that it was not.

“I’m fine! I’m fine. I’m always fine. Nothing new. Just gotta pull myself together. Not the worst I’ve had. I’ll be fine. I will. It’s just a lot, y’know? Too much. Shit! Shit, it’s too much. Why is it too much? I’ve had it so much worse. Shit!”

He was starting to hyperventilate. Arquis, worried, did the first thing he could think of. He grabbed the blanket off the floor and held it out. Honey took it wordlessly, pushed his face into it, and let out a loud, hoarse sob. It was honestly more of a scream than a sob, the kind that ripped its way out of the throat. When it was finally over, he was still breathing heavily, but it seemed to have taken a lot out of him. His eyes were wet. He was shaking all over.

“I thought he was gonna kill me,” he whispered. “He was so mad. I thought I was gonna die.”

"That's not what I meant." Rin said helplessly at Honey's words about "wanting it". He hadn't meant it was all fine, just that if it was consensual then…then…then whatever, but…he shook his head very faintly, inhaling at Honey's scream. They felt helpless now, useless. He didn't know what to do, how to help. "I'm sorry." they said quietly. They wanted to reach out and comfort but from the way Honey had reacted before, they knew it wouldn't go over well. "Can…is there any…" they stammered for a moment. "Can I hug you? Or something? Would that…is that okay?"

Honey covered his face again and didn’t move. A minute passed, then two, then three. Arquis was about to check his pulse to make sure he hadn’t passed out when he finally lifted his head. There were tear streaks down his cheeks, and his expression was almost unbearable to look at. Raw. Hurt. Afraid, still so afraid, like any moment Arquis or Rin would change their mind and push him down.

“Please don’t touch me.” It stung how much he didn’t sound like himself. His words were fast and quiet, like he was afraid if he didn’t get them out quick enough then he’d be punished. And they were so, so shaky.

“We will not, Honey. Not if you do not want us to.” As if to prove the authenticity of what he’d said, Arquis took a step back.

Honey nodded and tucked his knees to his chin. He was clutching his blanket like it was a life preserver. His eyes weren’t quite looking at anything.

“I’m gonna tell you what happened. ‘Cause I really think you need to know. But please-” He broke off as another sob hit him. “Please don’t be mad at me. I tried so hard.”

"I won't." Rin promised, stepping back just a little bit, fidgeting their hands together for just a moment. "I'm sorry." at Honey's words, his shoulders slumped. "We would never be mad at you, Honey. I…I know you tried, and we would never be mad at you." he glanced over at Arquis, reaching out to take his hand. He just wanted something to hold onto, something to help ground them. They knew this was about Honey, about what had happened to him, but they needed something to ground themself while listening.

(major warning again it isn’t super graphic or violent but just in case anyone happens upon it—it’s really sad so just be cautious)

Arquis gave Rin’s hand a soft squeeze and sent them an equally soft look. If they needed to step out of the room at any point, he could talk to Honey alone. He didn’t want him to risk their own health, even if it was for something so important.

Honey saw their handholding. He made a noise like he’d been stabbed and sunk into himself even further. His face was so wet with tears at this point that it shone in the candlelight.

“I was bringing people food,” he gasped when he finally caught his breath, then squeezed his good eye shut. “And there was this guy. Before I got to your room, there was this guy, and he seemed really nice, right? He was so polite, but he- he asked about you. The married couple. He wanted to know if I could- if I would take a message. To you. And you’d said that- you’d said that you wanted to keep things private, and I didn’t know if he was- I didn’t think he was after you, but I didn’t know, y’know?”

Arquis had a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had a sudden suspicion that the man had been the one they’d run into in the hallway. The one who’d tried to flirt with Rin. Who’d been so odd and confident, so mildly threatening.

“So I told him no, that you guys were monogamous and weren’t taking suitors, but then he- he said that was fine. He seemed so nice. I really thought he was nice. He told me he’d like to see me again, and I- damnit, he seemed so polite and lonely, so I said I’d do it. And I went back, and he was really, really good for a while, right? We ate and he was so- I thought he was so respectful, so I said I’d stay a while longer, and he asked if I wanted something to drink, and I’d never say no to a drink, ‘cause it was free, right? And I had a drink and then another and then more and I lost count because he was so funny, and then he- he said he wanted to-”

Honey gagged again. Thankfully, he managed to keep it down, but it took him a moment to compose himself. Arquis whispered that he didn’t have to keep going, but he said that needed to.

“He was too drunk to- y’know how men get, when they’ve had too much, and I told him that it was alright. I was so tired, and I really, really just wanted to sleep, ‘cause I was so drunk. But he kept trying, and then he got mad and just- just lost it. And he was screaming- he wouldn’t stop screaming. I can’t remember a lot of it, but he said such- such bad shit, and I was crying cause he’d screwed up my back and my neck, and then he just- in the eye, and in the chest, and- and- and it was so bad. But I got away. I did, ‘cause he passed out eventually. And I came here, ‘cause you’d been so nice to me, but now I’ve ruined your day and I’m such a mess and I can’t even pay you back ‘cause he didn’t pay me shit.”

( D: it's making me very sad, poor Honey)

Rin swallowed faintly, coming to the same realization as Arquis. This was probably the same man and that made it worse, somehow. Worse, because they'd been flirting with Rin in such a weird way, and…and he had no doubt that probably they would have been on the receiving end of the abuse, if the man had succeeded in getting ahold of them, and they hated that this had happened at all. "I'm so sorry." they breathed, running a hand through their hair. "And you don't…Honey, we told you last night that you don't have to pay us back. At all. In any way, Honey. Not with coin, and not with your body, either." they let go of Arquis's hand to pour himself some water, taking a sip to help steady his nerves. "Do you want some water?" they asked Honey, setting their cup aside and taking a deep breath. "And…and like I said, it's not…it's not your fault, Honey. You thought he was nice. You thought he was a good guy and it isn't your fault that he tricked you. It isn't your fault that he…that he hurt you because he couldn't get it up."

(you know I was the one who wrote it and it also made me really sad, this part is gonna pass eventually but man is it rough)

Honey slammed his good hand down on his knee, aggressively shaking his head. “You don’t get it! I knew I shouldn’t have stayed later, but I did it anyways, and I knew I shouldn’t have started drinking, but I did it anyways, and I knew- I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. But I couldn’t keep my damn mouth shut, and that was- was why he-”

“Honey,” Arquis said quietly, “it is exactly as Rin said. He did not hurt you because you wanted to leave and get some sleep. He hurt you because he wanted to hurt you. It is entirely his fault.”

“But I- but-"

“He is a vile person that abused your trust and took advantage of you. You are a good person that was trying to protect us. You did not want what happened, and you did not deserve it, either.”

At all the praise, Honey started bawling. It was different than the silent, shaking crying he’d done earlier, different than the loud sob that had torn its way from his chest. He was hiccuping and wiping his nose on the sleeve of the shirt, which he tried to apologize for but couldn’t because he couldn't speak at all. He cried so hard that he nearly threw up again, and when the fit finally ended, he had broken blood vessels all around his non-swollen eye.

Honey didn’t look at either of them for a while. He didn’t say anything. He just wrapped himself up in the blanket and breathed.

“Well. That made my headache worse,” was what he finally said. It was clearly meant to be a joke, but Arquis didn’t laugh.

“Is there anything you need right now? Water, like Rin said? Or- or we could get you something to eat, I believe there is some bread left.”

“If… I changed my mind? About the hug?” He sniffed and laughed tearily. “You don’t gotta, I know I’m all- I’m all gross now, but it just- I think I need someone to just- just say that I did good. For once in my screwed up, sorry waste of a life, just say I did good. And hug me, and please, just don’t touch me anywhere else, I can’t. I can’t.”

(dude it's a sign of excellent writing, take it as a compliment, but goddamn you're making my heart hurt)

Rin almost started to cry when Honey did, taking a few deep breaths and having to look away so that he could get his own emotions under control, because he knew what this felt like. He knew what it felt like to be sobbing so hard because of what a terrible person had done to you, he knew how much it hurt when you had internalized so much only to be told it wasn't your fault to begin with. He took another steadying breath, looking over at Honey and nodding faintly. "Of course you can have a hug." they stepped closer, carefully wrapping their arms around Honey's shoulders. The hug was featherlight, and easy to break out of should Honey decide he no longer wanted it. "You did perfectly, Honey. You did the best you could do. You protected Arquis and I, and then you were abused by an angry, vile man who thought he could do whatever he wanted to you just because he was angry and you were there. You have done nothing wrong."

(aw thank you! I mean also sorry but mostly thank you! you’re a fantastic writer yourself!!)

Honey still flinched when they hugged him, but rather than pull away, he leaned into the embrace. He was much too tired to cry any longer; he’d shed all the tears he could possibly shed. He felt like a wrung out towel, used and thrown aside. But their kindness still made him want to weep, even though he couldn’t any longer. The thought that he’d done nothing wrong was destroying him from the inside out.

Arquis slowly sat on the bed on the other side of Honey. He took his time so that the man could feel the weight of the comforter shift. In a gentle manner, he asked if he had permission to hug him as well, and Honey gave it. He very gingerly wrapped his arm around them. It was a bit hard at first, finding a spot that wouldn’t irritate his scratches but also wouldn’t overlap with or bump Rin’s arm, but he managed.

“You are so courageous, Honey, and you care so much about those around you. Yet you treat yourself so harshly. Your life is not a waste. You have done so well. So, so well. And I am sorry that other people have decided to harm you, but Rin is correct. None of it is your fault. You did not deserve any of it.”

“But I went to his room-”

“Honey, you were looking out for him. You thought he was lonely. You didn’t know.” Arquis felt his power surge in his mind. He wanted to find the man that had done this to Honey, and he wanted to steal every bit of air left in his pathetic lungs. But he wasn’t going to leave Honey’s side. Besides, anger wasn’t what he needed at that moment.

Honey tugged Rin onto the bed with them and shifted so that they were all kind of hugging each other. A big, messy group hug. Arquis smiled sadly at his partner over Honey’s head, trying to comfort them. He gave them a squeeze on the shoulder before turning back to the blonde.

“Are you gonna tell Lovey?” Honey mumbled. “I really don’t want her to know. About this time, or any of the others.”

(np! thanks!)

"None of this is your fault." Rin repeated. "And…" they returned Arquis's glance, then moved his attention back to Honey. "Honey…she should know. Someone should know, so that anyone who has hurt you is kicked out." they let out a slow breath. "You don't…we won't tell anyone if you really don't want us to, but you should, at least, tell your sister." he kept gently holding onto Honey, sitting beside him. "Please. If she's a good person– and as far as I know, she is –then she will not blame you either, and should help you." he hesitated for a long moment, then added, "I know what…I know what this feels like. I know, Honey, that…that you want to blame yourself because if you aren't to blame in some way then why did you stay? I know what that feels like, and…and it's not your fault, just as it was not ever mine." they took a deep breath, steadying themself and knowing that they might need a good cry later, but that he couldn't afford to right now. Even still, their voice trembled for a moment as they continued. "And getting help, reaching out, is the hardest thing you will ever do, because you blame yourself so much and you think everyone else will too. But, Honey, the truth is that no one should be blaming you. It isn't your fault." their ability itched to find that man and compel him to hurt himself. To make him pick up a knife and use it against himself, to jump out the window. But he wouldn't do that. He couldn't cross that line.

Honey moved away from Arquis and returned Rin’s embrace. Even after everything he’d just been put through—even though he’d literally been beaten black and blue, even though he was horribly hungover, even though he was still scared out of his mind—he wanted to comfort them. Nobody had ever spoken to him like that before. He could hear the tremor in their voice, and he needed to show Rin that he understood. He didn’t believe them yet. It still felt like his fault. There were a hundred things, he told himself, that he could’ve done to prevent the situation from happening. But he understood what they had been through on some level. He understood.

“I can’t tell her,” he replied weakly. “I don’t want her to feel bad. You- you can’t tell her I said this, but part of it’s ‘cause of her. When we first got here, I told myself that I’d never let her get hurt. So when the bad ones came around, ‘cause they always do, and they needed a punching bag, I just- I just-” He shuddered. “I let ‘em do what they wanted. I didn’t say yes. I never said yes, but I didn’t say no. None of them would’ve taken no for an answer. I didn’t want her to have to- not for someone like that. She’s so good, y’know? She’s too good for that.”

Rin kept holding Honey, listening quietly as the young man spoke. "First, just because you never said no doesn't mean that you were okay with it. It doesn't equal consent, and trying to protect your sister doesn't put you at fault for anything. Second, she's…she's going to feel bad either way. You're her brother, and she's going to be upset that this happened to you. She's going to be angry, though not at you. And that's…that's a good thing, in some ways." he bit his lip for a moment. "And…and Honey…with you so beaten, you're not going ot be able to work for at least a week, and what do you think those men are going to do?" they hated that they were saying this, hated that they knew it would scare Honey, but they also hoped, in some way, that it would startle Honey into telling someone. "They're going to find someone else. If we tell someone, if we get these men kicked out of the hotel, forever, then they can never hurt you or Lovey or any of the other employees here ever again."

Honey clamped a hand over his mouth. His eyes grew unfocused again, and he drew in a deep, unsteady breath. He had never considered what would happen if he got too banged up to work. There had always been some part of him that was convinced that it would never get that bad. He’d always told himself that he’d stop it before he got really hurt, even though, well, he got hurt frequently. In a lot of different places. Most of the time, however, the men weren’t so aggressive. They liked to try things out. Rough him up a bit, say awful things, make themselves feel all high and mighty. He’d never been attacked so directly.

“I can still work,” he protested, even though the thought made bile rise in his throat. “Still got one good wrist. Face isn’t too pretty, but most of ‘em don’t really care about that. Just my mouth. And if they do, then, shit, I’ve got a lotta makeup. I can make it work. Nobody else has to get hurt, and I can keep making money.”

Arquis was quiet. As much as he wanted to enter the conversation, it had become oddly private. He bit his lip and tried to find something to look at. One of the candles was flickering away on the floor. He watched wax spill over the top and drip down, then disappear into one of the cracks in the ground. That was enough of that, he thought, turning his attention back to his partner. He could at least be there for them if they needed him.

Rin shook his head faintly. "No. You can't, Honey." their voice was so soft, gentle and kind. "You can still work and make money here without going to men that are only wanting to hurt you." they kept their arms gently wrapped around Honey, trying to comfort him as best that he could. "There are plenty of people here who would do that, without any pain. Arquis and I are monogamous, yes, but that certainly isn't true of everyone here. And those that aren't, the good ones, they'll pay you. Without hurting you. You don't need this, and you absolutely do not deserve it." they very gently rubbed their thumb in soft, slight circles on Honey's shoulder, careful to avoid any of the injuries.

Honey’s breath hitched. He shook his head roughly. Arquis had seen him upset; stricken; teary-eyed; bleeding. But he had never seen him so embarrassed. His cheeks were hot and red, and he couldn’t look Rin in the eyes anymore. He even pulled away from them, like he was scared they were going to reject him for what he was about to say.

“You don’t get it. People like that don’t want people like me. I’m messed up. So damn messed up. I can’t even- can’t even do it without crying anymore. I cry every time, even before it starts. All those men that you’re talking about? The men that want me? They really like that. Being with them is the only thing I’m good at anymore. Yeah, I know it’s screwed up. But I can’t do anything else. Nobody else would have me.”

“Oh, Honey,” Arquis said softly. He didn’t want to interrupt, but everything he’d said had made him emotional. Honey sighed in blatant relief as he touched his arm, which made Arquis feel like crying. When was the last time before that day that Honey had felt a kind touch? When was the last time he’d been given a genuine, non-sexual compliment? He was so starved for them that they seemed to overwhelm him.

Rin took a deep breath. "Then stop. Surely there is something else you could do, Honey. The kitchen, or…or the front desk, or something." They replied softly. "You don't have to sleep with men who only want to hurt you, who like seeing you cry." They let Honey pull away, but didn't drop their arms from around him. "Do you understand, Honey? You don't have to do this. You don't have to sleep with these men if you don't want to. No one should be forcing you."

“It’s not that easy,” Honey replied hoarsely, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “I tried once. Really did. Said I was gonna be done with it all, screw it, wasn’t gonna let anyone touch me anymore. But then Divinity got here, and she was- she was so young, and she needed a job real bad. Worse than me and Lovey. So I let her take the shifts at the front desk, and I went to try and do kitchen work, right? But they didn’t need anyone, and I kept messing shit up, so I tried- I tried some other stuff. But I’m only good at one thing.

“And there was this guy who came around. He was a real mean son of- he was real mean and rough, but he paid well, and I thought just the one time. Just the one time. And then the next time. And then I said, y’know, it’ll just be this one guy. Won’t do anymore. Just the one. But he had a friend that was in town, and I- I really needed the money, you know? I was running so low, ‘cause I hadn’t gotten paid for messing around in the kitchen or anything, and I- I just- I thought it wasn’t that bad, y’know? Nothing I hadn’t done before.”

Honey sank back into the pillows, throwing his good arm over his forehead. It was clear, Arquis felt, that he’d never told anyone this story before. This was a confession of almost religious proportions; he was purging himself of sin, ridding himself of years of agony. He didn’t look better for it, but Arquis knew the feeling of wanting to share one’s story. Wanting for all of the bad things to just be out in the open.

“I know,” he started again, then stopped, lips trembling. “I know this place is bad for me. I hurt every day. I hurt so bad. And my mind’s all outta sorts. But I don’t have anywhere else to go, y’know? It’s not home, but at least I’m not starving anymore. And if I’m gonna get beat up, then damnit, I might as well have a roof over me.”

Rin listened quietly as Honey told his story, heart hurting as he heard what the young man was saying. "I…there has to be something else you can do." They said slowly. "Something. Anything. At least…at least report the abusive ones, and then…it would be, ah, safer. For everyone. If Divinity wants to sleep with the patrons, then…if the bad ones are out, why not? Honey, you won't need to protect anyone if there is no one here to protect them from." They hoped this made sense. "I know the hotel sells itself as this…this haven for sex and secrecy and all of that but that doesn't mean abusive assholes should get to stay here."

Honey stroked a thumb along the bottom of the shirt, then ran it along the waistband of the sweatpants. There was a flicker of something in his eyes: resignation. Not hope.

“I don’t know,” he said softly. “I just don’t know. I wanna think that it’s that easy, but I know it’s not gonna be. Nothing’s ever easy around here. And what if they get mad and come back, y’know? And try and hurt people. Good people. I’d be responsible. Nah. Can’t let that happen. Better if it’s just- if it’s just me.”

“You are a good person, too,” Arquis reminded him. Honey’s mouth did that thing again where it twisted to the side, like he was physically holding something back. “And it worries me, Honey, that you find yourself so expendable. Earlier, you said that you thought the man was going to kill you. He did not, but it is possible that another will.”

Honey’s jaw clenched. He didn’t think he had it left in him, but his vision was going misty. “Better me than anyone else. I’m already damaged goods. They might as well finish the job.”

"Doesn't the hotel have some sort of security? A guard or anything?" Rin asked. "And no, Honey, you absolutely do not deserve to be hurt. No one does. Not Lovey, not Divinity, and not you either." They looked straight at Honey, wanting the young man to meet his eyes. "As Arquis said, you are not expendable, and you do not deserve pain. Just because you've been hurt already doesn't mean you deserve to e hurt more. That's a toxic, awful cycle to trap yourself in, Honey. I've been there. I know how hard it is. But you have to let us in. You have to let us help you. You have to let others help. Because you don't deserve this pain. You don't deserve to die, your life is not worth less just because you've been abused."

Honey couldn’t meet their gaze; his own was too blurry. A single, burning tear slipped down his swollen cheek, but it was the only one. He dabbed at his face with the blanket as he drew in painful-sounding breaths. Arquis wondered if his ribs had begun to hurt. Even if they weren’t broken, they did look pretty badly bruised, which couldn’t feel great.

“I- I don’t think I can, I- I need- I really need the money, and I can’t just- can’t. I can’t. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, just please don’t be mad. Please? Please, I can’t take it if you’re- if you hate me, I just- it’s too hard.”

Arquis actually did start crying then. He dried his eyes with his own sleeve and shook his head. “We do not hate you. It is simply concern for your well-being. We want you to be safe. You have done such a wonderful job protecting those around you, but now it is time for us to do the same for you. Please let us help you, Honey.”

Whatever Honey was going to answer was cut off by a knock on the door. The blonde startled. Acting on instinct, he tugged Rin and Arquis behind him. He was shaking so hard that Arquis was worried he might pass out, but he managed to stay upright on the bed.

“Sorry, we’re busy. Come back later,” he called in that lazy, charming drawl of his, though it had an obvious tremble to it. Arquis had never seen someone so focused in his life. He could tell that every last scrap of the young man’s energy was being channeled into this performance. It was one of the saddest sights he’d ever seen.

Whoever was on the other side made a delighted humming sound. It was Lovey. “Honey? So they found you, huh? Where’d you disappear to?”

Honey squeezed his good eye shut. His voice became softer, less fake. “Just, y’know. About. But I can’t talk right now.”

“Why not? Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s fine. I’m just- I’m-” His eyes opened, and he looked pleadingly at Rin. “Ah, y’know. Busy.”

Lovey was so quiet that Arquis thought she had left. But then her hand landed on the doorknob. It rattled, but she didn’t open it yet. “Hey, um, boys? Should I come in there?”

Rin hesitated for a long moment. If he said nothing, Lovey might come in. If he told her to leave, she might. But…but if she saw what had happened to Honey, wouldn't she help? But he didn't want to say anything that Honey so clearly didn't want him to. He took in a slightly trembling breath, looking from Honey to the door. "I can't." He whispered to Honey. "I can't tell her to leave." Not when he had been in nearly this exact situation before, when if he had just let someone in, their suffering would have been over. He couldn't let that happen to Honey again, but he didn't want to take away any more choices from Honey. "I'm sorry."

Honey’s face fell. He looked at Arquis, but the nobleman just shook his head. He hated to do this to him, but Lovey needed to know. If she didn’t find out then, she’d find out later. It was just a matter of time. He had a feeling that the longer Honey waited, the less likely he’d be to tell her, and the cycle would start all over again. The longer he kept the lie going, the more the two of them would be hurt.

“Please don’t. I’m not decent. It’ll be weird.” Honey forced a laugh. It was weird, hearing him make the sound while wearing such a desperate, tired expression. “Listen, I’ll see you later today. Just talk to me then.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. The door opened.

Her reaction wasn’t immediate. She didn’t scream or stagger backwards or start crying. She just looked at him. Arquis saw her register his wounds in order. The black eye was first, then the smaller bruises on his face. The bandage on his neck. His wrist. She couldn’t see the scratches or the bruising on his chest due to the shirt, nor could she see any of the minor wounds that were on his lower half. But what she had seen was enough.

“Oh. Oh no. No, no, no,” she whispered. He looked away, trying to hide his face from view, but she stepped forward and settled onto the bed beside Rin. She tried to reach out to gently touch his face—to tilt it back towards her, to better register the severity of the injury—but he flinched. That was the final straw. Her eyes welled up and she wrapped her arms around herself.

Honey gave her a false, soothing smile. “Aw, it’s alright. It’s alright. I’m fine, it was just a little scuffle. I’m fine, really. No need to cry.”

“Someone hurt you?” she whimpered. When he started making excuses, she looked to Rin. “Someone really did hurt him?”