(no subject)

[tofightinjustice]

At the end of the school day, Bryce's usual routine is to walk home as quickly as she can. Sometimes, like today, she has to wave off an invitation to the Bronze or the beach -- though not often. She gets along with people and people get along with her, but she's not really part of the popular crowd and doesn't have any real close friends.

But there are a few people, like Barbara, or Oswald, who make regular overtures of friendship for one reason or another, and don't seem put off when Bryce smiles and says I'm sorry, I gotta get home and do my homework for the umpteenth time.

Bryce has just declined yet another offer to hit the mall from Vicki and is headed home, her backpack slung over one shoulder.

Comments

[tofightinjustice]

"If we're going to discuss this, we're leaving."

[edgeofyourseat]

Laney shrugs. "Sure, okay."

[tofightinjustice]

Bryce snorts, derisive, and glances towards the guy who started the fight. He's glaring at her.

She feints towards him and he flinches.

"Leave," she tells him, and turns to stride away. If Laney follows her, great.

[edgeofyourseat]

He does, in fact!

[tofightinjustice]

Bryce doesn't speak until they're a good block away from the fight.

"Do you like getting beat up?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"Sometimes," he says, shrugging again.

[tofightinjustice]

"Why?"

[edgeofyourseat]

...He grins.

"What, you don't know? Seriously?"

[tofightinjustice]

She gives him a sidelong glare that clearly means no.

[edgeofyourseat]

"Sweetheart," he says, not unfondly, "I get off on it."

[tofightinjustice]

. . . Still apparently confused!

And angry about it!

[edgeofyourseat]

"...Okay, what part of that do you need explained?"

[tofightinjustice]

"What do you mean, you get off on it? How can anyone get off on that?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"I dunno," he says, "I just like it. I mean, not all the time. But usually."

[tofightinjustice]

She wrinkles her nose. She couldn't non-verbally say gross harder if she tried.

[edgeofyourseat]

He laughs.

"Not your thing, huh?"

[tofightinjustice]

"I don't get it," flatly. "And you doing it makes my life, like, infinitely more complicated."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Whatcha mean?"

[tofightinjustice]

"'Cause I keep having to save you."

[edgeofyourseat]

"See, that part, I don't get," he says.

[tofightinjustice]

"I'm not just gonna stand by and watch someone try and get themselves hurt."

[edgeofyourseat]

"And what," he says, "it's different now that you know I like it? I didn't like it this time."

[tofightinjustice]

"And that time at school?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"Liked that one," he admits, unrepentant.

[tofightinjustice]

She makes a face.