(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

[edgeofyourseat]

"Liked that one," he admits, unrepentant.

[tofightinjustice]

She makes a face.

[edgeofyourseat]

"It's cute how grossed out you are," he says. "I mean, what do you get out of it?"

[tofightinjustice]

"I told you, I don't like seeing people get hurt."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Mm. Yeah. But you hurt people," he points out. "So what's the difference?"

[tofightinjustice]

"That's different. I don't do it because I enjoy it."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Don't enjoy hurting people or don't enjoy it when they hurt you back?"

[tofightinjustice]

She blinks, derailed.

"Huh?"

Did she stutter?

[edgeofyourseat]

He laughs. "Never mind."

[tofightinjustice]

"I don't enjoy it," she repeats, insistent.

[edgeofyourseat]

"Okay," he says. "So?"

[tofightinjustice]

A sigh.

"Whatever. I'm so done with this."

[edgeofyourseat]

"Yeah, you said," he says agreeably. "I still don't get you, for the record. But that's okay."

[tofightinjustice]

She snorts and speeds up, and this time she is definitely going to leave him behind.

[edgeofyourseat]

Hey, fine by him!