Chapter Text
It’s raining and cold as is usual for England in the fall. The weather hadn’t called for rain despite the clouds that day, so he hadn’t packed his boots, and his feet are entirely soaked. His uniform isn’t much better, clinging to his skin in a wet mess.
Alex groans softly as he attempts to keep himself out of the rain as much as possible. The covered area of the bus stop was a welcome refuge, but with the wind it didn’t really stop the rain from hitting him, only lessened it.
“Hey, uh… you go to my school, right?”
Alex jumps out of his skin, head snapping to the side to find a rather short boy standing next to him. He’s significantly drier, and holds an umbrella.
He says nothing and nods, his nerves rising.
“I saw what happened during fifth period today. I.. I know we’ve never spoken but I wanted to check on you. I know that group can be right arses.” The boy steps a little closer, closing his umbrella as he steps under the awning of the bus stop.
Alex again doesn’t say anything, just staring at the smaller teen.
“I’m Castor, by the way. Castor Warren. I think we share a phys ed class?” His last sentence sounds like a question. Alex knows he’s trying to be nice, but it just feels hollow.
He decides to respond anyway. “We do. I just always sit out because I haven’t brought my uniform ever.”
“Ah, yeah, I think I’ve seen you. Alexander, right?” The boy, Castor, asks.
“... Alex. Call me Alex. I hate my full name, usually means I’m in trouble.” He corrects him, leaning against one of the poles holding the awning up.
They sit in silence as they wait for their buses. The rain and the noise of passing cars are the only sound around them. The wind blows harshly every few minutes, causing Alex to shiver.
Alex takes a moment to observe the shorter boy. He’s got blonde hair and pale skin, his crystal blue eyes watching the road for the bus. His uniform is slightly askew and half done. HIs tie is loosened and his shirt is unbuttoned to the third button. His trousers seem to be too long for him. His shoes are much newer than Alex’s own, polished to perfection, but still soaking wet from the rain.
“Why is your tie like that? Aren’t we supposed to keep everything all proper until we get home and change?”
Castor looks up with a confused hum, his brow furrowed. “Yeah, but I never listened to that one. The tie comes loose and the shirt gets unbuttoned the moment I get out of the gates.” He huffs.
“Oh.” Is all he says in response.
He feels his cheeks flush as they lapse into silence again. Looking down at his uniform, he finds that even soaked through and perfectly done up, it’s obvious that his uniform isn’t as new or expensive as the other boy’s. His blazer is threadbare and worn, his tie is faded and old. His trousers are too short, showing off his unpolished shoes and faded black socks.
Looking closer, he notices that even their bags looks different despite being the same brand. His is stained and falling apart, while Castor’s is new and pristine.
“I meant what I said, you know. About Marcus and his group. You didn’t deserve that.”
Alex stops in his observations of their wealth gap and takes a moment to look at his face. He seems sincere, but he doesn’t trust him as far as he can throw him, and that’s not very far.
“Why do you care? It’s not like we’re friends. I’ve never talked to you before.” He glares skeptically at the shorter boy.
“Because they go after me, too.” Alex’s eyes widen “I’m bloody tiny, barely a hundred fifty three centimeters. They call me all sorts of shit. I don’t know what they call you, but it can’t be any better than what I get called. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s worse.” Castor says, stepping closer.
“Oh… I… I guess I didn’t think you’d get picked on. You’re…”
“I’m what?” He sounds offended.
“Scary. You scare me.” Alex looks away from him, focusing on the road.
“I scare you? What planet do you live on? You’re twice my fuckin’ size!” Castor laughs, doubling over.
“You are! You’re all frowny and muscle-y! Like Batman!” He flushes as he realizes he’s only digging himself deeper.
“Oh, I’m Batman now, am I?” Castor chuckles, his laughter finally dying down. “Who’d have thought, a bloke like you afraid of a bloke like me?”
“What do you mean, ‘a bloke like you’?” Alex tilts his head in confusion, looking between the two of them.
“Mate, do you not see yourself? You’re giant! You’re what, a year ten?”
Alex nods.
“You’re damn near one seventy seven, lanky as fuck and you look like the grim reaper given human form in a teenage boy.” Castor is blunt with his words, but somehow it doesn’t sound mean.
“Do I really..? I know I’m tall, and I’m ugly, but I didn’t think I was scary looking.” Alex looks down at his shoes, wrapping his arms around himself tightly.
“Hey, I wasn’t trying to be mean. You’re just a really tall guy, and I’m quite literally only shoulder height on you. You aren’t ugly or scary either, you just look tired.” Castor gets even closer to him now, leaning against the same pole.
Alex doesn’t respond, still not trusting his words. He’s shocked at his own lack of want to push him away, but doesn’t move from his spot against the pole.
Moments later, the bus pulls up.
“It was nice talking to you, Alex. See you at school?” Castor asks him as he makes his way towards the bus.
“... Maybe.” He says as the bus doors close behind him.