Summery: The full moon landed on Montys transformation day which was always more intense. But the trust of his most nervous friend made things go a surprising direction.
Word count: 1087
Warnings: mentions of blood and killing. Brief fight. Cuteness. A bit cheesy but who cares. The boys being the best of friends.
Authors note: this is the second of The Three Principles of St Churnley's mini series but can be read independently without needing to read the others.
It was one of those rarer occasions where the tenth business day actually landed on the full moon.
Full moons were always worse. It always took more bloodshed to bring him back.
Through out the day there were differences too. He was hungrier, he was quieter and he was much more restless.
The Others knew the drill by now, so let him pick at their plates during meal times and snuck snacks for in class for him.
Luckily it was porridge day so sneaking a napkin full of nuts and berries wasn't too difficult.
During playtime was the only time it was ever a real problem. Which always lead to the same conversation with Sargent Lewis.
"Don't even ask, Monty. You know my answer." She'd sighed barely taking the time to look up from a register she'd been filling in.
"Sarge, it's the full moon tonight. I really don't think-" one sharp look from Sargent cut the teen off.
"Monty, you're in your fifth year now. You've come a long way from being the little boy who cried because he didn't hurt anyone 'this time'." Sarge glanced up at the rest of the brave boys who were patiently waiting for their friend to join them. Catching Edgar as he glanced over to check on Monty, slight concern in his eye.
Sarge placed her hand on Monty's shoulder and gave him a soft smile. "You just need to trust yourself the way that they trust you." She said turning him to look at his friends. "Edgar's smart right?"
"The smartest." Monty nodded, looking over at the taller lad who grinned sheepishly at being caught checking on him.
"Then surely he can't be wrong for trusting you." Then the warmth in her voice faded as she became a teacher again. "Now go. Playtimes about to start."
Monty sighed softly, walking over to join the others who only smiled at him as the horn sounded the beginning of play time.
"Maybe joining us is a good thing, Monty. Maybe getting some of your energy out before tonight." Kevin tried to cheer him up, easily shooting down a creature that would have caused them too much trouble only a few years ago, as they headed deeper into the plagueround.
"Maybe." Monty hummed, all his senses on high alert for any danger. The wolf laying in wait just under his skin ready to fight the first chance he got.
And Monty wasn't going to fight it when a hellpincher took the opportunity to try to ambush Edgar.
Monty was so much quicker as he leapt at Edgar, watching almost in slow motion as instead of reacting in fear, Edgar almost calmly turned to see what the danger was.
One arm curled around Edgar to pull him away while the other claw caught the massive pincher, the wolf snarling at the beast.
The creature dispatched of quickly after the initial shock wore off, leaving the boys stood around the corpse, joking amount themselves about how much they used to struggle with these things.
"At least you're not so useless anymore, huh Kevin?"
"Oi! Saved your arse didn't I?"
"Not really you just also took damage you didn't need to."
"Shut up Edgar!"
The three laughed and continued on their way while Monty stared at the creature for a few seconds longer.
Edgar had been so calm.
There was no fear or panic. Only a small amount of surprise paired with utter trust.
Monty smiled as the wolf retracted and he rushed to join the others. "Yeah Kevin, even Poe did more damage then you... Didn't Poe have a gun?"
Poe did not have a gun. No one's sure why Monty thought that.
Later in the afternoon Edgar cursed in frustration.
"What's up with you?" Kevin asked between mouthfuls of beans.
"I was going through my bag when that hellpincher tried to get me and I think I lost my book." Edgar sighed.
"Oh you're not seeing that again then." Roland added helpfully.
"Damn it." Edgar sighed.
"You've read it like three dozen times this year, what's the big deal?" Kevin asked.
"It was my dad's before me. He used to read me it before bed when I was little."
Monty listened with a small frown. He didn't remember seeing the book. Maybe next playtime he could try and find it for him.
Soon nightfall came and Edgar gave Monty a reassuring smile as he headed out from the dorms.
Monty's whole body seemed to buzz either the energy of the fullmoon. He let out a soft sigh as he went further in.
The transformation much faster and less painful than horror movies would have you believe.
Once it was over Monty expected to be coming too a few minutes later, covered in blood, but he didn't.
He was still looking up at the gaps in the leafs at the silvery moon. He was still him mentally even if his body had changed.
Well this was certainly odd.
Monty sniffed at the air as he looked around. He could see smell and hear EVERYTHING.
Even...
Wait...
No! Is it?
That smelt like Edgar.
Monty was confused, Edgar should know better than to come out here alone, especially when Monty was out here to get the transformation out the way.
So he followed the scent, deeper into the plagueround. The scent mixing with fainter smells of his other friends and hellpincher blood.
Oh!
That made more sense.
But them why was Edgar's so strong?
Sniffing again he got a faint scent of dusty old book and fresh ink.
Right there, just under a jagged root was a book.
Edgar's book!
Careful claws plucked the book and Monty started moving back towards the school.
Once out of the plagueround, the wolf retreated backbone the recesses of Monty's mind to sleep until the next time.
Monty smiled down at his regular hands holding onto Edgar's worn book.
He wondered back to the dorm to see Edgar.
The taller teen looked up in surprise as Monty arrived back so early.
Doubly so when there was no blood in sight.
Triple when Monty dropped the book in his lap before looking like an overly pleased puppy who retrieved a stick.
"You found it? But how?" Edgar blinked in surprise at Monty.
"I just... had control. So i stead of killing anything I followed your smell and found yer book."
Edgar looked shocked for a few moments longer before grinning over at Monty. "I knew you could do it, Monty."
Summery- He was never truly alone, and that company could make him feel awfully lonely at the worst of times. But what if he took a leaf from Kevin's book?
Word count: 534
Warnings: manipulation? Small bits of depression, religious themes, nightmares, PTSD and just a little cheesyness
Authors note- This is part one of 4 short stories Part 2 (Monty) Part 3 (Edgar) and Part 4 (Kevin) coming soonish hopefully.
Roland was never alone. Growing up he had his brothers, mother and father. A close knit community bound together in the light of the lord.
Being alone was fleeting moments in the bathroom or moments of starlight before the blanket of sleep settled over him.
Even then, he was always taught there was and ever present ever watching force, protecting, planning, loving whatever you wanted to call it.
When his curse came about, that feeling of a weight on his shoulders like heavy warm hands became more tangible. Like he was bring steered by the shoulders by some higher being that would never give him space.
Roland didn't want to be alone. He loved being around his friends. Sharing a room with Kevin was a comfort in quiet night's where shadowy claws and feathers still keep him uneasy in dreams.
Years had passed since Roland had first confronted that voice in the bathroom after what had happened. Years of barely tolerating the lack of answers and clear disrespect from the "Lords" voice.
Roland had woken up from another dream. Shadowy claws, flying knives, hell pinchers and unconscious bodies.
He'd jolted up with a slight gasp, glancing over at Kevin to see him resting peacefully, unharmed and clearly breathing.
"Don't be so foolish Roland." The voice chastised from the corners of his mind. "Four years of this, you'd think you'd be over it by now."
Roland could practically sense it rolling it's non existent eyes.
He sighed softly and stood, heading to the bathroom so he could speak more openly.
"I don't think you get to decide when I get over this." Roland splashed himself with some cold water before looking himself in the mirror. "They're my friends, watching them nearly die..."
A memory of marching up steps, hammer raised, a small confused 'Roland?' Before Kevin's body flew back.
"Oh that. You really should move on from that, you were mind controlled."
"By you." Roland practically snarled back.
A beat of silence.
"You know it wasn't me. Yet here you are questioning me again!"
"Stop it."
"I am your closest friend and companion! It is I who gives you your power! And yet you question me so!"
"You lie!"
"Your faith wavers, Roland! You disgrace me with these doubts!"
"Just SHUT UP!"
.
.
?
Roland panted softly into the silence. His own shout still present in a soft buzz in the air.
One deep breath. Hold.
And release.
He could feel it. He was alone.
Roland let his palm light up, bathing the bathroom in a gentle almost golden light and smiled. "I control my magic. No one else can."
"Roland?" Muffled through the door. "Roland are you okay? I heard yelling. Was it another nightmare?"
Concern seeped into Edgar's words, causing Roland to huff out a small laugh. He stepped forward and unlocked the door.
"I'm fine Edgar. Just taking a leaf out of Kevin's book." Roland smiled, slapping a hand on the shoulder of the taller bed. "Back to bed I think. It's a long day tomorrow."
Edgar didn't look entirely convinced but gave Roland a small smile anyway.
Roland could be alone with this new found control... but never lonely with friends like his.
Summery- Monty has a reputation of not really thinking before he speaks, a habit that rubs off on the other boys now and then.
Word count - 781
Warnings- silly questions and no real answers, nothing really just fluff. Written at 2am and not proof read.
"Kevin can you stop moving your face." Monty huffed, with a level of annoyance that caught the three other boys off guard as they joked over their beans.
Kevin blinked as he turned to look at Monty, only to look back at the others in confusion as he was met with Monty staring at him with such concentration.
"Kevin!" He grumbled again.
"Wha' you doin' anyways." Kevin crossed his arms over himself suddenly uncomfortable with the attention.
"Am countin your freckles."
That certainly explained nothing.
"What?"
"Brandon said freckles are were you were kissed by angles as a baby. You must have been real cute because you've got loads. Edgar's only has six and Roland two." He listed as if this was completely normal.
Roland and Edgar gave small chuckles at Kevin's tomato red face, quickly moving on with their conversation as Kevin shot them a glare.
_____
"What do you reckon happened to the first lot of cursed boys?" Monty piped up during an understanding lesson one sunny morning.
Edgar perked up at the seemingly on topic question. "Well that's quite interesting Monty. The first recorded instance of Cursed boys-"
"I reckon they were dead confused. Like imagine you're the first cursed boy and you curse is you sneeze out spaghetti or summat" Monty interrupted causing Kevin to momentarily forget the height they were at and snort out a laugh.
"Would they have had spaghetti at that point?" Roland asked, knowingly adding fuel to the strange fire.
"W-well no, you see with the curse seemingly based in the British isles-" Edgar tried again to impart some accurate knowledge.
"I dont think the curse cares what we've invented Roland." Monty rolled his eyes like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Only causing more laughter from his bardic friend causing a quite rendition of Bella Notte to be heard amid the laughter.
____
"Do you reckon Mr Beans has heard of Mr Bean?"
After a few years if these kind of questions Edgar had gotten used to humouring his dormmate until he drifts off to sleep.
"I should think more than enough of us have told him about him. The real question is, Monty, does Mr Beans have a favourite Mr Bean movie or episode." Edgar asked, hoping to have gotten a handle on the kind of conversation Monty was hoping for... Only to look over at Monty and see the other lad staring at him like he just said the dumbest thing ever.
"TVs don't work here Edgar, don't be silly!"
____
"Do you reckon Dr Pepper could be a woman?" Kevin broke the silence of the common room.
"Dr pepper... like the drink?" Edgar questioned unsure where this had come from. Sure hed expect this from Monty, but from Kevin?
"Yeah, feckin obviously." Kevin scoffed a little.
"Maybe," Roland responded paying Edgar's confusion little mind "but I think the real question is what is her doctorate for?"
Monty nodded almost solemnly "Space."
"You think the drink Dr Pepper has a doctorate in Astro Physics?" Edgar blanched a little., before sighing with a shrug "sure why not."
____
"What do you think is Mr Hebden's point of pixelation?" Roland had asked as they headed out from crafts class.
"His what?" Kevin furrowed his brows at the presented thought.
"Like how close does something to be to him to be pixels. His clothes are and sometimes when he holds things they go pixelly." Roland pointed out.
Edgar hummed a little to himself. "I wonder if the pixelation would be different depending on what he was interacting with too."
"Nah what I wanna know is if he has an inventory like a video game character." Monty grinned as the others quickly joined in on the idea.
_____
"Do you reckon that Mr Hinks can look through his eyes like FNAF security cameras?"
There was quiet after the question was asked. Edgar's words no different to anything that Monty wouldn't ask, but had piqued their interest in a rather curious way.
"Like he only sees through one at a time so you could sneak up on the others?" Kevin asked with a mischievous grin.
"Do you think he just scrolls through em or he has to pick one?" Roland pondered trying to imagine in his own mind what that would look like.
"We should deffo see if we can figure it out." Monty added, which devolved into the four brave boys and their crow plotting to sneak up on Mr Hinks to test the capabilities of his many eyes.
Edgar couldn't be happier, not only are the other boys experimenting with a hypothesis, but he'd also gotten the hang of asking a nonsense question like Monty does.
Authors note: since you guys liked the 4 brave boys ones so much, I figured we'd get some thoughts on our six favourite teachers (no one cares about Mr Moley). Some of these are deeper than others, but they're all meant on good fun. Feel free to share your own!
Word count: 1,202
Warnings: religious trauma, homophobia, slightly unhealthy relationship with food? But not really? Please let me know if I missed anything
Sargent Lewis
Met a cursed boy while in the army, trained along side him and witnessed the first time he'd lost control in years.
She was lucky that she's "a bit of a bad ass" and was able to coach him through it.
When a new steward of control was needed, Ranjit reached out and she remembered her friend from those training days and agreed almost immediately.
Not a maternal person, like at all. The reason she's so good is because she would risk her life for anyone, and will treat anyone with empathy and compassion.
I like to think that she has a really mundane hobby.
Like life is already so exciting and overwhelming that she gets back to her room and whittles or knits to ground herself.
She lived off of coffee her first year at St Churnley's. Elliot took one look at those caffeine shakes and made it his mission to get her to drink a smoothie.
She has a decent relationship with her family, she isn't close to them due to her time in the army but they respect that she's doing a dangerous and noble job.
Dad Elliot Kelly
Is not a stoner
I know, a real shocker.
Constantly deals with teenagers that think he is in fact a stoner.
I think he's actually surprisingly full of energy, being a satyr. Being part goat he always kind of just wants to climb and jump.
Leans into it when Monty wants to jump and flip all the time. He understands that it's a brilliant way to let out energy and self regulate.
Tells Monty that his flipping and jumping is good and a form of self respect.
Regularly has students stopping by his tower to get some quiet or take a nap when everything is overwhelming.
Is a plant dad, can not keep succulents and cacti alive, but really wants too.
Rewards shows of respect with snacks, in fact, he has several draws with different kinds of snack to accommodate not only allergies but also preferences.
Is the mum friend. Not overbearingly so, but makes comments about respecting one's self if he hears someones skipped a meal especially hexmaster Singh.
Is the most recently hired/promoted Steward, but no one was surprised when he stepped into the role.
Matthew Hinks
Was a "why?" Kid until he was like 12.
Is it a head cannon to say I believe he's autistic?
Emotions don't seem to fully register with him the same way they do for Lewis or Kelly. When Roland was upset it was more like he was recognising patterns, relating to his own personal experience.
He is brilliant at comforting and showing that understanding because he's studied it at length.
Mostly because he wanted to be there for Frank Hebden when they were boys in school.
I think the principal of understanding in terms of his curse escaped him at first, didn't see the point in learning anything more than control (like masking for autistic people) but once it clicked, it was like seeing colour for the first time.
I feel like he also comes from a heavily religious family like Roland does.
That he was seen as "tied to the devil" in some way because of his curse. This only being agitated when he fell for Frank.
Speaking of Frank, Matthew Hinks fell first AND harder.
He may seem stoic and cool, but the first time they kissed, every single eye took in a different angle so that there was no way that Hinks would forget a single detail.
Has a literal wandering eye. One eye will just float off to find the closest pretty thing (very often Frank) if he doesn't school it.
Frank Hebden
Has a full cupboard dedicated to 'failed' projects.
We know that Frank is brilliant at finding the silver lining and using the failed attempts to encourage his students, such as the magnifying glass.
So I think when students are determined that they have failed and they want nothing to do with their craft, he keeps them in a little box and hands them back out on students last days.
He's seen more lads tear up over their first crafts than he cares to share.
Can never be doing nothing, he always has a project going or is learning a new skill.
Can't cook for shit though, it's okay Hinks cooks brilliantly.
Is more open and honest with his feelings than a lot of the other teachers. I think him asking the 4 brave boys about Hinks is a common occurrence with his students.
Grandmaster Flash Hexmaster Singh
Emotionally constipated
Stressed 25/8
Literally screaming into the void
More so since our favourite 4 brave boys came along.
HOWEVER extremely kind and approachable when he isn't stressed about anything too serious.
He strikes me as a "needs of the many" kind of guy. He will always put the safety majority over a smaller group or individual.
Even if it's him sometimes.
Obviously this is seen in giving the boys detention but I think it's something thats well documented with staff and students alike.
While he won't leave someone to die (or four slow students) he will create safety nets for the many first (leaving the lantern with the majority of students)
Was the same year as Edgar's father and they either were somewhat close, or they despised each other.
I could see them being friends but losing touch when Ranjit wanted to stay and teach, while Elliot Alan couldn't understand the want to stay in one place, so they mostly lost touch apart from the occasional letter.
Or they just never saw eye to eye and just hated one another.
I think Singh actually loves when the students feel comfortable enough to misbehave with him/calls him Grandmaster Flash. I think he sees it as him creating an environment that feels safe and like they can all just be themselves (freaks among freaks so to speak.)
Nurse Lenny
The most recent hire at the school, but by no means the least respected.
Is the person almost all the staff come to so they can just chat and have a coffee.
Lenny is skilled with that French press and keeps a few different types of tea and coffee on hand.
Most of it decaf for the students (though would never tell Edgar that)
Can often be found napping on the medical bed in his office after playtime because healing that much takes it out of him.
Loves strong flavours after a heal. I can imagine him with a few sweet treats on hand for after a particularly nasty heal.
Tried with a source sweet once and got the worse acid reflex of his life.
The most recent hire, but the most immediately respected staff.
I like him shipped with Hexmaster Singh and can imagine Nurse Lenny getting flustered after their first kiss and just sticking a sticker to his cheek before rushing off.
I think he'd give stickers to the other teachers after stressful test season. Like he'll drop a coffee off for them and just press a sticker with their favourite colour happy fave on their shirt/robes and just quietly leave.
Summery: Monty knows he loves his friends, there's no question about that. But the exact word for it escapes him.
Word count: 585
Authors note: so this was actually inspired by a meme my sister sent me. It left me with this silly little concept that I know is unrealistic but cute enough for us to ignore that fact.
Realistically Monty knew there were different kinds of love. He briefly remembered Edgar talking about there being five kinds?
Something about a Greek concept and different words that were too rich for Monty's blood.
But when familial love had nearly become a ghost of a memory, he only ever seemed to hear and read about romantic love.
So as time progressed and Monty's fondness for his friends continued to out weigh a schoolyard crush on Sargent Lewis, it was only reasonable that Monty conclude he was in love with his three best friends... right?
He wasn't upset about the idea, only confused. He hadn't heard of one person loving multiple others like that.
Well, not since Edgar had made it clear that the elder Allan's did not love all the men and women they brought home. Just a little fun, he'd explained.
Then the confusion morphed into guilt. He didn't so much feel guilty that he loved all of them like that, it was more that the label didn't fit comfortably.
He couldn't imagine kissing any of them. Date nights would look like regular hang outs. A future with them involved different beds and likely separate homes.
There was no blushing or butterflies to be felt. No sweaty palms or stuttered words.
No.
Everything about the other brave boys was safe, comfortable and just so easy. While he knew that 'True Love' could be all those things but he knew that it was different.
One afternoon Monty had decided to try and figure out the word for his feelings for the others. Hed plopped down besides Edgar and asked, without much explanation.
"What was that Greek thing you were on about other day?"
Edgar, who had talked about many Greek concepts and legends, just began talking about the most recent Greek thing he was talking about.
Edgar was more than happy to rant about something Monty had asked about. Why wouldn't he be?
Monty interested in Greek literature?
It was implausible, but very much welcome.
Monty didn't have the heart to tell Edgar 'No not that one' when Edgar had lit up so excitedly.
So he listened about some song or something thinking Kevin would be more interested in whatever Edgar was on about.
"Of course, there's still a lot of discussion about whether Achilles and Patroclus were lover or not. But I can't possibly see how wanting your ashes mixed together could possibly be seen as Platonic." Edgar said adjusting his glasses since Poe was trying to steal them, evidently bored of this topic now the talk of war was over.
"Seen as wot?" Monty perked up at the word.
Edgar chuckled inwardly as he could practically envision Montys tail swaying at the word. "Platonic? Remember we were talking the other week about the five kinds of love?"
"Yeah! Yeah... but hypocritically-"
"Hypothetically? "
"Hippotherapy"
"Even worse."
"Hipno centrically, if someone didn't know what that meant... well what would it mean?"
Edgar decided to push aside his need to correct Monty and shook his head after little. "It means to love someone like a friend. Like how romantic love would be someone you marry. But Platonic love is like what we have, or with Kevin or Roland."
Monty gave Edgar a grin. "Thanks mate." And went to join some of the other lads to do anything but talk about Greek tragedy.
"But what about- and he's gone." Edgar sighed.
He'd worry about why it had been so important for Monty another time. What mattered was the fact his friend was happy.
Just a few heads cannons for our favourite boys. I'd love to know what you guys agree with or disagree with, so feel free to comment, share or send an ask to share your own. Shipping and non shipping welcome, please be respectful!
Also credit to my sister for inspiring or straight up giving me a couple of these 🥰
Roland-
Used to a large close knit community, so absolutely brings that energy to all the first years (even the ones who's curses are a little more off putting)
Volunteers to help first years all the time, not wanting any incidents like their first day.
Offers to help Nurse Lenny every now and then so the man get get a well deserved break.
I can see Roland teaming up with Monty to help Edgar get swole even if he isn't bothered himself, ends up built like a rugby player.
If Roland ended up being LGBT+ in anyway, I think he wouldn't be scared to tell his family, because he knows his fellow brave boys will have his back either way.
I'd like to see Roland end up into men in some capacity and to see how that would affect his relationship with the voice.
Mostly because I want the voice to be strangely accepting or just completely unbothered.
Kevin-
Not really a HC but absolutely the mum friend.
Starts carrying around the others boys favourite snacks and brings extra water for field trips.
Kevin does his best to learn little things about the others interests so he can ask them questions and watch them get excited to talk about it.
One time he and Roland sat awake until 3am discussing the church of the sunset dawn, because Roland was still questioning the nature of his curse.
He was proud of Roland for questioning his faith while holding onto the comforting aspects.
I think if Kevin ever came out as LGBT+ his parents would say something along the lines of "Oh my god, like the first openly gay Disney character-" then say two completely different characters.
Sparking a debate among his parents that Kevin promptly ignores to go play his violin or something.
I personally see Kevin as Pan, he seems like he'll grow into a "it's the content not the packaging that matters" kind of guy.
Monty-
Himbo
Autistic
Those two are gimmes for sure (i love my slightly stupid son)
As he gets older he starts to do either dance or gymnastics to satisfy his need to jump and flip all the time.
And gets really good at it too!
Names his wolf something silly like Snuffles so that it doesn't feel so scary that it's part of him.
Is uncannily good with animals. Some part of the wolf instincts helps him better understand animal body language and makes him really good at looking after them.
This leads to Monty having a decent relationship with Poe and Edgar is definitely not jealous (yes he is)
Tries his best to teach Edgar how to recognise Poes body language but is terrible at it.
"You just kind know, ya know?" Kinda vibe
I think Monty would be straight, but oblivious so sees romantic things between Morty and Melvin and is like "Oh that looks nice" and ends up asking his friends to do that.
Basically accidentally ending up in a Queer Platonic relationship with someone.
Happy to cuddle with the homies, we love a secure king
Edgar-
Picks up dozens of hobbies when he runs out of books to read at night.
Has 2 copies of every book so he can keep one pristine, while the other is covered in highlighter, sticky notes and annotation.
Can get overwhelmed by the majority of the student body, so will often hide out in Roland and Kevin's room while Roland prays or reads and Kevin practices his violin.
Checks in on the other 3 boys during the night to make sure they're safe and not having nightmares.
Secretly wishes he can learn some kind of flying magic so he can join Poe in the sky.
I think that Edgar would end up Ace, possibly aro/ace. He appreciates the appeal of relationships, but finds them to be an uncomfortable thought for himself after seeing his father and grandfather with new women every week.
Accidentally ends up in a queer platonic relationship with Monty (see Monty HCs)
Summery: Edgar deals with loss while Monty supports in his own unique was.
Wird count: 461
Warnings: grief and loss, slight angst with fluffy ending, not meant as romantic but who am I to stop you IG
Authors note: I couldn't stop thinking about Monty being supportive in his own oblivious way and made this. Again it's not intended romantic but if you like the ship, enjoy it either way.
Over the few weeks that the four brave boys have been at the school, it can at times be a little difficult to remember they have pretty much only just met.
Edgar supposed that between detention and the Battle of the Bell, it was quite easy for the four of them to fall into a secure friendship. Most of them weren't exactly Mr Popular back home so it was nice having each other.
For Edgar, he needed his friends more than ever. The loss of Poe had clearly taken its toll on Edgar and his friends were trying their best to comfort him and reassure him that he had a place there.
They had all responded supportive if not confused when Edgar began carry his Egg around. It was clear they weren't certain what the egg really was, if it was genuinely something or just Edgar coping in a strange way, but they supported him whole heartedly.
It hadn't really clicked for Edgar. He couldn't really see how the others were trying while they were tiptoeing around the subject in fear of upsetting their friend further.
So no, the silent support hadn't registered with Edgar.
Until one morning a week after the egg appeared.
Edgar waking up with the sunrise wasn't uncommon, even without Poe to peck at his ear. What was unusual was Monty being awake before him.
"Oh! And one time, Sargent Lewis told Edgar to attack her and Poe and Edgar were so in sync, it was like insane." Monty attempted to whisper to the egg, but was plenty loud enough to be heard over the morning bird song. "Poe flew in to distract her so Edgar could attack. It's not the only time either, one time-"
Edgar sat up with a confused frown as he fumbled for his glasses, only to look over at the desk where the egg was set up.
There Monty sat, his tie wrapped around the egg and a blanket of his own around his shoulders. Monty had his arms crossed on the desk and his head resting on top, facing the egg as he told stories about Edgar's faithful familiar.
"Though, you're not allowed to play dead... that was dead mean." Monty pouted at the unmoving egg before he noticed Edgar was awake and gave him a grin. "Do you reckon he can hear me? I wanna be proper mates."
Edgar watched for another few seconds before giving his first genuine smile in a week. "Yes I-I do, Monty."
Maybe they didn't understand how Edgar felt. And maybe after only knowing each other for such a short time, that was to be expected. But he couldn't deny they were gonna support him no matter what.
Summery: When Brandon asks Roland a simple question, Roland is left with questions of his own. The main one being "Why have I drawn back from Kevin?"
Warnings: internalised Homophobia, neglect mentioned, not feeling good enough, religious trauma?, nightmares, these boys need therapy and not just to scream into a hole.
word count: 1.2k
author note: I haven't properly written fanfics in a while, so please forgive the rusty writing. And please note this is based in fifth year so characters are 16.
The four brave boys were always affectionate.
From day one they took to one another as if they had been life long friends.
Three boys who didn't come from affectionate homes, one neglected, one held to standards outside his control and one utterly alone.
Then there was Roland. Roland and his family were always close. Church events, religious holidays and three bothers meant Roland was never alone. There was always someone to talk to, to play football or sing a song with.
So it came as no surprise to Roland that the four gravitated to one another and took to one another like family.
In fact he rarely thought about it. He remembered first year when Edgar settled into a group hug after Poe died the first time and cried so vulnerably.
He remembered Kevin comforting Monty so easily while they celebrated Montys control.
He remembered Montys face when he'd used lay on hands to heal his head after a back flip gone wrong. How Monty had been reminded of his dad patting him on the head. How it had been easy for Roland to wrap his arms around his friend and tell him that he was there and not going anywhere.
How Roland had multiple times, wrapped his stockier body around the others to block harm coming their way.
The list went on, hugs, holding hands, physically shielding each other with their bodies and more.
Roland never cared to notice because they were all comfortable with the affection. It had been a day one constant that was small and normal, comforting and needed.
Until one day in fifth year.
Roland sat in the communal space, watching as Monty and Edgar chased around a certain mischievous crow whom had stolen Monty's shoes and was quite adamant they would not be getting them back.
Roland had his worn Better Book open in his lap, ignored as he chuckled at the antics of 2 brave boys vs 1 crow.
A dip in the sofa next to him brought Roland's attention away from the amusing scene. He glanced to his right and gave Brandon a bright smile.
Brandon smiled back, before glancing back at Ben and Aaron who seemed to be watching from a shirt distance. "Roland? Can I ask you something."
"Of course, Bwandon. How can I help?" Roland closed his book and turned to Brandon to hive him his attention.
Brandon paused, the fingers twitching just above his eyes. A habit that Roland had learned meant that Brandon was a little nervous or uneasy.
"How come you've stopped being so affectionate with Kevin lately? Are you two fighting?"
The question was straightforward, really. But it raised questions of his own. Were they that much more affectionate than the other boys in their year that Brandon had taken note? Had he been less affectionate with Kevin? Enough for Brandon to be concerned about it?
Why was he drawing away from Kevin?
"What?" Roland managed to say.
"Well you still hold hands with Monty and Edgar when out for field trips and give them hugs and everything, but..." Brandon looked over towards Rolands room where Kevin was practicing his violin, "lately you seem to avoid the same with Kevin. Hell, I don't think I've seen the two of you just hanging out just you two for a while either."
Roland didn’t answer right away. He supposed that Brandon was right, he found that he'd recently started avoiding Kevin in small ways, sitting between Monty and Edgar when the seat next to Kevin was open. Grabbing the other boys arms to drag them along and trusting Kevin would keep up. Any number of little unconscious actions, thats been excluding Kevin from small affections day to day.
"I hadn't noticed." Roland admitted. "Don't worwy Bwandon, we're not fighting." He tried to reassure his friend with a grin. Though events to him the smile felt forced.
But it had him thinking, was how affectionate he was with his friends that unusual that Brandon and maybe others noticed when he was being less affectionate with Kevin...
Should he be less affectionate with the others too? Nah, what did it matter what Brandon and the others thought.
So... why was he being less affectionate with Kevin?
He took a moment to think about something simple and easy, holding Kevin's hand in Understanding class so he's not scared...
Why did he feel guilty?
Hugging him after a bad dream?
Guilty?
Sitting a little closer to him than the others?
Guilty.
Silently watching him practice violin?
Guilty!
Why?!
Roland huffed a little, standing up to go to his shared room. "I have nothing to feel guilty about." He muttered and opened the door with more force than needed, feeling guilty when he startled Kevin.
"Sorwy. I just wanted to listen to you play." Roland explained with a strained grin.
Kevin lit up, just a little, and that guilty feeling settled in his gut again. It was both heavy and light, like butterflies trying to carry a lead ball.
Roland sat down with his Better Book to listen as he read, finding the gentle notes of Kevin's violin calmed the storm of his guilty mind.
One song after another with Roland digging into his memory to find when the pulling away started. It was only when Kevin started playing a familiar song that a memory hit Roland like a hellpincher claw.
A little under a month ago, in the darkest hour of the night, Roland had woken with a throat like sandpaper.
He looked up at the ceiling and thought about if water was worth getting out of bed for or if dying of dehydration in a comfy bed was the preferred way to go.
The comfort of sleep began weighing down on Rolands eyes once more before a soft whimper tore him back into wakefulness.
He was up and at Kevin's side in record time as he noticed tears on the sleeping boys face. "Kevin. Kevin wake up!" He shook the redhead gently, already desperate to reassure the boy that he was safe.
Kevin woke with a gasp and sat up quickly, barely having time to register that he was at school with his friend before warm arms pulled him close. A familiar comforting tune being hummed quietly to help soothe him.
Only a moment later was Kevin gripping Roland desperately and sobbing into his shoulder. "They didn't want me." He sobbed softly. "They left me here because I was just an embarrassment."
Roland didn't need to guess who. This fear had been talked about before and it broke his heart to heart it again.
Without thinking, Roland kissed the top of Kevin's head and promised to be with him until the end.
Roland came back to the present with the memory of wide teary eyes staring at him in soft moonlight, only to find present Kevin looking at him confused.
"You alright, mate? You seem a little out of it." Kevin inquired.
Roland glanced down at the Better Book to find a passage about Homosexuality and it's sinful nature and everything clicked.
Looking back at Kevin as the boy asked again if he was okay and...
Oh
The shock melted away and Roland forced a big sunny smile. "Never better, Kevin."
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