If you’re still taking writing requests, what about a scenario where Alfendi has to stick up for Kat (like she’s being bullied, or told off etc)? Thanks!
Not entirely sure I followed this one correctly because it’s more like kidnapping than bullying- but it’s still unhinged protective Al, hope that’s okay 😅 (Kat is give or take 10 and Al is 18, mentions of knives and cigarettes)
“I’ll be back in a minute, just stay here, okay?”
She looked up at him with wide eyes and nodded. They were walking home together; Kat was still a touch too young for him to be comfortable letting her walk home alone. He knew how evil these streets could be. As much as he hated having to walk her home everyday (babysitting was not cool), it was his choice. After all, he was in charge of looking after her now.
If only they still had a dad…
But surely he could leave her outside for a moment, he just had to run in the shop quick. He had run out of cigarettes and well, he didn’t want her knowing he smoked. Al was constantly torn between trying to fit in with his delinquent friends and being a good brother. Just because he shouldn’t have to raise Kat didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try his hardest until they found Hershel.
Plus, then he could rub it in his face.
He was quick. Knew what he wanted, got in, got out. So imagine his surprise when Katrielle was simply Gone. For fuck’s sake he had just left her outside the store, where could she have gone to. Panic filled his chest. Oh he’s really fucked it up this time.
“STOP!” It was her voice, around the corner. He bolted in the direction where he heard her screaming and whining. No one else seemed to hear or care that there was clearly a child in distress. His blood began to boil.
“Alfendi!” He had found her and she had been so excited to see him, tears falling from her eyes. There were three boys with her, older than him, college aged. One had a firm grip on her wrist where she was violently tugging to try and get away.
“Aw, you know this fella?” One of the men said to her.
“Alfendi!” She whined again, wiggling more against the grasp at her wrist.
“Let. Her. Go.” He spoke through gritted teeth, trying his best to not immediately murder them. That probably wouldn’t look too good on his police application.
One of the men laughed. Alfendi was scrawny and lanky and not at all intimidating, he knew this. But they didn’t know what he was capable of. He spoke again, careful in his word choice.
“We were just trying to teach her a lesson, little girls shouldn’t be out by themselves, you know.” He yanked her wrist and she tumbled towards them. Al still kept his distance, calculating.
“Hey man-” It was the one in the back who had been quiet so far. He was talking to the one holding Kat. “Let her go, that’s enough.” He turned to Al now. “We didn’t hurt her, just looking to give her a scare, man.”
“Shut up, I’m in control here,” the leader spoke, but the sweat on his forehead betrayed him. Al knew he could easily win this.
“You shut up and listen here.” Al started advancing towards them, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a pocket knife, turning the blade quickly towards them. Their eyes widened. “Drop the girl. Or none of you will be walking out of here.” He’d never used the blade on someone else before, he carried it because he liked the weight and the power he felt from having it on him.
But let’s be clear here, Alfendi was not afraid to use it if he had to. There was thrill inside him, lightning coursing through his blood. He laughed like a crazed man.
“This guy’s fucking crazy.” They were scared. Good. He dropped Kat’s wrist and she ran, still sobbing and held onto Al’s pant leg. He gave her a quick pat on the head, and kissed her forehead. He turned his attention back to the boys who had begun slowly backing up.
“I’m not done with you.” He kept advancing on them, Kat now at his side. “You wanted to teach her a lesson? I intend to see that you’re taught one too.” He rolled his shoulders and then shrugged a little smirking, his confidence like a drug. He was unstoppable, high on adrenaline and loving it.
The boys took one glance at each other before running away. Al quickly slipped his knife away before crouching down to Kat’s eye level, only slightly disappointed he hadn’t been able to hurt them. He kissed her forehead again and wiped her tears away.
“Shh, shh, I’m so sorry that happened, I’m sorry I left you alone, this is my fault- are you okay?” She nodded through her sniffles. “I promise it won’t happen again, okay? I got you now.” She smiled a little. He scooped her up, hoisting her up into his arms to carry her the rest of the short way home. She was definitely too big and too old for this but he didn’t care; no one else was coming near her, not on his watch.
“Thank you, Alfendi.” He held her a little tighter. He was embarrassed and ashamed and mostly angry. At himself. All because he couldn’t wait for his smokes. He halfway considered quitting right then, but he still needed them.
Hershel, come back, we need you. I can’t do this alone.
“Hey Al,” Kat said, drawing his attention back to her. “You were kinda scary back there.” Oh no, he hadn’t even considered- “It was so cool!” She exclaimed, clearly excited. “When we get home can I see your knife?”
Oh. He felt his face heat up a little. So much for trying to be a good normal brother. “Um, maybe Kat we’ll see. Just uh, don’t mention this to anyone okay? It can be our little secret.”
“As long as I can see your knife!”
“Shhh!” He groaned. She was certainly a handful, but he loved her nonetheless.
Interested in more Layton family content? My AO3 is here! Also I’m still open to requests!