The evidence spoke for itself; tear-stained cheeks, a heartbreaking heaviness in her voice, the sniffles... something terrible had happened. And while he was happy to see her, his first reaction was not to greet her, but to jump into action and try to make it better. “I'm sorry I kept you waiting... I was at band practice,” he explains as he carefully places the clarinet case by the bottom of the stairs. “Mom made me join. Said it's good for my student portfolio.” Pursed lips twitch as he shrugs ---he doesn't think he's particularly skillful.
He reaches for the handkerchief he keeps in his backpocket and crouches slightly in front of her before he uses it to gently wipe her cheeks, while paying close attention to her words. It had to be tiring... feeling what everyone felt at all times, knowing who disliked her, who wished her ill. He wasn’t even sure how she handled it; she and her mom were the strongest persons he had ever met. "Always, Luna. I’m always here for you. ---You're my best friend.” Lips curve into a small smile and he offers her the cloth. “Do you--- do you, maybe, wanna come inside? Mom won’t be back until later. Maybe we can... get something to eat and you can tell me more about all these mean girls?”
@fincskylark from here .