[♦] It had been a few weeks since Randall’s return, and Layton had been rather hesitant to approach him. They had only exchanged sorrowful glances as they passed each other in the hall. But finally, Layton had enough. There were a few questions he needed answered;
“Ah, Hershel, sure. What is it?"
“Not here, Randall. This is a matter that should be handled privately. Pumpkin Park re-opened today, I know a spot there."
“Pumpkin park? Hershel you do realize that this is the grand re-opening. It’s going to be busier there than it will be here, right?"
“Have I ever steered you wrong? A gentleman always has a plan."
“…Lead the way.”
“Was it really necessary to bring me out in public? Henry had shielded me from the public so I wouldn’t have to deal with this."
“But you’d have to face this eventually. The townspeople were going to continue to hate you until they get to know the real you. Until things have improved, I’ll accompany you anywhere you need to go."
“Hershel you don’t understand. Henry had to call in an old friend, and have him come to his home, just to cut my hair. And he still had to monitor him to make sure he didn’t butcher me, or my hair, out of anger."
“I understand completely. Granted I’m unable to walk a mile in your shoes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t observe the difficulty you’re facing. However, people like Henry and I are always here for you, Randall.”
[♦] Finally they arrived. Despite some of the hateful glares, a lot of people merely went about their business. This truly wasn’t a place for people to worry. Layton looked over at Randall, a small smile and a brief chuckle escaping him;
“W-wait, what are you laughing at?"
“You, of course. I don’t think I’ve seen a man’s wardrobe so drastically change in such a short time."
“What do you mean?"
“Didn’t you wear that exact outfit when we were younger? Even down to the neckerchief?"
[♦] Randall looked down, naturally, it only reminded him of his past. It was sudden, they stopped moving and he looked back up to see Layton having a brief conversation with the man running… the ferris wheel. Of course, somewhere enclosed, somewhere the two of them are completely alone without fear of someone coming in on them. They stepped in, the door being closed and the wheel slowly beginning to raise. It was sudden, but Layton seemed at a loss for words. It was, almost fortunate that Randall had matters to talk to him about too;
“Hey, Hershel, actually, can I ask YOU something?"
“Yes, of course. What is it?"
“…Did you move on? You have, haven’t you?"
[♦] His eyes widened, he was completely shocked. This had been the reason he had brought Randall here in the first place. This had been the first time in a long time he was at a complete loss for words.
“Hershel it’s okay, I underst—"
“Randall, we’ve been separated for ten years, I know, but why ever would you think I moved on?"
“Because of just that reason, it’s been ten years."
“To be honest with you, Randall, this is precisely why I called you out today. I thought for sure you may have moved on with someone in the village you were staying in. However, my feelings for you have only grown stronger in the passing years. Besides, a true gentleman always waits for their love."
“So you never did let up on becoming a gentleman, did you? Honestly I was sure it was some face you were putting on for that little guy. And I truly am relieved and delighted to hear I was wrong. But, Hershel… dare I ask, if you’re still my gentleman?"
“Randall you could have been gone a hundred years and I’d still be your gentleman."
[♦] It was sudden but a smile took Randall’s face, taking one of Hershel’s hands, hastily deciding that was insufficient and pulling the other into a tight hug. Two strong arms hastily secured themselves around him. It had been too long since he felt this embrace. His head lowered onto his shoulder, his eyes falling shut;
“Can you ever forgive me for what I’ve done?"
“I forgave you the day those dark miracles came to a close."
“Hershel I’m… I’m so sorry."
“There’s no need to apologize. The damage is being repaired, and we have you back now. That’s truly what matters. I can guarantee; everyone in this town, me especially, missed you dearly."
[♦] Before Randall could utter another word, Layton had cupped his chin, lifting his head and pressing their lips together. If there was any question about his love before, the sweet, gentle nature the kiss captured was enough to tell him. The metaphorical fireworks ignited, sending tingles he hadn’t felt in years all over his body. Layton moved back, a soft smile on his face.
“Ten years is truly a long time to go without seeing my fiancé, after all."
[♦] Hershel locked up for a moment, as Randall grabbed both cheeks between his hands, moving forward to capture another kiss. Passion spurring through it, as brief as it was. When he backed away, a foot on the ground and a knee on the seat still, he blushed, a small smile stuck to him;
“I know, and I’ll make sure it never happens again, Hershel.”
[♠] It was barely a day after Randall's parents had spoken to Layton's before the entire town knew about the two of them. His parents had forbidden them from seeing each other. Hershel had spent the entire night up in tears when his parents had ripped him away from Randall. He expected Randall did the same. It was awful, all day at school the two exchanged sorrowful glances to another. During lunch, Randall tried to approach Hershel, only to be separated by a crowd of students only a few moments after seeing one another.
[♠] There was one point in the day he had to look forward to. At the very end of the day they had a very brief, five minute period they were able to be around one another. Their lockers were side by side and neither could be taken from it until school was out. Randall had skipped his last period class, and was standing over by them, waiting for Layton to come out of his class directly next to their lockers.
[♠] The bell rang and Layton was the first out of his class, immediately locking eyes with his separated lover. He hurried over, not hesitating to embrace the other. He had a look of utter distraught on his face, but didn't hesitate to leave a small kiss on the other's cheek.
"H-Hersh... dammit, our parents doing this to us... it just isn't right."
"I know, I just, can't handle it, Randall. We can't spend even a moment alone and..."
"I'm going to start talking to my parents... They'll be easier to convince. If I can get mom on my side, she can maybe... start telling the townspeople to let us see each other for just a little bit."
"And I'm going to start talking to the dean about letting us see each other on school grounds. He's very understanding, and maybe he'll get that we're not the only homosexual couple in the school. We're just the only ones with parents flipping out about it."
"I-I just, why did they have to tell anyone? It was none of their business... it's our lives."
"I don't get it either, Hersh... but, at least we have this small window with each other. We just need to make the most of it."
[♠] Randall cupped his chin, softly kissing the brunette, trying to drown out the disgusted glares around him, and relieved the he felt Layton's hands graze over his cheek as he softly kissed back. He softly pressed Layton against the locker, pressing his hand against it as they parted, his head lowering into the crook of Hershel's neck. Layton swore he could feel tears soaking through his shirt, and softly put both hands around his back.
"Randall... we'll make it through this. I know we will. I love you, Randall Ascot."
[♠] The bell rang, and almost immediately a teacher grabbed Randall's arm, beginning to tug him away. He reached out, grabbing Hershel's hand and desperately crying out;
"I love you too, Hershel Layton!"
[♠] He fell to his knees as Randall left his sight, despite hearing the loud shouts to let him go. Large tears began to fall from his eyes, his hands covering his face. It took him a minute or two to get up, and silently he grabbed his backpack and left. On his way out of the school, however, he ran into Angela. He looked mildly surprised, and picked up his pace;
"Angela? What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Hershel. Fancy running into you here. Henry asked me to begin walking Randall home. He feels like he may be in danger walking alone with his... current situation."
"Wait, what do you mean in danger?"
"Henry wouldn't tell me anything more. He just told me not to leave Randall alone in public, or let him go into any less populated areas. Look, Hershel, as much as I'd love to stay and chat, Randall isn't allowed to leave until you've gone a ways off the premises, and I'd like to go home at some point today."
"Ah, a-alright. Well, thank you for your time."
[♠] As cold as Angela was, he could somewhat understand where she was coming from; being forced to stay here waiting for Randall for an unknown reason. Hershel avoided eye contact with anyone as he made his way home. Despite the looks he got from some of the townspeople.
"Ah, Hershel! Welcome home!"
[♠] He slowly brought his head up to look at her, sadly nodding before lowering it once again;
"Ah, hello, thank you. I'll, I'll be in my room. I'll see you in the morning."
"Hershel, please, I know you're upset but, understand this was for your own good."
"What good did it do!? I-I can't see Randall at all anymore, today was miserable, there was no point in anything today. I couldn't concentrate, everyone stared at me like there was something wrong with me, none of my teachers acknowledge I exist anymore. I mean, one of them wouldn't even take my homework! I'm going to fail that class if it keeps up."
"It'll get better, Hershel. Eventually you'll give up and--"
"Mom you just don't get it. The only thing different between my relationship and yours is that there's no girl in mine! The love it the same, the emotions are the same, it's all the same! I just, please, leave me be."
[♠] He didn't wait to hear another word, promptly walking off to his room and laying down on his bed. Nothing mattered for the rest of the day, nothing would happen. Nothing to look forward to, nothing to get up for. He just turned off the light, shufflig under the covers and closing his eyes.
[♠] It must have been a few hours later, his mother opened the door, turning on the light switch and watching Hershel shuffle under the covers;
"Hershel, dear, it's time for dinner."
"Eat without me, I'm not hungry right now. I might just grab something later."
"Hershel, Angela stopped by earlier, she said you didn't eat a thing at lunch today, and just gave away what we packed you."
"Yeah, I'm sorry... I wasn't really hungry then either."
"You need to eat something."
[♠] Past this point he wouldn't reply, pulling the covers over his head once again until he heard a sorrowful sigh. Promptly after, the lights shut off and the door was softly shut again. He shut his eyes once more and fell back asleep for the night.
[♠] Other than a few times he woke up for menial things like grabbing water, the next time he woke up was in the morning. Quietly he readied himself for the disappointing day ahead of him. Leaving the house without his lunch, much to his mother's dismay. He arrived at school, being instructed to stay away from his locker until Randall was in class.
[♠] His day went by slowly, and he was barely even able to stay awake during his classes, but the moment he left his final class, he stood around, waiting for Randall. It only took a few moments before he saw Randall bounding around the corner, pushing through students until he could embrace Hershel;
"Hersh! Hersh I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too, Randall, it's been really hard without you with me."
"The feeling's mutual. But. look, Hershel. Angela told me she talked to your parents yesterday and you were already in bed. Is that true?"
"Yeah, I wasn't feeling the greatest when I arrived home."
"That's because you aren't eating. Hershel I was the one that sent Angela over yesterday. I'm worried about you."
"I'm okay, I promise."
"I want to see you eat something tomorrow. It might be hard, but I want to see it. This isn't the way to cope. Please, do it for me."
"Okay... I, I'm sorry, it's just, my appetite is gone. I've just been--"
"I know."
[♠] Randall only tugged Hershel closer, his eyes drifting shut as he took in a deep breath, trying not to choke up as he spoke;
"Remember, Hershel. Even though we can't see each other, I still love you, and you're still worth fighting for. I will never quit fighting. I've got more plans with the principal today to discuss our current predicament. He seems to be on our side and I might be able to get him to talk to the teachers about letting us talk on school property!"
"Randall, you're incredible I-- wow, I can't even believe it!"
"Believe it, Hersh! I'm just that amazing."
[♠] A smile finally took Randall's face and he leaned in, still smiling as his lips pressed against Hershel's. Finally, the small smile Randall wielded grew contagious, and a very small smile finally formed on Layton's face as well. They parted as the bell rang, and Randall smiled briefly;
"I'm off to talk to him again! I'll talk to you tomorrow Hersh, I swear!"
[♠] The teacher that was approaching was surprised to see Randall running off of his own free will, he did notice Hershel's smile reform into it's frown once again. He grabbed his backpack, and left, walking past Angela despite her attempts to get his attention. His walk home was quiet. As was his re-entry to the house. Not a word spoken to anyone. He just stepped into his room again.
[♠] It was far later, he heard the door creak open. As much as he was expecting the lights to come on;
"Mrs Ascot, look. He comes right home and just goes right to bed."
"Randall is doing the same thing. I just don't get it."
"They need each other."
"They need to be normal. They'll move on and start living normally again."
"No, look, listen to this, go behind the door, where Hershel can't see you."
[♠] He heard a small amount of shuffling around, and the lights turned on. He still refused to face her, tugging the blanket over his head;
"Hershel, dinner's ready."
"Not hungry... I'm sorry."
"You need to eat, you can't go on like this. It's been over a day now."
"I'll grab something later."
"You said that yesterday, and the plate I made you was untouched. You didn't even bring your lunch today."
"Mom I'm just tired, can I please just go back to bed?"
"Hershel..."
"Please..."
[♠] The lights were turned back off, and the door was shut. It was through the door, however, that he could hear them speak;
"He did this yesterday as well."
"Randall won't eat with us. He takes his food back up to his room. He brings it back down empty to do the washing up."
"Hershel won't even do that. All he does is sleep. This is destroying them, we can't keep doing this to them."
"I'll talk to my husband about it. But I won't make you any promises. We both think they're sick for this relationship."
"I know but... they'll find a way to see each other. We don't want them doing anything drastic like running away."
"Randall would--"
"Neither would Hershel, but they may do something drastic if we don't let them see each other. I don't want him not eating and getting really sick. Please, consider it."
[♠] As much as he wanted to stay awake, he lacked the energy, and fell asleep once again. Once the morning came around, he quietly got up. Once he was ready to leave, he stepped out of his room. He went to walk past his lunch but, Randall's words echo'd in his head, and he doubled back to grab it.
[♠] Hershel didn't see Randall in their first class today, and of course, he was worried. It wasn't until lunch that he heard anything about him. He was quietly sitting there, force-feeding himself a sandwich when Randall stepped in with the principal, a large smile on his face. He looked around the lunch room, spotting Layton, who was looking up at him already. Looking back at the principal he waved and rushed over towards Hershel's table;
"Hershel! Excellent news! The principal said he'd let us see each other on the down low!"
"What? You mean while we're here we can--"
"We can spend time together while we're on school grounds again!"
[♠] Almost immediately, Randall brought Layton in for a hasty kiss. Looking at the half-eaten lunch quickly and smiling brightly at the other;
"And you're eating, too. Today's just full of good news!"
"I'm glad I get the chance to see you again, Randall."
"The feeling's mutual."
[♠] Randall rested his head against Layton's shoulder, and, after a moment, noticed a sandwich being held out in front of him. He looked up at Hershel quietly, noticing the worry dangling in his eyes;
"Hersh, I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
"A wise man once gave me trouble and told me I needed to eat. If you don't have a lunch, please take it."
[♠] Randall grinned at him for a moment, before taking the sandwich gratefully. In the end, they wound up splitting his lunch. As worried as Randall was that Hershel wasn't eating much, at least he was content enough to eat by choice again. Randall walked him to his last class, stopping him briefly before he left;
"So, after this class we're only going to have five minutes, as usual. If I keep Angela waiting too long, she said she'll blab to my parents."
"I understand. At least now we have a reason to look forward to school again."
[♠] And one last, small brush against the lips before he smiled and ran off;
"I'll see you after class, Hershel!"
[♠] The class seemed to drag. Namely because Hershel knew he'd get to see Randall again. He found himself watching the clock pretty much the entire class. It could only be assumed Randall was doing the same. That bell finally rang and he sprung up, rushing out of class. He was barely out the door when he saw the redhead rushing around the corner;
"Hersh!"
[♠] He practically jumped into the other's arms, barely being caught by the other, who had to drop his books to catch him. Randall seemed over the moon, laughing as he brushed noses with him;
"Class went by so slowly! It felt like I was going to be at my own funeral before I was going to be out of class!"
"Indeed. I don't think I truly paid attention to a single word out of my teacher's mouth all class."
"Yeah, me neither!"
"I really don't think that had anything to do with me, Randall."
[♠] He grinned at Hershel's remark, giving him a very light punch to the shoulder with his usual cocky grin plastered across his face.
"Okay, okay, it had nothing to do with you. But it was worth a shot, wasn't it?"
"A fair point. But we've been together along time now, and we've been friends since we were kids. You can't fool me."
"Won't stop me from trying!"
[♠] Hershel laughed, however, he was interrupted by the bell, and a small frown took his face again. Randall frowned slightly, giving him a small kiss and grabbing his shoulders, a serious look in his eyes;
"Hershel don't worry. You'll see me tomorrow. I promise I'll wait for you right at the front door! I'll spend as much of my day with you as I can!"
[♠] He smiled, grabbing his bag from his locker and standing around. Layton grabbed his, waving his farewell to Randall and leaving the school quietly, in high spirits.
"Hey, Layton!"
[♠] He spun around, being faced by a small gathering of students. No more than seven or eight.
"Ah, hello. Is there anything I can assist you with today?"
[♠] It was sudden, the other approaching him and colliding his fist fiercely with Hershel's jaw. He cried out, hitting the ground with a sharp thud, gripping at his jaw;
"Wh-what was that for!?"
"We're sick of seeing you with that redheaded geek, that's what!"
[♠] An iron pipe was revealed from behind one of their backs, and Layton's eyes grew wide. He was in danger, something was about to go horribly wrong. Before he could even scream, two of the students pinned him down, one by his feet, the other clamping their hands over his mouth. He tried to scream, his eyes watering in fear and anticipation of what was to come.
[♠] The tears sprang out, accompanied with a muffled scream when the pipe collided with his his stomach. Claws digging into his jaw to keep him quiet. He felt nails piercing his skin, but his voice was hitched in his throat through streams of tears. The pipe collided once again with his side and he recoiled, trying to move but being unable to.
[♠] Hit after hit, the iron pipe injured him further and further. He tried to scream, but the one up by his head was clawing his jawline, and he'd receive a strike to the face with each successful cry. He could feel his consciousness slipping away as the strikes grew more intense, and before he knew it, he was engulfed in darkness.
[♠] It wasn't until about ten or so minutes after Hershell blacked out that Randall and Angela left. The two of them chatting about whatever came to mind as they normally did. They both looked forward when they saw eight seemingly strong men pass by, one carrying an iron pipe with... some crimson substance on it. He looked behind him briefly and decided to pick up the pace. Something about them made him feel like he was in danger. It wasn't until he was passing by the lake, seeing the crimson sprayed across the grass, leading up to a limp figure. A person--
"HERSHEL!!"
[♠] Without a moment's hesitation he ran over, falling to his knees beside him, his shaky hands not even able to touch him. He looked as though he had been beaten half to death. His breathing was shallow, and occasionally accompanied by a pained convulsion. With teary eyes he turned, shouting desperately to Angela;
"Go get medicines, bandages, anything! I'll pay you back in full! Just get it!! I've got to get Hershel back to his house, his parents have to help us!"
[♠] He scooped up the injured student, rushing off in one direction while Angela took off in another direction. Tears were streaming down his face, moving as fast as his legs would take him, and bursting into the Layton house.
"Mrs. Layton! You have to help!! Hershel's been...!!"
[♠] Who knew how long he was out for. All he knew is that as his consciousness returned to him, he was overwhelmed with pain. He winced, and his hearing returned to him, hearing soft crying from beside him. Turning his head his eyes widened slightly when he saw the redhead kneeling beside his bed, with his head down on Layton's bed. It was evident he was crying, even if the noises didn't give it away. His shoulders were heaving.
"Rand-d-dall...?"
[♠] Suddenly, Randall's head shot up, large tears falling from his eyes. He went to speak, but the only noise that came out was a choked sob, and he collapsed into a fit of tears closer to Hershel. He wanted to do something to comfort Randall, but even the idea of movement sent pangs of pain straight up and down his spine. It was a few moments before Randall looked up once again, finally able to speak between sobs;
"H-Hersh, Hersh, Hersh, Hersh...!!! What happened!? What happened to you!?"
[♠] He averted his gaze. The last thing he wanted to do was tell Randall he got beat half to death. Actually, he didn't want to say anything that would make Randall more upset than he already was. But, it didn't honestly seem like that was possible;
"It w-was no less th-than seven guys... could have been ei-eight... they, two of them p-p-pinned me down, five of them to-ook occasional shots-s-s-s, and one of them had an iron pi-pipe..."
[♠] His eyes shot open, and he remembered those guys he had crossed paths with on the way home from school. They must have been leaving him for dead. His eyes only overflowed with tears more. He threw himself over Layton, who winced on impact but didn't object, despite the immense pain on his chest.
"I saw them! They were going the opposite way of me and they were laughing and the iron pipe, it had this red stuff on it! H-Hersh!!"
[♠] Hershel shakily raised a hand, placing it on Randall's back, His breathing was jagged, tears beginning to fall silently out of his own eyes as the pain washed over him full force, convulsing as the pain grew more intense. Randall shot up, rushing from the room in a panic;
"Mr Layton, Mrs Layton! He's doing it again!"
[♠] He wasn't entirely sure what was happening. His parents stormed in and started using some unknown medical stuff on him, giving strict instructions to Randall as they left to continue prepping the hot water herb rinse for the infected wounds. Layton looked on the cusp of passing out once again, and soon Randall crawled into bed beside him, letting himself nestle against him softly despite the tears pouring down his face.;
"Get some sleep, Hershel, you need it really badly..."
[♠] And once again, Hershel was unable to protest. The warmth beside him, the already near unconsciousness, it was all overwhelming for him, and quietly he passed out, pain grabbing his body,
