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[hideyosammich]

[The Doctor's more than relieved when the final bell for seventh period rings and he's out of his seat in seconds. He and the Master had agreed to meet up after school by his car, as per usual, and head over to his place afterwards. He's been prone to parking Idris across the street and on the other side of the play park in order to keep curious eyes from noticing him and the Master, and it's there he's headed when he finds himself a bit...held up.

He's too preoccupied to notice the foot sticking out in front of him until it's too late and he's toppled over face first onto the concrete. Nursing a bloody nose, he recognizes the laughter of his usual tormentors and groans internally before pushing himself to his feet.

He's learned by now that trying to talk or reason with them doesn't do much good, and he just submits to their biting taunts, keeping a blank face and not letting his growing irritation show. That's when they start throwing punches, as is their after school hobby, and skinny, knobbly Doctor has literally no way to defend himself.]

Stop!

[But yelling just makes it worse, and the Doctor finds himself shoved against a wall with a hand at his throat, a fist repeatedly slamming into his face until his vision goes blurry and he can taste blood in his mouth.]

Comments

[soundsofdrums]

[He's running a few minutes late, but when he sees the commotion, his pace quickens. The bullies are vaguely familiar. Not acquaintances of his, but he knows them somewhat. The Master hesitates for only a split second before strolling over, calmly placing a hand on the shoulder of the boy punching the Doctor.]

And what are we up to today?

[hideyosammich]

[His vision is hazy and his mind fogged with the steady thrum of pain, but the appearance of the Master makes the Doctor's heart sing in relief. His tormentor is distracted by the touch and turns, going a little pale when he notices who's addressing him. His words echo a bit strangely in the Doctor's ears. "Oh, us? We're just taking out the trash."

Despite himself, the Doctor smiles.]

[soundsofdrums]

Doesn't look like your trash to take out. You can't just go rooting in other people's rubbish bins, now can you? [He gives them all a look.]

[hideyosammich]

[The bullies are really not quite following. They're on the football team, all brawn and no brains at all, and they gape a little confusedly at the Master. "We've been dealing with this one since freshman year..."

The Doctor can feel the hand on his throat finally starting to loosen and he gulps in air.]

[soundsofdrums]

He's not yours to deal with. He's not yours to even touch. [He moves to stand between them and the Doctor.]

[hideyosammich]

[As soon as the Master moves, the Doctor is released. He sways on unsteady legs, smiling slightly as the trio stutters out an apology and leaves. It's always nice to date a guy with influence.]

[soundsofdrums]

Good boys. [He turns to face the Doctor.] Fine there?

[hideyosammich]

Can't decide if I'm going to puke or faint...you tell me. [He grins a little, blood dripping down his split lip.] Thanks.

[soundsofdrums]

Neither, please. You need to be cleaned up as is.

[hideyosammich]

[He scowls a little, dabbing at his lip and nose in an attempt to make both stop bleeding. His head is throbbing and his face feels broken, but he deals.]

Take me somewhere so you can kiss it better without anyone seeing.

[soundsofdrums]

Your house? I can patch you up there.

[hideyosammich]

Think you can drive Idris? [He pinches his nose.]

[soundsofdrums]

I can manage. Give me the keys.

[hideyosammich]

[He digs in his pocket and hands them over, swaying again. The beating has him a bit off balance and he reaches out for the Master instinctively, a hand closing on his shoulder.] Ugh. I almost prefer when they hit me everywhere instead of just my head...

[soundsofdrums]

Relax. Sit down. [He takes the keys and helps him into the passenger seat.]

[hideyosammich]

[The door's finally been fixed, and it opens with little complaint. The Doctor sits down and sighs, leaning his head back and pinching his nose again in an attempt to stop the bleeding.]

Mmh. Thank you.

[soundsofdrums]

What am I supposed to do with you? [He just sighs and slides into the driver's seat, closing the doors.] People need to know better than to touch you.

[hideyosammich]

Yeahhh...good luck explaining that to the entire football team...

[He shifts in his seat, wincing a little.]

[soundsofdrums]

I will if I have to. [He frowns, starting the car up after a few tries.]

[hideyosammich]

I'm used to it by now. The trick is finding remedies that don't involve visiting a doctor. I've gotten pretty good at taping my ribs up.

[soundsofdrums]

You're my boyfriend. You think I'm just going to let you go on like that?

[hideyosammich]

Well...I suppose not...but I'm not sure how you can get them all to lay off me without them finding out about us.

[soundsofdrums]

[He shrugs as he starts driving towards the Doctor's house.] I'll find a way.

[hideyosammich]

Mm, you always do. [He closes his eyes, trying to will his head to stop spinning.]

[soundsofdrums]

[Thankfully, the Doctor lives close by enough, and once they're there, he moves to help him out of the car.] Like I said. No one should touch you but me.