Lunar's POV
"What a stupid way to break my arm," I flexed my arm, finally used to it in a cast after two or three weeks, laughing at the silliness of its reasoning, "Imagine breaking your arm from chasing you with a milkshake. I'd wish something cooler happened that I could tell people."
"You could always say you got attacked by a hawk, that'd be an awesome story," She shrugged nonchalantly as if that wasn't weird to say, "You could say you were trying to steal the eggs so you could have a pet."
"What the fuck?" I shook my head with a scrunched face, sitting up and staring at her, "You're wild, Matty. I'd never steal a bird egg, what is wrong with you?" The feeling of being watched made me glance up, my face draining of color at the sight of a black Cadillac. Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Hayes sat in it watching quietly, Mr. Lincoln casually waved me over but in a slightly stern way, "W-We should get going."
"Are you alright, Looney Tunes?" Mathis questioned with a cocked eyebrow, sitting up and looking where I stared, "Come on, Lune. You can't avoid them forever!"
"I can sure as hell try," I murmured more to myself than her, a lump in my throat tightening as we both stood up. I wasn't ready to face them. I knew they'd have questions, and I didn't want to answer them... Not yet, anyway. I needed more time, and they needed someone now. I know what I want, but I don't know what I wish to do simultaneously. I know what I'm afraid of, "I'm going to pretend they don't exist."
"Well, I'm not. If you won't talk to them, I will," She remarked with folded arms, heading over to them as my face transformed into paper. I stood frozen and stared at her as she bent over to speak with them. She was always more confrontational than me, especially with drama or fights. Sometimes it was a blessing, currently, it felt like a curse. I watched as they spoke, my heart acting like Lightning McQueen as she jogged back to me, "They would like to speak to you, Lunar Moon. They said it'd only take a moment and then we can go back to goofing off."
My head shook vigorously as she grabbed my good arm, failing to get me to budge. I put all my weight into my feet, digging them deep into the dirt and yanking my arm back, "Mm-mm, not happening! I have no intention to speak to either of them, I do not care who they are. I do not wish to talk right now, and you nor anyone else can make me."
"Lune, come back here and talk to them!" Matty urged, hearing the frustration of a car door slamming, my arm getting free and my feet rushing me down a hill. My pupils stared into the filthy pond, an exhale leaving my lips as I lifted my arm and walked into the murky water. She began to laugh, my face scrunching to keep from joining her. I knew I was being ridiculous, but I didn't care, "Lune, what the fuck are you doing?! Get out of the pond! You're going to ruin your cast and get bit by snapping turtles!"
I sat on the small island in the center of the pond, hugging my knees as I stared at the three of them standing together. Mr. Lincoln has this stance of "Seriously, Dude?" while Mr. Hayes was fighting a grin, trying to remain straight-faced. I could see the humor in this, but I wasn't about to be cornered.
"Please, come back?!" I strenuously shook my head, hugging myself tighter to strengthen my decision. I wasn't going anywhere near them, I didn't care if I had to live on this stupid little island! I will forage for food and eat snapping turtles if I must, "What are you? Chicken?"
"I have a much tighter vagina than you! It's so very tight and I'm proud!" I hollered confidently with a nod of my head, "I live here, now. I can build a lovely house of the twigs and bushes here. I think it'll be lovely, thank you."
"Get over here or I'm calling your mother!" She facepalmed, saying something to them both that got them chuckling as she huffed, "I will tell her you're gay!"
"What the fuck is that going to do?! Prove my vagina is even tighter than hers?!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms in the air chaotically. I knew she'd never out me, it was a ruse to get me to come over there and it failed miserably. Laughing was the only thing I could do to keep from crying. My body shook, and I couldn't tell if it was because I was afraid, or cold from the water. I hated that looking at all three of them all I could see was annoyance…they were probably worried, but my brain made it all look different, at least that's what I hoped. "and that's not going to get me to come off this island any faster! That'll make me stay here for eternity!"
"I'm going to kill you!" She groaned, starting to pull off her hoodie, stopping as Mr. Lincoln put his hand in front of her before removing his suit jacket. He pulled off his tie, rolling up his sleeves before he began into the pond. He didn't seem to give two shits that his entire attire was expensive. You better pray he drowns so you won't get the dry cleaning bill. I'll pray for my death, instead. Damn, leave it for your parents to clean up why don't you. I will hurt you, Subconscious.
"Sit the fuck down!" He ordered at my backing up, watching as I cruised faster as Mr. Hayes started jogging around to the other side. I torpedoed through the trees before either could reach me, "Get back here, Lunar!!"
I didn't dare to look back; I was too afraid…too ashamed. I wanted to hide, to escape. I wanted to be free, to be safe. If this was how I got it then so be it. Mathis caught up with me, trotting next to me as she gave a flattered smile at my surprise, "Didn't think I'd catch up, huh?"
"I-I can't see them, Matty. I can't." I faltered to a walk, shame coating my voice, "I don't want to work for them anymore. I'd rather my parents be disappointed than work there. I'd rather be outcasted or shamed, I don't care because it's better than being so fucking afraid."
"L-Lune," Her voice broke, "Nobody - including them - is going to shame or outcast you. They –"
"I-I'm sorry," Hearing the twigs snap had me back on a run, this time not stopping for anyone or anything. I'll die first before stopping where I was heading. I didn't stop until I was on top of a hill, staring down at my Uncle's Town. My throat hurt, and my lungs burned. My legs felt like jelly as I stumbled down the mound, making it slowly to my Uncle's home. It took everything in me to keep standing as I knocked on his door.
He was my Safe Space, my comfort. I could go to him about anything and everything. I hated to burden him, but I couldn't go home. I couldn't turn back with my tail between my legs. I wanted to be free.
"Lunar, what are you doing here?" He was startled as the door opened, looking around for my parents, "Did you walk?"
"I-I need to stay here for a few…," I hoarse, talking and moving hurt, "F-For a bit, pl-please. I-I don't have anywhere else to go."
He stepped out of the way, letting my body crash onto his couch and nap once my adrenaline faded. My body ached and screamed when I moved. The house was dark but outside my Uncle's campfire burned.
"Why'd ya run away from home, Moon? Your parents must be worried sick," My body limped before it took a seat next to him, his voice concerned as he offered a s'more. I stared at the fire, watching the flames dance with one another, staying quiet. I wanted to disappear, but my silence only raised more questions. He chewed the s'more I'd rejected, "Did somebody hurt you? Is somebody after you? If you're in trouble we can help you, but you've got to talk to us," I shook my head, tearing up and turning my face away, wiping my cheeks with my wrist. A sigh left his throat, "You're hurting. Please, talk to me." It hurt to keep him in the dark, so I gave in hesitantly, telling him everything. It took an hour or two and not once did he interrupt. Not once did he belittle me or shame me. Once I was finished talking, he pulled me into a tight hug, "I've got to call your parents, Moth. I won't tell them anything that you told me, but you do need to go home. You can't run away and not think they'll not worry. I know better than to let your mama worry, and I will not be in that line of wrath."
He took me inside, having me rest in the guest room. I couldn't sleep, though. As the sun lit up the darkness outside, I could hear a car pulling into his driveway. I mentally prepared myself for the upset ma would rupture, grimacing at the soreness as I peeked through the window. I hid immediately in the bathroom at the sight of the Cadillac, fully prepared to escape through the window after locking the door. Mr. Hayes' voice was delicate on the opposite side of the door as I opened the bathroom window to crawl out, "Please, come out, Lunar. We're taking you home."
I'd wished my parents risked the car breaking down rather than asking these two to get me. They're my bosses. That thought made me feel worse as I climbed through the window, my body backing up. The aching in my body vanished as I was prepared to start sprinting again. I spun around as soon as I ran into something, going pale as Mr. Lincoln stood with his arms crossed, "Get in the fucking car, Lunar. You've run enough."
"You need to go home, Lune," I turned to dash, skidding to a halt as my Uncle stood, blocking my path, "Running away isn't going to solve anything."
I turned in a 90, prepared to fly in that direction, halting as Mr. Hayes stood in that spot. Swallowing, I backed up against the wall, bleach-faced as my eyes darted at each of them. My throat was tight, it felt like my lungs were collapsing. My uncle went to grab me, but I ducked under him, taking that opportunity to start scrambling again. I didn't know where to go, I wanted to escape, and I didn't care where. I dragged my body around, frantically searching. People looked at me as I trudged around, making faces but I didn't care. I ducked behind one of the trash cans in an alley as I heard the familiar sound of the Cadillac driving by. Sleep consumed me soon after, my body curled into a ball.
***
Lunar's POV
"Mommy, there's a man here!!" I jolted at a girl screaming in my face, stumbling with wide eyes as I scrabbled away from her. Fuck, fuck, fuck! My heart was pounding like a thousand running horses as I backed up, my body running into a pair of legs.
"Thanks, Kid. Have fun!" Arms threw me over the person's shoulders as a small bag of quarters was tossed at the girl.
"L-Let go of me!" I flailed around, hitting and kicking but wasn't let go, held tighter by the figure. My insides grew stressed at the lack of knowing who held me, fearing the worst.
Mr. Lincoln sat in the Cadillac, shoving me forcefully into his lap as Mr. Hayes started the car. I didn't stop struggling even with the knowledge it was him, causing his grip to constrict until I could hardly breathe as he pulled the seat belt over us. My heart pounded heavier as Mr. Hayes began to drive, Mr. Lincoln held my head tensely to his shoulder as his arm held my body tightly against his.
My heart boomed as we sat in silence, feeling like it'd explode any moment. My eyes shut tight, every part of me trembling. Mr. Lincoln's arms slowly loosened after about thirty minutes. It was then that I noticed his heart had also been racing. He was hiding it, but his hands were shaking. I could feel them shuddering as they rested on my hips, his face buried within the crook of my neck.
"W-Were you running from me?" He murmured, as his grip on my hips strengthened. It was like he couldn't tell if the question or my answer would be more terrifying.
"I-I was running from everything. Running from all of it," I whispered, quivering as I watched the passing trees and homes, starting to relax into him, "I-I wanted to be free. I-I'm scared all the time...I-I wanted to be free."
"We're sorry for causing more stress, you're important to us," He purred, "We were worried it was the end of a beginning, we didn't wish to rush you if you were uncomfortable."
"I-I wasn't uncomfortable," I hesitated, "I-I'm afraid. Not of either of you. You both have been so inviting and kind, I'm not used to that. I-I'm not afraid of being with you, I'm afraid of you being with me."
"I can promise you whatever you're startled by only encourages our stay. We're not going anywhere as long as you wish to have us," His lips rested against my temple as he caressed my cheek, his breath shaky as he watched out the windshield. He cupped my chin, bringing my vision to him as he half-assed ordered, "Now, don't you ever run from us like that again, do you understand?"
I looked down at my cast, picking at it as I avoided eye contact, "Y-You know I can't promise that."
"I know," He sighed as we pulled into their driveway, caressing my thigh delicately as he exhaled and calmed himself.
My mother and father stood waiting with Mathis at the steps, standing up as soon as they saw Matty running towards us. Mr. Lincoln allowed me to step off him, watching me stand up at her approach. She smacked me hard, my cheek burning as I felt the handprint forming, "I-I deserved that." Another smack, "Th-That, too." Instantly I covered my groin when she went to hit, my irises wide with panic to protect my jewels, "M-Maybe not the nethers!"
"If you ever do shit like that again," She hugged me so tight I heard my ribs crack, getting into my face, "I'll kick your ass!"
"Y-You promise?" I smiled weakly, trying to lighten the mood as I held my pinkie towards her, hoping the humor would cool her nerves. I could see the worry and self-blame in her irises, but she had a strange way of expressing it.
"Promise," She latched our pinkies, jumping into my arms and clutching me aggressively, "Don't you ever do shit like that again or I'll be a lot scarier than these two."
"B-Believe me," I chuckled into her shoulder, "You already beat them at that a long time ago."
"What's that supposed to mean?" She pouted, making me chortle more as I set her down, her foot stomping, "What do you mean by that, Lune?! I demand to know!"
"Th-They haven't seen you in P.E.," I rolled my eyes at her with a shake of my head, "I-I'm sure I could call up old classmates to back me up."
"I was kidding!" She became a giggle-fit, waving me off with embarrassment, "I wasn't going to hurt anybody!"
"Then why'd you chase the teacher with a weight bar?" I cocked an eyebrow, crossing my arms, "For an hour?"
"Go see your parents, Floid," She huffed, defeated as she pouted.
I stepped over to my parents, shuffling my feet awkwardly, tensing as they pulled me into a tight group hug. My body relaxed, burrowing into their warmth, "...I-I-I'm sorry for running away. I-I'm a big dumb-dumb."
Ma cupped my face, making me look at her, a stern look on her face, "If you ever - and I mean ever - pull this shit with me again, I will strip you bare and whoop your ass. I'll pull out the ol' leather belt all over again, do you goddamn understand me?"
I shuddered wide-eyed at her rare cursing, nodding immediately, "Y-Y-Yes, Ma'am. U-Understood, I-It won't happen again."
She never really used the belt, but when she did it meant I'd messed up. Even though she never hit me, I was still afraid. Not of her, but Anthien didn't need to find out we had something he could hurt me with. So, her threatening to bring it out always had me on my best behavior. For most, a belt for spanking was normal for bad behavior, but my mother never liked doing it so she decided bringing it out as a warning was a much nicer punishment. She was right, at least in my case.
"Thank you so much for driving and picking him up! I'm sorry he caused so much trouble," She stepped over to Mr. Hayes and Mr. Lincoln, and my face burned as she yanked my ear, "What the hell do you have to say for yourself?"
"I-I'm sorry for c-causing such a fuss," My face lava-ed more as smirks tugged at their lips, amused by the scene. At this moment the belt was welcoming, "I-I didn't mean to be troublesome; it-it won't happen again."
"It's alright, Mrs. Floid. He's a good kid with a troubled past," Mr. Hayes chuckled, watching her let go of my ear, "The least we could do was bring him home for you. Take him home, get him cleaned up. Besides, why wouldn't we? We'd not get the pleasure of meeting the Misses."
"Oh, You Flirt," She waved his flattery off, blushing as she headed over to my father, her voice blunt, "Don't even try."
Mr. Hayes snorted with a grin as Mr. Lincoln grabbed my wrist delicately to bring my focus, whispering, "Sneak outside by midnight sharp, we'll be waiting for you in the driveway."
He released me as I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, allowing me to sit next to Mathis in the back of my father's vehicle, hushed giggles as she raspberried at me, "Looks like somebody's getting spanked tonight."