18

[perfectsymmetry]

[It's a beautiful Monday morning in spring! And aren't you thrilled that for the first time in several days that your newspapers are delivered on time? They're actually delivered early enough that they're there before you wake up. How wonderful!

After finishing his route, Crowe cheerfully skips off to school. I mean, he hasn't been there in several days, hopefully he can catch up, right? And all for that silly combat training he's been doing with Coach Jecht. But he's in such a great mood this morning he barely noticed his screaming muscles or bruised joints. Golly, sure hope the teachers aren't mad! Especially since it's getting so close to the end of the year! Maybe he'll ask coach if he can take a break so he's ready for finals.

... it's when he gets to the entrance of the school that the droning wears off, and Crowe suddenly stops as he realizes what's going on. He sort of stares in horror at nothing in particular. Good lord, that was scary. And it only lasted a few hours. Not wanting to tempt fate further, he goes off to class.

Something's different about Crowe lately though. He's quiet, and there's not as many smiles offered to one and all, as usual. He's still polite as ever, and pays attention in class, even trying to get notes for what he missed over the last few days from classmates and teachers. Most notably however, is that it looks like someone's been kicking the crap out of him lately. Mostly because someone HAS been - Crowe had been skipping school and his paper route to do some martial arts training with his blitzball coach. While athletic, Crowe couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag, and Jecht has been absolutely merciless on the boy. He's doing his best to not show how sore he is though. And as the school week progresses, he'll grow more quiet, more exhausted, but there will never be one word of complaint from him. Not one ill word.

Luckily for him, he's been too distracted and completely missed Mother's Day, and even the new face in his home.]

[A quick call, unfiltered.]

Please excuse my negligence the last few days regarding the paper delivery. It won't happen again.

Comments

[a-gentle-boy.livejournal.com]

But the paper's been delivered every day, Mr. Crowe . . . Before I wake up, even.

[followyouthere.livejournal.com]

[Margot's noted the difference in Crowe, but says nothing on it. Since Nadia being droned and Westport, she's changed herself and it's not her place to comment on it.

What she will do, though, is be there if he needs her.

When she can, she tries to catch him after school so that they can walk home together. Today isn't any different and she's trying to flag him down.]

Hey, Crowe! Wait up!

[passes-out.livejournal.com]

[Since his new job, he's been a little busy with his own issues but is still very concerned for Crowe and it shows in his voice over the phone.]

I understand the need to take a little time for yourself. I thank you for informing me why my paper has not been delivered though I am more concerned for your well being. After....recent events, you had the need to take care of yourself first.