This is the first time he's ever been criticized for bleeding too much, and the look he flashes the other kid is equal parts incredulity and annoyance. Yeah, is he bleeding all over? And whose fault is that, exactly? Maybe the guy that cracked him directly in the fucking nose hard enough to snap cartilage? No? Okay, then.
But even still, despite the comment, despite the look, despite the entire goddamn fight, he hesitates only for a second before reaching out to wrap his hand around the offered wrist. A tentative test, a pull, and then he takes the assisted leverage to haul himself up to his feet. At sixteen, he hasn't had the opportunity to put on the muscle mass he one day will — but he's still broad-shouldered, still taller than his opponent by a good few inches. Crazy how scrappy this wiry kid is against someone not insignificantly larger than him. He'd be impressed, if he weren't too busy doing all this bleeding.
He does need to get cleaned up. So does the guy he was just bleeding all over. Preferably without either of them running into a cop on the way to their respective destinations, lest Townie Kid turn out to be a fucking snitch or something. Frank's already on probation. He can't afford another report.
It's with that in mind that he warily eyes Clint and, after a beat, pitches an offer:
"I'll let you clean up in my bathroom if you promise not to narc on me for kicking your ass."
Feels like a fair deal to him — his parents aren't usually home until evening, this kid can get cleaned up without the risk of catching any heat from his own parents in exchange. It's a win-win.
no subject
But even still, despite the comment, despite the look, despite the entire goddamn fight, he hesitates only for a second before reaching out to wrap his hand around the offered wrist. A tentative test, a pull, and then he takes the assisted leverage to haul himself up to his feet. At sixteen, he hasn't had the opportunity to put on the muscle mass he one day will — but he's still broad-shouldered, still taller than his opponent by a good few inches. Crazy how scrappy this wiry kid is against someone not insignificantly larger than him. He'd be impressed, if he weren't too busy doing all this bleeding.
He does need to get cleaned up. So does the guy he was just bleeding all over. Preferably without either of them running into a cop on the way to their respective destinations, lest Townie Kid turn out to be a fucking snitch or something. Frank's already on probation. He can't afford another report.
It's with that in mind that he warily eyes Clint and, after a beat, pitches an offer:
"I'll let you clean up in my bathroom if you promise not to narc on me for kicking your ass."
Feels like a fair deal to him — his parents aren't usually home until evening, this kid can get cleaned up without the risk of catching any heat from his own parents in exchange. It's a win-win.