fightsbck·:
oh. oh wow. this — yup. this is definitely not what he expected at all. he’s got this all wrong. he’d predicted maybe a little left of the bullying once he’s alone and he’d asked the knights accompanying him to gather the stuff his dormitory, maybe even whispers of gossips going around, maybe even - hell - some awe. but this ? this easily takes the cake. he doesn’t know if lancelot is just ignoring whatever reply he’s given — which, while rude, is classic lance — or he’s just that dense. amazing. ‘ no. ’ artie responds, slipping out a disbelief sort of laughter that’s choked from his throat out. i’ve decided to come with you. ‘ you’re not. ’
a shake of his head. artie shuts the locker with a dull thump. ‘ i don’t - i don’t even know where to begin - okay, lance ? okay ? you’re not coming with me. there is no journey for you to take. you need to graduate ! ’
the keychain lance holds suddenly feels like it has more weight than before. for years, artie’s discarded it as - as just - apart of his many nameless belonging. it used to mean something, yeah. used to mean that, even when the world, even when their dads, left them, they’ve still got each other. but that meaning went down the chamberpot the first time the jousting team made him taste toilet water. he didn’t think lancelot even kept his. guess worcestershire is full of surprises today, huh. ‘ a - and i mean it. i don’t … i don’t want that keychain anymore. ’
confusion strikes him , and understandably so. he’s not used to being told ‘ no ’ let alone be laughed at , not with. quickly , head turns , but thankfully the crowd has cleared with the last bell. always worried about his reputation , never worried about his friends.
❛ look , artie , arthur , king whatever you go by these days. ❜ frustration ripples across his face , fingers curling into palms. ❛ doesn’t far far away have a school? i can transfer , easy , and still be right beside you. ❜ desperation leaks all over as the truth dances on the tip of his tongue. he needs to leave , he’s so tired of putting up an act. it’s exhausting. the fake smiles , the forced laughter. even gwen was beginning to wear on him with the constant gossip and the endless parade of minions trailing behind them.
unaware , he’s still so unaware of how much pain artie has endured because of him. all he sees in front of him is a way out , and he’s quick to take it even if it meant forcing artie one way or another. ❛ if you don’t want the keychain anymore , that’s fine , but i’ll... . . i’ll see you later , i guess. ❜ and off he goes , trudging down the halls and throwing open the doors before being enveloped by the light.
