#mclink

@tortilla-of-courage

The door to the restaurant swung open much harsher than usual causing Link to stand up straight, frowning. He was about to say something, but whatever it was died in his throat at the sight of Fi helping a clearly limping Rhythm in. Ignoring the fact that he was still on the clock, he moved from behind the counter and practically bolted to their side.

“What happened?”

Rhythm squeaked and flushed ducking his head. “N-Nothing important!”

“Ghirahim and I found him making his way here as usual, but it seems he had been harassed on his way here.” Fi replied, causing the younger to squeak again, embarrassment clear on his face.

“F-Fi! Please, it’s nothing I’m not us-” He quieted down as both she and Link turned to him sharply.

“Nothing you’re not used to?” Link finished in disbelief. “Rhythm, have people been harassing you longer than just today? And don’t lie.” He added as a request, knowing Rhythm would try because he’d feel it wasn’t important even if it clearly was.

His ears bent down and he ducked his head. “Some classmates have been bothering me…” He admitted quietly. “Because they see me around the restaurants so often… they… they mock me, saying things about my weight and health style…” Which was clearly ridiculous to both workers. Rhythm was the correct height and size for a healthy 16 year old.

He shifted lightly, biting his lip. “I.. I tried to tell the truth… that I’m visiting friends… but… they just got nastier… today’s the first time they got physical though…” He winced and Fi steadied him as he swayed. “Wasn’t expecting it…” He smiled sheepishly and Link felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

“How about Fi gets you settled and Zel’ll bring out your favorite?” He forced a smile as he heard said coworker behind him already putting it together. “You just relax today, it’s on the house.” Rhythm’s eyes sparkled, warming their hearts.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He waved a hand before turning away and heading to the office as his smile faded into a glare.

He had some calls to make.

---

“This couldn’t be done at a different time?” Four rubbed his temples as he answered, Shadow leaning on his back with the other phone.

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“It’s almost the evening rush, what’s going on?” Wild cocked his head, putting a hand over the mouth piece to shout out a mistake to one of his fellow cooks before turning his attention back to the call.

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“You don’t normally call at this hour, darlin’. What’s on your mind?” Malon frowned in worry, she had the phone on speaker so her husband and Twilight could listen in.

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“You just caught me as the lull began, something up?” Rinku raised an eyebrow as he leaned against the counter.

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“Whatever’s going on, it better be important!” Wind winced at Tetra’s bark. “Dinner’s soon and we don’t have time for idle chit chat!”

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“I know that you don’t really give a damn about your customers, but I have better things to do than listen to gossip, so say whatever it is you need to say so I can hang up.” Demise growled.

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Link let them all get it out of their systems before he said three simple words.

“Rhythm’s being bullied.”

Silence… and then a collective.

“WHAT?!”

May Hylia have mercy on the tormentors, because this group of workers sure as hell won’t.

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@tortilla-of-courage

TOGETHER THEY GET BOOP

ONE IS CONFUSED AS HECK

did a fun aggie.io with @feliner @wayves-domain and @sorachi-yuurisoddmom! it was super fun and i would GLADLY do it again!!