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Rain.
On a misty, gloomy afternoon, drops of water spread through the streets soaking everything on its way with zero mercy. Strong lightning bolts were heard as the weather was becoming more and more frigid. The clouds looked as pale and hopeless as it would on a day like this, hiding the blue jolly sky to the point it becomes nothing but a blurred memory of the past. At this point, most people would've decided to stay inside and spend their day watching a movie, but somehow, one person managed to keep his feet on the ground despite the awful conditions.
Strolling on the road all alone was a rebellious, ginger-haired teenager who went by the name of Pico N. Grounds. The so-called survivor of an alien invasion disguised as a shooting. He's not so proud of that title, let alone the experience as a whole. He was lucky, as he brought his green hoodie with him. He also had a black mask with a small, white X on it. The only downfall was the jeans, as they were really soggy. He could not stand walking with them anymore. After weeks of running from his partner’s abusive parents, they both found themselves a place to stay for some time, despite all the wanted posters all around town. He was just going to go out and buy groceries, but of course, mother nature found her ways to piss him off.
There he was, stepping on a few puddles, much to his intolerance. He kept walking, looking at the floor with a sense of apathy. Carrying the groceries on his left shoulder. It’s been a few weeks ever since his boyfriend, Benjamin, stood up to his parents in front of a whole crowd of their admirers. And on Christmas, no less. On one hand, he was relieved they wouldn’t bother the couple ever again, but on the other, the police were probably still looking for them, even with the commotion at the mall. It was quite the disadvantage, especially since none of them have done anything wrong. Well, aside from all that graffiti. But you get the point.
Nonetheless, Pico found himself between a rock and a hard place. But there was nothing he could do at the moment but to spend time with the one he loved most. And try to get home and make sure he's not worried, of course. He blushed at the thought of spending more time with him. He pulled out his phone from the left pocket of his hoodie as soon as he could to see if he's left any messages, but to no avail. Putting it back before it could get any more soaked. He began to raise his speed by walking just a bit faster, swinging his arms like crazy. It almost looked funny.
But here’s the twist: He was not alone.
He heard a few garbage cans plummet onto the ground, the bags inside clashing against each other one by one. It was like a festival of loud noises, all coming from a dark narrow alleyway next to an abandoned house with cracks on the wall. A terrified squeak followed right after.
“Huh?”
Pico flinched quickly, his instincts telling him to take a glance at his surroundings, his pupils shifting to left and right repeatedly. Given his overprotective and unyielding personality, the first thing that came to his mind was that someone was following him. He fixed his eyes onto the left side of the avenue, walking right towards it and ready to face whatever was inside. From the right pocket of the hoodie, he pulled out a handgun in case of emergency. Once again, he had luck by his side. Well, excluding the never-ending rain. One, no one was there behind him. And two, no one was there to watch him pull out a gun just like that.
When he got to the alley, he took off his mask and blew some dust off the dirty house, questioning how old it was or how it was still undusted despite the heavy drizzle. He immediately regretted it, coughing not too long after that. Seriously, who in their right mind would think that's a good idea?
Between the walls and that filthy residence, he saw a silhouette of a tiny animal. Was it a dog? A cat? Trashi, maybe? No, that couldn't be. Both him and Benjamin gave him to a pet hospital down the street last week. At this point, Pico had more questions than answers. The shadow disappeared as the mysterious creature ran away in panic. He decided to go after it, bumping into a moldy garbage bin. Yuck.
After some time of walking and going through several other buildings and passages, Pico got lost. The sweat on his face looked unrecognizable from the raindrops. He didn't want to leave the animal alone and possibly hungry during a time like this. He was too stubborn for that. He was strong, he could handle it. Those thoughts were repeating themselves in his head like a broken record telling him to move forward. Everything was happening so fast.
That's when it happened.
He saw it.
A small, cyan bunny. Shrieking in pain. The color on its fur looked oddly false, as if some horrible human being had dyed its fur like that against its will. It also had a small scar on its neck. Every single part of its body resembled his partner in some way or another. The thunder immediately scared it off, forcing it to go back to the box it calls home, close to the corner of the walls. The hushed cries for help coming out of it were more intense by every noise. Mewling, nothing but mewling and eating a tiny chunk of rotten lettuce. Life had treated this baby rabbit poorly, and it showed.
Pico sighed in relief. It was finally over. Well, in some way. Now that he got this far to see the little critter, all that was left to do is pick it up and take them home. But it wouldn't be easy. He squatted slowly, gazing into its deep, black eyes. It's long ears twitching for a brief second showing a sign of trust.
"Hi there, little guy." The teenager started. The bunny moved its tiny head, curious. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you." His mellow tone was pleasing to hear, like an angel's. Like some sort of weird traumatized angel. But that wasn't the point. He's already taken care of an abandoned pet before, and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to take care of another. Just better this time.
"I'll take care of you now." He put his arms forward, as if he wanted to hold it like a baby. His eyes looked tired, but behind that mask was an honest smile, even if it took him this far to get it. Right now, all that mattered was to get the animal home. And getting home. It didn't take long before the bunny hopped lightly into his hands, feeling all dirty and wet, but still as fuzzy as a puffball. Looks like it really was easy. At least that's how it felt. Pico smiled just a bit more. Maybe this is what he needed. A sense of security and hope. That's what he gave to the rabbit. To his boyfriend. And despite everything, he was happy and ready to make its life better.
"Come on, I'll get you to my house." He turned around, going back to where he originally left step by step. It was going to be a long walk back home, but it would be worth it. Suddenly, his phone rang.
It was Benjamin.
"P-Pico? Toughie? Are you there? Why are you taking so long? Did something happen?" He said the second Pico accepted the call, stuttering.
"Yeah, I'm here. Sorry about everything, it was raining and I was having a hard time with something." He replied.
"With what?"
"...Why don't I show you when I get home?" He looked back at his furry new friend, sleeping on the same plastic bag as the stuff he bought on the market earlier. "See you in 30 mins, ok B?"
"O-okay then. I'm happy to know you're alright. See you there, love you."
"...Love 'ya too, Softie."
He ended the call.