(no subject)

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy and Will step out into the cold night air.

"It's this way." Guppy says. He's shivering, and it's not just the cold.

Comments

[guppy_sandhu]

"Why are you here Joe?" Guppy asks, shooting a grateful smile at Will.

Joe shrugs.

"Got no friends, parents are divorced, it beat hanging out on the street all night."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, ye're willin' to try somethin' else. 'rhaps ye could go with Gladys when she speaks to 'er grandson. 'avin' someone 'is age say what 'e's doin' is wrong might aid more."

[guppy_sandhu]

Joe considers, then shrugs.

"Not sure I wanna mess with druggies, they can be pretty... hard."

"If he's dating your sister, you must know him a bit." Guppy says.

"Yeah, but if I tackle him it gives me bad press in the estate."

[will_scarlett]

"Na need to fight 'im just be there for Gladys when she does. An if things get truly bad, 'ave those counselor folks made aware. 'e's young 'nough 'rhaps willna be a druggie fore'er an ye could 'elp 'im na be one."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Yeah, but what if my sister never speaks to me again? I have to do all the caring for her, mum just sits and drinks all day."

"How old is your sister?"

"Sixteen, but she behaves like she's six."

[will_scarlett]

"Tis a risk ye 'ave to take. Right things arena easy, ne'er 'ave been."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Bring them over to me." Jackie pipes up. "I'll give you all dinner, and chat. I've been there, maybe I can make them see sense."

Guppy nods approvingly.

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, dinna 'ave to face anythin' alone."

[guppy_sandhu]

The session continues with similar themes re-emerging. Fear, problems, loneliness. Nobody seems likely to cause any violence, and at the end of the hour, most of the group come up and thank Guppy and Will.

"Told you it'd be fine." Brian says, getting up. "I'm goin' down the pub, see you at work."

[will_scarlett]

As everyone leaves, Will shakes hands and gives Gladys another hug before smiling at Guppy.

[guppy_sandhu]

"Do you think we made them more anxious?" Guppy asks, smiling nervously back and clearning up.

[will_scarlett]

"Nay, I dinna think so. Seems like lot o''em 'ad been bottlin' worry up an this 'llowed up to let it out. They found allies."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Yeah, I liked that, it was a good outcome I think."

[will_scarlett]

"An will just get easier now they know they're na alone."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Yeah." Guppy nods, thinking quietly.

"Let's head back, get out of here before it gets dangerous."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye."

Will grabs one of the last scones and eats it as they head out, looking around to make sure no one is following them.

[guppy_sandhu]

Will's instinct is a good one; as they pass a local pub, a few of the men in the smoking shelter nudge one another, put down their drinks and begin to follow the pair.

"I went to see Nana on Tuesday." Guppy says, oblivious to the newcomers. "She's going to make some biscuits if the home staff will let her use the cooker."

[will_scarlett]

Will notices them and though he looks like he's just listening to Guppy as he eats, his posture shifts to be prepared to fight.

[guppy_sandhu]

The men, who Will might recognise from the riot, appear to stop. But if Will is observant, he will notice them stick a rag into a bottle, set it on fire with a lighter and hurl it towards the pair.

It's not good enough aim to hit them directly, but it explodes nearby with a bang and a shower of glass.

[will_scarlett]

He tries to be gentle but Will pushes Guppy to ground and as the explosion clears turns to face the men, his face a little scorched and bloody from the glass,

"Was there somethin' ye wished to say?"

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy, startled by the unexpected explosion and being pushed to the ground, gives a loud yell. He whips his phone out and dials for the police.

"NHS scum!" One of the drunks yells. But seeing Will looking ferocious and Guppy already dialling for backup, they quickly slouch off back where they came from.

[will_scarlett]

Will would love to pursue them but they're leaving so stays standing over Guppy, holding himself ready for anything that might happen next.

[guppy_sandhu]

Nothing else comes. The attack seems to have been more for intimidation than anything else. Guppy gets up, trembling.

"I think I'll ask Brian to drop me off in his van next week."

[will_scarlett]

"Just a bunch o'cowards. Are ye well?"

Will offers Guppy an arm, he's still more concerned with keeping Guppy safe and his face hurts a bit but nothing too bad.

[guppy_sandhu]

"I'm fine, thank you Will." Guppy checks Will's face. "Let's get you back to the bar, I can fuse those."