I was inspired by a Tcf post I saw a while ago so if this post reminds you of something similar you've seen TELL ME PLEASE-
Cale Henituse is 13 years old, begrudgingly attending a party hosted by a Noble his father wishes to strike a business deal with, when he spots a child near where he's sat in by the bushes.
He had only just been able to shake off Eric, who wanted to make sure he behaved at this party. At the time his reputation was more "bratty child" than trash.
Sure, sitting on the floor wasn't really noble-like but honestly, Cale really could care less.
Momentarily, he got the kid's attention. They made eye contact for a split second, red puffy eyes more apparent to the redhead, and then the kid began furiously rubbing their face.
Cale stood up and began walking towards the child. (He still didn't like seeing people cry. Behind the "Trash" persona he put up, Cale was still there. For how much longer?)
The boy, who he believed might be Viscount Dacre's child, looked up sharply and seemed startled to see him there.
Cale scoffed and sat down, the kid flinched.
"Well? Sit." The older of the two sat down on the grass and patted the spot next to him.
Hesitantly, the pink haired child sat next to him.
For some reason, the kid wanted to start crying again. His face scrunched up as he did his best to stop the tears.
Suddenly, a handkerchief was thrusted in front of his face. An offering.
Picking it up and blowing his nose, he placed the handkerchief on his lap and said in a small voice-
"My father said we're not to cry.."
Cale tsked, memories of his own father telling him to avoid the Viscount, how rumors of the man's rude personality constantly surrounded him.
"That is because your father is incapable of human emotions, you are 9. Cry if you feel like it."
And its like a dam was broken. The kid's shoulders began to shake and suddenly Cale had an armful of a sad child weeping in his arms.
Shocked, Cale slowly wrapped his arms around the kid and began to rub his back slowly.
After the kid finished crying, Cale grabbed the abandoned handkerchief and wiped the child's face.
"Put cold water on your eyes to lessen the puffiness, now scram. I can hear them calling you."
"R-right! Thank you Hyung!"
Leaving a stunned Cale behind, the much happier pink haired child hurried along to find the voices of his (most likely) parents.
Still a bit dazed, Cale stood up and dusted himself off, lost in thought, and began to walk towards a random direction.
This happens a few more times. Cale soon finds out Noble families aren't as perfect as people think, well he knew that before.. but to see it firsthand? It only solidifies his opinion.
They all end up practically forming a club.
When rumors of Cale being trash really start to set off, they want to defend him. Because really? Their Hyung hitting someone for being too loud? That makes literally. No. Sense.
But some of the older kids eventually piece it together. It's an act.
They know how kind Cale is, and a few playdates in, organized by their parents, realize how protective he is over his siblings.
Cale may not be the most affectionate towards them but causing a scene and diverting all attention on him after people begin to talk about his stepmother?
That's not a coincidence.
You'd be surprised by how easy it is to spread rumors as a child about someone you spend frequent time with.
With approval from Cale and a little lie, about something Cale allegedly did, to their parents?
One time Alberu walked out into the garden to socialize because he noticed a bunch of the kids heading towards there, and witnessed a majority basically swarming around Cale.
Later he saw them walking through the hall trailing after Cale like little ducklings.
Did it get a little scrambled at the end? Yeah. But I still like it