Chapter Text
Piggy had looked up to Ralph ever since they had arrived on the island and he saw how quickly he morphed into chief. Though he would never admit this to the blonde as that would only inflate his already high ego. But he was sure regardless the latter knew about his secret admiration.
He admired the way the blonde stayed calm under stressful circumstances even if it was due to his tendency of indifference and indecision towards most things. It was an honorable trait regardless.
So that’s why seeing Ralph lose his cool was unnerving for him.
His friend who always seemed fine and to have or well at least try to have everything under control lose it over the sight of his own blood was uncomfortable.
Only a little amusing. Piggy held on his laughter not wanting to humiliate the boy more.
“We’ve got to wash that off or else it could get infected. Let me help you up.” He offered.
Ralph glared up as if Piggy had just insulted his entire bloodline by saying this. His pride too big. “It’s fine. I’m not a baby I can-ouch!”
The boy yelped as he tried to get up promptly kneeling down on his good knee yet again. His face burned in humiliation.
After much convincing and some bruising on the blondes ego, had he finally gave in to Piggy’s pleas to help him walk.
Or more-sore limp.
Piggy wrapped his arm around the blondes shoulder to stabilize him while Ralph reluctantly did the same leaning on to him as he guided them.
He could tell Ralph was still pretty woozy from the earlier fall and injury so the chubbier boy took it upon himself to distract him.
Piggy yapped on about whatever came to his mind whether it be his life back home (even if the topic was bittersweet) or whether it was the last argument he had secretly witnessed between SamnEric.
His friend would act annoyed by rolling his eyes as he went on but Piggy didn’t miss the slight amused smile that twisted at the boys lips.
His chest warmed with pride.
They had reached the lagoon where the littluns usually swam but the sun was setting so there were no kids in sight.
They stood in silence for a few seconds.
Piggy cleared his throat awkwardly. “Oi, you better wash off the blood.”
The other boy was broken from his apparent trance at this and quickly sat to where his legs were dangling in the water.
Piggy frowned. The blonde had been doing a lot more zoning out as of lately.
Ralph winced and groaned in complaint as he washed off the already dried up blood that had streamed down his leg. “I hate this.” He muttered.
“Don’t worry about it too much, Ralph. It’s just a scrape it’ll heal in no time. Plus-“
He was promptly cut off.
“No, not that Piggy.” His voice wavered. “I hate this.” He flailed his arms up. “This whole place, this island.”
Piggy was speechless. Unsure of how to respond.
He continued. “I just…want to go home already.” He sighed covering his face with his hands in frustration and longing.
“We’ll get home soon Ralph.” He tried to assure but his voice lacked conviction even to himself.
Ralph didn’t respond.
Piggy continued “And once we get off the island, we’re going straight to my aunties candy shop!”
The mopping blonde turned his head to look at the other boy at this.
“We?” He scoffed but a slight smirk played at his lips.
“Yeah once we get back, we’re gonna do all sorts of things! You mentioned wanting to horse ride someday didn’t ya? We’re going to do all of it.” He proclaimed.
“I’d like that.” Ralph smiled up at him so sincerely it caught Piggy off guard.
He looked away from the soft gaze. “Y-Yeah, this is great! My auntie always wanted me to bring a friend to her shop.” He paused eyes widening at the realization of what he had just said.
Piggy has never had a friend before. Not one that didn’t end up teasing and bullying him anyways. He was worried that saying it aloud was like a jinx and Ralph would suddenly turn on him too.
“Ralph,” He continued hesitantly. “We’re friends right?”
His heart sank when there was no response from the other.
“I-I’m sorry, that was a stupid question just ignore it! I don’t even know why-“ He stammered embarrassed and nervous.
“We’re friends.”
Piggy didn’t know how such simple words could make it feel like his whole world was turned around and like there were fireworks in his chest but here he was.
“Really?” He squeaked.
Ralph laughed at this reaction. He wheezed out. “Why wouldn’t we be friends? Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one between us.”
The chubby boys face burned red. He had always prided himself on being intelligent but in truth he had never had many friends so his social intelligence wasn’t the highest.
“I mean,” the blonde continued to speak in between laughs. “You’re the person I hangout with most on this stupid island. Plus, you’re always backing me up at meetings and you’re the only one who feels hatred for Jack as much as I do so…” His voice got softer. “Sometimes I feel like we’re the only sane ones here.”
Piggy paused. “So, is that why you do it? Disappear for long periods of times. Hideaway in the trees to get away from it all like you did today.” He couldn’t hide the betrayal in his voice.
The two were supposed to be a team but that was evidently hard to do when one of them was never around.
Ralph frowned looking down guilty. “Some chief I am, huh?”
“You’re the best chief!” Piggy gasped shocked that the latter could think anything less of himself.
The blondes face flushed at how quickly and transparent Piggy’s response was .
Piggy continued. “You’re way better than that Jack Merri-Whocares.” He stuck out his tongue at just the thought of the ginger. “Without you we would all be some brainless hunting savages just like him.”
Ralph smiled appreciating the words but he was confident that the chubby boy was giving him too much credit.
“Thanks, Piggy….and can’t wait to try the candy at your aunties shop.” He smiled hopefully despite just the thought of it seemed like an outlandish fantasy.
His friend beamed and suddenly his moment of vulnerability seemed very worth it.
The two stayed at the lagoon until the sun had set as Piggy went on about the type of candies and chocolates his aunt sold and which ones they would eat when they got back home while Ralph patiently listened, just enjoying the boys presence.
Maybe getting stranded on the island wasn’t all that bad.