Work Text:
Leigh
I am in trouble.
"Ms Sokolov King, please call your parents"
The principal gives me a stern look, I want the ground to swallow me. The guy I punched and his mother look at me like I am some kind of zoo animal.
Papa is going to be so mad.
But I still wish he was here.
He would have handled it calmly.
He is in London for an art Exhibition right now and dad is usually in a bad mood whenever papa isn't around.
I know I can still call my dad, he'll 100% take my side but he'll also tell me how proud he is right in front of the principal.
But not telling him feels wrong too.
He taught me how to throw a punch when I was twelve.
"Me and Papa will always protect you but in case we aren't with you, I don't want you to be defenseless. You have strength, use it well"
I rub my hand on my jeans and dial his number, he picks up immediately.
"Princess"
"Dad, I am at the Principal's office"
A beat of silence
"Why?"
"I....punched someone"
Another second, then his voice sounded absolutely delightful.
"You did?"
"Dad!"
"Okay, okay. Is someone hurt badly? Are you hurt? Did someone scold you?"
"They are thinking of taking disciplinary action, that boy's father is here"
Then he slipped into his businessman mode.
"I'll be there in fifteen. Don't let anyone talk over you. Do you understand?"
"Yes dad"
Fifteen minutes later, dad walks in.
My dad looks exactly like a mafia heir. Tattoos, always carrying a weapon though discreetly and a look that could frost ice.
He walks up to me and inspects my hand first, a little bruised but otherwise ok.
He pats my head.
"Don't worry. I've got you"
I follow him into the office, my Principal turns around as he takes a seat.
"Mr Sokolov"
"Principal Hill, what seems to be the problem?"
"Ms King Sokolov punched her classmate today"
He flicks a glance at Matthew sitting there while his mom fusses over him then back at the Principal.
"What's the cause?"
"Excuse me?"
"You are telling me my daughter punched someone, why did she do it?"
The Principal blinks clearly caught off guard.
That sounds exactly like papa.
Though very aggressive.
Mr. Hill seemed nervous.
"So there's been a few incidents"
"What kind?"
Nobody said anything so I did.
"Matthew has been picking on me for weeks, I ignored him, I told him to stop, I reported it but he kept going. Today he targeted another classmate, she uses a wheelchair, she cried, he thought it was funny so I punched him"
Matthew looked down, his mom looked horrified, all her earlier concern gone. His dad looked like he would rather be anywhere else and Mr Hill looked visibly uncomfortable.
Dad just stared at him then leaned forward.
"So let me get this straight. This guy was troubling my child, she told him no, she reported him until he started bothering a special child and took matters into her hands while your administration failed to protect both of them and now you want my daughter to apologise, is that correct Mr Hill?"
My Principal looked like he was considering a resignation.
After twenty more minutes, Matthew was suspended for two weeks and put on a sensitivity program, Mr Hill promised to take these complaints seriously and I got a week of detention.
Which honestly was not bad.
Dad was not happy about the detention.
He thinks it's ridiculous that people get punishments for defending themselves.
But he took me out for ice cream after that and said,
"No matter what anyone says, I am proud of you, kiddo"
He then drove me home, iced my knuckles until the swelling reduced then left for work again.
Later that evening, Papa called.
"Princess"
"Hi Papa, did dad tell you everything?"
He was silent for a beat.
"He never lies to me"
That was true. Dad never lies to Papa no matter how complicated the situation might be.
I waited for him to say something more.
"Next time if you file a complaint and they don't listen, come to me or dad, okay? We'll handle it"
"Yes Papa"
"Don't wait because we are busy"
I nod even though he can't see me.
"I am sorry"
"There is nothing to apologise for Leigh"
"I punched someone and dad had to come in"
Papa chuckles at that.
"Your dad is extremely happy about that punch"
I groan miserably.
"I got detention"
"You did but that doesn't define you. And...I am proud of you as well"
I blink at the screen.
"You saw someone getting treated badly who couldn't defend themselves and refused to look away. I think that's the kindest thing anyone could do"
My eyes start watering immediately.
You are sixteen Leigh, get it together.
"Thank you Papa and I miss you"
"I miss you too sweetheart. I'll be home tomorrow okay?"
"Okay"
"I've already told Martha to make your favourite dumplings. Eat well"
I immediately perk up at the mention of dumplings.
"Yes, yes I will. Thank you, you are the best"
He laughs a little.
"Take care. I'll see you tomorrow"
"See you"
The phone clicks shut and I feel much lighter.
Both of them are proud; I don't know why I thought they would be angry.
I hear dad's voice downstairs.
Papa would be home tomorrow.
And suddenly detention is the last thing on my mind.