“Mack is mad at you.” 

Kai doesn’t look up from his phone as they stroll to the bus stop together. 

He’s bundled in layers. A t-shirt, a hoodie, an oversized sage puffer coat and a matching beanie. Peggy thinks he must be roasting, she’s only in a crop top and a cardigan which she embroidered daisies onto the pockets of. 

“I’m mad at him. He’s trying to control my life again.” 

Scowling, Kai slipped his phone away and looked at her. Peggy recognised that look. Kai only ever got that pinched expression when he’d been fighting with his boyfriend Mikey.

“Mack tries to control everyone’s life, that’s what he does. You should be used to it by now.” His phone chimes and Kai ignores it. 

“I’m allowed to make my own decisions, I don’t need protecting.” She almost says it. 

That she’s not Kai. That she doesn't need protection from some big bad bullies from the year above who think it’s funny to cyberbully someone. To catfish and manipulate someone as part of a practical joke. That the only reason they left him alone is because Mack stood up for Kai. 

But Peggy is not Kai. 

But Peggy doesn’t say that because Kai doesn't deserve that. 

But Kai knows what she means. 

He hangs his head and mutters, 

“I know you don’t need someone fighting your battles, but Mack is your brother and he’s going to do it anyway.” 

~~~

Peggy was in maths when she received a from Vivienne. They were starting to become a daily occurrence. 

School gates after class. Getting fabric. 

When it finally came time to walk towards the school gates though, it felt like a betrayal. She could practically see Mack’s frowning face as he shook his head at her. He’d be so upset if he knew what she was doing and that made her stomach curdle. 

At lunch, Alya said that the fabric was probably a ruse so Vivienne could get Peggy alone. Chloe chimed in saying that Vivienne would probably kidnap Peggy and sell her organs on Ebay. Bella added that Attis would probably try to mug her. 

So Peggy lied. 

She told them she cancelled her plan to meet Viv and Attis, that the two of them could get the fabric themselves. And when Alya asked her to go shopping with them instead, Peggy lied again. Said that she had too much homework to do tonight. 

Attis leant against the gate post. His sandy hair glowed in the bleak English sunshine. 

“You came then.” He looked her over with cold grey eyes and it made Peggy squirm. 

“Why wouldn’t I come?”

“Your brother cornered me earlier, said we were to leave you alone and let you transfer groups in peace. Or else.” Chuckling Attis shakes his head, as if the thought of Mack threatening him amused him. 

“My brother doesn’t make decisions for me.” 

“Seems like he thinks he does.” 

“He’s very over protective.” Peggy looked away, Attis’ intense gaze too heavy to hold. “But I’m not transferring groups.” 

“Protective. That’s one word for it.” Attis snorted. “If he threatens me again I might have to sort him out. I won’t be talked to like that.” 

“Don’t you dare touch my brother.” Peggy’s voice had an edge to it that made  Attis blink in surprise, before a wide grin stretched over his face.

“Viv’s right then,” He laughed, taking a lighter over his pocket. A flame sparked and he ran his fingers over the small flame with a sick grin. “You're like us. You got some fire in ya.”