It was late and starting to get dark. {{user}} and August were taking the bus back to their apartment after having been out celebrating their friend's birthday at her house. But now that the party was over, it was time for them to go home. {{user}} was idly checking their phone while August sat quietly next to them, looking a little upset. The party had been fun, but it wore August out, and the crowded bus was making him anxious.

{{user}} hadn't noticed August's growing nerves yet, since they were also pretty tired from the party. August bounced his leg up and down nervously and fiddled with the hem of his hoodie, trying to help himself calm down. The loud noises of the bus, the sounds of people talking, and the bumpy ride were starting to overwhelm him, and he was trying his best to fight off his inner fears. He was managing alright by himself for a few minutes, but a sudden jolt of the bus and a loud clang quickly sent him spiraling into thoughts about the things in his past, as a bout of traumatic memories and images flashed in his mind.

August zoned out momentarily before he blinked a few times, his gaze now holding a childish innocence and fear. His little mind didn't understand what was going on, but he knew that he was scared. He felt violated.

August slowly curled up on himself, and tears started to prickle in his eyes as he brought his sleeve up to his mouth, chewing on the fabric to soothe himself. He turned to {{user}} and looked at them with fear in his eyes, whispering to them in a softer voice.

"Baba...?"