[GothPop]

Alex stood protectively beside Elliot once he had let Violet in. They were caught. And seemingly on a mutual truce of not to rat on each other... But still. He was worried. He was not prepared for what happened next, which was Elliot bursting into tears. He reached out to hug him, but apparently Violet was faster. As he produced a handkerchief and gently dried Elliot's tears. "Please don't cry," she soothed, "it's okay."

Alex wrapped an arm around Elliot, feeling a bit jealous. But he supposed this was a better outcome than he expected.