Title: Lessons
Author: Kristen Sharpe
Date: November 6, 2016
Rating: G
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: “Ao no Exorcist/Blue Exorcist” belongs to Kazue Katou, Shueisha, Aniplex, and various other parties.

           Eight year old Rin had a bloody fist, a bloody nose, and a defiant scowl.

           “I ignored them,” he said.

           “Yes, until they pushed Yukio down,” his father agreed. “He told me.”

           “So?” Rin waited for his punishment.

           Fujimoto Shiro had no intention of giving one. Three teenagers against two little boys? They might have been content with pushing and taunting. They might not.

           Shiro only knew he was glad Rin had fought back.

           “I think,” he began, eyeing Rin’s torn knuckles, “it’s time I taught you how to throw a punch without hurting yourself.”

           Rin stared at him with wide eyes. Then, looked away, ducking his head.

           “What is it?”

           “It’s better if it hurts,” said Rin. “So I know to stop.”

           Squeezing Rin’s shoulders gently, Shiro knelt to look him in the eye. “You’ll know. I know you will.” He grinned. “Now, the trick to a proper punch...”