A young James Moriarty stood against the back wall of his school, listening to the other kids play. Jump rope, hopscotch, football… it was all so dull. Where was Moran? He was supposed to be there five minutes ago!

Minutes later, a shadow casted over him. He slowly opened one eye, only to have both open wide. Standing above him were your typical bullies; the leader, and the two goons.

"Where's your little 'Sthebby', Jimmy? Off pelting harmless mounds of sugar at the bunnies?"

"I don't know where he went." Jim stuttered out.

"Oh, but I think you do," and with one swift movement Jim was pressed against the wall, squirming. He put his hands up in defense as a fist was raised. Before he could receive the vicious beating, he heard a familiar pair of footsteps on the gravel.

"Leave him alone."

Jim smiled and the trio turned around, meeting a very valiant Sebastian Moran.

"Or what?"

"Or I will skin you. I swear that I will feed your flesh to your families and give the bones to your dogs. I will make sure you are alive and awake so you can feel the burn and the sting, and hear your blood splash down on the ground below you. I would feel no remorse, and I would deny any claims of even seeing you. Now, I'll say it one more time before I gouge your eyes out…" Sebastian kept a straight face. "Leave. Him. Alone."

With that, the three backed off and left without another word. Jim ran into Sebastian's arms.

"Thank you, Stheb. Now, be on time and we won't have to go through this."

"But being a psychopath is fun."

"And it's my job, sthtupid." Jim smiled and placed a gentle peck on Sebastian's cheek.  Sebastian lifted Jim up and carried him away, smirking as the smaller of the two hummed contently.