(HE NEVER BECAME A WEREWOLF AU)

Isaac walked over to his best friend's house, his face bruised and a black eye, evidence of the latest abuse from his father. He had been locked in a freezer for an hour as punishment, and now he was here, seeking refuge from the pain.

His best friend had known about Isaac's struggles with his father's abuse, and had sensed that he would come by today. When she saw Isaac at his door, she instantly understood the situation and quickly ushered him inside.

As soon as Isaac stepped inside, his friend quickly closed the door behind him and led him into the kitchen. Without a word, she grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and handed it to him, gently gesturing for him to place it on his black eye.

A fond memory of their childhood flashed through his mind as his friend handed him the ice pack. He recalled the words she had spoken to him when they were younger, offering a lighthearted escape from his abusive home life. His friend had jokingly suggested that his house was haunted due to his father's anger. She had also said that he should come live with her so they could be pirates together, and that way he wouldn't have to suffer or hide in the closet anymore.

"I remember... you said we could be pirates, when we were kids" he murmured, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he gently pressed the ice pack against his bruised eye.