Title: Armor
Author: Mercury Starlight 
Pairing: J/SB
Archive: J&SB Slash Archive
Series/Sequel: nope
Rating: R (language)
Notes: Another little 300 word drabble for the challenge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At age nine, I knew the depths of human cruelty.  I had felt fear at 
another child's voice.  I had already learned the value of strength 
in this world.  I was the fat kid.  Teased into seclusion because of 
my size.  Teased into silence because of my intellect.  I was a ghost 
in school, barely seen, never heard.  But then I got a coat for my 
tenth birthday.

A large, black wool coat.  It belonged to my grandfather, although it 
was in excellent condition.  It was almost too big for me.  My mother 
said I'd grow into it.  Looking at myself in the mirror, I hoped I 
never would.  It made me look taller, but more importantly, it made 
me look thinner.  Gone were the embarrassing curves, the tits, the 
thick legs.  They had melted into one smooth, large form.  I looked 
big.  I looked intimidating.  I looked strong.

I wore out that coat, while saving up to buy another.  At school, 
things slowly began to change.  I discovered that a look was all it 
took to get by.  With that coat, I had found my strength.  I gained 
respect, and I did it while still silent.  I found I could be more 
intimidating without saying anything.  I decided, without really 
deciding per se, that I'd never be without that armor.  Without it, I 
was back to chubby Bobby Blutarski, fat, meek, squeaky.  To this day 
most people have never seen me without a coat.
                            ****
He pushes the coat off my shoulders and tugs at my shirt.  I get the 
message and remove both.

"Damn, Lunchbox," he murmurs as he draws in close, his eyes 
shining, "I dunno why you hide under that shit.  You are so fuckin' 
hot!"

I smile.  For him, I'd throw the damn thing away.