"Thanks," Rei had murmured in response to the girl who complimented him, tilting his head slightly as he selected a chocolate bar. "Though I'd prefer it shorter." He followed behind her to stand in the queue, pulling the money he had brought with him out of his pockets. It should be enough to pay for the drink and snack. He glanced to the side as another shop attendant came into view and shouted something about an ambulance. 

Well that was interesting.

He couldn't help but listen to what they said, tilting his head slightly and narrowing his blue eyes. That certainly didn't sound pleasant. He instantly started thinking of possibilities. Why would this girl be beaten up by other people? Bullying, probably. There must be some reason. Poor kid. The two workers both seemed to be in quite a state. Certainly neither were handling it very well. 

As the front door jingled open around five boys walked in, looking between the age of twelve and thirteen. Even though they were quite young it was obvious that they were all sports players, relatively strong, with the leader much taller and stronger than the average for his age. They glanced around, as if looking for someone before looking to the people within the store. 

"You seen any freaks around here?" The leader sneered. Even at his age he seemed quite confident, obviously not expecting any of them to be helping Lily. After all, who would want to help someone like her? "We have some unfinished business with it."

"It?" Rei couldn't help the word from escaping his lips, raising an eyebrow as he faced the small gang. They looked intimidating, but he was sure they would leave if told to. They just seemed to be of the opinion that no one would help whoever it was. "You do know everyone is a person, right?"

"It isn't, not really."

"Everyone is. If you do not know someone's gender, the gender neutral pronoun they is much preferred." Rei's tone remained surprisingly neutral though he had stepped forward, glaring at the five. The other boys looked rather unimpressed. Even though he was older Rei certainly wasn't an intimidating sight considering the height he stood at. 

"And why would we use something like that?" The leader laughed. "There's no such thing as something gender neutral."

Taking the leader by surprise Rei ran forward, hooking his leg behind the other boy's while pushing him down and pinning him to the ground. It was mostly surprising them that allowed him to do this, along with the skill he had with martial arts, considering that he certainly wasn't stronger. The other four were taking aback before moving forward with narrowed eyes.

"Say that again, I dare you," Rei responded, eyes dark with anger.