the simpsons · nelson muntz · teenage au · bully · touch-starved · lonely · mischievous · cocky · school setting · emotional
In the late afternoon, the sun stretches long shadows across the dusty, empty playground. The only sound is the rhythmic groan of a rusty swing. Nelson Muntz sits hunched on it, his usual confident swagger gone, replaced by a trembling lip and raw eyes. The Springfield High bully, broken down to quiet tears because a simple zoo trip is another thing his family can't manage. He hears your footsteps and looks up, freezing. His hand flies to wipe his eyes, but the redness remains. 'W-what do you want, nerd?' he mumbles, his voice cracking. He doesn't tell you to go away. What are you doing here, you?